Lighting control unit with coloring effect

Abstract

The present invention relates to a daylighting control unit (200) comprising an optical deflection laminar element (210) having an incident surface (211) and an exit surface (212), and a color diffuse light generator (220). The optical deflection laminar element (210) comprises a first matrix (213) made of a first host material. The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. The first matrix (213) incorporates a plurality of reflective elements (214). In its usage configuration, the plurality of reflective elements (214) are arranged and configured to deflect light incident on the incident surface (211) at a downward angle upward by reflection and guide it toward the exit surface (212). The color diffuse light generator (220) is configured to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher, or is configured and arranged to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher when illuminated by parallel incident light with a correlated color temperature of 5500K or higher.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention generally relates to a daylight management unit (natural light management unit) for an inner or outer coating of a transparent structure (e.g., window, glazed portion) of a building facade. In particular, the present invention relates to a daylight management unit having a color effect. That is, the present invention relates to a daylight management unit capable of interacting with light incident from the outside of a building so as to internally generate light having a color effect that provides a specific perception of the environment to an observer. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Today, the overall need for energy conservation in buildings is widely recognized. In particular, solutions aiming at more efficient utilization of sunlight are known with respect to reducing energy consumption for indoor lighting in environments such as offices and homes. 【0003】 The transparent structures of the facade are intended to deliver light to the interior environment of a building such as a room or a corridor. However, at the angle at which natural sunlight hits the transparent structure, it does not sufficiently penetrate deep into the interior environment. On the contrary, in the area near the transparent structure, since the incident light hits directly, the illumination may become excessive and uncomfortable, and as a result, the shutter, blind, or curtain will be closed. In this case, the light source of natural lighting for the entire room will be completely eliminated. Furthermore, since sunlight enters the window at a downward angle, most of it is not useful for indoor lighting. 【0004】 For these reasons, structures have been created that can diffuse or redirect incident light rays upward. These structures can direct incident light onto the ceiling, making it effectively suitable for interior lighting. Such structures are commonly called daylight control units (natural light control units) and are typically installed in transparent structures on the facade of a building, and are configured to diffuse or deflect downward-angled incident light rays upward. For example, these systems diffuse sunlight or deflect it towards the ceiling (which is usually white), so that the ceiling effectively acts as a secondary source of Lambertian diffuse light. An example of a known daylight control unit is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent No. 9,244,206). 【0005】 While known daylighting control units are excellent at redirecting incident sunlight, they typically fail to replicate the lighting effects provided by the sky indoors (particularly the effect perceived as a bluish tint to shadows). Indeed, sunlight entering through a window provides a light-and-white effect, which is in contrast to what happens outdoors. Outdoors, shadows are illuminated by the "sky" component (i.e., the light component coming from the entire sky), resulting in a distinctly bluish appearance. Indoors, the "sky" component is blocked by the window, and only the portion passing through the window opening contributes to illuminating the shadow. As a result, the bluish tint effect of shadows is significantly reduced indoors, and this effect diminishes further with increasing distance from the window opening. 【0006】 Therefore, the applicant of this application strongly recognized the need for a daylighting control unit that can reproduce lighting conditions similar to those that occur outdoors by giving a coloring effect to the light emitted toward the indoor environment, that is, a unit that can reproduce the bluish coloring effect of shadows. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents] 【0007】 [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9244206 [Overview of the Initiative] 【0008】 In a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a daylighting control unit (natural light control unit) comprising an optical deflection laminar element (optical deflection laminar element) having an incident surface and an exit surface. The optical deflection laminar element comprises a first matrix (first substrate) made of a first host material. The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. The first matrix incorporates a plurality of reflective elements. In its usage configuration, the plurality of reflective elements are arranged and configured to deflect light incident on the incident surface at a downward angle upward by reflection and guide it toward the exit surface. 【0009】 According to the present invention, the daylighting control unit further comprises a color diffuse light generator (color diffuse light generator, color-dependent diffuse light generator). The color diffuse light generator is configured to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher, or is configured and arranged to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher when illuminated by parallel incident light (direct light) with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5500K or higher. 【0010】 In the context of the present invention and the appended claims, parallel light is understood to mean light having an angular distribution (angular profile) of luminous intensity with a peak having a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of less than 1° (e.g., sunlight on a clear day). 【0011】 Advantageously, by using a combination of a color diffuser and a light deflection laminar element in a transparent structure of a building's facade or roof, it becomes possible to optimize the use of sunlight by deflecting at least a portion of the sunlight entering the window towards the ceiling, while also creating the typical bluish appearance that is cast outdoors within the environment separated by the transparent structure. 【0012】 In fact, a color diffuse light generator, depending on the specific embodiment, actively or passively generates a bluish diffuse light component in the environment in addition to the light that is naturally transmitted by transparent structures (light that, on its own, is insufficient to produce natural illumination in an indoor environment). 【0013】 A further feature of a preferred embodiment of the daylighting control unit for coating the inside or outside of a transparent structure of a building facade according to the present invention is the inventive feature of the dependent claim. