Vehicle window with light input element

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle window (10) comprising: a window arrangement (13) having an inner face (23), an outer face (21) and a light guide layer (19); at least one light conductor (30); at least one light source (28); and at least one light input element (22) having a light input surface (24) and at least one wedge-shaped surface (26), the at least one wedge-shaped surface extending obliquely with respect to the light input surface; the light of the at least one light source is coupled into the at least one light input element (22) by means of the light conductor, and the light coupled into the at least one light input element (22) is coupled into the light guide layer (19) via the light input surface (24) and the inner face (23); the at least one light input element (22) has at least one recess (32) in which the at least one light guide (30) is supported and / or fixed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle window, which comprises a vehicle window device, a light conductor, a light source and a light input element. Background Art

[0002] Such vehicle windows are known in practice and can be used in particular in the roof region. The vehicle window can form a cover element or a fixed roof element of a roof opening system, by means of which the roof opening can be closed or opened. The known vehicle windows usually comprise a window body, which can be curved and is provided with a light-conducting layer. The light-conducting layer has a special aesthetic effect in the vehicle interior and at the same time provides interior lighting for the vehicle. Furthermore, the known vehicle windows are provided with a light source, the light of which can be coupled into the light-conducting layer.

[0003] The coupling usually takes place via the edge of the light-guiding layer or (window) edge. The light-guiding layer can form a visible surface of the vehicle window visible from the interior of the vehicle, so that when the light source is activated, the light-guiding layer is implemented as a light element of the vehicle window, by which the interior of the vehicle can be illuminated if necessary. In known vehicle windows, the light-guiding layer has smaller dimensions than the window body, on the inner side of which the light-guiding layer is arranged, so that the light emitted by the light source can be coupled via the edge of the light-guiding layer. This type of coupling is usually cost-intensive and requires small-sized windows or light sources to be installed in wet areas of the vehicle.

[0004] It is also known from the prior art to use prisms or other coupling elements to couple light from a light source into a light-guiding layer. The use of prisms or coupling elements allows for a greater freedom in choosing the position of the light source, since it no longer needs to be positioned directly in an edge portion of the light-guiding layer. The advantage of this design freedom is that the light source is no longer located in a humid area, but can also be arranged in a moisture-proof dry area, as opposed to the light source being arranged directly in an edge area of ​​the light-guiding layer. Thus, no sealing and / or moisture-proof protection is required. For example, by using a prism, for example a prism applied to the inner surface of an inner light-guiding layer, the light source can be placed laterally below an edge area of ​​the light-guiding layer, in particular at an offset from the edge area.

[0005] Although various solutions for inputting light into vehicle windows are already known, there is still potential for further development. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved vehicle window, in particular a vehicle window with improved light input. In particular, the vehicle window will be further developed so that at least optical losses can be reduced.

[0007] This object is achieved by a vehicle window having the features of claim 1 .

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the associated claims. The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the drawings. It is understood that the explanations regarding the vehicle window are equivalent to the vehicle according to the invention without redundant reference in its context. In particular, linguistically common rewritings and / or similar substitutions of the respective terms within the scope of common language practice, in particular the use of synonyms supported by recognized linguistic literature, are of course included by the present disclosure without having to explicitly mention each variant.

[0009] The present invention proposes a vehicle window for a motor vehicle. The vehicle window comprises a window device having an inner surface, an outer surface and a light-guiding layer. The inner surface is preferably arranged opposite to the outer surface. When the vehicle window is used appropriately, the inner surface is preferably facing the interior of the vehicle. When the vehicle window is used appropriately, the outer surface is preferably facing the exterior of the vehicle. The light-guiding layer is preferably configured to conduct light and emit the light to the interior of the vehicle, preferably through a light output structure. This enables the vehicle window to be used for interior lighting. The vehicle window comprises at least one optical conductor and at least one light source. In addition, the vehicle window comprises at least one light input element, the at least one light input element having a light input surface and at least one wedge-shaped surface, the at least one wedge-shaped surface extending obliquely relative to the light input surface. Light from at least one light source is coupled into at least one light input element by means of an optical conductor. In other words, light from at least one light source can be coupled into at least one light input element by means of an optical conductor. The light coupled into at least one light input element is coupled into the light-guiding layer via the light input surface and the inner surface. At least one light input element has at least one recess, and at least one optical conductor is supported and / or fixed in the at least one recess. The at least one recess is therefore preferably formed and / or configured in such a way that it can at least partially and / or regionally accommodate and / or hold and / or fix the at least one optical waveguide.

