antenna disc

Abstract

The invention relates to a windscreen antenna (1), which comprises at least one electrically insulating substrate (2, 2'), at least one electrically conductive functional layer (4) on a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2') and at least one antenna structure (100, 100'), wherein the antenna structure (100) comprises: - an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is galvanically separated from the functional layer (4), wherein a high-frequency technical resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) for high-frequency antenna signals equals at least 10 Ohm, the antenna layer (9, 9') having a first connection region (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) having a second connection region (14, 14'), - an insulation line (12, 12', 12''), by means of which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2''), the two functional layer zones (4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.2'') being galvanically separated from each other but coupled with respect to high-frequency technology such that a high-frequency technology resistance for high-frequency antenna signals equals less than 1 Ohm, the second connection region (14, 14') being contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2'').

Description

[0001] antenna disc

[0002] The invention lies in the technical field of disc manufacturing and relates to an antenna disc with one or more integrated surface antennas, an antenna disc arrangement, a method for manufacturing the antenna disc, and its use.

[0003] Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of technical devices for transmitting and receiving high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, primarily to enable basic services such as radio and television reception, mobile telephony, GPS navigation, and wireless internet (Wi-Fi). In mobile telephony, the introduction of the 5G standard is planned, which will offer significantly higher data rates and capacities compared to the previous 4G standard. 5G is expected to use the frequency range of 0.6 to 6 GHz. This presents new challenges for vehicle manufacturers, as 5G also envisages the use of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which utilizes multiple transmitting and receiving antennas for data transmission.

[0004] Vehicle glazing in modern vehicles increasingly features full-surface, electrically conductive layers that are transparent to visible light. These electrically conductive layers serve, for example, to protect vehicle interiors from overheating caused by sunlight by reflecting incoming heat radiation, as is known, for instance, from EP 378917 A. On the other hand, electrically conductive layers can also be used to selectively heat the glass by applying an electrical voltage, in order to remove ice or condensation, as is known, for example, from WO 2010 / 043598 A1.

[0005] Electrically conductive layers are opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the high-frequency range. If the glazing of a vehicle is completely and entirely covered with electrically conductive layers, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic radiation within the vehicle's interior is no longer possible. For the operation of sensors located inside the vehicle, such as rain sensors, camera systems, or fixed antennas, localized areas of the electrically conductive layer are typically removed. These removed areas, which form so-called communication or data transmission windows, are known, for example, from EP 1605729 A2.

[0006] Because transparent, electrically conductive layers affect the color and reflective properties of a pane of glass, uncoated communication windows are visually very conspicuous. Furthermore, areas without coatings can cause optical distortions, so positioning them within the driver's field of vision should be avoided if driving safety is not to be compromised. For this reason, communication windows are placed in inconspicuous positions on the pane, for example, in the area of ​​the rearview mirror of a windshield, and covered with black printing and plastic covers.

[0007] The formation of a grid pattern in the communication window area is also known. From EP 0 717 459 A1, US 2003 / 0080909 A1 and DE 198 17 712 C1, disks with a metallic layer are known that exhibit a grid-like delamination of the metallic layer, acting as a low-pass filter for incident high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. From WO 2014060203 A1, a disk with a metallic layer is known whose grid-like delamination is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

[0008] Depending on the application, such communication windows may be too small to allow the transmission and reception of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, as required, for example, for mobile telephony and satellite-based navigation. This is especially true if the necessary antenna is located far from the window and only a small amount of signal intensity can reach the antenna's reception range through a small communication window, or conversely, only a small amount of signal intensity can be transmitted through the communication window. Nevertheless, users expect to be able to operate mobile phones from any position inside a vehicle.

[0009] The use of external antennas for high-frequency electromagnetic radiation attached to the vehicle body is known, for example, from US 20140176374 A1. However, such antennas detract from the vehicle's aesthetic appearance, can cause wind noise, and are susceptible to damage and vandalism. To avoid external antennas, it is known, for example, from DE 10106125 A1, DE 10319606 A1, EP 0720249 A2, US 2003 / 01 12190 A1, and DE 19843338 C2, to use the transparent, electrically conductive layer itself as a planar antenna. For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to a coupling electrode, and the antenna signal is made available at the edge of the pane.The antenna signal coupled from the flat-panel antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier, which in motor vehicles is connected to the metallic body of the vehicle. This establishes a high-frequency reference potential for the antenna signal. The usable antenna voltage is the difference between the reference potential of the vehicle body and the potential of the antenna signal.

[0010] EP 3 300 167 A1 discloses a disk with a unipolar monopole antenna. The wire-shaped monopole antenna has a first connection area that serves as the first electrode. An electrically conductive coating of the disk has a second connection area that serves as the second electrode.

[0011] EP 3 249 743 A1 discloses a disk with an electrically conductive coating into which a slotted antenna is incorporated. A region of the coating provides a reference potential.

[0012] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved disc (hereinafter referred to as "antenna disc" for ease of reference) with one or more integrated planar antennas that enables good reception of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the frequency range of mobile telephony according to the 5G standard, and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0013] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by an antenna disk as defined in the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the invention, an antenna disc is shown, which preferably serves to separate an interior space from an external environment. Preferably, the antenna disc is a vehicle window of a motor vehicle, for example a windshield (vehicle antenna disc).

[0015] The antenna disk comprises at least one electrically insulating substrate and at least one electrically conductive, preferably transparent, layer on the substrate, hereinafter referred to as the "functional layer" for ease of reference. The functional layer is, for example, applied directly to the substrate. However, it is also possible that one or more further layers made of materials different from the substrate and the functional layer are located between the surface of the substrate and the functional layer. The functional layer is typically completely surrounded by a layer-free edge delamination zone of the antenna disk, the edge delamination zone being directly adjacent to the functional layer. The antenna disk comprises at least one antenna structure, in particular a plurality of antenna structures. The antenna structure is described below:

[0016] Each antenna structure comprises an electrically conductive layer with antenna function, hereinafter referred to as the "antenna layer" for ease of reference, which serves to receive and / or transmit high-frequency antenna signals. For the purposes of the present invention, high-frequency antenna signals are to be in the frequency range from 600 MHz to 6 GHz, i.e., in the frequency range intended for the 5G mobile communications standard. The antenna layer is preferably transparent to visible light. In accordance with the common understanding of the term "layer," the antenna layer is an area-extended structure, wherein a minimum dimension in the area exceeds the layer thickness by a factor of several times, e.g., by a factor of 100 or 1000. In particular, the antenna layer serves as a planar antenna and is not linear in form; i.e., the antenna layer is specifically not a wire antenna or a slotted antenna.

