LAMINATED GLAZING AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTION PROCESS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laminated glass pane and methods for its manufacture. Background of the invention

[0002] A wide variety of glass is used in the field of automotive engineering. There is a growing desire to integrate different functions into these glass panes.

[0003] For example, there is an increasing effort to integrate electrical elements, especially sensors such as rain sensors, light sensors, distance sensors, etc., as well as operating elements such as touch switches / proximity switches and display elements, into the glass panes. For instance, a glass panel with an illuminated button and heating function is known from international patent application WO 2015 / 162 107 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, a glass pane with an electrochromic coating and a sensor is known from the international patent application WO 2013 / 053 611 A1.

[0005] Furthermore, an optical humidity sensor for detecting moisture on the outside and / or inside of a glass pane is known from DE 10 2004 054 465 A1. To enable the optical humidity sensor to be positioned even within a wiper-cleaned area of ​​a windshield, a transparent transmitter or receiver is provided.

[0006] However, as the number of such sensors increases, their placement becomes increasingly difficult. This is partly due to the fact that sensors disrupt the optical properties of the glass pane.

[0007] Furthermore, it should be noted that sensors positioned close to each other can interfere with one another. Based on this experience, a sufficiently large distance between them is recommended.

[0008] Nevertheless, there is still a need for the placement of sensors without the previous restrictions. Brief description of the invention

[0009] The problem is solved by a laminated glass pane comprising a first glass layer and a second glass layer connected by a combination film, wherein at least a first electrically conductive structure and a second electrically conductive structure are arranged between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, wherein the first electrically conductive structure and the second electrically conductive structure are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first electrically conductive structure at least partially overlaps the second electrically conductive structure in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the first glass layer, wherein the first electrically conductive structure is associated with a first electrical element, wherein the first electrical element is a capacitive sensor, and wherein the first electrically conductive structure and the second electrically conductive structure are arranged on at least one inlet film.

[0010] The laminated glass pane according to the invention creates a way to escape the previous limitations.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the second electrically conductive structure is associated with a second electrical element, in particular an opto-electronic component, a sensor or a near-field communication circuit or an antenna.

[0012] This means that a variety of different functions can be provided using different elements.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane has a black print at least partially at the location of the first electrically conductive structure.

[0014] This means that at least parts of the electrically conductive structure can be optically hidden.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the combination film contains at least one substance selected from the group comprising polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluorides (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), and / or mixtures and copolymers thereof.

[0016] This means the invention allows for versatile adaptation to different optical and mechanical conditions.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane further comprises an electrical connection to the first electrically conductive structure and / or the second electrically conductive structure, wherein the connection is arranged through one of the glass layers or at the edge of the glass layers.

[0018] Thus, the invention allows for a free design of the sensors and their connections, thereby providing a large number of degrees of freedom for the design.

[0019] According to the invention, the first electrically conductive structure and the second electrically conductive structure are arranged on at least one inlet film.

[0020] This allows the electrically conductive structures to be prefabricated cost-effectively and integrated into the manufacturing process. By arranging them on at least one inlet, both single-sided and double-sided structured inlets can be used.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive structure and the second electrically conductive structure are arranged on at least one inlet film, wherein the at least one inlet film (15, 25) comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

[0022] This allows production to take place within typical material combinations.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive structure and the second electrically conductive structure are arranged on an inlet film, wherein the inlet film has a folded film.

[0024] Single-sided structured inlets can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, with the inlet having both structures on one side. Before insertion, the inlet is folded so that the electrical structures are located on the outside.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive structure is arranged on the first glass layer and the second electrically conductive structure is arranged on the second glass layer. In this case, too, production is cost-effective, since both glass layers can now be produced separately with the respective structure on one side only.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane according to the invention can be used in vehicles or buildings, or as an information display. This means that the range of applications is very broad, allowing the laminated glass pane according to the invention to be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, a method for manufacturing a laminated glass pane is provided. The method comprises a step of obtaining a first glass layer and a second glass layer, and a step of obtaining a first inlet film with a first electrical structure and a second inlet film with a second electrical structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the method includes the step of arranging the first inlet film relative to the first glass layer such that the first electrical structure is closer to the first glass layer. Furthermore, the method includes the step of arranging the second inlet film relative to the second glass layer such that the second electrical structure is closer to the second glass layer. Finally, the method includes the step of arranging the combination film between the first and second glass layers.

