Glass window unit for transmitting and / or receiving vibrating sound waves

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle glazing unit adapted for vibroacoustic emission and / or reception, the glazing unit comprising an electromechanical transducer and a glazing assembly, the transducer being fixedly mounted on the glazing assembly, the transducer comprising a movable element, the glazing comprising a first cavity formed at least by a first wall, the movable element comprises an attachment part and a movable part, the attachment part is fixedly installed on the glass window assembly, the movable part forms a suspended free film, and the free film forms a first wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle window units, and more particularly to window units suitable for transmitting or receiving sound waves. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to use vehicle window units as acoustic transducers. To this end, document WO202189457 discloses a window unit, for example, forming the roof of a motor vehicle, which includes an exciter. This window unit acts as a diaphragm that can be driven by the exciter to emit sound waves. This allows the acoustic device to reduce weight and size compared to existing devices, and in particular, it can replace subwoofers traditionally installed in motor vehicles. However, such window units forming acoustic transducers do not have a satisfactory acoustic spectrum in the mid-frequency and high-frequency ranges (i.e., frequencies above 500 Hz). Conventional acoustic transducers, i.e., transducers not integrated into the window, must supplement the vehicle's acoustic equipment to achieve satisfactory sound wave reproduction or capture in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a solution for capturing or reproducing vibratory sound waves in a vehicle passenger compartment, at least within the audible frequency range.

[0004] Within the scope of this invention, this objective is achieved, at least in part, by a vehicle window unit suitable for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception. The window unit includes an electromechanical transducer and a window assembly, the transducer being fixedly mounted on the window assembly, and the transducer including a movable element. The window unit includes a first cavity formed at least by a first wall, and the movable element includes an attachment portion and a movable portion, the attachment portion being fixedly mounted on the window assembly, while the movable portion forming a suspended free membrane, the free membrane forming the first wall.

[0005] The present invention is advantageously complemented by the following features, which may be employed individually or in any technically feasible combination thereof: - The transducer includes an attachment element, which is fixedly mounted to the glass window assembly, and an attachment portion is fixedly mounted to the attachment element. The first cavity is also formed by a sidewall, which is formed by the attachment element. - The attachment part is in direct contact with the glass window assembly; - The first cavity is also formed by the second wall, and the glass window assembly forms the second wall, which is arranged opposite to the first wall relative to the first cavity; - The first cavity is a closed cavity; - The attachment element is formed by a first layer and a second layer, with the attachment portion located between the first layer and the second layer, and the first layer is fixedly mounted on the glass window assembly; - The first layer is made of a material with an elastic modulus E between 100 MPa and 10 GPa; - The second layer is preferably formed as an open second cavity, and the free membrane forms the wall of the second cavity; - The free membrane has a convex shape; - The active element includes a piezoelectric layer made of a piezoelectric polymer, preferably made of polyvinylidene fluoride; - The active element comprises two conductive layers, with a piezoelectric layer located between the two conductive layers; - The piezoelectric layer and two conductive layers form the assembly of the fixed and moving parts of the moving element; - The glass window assembly includes an opaque portion, which preferably includes a glaze layer, and the transducer is fixedly mounted on the opaque portion. - The glass window unit includes a transducer array. - At least two free membranes of the two transducers have different diameters. Each transducer includes an attachment element fixedly mounted to a glass window assembly. An attachment portion of each transducer is fixedly mounted to the attachment element. Each first cavity is also formed by a sidewall of each transducer, formed by the attachment element of each transducer. Each attachment element is formed by identical first and second layers. Each attachment portion is disposed between the first and second layers. The first layer forms the sidewall of the first cavity of each transducer. - The diameter of each free membrane is between 10 micrometers and 10 millimeters, preferably between 500 micrometers and 5 millimeters. - The glass window unit is formed from elements selected from the vehicle windshield, vehicle roof, vehicle side window units, and vehicle rear window. - The glass window unit includes a control unit configured to apply and / or measure voltage between two conductive layers.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a glass window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising the steps of imprinting a movable element by applying a layer to a mold having a recessed portion, and then drawing a portion of the layer into the recessed portion to form a raised movable portion.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention is a method for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception implemented by a glass window unit according to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprising the step of applying and / or measuring a voltage between two conductive layers. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is illustrative only and not restrictive, and must be read in the context of the accompanying drawings: [ Figure 1 ] - Figure 1 A glass window unit including a transducer array is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present invention; [ Figure 2 ] - Figure 2 A glass window unit including a transducer array is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present invention; [ Figure 3 ] - Figure 3 A glass window unit including a transducer array is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present invention; [ Figure 4 ] - Figure 4 A glass window unit including a transducer array is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present invention; [ Figure 5 ] - Figure 5 The free membrane of a transducer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0009] [ Figure 6 ] - Figure 6 A transducer array according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown as viewed from above.