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0014】 Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of several preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, incorporated herein and constituting part of the detailed description, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, are intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The various features in the individual embodiments shown in the detailed description can be arbitrarily combined with each other where the advantages arising from a particular combination need to be specifically utilized. 【0015】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view partially showing a daylighting management unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the daylighting management unit is used in a configuration applied to a transparent structure of a building facade. [Figure 1a] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the daylight management unit. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view partially illustrating a usage configuration of a daylight management unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view partially illustrating a usage configuration of a daylight management unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view partially illustrating a usage configuration of a daylight management unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view partially showing a usage configuration of a daylight management unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a schematic side view partially showing a usage form of a daylighting management unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic side view partially showing a usage form of a daylighting management unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic side view partially showing a usage form of a daylighting management unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] It is an enlarged detailed view of the daylighting management unit in FIG. 8. [Figure 8b] It is an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 8a. [Figure 9] It is a schematic side view partially showing a usage form of a daylighting management unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9a] It is an enlarged detailed view of the daylighting management unit in FIG. 9. 【Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0016】 Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The exemplary embodiments described in this specification and shown in the drawings are intended to convey the principles of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can implement and use the present invention in various different situations and applications. Therefore, the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of patent protection, nor should they be regarded as such. Rather, the scope of patent protection is defined by the appended claims. 【0017】 For the purpose of illustration, in the following description, the same reference numerals (numbers or symbols) are used to indicate components having the same function. Further, for the sake of clarity of illustration, there are also reference numerals that are not repeated in all the drawings. 【0018】 The use of terms such as "for example", "such as", and "or" indicates non-exclusive alternative expressions without limitation unless otherwise specified. The use of terms such as "comprise", "have", and "include" means "comprise, have, or include, but not limited to this" unless otherwise specified. 【0019】 Furthermore, the use of measured values, shapes, and geometric references (e.g., perpendicular, parallel, etc.) associated with terms such as “approximately,” “essentially,” or similar terms should be understood as “unless there is measurement error” or “unless there is inaccuracy due to manufacturing tolerances,” and in either case, “unless there is a slight discrepancy with respect to the value, measured value, shape, or geometric reference” to which the term is associated. 【0020】 Finally, terms such as "first," "second," "above," "below," "main," and "secondary" are generally used to distinguish components belonging to the same kind and do not necessarily imply a relationship, positional order, or priority. 【0021】 Referring to Figures 1 and 1a, a daylighting management unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the unit" for the purpose of simplification) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is generally shown by reference numeral 200 and is schematically illustrated. In Figure 1, the unit 200 is shown applied to a transparent structure (specifically, a window 100) of a building facade. 【0022】 The unit 200 in Figure 1 comprises an optical deflection laminar element (optical deflection thin plate element) 210 having an incident surface 211 and an exit surface 212 (shown in Figure 1a). In particular, referring to the usage of the unit 200, the optical deflection laminar element 210 is configured to deflect light incident on its incident surface 211 at an angle (obliquely) downward to an angle (obliquely) upward. 【0023】 The laminar element 210 comprises a first matrix (first substrate) 213. The first matrix 213 consists of a first host material (e.g., a resin having high transparency). The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. A plurality of reflective elements 214 are incorporated within the first matrix 213. The plurality of reflective elements 214 are reflective elements that can be reflected, for example, by total internal reflection or regular reflection. 【0024】 For example, the light deflection laminar element 210 is either a panel having a thickness greater than 1 mm (preferably greater than 2 mm, more preferably greater than 3 mm), or a film or adhesive having a thickness on a micrometer scale (thickness in microns), i.e., less than 1 mm (preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm). Each of the multiple reflective elements 214 is a micrometer element. 【0025】 In this specification and the appended claims, “micrometer element” means an element in which at least two of the three dimensions of length, width, and thickness are characterized by sub-millimeter values ​​(values ​​less than 1 millimeter) (for example, an element in which the width and thickness are sub-millimeters). 【0026】 As shown in Figure 1, the reflective element 214 is positioned and configured in its usage configuration to deflect light incident at a (diagonal) downward angle (diagonally) upward by reflection. 【0027】 In this specification and the appended claims, “upward deflection” means, in the context of use, the effect of reflection (and possibly multiple reflection) of at least a portion of the incident light rays to the reflective element, and in the case of multiple reflection, the reflection being along a direction that forms an angle of 0° or more with respect to a horizontal plane (i.e., a plane parallel to the ground) passing through the last reflection point. 【0028】 In this specification and the appended claims, “configuration of use” is intended to mean a configuration that provides an incident direction from above (for example, an incident direction at an angle of 30° with respect to the horizontal plane, or, as in the case of sunlight, an incident direction at an angle preferably in the range of 25° to 40°, more preferably in the range of 20° to 50° with respect to the horizontal plane). For example, if the configuration of use is a typical configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the light deflection laminar element 210 is used with an exit surface 212 parallel to a vertical plane, i.e., a configuration in which it is used in combination with a vertical window), then “upward deflection” means deflection in a direction that forms an angle of 0° or more with respect to the normal of the exit surface 212 and an angle of 180° or less with respect to the incident direction. Alternatively, if the usage configuration specifies a non-zero inclination angle α between the normal of the exit surface 212 and the horizontal plane (i.e., a combination with a window or skylight inclined by a non-zero angle α with respect to the ground), then "upward deflection" means deflection in a direction that forms an angle greater than or equal to the inclination angle α with respect to the normal of the exit surface 212. In this case, the unit 200 is characterized by the inclination angle α. 