[0029] Furthermore, the process includes the step of joining the arranged layers under the influence of heat.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, another method for manufacturing a laminated glass pane is provided. This method comprises a step of obtaining a first glass layer and a second glass layer, and a step of obtaining an inlet film with a first electrical structure and a second electrical structure. The method includes a step of folding the inlet film such that the first electrical structure and the second electrical structure overlap at least partially. In a further step, the inlet film is arranged relative to the first glass layer such that the first electrical structure is closer to the first glass layer and the second electrical structure is closer to the second glass layer. The method further comprises a step of arranging the combination film between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0031] Furthermore, the process includes the step of joining the arranged layers under the influence of heat.

[0032] The presented methods allow for particularly cost-effective and simple production, while at the same time not restricting the design freedom in the placement of the electrical elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the attached drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a laminated glass pane, which is not part of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a laminated glass pane according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a detail of the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of a further detail of the invention, and Fig. 5 a flowchart with steps according to the methods of the invention. Detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figure. It should be noted that different aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. That is, each aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention unless explicitly presented as a pure alternative.

[0035] In the procedures described below, individual steps can be embodied in a single step and, for example, executed in parallel. Furthermore, the sequence of procedure steps can vary, so the presented sequence of steps should not be considered mandatory unless a specific sequence is explicitly described as necessary.

[0036] Furthermore, the methods can also be used in combination.

[0037] In Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention. The laminated glass pane 1 has a first glass layer 10 and a second glass layer 20. At least one first electrically conductive structure 11 and one second electrically conductive structure 21 are arranged between the first glass layer 10 and the second glass layer 20.

[0038] The first electrically conductive structure 11 and the second electrically conductive structure 21 are arranged at a distance from each other, with the first electrically conductive structure 11 at least partially overlapping the second electrically conductive layer in a normal / perpendicular orientation with respect to the first glass layer 10.

[0039] In Figure 1The first electrically conductive structure 11 is arranged either on the first glass layer 10 or on one side of a combination film 40, while the second electrically conductive structure 21 is arranged either on the second glass layer 20 or on the other side of the combination film 40. Of course, two combination films, each with structures on one side, could also be provided, as will be discussed later in connection with Figure 3 This will be explained using the example of an inlet 15. Thus, the two structures are separated from each other at least by the combination foil 40.

[0040] In Figure 2 The first electrically conductive structure 11 and the second electrically conductive structure 21 are spaced apart by the inlet 15.

[0041] The first electrically conductive layer 11 is assigned to a first electrical element.

[0042] The first electrical element is a capacitive sensor, such as a rain sensor or a touch sensor.

[0043] The invention utilizes the understanding that electrical interference occurs primarily at the edges of the respective electrical structures, while shielding effects become more pronounced when the structured areas are at least partially overlapped. Thus, different structures can be arranged in an overlapping manner, with the overlap resulting in advantageous decoupling. This can be used, for example, to improve switching behavior or increase sensitivity. Furthermore, the overlapping arrangement allows for a reduction in optically disturbed areas while simultaneously increasing the overall usable area for both visual and electrical structures.

[0044] The laminated glass pane according to the invention creates a way to escape the previous limitations.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the second electrically conductive layer 21 is associated with a second electrical element, in particular an opto-electronic component, e.g. a light-emitting diode, a sensor or a near-field communication circuit or an antenna.

[0046] This means that a variety of different functions, such as sensors and / or displays, can be provided using different electrical elements.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane 1 has at least partially a black print 50 at the location of the first electrically conductive structure 11.

[0048] This means that at least parts of the electrically conductive structure can be optically hidden.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane 1 further comprises at least one combination film 40, 41, 42 between the first glass layer 10 and the second glass layer 20.

[0050] For example, in the embodiment of the Figure 1 a combination foil 40 and in the embodiment of Figure 2 Two combination films 41 and 42 are shown. The laminated glass panes according to the invention are not limited to one or two combination films; rather, any number of combination films can be incorporated. Each combination film can also have other functionalities, such as anti-reflective coatings, etc.

