Self-contained ec igu

Abstract

Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optically switchable window comprising:
 a first lite;   a second lite;   a spacer positioned between the first lite and the second lite, the spacer comprising two or more ends;   a sealed interior region positioned between the first lite and the second lite, defined at its perimeter by the spacer;   an optically switchable material;   a spacer key that attaches two of the two or more ends of the spacer to one another; and   a window controller configured to control optical transitions of the optically switchable material, wherein the window controller is positioned at least partially within the spacer key.   
     
     
         2 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , wherein the optically switchable material comprises an electrochromic material. 
     
     
         3 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , wherein the optically switchable material comprises a liquid crystal material or a suspended particle material. 
     
     
         4 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , wherein the window controller is positioned entirely within the spacer key. 
     
     
         5 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , wherein the window controller extends beyond an edge of the spacer key into the spacer. 
     
     
         6 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , further comprising a primary seal positioned between the spacer and the first lite and between the spacer and the second lite, wherein the window controller is positioned at least partially within a perimeter defined by the primary seal, and wherein the window controller does not extend past the edges of the first lite or the edges of the second lite. 
     
     
         7 . The optically switchable window of  claim 1 , further comprising transparent electrodes configured to deliver power for driving optical transitions of the optically switchable material. 
     
     
         8 . A spacer key for an optically switchable window having a first lite and a second lite separated by a spacer, the spacer key comprising:
 a first end of the spacer key, wherein the first end of the spacer key is configured to mate with a first end of the spacer;   a second end of the spacer key, wherein the second end of the spacer key is configured to mate with a second end of the spacer;   a hollow interior between the first end of the spacer key and the second end of the spacer key; and   a window controller positioned at least partially within the hollow interior.   
     
     
         9 . The spacer key of  claim 8 , wherein the window controller is configured to control optical transitions on the optically switchable window. 
     
     
         10 . The spacer key of  claim 8 , wherein the window controller is positioned entirely within the spacer key. 
     
     
         11 . The spacer key of  claim 8 , wherein the window controller extends beyond at least one of the first end or second end of the spacer key.