【0029】 In detail, the reflecting element 214 is configured to specularly reflect an incident light beam that includes one or more electromagnetic radiations having wavelengths that are at least in the visible spectrum (i.e., 380 nm ≤ λ ≤ 740 nm). 【0030】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the reflective element 214 is constructed as a reflective element by total internal reflection. For this purpose, the first matrix 213 has a plurality of plate-like slits (reflective elements 214) interposed between two adjacent portions of the first matrix 213, thereby forming a reflective interface. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the plate-like slits (reflective elements 214) are preferably all parallel to each other and preferably parallel to the horizontal plane in the usage configuration. Furthermore, the plate-like slits (reflective elements 214) are preferably spaced equally apart from adjacent slits. In this way, advantageously, the reflective elements 214 are arranged and configured so as not to substantially obstruct and / or distort the view of the image seen through the laminar element 210 from a direction belonging to the horizontal plane. 【0031】 In contrast, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plate-shaped slit (reflective element 214) is designed such that, when in use, its inclination with respect to the horizontal plane increases as the distance from the upper surface 201 of the unit 200 increases. In this case, the deflection of light incident on the incident surface 211 causes the light rays to be concentrated in a reduced area on the ceiling 110. 【0032】 Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the plate-shaped slits (reflective elements 214) are formed at random inclination angles with respect to the horizontal plane. In this case, the deflection of light incident on the incident surface 211 causes the light rays to be distributed more uniformly over a wider area of ​​the ceiling 110. Specifically, the divergence (degree of divergence) of light incident on the incident surface 211 at a downward angle is increased, and the direction of the light rays is changed upward at a larger divergence angle. 【0033】 Advantageously, the increased divergence of reflected (bent) light relative to the divergence of incident light enhances the bluish tint of shadows even further than that produced by the color diffuser alone. This allows indoor lighting to be brought closer to outdoor lighting. In fact, this increased divergence further reduces the illuminance of reflected sunlight on indoor surfaces, contributing to an increased ratio of diffused pale blue light illuminance to transmitted or reflected warm light illuminance. This is even greater than what can be achieved by the color diffuser alone. 【0034】 Similarly, the reflective element 214 may be a plate-shaped element having a reflective surface with a specular reflectivity of at least 30% (preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%). For example, the reflective element 214 may be made of a metallic material such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), or an alloy containing such a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). 【0035】 In alternative embodiments not shown, the reflective element 214 may be curved to increase the divergence of light incident on the incident surface 211 at a downward angle. This changes the direction of the incident light rays upward at a larger divergence angle. 【0036】 The unit 200 in Figure 1 further comprises a color diffuse light generator 220 configured and positioned to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher (preferably 8000K or higher, more preferably 10000K or higher, and even more preferably 13000K or higher). In the specific example shown in Figure 1, the color diffuse light generator 220 is configured and positioned to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher when illuminated by parallel incident light (e.g., sunlight) with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5500K or higher. In other words, the color diffuse light generator 220 employed in the unit 200 according to the present invention ensures that diffuse light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6500K or higher is generated when illuminated by parallel incident light with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5500K or higher. 【0037】 For example, the color diffuse light generator 220 is a film, layer, panel, or coating such that the regular transmittance for incident light wavelengths in the red range is greater than the regular transmittance for incident light wavelengths in the blue range, and the diffuse transmittance for incident light wavelengths in the blue range is greater than the diffuse transmittance for incident light wavelengths in the red range. In the context of this specification and the appended claims, the terms “regular transmittance” and “diffuse transmittance” refer to the definitions provided in the E284 standard (ASTM E284-09a, Standard Terminology of Appearance, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2009) for terms describing the appearance of materials and light sources. Furthermore, the term “spectrum” refers to the regular transmittance and diffuse transmittance evaluated as functions of the wavelength of light. 【0038】 The "red spectrum" refers to the wavelength range of 600nm to 740nm. 【0039】 The "yellow range" refers to the wavelength range between 530nm and 600nm. 【0040】 In a broad sense, the "blue spectrum" refers to the wavelength range of 380nm to 500nm. In other words, the blue spectrum also includes the wavelength range from purple to cyan. 【0041】 As a result, when a light beam strikes the chromatic diffuse light generator 220, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the blue region (380 nm ≤ λ ≤ 500 nm) of the light beam is preferentially diffused (also called scattered) compared to wavelengths in the red region (600 nm ≤ λ ≤ 720 nm). For example, the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 substantially absorbs no visible light and diffuses light at a wavelength of 450 nm (blue) at at least 1.2 times (e.g., at least 1.4 times, and even at least 1.6 times) more efficiently than light at a wavelength of approximately 630 nm (red). In other words, at a wavelength of 450 nm (blue), the diffuse transmittance of the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 is at least 1.2 times (e.g., at least 1.4 times, and even at least 1.6 times) greater than the diffuse transmittance at 630 nm (red). Similarly, the color diffuse light generator 220 transmits light at a wavelength of 630 nm (red) at at least 1.05 times (e.g., at least 1.2 times, and even at least 1.6 times) more efficiently than light at a wavelength of approximately 450 nm (blue). In other words, at a wavelength of 630 nm (red), the positive transmittance of the color diffuse light generator 220 is at least 1.05 times (e.g., at least 1.2 times, and even at least 1.6 times) greater than the positive transmittance at 450 nm (blue). 