Vehicle window and vehicle having a vehicle window of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle pane comprising an outer pane, an inner pane, an intermediate layer arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane, a switchable layer, and an opaque shielding element which is arranged laterally next to the intermediate layer and covers at least one light-coupling region of the inner pane, at the light coupling-in area, light of the light source can be coupled into the inner window plate. The invention further relates to a vehicle having a vehicle window panel of this type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle window pane having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a vehicle having a vehicle window pane of this type. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle window panes are known from practice in different configurations.

[0003] Known vehicle window panes generally include an outer window pane facing the vehicle environment, an inner window pane facing the vehicle interior space, and an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is arranged between the outer window pane and the inner window pane and includes a PVB layer.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from practice that different functional elements are provided on the outer window pane and / or the inner window pane. In order not to negatively affect the visual appearance of the vehicle here, a shielding element is usually mounted on the vehicle window pane, which shielding element covers the functional elements such that the functional elements cannot be seen when observed from the vehicle environment and / or from the vehicle interior space.

[0005] However, the installation of the shielding element usually results in additional assembly steps. Furthermore, there is a risk that the shielding element becomes loose during its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window pane having a shielding element for covering a defined area, which shielding element can be assembled in a simple manner and has a long service life. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having a window pane of this type.

[0007] According to the present invention, this object is solved by a vehicle window glass having the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle having the features of claim 15.

[0008] According to the present invention, a vehicle window pane, in particular for a vehicle, is provided. The vehicle window pane includes an outer window pane, an inner window pane, a switchable layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the outer window pane and the inner window pane. The outer window pane faces the vehicle environment in the functional installation state of the vehicle window pane on the vehicle, and the inner window pane faces the interior space of the vehicle in the functional installation state of the vehicle window pane on the vehicle. Laterally beside the intermediate layer, in particular adjacent to the intermediate layer, an opaque shielding element is provided. The opaque shielding element covers, in particular completely covers, at least one light coupling-in region of the inner window pane, at which light from a light source can be coupled into the inner window pane. The core idea of the present invention is to provide an opaque shielding element beside the intermediate layer. The opaque shielding element serves as a shielding element and prevents the light coupling-in region of the inner window pane from being visible when viewed from the vehicle environment. Here, the opaque shielding element is an integral part of the vehicle window pane. Therefore, the fixing of the opaque shielding element does not require additional assembly steps, and the opaque shielding element does not have to be peeled off from an adjacent layer.

[0009] For example, the opaque shielding element extends from an edge region, in particular from the edge of the vehicle window pane, in the direction towards the center of the vehicle window pane.

[0010] Compared with the intermediate layer, the opaque shielding element may have a smaller thickness, i.e., an extension dimension in the height direction of the vehicle window pane or orthogonal to the lateral extension plane of the vehicle window pane. Therefore, when melting the respective layers of the vehicle window pane, the intermediate layer can laterally enclose the shielding element and at least on the upper side and / or on the lower side.

[0011] For example, the opaque shielding element and the intermediate layer have the same thickness.

[0012] In the boundary region where the opaque shielding element is adjacent to the intermediate layer, the opaque shielding element and the intermediate layer are, for example, melted together.

[0013] Preferably, the boundary region only forms a small region of the opaque shielding element or the intermediate layer, where the materials of the opaque shielding element and the intermediate layer do not mix in the remaining regions.

[0014] For example, the intermediate layer is an adhesive layer.

[0015] The intermediate layer may be made of a thermoplastic plastic or include such a thermoplastic plastic.

[0016] For example, the intermediate layer includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or is made of one of the above materials.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the intermediate layer is constructed in the form of a PVB layer.

[0018] The opaque shielding element can be formed of a non-light-conducting material, i.e., it can be opaque.

[0019] For example, the opaque shielding element is opaque to wavelengths in the visible range. For this purpose, the opaque shielding element can include a pigment or a dyed matrix, which gives the opaque shielding element its opaque properties. Here, the opaque shielding element can serve to absorb light.

[0020] In one embodiment, the shielding element is constructed in such a way as to reflect light into the light coupling-in region. Here, the shielding element can have a light-reflective coating.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle window pane according to the invention includes a further intermediate layer, in particular a PVB layer.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the switchable layer includes a PDLC layer and preferably includes a PDLC frame that surrounds the PDLC layer on the periphery. Preferably, the switchable layer, in particular the PDLC layer, has a seal, namely a so-called edge seal, at least on its lateral edge surfaces.