[0051] The combination films 40, 41, 42 contain at least one substance selected from the group comprising polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluorides (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), and / or mixtures and copolymers thereof.

[0052] This means the invention allows for versatile adaptation to different optical and mechanical conditions.

[0053] Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, an electrical connection to the first electrically conductive layer 11 and / or the second electrically conductive layer 21 is provided, wherein the connection is arranged through one of the glass layers 10, 20 or at the edge of the glass layers 10, 20.

[0054] Thus, the invention allows for a free design of the sensors and their connections, thereby providing a large number of degrees of freedom for the design.

[0055] For example, the first electrical element could be a rain sensor and the second electrical element a touch / proximity sensor or a status indicator.

[0056] In one embodiment, which is more closely related to the Figure 2-4 As will be described, the first electrically conductive structure 11 and the second electrically conductive structure 21 are arranged on at least one inlet 15, 25. The inlet thus forms a further layer.

[0057] The inlet 15, 25 can, for example, be a suitably dimensioned strip that is inserted between the glass layers 10, 20 and – if present – ​​also between two combination films 41, 42. Its spatial extent can be smaller than the spatial extent of the glass layers 10, 20, as, for example, in Figure 2 shown. The provision of suitable electrical structures on an inlet 15 instead of on a combination film 40 allows the production of the electrical structures in large quantities and their flexible insertion.

[0058] The electrically conductive structures can, as in Figure 2 As indicated, they can be arranged on both sides of an inlet 15. However, it is also possible to achieve a comparable arrangement by folding over an inlet 15 – as in Figure 3shown - or by providing two separate inlets, inlet 15 with the first electrically conductive structure 11 and inlet 25 with the second electrically conductive structure 21, which are put together so that the first electrically conductive structure 11 and the second electrically conductive structure 21 face outwards.

[0059] The inlet 15 or the inlets 15, 25, for example, comprise polyethylene terephthalate. Other materials, in particular the materials of the combination film 40, 41, 42, can also be used as a substrate for the first electrically conductive structure 11 or the second electrically conductive structure 21. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the laminated glass pane according to the invention can be used in vehicles or buildings or as an information display. This means that the range of applications is very broad, so that the laminated glass pane according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0060] The following outlines methods for producing the basic functionality of the laminated glass pane 1, as described previously. These methods differ depending on the placement of specific electrical elements. It should be emphasized again, however, that the individual methods do not preclude hybrid forms. Hybrid forms are possible in both vertical and horizontal orientations. For example, hybrid forms may be advantageous if certain functions can be produced more precisely and / or cost-effectively with one method, while other functions can be produced more cost-effectively and / or precisely with a different method. In other words, the person skilled in the art has complete freedom in design, and one method does not exclude another.

[0061] The procedures are shown in a common flowchart according to Figure 5 depicted.

[0062] In a first step 100, which is common to all processes, the first glass layer 10 and the second glass layer 20 are obtained.

[0063] The procedures subsequently differ in the way in which certain functions are arranged.

[0064] In the first case, it is assumed that the first electrical structure 11 is arranged on a first inlet foil 15 and the second electrical structure 21 on a second inlet foil 25, as e.g. in Figure 4 shown.

[0065] First, in step 200, the first inlet foil 15 with the first electrical structure 11 and the second inlet foil 25 with the second electrical structure 21 are obtained. Then, in step 300, the first inlet foil 15 is positioned relative to the first glass layer 10 such that the first electrical structure 11 is closer to the first glass layer 10. In step 400, the second inlet foil 25 is positioned relative to the second glass layer 20 such that the second electrical structure 21 is closer to the second glass layer 20. The positioning in steps 300 and 400 can, for example, involve placement, with the sequence of steps 300 and 400 being determined by the layer sequence. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to combine steps 300 and 400 and, for example, to arrange the two inlets 15 and 25 relative to each other in a first step and optionally pre-connect them, and then to the corresponding glass layer 20 or 25.Place combination foil 41 in the appropriate orientation.