[0010] [ Figure 7 ] - Figure 7 The roof of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0011] [ Figure 8 ] - Figure 8 A motor vehicle windshield is schematically shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [ Figure 9 ] - Figure 9 A glass window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein the transducer is integrated within the laminate.

[0013] [ Figure 10 ] - Figure 10 A glass window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein the transducer is integrated within the laminate.

[0014] In all figures, similar elements are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0015] Definition and Measurement The elastic modulus E of a material, or Young's modulus, can be measured by the international standard ASTM E 111.

[0016] When describing the shape of a membrane, "protrusion" means that the membrane has a shape that extends along a surface forming a spherical curvature and extends from the side of the glass window assembly opposite the plane defined by the periphery of the membrane.

[0017] "Opaque portion" refers to the portion of a glass window unit that has a light transmittance of less than 5%, and especially less than 1%.

[0018] The “transparent portion” of a glass window unit refers to the portion having a light transmittance coefficient of more than 30%, preferably more than 50%, and especially more than 70%.

[0019] "Direct mounting" of two components refers to the two components being in contact with each other or connected via an adhesive layer. The adhesive can be a transparent optical adhesive. In the case of contact between two components, one component can be attached to the other component by electrostatic force.

[0020] "Vibrational sound waves" refers to a group of waves formed by sound waves propagating through fluids and / or vibrational waves propagating through solids. Detailed Implementation

[0021] General description of the structure of glass window unit 1 refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle window unit 1 suitable for vibratory acoustic wave emission and / or reception. The window unit 1 includes at least one electromechanical transducer 2 and a window assembly 3. The transducer 2 is fixedly mounted to the window assembly 3. The transducer 2 includes a movable element 4. The movable element 4 includes an attachment portion 7 and a movable portion 8. The attachment portion 7 is fixedly mounted to the window assembly 3. This mounting can be direct or indirect. In the case of indirect mounting, the attachment portion 7 can be fixedly mounted to the window assembly 3 using the attachment element. The movable portion 8 forms a free-suspension membrane. The movable portion 8 is adapted to emit and / or receive vibratory acoustic waves. The window unit 1 includes a first cavity 5. The cavity 5 is formed by at least a first wall 6. The free membrane forms the first wall 6. Therefore, the transducer 2, suitable for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception, can be integrated into the window unit, including a membrane whose size is independent of the size of the window unit. This allows the transducer 2 to be adapted to a predetermined frequency range, regardless of the size of the window assembly.

[0022] The window unit 1 can be formed from elements selected from the vehicle windshield, vehicle roof, vehicle side window units, and vehicle rear window. Specifically, the window unit 1 may include a transducer 2 arranged on the transparent portion of the window assembly 3, and the window unit 1 is either a side window unit or a vehicle roof.

[0023] refer to Figure 1The transducer 2 may include an attachment element 10. The attachment element 10 is fixedly mounted to the window assembly 3. The attachment portion 7 is fixedly mounted to the attachment element 10. The first cavity 5, in addition to the first wall, is also formed by side walls 11. The side walls 11 are formed by the attachment element 10. In this way, the movable element 4 can be fixedly mounted to the window assembly 3 while selecting the geometry of the cavity 5, thereby improving the vibroacoustic emission and / or reception efficiency of the window unit 1.

[0024] refer to Figure 2 The attachment element 10 can form the sidewall 11 and the second wall of the cavity 5, with the second wall opposite to the first wall relative to the cavity 5.

[0025] refer to Figure 3 The attachment portion 7 can directly contact the glass window assembly 3. This minimizes the thickness of the transducer 2.

[0026] refer to Figure 4 The first cavity 5 can also be formed by a second wall 12 formed from the glass window assembly 3. The second wall 12 can be arranged opposite to the first wall 6 relative to the first cavity 5. In this way, the manufacture of the cavity 5 can be simplified by using an attachment element 10 that includes a hole between the movable part 8 and the glass window assembly 3.

[0027] Cavity 5 can be a closed cavity. Alternatively, the glass window unit 1, which includes multiple transducers 2, includes multiple cavities 5, which can form a closed assembly. "Closed" means that there is no passage between the cavity and the outside of the glass window unit 1. In this way, the acoustic resonance driven by the cavity 5 can be controlled.

[0028] Attachment 10 The attachment element 10 may be formed of a first layer 13 and (preferably) a second layer 14. The first layer 13 is fixedly mounted to the glass window assembly 3. The attachment portion 7 may be fixedly mounted to the first layer 14. Preferably, the attachment portion 7 is located between the first layer 13 and the second layer 14.