[0023] For example, the switchable layer consists of a PDLC layer and a PDLC frame.

[0024] The PDLC frame can include PVB and / or TPU, or can be formed of one of the above materials.

[0025] For example, the PDLC frame is made of TPU in the region adjacent to the contact region with the PDLC layer. Thus, the oxidation risk can be reduced.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element is wider than the PDLC frame. Compared with the PDLC frame of the switchable layer, the opaque shielding element has a greater extension scale in the direction from the edge of the vehicle window pane towards the center point of the vehicle window pane.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element is made of TPU. Thereby, softeners, in particular softeners of PVB or PVA, do not enter the PDLC layer. For example, the intermediate layer abuts against the inner window pane, while the further intermediate layer, in particular the PVB layer, abuts against the outer window pane.

[0028] The switchable layer can be arranged between the intermediate layer and another intermediate layer. Thus, the switchable layer is fixed to the inner window pane or the outer window pane via the intermediate layer and another intermediate layer.

[0029] The switchable layer can be capable of switching between a transparent state and an opaque or translucent state.

[0030] The opaque shielding element can be melted (and bonded) to the intermediate layer, the inner window pane, and / or the switchable layer, in particular by means of an autoclave process.

[0031] The opaque shielding element can have at least approximately the same temperature characteristics as the intermediate layer. In this setting, not only the shielding element but also the intermediate layer becomes extensible during the lamination process for manufacturing the vehicle window pane, in particular during melting, wherein, particularly advantageously, the intermediate layer has a higher extensibility than the shielding element during lamination. Thus, it can be ensured that the intermediate layer serves as an adhesive layer and the intermediate layer is at least approximately melted, wherein the shielding element also becomes soft or extensible relative to the common room temperature and is connected to the inner window pane and / or the intermediate layer during lamination. Preferably, after lamination, the shielding element and the intermediate layer remain independent, wherein, in one embodiment, the shielding element and the intermediate layer do not form a common phase in terms of volume or form only a small common phase in terms of volume at their interface.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the upper side and / or the lower side of the opaque shielding element is sticky, in particular pressure-sensitive sticky (sticky under pressure), such that the upper side and / or the lower side can be fixed to the adjacent layer(s) in particular within the range of the negative pressure generated when discharging air during manufacturing.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element is connected to the intermediate layer on its inner side, i.e., on the side facing the intermediate layer, in particular pointwise, by means of an adhesive material or by means of ultrasonic welding within the scope of manufacturing the vehicle window pane.

[0034] For example, within the scope of manufacturing the vehicle window pane, the opaque shielding element is connected to the inner window pane on its lower side and / or to the switchable layer on its upper side, in particular pointwise, by means of an adhesive material or by means of ultrasonic welding. This facilitates the fixing of the shielding element during manufacturing the vehicle window pane.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element and the intermediate layer are connected to each other during manufacturing to facilitate the processability of the vehicle window pane.

[0036] Next, the opaque shielding element can be melted together with the intermediate layer at least on the entire inner side of the opaque shielding element facing the intermediate layer, in particular also on the upper side of the opaque shielding element, with the intermediate layer.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the upper side and / or the lower side of the intermediate layer and / or of the additional PVB layer(s) is / are adhesively fixed to the adjacent regions of the vehicle window pane.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the upper side and / or the lower side of the intermediate layer and / or of the additional PVB layer(s) is / are (respectively) in particular pointwise (i.e., at a plurality of individual points spaced apart from one another) fixed to the adjacent regions of the vehicle window pane by means of ultrasonic welding, i.e., fixed to the outer window pane, the inner window pane, the opaque shielding element or the switchable layer.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window pane according to the invention comprises a light source.

[0040] The light of the light source can be coupled into the inner window pane via a light coupling-in region.

[0041] For example, the light source is arranged on the light coupling-in region on the lower side of the inner window pane facing the vehicle interior space.