[0010] At least one light input element formed as a prism allows light to be input into the vehicle window, in particular into the light-guiding layer. However, in the present invention, a plurality of LEDs, for example as LED light strips, are not used to achieve light input parallel to the side edge of the vehicle window. Instead, light from at least one light source is conducted along the longitudinal axis by an optical conductor and coupled into at least one light input element. At least one light source can operate in a performance range of 0.2 to 1.5 W, so the power consumption is very low. This means that the energy consumption caused by operating the light source is almost negligible. The light output from the light-guiding layer is preferably achieved by a window device having a light output structure, which can, for example, be printed and / or applied to the light-guiding layer, or introduced into the light-guiding layer. An optional light decoupling structure can be arranged to decouple the light in a directional and non-directional manner in the direction toward the interior of the vehicle. In the present invention, the optical conductor is supported by the light input element. Alternatively, the optical conductor can also be at least partially integrated into the light input element.

[0011] The design of the vehicle window makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the vehicle window, in particular in the edge area of ​​the vehicle window. As a result, the available viewing area is increased. According to the invention, a number of individual components can also be reduced, for example, fewer light sources are required. Overall, a cost reduction can be achieved due to the reduced costs of a number of other necessary LEDs and the associated power supply circuit board (PCB). Placing the optical conductor in the recess, for example by clamping and / or adhering, is also very simple, so that the installation is simplified overall. In the present case, a reduction in the tolerance chain from the light source to the light input surface of the light input element can also be achieved.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, at least one light input element is a wedge-shaped prism. Particularly preferably, the light input element has a triangular cross-section, preferably extending transversely, in particular orthogonally to its longitudinal orientation. The wedge-shaped surface is preferably a side surface with an acute angle inclined relative to the light input surface, the acute angle being in particular less than 90°, particularly preferably less than 50°, and even more preferably less than 30°. The angle of the wedge-shaped surface is preferably selected so that the light is guided and / or deflected within the light input element so that it can be coupled into the light-guiding layer via the light input surface and the inner surface. Particularly preferably, the angle at which the light is coupled into the light-guiding layer is such that total reflection is formed with the light-guiding layer. In this way, the coupled light can be transmitted and / or distributed within the light-guiding layer without loss, so that the light from the light source can be effectively utilized with minimal light losses.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least one recess extends parallel to the light input surface. Preferably, the recess extends in the longitudinal direction of the light input element. Preferably, the recess extends over the entire length of the light input element.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, at least one recess engages at least partially and / or partially around and / or behind at least one light conductor. If the light conductor is supported by the recess, preferably at least a portion of the side surface and / or the outer circumferential surface of the light conductor is in contact with the inner wall of the recess. When the recess is viewed in cross section, the recess can preferably have at least one supporting contour, for example a hook or a tip or a projection, which supports the light conductor.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one recess supports and / or fixes at least one optical conductor in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. To this end, the recess preferably has a geometry that is complementary to at least a part of the geometry of the optical conductor, so that the optical conductor can be at least partially accommodated in the recess. For example, the recess can be channel-shaped and have at least a partially rounded, in particular semicircular, cross-section, in particular if the optical conductor has a circular cross-section. The recess can also be designed so that when the optical conductor is fixed, the recess can hold the optical conductor by applying at least one force, for example, by applying a force by elastic deformation and subsequent re-deformation of the light input element. Alternatively, the optical conductor can also be supported in the recess in a frictionally engaged manner. The optical conductor can also be adhered in the recess.

[0016] In one embodiment, the recess is at least partially elastic, in particular in the region of the supporting contour, and can be, for example, expandable.