[0017] The at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, with a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer of at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 30 ohms, and more preferably at least 50 ohms, for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. This high-frequency resistance is the electrical resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. Thus, the electrical resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is high for high-frequency antenna signals, and the antenna layer is strongly decoupled from the functional layer at high frequencies.

[0018] The antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure has a first connection area or signal conductor connection area, which serves as the first (coupling) electrode for coupling in and / or out high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. The functional layer has at least a second connection area or ground conductor connection area, which serves as the second (coupling) electrode for providing a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0019] For electrical connection to receiving and / or transmitting electronics, the first connection area can be electrically coupled to a signal line, e.g., galvanically or capacitively. Additionally, the second connection area can be electrically coupled to a ground line, e.g., galvanically or capacitively.

[0020] The functional layer, which is galvanically isolated from the antenna layer and exhibits a high electrical resistance to the antenna layer for high-frequency antenna signals, provides a high-frequency effective reference potential for the antenna signals. The usable antenna voltage results from the difference between the reference potential of the functional layer and the potential of the antenna signals.

[0021] The functional layer can thus advantageously function as an electrical ground if it is galvanically isolated from the antenna layer and decoupled at high frequencies. In this way, a reference potential for the antenna signals received by the antenna layer can be provided easily and independently of the antenna disk's environment. For example, it is not necessary to provide a reference potential via the metallic vehicle body, which simplifies the installation of the antenna disk and allows the integrated area antenna to function independently of the vehicle. When used in buildings, providing a reference potential can sometimes be more complex, which can be advantageously avoided according to the invention.The antenna disk according to the invention thus advantageously enables the integration of both the antenna layer acting as a planar antenna and the electrical ground providing the reference potential into the antenna disk. In particular, the transmission of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation through a communication window can also be avoided. Furthermore, several antenna layers, each serving as a planar antenna, can be easily implemented in the same antenna disk. This enables, in particular, the reception and / or transmission of mobile communication signals according to the new 5G standard. The antenna layer of the antenna disk according to the invention, which serves as a planar antenna, can also be used to transmit antenna signals. The planar antenna of the antenna disk is preferably designed in the form of a monopole antenna.In this case, the antenna layer and the functional layer are designed accordingly for the function of the antenna layer as a monopole antenna.

[0022] The antenna structure of each antenna structure further comprises an isolation line through which the functional layer is electrically divided into two functional layer zones. These zones are galvanically separated from each other but coupled at high frequencies such that the high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm. Crucially, the second connection area (ground conductor connection area) is contained in (only) one of the two functional layer zones. For the sake of simplicity, the functional layer zone containing the second connection area is referred to as the second functional layer zone, and the other functional layer zone as the first functional layer zone.

[0023] To achieve a high-frequency resistance of less than 1 ohm for high-frequency antenna signals, the isolation line advantageously has a width of less than 150 µm. The two functional layer zones are then connected to each other with a low-impedance connection. The isolation line thus creates a functional layer zone containing the ground connection area (i.e., the second functional layer zone), which is galvanically isolated from the rest of the functional layer (i.e., the first functional layer zone). This prevents a current conducted in the functional layer (e.g., the leakage current of the functional layer) from being introduced into the functional layer zone containing the ground connection area. Simultaneously, high-frequency antenna signals can pass through the isolation line.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, the antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within a recess of the functional zone, at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate.

[0025] In the embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention described above, it is advantageous if the antenna layer and the functional layer of the at least one antenna structure are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate. The antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure is then located at least partially, and in particular completely, within a recess of the functional zone, i.e., not only in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate, but also with respect to the layer plane of the functional layer. In this case, the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated by an electrically insulating area (hereinafter referred to as the "insulation zone"), which for this purpose is partially or completely free of electrically conductive material, in particular material of the functional layer.The spatial distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer, determined by the isolation zone, is selected such that a resistance of at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 50 ohms, is provided for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. Preferably, for this purpose, the minimum distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is at least 0.5 mm, and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The isolation zone can be created, in particular, by removing the functional layer. The antenna layer, the functional layer, and the isolation zone are arranged directly adjacent to each other. Preferably, the recess is created by completely removing the functional layer.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, the antenna layer and the functional layer of the at least one antenna structure are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate, in particular on different surfaces of several substrates. In this configuration, the antenna layer is preferably arranged closer to the interior of the antenna disk than the functional layer when the disk is installed. Crucially, the at least one antenna layer, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate (i.e., in orthogonal projection onto the substrate), is located at least partially within a recess formed in the functional layer, which is partially or completely free of the functional layer, so that the recess is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which can be received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer.In this embodiment, the recess does not need to be completely free of the conductive layer; rather, it is only necessary to ensure the transmission of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, the recess or pass-through area is either completely stripped of its layer or provided with a grid made of the same material as the functional layer, which is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation that can be received by the antenna layer. Such a grid is described in the aforementioned WO 2014060203 A1, to which reference is made in full, particularly with regard to the design of the grid transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. The pass-through area is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation by at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, in which the antenna layer is arranged at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate within a recess of the functional zone, the at least one antenna structure comprises an insulating line that completely surrounds a recess edge (formed by the functional layer) that delimits the recess. In this case, the second functional layer zone, which contains the second connection area, completely surrounds the recess. This applies both when the recess is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and when the recess is arranged completely within the functional layer.It is understood that a marginal recess is defined only by the recess edge formed by the functional layer, so that the second functional layer zone can only surround the recess edge, but not the "open" edge of the recess where there is no material of the functional layer.

[0028] In the immediately preceding embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, it is advantageous if the isolation line, which extends from a first isolation line endpoint to a second isolation line endpoint, is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint, in particular both isolation line endpoints, lie on a functional layer edge of the functional layer that does not form part of the recess.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, in which the antenna layer is arranged within a recess of the functional zone, at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate, the at least one antenna structure comprises an insulating line that does not completely surround the recess edge (formed by the functional layer) that delimits the recess. In this case, the second functional layer zone containing the second connection area does not completely surround the recess. This applies both when the recess is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and when the recess is arranged completely within the functional layer.

[0030] In the immediately preceding embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, it is advantageous if the isolation line, which extends from a first isolation line endpoint to a second isolation line endpoint, is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint, in particular both isolation line endpoints, lie on the recess edge.