【0042】 The above-described film, layer, panel, or coating (color diffuse light generator 220) comprises, for example, a second matrix (second substrate) 221 made of a second host material (e.g., a resin having high transparency properties such as PMMA or polycarbonate). The second host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. A plurality of nanometer-scale diffusing elements (nanometer-scale diffusing (scattering) elements) 222 (hereinafter also referred to as "nanoparticles" for simplicity) are dispersed within the second matrix 221. The material of the nanoparticles is an organic material (e.g., PMMA, polystyrene, or fluorinated polymer) or an inorganic material (e.g., ZnO, TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3), and is substantially transparent or substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. 【0043】 Nanoparticles may be monodisperse or polydisperse, and may be spherical or have different shapes. In any case, the effective diameter d (average size) of the nanoparticles falls within the range of 5 nm to 350 nm (for example, within the range of 10 nm to 250 nm, 40 nm to 180 nm, or 60 nm to 150 nm). In the context of this specification and the appended claims, “effective diameter d of the particle” means the diameter of an equivalent spherical particle (i.e., the diameter of a spherical particle of the same material having more similar diffusion properties to the particle in question). In other words, “effective diameter d of the particle” means the diameter of the smallest cylinder circumscribing the particle in question. 【0044】 The refractive index of the nanoparticles differs from that of the second host material, and this discontinuity in refractive indices (index jump) causes the incident light to be diffused in a Rayleigh-like region or a color-dependent diffusion region. In particular, the nanoparticles have a refractive index n p It has and is placed (immersed) in a second host material constituting a second matrix 221. The second host material is substantially transparent or substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, and has a second refractive index n h It has a second refractive index n h The first refractive index n p The ratio (m≡n) p / n h ) is included in the range 0.5 ≤ m ≤ 2.5 (for example, the range 0.7 ≤ m ≤ 2.1 or 0.7 ≤ m ≤ 1.9). 【0045】 Since the diffusion effect is particularly due to the refractive index ratio between the nanoparticles and the second host material, the nanoparticles may be not only solid particles but also optically equivalent nanometer elements in the liquid or gas phase. For example, the nanoparticles may be inclusions in the liquid or gas phase (nanodroplets, nanovacuums, nanoinclusions, nanobubbles, etc.). In other words, the nanoparticles may be elements of nanometer scale size incorporated into the second host material. 【0046】 In a specific configuration, the number of nanoparticles N that act as diffusers in the Rayleigh-like region or the color diffusion region is given by the effective particle diameter D = d c ×n h It is defined as a function of the color diffuse light generator 220 per unit area. The number N of the nanoparticles is preferably within the range defined by the following formula (Equation 1). 【number】 For example, in an embodiment where we want to simulate the effect of clear weather, the number N of the nanoparticles falls within the range defined by the following equation (Equation 2). 【number】 In this case, the number N of the nanoparticles may be kept within the range defined by, for example, the following equation (Equation 3). 【number】 In this case, the number N of the nanoparticles may be more specifically kept within the range defined by the following equation (Equation 4). 【number】 On the other hand, in the case of an embodiment that aims to simulate the effects of the Nordic sky, the number N of the nanoparticles falls within the range defined by the following equation (Equation 5). 【number】 In this case, the number N of the nanoparticles may be kept within the range defined by, for example, the following equation (Equation 6). 【number】 In this case, the number N of the nanoparticles may be more specifically kept within the range defined by the following equation (Equation 7). 【number】 When the above-mentioned film, layer, panel, or coating (color diffuse light generator 220) is used in a configuration that allows incident light to pass through twice, the extreme values ​​in the range of the number of nanoparticles N should be considered to be halved, for example, as in the embodiment described below with reference to Figure 8. 【0047】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the color diffuse light generator 220 is incorporated into the laminar element 210. In this configuration, the first matrix 213 and the second matrix 221 are identical. That is, the first host material and the second host material are the same material, and the nanoparticles 222 are incorporated into the same matrices 213 and 221 into which the reflective element 214 of the laminar element 210 is incorporated. 【0048】 In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the color diffuse light generator 220 is made as a film or layer that is bonded to the output surface 212 of the laminar element 210. 【0049】 In another embodiment (not shown), the color diffuse light generator 220 is constructed as a panel that is bonded to, engaged with (hooked onto), or placed alongside the output surface 212 of the laminar element 210. 【0050】 According to yet another embodiment shown in Figure 3, the color diffuse light generator 220 is made such as a coating on the incident surface 211 of the laminar element 210. 【0051】 In yet another embodiment (not shown), the color diffuse light generator 220 is made as a film, layer, coating, or panel that is applied to or placed juxtaposed on both the incident surface 211 and the exit surface 212 of the laminar element 210. 【0052】 Generally speaking, the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 and the laminar element 210 may be two separate elements that are placed side by side but spatially separated, or the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 may constitute a single element that is positioned adjacent to, in contact with, and / or bonded to the incident surface 211 or exit surface 212 of the laminar element 210. Furthermore, the laminar element 210 may have the same vertical spread (height dimension) as the chromatic diffuse light generator 220, for example, based on the usage configuration shown in Figures 1 to 4, or it may have a smaller vertical spread (height dimension) than the chromatic diffuse light generator 220, based on the usage configuration, as shown in Figure 5. 【0053】 The unit 200 in Figure 2 further comprises an achromatic scatter light generator (color-independent scatter light generator) 230. The achromatic scatter light generator 230 is configured to increase the divergence (exertiation) of light passing through the achromatic scatter light generator 230 in a manner substantially independent of wavelength. The achromatic scatter light generator 230 causes an increase in the divergence of light that is redirected upward by the reflecting element 214 compared to light incident on the incident surface 211 at a downward angle. 