[0017] For example, the recess is disposed and / or formed on a side of the light input element opposite to the inner surface, and / or is disposed and / or formed on a side substantially orthogonal to the inner surface and opposite to the wedge-shaped surface.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least one recess is provided in the region of the wedge-shaped body of the light input element. The term "wedge-shaped body" preferably describes an end of the wedge-shaped light input element which is arranged at a distance from the wedge tip. In the wedge tip, the light input surface and the wedge surface preferably intersect at an acute angle. Preferably, at least one side surface of the light input element intersects the wedge surface on the wedge-shaped body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one light input element is connected to the inner face via the light input surface. Particularly preferably, the at least one light input element is adhered to the inner face. For example, the light input element may be attached to the inner face via an adhesive layer, which may comprise, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA). Particularly preferably, the at least one light input element is arranged on the inner face of an edge portion of the vehicle window.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, at least one optical conductor is essentially rod-shaped and / or cable-shaped and is preferably formed elastically. Particularly preferably, the optical conductor has a circular cross section when viewed orthogonally to its longitudinal orientation. In the present invention, an optical conductor is generally referred to as a component that is transparent at least in its interior and can contain at least one optical fiber and / or at least one tube and / or at least one rod. The optical conductor can preferably transmit light over a certain distance, in particular without loss or with low loss. The light transmission is preferably achieved by reflection at the interface of the optical conductor, total internal reflection due to the lower refractive index of the medium surrounding the optical conductor and / or by mirroring of the interface and / or a suitable refractive gradient. Particularly preferably, the optical conductor is designed to output light along its longitudinal direction, in particular at least covering a portion of the outer surface and / or outer circumferential surface of the optical conductor. Particularly preferably, another portion of the side surface and / or outer circumferential surface of the optical conductor that is not accommodated by the recess has a covering layer and / or a reflecting layer and / or a coating, which prevents light from being coupled out through this portion of the outer surface and / or outer circumferential surface of the optical conductor that is not accommodated by the recess.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window has a plurality of light input elements, which are arranged separately from one another on the inner face, the at least one optical conductor being supported and / or fixed by each light input element, respectively. The division into a plurality of light input elements can simplify assembly, since the at least one optical conductor can preferably be inserted and / or clamped and / or adhered, respectively, into at least one recess of the corresponding light input element. The division into a plurality of light input elements also means that errors occurring due to process tolerances are reduced, since the segmented design allows for greater freedom of movement due to the plurality of light input elements. Furthermore, the segmented division and / or subdivision into a plurality of light input elements means that heat-related expansions can be better compensated, since the individual light input elements can expand and / or contract with a certain clearance relative to one another.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the window device comprises a multilayer structure having at least one outer window and an inner window, and the at least one light-conducting layer is formed by the outer window or the inner window, or is arranged as an intermediate layer between the outer window and the inner window. The vehicle window is preferably laminated glass and / or shatterproof glass. The light input of the light generated by the light source can be achieved through the inner face of the inner window. The inner window itself can act as a light-conducting layer, or it can be penetrated by the light "only" on the way to the light-conducting layer. The outer window and / or the inner window can preferably have a material thickness of several millimeters each. The outer window is preferably transparent, partially transparent and / or colored. The inner window, which can be the same size as the outer window or smaller, is preferably made of any material that can be used as a light conductor. For example, the inner window is made of a material consisting of glass and / or polycarbonate and / or other plastics. In a window device designed as a laminated glass, the connecting layer between each window is preferably formed by a material comprising polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The connecting layer can be transparent, transparent or colored. Preferably, the connecting layer is made of a PVB film, in particular a transparent PVB film. At least one connecting layer is, for example, arranged on the total surface between the outer window and the inner window to connect them to each other. The connecting layer is preferably a transparent hot melt adhesive film, particularly preferably a transparent PVB hot melt adhesive film, which has been used for existing vehicle windows. It is understood that such a composite structure may include a plurality of intermediate layers and / or functional layers, which may be arranged between the outer window and / or the inner window. For example, the composite structure may have an electrically switchable shielding layer comprising at least one liquid crystal device. For example, an optional shielding layer allows the vehicle window to switch between a transparent and dark state. In addition, a reflective layer and / or an infrared protection layer and / or a low-emission layer may be included in the composite layer.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, at least one light input element is at least partially roughened and / or has a coating in the region of at least one recess. The roughening and / or coating improves the light input from at least one optical waveguide to at least one light input element. The roughening and / or coating can, for example, include holographic structures and / or microlenses.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, at least one light source has an LED light source. The LED light source may include an LED bar having a plurality of LEDs and / or a high-performance LED module having a plurality of LEDs and / or an LED light belt having a plurality of LEDs.

[0025] In one embodiment, a cover plate is provided on the vehicle window. The cover plate is arranged so that it engages and covers at least one light input element, preferably a plurality of light input elements. The cover plate is preferably attached to the inner face of the vehicle window by adhesion. In one embodiment, the cover plate may have a coupling element for connecting to and contacting the light input element. Furthermore, the cover plate may be formed to be elastic, the cover plate being configured and arranged so that it clamps the light input element against the inner face.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the vehicle roof also claimed in the present invention comprises at least one vehicle window. The vehicle window can be part of a roof opening system and / or a fixed roof and / or a panoramic roof and / or a combined roof having a roof opening system and a fixed roof.