[0066] In the second case, it is assumed that the first electrical structure 11 and the second electrical structure 21 are arranged on an inlet foil 15, as e.g. in Figure 3 shown.

[0067] Then, in step 210, the inlet foil 15 is first obtained with a first electrical structure 11 and a second electrical structure 12. Subsequently, the inlet foil 15 is placed at a suitable location – in Figure 3Indicated by the dashed line, in step 310 the inlet is folded so that the first electrical structure 11 and the second electrical structure 21 overlap at least partially. The folding step 310 can, of course, be performed earlier, resulting in a pre-folded and optionally pre-connected inlet 15 for production. In step 320, the folded inlet film 15 is positioned relative to the first glass layer 10 such that the first electrical structure 11 is closer to the first glass layer 10 and the second electrical structure 21 is closer to the second glass layer 20. It should be noted that the positioning step 320 can also be combined with the folding step 310. The positioning in step 320 can, for example, involve placing the inlet on top of the first layer.In a third case, which is not part of the invention, it is assumed that the first electrical structure 11 is arranged on the first glass layer 10 and the second electrical structure 21 is arranged on the second glass layer 20, as e.g. in . Figure 1 shown.

[0068] Then, in step 150, the first electrical structure 11 is structured on the first glass layer 10 and the second electrical structure 21 on the second glass layer 20. Suitable printing processes, etching processes, mechanical ablation, laser ablation, etc., can be used for this purpose. Step 150 can also be appropriately performed before step 100. In step 350, the first glass layer 10 and the second glass layer 20 are then arranged such that the first electrical structure 11 and the second electrical structure 21 are positioned "inside" each other.

[0069] In a further step 500, which is common to all processes, the arranged layers are joined under the influence of heat.

[0070] In an optional step 450, which is to be placed before step 500 and which can also be part of steps 300, 400, 320, 350, at least one combination film 40; 41, 42 is arranged between the first glass layer 10 and the second glass layer 20.

[0071] The combination foil 40, 41, 42 can serve as a connection, and the combination foil can also have other functions, such as an insulating function (e.g. between the first and the second electrically conductive structure 11 or 21) or carrier functions for other functional layers.

[0072] With the presented laminated glass panes 1 and their manufacturing process, it is particularly possible to provide both a rain sensor and a touch / proximity sensor, whereby the rain sensor is provided by the second electrically conductive structure 21 and measures in the direction of the second glass layer 20, while the touch / proximity sensor is provided by the first electrically conductive structure 11 and measures in the direction of the first glass layer 10. This means that different functions can be implemented in the same location with reduced material usage and, if necessary, shared connections.

[0073] For example, the electrical structures 11, 21 can be provided on suitable inlets 15, 25 and integrated into the manufacturing process if required.

[0074] The space required is reduced by at least partially overlapping the sensors.

[0075] With the presented embodiments, it is possible to position the electrical structures 11 21 for sensors, for example, close to the glass layers 10, 20. Such a placement offers the advantage of improving the asymmetric effect for (capacitive) sensors, such as touch sensors / rain sensors. Furthermore, the respective other electrical structure provides a shielding effect, so that, for example, operation of a touch sensor / proximity sensor is only possible from the respective desired glass layer.

[0076] Without limiting the generality, the electrical structures 11 and 21 can be controlled and evaluated by a common evaluation electronics, which can also be arranged on an inlet 15, 25.

[0077] Furthermore, it is possible to position at least parts of the electrical structures 11, 21 such that they are located under a black print 50. Such a black print is frequently found in the edge area of ​​vehicle windows. By arranging them at least partially under the black print 50, optical interference can be avoided. Obviously, this is not practical for all functions.

[0078] It is also shown that similarly shaped sections of the first electrical structure 11 and the second electrical structure 21 lead to a further reduction of optical disturbances when they are arranged almost superimposed.

[0079] In particular, by suitable (e.g., alternating) control of the first and second electrical structures 11, 21, it can be achieved that, for example, one electrical structure provides a shielding ground potential, while the other electrical structure provides a different potential to be measured. Thus, for example, it is possible to switch between a rain sensor and a touch sensor, which are to measure on different sides of the glass layers 10, 20, whereby high sensitivity is maintained in each case while simultaneously suppressing false measurements (capacitive changes on the side not being measured).