[0042] An optical element, in particular a collimator and / or a coupling-in element, can be arranged between the light source and the light coupling-in region, which optical element is configured to direct the light of the light source in such a way that the light of the light source is mainly coupled into the inner window pane via the light coupling-in region within an angular range: this angular range corresponds to the angular range of total internal reflection. The light within this angular range is mainly conducted in the inner window pane by reflection on the pane wall of the inner window pane.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window pane according to the invention, the light source is covered by the opaque shielding element in the vehicle window pane height direction. The opaque shielding element and the light source are flush with each other in the vehicle window pane height direction. Thus, the light source is covered by the opaque shielding element such that the light source cannot be seen when viewed from the vehicle environment.

[0044] In the functional installation state of the vehicle window pane on the vehicle, the vehicle window pane height direction corresponds to the vehicle height direction.

[0045] The inner window pane, the intermediate layer, the outer window pane, the switchable layer and / or the additional PVB layer(s) can be adhesively bonded (laminated) to one another to form a common composite within the scope of their manufacturing process.

[0046] The vehicle window pane can be, for example, a composite window pane.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle window pane according to the invention, the vehicle window pane is free of air inclusions.

[0048] The vehicle window pane is evacuated, for example, in the context of its manufacture, before and / or during the melting of the individual layers, in a negative pressure zone.

[0049] In order to evacuate the air, the vehicle window pane can be arranged in a vacuum bag, in which a negative pressure is then generated to remove air inclusions from the vehicle window pane.

[0050] For example, the melting and thus the joining of the individual layers of the vehicle window pane takes place in the same vacuum bag in which the vehicle window pane is evacuated.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of a vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element has a height that is smaller than that of the intermediate layer. Thus, during lamination, in particular the thermoplastic intermediate layer can encapsulate the opaque shielding element, in particular on the side facing away from the inner window pane.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element has a lower elasticity and thus a lower compressibility than the intermediate layer. Thus, during the melting of the individual layers of the vehicle window pane, the intermediate layer can at least partially encapsulate the opaque shielding element.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of a vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element at least partially, in particular completely, surrounds the intermediate layer on its circumference.

[0054] The opaque shielding element can form a closed frame that surrounds the intermediate layer on its circumference.

[0055] For example, the opaque shielding element is white or black.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of a vehicle window pane according to the invention, the opaque shielding element has such an extension dimension in the transverse direction of the vehicle window pane that light beams, in particular all light beams, that are coupled into the inner window pane at such an angle, in particular at an angle less than the total reflection angle, in the light coupling-in region, strike the opaque shielding element, such that the light beams emerge from the inner window pane on the upper side.

[0057] The opaque shielding element, for example, has such an extension dimension in the width direction that all light beams that are coupled into the inner window pane at an incident angle greater than the total reflection angle strike the opaque shielding element when emerging from the inner window pane.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, which comprises the vehicle window pane described above.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle window pane is part of the roof.

[0060] The vehicle window pane can be a window pane of a roof assembly of a motor vehicle, in particular a panoramic roof window pane or a sliding roof window pane.

[0061] For example, the vehicle window pane is a windshield.

[0062] Other advantages and advantageous configurations of the subject matter of the present invention can be learned from the description, the drawings and the claims.

[0063] All combinations of features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the drawings fall within the scope of the present invention, that is to say, each of the features mentioned in the description can be part of the subject matter claimed independently of the other features mentioned in the corresponding context. Description of the Drawings

[0064] An embodiment of a motor vehicle window pane according to the invention is schematically and simplifiedly shown in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

[0065] Figure 1 A top view of a roof having a vehicle window pane according to the invention; and

[0066] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 of the vehicle window pane along Figure 1 the line II-II in Detailed Description

[0067] In Figure 1 is shown the roof 2 of a passenger vehicle according to the invention. The roof comprises a vehicle window pane 6. The vehicle window pane 6 is rigidly or non-movably attached to a vehicle window pane frame 4 fixed relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle window pane 6 is in particular a panoramic roof window pane.

[0068] It is also possible to consider that the vehicle window pane 6 is movably attached to a vehicle window pane frame 4 fixed relative to the vehicle body and can be adjusted between a state of releasing an opening in the roof and a state of closing the opening.