[0027] The present invention also claims a motor vehicle having at least one window and / or at least one roof according to any embodiment of the present invention. In general, the window can be arranged at any position of the motor vehicle, in particular the roof, and is designed for different purposes.

[0028] Obviously, the above-mentioned embodiments and illustrative embodiments as well as the embodiments not yet explained below can be formed not only individually but also in any combination without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments and illustrative embodiments mentioned above and not yet discussed below are equivalent or at least similar to all embodiments of the present invention without being mentioned separately in their context. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in the following text in an exemplary manner.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle roof with vehicle windows according to one embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a vehicle window according to one embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 3 A bottom schematic view of an edge portion of a vehicle window is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A roof 100 of a motor vehicle 1000 is shown. The roof 100 is a panoramic roof having a displaceable cover element 12 and a fixed roof element 14 which is rigidly or non-displaceably connected to the vehicle body (not shown). Both the cover element 12 and the fixed roof element 14 comprise a vehicle window 10. In the present case, the vehicle window 10 is a shatterproof glass provided with an ambient light function. The vehicle window 10 has a multilayer structure 11. In this respect, the structure of the cover element 12 corresponds to the structure of the fixed roof element 14. The multilayer structure 11 of the vehicle window 10 is Figure 2 It is shown schematically and exemplarily in FIG.

[0034] Each of the top elements 12 and 14 formed as a vehicle window 15 comprises a window arrangement 13 which exemplarily comprises an outer window 16 and an inner window 18 (see FIG. Figure 2 ). For example, the outer window 16 is formed by a curved glass sheet, which can be made of colored soda-lime glass, for example. It is also conceivable to form the outer window 16 with a plastic element, for example a polycarbonate element. The inner window 18 can also be made of inorganic glass, for example soda-lime glass, or a polymer, for example polycarbonate. The window device 13 has a light-conducting layer 19. In the present example, the light-conducting layer 19 is formed by the inner window 18. Alternatively, however, the light-conducting layer 19 can also be provided as an intermediate layer between the outer window 16 and the inner window 18.

[0035] The outer window 16 and the inner window 18 are connected to each other via at least one lamination layer or connecting layer 20. The connecting layer 20 may include materials such as PVB, EVA or TPU. A plurality of additional intermediate layers and / or functional layers may also be provided between the outer window 16 and the inner window 18. Alternatively, the connecting layer 20 may be transparent or completely transparent or colored. In this example, the thickness of the connecting layer 20 is less than 1 mm, but it may also have different thicknesses.

[0036] An outer window 16 and an inner window 18 , which in this case have a thickness of a few millimeters, form a window arrangement 13 , whose outer face 21 faces the vehicle environment and whose inner face 23 faces the vehicle interior.

[0037] The vehicle window 10 includes at least one light input element 22 having a light input surface 24 and at least one wedge-shaped surface 26, the at least one wedge-shaped surface extending at an angle α relative to the light input surface 24. In the present invention, a plurality of light input elements 22 are provided, which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction x and are arranged in the right and left edge portions 25 of the vehicle window 10 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). The light input elements 22 are arranged in sections and extend in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction x of the vehicle is orthogonal to the width direction y of the vehicle. Each light input element 22 extends in sections in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle (see Figure 1 ) and are arranged on the corresponding side edges of the cover element 12 or the fixed top element 14.

[0038] Each light input element 22 forms a prism. The prism is preferably made of a plastic material using an extrusion process or an injection molding process, wherein in particular PMMA, PC, PA, COC and / or COP having a refractive index between 1.48 and 1.59 can be used as corresponding material.

[0039] Furthermore, the vehicle window 10 has at least one light source 28, which in this example is configured as an LED light source. Figure 3 As shown, the light source 28 is arranged in the corner edge portion 25 of the vehicle window 10. Light from at least one light source 28 is coupled into at least one light input element 22 via an optical conductor 30. Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal orientation L of the optical conductor is perpendicular to the Figure 3 ), the optical conductor 30 has a circular cross-section. Starting from the light source 28, the optical conductor 30 is bent in the corner area of ​​the vehicle window 10 and, after this bending, extends only parallel to the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The optical conductor 30 is flexible, so it can be bent in the corner area. The optical conductor 30 is rod-shaped or cable-shaped. For example, the optical conductor 30 is made of PMMA material and / or polycarbonate material. The light coupled to the at least one optical input element 22 is coupled into the light guide layer 19 through the light input surface 24 and the inner surface 23. In this example, the longitudinal orientation L is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle.