【0054】 Preferably, the achromatic scattering light generator 230 comprises a third matrix 231. The third matrix 231 consists of at least a third host material (third substrate) (e.g., a polymer matrix) that is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. A plurality of micrometer-scale diffusion elements 232 (hereinafter also referred to as "microparticles" for simplicity) are dispersed within the third matrix 231. The material of the microparticles 232 is at least one material that is substantially transparent or substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum. The third host material has a refractive index different from that of at least one material included in the microparticles 232 (e.g., different by at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%). 【0055】 The microparticles 232 are spherical microparticles having an average effective diameter (average size) in the range of 0.5 micrometers to 100 micrometers (preferably in the range of 1 micrometer to 50 micrometers) and / or made of a polymer material or a glassy material. For example, the microparticles 232 may be hollow microspheres (e.g., gas-phase microinclusions, micro-vacuums, microbubbles, etc.). 【0056】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the achromatic scattered light generator 230 is a layer of achromatic light-diffusing material made as a film or coating that at least partially covers the surface of the chromatic diffuse light generator 220. In exactly the same manner, the achromatic scattered light generator 230 may be made as a panel, film, or coating. Furthermore, the achromatic scattered light generator 230 may be bonded, engaged, or placed alongside the incident surface 211 and / or exit surface 212 of the laminar element 210. 【0057】 According to yet another modification of the present invention (not shown), the achromatic scattered light generator 230 is incorporated into the chromatic diffuse light generator 220. In this modification, the second matrix 221 of the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 further comprises a dispersion of microparticles 232 having a refractive index different from that of the second host material constituting the second matrix 221. 【0058】 In yet another modification of the present invention (not shown), a chromatic diffuse light generator 220 and achromatic scattered light generator 230 are incorporated into a laminar element 210. In this configuration, the first matrix 213, the second matrix 221, and the third matrix 231 are identical. That is, the first host material, the second host material, and the third host material are the same material, and the nanoparticles 222 and microparticles 232 are incorporated into the same matrices 213, 221, and 231 into which the reflective element 214 of the laminar element 210 is incorporated. 【0059】 In another embodiment shown in Figure 6, the color diffuse light generator 220 is an artificial light source having a diffuse panel 225. The diffuse panel 225 is illuminated by a plurality of light sources 226 (e.g., LED light sources) coupled to the edge 225a of the diffuse panel 225. The plurality of light sources 226 emit light with correlated color temperatures of 8000K or higher, 10000K or higher, or 13000K or higher. 【0060】 In another embodiment shown in Figure 7, the reflective element 214 is constructed like a microprism embedded in the first matrix 213 and is made of a material having a different refractive index than the material of the first matrix 213. 【0061】 As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first modification is shown in Figure 8 and a second modification is shown in Figure 9. The color diffuse light generator 220 of unit 200 comprises a plurality of color diffuse material layers (color-dependent diffuse material layers) 223 spaced apart from each other. The plurality of color diffuse material layers 223 are preferably arranged in a manner parallel to the horizontal plane such that the impact section or visibility when viewed from the side is reduced. 【0062】 Each color diffusion material layer 223 extends in an elongated shape along its longitudinal axis. In particular, each color diffusion material layer 223 has a substantially constant cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and this cross-section has a centroid. The set of centroids of the cross-sections of the color diffusion material layers 223 defines the centroid axis of the layer. Multiple color diffusion material layers 223 are arranged parallel to each other. As a result, the centroid axes of all multiple color diffusion material layers 223 are contained within the same centroid axis plane, and are spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the centroid axis. In particular, each color diffusion material layer 223 is spaced a non-zero distance from an adjacent layer. This distance is measured as the distance between each centroid axis in the centroid axis plane. When the unit 200 is installed for use, the multiple color diffusion material layers 223 are supported such that the set of centroid axes is contained within a vertical plane. Specifically, the direction in which the multiple color diffusion material layers 223 are separated from each other is the vertical direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the ground). Preferably, the thickness of the color diffusion material layer 223 is much smaller than the distance between layers, for example, less than one-third, preferably less than one-tenth, and more preferably less than one-thirtieth of the distance between layers. 【0063】 Each color diffusion material layer 223 comprises a second matrix 221. Within the second matrix 221, a plurality of nanoparticles 222 are dispersed, configured to diffuse incident light in a Rayleigh-like region or a color diffusion region, as detailed with reference to the embodiments in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7. 【0064】 As shown in detail in Figure 8a, in the modified example of Figure 8, the chromatic diffusion material layer 223 is embedded in the first matrix 213 in each corresponding reflective element 214. The embedding of the chromatic diffusion material layer 223 is done in particular according to an arrangement adjacent to and / or parallel to the reflective surface of each reflective element 214. For example, the chromatic diffusion material layer 223 is a coating that covers the reflective element 214 all or partially. Preferably, the chromatic diffusion material layer 223 is embedded in the first matrix 213 according to an arrangement parallel to the horizontal plane, based on the usage mode of the unit 200. 【0065】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the achromatic scattered light generator 230 comprises a plurality of substantially planar achromatic light-diffusing material layers (color-independent light-diffusing material layers) 233. These achromatic light-diffusing material layers 233 are spaced apart from each other, preferably in an arrangement parallel to the horizontal plane, and are configured to increase the divergence of light passing through the achromatic light-diffusing material layers 233 in a manner substantially independent of wavelength. Preferably, the thickness of the achromatic light-diffusing material layers 233 is much smaller than the distance between layers, for example, less than one-third, preferably less than one-tenth, and more preferably less than one-thirtieth of the distance between layers. 