[0031] For example, a recess in the functional layer is arranged completely inside the functional layer. In this case, the antenna layer is completely surrounded by the functional layer, with the insulating zone located between the antenna layer and the functional layer, provided that the antenna layer and the functional layer are located on the same surface of the at least one substrate.

[0032] Alternatively, a recess in the functional layer is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and is formed by a depression or indentation of the edge of the functional layer. In this case, the antenna layer is partially surrounded by the functional layer, with only a section of the antenna layer adjacent to the disk edge not surrounded by the functional layer ("open edge of the recess"). In this case as well, the insulation zone is located between the antenna layer and the functional layer if the antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, with the antenna layer, the functional layer, and the insulation zone being directly adjacent to each other. The recess is bounded by a recess edge formed by the functional layer.The edge of the antenna layer located at the disk edge is preferably aligned with an edge of the functional layer (but separated from it by the insulation zone). Preferably, the edge of the antenna layer adjacent to the disk edge borders directly on the layer-free edge delamination zone of the antenna disk.

[0033] If the antenna layer is arranged within a layer-free recess of the functional layer and the antenna layer is formed from the material of the functional layer, the term "recess" of the functional layer is to be understood as meaning that the antenna layer is not part of the functional layer.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, the antenna layer of each antenna structure advantageously consists of the same material as the functional layer and is formed from the functional layer, wherein the insulating zone located between the functional layer and the antenna layer is produced by partially or completely removing the functional layer. This measure allows the antenna layer to be produced from the functional layer itself in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0035] However, it is also possible that the antenna layer consists of a material different from the functional layer and is, for example, in the form of a metal foil applied to the substrate, such as a copper, silver, gold, or aluminum foil. The electrically conductive foil advantageously has a thickness of 50 g / m to 1000 g / m and preferably of 100 pm to 600 pm. The electrically conductive foil advantageously has a conductivity of 1 * 10 6 S / m up to 10 * 10 7 S / m and preferably 3.5 * 10 7 S / m up to 6.5 * 10 7S / m. It is also conceivable to use a carrier film or disc coated with a metal, for example, copper, silver, gold, or aluminum. The carrier film or disc preferably contains or consists of a polymer, in particular polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof. Such films are preferably bonded to the substrate, for example, by means of a thin adhesive film or double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the antenna layer consists of a printed and baked-on electrically conductive paste, preferably a silver-containing screen-printing paste. An advantageous printed antenna layer has a thickness of 3 g / m to 20 g / m and / or a sheet resistance of 0.001 ohms / square to 0.03 ohms / square, preferably 0.002 ohms / square to 0.018 ohms / square.Such antenna layers are easy to integrate into the industrial manufacturing process and can be produced cost-effectively.

[0036] Each antenna structure comprises an antenna layer, a first termination area, a second termination area, and an isolation line. If the antenna layer is at least partially, and in particular completely, arranged within a recess, and if the antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the substrate, the antenna structure also comprises an isolation zone.

[0037] The functional layer is arranged on a surface of the substrate and partially covers, preferably over a large area, of the substrate's surface. The term "large area" means that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or preferably at least 90% of the substrate's surface is covered (e.g., coated) by the functional layer. In particular, the functional layer can extend over the entire surface of the substrate, with the exception of one or more layer-free areas that galvanically isolate the antenna layer(s) from the functional layer or form a passband. However, the functional layer can also extend over smaller portions of the substrate's surface, for example, less than 50%, less than 30%, or less than 20%, which may be desirable, for instance, if only a small area of ​​the antenna disk is to be electrically heated by the functional layer.According to the invention, a large-area covering of the substrate with the functional layer is preferred.

[0038] The at least one substrate contains or preferably consists of glass, particularly preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and / or mixtures thereof. Suitable glasses are known, for example, from EP 0 847 965 B1.

[0039] The thickness of the at least one substrate can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. Preferably, substrates with standard thicknesses of 1.0 mm to 25 mm and preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.1 mm are used. The size of the substrate can vary widely and depends on the application.

[0040] The substrate can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the three-dimensional shape has no shadowed areas, so that it can be coated, for example, by cathode atomization. Preferably, the substrate is planar or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions in space. The substrate can be colorless or colored.

[0041] The antenna disk is designed, for example, as a single disk or a composite disk. The composite disk typically comprises two preferably transparent substrates, corresponding to an inner and outer disk, which are firmly bonded together by at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer, wherein the at least one functional layer is located on at least one surface of at least one of the two substrates of the composite disk. Preferably, the at least one functional layer is located on an inner surface of the composite disk to protect it from external influences.

[0042] The thermoplastic interlayer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic interlayer can also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The thermoplastic interlayer can be formed by one or more thermoplastic films arranged one above the other, the thickness of each thermoplastic film preferably being from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0043] The antenna disc, for example, has a circumferential edge region with a width of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, which is not provided with the functional layer. The functional layer advantageously has no contact with the atmosphere and is, for example, protected from damage and corrosion within a composite disc by the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0044] The functional layer is preferably transparent to visible light. Preferably, the substrate and the antenna disc are also transparent to visible light. For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the overall transmission of the antenna disc complies with the legal requirements for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a transmittance of more than 70%, and particularly more than 75%, for visible light. For rear side windows and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmission. In an advantageous embodiment, the functional layer is a single layer or a layered structure consisting of several single layers with a total thickness of less than or equal to 2 g / m, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 g / m. Preferably, the antenna disc has a transparency of more than 85% for visible light.

[0045] In principle, the functional layer can be any electrically conductive layer that fulfills a specific, predefined function for the antenna disk.

[0046] For example, the functional layer is a layer with solar shading properties. Such a layer exhibits reflective properties in the infrared range and thus in the range of solar radiation, thereby advantageously reducing the heating of the interior of a building or motor vehicle due to solar radiation. Layers with solar shading properties are well known to those skilled in the art and typically contain at least one metal, in particular silver or a silver-containing alloy. The layer with solar shading properties can comprise a sequence of several individual layers, in particular at least one metallic layer and dielectric layers, which, for example, contain at least one metal oxide. The metal oxide preferably contains zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like, as well as combinations of one or more of these.The dielectric material contains, for example, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, or aluminum nitride. Layers with sun protection properties are known, for example, from DE 10 2009 006 062 A1, WO 2007 / 101964 A1, EP 0 912 455 B1, DE 199 27 683 C1, EP 1 218 307 B1, and EP 1 917 222 B1.