[0029] The first layer 13 can be made of a material having an elastic modulus E between 100 MPa and 10 GPa. This improves the efficiency of transmitting and / or receiving vibratory sound waves through the moving part 8 relative to a glass window in which the attachment portion 7 is fixed to the glass window assembly 3 directly or via a component made of a more rigid material. Specifically, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that the efficiency of transmitting and / or receiving vibratory sound waves through the moving part 8 is higher for a material stiffness range greater than 10 GPa. For material stiffnesses below the previously defined range, interference may occur in the movement between the moving part 8 and the attachment portion 7 during use of the glass window unit 1, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of the transducer formed by the moving part 8. The first layer 13 can be made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an elastic modulus between 2800 MPa and 3100 MPa.

[0030] The second layer 14 can form a second cavity 15. The second cavity 15 is preferably open. The free membrane forms the wall of the second cavity 15. In this way, the free membrane is protected from external mechanical damage by the second layer 14.

[0031] Active element 4 The active element 4 includes an active portion 8 forming a free membrane. The free membrane allows for the conversion of vibrating sound waves. The free membrane is preferably convex in shape. In this way, the membrane is suitable for emitting or receiving vibrating sound waves with mid-frequency or high-frequency (preferably frequency greater than 500 Hz) frequencies.

[0032] One aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a glass window unit 1. The method includes the step of imprinting a movable element 4 by applying a layer to a mold having a recessed portion, and then drawing a portion of the layer into the recessed portion to form a raised movable portion 8. In a subsequent step, the movable element 4 is fixedly mounted to a glass window assembly 3. Thus, the raised movable portion 8 can be formed by a predetermined geometry on a portion of an initial planar layer. In the case of a glass window unit including multiple transducers 2, the assembly with the raised movable portion 8 can be formed in a single step by suction.

[0033] refer to Figure 5 The active element 4 may include a piezoelectric layer 16. The piezoelectric layer 16 may be made of a piezoelectric polymer. The piezoelectric polymer may be selected from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and ferroelectric polymers.

[0034] The active element 4 may include two conductive layers 17. A piezoelectric layer 16 may be disposed between the two conductive layers 17. In this way, the membrane can be actuated without using an actuator external to the active element 4.

[0035] One aspect of the invention is a method for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception implemented through a glass window unit 1. The method includes the step of applying and / or measuring a voltage between two conductive layers 17. This allows for the control and / or measurement of the vibration of a free membrane.

[0036] Transducer Array 2 refer to Figure 6 The glass window unit 1 may include a transducer array 2. At least two free membranes of two different transducers 2 may have different diameters. Thus, the glass window unit 1 can be adapted to transmit and / or receive vibratory sound waves over a wider frequency range than known glass window units. At least one free membrane may have a diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Thus, the transducer 2 is adapted to transmit and / or receive vibratory sound waves in the mid-frequency or high-frequency range. For example, some diameters may be suitable for low frequencies, others for mid-frequency frequencies, and still others for high frequencies. Different diameters of the free membranes can be selected according to the Fibonacci sequence. Preferably, the diameter of each free membrane is between 10 micrometers and 10 millimeters, particularly between 500 micrometers and 5 millimeters. Thus, the glass window unit 1 may include a transducer array 2 arranged on a portion of the glass window unit 1 having a surface area less than 10% of the total surface area of ​​the glass window unit 1, preferably less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the glass window unit 1.

[0037] The first layer 13 can form an assembly of the sidewall 11 of the first cavity 5. This simplifies the manufacturing of the transducer array 2. The manufacturing of the transducer array 2 may include the step of forming a plurality of holes, thereby forming the sidewall 11 of the first cavity 5. Alternatively, the manufacturing of the transducer array 2 may include, for example, forming holes through the first layer 13 by a molding step of imprinting the first layer 13, thereby forming the sidewall 11 of the first cavity 5.

[0038] Transducer Hidden Part 2 refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The glass window assembly 3 may include an opaque portion 18. The opaque portion 18 may include an enamel layer. The transducer 2 may be fixedly mounted on the opaque portion 18. In this way, the transducer 2 will not obstruct the user's view through the glass window unit 1.

[0039] The elements forming transducer 2 can be transparent. Preferably, the first layer 13 and the moving element 4 can be transparent. The thickness of the first layer 13 can be selected such that the light transmittance through the first layer 13 is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, and more preferably greater than 20%. For example, the first layer 13 can be made of PET and has a thickness of 50 micrometers. The second layer 14 can be made of PET and has a thickness of 30 micrometers in µm. The piezoelectric layer 16 can be made of PVDF. The thickness of the piezoelectric layer 16 made of PVDF can be less than 80 micrometers, especially less than 50 micrometers. The conductive layer 17 can be made of indium tin oxide (ITO). In this way, the transducer 2 can be placed on the transparent portion of the glass window assembly 3 without obstructing the user's view of the glass window unit 1.