[0080] Without limiting the generality, the electrical structures 11, 21 can also be used for other functions, such as (mobile communication, broadcasting, GPS) antennas, lighting, heating, whereby spatial combinations of switching and display elements can also be advantageously combined. Reference symbol list

[0081] 1 Laminated glass pane 10 First glass layer 11 First electrically conductive structure 15, 25 Inlet 20 Second glass layer 21 Second electrically conductive structure 40, 41, 42 Combination film 50 Black print Process steps 100 Obtaining a first glass layer and a second glass layer 200 Obtaining a first inlet film and a second inlet film 300 Arranging the first inlet film 400 Arranging the second inlet film 500 Joining the arranged layers 210 Obtaining an inlet film 310 Folding the inlet film 320 Arranging the inlet film 150 Structuring a first electrical structure and a second electrical structure 300 Arranging the first glass layer and the second glass layer 450 Arranging at least one combination film

Claims

1. Laminated glass pane (1) having a first glass layer (10) and a second glass layer (20) bonded by a combination film (41, 42), wherein at least one first electrically conducting structure (11) and a second electrically conducting structure (21) are arranged between the first glass layer (10) and the second glass layer (20), wherein the first electrically conducting structure (11) and the second electrically conducting structure (21) are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein the first electrically conducting structure (11) at least partially overlaps the second electrically conducting structure (21) in a perpendicular orientation relative to the first glass layer (10), wherein the first electrically conducting structure (11) is associated with a first electrical element, wherein the first electrical element is a capacitive sensor, wherein the first electrically conducting structure (11) and the second electrically conducting structure (21) are arranged on at least one inlet film (15, 25).

2. Laminated glass pane according to claim 1, characterized in that the second electrically conducting strucuture is associated with a second electrical element, in particular an optoelectronic component, a sensor, or a near-field communication circuit or an antenna.

3. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated glass pane has a black print (50) at least partially at the location of the first electrically conducting structure (11).

4. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination film contains at least one material selected from the group comprising polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluorides (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), and / or mixtures and copolymers thereof.

5. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated glass pane (1) further has an electrical connection to the first electrically conducting structure (11) and / or the second electrically conducting structure (21), wherein the connection is arranged through one of the glass layers (10, 20) or at the edge of the glass layers (10, 20).

6. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the at least one inlet film (15, 25) has polyethylene terephthalate.

7. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the inlet film (15) has a folded film.

8. Laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the first electrically conducting structure (11) is arranged on the first glass layer (10) and the second electrically conducting structure (21) is arranged on the second glass layer (20).

9. Use of a laminated glass pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 8 in vehicles or buildings or in an information display.

10. Method for producing a laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 through 6, comprising the steps: - obtaining (100) a first glass layer (10) and a second glass layer (20), - obtaining (200) a first inlet film (15) having a first electrical structure (11) and a second inlet film (25) having a second electrical structure (21), - aranging (300) the first inlet film (15) relative to the first glass layer (10) such that the first electrical structure (11) is closer to the first glass layer (10), - arranging (400) the second inlet film (25) relative to the second glass layer (20) such that the second electrical structure (21) is closer to the second glass layer (20), - arranging (450) the combination foil (41, 42) between the first glass layer (10) and the second glass layer (20), - bonding (500) the arranged layers under the influence of heat.

11. Method for producing a laminated glass pane (1) according to claim 7, comprising the steps: - obtaining (100) a first glass layer (10) and a second glass layer (20), - obtaining (210) an inlet film (15) having a first electrical structure (11) and a second electrical structure (21), - folding (310) the inlet film (15) such that the first electrical structure (11) and the second electrical structure (21) at least partially overlap one another, - arranging (320) the inlet film (15) relative to the first glass layer (10) such that the first electrical structure (11) is closer to the first glass layer (10) and the second electrical structure (21) is closer to the second glass layer (20), - arranging (450) the combination film (41, 42) between the first glass layer (10) and the second glass layer (20), - bonding (500) the arranged layers under the influence of heat.