[0047] The thickness of a sun-protective layer can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case, with a layer thickness of 10 nm to 5 pm and, in particular, 30 nm to 1 pm being preferred. The surface resistance of a sun-protective layer is preferably from 0.35 ohms / square to 200 ohms / square, more preferably from 0.5 ohms / square to 200 ohms / square, most preferably from 0.6 ohms / square to 30 ohms / square, and especially from 2 ohms / square to 20 ohms / square. The sun-protective layer exhibits, for example, good infrared-reflecting properties and / or particularly low emissivity (low-E). The functional layer can, for example, also be an electrically heated layer, which provides the antenna disk with a heating function. Such heated layers are known to those skilled in the art. They typically contain one or more, for example two, three or four, electrically conductive layers.These layers preferably contain or consist of at least one metal, for example silver, gold, copper, nickel, and / or chromium, or a metal alloy, and preferably contain at least 90 wt.% of the metal, particularly at least 99.9 wt.% of the metal. Such layers exhibit particularly advantageous electrical conductivity combined with high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of a single layer is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 8 nm to 25 nm. At such a thickness, advantageously high transmission in the visible spectral range and particularly advantageous electrical conductivity are achieved.

[0048] Typically, at least one dielectric layer is arranged between each pair of adjacent electrically conductive layers of the electrically heated functional layer. Preferably, an additional dielectric layer is arranged below the first and / or above the last electrically conductive layer. A dielectric layer contains at least one layer of a dielectric material, for example, a nitride such as silicon nitride or an oxide such as aluminum oxide. Dielectric layers can also comprise several layers, such as single layers of a dielectric material, smoothing layers, matching layers, blocking layers, and / or antireflection layers. The thickness of a dielectric layer ranges, for example, from 10 nm to 200 nm.

[0049] The electrically heated functional layer is electrically connected to at least two busbars through which a heating current can be supplied to the functional layer. The busbars are preferably arranged in the edge region of the electrically conductive layer along a side edge. The length of the busbar is typically essentially equal to the length of the side edge of the electrically conductive layer, but can also be slightly greater or lesser. Preferably, two busbars are arranged on the electrically conductive layer, in the edge region along two opposite side edges of the electrically conductive layer. The width of the busbar is preferably from 2 mm to 30 mm, and particularly preferably from 4 mm to 20 mm.The conductors are typically formed in the form of a strip, with the longer dimension being referred to as the length and the shorter dimension as the width. The conductors are formed, for example, as a printed and fired-on conductive structure. The printed conductor contains at least one metal, preferably silver. The electrical conductivity is preferably achieved via metal particles contained in the conductor, particularly preferably via silver particles. The metal particles can be embedded in an organic and / or inorganic matrix such as pastes or inks, preferably as a fired screen-printing paste with glass frits. The layer thickness of the printed conductor is preferably from 5 g / m to 40 g / m, particularly preferably from 8 pm to 20 pm, and most preferably from 10 pm to 15 pm.Printed busbars of these thicknesses are technically easy to produce and exhibit advantageous current-carrying capacity. Alternatively, the busbar can also be formed as a strip of electrically conductive foil. The busbar then contains, for example, at least aluminum, copper, tin-plated copper, gold, silver, zinc, tungsten, and / or tin, or alloys thereof. The strip preferably has a thickness of 10 pm to 500 pm, particularly preferably 30 pm to 300 pm. Busbars made of electrically conductive foils of these thicknesses are technically easy to produce and exhibit advantageous current-carrying capacity. The strip can be electrically connected to the conductive structure, for example, via a solder compound, an electrically conductive adhesive, or by direct application.

[0050] The electrically conductive layer can also be a surface electrode, for example, the surface electrode of a composite disk with electrically switchable or controllable optical properties. Such composite disks contain electrically switchable or controllable functional elements, for example, SPD (suspended particle device), PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), electrochromic, or electroluminescent functional elements, and are known per se to those skilled in the art. The surface electrodes contain at least one metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), for example, silver, molybdenum, indium tin oxide (ITO), or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, and have layer thicknesses of, for example, 200 nm to 2 pm. The electrically conductive layer can also be a polymeric electrically conductive layer, for example, containing at least one conjugated polymer or a polymer provided with conductive particles.

[0051] The functional layer or a carrier film containing the functional layer can be arranged on the surface of a single disc (substrate). In the case of a laminated disc consisting of two discs (substrates), a preferably transparent functional layer is located on an inner surface of one and / or the other disc. In the case of a laminated disc consisting of more than two discs, several preferably transparent functional layers can also be located on several inner surfaces of the discs. Alternatively, the functional coating can be embedded between two thermoplastic interlayers. The functional layer is then preferably applied to a carrier film or carrier disc. The carrier film or carrier disc preferably contains a polymer, in particular polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof.

[0052] If the antenna disk is designed as a composite disk, it is preferred that the signal line and the ground line are designed as flat conductors. The flat conductor is preferably designed as a strip conductor, and in particular as a coplanar strip conductor, whose signal line is electrically coupled to the antenna layer and whose shield (ground line) is electrically coupled to the functional layer. "Electrically coupled" here preferably means galvanically connected. Alternatively, the signal line can be capacitively coupled to the antenna layer and the ground line can be capacitively coupled to the functional layer. The signal line and the ground line can also be designed as separate flat conductors.

[0053] The strip conductor is preferably designed as a foil conductor, in particular a flexible foil conductor (flat ribbon conductor). A foil conductor is understood to be an electrical conductor whose width is significantly greater than its thickness. Such a foil conductor is, for example, a strip or ribbon containing or consisting of copper, tinned copper, aluminum, silver, gold, or alloys thereof. The foil conductor has, for example, a width of 2 mm to 16 mm and a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm. The foil conductor can have an insulating, preferably polymeric, sheathing, for example, based on polyimide. Foil conductors suitable according to the invention have a total thickness of only, for example, 0.3 mm. Such thin foil conductors can be arranged between the disks without difficulty. Several electrically insulated, conductive layers can be located in a foil conductor strip.