[0069] As Figure 2As shown in the sectional view, the vehicle window pane 6 is a composite window pane that includes an inner window pane 8, an intermediate layer 12 disposed on the inner window pane 8, an opaque shielding element 14, a switchable layer, an additional PVB layer 20 disposed on the switchable layer, and an outer window pane 10 disposed on the additional PVB layer 20. The opaque shielding element laterally abuts the intermediate layer 12 and is disposed on the inner window pane 8. The switchable layer is disposed on the intermediate layer 12 and on the opaque shielding element 14. The inner window pane 8 faces the vehicle interior space 26, while the outer window pane 10 faces the vehicle environment 28.

[0070] When manufacturing the vehicle window pane 6, the individual layers of the vehicle window pane 6 are stacked and then melted in an autoclave into a composite window pane. During manufacturing, the adjacent layers can be connected to each other to facilitate the handling of the vehicle window pane 6.

[0071] Before melting the individual layers of the vehicle window pane 6, air inclusions, such as those located between the individual layers, are removed from the vehicle window pane 6. For this purpose, the unmelted vehicle window pane 6 is introduced into a vacuum container. Next, a vacuum is created in the vacuum container. Then, the unmelted vehicle window pane 6 is introduced into the autoclave in a manner that remains in the vacuum container for melting.

[0072] The intermediate layer 12 is formed by a PVB layer. On the periphery, the intermediate layer 12 is surrounded by an opaque (i.e., at least partially non-transparent) shielding element 14, which in particular forms a closed frame. The opaque shielding element 14 is also placed on the inner window pane 8 in a planar manner on its lower side. The opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 together cover the inner window pane 8, in particular over the entire surface.

[0073] It is also conceivable that the opaque shielding element 14 does not completely enclose the intermediate layer 12 on the periphery, but is only provided in a region flush with the light coupling-in region of the inner window pane 8 in the vehicle height direction.

[0074] For easier handling of the vehicle window pane 6 during the manufacturing process, the opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 are connected to each other pointwise by ultrasonic welding for at least a defined time. That is, the opaque shielding element 14 is welded to the outer side of the intermediate layer 12 on its inner side.

[0075] It is also conceivable that, instead of ultrasonic welding, the opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 are connected to each other by an adhesive, in particular during the manufacturing process.

[0076] The only pointwise and non-planar connection of the opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 enables the removal of air inclusions when air is discharged.

[0077] In the finished state, the opaque shielding element 14 is fused with the intermediate layer 12 at least over the entire inner side of the opaque shielding element facing the intermediate layer 12, in particular also on the upper side of the opaque shielding element.

[0078] The lower side of the intermediate layer 12 and / or of the opaque shielding element 14 is (respectively) sticky, such that the lower side is fixed to the inner window pane 8 directly or via the opaque shielding element 14 or the intermediate layer 12 by being placed on the inner window pane 8 and / or by the force exerted on the inner window pane by an adjacent layer (which force can in particular be generated by the negative pressure generated when expelling air).

[0079] The switchable layer arranged on the upper side of the intermediate layer 12 and of the opaque shielding element 14 is placed over the entire surface of the intermediate layer and the opaque shielding element.

[0080] The switchable layer has a PDLC layer 16 which is surrounded by a PDLC frame 18 at the peripheral side. The PDLC layer 16 can be switched between an opaque state and a transparent state and can thus be used as a sunshade device.

[0081] Compared to the opaque shielding element 14, the PDLC frame 18 has a smaller width starting from the edge of the vehicle window pane 6, i.e., a smaller extension scale in the direction towards the center of the vehicle window pane 6, in particular in the transverse direction of the vehicle window pane or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle window pane, in the functional mounting state of the vehicle window pane 6 on the vehicle, where the transverse direction of the vehicle window pane corresponds to the transverse direction of the vehicle or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle window pane corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0082] In the vehicle window pane height direction, the PDLC frame 18 is flush with the opaque shielding element 14. That is, when viewed from the vehicle interior space 26, the PDLC frame 18 is completely covered by the opaque shielding element 14 and is thus not visible to the vehicle passengers located in the vehicle interior space 26.

[0083] The opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 are sticky on their upper sides facing the switchable layer, respectively. Thus, the switchable layer can be fixed to the opaque shielding element 14 and the intermediate layer 12 in a simple manner.

[0084] It is also possible to consider that the upper side of the intermediate layer 12 is sticky while the upper side of the opaque shielding element 14 is not sticky. That is, the opaque shielding element 14 can be connected to the switchable layer via the intermediate layer 12.