[0040] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The glass window unit 1 may include another glass window assembly 3 and a spacer 21, preferably a viscoelastic spacer. The viscoelastic spacer 21 is disposed on the glass window assembly 3. The viscoelastic spacer 21 may include a hole in which a transducer 2 is mounted. Another glass window assembly 3 may be mounted on the viscoelastic spacer 21 and the transducer assembly 2 to form a laminated glass window unit 1 in which the transducer 2 is integrated. (Reference) Figure 10 A hole can be formed in the glass window assembly 3, mounted on the viscoelastic spacer 21 and the transducer 2, and above the transducer 2. This allows for a channel between the free membrane and the outer side of the glass window unit 1. The glass window unit 1 can be used to measure the vibration and / or acceleration of the glass window unit 1. The glass window unit 1 can also be used to facilitate the removal of raindrops or snowflakes deposited on the outer surface of the glass window assembly 3. The transducer 2 can generate vibration for this purpose. Finally, the glass window unit 1 can be used to facilitate the cleaning of one of the outer surfaces of one of the glass window assemblies 3. In fact, the vibration generated by the transducer 2 facilitates this cleaning.

Claims

1. A vehicle window unit (1) suitable for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception, comprising an electromechanical transducer (2) and a window assembly (3), said transducer (2) being fixedly mounted on said window assembly (3), said transducer (2) comprising a moving element (4), Its features are, The glass window unit (1) includes a first cavity (5) formed by at least a first wall (6), the movable element (4) includes an attachment portion (7) and a movable portion (8), the attachment portion (7) is fixedly mounted on the glass window assembly (3), and the movable portion (8) forms a suspended free membrane, the free membrane forming the first wall (6).

2. The glass window unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The transducer (2) includes an attachment element (10) which is fixedly mounted to the glass window assembly (3), and the attachment portion (7) is fixedly mounted to the attachment element (10). The first cavity (5) is also formed by a sidewall (11) which is formed by the attachment element (10).

3. The glass window unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment portion (7) is in direct contact with the glass window assembly (3).

4. The glass window unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first cavity (5) is also formed by a second wall (12), and the glass window assembly (3) forms the second wall (12), which is arranged opposite to the first wall (6) relative to the first cavity (5).

5. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first cavity (5) is a closed cavity.

6. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The attachment element (10) is formed of a first layer (13) and a second layer (14), and the attachment portion (7) is located between the first layer (13) and the second layer (14), wherein the first layer (13) is fixedly mounted on the glass window assembly (3).

7. The glass window unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first layer (13) is made of a material having an elastic modulus E between 100 MPa and 10 GPa.

8. The glass window unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The second layer (14) forms a preferably open second cavity (15), and the free membrane forms the wall of the second cavity (15).

9. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The free membrane has a convex shape.

10. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The active element (4) includes a piezoelectric layer (16) made of a piezoelectric polymer, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride.

11. The glass window unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The active element (4) includes two conductive layers (17), and the piezoelectric layer (16) is disposed between the two conductive layers (17).

12. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The glass window assembly (3) includes an opaque portion (18), which preferably includes an enamel layer, and the transducer (2) is fixedly mounted on the opaque portion (18).

13. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a transducer array (2).

14. The glass window unit according to claim 13, wherein, At least two free membranes of the two transducers (2) have different diameters.

15. The glass window unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, Each transducer (2) includes an attachment element (10) fixedly mounted to the glass window assembly (3), and an attachment portion (7) of each transducer (2) fixedly mounted to the attachment element (10) of each transducer (2). Each first cavity (5) is also formed by a sidewall (11) of each transducer (2), the sidewall (11) being formed by the attachment element (10) of each transducer (2). Each attachment element (10) is formed by the same first layer (13) and the same second layer (14), and each attachment portion (7) is arranged between the first layer (13) and the second layer (14). The first layer (13) forms the sidewall (11) of the first cavity (5) of each transducer (2).

16. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diameter of each free membrane is between 10 micrometers and 10 millimeters.

17. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims forms a vehicle windshield or a vehicle roof.

18. The glass window unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 17, comprising a control unit (19) configured to apply and / or measure a voltage between the two conductive layers (17).

19. A method (100) for manufacturing a glass window unit (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 18, comprising the step of imprinting the movable element (4) by applying a layer to a mold having a recessed portion and then drawing a portion of the layer into the recessed portion to form a raised movable portion (8).

20. A method (200) for vibratory acoustic emission and / or reception implemented by a glass window unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method (200) comprising the step of applying and / or measuring a voltage between the two conductive layers (17).

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