[0054] The electrical connection between the antenna layer and the signal line, or between the ground line and the functional layer, is made, for example, via electrically conductive adhesives or a solder joint, both of which provide a secure and permanent electrical connection. Alternatively, the electrical connection can be made by clamps, whereby the clamping is achieved, for example, by connecting one end of the signal line of the strip conductor to the antenna layer via a crimp contact and connecting one end of the ground line of the same or another strip conductor to the functional layer. According to one embodiment of the antenna disk, it has a plurality of antenna structures as described above. If all antenna layers are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, the antenna layers are each surrounded by an insulating zone, i.e.,The antenna layers are galvanically isolated from one another, with a high-frequency resistance between the individual antenna layers of at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 50 ohms. The antenna layers are thus highly decoupled at high frequencies and can act as individual planar antennas. The antenna layers are preferably arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, in a separate recess of the functional layer and each has an isolation line. Two or more antenna layers, in particular all antenna layers, can also be arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, in a common recess. The antenna layers can also be arranged on different surfaces of one or more substrates. In this case, the antenna layers, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate, are each at least partially within the same recess.Arranged in one or more passbands. Multiple planar antennas could be advantageously used for MIMO technology.

[0055] Advantageously, the antenna layer of each antenna structure is formed at the edge of the antenna disk. The maximum distance to the outer edge of the antenna disk is preferably less than 20 cm, and particularly preferably less than 10 cm. This allows the antenna layer and its leads to be concealed under an optically inconspicuous black print or covered with a protective covering.

[0056] The invention further extends to an antenna disk arrangement comprising an antenna disk as described above, and receiving or transmitting electronics, which are electrically connected to the first connection area of ​​the at least one antenna structure by a signal line and to the second connection area by a ground line. Preferably, the signal line and the ground line are each designed in the form of a flat conductor, which in particular enables simple and reliable contact between the antenna layer and the functional layer in a composite disk.

[0057] The invention further extends to a method for producing an antenna disk according to the invention. The method comprises a step in which at least one substrate is provided. The method comprises a further step in which an electrically conductive functional layer is applied to a surface of the substrate. The method comprises a further step in which an antenna structure is formed. This antenna structure comprises an electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohms, and wherein the antenna layer has a first connection area and the functional layer has a second connection area.The antenna structure further includes an isolation line by which the functional layer is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone and a second functional layer zone, wherein the two functional layer zones are galvanically separated from each other, but are coupled in a high-frequency manner such that a high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, with the second connection area being contained in the second functional layer zone.

[0058] The functional layer can be applied using methods known per se, preferably by magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering. This is particularly advantageous with regard to a simple, fast, cost-effective, and uniform coating of the substrate. However, the functional layer can also be applied, for example, by evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), or by wet chemical processes.

[0059] Preferably, the insulation zone and the recess described in connection with the antenna disk are produced by partially or completely removing the functional layer. Advantageously, the antenna layer is produced from the functional layer. The removal is carried out, for example, by a laser beam. A line with a width wider than the width of a laser beam cone can be removed by repeatedly scanning the line with the laser beam. Alternatively, the removal can be carried out by mechanical ablation or by chemical or physical etching.

[0060] To produce a laminated glass pane, at least two panes (substrates) are bonded together (laminated) by at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer, preferably under the influence of pressure, vacuum, and / or pressure. Methods known per se can be used to produce a laminated glass pane. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 to 145 °C for about two hours. Vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes, also known per se, operate, for example, at approximately 200 mbar and 130 to 145 °C. The two panes and the thermoplastic interlayer can also be pressed together in a calender between at least one pair of rollers to form a laminated glass pane. Plants of this type are known for the production of laminated glass panes and usually have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a pressing unit.The temperature during the pressing process ranges, for example, from 40°C to 150°C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly effective in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heated and evacuated chambers in which the first and second sheets can be laminated within approximately 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80°C to 170°C.

[0061] Flat conductors for contacting the antenna layer and functional layer can be easily laminated between the substrates, with the flat conductors being led out of the composite between the disks.

[0062] In principle, the antenna disc can be intended for any use, for example as glazing in buildings, especially in the access area, window area, roof area or facade area, as a built-in component in furniture and equipment, in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, especially in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as a windshield, rear window, side window and / or roof window.

[0063] According to the invention, the use of the antenna disc in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water is preferred, in particular in motor vehicles for example as a windshield, rear window, side windows and / or roof window.

[0064] The use of an antenna disc according to the invention as a windshield is particularly advantageous. For example, mobile phone base stations are mounted along highways or expressways. The high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can then pass through the windshield into the vehicle's interior from the front, in the direction of travel. In cities, mobile phone base stations are usually mounted on roofs or in elevated positions and radiate downwards. Satellite navigation signals also radiate downwards onto a vehicle. Since windshields have a steeply inclined installation position to improve aerodynamics, mobile phone signals or satellite navigation signals can also enter the vehicle's interior from above, passing through the windshield. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description:

[0065] The invention relates to an antenna disc comprising:

[0066] at least one electrically insulating substrate,

[0067] at least one electrically conductive functional layer on a surface of the substrate,

[0068] at least one electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is at least 10 ohms, and wherein the antenna layer is electrically coupled to a signal line for coupling out antenna signals received by the antenna layer and the functional layer is electrically coupled to a ground line for providing a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk, the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, wherein the at least one antenna layer is galvanically separated by an electrically insulating insulating zone. According to a further embodiment, the shortest distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is at least 0.5 mm and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.According to a further embodiment, the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate, in particular on different surfaces of several substrates, wherein the antenna layer is arranged closer to the interior than the functional layer, and wherein the at least one antenna layer, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate, is located at least partially within a pass-through region formed in the functional layer, in which the functional layer is partially or completely absent, so that the pass-through region is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. According to a further embodiment, the antenna layer consists of the same material as the functional layer. According to a further embodiment, the antenna layer consists of a material different from the functional layer.According to a further embodiment, the at least one antenna layer is arranged within a recess, in particular a marginal recess, of the functional layer. According to a further embodiment, the functional layer has an insulating line surrounding the at least one antenna layer, thereby dividing the functional layer into two functional layer zones adjacent to the insulating line. These zones are galvanically isolated from each other but are coupled at high frequencies such that the high-frequency resistance for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is less than 1 ohm. According to a further embodiment, the insulating line has a width of less than 150 pm. According to a further embodiment, the antenna disk has a plurality of antenna layers.According to a further embodiment, the antenna disk has at least two substrates that are firmly bonded together by a thermoplastic intermediate layer, with the functional layer being applied to an inner surface of at least one of the two substrates. According to a further embodiment, the signal line and the ground line are each designed in the form of a flat conductor.