【0066】 Advantageously, unlike the case where the achromatic scattered light generator 230 comprises a film or layer parallel to the vertical plane (for example, positioned on the incident surface 211 or the exit surface 212 of the laminar element 210), the configuration in Figure 8 comprises multiple achromatic light diffusing material layers 233. These achromatic light diffusing material layers 233 are arranged substantially parallel to the horizontal plane such that the visible cross-sectional area or visibility is reduced when viewed from the side (i.e., when an observer looks through the unit 200 from a direction on the horizontal plane). 【0067】 In the configuration shown in Figure 8, each achromatic light-diffusing material layer 233 is a film or coating that at least partially covers the reflective element 214. Preferably, the achromatic light-diffusing material layer 233 and the reflective element 214 are configured and arranged such that light incident on the incident surface 211 of the laminar element 210 at a downward angle and reflected by the reflective element 214 passes through the achromatic light-diffusing material layer 233 twice, and exits the exit surface 212 of the laminar element 210 at a divergence angle greater than 10° (preferably greater than 20°, more preferably greater than 30°) when the incident light has a divergence angle of less than 1°. 【0068】 As shown in Figure 8b, each achromatic light-diffusing material layer 233 is incorporated into a chromatic light-diffusing material layer 223. For this purpose, the chromatic light-diffusing material layer 223 further comprises a dispersion of microparticles. The dispersion of microparticles is configured and arranged to impart to each chromatic light-diffusing material layer 223 the property of diffusing incident light at a small angle in a substantially wavelength-independent manner. In other words, in this preferred configuration, the chromatic light-diffusing material layer 223 and the achromatic light-diffusing material layer 233 are identical, and both microparticles and nanoparticles are dispersed in the same matrix. Preferably, the chromatic light-diffusing material layer 223, including the dispersion of microparticles, is a paint or coating covering the reflective element 214. 【0069】 The method for fabricating the unit 200 shown in Figure 8 includes the following steps. (i) The first step is to create a reflective element 214 by joining two sheets of transparent material. Of the two sheets, the first sheet is characterized by the presence of several linear elements that are extruded or protrude from the surface of the sheet. Of the two sheets, the second sheet is characterized by the presence of several linear elements that are intruded into or cut out from the surface of the sheet. For example, these linear elements have a rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular cross-section. These linear elements are configured and arranged such that the two sheets are joined, leaving interspaces or slits that substantially fit into a horizontal plate (reflective element 214) when in use. (ii) The second step is to paint at least the upper surface of the linear elements that protrude into or are cut out of the second sheet before joining the two sheets. This surface will be the upper surface of the slit or plate (reflective element 214) which is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane when in use. The painting in the second step is carried out with a paint comprising a first dispersion of nanoparticles (first dispersion) and / or a second dispersion of microparticles (second dispersion). This results in the formation of a colored diffusing material layer 223 and / or a colorless light diffusing material layer 233 which, after the paint dries, are substantially planar and / or form a single layer. During use, the underside of the colored diffusing material layer 223, the underside of the achromatic light diffusing material layer 233, and / or the underside of the layer resulting from a combination of both, consequently become the upper surface of the slit or plate (reflective element 214) (i.e., the reflective surface of the reflective element 214 that reflects light incident from above onto the incident surface 211 of the laminar element 210 by total internal reflection (TIR)). 【0070】 In the modified example shown in Figure 9, the colored diffusion material layer 223 is located outside the laminar element 210 and is positioned in the vicinity of the laminar element 210, for example, on the corresponding incident surface 211 or exit surface 212 (see Figure 9a). Each colored diffusion material layer 223 is shaped, for example, as a substantially planar plate or a curved plate in a plane perpendicular to the centroid axis. Although not shown, in this modified example, the multiple colored diffusion material layers 223 are constrained by a support structure so that they are maintained in a superimposed arrangement (multilayer configuration) with their centroid axes parallel to the horizontal plane and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. 【0071】 Preferably, the multiple color diffusion material layers 223 are constrained to a support structure so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to or coinciding with their respective centroid axes, thereby enabling them to take on both substantially parallel and inclined forms relative to the ground. For example, the support structure may be of a rigid type, or it may comprise multiple suspension straps connected to an upper support bar. The multiple suspension straps are attached to the color diffusion material layers 223 in known manner so as to be able to simultaneously control their rotation about their respective longitudinal axes. Furthermore, the multiple suspension straps are attached to the color diffusion material layers 223 so as to be able to rise toward each other until the multiple color diffusion material layers 223 reach their highest and / or most densely packed form (maximum rise and / or densely packed form). 【0072】 The operation of the daylighting control unit 200 according to the present invention is as follows: Light incident on the incident surface 211 of the light deflection laminar element 210 at a downward angle is redirected toward the ceiling by the reflecting element 214 and diffused by the ceiling itself, thereby recreating a secondary light source. In this way, the overall illumination of the indoor environment is increased, and the illumination in the vicinity of the transparent structure is reduced so that it is no longer excessive and unpleasant. 【0073】 In addition, the use of the color diffuse light generator 220 makes it possible to recreate the typical bluish appearance of outdoor shadows due to illumination from light components coming from the entire sky within the environment separated by the transparent structure of the building facade to which the unit 200 is applied. 【0074】 In fact, the color diffuse light generator 220 actively or passively generates a bluish diffuse light component in the environment that would normally not be able to penetrate through a window. 【0075】 In particular, the color diffuse light generator 220 may extend to the extent that the light deflection laminar element 210 extends, or to a greater extent. In fact, generally, the light deflection laminar element 210 is placed above windows and glass panels because, in certain configurations, the reflective element 214 may distort the view of the external environment. 