[0040] In the present case, at least one optical conductor 30 is fixed to the optical input element 22. To this end, the at least one optical input element 22 has at least one recess 32, in which the at least one optical conductor 30 is at least partially supported and / or fixed. The at least one recess 32 is arranged in the wedge-shaped body region of the optical input element 22. The at least one recess 32 is at least sectionally and / or partially engaged around and / or behind the at least one optical conductor 30, such as Figure 2 The at least one recess 32 supports and / or fixes the at least one optical waveguide 30 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0041] For example, the light input element 22 is directly disposed on the inner surface 23 of the window device 13 and adhered to the inner surface 23 by the adhesive layer 34. The material used for the adhesive layer 34 can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an optically transparent liquid adhesive, EVA, PVB, TPU, an epoxy adhesive or an acrylate adhesive.

[0042] according to Figure 2 A cover plate 36 is provided as a privacy screen, which is bonded over the light input element 22 and covers the edge portion 25 of the vehicle window 10. The cover plate 36 is attached to the inner face 23 of the inner window 18 by means of an additional adhesive layer 38. The cover plate 36 is not shown in FIG. Figure 3 middle.

[0043] Reference numerals list

[0044] 10. Car Windows

[0045] 11Multi-layer structure

[0046] 12 Cover element

[0047] 13 Window device

[0048] 14Fixed top element

[0049] 16 External window

[0050] 18 inner window

[0051] 19 Light guide layer

[0052] 20 connection layers

[0053] 21 Outside

[0054] 22 optical input elements

[0055] 23 inner surface

[0056] 24 Light input surface

[0057] 25 Edge

[0058] 26 Wedge Surface

[0059] 28 Light Source

[0060] 30 Photoconductor

[0061] 32 recess

[0062] 34 Adhesion layer

[0063] 36 Cover

[0064] 38 Adhesion layer

[0065] 100 Roof

[0066] 1000 Motor Vehicles

[0067] α Angle

[0068] L Longitudinal direction

[0069] x Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0070] y Vehicle width direction

Claims

1. A vehicle window (10), comprising: A window device (13) having an inner surface (23), an outer surface (21) and a light-guiding layer (19); at least one optical conductor (30); at least one light source (28); as well as at least one light input element (22) having a light input surface (24) and at least one wedge-shaped surface (26), the at least one wedge-shaped surface extending obliquely relative to the light input surface (24); The light of the at least one light source (28) is coupled into the at least one light input element (22) by means of the light conductor (30), and The light coupled into the at least one light input element (22) is coupled into the light guide layer (19) via the light input surface (24) and the inner surface (23); The at least one light input element (22) has at least one recess (32) in which the at least one light conductor (30) is supported and / or fixed.

2. The vehicle window (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one light input element (22) is a wedge-shaped prism.

3. The vehicle window according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one recess (32) extends parallel to the light input surface (24).

4. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one recess (32) engages at least sectionally and / or locally around and / or behind the at least one optical waveguide (30).

5. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one recess (32) supports and / or fixes the at least one optical waveguide (30) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

6. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one recess (32) is arranged in the region of the wedge-shaped body of the light input element (22).

7. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one light input element (22) is connected to the inner face (23) via the light input surface (24).

8. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one optical conductor (30) is approximately rod-shaped and is preferably designed to be elastic.

9. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle window (10) has a plurality of light input elements (22) arranged separately from each other on the inner surface (23), and the at least one optical waveguide (30) is supported and / or fixed by each light input element (22).

10. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The window device (13) has a multi-layer structure (11), wherein the multi-layer structure has at least one outer window (16) and an inner window (18), and the at least one light-guiding layer (19) is formed by the outer window (16) or the inner window (18), or is arranged as an intermediate layer between the outer window (16) and the inner window (18).

11. A vehicle window according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one light input element (22) is at least partially roughened in the region of the at least one recess (32) and / or has a coating which is capable of optimizing the light input from the at least one optical waveguide (30) to the at least one light input element (22).

12. A vehicle window according to any preceding claim, wherein: The at least one light source (28) comprises an LED light source.

13. A vehicle roof (100) comprising at least one vehicle window (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A motor vehicle (1000) comprising the vehicle window (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or the vehicle roof (100) according to claim 13.

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