[0070] The invention further relates to an antenna disk arrangement comprising an antenna disk as described immediately above. The antenna disk arrangement further comprises receiving or transmitting electronics, which are electrically connected to the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer by means of the signal line electrically coupled to the antenna layer and the ground line electrically coupled to the functional layer.

[0071] The invention further relates to a method for producing an antenna disk as described above, which comprises: applying an electrically conductive functional layer to a surface of a substrate; forming at least one electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, such that the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is at least 10 ohms; electrically conductive coupling of the antenna layer with a signal line for coupling out antenna signals received by the antenna layer and electrically conductive coupling of the functional layer with a ground line that provides a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0072] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, in simplified, not to-scale representations:

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a top view of an enlarged section of the antenna disk from Fig. 1, showing a corner section of the antenna disk.

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, wherein only a corner section of the antenna disk is shown.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Antenna disc designed in the form of a composite disc,

[0078] Fig. 5 is a flowchart to illustrate the method according to the invention.

[0079] Let us first consider Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the antenna disk 1 according to the invention in a highly simplified, schematic representation. Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the antenna disk 1 from Figure 1 in the upper right corner area.

[0080] The antenna disc 1 comprises a substrate 2, which in this case is glass (not shown in detail in Figure 2), on whose surface 3 a transparent, electrically conductive coating in the form of a functional layer 4 is applied. The antenna disc 1 can comprise only a single substrate 2. However, it is also possible for the substrate 2 to be laminated with another substrate to form a composite disc, with the functional layer 4 located inside the composite disc (see Figure 4). The antenna disc 1 can be installed, for example, in a building or a motor vehicle to separate an interior space from the outside environment. Here, the functional layer 4 serves, for example, as a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat gain in the interior space. The glass substrate 2 is, for example, made of soda-lime glass and is shown in this simplified representation as being quite angular.It is understood that the antenna disc 1 can have any other suitable geometric shape and / or curvature. As a windscreen, the antenna disc 1 typically has a convex curvature.

[0081] As can be seen in Figure 1, the antenna disk 1 has a layer-free edge delamination area 5. The edge delamination area 5 extends from a disk edge 6 of the antenna disk 1 to a recessed functional layer edge 7 of the functional layer 4. The edge delamination area 5 has a constant width here, so that the functional layer 4 has the same shape as the substrate 2 (e.g., rectangular). However, the shape of the functional layer 4 can also differ from the shape of the substrate 2.

[0082] The antenna disk 1 comprises a layer-free recess 8 in the functional layer 4, which is rectangular in shape, and in which an antenna layer 9 is located. The recess 8 is arranged at the edge and is formed as a depression of the functional layer edge 7. The shape of the recess 8 is only exemplary; it is understood that the recess 8 can also have any other shape, for example, circular. The term "layer-free" means that the functional layer 4 is removed or not formed in the recess 8 (if the antenna layer 9 located in the recess is formed from the material of the functional layer 4, it is not considered part of the functional layer 4 within the meaning of the invention).

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the functional layer edge 7 can be subdivided into four straight functional layer edge sections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. Corresponding to the exemplary rectangular shape of the functional layer 4, the functional layer edge 7 comprises the parallel functional layer edge sections 7a, 7b and the two parallel functional layer edge sections 7d, 7dd. If the antenna disc 1 is intended to be the windshield of a motor vehicle, the outer shape could, for example, resemble a trapezoid. In this case, the two functional layer edge sections 7d, 7dd could, for example, not be parallel but angled to each other. In the figures, the recess 8 is illustrated as a depression in the functional layer edge section 7a, although it would be equally possible for the recess 8 to be formed in one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0084] The rectangular recess 8 shown here, for example, is bounded by a recess edge 16, which is part or a region of the functional layer edge 7, specifically, for example, functional layer edge section 7a. The recess edge 16 is a sunken part of the functional layer edge section 7a, so that the functional layer edge section 7a can be divided into a sunken region (i.e., recess edge 16) and a non-sunken region. The recess edge 16 is formed by the functional layer 4.

[0085] The recess edge 16 can be subdivided into three straight recess edge sections 16a, 16b, 16c according to the shape of the recess 8. Thus, the recess edge 16 comprises two parallel recess edge sections 16a, 16b, which are connected by a recess edge section 16c perpendicular to them. The two parallel recess edge sections 16a, 16b extend, for example, perpendicular to the functional layer edge section 7a, while the further recess edge section 16c is arranged parallel to the functional layer edge section 7a. Here, a first recess edge section 16a extends from an outer edge section endpoint 17 of the non-recessed functional layer edge section 7a to an inwardly offset, inner edge section endpoint 18.A second recess boundary section 1 6b extends from an outer boundary section endpoint 1 7' of the non-recessed functional layer boundary section 7a to an inwardly offset, inner boundary section endpoint 18'. The third recess boundary section 1 6c extends from one inner boundary section endpoint 1 8 to the other inner boundary section endpoint 1 8'.

[0086] Within the recess 8 is the electrically conductive antenna layer 9, which serves as a planar antenna. Accordingly, the antenna layer 9 is layered or planar. The antenna layer 9 is bounded by a circumferential antenna layer edge 10. Adjacent to the disk edge 6, the antenna layer edge 10 is flush with the functional layer edge 7, here, for example, the non-recessed functional layer edge section 7a. Between the antenna layer 9 and the functional layer 4 is an insulating zone 11 (see also the enlarged view in Figure 2). The insulating zone 11 is the part of the layer-free recess 8 immediately adjacent to the functional layer 4, which does not contain an antenna layer 9. Thus, the insulating zone 11 is likewise layer-free, with the functional layer 4 being removed or not formed.

[0087] The antenna layer 9 is galvanically separated from the functional layer 4 by the isolation zone 11. The isolation zone 11 has a minimum width, determined by the shortest distance between the recess edge 16 and the antenna layer edge 10, which is dimensioned to provide a high resistance (at least 10 ohms) for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer 9. For example, the isolation zone 11 may have a constant width. Preferably, the antenna layer 9 is designed to receive high-frequency electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 0.6 to 6 GHz (5G mobile communication standard). The minimum width of the isolation zone 1 1 is preferably at least 0.5 mm and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, whereby a high resistance of at least 50 ohms can be achieved for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer 9.

[0088] The antenna layer 9 is formed here, for example, from the same material as the functional layer 4, whereby only the insulating zone 1 needs to be stripped to create the recess 8. Alternatively, the antenna layer 9 can consist of a material different from that of the functional layer 4 and can be applied to the substrate 2, for example, in the form of a metal foil or a plastic film coated with a metal or a metal alloy.