[0085] A further PVB layer 20 arranged in a planar manner on the switchable layer covers the switchable layer in its entirety. The outer window pane 10 is in turn placed on the upper side of the further PVB layer 20 such that the outer window pane covers the further PVB layer 20 in its entirety.

[0086] During melting, in particular during the lamination process, the lower side and the upper side of the further PVB layer 20 form an adhesion. That is, the PVB layer 20 is thermally activatable and has adhesiveness. Therefore, when manufacturing the vehicle window pane 6, the switchable layer can be connected to the outer window pane 10 in a simple manner by means of this vehicle window pane.

[0087] On the lower side of the inner window pane 8, a light source 22 is provided in the light coupling-in region. For example, the light source 22 is fixed to the inner window pane 8 via a (not shown) light coupling-in element, and the light beam 24 of the light source 22 can be coupled into the inner window pane 8 via this light coupling-in element.

[0088] The opaque shielding element 14 is arranged in the vehicle window pane transverse direction such that the light source 22 cannot be seen when observed from the vehicle surroundings 28. That is, the light source 22 and the opaque shielding element 14 are flush in the vehicle window pane height direction, where the opaque shielding element 14 is at least as wide as the light source 22 or wider than the light source 22 in order to ensure complete covering of the light source 22 when observed from the vehicle surroundings 28.

[0089] List of reference signs

[0090] 2 Roof

[0091] 4 Vehicle window pane frame

[0092] 6 Vehicle window pane

[0093] 8 Inner window pane

[0094] 10 Outer window pane

[0095] 12 Intermediate layer

[0096] 14 Opaque frame

[0097] 16 PDLC layer

[0098] 18 PDLC frame

[0099] 20 Further PVB layer

[0100] 22 Light source

[0101] 24 Light beam

[0102] 26 Vehicle interior space

[0103] 28 Vehicle surroundings

Claims

1. A vehicle window panel, the vehicle window panel comprising an outer window panel (10), an inner window panel (8), an intermediate layer (12) disposed between the outer window panel (10) and the inner window panel (8), and a switchable layer, characterized in that, There is an opaque shielding element (14) which is laterally arranged beside the intermediate layer (12), and the opaque shielding element covers at least one light coupling-in area of the inner window pane, at which area the light of a light source (22) can be coupled into the inner window pane.

2. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) is made of TPU.

3. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate layer (12) is a PVB layer or a TPU layer.

4. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) has at least substantially the same temperature characteristics as the intermediate layer (12).

5. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The upper side and / or the lower side of the opaque shielding element (14) is adhesive, and / or the opaque shielding element (14) is connected to the intermediate layer (12) on its inner side, in particular pointwise, by means of an adhesive material or by ultrasonic welding.

6. The vehicle window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The switchable layer is placed in a planar manner on the upper side of the intermediate layer (12) and / or on the opaque shielding element (14) in the vehicle window pane height direction, and / or the vehicle window pane includes another PVB layer (20) which is placed in a planar manner, in particular in the vehicle window pane height direction, on the upper side of the switchable layer.

7. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The switchable layer includes a PDLC layer (16) and a PDLC frame (18), and the PDLC frame surrounds the PDLC layer (16) on the periphery.

8. The vehicle window panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) is wider than the PDLC frame (18).

9. The vehicle window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, There is a light source (22), and the light of the light source can be coupled into the inner window pane (8) in the light coupling-in area, in particular via a light coupling-in element.

10. The vehicle window panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The shielding element (14) covers the light coupling-in area from above in the vehicle window pane height direction.

11. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) has a smaller height than the intermediate layer (12).

12. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) has a smaller compressibility than the intermediate layer (12).

13. The vehicle window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) at least partially, in particular completely, surrounds the intermediate layer (12) on the periphery.

14. The vehicle window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The opaque shielding element (14) has an extension dimension in the vehicle window pane transverse direction such that the following light beams (24), in particular all of the following light beams (24), impinge on the opaque shielding element (14), and the light beams are coupled into the inner window pane (8) at an angle in the light coupling-in area such that the light beams emerge from the inner window pane (8) on the upper side.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, There is a vehicle window pane (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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