FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to optically switchable devices, and more particularly to connectors for optically switchable windows.

BACKGROUND

Various optically switchable devices are available for controlling tinting, reflectivity, etc. of window panes. Electrochromic devices are one example of optically switchable devices generally. Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change. The optical property being manipulated is typically one or more of color, transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance. One well known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO3). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a coloration transition, transparent to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.

Electrochromic materials may be incorporated into, for example, windows for home, commercial, and other uses. The color, transmittance, absorbance, and/or reflectance of such windows may be changed by inducing a change in the electrochromic material, that is, electrochromic windows are windows that can be darkened or lightened electronically. A small voltage applied to an electrochromic device of the window will cause it to darken; reversing the voltage causes it to lighten. This capability allows for control of the amount of light that passes through the window, and presents an enormous opportunity for electrochromic windows to be used not only for aesthetic purposes but also for energy-savings.

With energy conservation being foremost in modern energy policy, it is expected that growth of the electrochromic window industry will be robust in the coming years. An important aspect of electrochromic window engineering is how to integrate electrochromic windows into new and existing (retrofit) applications. Of particular import is how to deliver power to the electrochromic glazings through framing and related structures.

SUMMARY

Connectors for optically switchable devices, including electrochromic devices, are disclosed herein. A connector and an electrochromic device may be associated with or incorporated in an insulated glass unit (IGU), a window assembly, or a window unit, in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a window unit includes an IGU including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly is attached to an edge of the IGU and includes wires in electrical communication with distinct electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector is attached to the distal end of the wire assembly, with the floating connector being electrically coupled to the optically switchable pane. The floating connector includes a flange and a nose extending from the flange by a distance approximately equal to a thickness of a first frame in which the IGU is to be mounted. The nose includes a terminal face presenting, at least, two exposed contacts of opposite polarities. Other contacts may be present, e.g., for communication to a logic circuit in the window unit. The floating connector further includes two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to the first frame. The two holes in the flange are arranged with respect to the nose such that the nose is closer to one of the holes than the other, thereby requiring that the two exposed contacts be arranged in a defined orientation when the floating connector is affixed to the first frame. In other embodiments, the floating connector includes an asymmetric element in the shape of the nose and/or the flange that permits installation in only one way.

In another embodiment, a window assembly includes an IGU including an optically switchable pane. A first connector is mounted to the IGU in a sealant of the IGU. The first connector includes exposed contacts electrically coupled to leads extending from the optically switchable pane and through the IGU, e.g., around the perimeter of a spacer of the IGU and to the first connector. The first connector further includes a first ferromagnetic element which itself may be magnetized. A wire assembly is configured to be detachably mounted to the IGU through the first connector. The wire assembly includes at least two wires extending from and electrically coupled to a second connector. The second connector includes a surface having contacts and the surface is shaped for mechanical engagement to the first connector. The second connector further includes a second ferromagnetic element, which itself may be magnetized. At least one of the first and second ferromagnetic elements is magnetized such that the first and second connectors may magnetically engage one another to provide electrical communication between their respective contacts.

In another embodiment, a window system includes a first IGU. The first IGU includes a first optically switchable pane and a first connector in electrical communication with electrodes of the first optically switchable pane. A first coupling unit includes two connectors linked by a flexible ribbon cable, with a first of the two connectors being configured to mate with the first connector.

Certain embodiments include pre-wired spacers, electrical connection systems for IGUs that include at least one optical device and the IGUs that include such systems. In some embodiments, onboard controllers are part of the electrical connection systems. Many components of the electrical connection systems may be embedded within the secondary seal. Electrical connection systems described herein may include components for providing electrical powering to the IGU at virtually any location about the perimeter of the IGU. In this way, the installer in the field is given maximum convenience and flexibility when installing IGUs having optical devices, e.g. electrochromic devices.

Certain embodiments pertain to an electrical connection system for a sliding door. The electrical connection system comprises a guide and a shuttle. The guide comprises a recess within which pass one or more wires for electrical communication between at least a power source and an optically switchable device in the sliding door or window. The guide further comprises an outer surface and a lengthwise slot in the outer surface. The shuttle is configured to couple to the sliding door or window and slidably engage with the lengthwise slot in the guide. The shuttle is further configured to pass the one or more wires from the sliding door or window, through a body of the shuttle into the recess in the guide, wherein during movement of the sliding door or window, the one or more wires are protected from interaction with one or more moving components. In some cases, electrical connection system a flexible member affixed at one end to the shuttle. The one or more wires are coupled to the flexible member and the flexible member comprises a bend portion allowing the flexible member to pass back over itself and reside substantially parallel to the length of, and inside, the guide. In one example, the one or more wires are a ribbon cable and the flexible member is a spring steel tape. In another example, the flexible member is a chain guide made of a non-electrically conducting material, and the one or more wires reside within the body of the chain guide.

Certain embodiments pertain to an electrical connection system for a sliding door or window where the electrical connection system comprises a frame bracket configured to couple to the sliding door or window and a base bracket configured to couple to a header of the sliding window or door, or to a base rail. The frame bracket and the base bracket are configured to house opposing ends of an IGU connector cable. In one embodiment, the electrical connection system further comprises a chain guide configured to house a middle portion of the IGU connector cable between the frame bracket and the base bracket.

These and other features and advantages will be described in further detail below, with reference to the associated drawings.