[0089] As schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the antenna layer 9 has a first connection area 13 (signal conductor connection area) that can be electrically coupled to a signal conductor (not shown), for example, galvanically or capacitively. The signal conductor is, for example, a flat conductor. Furthermore, the functional layer 4 has a second connection area 14 (ground conductor connection area) that can be electrically coupled to a ground conductor (not shown), for example, galvanically or capacitively. The ground conductor is, for example, a flat conductor. If the antenna disk 1 is a composite disk, the two flat conductors can be easily laminated between the disks and brought out of the disk composite.The antenna layer 9, for example, is a broadband monopole antenna of the unipolar type, with the first connection area 13 serving as a first electrode and the second connection area 14 serving as a second electrode. Through the first connection area.

[0090] High-frequency antenna signals received by antenna layer 9 can be coupled out or antenna signals can be coupled in via the second connection area 14, which provides a reference potential for the antenna signals. For example, the first connection area 13 can be electrically connected to the inner conductor and the second connection area 14 to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, which is known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be discussed in detail here. By using functional layer 4 as a reference potential, the transmit / receive performance of antenna layer 9 can be significantly improved.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, the functional layer 4 includes an isolation line, with Figure 2 showing three exemplary alternatives for such an isolation line, designated by reference numerals 12, 12', 12'". Only one isolation line is provided in each case.

[0092] The alternative isolation lines 1 2, 1 2', 12" have in common that they divide the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second connection area.

[0093] The second functional layer zone 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" containing 14 is electrically subdivided. Thus, the functional layer 4 is electrically subdivided into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2 by the insulation line 1 2'. The alternative insulation line 12" electrically subdivides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2'. The alternative insulation line 12" electrically subdivides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2". It is essential that the second functional layer zones 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" each contain the second connection area 14.

[0094] The alternative isolation lines 12, 12', 12" have different paths. Isolation line 12 completely surrounds the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. Isolation line 12 begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19 of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20 of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a. The second functional layer zone 4.2, which is thus electrically subdivided from the functional layer 4, surrounds the antenna layer 9 as far as possible, i.e., partially or completely, with the exception of the "open" side of the functional layer edge section 7a. It would be equally possible for isolation line 12 to begin and / or end at one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d. For example, isolation line 12 could begin at Start at functional layer edge section 7c and end at the (unsunken) functional layer edge section 7a.The isolation line 1 2 follows, for example, the contour of the recess edge 16, where a shortest distance between isolation line 12 and recess edge 1 6 is equal to, whereby it would be equally possible that the isolation line 12 does not follow the contour of the recess edge 16.

[0095] The alternative isolation line 1 2' does not completely surround the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. The isolation line 1 2' begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19' of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 1 6, here, for example, at recess edge section 16c. It would be equally possible for the isolation line 12' to begin at one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d. For example, the isolation line 12' could begin at functional layer edge section 7c and end at the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 1 6. It would also be possible for the isolation line 12' to end at one of the other exclusion edge sections 1 6a, 16b.The isolation line 1 2' here partially follows the contour of the recess edge 16, where a shortest distance between isolation line 1 2 and the recess edge 16 is equal to, where it would be equally possible that the isolation line 12 does not follow the contour of the recess edge 1 6.

[0096] The alternative isolation line 1 2" does not completely surround the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. The isolation line 12" begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 16, here for example at recess edge section 1 6a, and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 1 6, here for example at recess edge section 1 6a. It would be equally possible for the isolation line 1 2" to terminate at one of the other exception edge sections 1 6b, 16c. The respective isolation line 12, 1 2', 1 2" divides the functional layer 4 into two directly adjacent functional layer zones 4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.2", which are galvanically isolated from each other but coupled with low impedance (less than 1 ohm) with respect to high-frequency antenna signals.The isolation line 12, 12', 12" is designed to be correspondingly thin for this purpose (line width preferably less than 1.50 pm). The isolation line 12, 12', 12" prevents an electric current flowing in the functional layer 4, which is introduced into the functional layer 4 for controlling the functional layer 4, for example by busbars, from flowing into the functional layer zone 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" containing the second connection area 14. This prevents an undesired malfunction of the antenna structure 100 and further improves the antenna function.

[0097] The arrangement consisting of antenna layer 9, isolation zone 1 1 , first connection area 13 and second connection area 14 represents an antenna structure 100 for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals.

[0098] It is also conceivable that the recess 8 is arranged entirely within the functional layer 4, i.e., completely surrounded by the functional layer 4. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

[0099] Figure 1 shows an alternative antenna structure 100' to antenna structure 100, in which the recess 8' is located entirely within the functional layer 4. Within the recess 8' is the antenna layer 10', which is electrically isolated from the surrounding functional layer 4 by the insulation zone 11'. The antenna layer 9' has a first connection area 13' (signal conductor connection area), and the functional layer 4 has a second connection area 14' (ground conductor connection area). The recess 8' is bounded by the recess edge 16'.

[0100] The isolation line 1 2" divides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2" containing the second connection area 14'. The isolation line 1 2" does not completely surround the recess 8' or the recess edge 16'. The isolation line 1 2" begins at a first isolation line endpoint 1 9' at the recess edge 16' and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recess edge 1 6'. Figure 3, which illustrates a further embodiment of the antenna disk 1, is now considered. To avoid unnecessary repetition, only the differences from the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2 will be discussed. Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of the antenna disk 1 in the corner area analogous to Figure 2. Accordingly, the antenna disk 1 comprises a plurality of antenna structures 1 00, as shown in Figure 2.For this purpose, the functional layer 4 has a plurality of recesses 8 in which antenna layers 9 are arranged. The antenna layers 9 are each galvanically isolated from the functional layer 4 by an isolation zone 11. The antenna layer 9 of each antenna structure 100 has a first connection area 13 and a second connection area 14. The functional layer 4 provides a common reference potential for all antenna layers 9. Each antenna structure 100 comprises a separate isolation line 12, 12', 12", where only the alternative corresponding to reference number "12" is shown in Figure 3.