【0076】 If the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 comprises multiple chromatic diffuse material layers 223 arranged according to an arrangement parallel to the horizontal plane, the external view is not substantially obstructed when looking out of the transparent structure. This advantage stems from a specific arrangement of the chromatic diffuse material layers 223 such that the visible cross-sectional area when viewed from the side is reduced. At the same time, when direct white light strikes the chromatic diffuse material layers 223, diffused blue light is generated into the environment. In such a configuration, it is advantageous if the extent of the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 is wider than that of the light deflection laminar elements 210, and the light deflection laminar elements 210 are superimposed only on the higher parts of the transparent structure (typically higher than the part that is within the user's field of view). Alternatively, the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 may be superimposed on the entire surface of the transparent structure (and therefore on the part of the structure corresponding to the user's field of view). In fact, since such a structure does not substantially obstruct the external view, the chromatic diffuse light generator 220 can also be placed in the user's viewing area. Advantageously, when the color diffuse light generator 220 extends along the entire transparent structure, the light entering the indoor environment will have a lower correlated color temperature (CCT) in the parts that interact with the color diffuse light generator 220 than in the case of no interaction, resulting in uniform color of the incoming light.

Claims

[Claim 1] A daylighting management unit (200) comprising an optical deflection laminar element (210) having an incident surface (211) and an exit surface (212), and a color diffuse light generator (220), The light deflection laminar element (210) comprises a first matrix (213) made of a first host material, The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, The first matrix (213) incorporates a plurality of reflective elements (214), The plurality of reflective elements (214) are arranged and configured in the usage configuration to deflect light incident on the incident surface (211) at a downward angle upward by reflection and guide it toward the exit surface (212). The aforementioned color diffuse light generator (220) is an artificial light source comprising a diffuse panel (225) and a plurality of light sources (226) that illuminate the diffuse panel (225), The aforementioned plurality of light sources (226) emit diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 6500K or higher. Lighting control unit. [Claim 2] The plurality of light sources (226) are configured to emit diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 8000K or higher, preferably 10000K or higher, and more preferably 13000K or higher. The daylighting control unit according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The plurality of light sources (226) are coupled to the edge (225a) of the diffusion panel (225). The daylighting control unit according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 4] The diffusion panel (225) is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the incident surface (211) and / or the exit surface (212) of the light deflection laminar element (210). A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Claim 5] The diffusion panel (225) is provided so as to cover the entire incident surface (211) and / or the exit surface (212) of the light deflection laminar element (210). The daylighting control unit according to claim 4. [Claim 6] The aforementioned daylighting control unit (200) is equipped with achromatic scattered light generator (230), The achromatic scattered light generator (230) is configured to increase the divergence of light that is incident on the incident surface (211) of the achromatic scattered light generator at a downward angle and then redirected upward, without substantially depending on the wavelength of the incident light. Preferably, the achromatic scattered light generator (230) comprises a plurality of substantially planar achromatic light diffusing material layers (233), The plurality of achromatic light-diffusing material layers (233) are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, preferably in an orientation parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Claim 7] Each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) is arranged and configured such that it does not substantially obstruct or distort the field of view when viewed through the light deflection laminar element (210) from a direction belonging to the horizontal plane. Preferably, each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) defines at least one reflective surface parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Claim 8] A daylighting management unit (200) comprising an optical deflection laminar element (210) having an incident surface (211) and an exit surface (212), and a color diffuse light generator (220), The light deflection laminar element (210) comprises a first matrix (213) made of a first host material, The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, The first matrix (213) incorporates a plurality of reflective elements (214), The plurality of reflective elements (214) are arranged and configured in the usage configuration to deflect light incident on the incident surface (211) at a downward angle upward by reflection and guide it toward the exit surface (212). The aforementioned color diffuse light generator (220) is configured and arranged to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 6500K or higher when illuminated by parallel incident light with a correlated color temperature of 5500K or higher. The color diffuse light generator (220) comprises a second matrix (221) made of a second host material, The second host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, The second host material described above has a refractive index (n ｈ ) has, Within the second matrix (221), the refractive index (n) of the host material is ｈ ) A different particle refractive index (n ｐ Multiple nanometer diffusion elements (222) having ) are dispersed, The nanometer diffusion element (222) is made of a material that is substantially transparent or substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, The refractive index of the host material (n ｈ The particle refractive index (n ｐ The ratio of (m ≡ n) ｐ / n ｈ ) and the number of nanometer diffusion elements per unit area (N) and the average size of the plurality of nanometer diffusion elements, with reference to the diameter of the equivalent spherical particles of the nanometer diffusion elements and / or the diameter of the smallest cylinder circumscribing the nanometer diffusion elements, are selected so as to preferentially diffuse short-wavelength incident light components with respect to long-wavelength incident light components and preferentially transmit long-wavelength incident light components with respect to short-wavelength incident light components, and / or the color diffusion light generator (220) is a layer of material in which the positive transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the red region is greater than the positive transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the blue region and the diffuse transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the blue region is greater than the diffuse transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the red region. Lighting control unit. [Claim 9] The color diffuse light generator (220) is configured and arranged to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 8000K or higher, preferably 10000K or higher, and more preferably 13000K or higher. The daylighting control unit according to claim 8. [Claim 10] The second matrix (221) of the color diffuse light generator (220) is integrated with the first matrix (213) of the light deflection laminar element (210), the color diffuse light generator (220) is incorporated into the light deflection laminar element (210), or The color diffuse light generator (220) is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the incident surface (211) and / or the exit surface (212) of the light deflection laminar element (210), and preferably is a film, layer, panel, or coating that covers the entire incident surface (211) and / or the exit surface (212) of the light deflection laminar element (210). The daylighting control unit according to claim 8 or claim 9. [Claim 11] The aforementioned color diffuse light generator (220) comprises a plurality of color diffuse material layers (223), Each of the plurality of colored diffusion material layers (223) comprises the second matrix (221) in which the plurality of nanometer diffusion elements (222) are dispersed, The plurality of color diffusion material layers (223) are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, preferably in an orientation parallel to the horizontal plane. The daylighting control unit according to claim 8 or claim 9. [Claim 12] The plurality of colored diffusion material layers (223) are embedded in the first matrix (213) of the light deflection laminar element (210), Each of the plurality of colored diffusing material layers (223) is preferably arranged in the corresponding reflective element (214) adjacent to and / or parallel to the reflective surface of each reflective element (214). The daylighting control unit according to claim 11. [Claim 13] The plurality of colored diffusion material layers (223) are arranged outside and near the incident surface (211) and / or the exit surface (212) of the light deflection laminar element (210), Preferably, each of the plurality of color diffusion material layers (223) extends elongated along the longitudinal axis of the layer and is formed in a substantially flat or curved plate shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The daylighting control unit according to claim 11. [Claim 14] Each of the plurality of colored diffusion material layers (223) is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal axis, and / or, so that it can be arranged in a form substantially parallel to or inclined to the horizontal plane. Each of the plurality of color diffusion material layers (223) is movable in the direction of approaching and moving away from the upper color diffusion material layer (223), and is movable between a configuration in which the plurality of color diffusion material layers (223) are most elevated and / or densely packed and a configuration in which they are most far apart from adjacent color diffusion material layers (223). The daylighting control unit according to claim 13. [Claim 15] The aforementioned daylighting control unit (200) is equipped with achromatic scattered light generator (230), The achromatic scattered light generator (230) is configured to increase the divergence of light that is incident on the incident surface (211) of the achromatic scattered light generator at a downward angle and then redirected upward, without substantially depending on the wavelength of the incident light. Preferably, the achromatic scattered light generator (230) comprises a plurality of substantially planar achromatic light diffusing material layers (233), The plurality of achromatic light-diffusing material layers (233) are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, preferably in an orientation parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 8 to 14. [Claim 16] Each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) is arranged and configured such that it does not substantially obstruct or distort the field of view when viewed through the light deflection laminar element (210) from a direction belonging to the horizontal plane. Preferably, each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) defines at least one reflective surface parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 8 to 15. [Claim 17] A daylighting management unit (200) comprising an optical deflection laminar element (210) having an incident surface (211) and an exit surface (212), a color diffuse light generator (220), and a colorless scattered light generator (230), The light deflection laminar element (210) comprises a first matrix (213) made of a first host material, The first host material is substantially non-absorbent to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths included in the visible light spectrum, The first matrix (213) incorporates a plurality of reflective elements (214), The plurality of reflective elements (214) are arranged and configured in the usage configuration to deflect light incident on the incident surface (211) at a downward angle upward by reflection and guide it toward the exit surface (212). The color diffuse light generator (220) is configured to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 6500K or higher, or is configured and arranged to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 6500K or higher when illuminated by parallel incident light with a correlated color temperature of 5500K or higher. The achromatic scattered light generator (230) is configured to increase the divergence of light that is incident on the incident surface (211) of the achromatic scattered light generator at a downward angle and then redirected upward, without substantially depending on the wavelength of the incident light. Lighting control unit. [Claim 18] The color diffuse light generator (220) is configured to generate diffuse light with a correlated color temperature of 8000K or higher, preferably 10000K or higher, and more preferably 13000K or higher, or is configured and arranged to do so. The daylighting control unit according to claim 17. [Claim 19] The color diffuse light generator (220) has a greater positive transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the red region compared to wavelengths of incident light included in the blue region, and also has a greater diffuse transmittance for wavelengths of incident light included in the blue region compared to wavelengths of incident light included in the red region. The daylighting control unit according to claim 17 or claim 18. [Claim 20] The achromatic scattered light generator (230) comprises a plurality of substantially planar achromatic light diffusing material layers (233), The plurality of achromatic light-diffusing material layers (233) are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, preferably in an orientation parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 17 to 19. [Claim 21] Each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) is arranged and configured such that it does not substantially obstruct or distort the field of view when viewed through the light deflection laminar element (210) from a direction belonging to the horizontal plane. Preferably, each of the plurality of reflective elements (214) defines at least one reflective surface parallel to the horizontal plane. A daylighting control unit according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

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