[0101] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a further embodiment of the antenna disk 1. Only the features recognizable here are described; otherwise, reference is made to the above explanations. In this embodiment, the antenna disk is a composite disk in which a first substrate 2 (e.g., inner disk) and a second substrate 2' (e.g., outer disk) are firmly bonded together by a thermoplastic intermediate layer 15. The two substrates 2, 2' each consist of glass, preferably thermally tempered soda-lime glass, and are transparent to visible light. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 15 consists of a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The outer surface of the second substrate 2' faces the external environment and is simultaneously the outer surface of the antenna disk 1.The inner surface of the second substrate 2' and the inner surface of the first substrate 2 each face the intermediate layer 15. The outer surface of the first substrate 2 faces an interior space, e.g., a vehicle interior, and is simultaneously the inner surface of the antenna disk 1.

[0102] The first substrate 2 contains the functional layer 4, which has a recess 8 in which the functional layer 4 is either removed or not formed. An antenna layer 9 is arranged within the recess 8, which here is, for example, formed as a metal foil (shown thickened for illustration). The metal foil is, for example, bonded to the substrate 2. The antenna layer 9 is protected from external influences by the thermoplastic intermediate layer 15. It is understood that an insulating zone 11, not shown in Figure 4, is located between the antenna layer 9 and the functional zone 4.

[0103] Figure 5 illustrates the process according to the invention using a flowchart. In a first step I, at least one substrate (2, 2') is provided. In a second step II, an electrically conductive functional layer (4) is applied to a surface

[0104] (3) of the substrate (2, 2') is applied. The method comprises a third step III in which at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is formed, comprising:

[0105] an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is separated from the functional layer

[0106] (4) is galvanically isolated, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohms, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') has a first connection area (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) has a second connection area (14, 14'),

[0107] an isolation line (12 12', 12"), by which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1 ) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2"), wherein the two functional layer zones (4.1 , 4.2, 4.2', 4.2") are galvanically isolated from each other, but are coupled in a high-frequency manner such that a high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, wherein the second connection area (14, 14') is contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2").

[0108] From the above explanations, it follows that the invention provides an improved antenna disk with one or more integrated antenna structures. The functional layer of the antenna disk serves to provide an electrical reference potential for one or more antenna layers. Frequency antenna signals can be received / transmitted with good signal strength. A plurality of antenna structures can be implemented in a simple manner. The antenna disk is particularly well suited for the new 5G mobile communications standard. Reference numeral list

[0109] 1 antenna disc

[0110] 2.2' substrate

[0111] 3 Surface

[0112] 4 functional layers

[0113] 4.1 First functional layer zone

[0114] 4.2, 4.2', 4.2'" second functional layer zone 5 edge stripping area

[0115] 6 disc edge

[0116] 7 Functional layer edge

[0117] 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Functional layer edge section 8, 8' Recess

[0118] 9, 9' antenna layer

[0119] 1 0, 1 0' Antenna layer edge

[0120] 1 1 , 1 1 ' Isolation zone

[0121] 1 2, 1 2', 1 2" Insulation line

[0122] 13, 13' first connection area

[0123] 14, 14' second connection area

[0124] 15 Intermediate shift

[0125] 16, 16' recess edge

[0126] 16a, 16b, 16c Recess edge section 17, 17' Outer edge section endpoint 18, 18' Inner edge section endpoint

[0127] 19, 19', 19" first isolation line endpoint

[0128] 20, 20', 20" second isolation line endpoint 100 antenna structure

Claims

Patent claims 1. Antenna disk (1) comprising at least one electrically insulating substrate (2, 2'), at least one electrically conductive functional layer (4) on a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2') and at least one antenna structure (100), the antenna structure comprises (100, 100'): an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is galvanically isolated from the functional layer (4), wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohms, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') has a first connection area (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) has a second connection area (14, 14'), an isolation line (12 12', 12"), by which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1 ) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2"), wherein the two functional layer zones (4.1 , 4.2, 4.2', 4.2") are galvanically isolated from each other, but are coupled in a high-frequency manner such that a high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, wherein the second connection area (14, 14') is contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2").

2. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the isolation line (12 12', 12") of the at least one antenna structure (100) has a maximum width of less than 150 pm.

3. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within a recess (8, 8') of the functional zone (4) at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate (2, 2').

4. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the isolation line (12', 12") completely surrounds a recess edge (16, 16') limiting the recess (8, 8').

5. Antenna disk (1) according to claim 4, in which the isolation line (12), which extends from a first isolation line endpoint (1 9) to a second isolation line endpoint (20), is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint, in particular both Isolation line endpoints (19, 20) lie on a functional layer edge (7) of the functional layer (4) that does not form part of the recess.

6. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the isolation line (12', 12") does not completely surround a recess edge (16, 16') limiting the recess (8, 8').

7. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 6, in which the isolation line (12', 12"), which extends from a first isolation line endpoint (1 9', 1 9") to a second isolation line endpoint (20', 20"), is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint (20'), in particular both isolation line endpoints (20', 20"), lie on the recess edge (16, 16').

8. Antenna disk (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') are arranged on the same surface (3) of the at least one substrate (2, 2'), wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) are galvanically separated from each other by an electrically insulating isolation zone (1 1 , 1 1 ').

9. Antenna disk (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the insulation zone (1 1 , 1 1 ') has a minimum width of at least 0.5 mm, which is in particular in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

10. Antenna disk (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the at least one antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate (2, 2'), in particular different surfaces of several substrates, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is arranged closer to the interior than the functional layer (4), and wherein the at least one antenna layer (9, 9') is located at least partially within a recess formed in the functional layer (4) in a perpendicular view through the substrate (2, 2'), in which the functional layer (4) is partially or completely absent, so that the recess is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 1 1 . Antenna disk (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') consists of the same material as the functional layer (4).

12. Antenna disk (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') consists of a material different from the functional layer (4).

13. Antenna disk arrangement, which includes: an antenna disk (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, a receiving and / or transmitting electronics which is electrically connected to the first connection area (13) by a signal line and to the second connection area (14) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') by a ground line.

14. Method for manufacturing an antenna disk (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: (I) Providing at least one substrate (2, 2'), (II) Application of an electrically conductive functional layer (4) to a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2'), (III) Form at least one antenna structure (100, 100') comprising: an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is galvanically isolated from the functional layer (4), wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohms, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') has a first connection area (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) has a second connection area (14, 14'), an isolation line (12 12', 12"), by which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1 ) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2"), wherein the two functional layer zones (4.1 , 4.2, 4.2', 4.2") are galvanically isolated from each other, but are coupled in a high-frequency manner such that a high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, wherein the second connection area (14, 14') is contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2").

15. Use of the antenna disc (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular in motor vehicles for example as a windshield, rear window, side windows and / or roof window.