Flat belt cable with temperature sensor, coupling assembly and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a flat belt cable (11) having a carrier film (24) with at least one, preferably at least two, electrical conductor tracks (12), the carrier film (24) having a first connection region (5) at a first end (5) and a second connection region (8) at a second end (7), the first connection region (6) being arrangeable between two sheets (3, 4) of a composite sheet (2). The first connection region (6) can be led out from the composite sheet (2) between the two sheets (3, 4) and the second connection region (8) can be led out from the composite sheet (2) between the two sheets (3, 4), and wherein the at least one electrical conductor track (12) in the first connection region (6) can electrically contact the electrical functional element (10), and wherein the carrier film (24) has a temperature sensor (20) and two additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) and the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) electrically contact the temperature sensor (20), as a result, the ohmic resistance between the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) can be measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a flat ribbon cable with a temperature sensor, a connection assembly with a composite pane (sometimes also called a composite glass pane) and a flat ribbon cable according to the invention, a method for temperature measurement and a use of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] Glass (Verglasung, sometimes also called vitrification) in buildings and vehicles is increasingly provided with a large-area, electrically conductive, and visible light transparent functional layer. In particular, for reasons of energy saving and comfort, high requirements are placed on glass in terms of its thermal insulation properties. It is therefore desirable to avoid high heat input caused by solar radiation, which leads to overheating of the interior space and, in turn, to high energy costs for necessary air conditioning. Layer systems create remedies in which the light transmittance and, therefore, the heat input caused by sunlight can be controlled by applying a voltage. Electrochromic layer systems are known, for example, from EP 0867752 A1, US2007 / 0097481A1 and US2008 / 0169185A1. Such layer systems are usually switched by an external switch located in the surroundings of the glass. Another functional purpose of the electrical functional layer is to keep the field of view of the vehicle glass free of ice and fog. Electrical heating layers are known (see, for example, WO 2010 / 043598 A1), which promote targeted heating of sheets (Scheibe, sometimes also called glass sheets) by applying a voltage. The voltage applied to the electrical heating layer is usually controlled by an external switch, for example, which is integrated in the dashboard in the vehicle. For example, it is known from DE10106125A1, DE 10319606A1, EP 0720249A2, US2003 / 0112190A1 and DE 198 43 338C2 to use an electrical functional layer as a planar antenna. For this purpose, the functional layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to the coupling electrode and provides an antenna signal in the edge region of the sheet. The antenna signal decoupled by the planar antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier, which is connected to the metal body in the motor vehicle, thereby presetting a reference potential effective in high-frequency technology for the antenna signal.

[0003] Such a composite sheet is usually composed of at least two rigid individual glass sheets, which are connected to each other by a thermoplastic adhesive layer in a surface bonding manner. The electrical functional layer is located between the individual glass sheets and is typically electrically connected to the external environment by a flat conductor (Flachleiter). The reason for this is that suitable flat conductors usually have a total thickness of up to 0.3 mm. Such thin flat conductors can be embedded in the thermoplastic adhesive layer between the individual glass sheets without difficulty. Examples of flat conductors for electrical functional layers in composite sheets for contacting vehicles can be found in DE 20 2021 105 230 U1, DE 42 35 063 A1, DE 202004 019 286 U1, EP 2 695 233 B1 or DE 9313 394 U1.

[0004] It is also known to use flat conductors in composite sheets with electrical functional elements in the form of electro-optical components. Such composite sheets are often also referred to as active glasses. Electro-optical components are planar structures with electrically adjustable optical properties of an active layer. That is to say, the optical properties of the active layer and in particular its transparency, scattering behavior or luminosity can be controlled by an electric voltage. Examples for electro-optical components are electrochromic elements; SPD elements (SPD=suspended particle device), which are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1; PDLC elements (PDLC=polymer dispersed liquid crystal), which are known, for example, from DE 10 2008 026 339 A1 or DE 20 2020 005 499U1; and elements based on guest-host units.

[0005] The electrical contacting of the electrical functional elements and the electro-optical components is usually carried out via busbars ("busbars") which are applied in the edge region of the functional layers or electro-optical components and contact them in an electrically conductive manner. The voltage is applied and the functional layers or electro-optical components are switched by connecting the busbars to an external voltage source in a typical manner via flat conductors mounted at the busbars.

[0006] In practice, flat ribbon cables provided with a plurality of electrical conductor tracks are used for more complex control tasks. The electrical conductor tracks are very thin, for example, with a thickness in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, and consist, for example, of copper, which has proven to be feasible due to its good electrical conductivity and good processability and at the same time low material costs. The electrical conductor tracks are usually arranged on an electrically insulating polymer carrier film and covered by an electrically insulating polymer cover film.

[0007] Such thin conductor tracks, in particular when they are laminated in sections into the composite pane, are very sensitive to damage, for example due to bending at sharp edges or corrosion.

[0008] Electrically functional elements are usually very temperature-sensitive. In particular, electrically functional elements having optical properties that can be electrically controlled usually change their optical properties as the temperature increases, until their properties are permanently destroyed. Summary of the invention

[0009] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide a flat ribbon cable with a temperature sensor which, however, can be produced cost-effectively, is easy to handle and can be laminated well into composite panes.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an improved connection assembly having a composite sheet and a flat ribbon cable electrically contacting an electrical functional element of the composite sheet, the flat ribbon cable having a temperature sensor, which enables flexible electrical contact of the flat ribbon cable outside the composite sheet and enables point-by-point or continuous measurement of the temperature of the electrical functional element in the composite sheet.

[0011] According to the proposal of the invention, these and other objects are solved by a flat ribbon cable according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments and a coupling assembly with a flat ribbon cable and a control system are revealed from the dependent claims. The method according to the invention and the use of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention and the coupling assembly according to the invention are revealed from the parallel claims.

[0012] The present invention relates to a flat ribbon cable, comprising at least:

[0013] A carrier film having at least one, preferably at least two, electrical conductor tracks, wherein the carrier film has a first connection region at at least one first end and a second connection region at at least one second end, and

[0014] Therein, the carrier film has a temperature sensor and two additional conductor tracks, and the two additional conductor tracks are in electrical contact with the temperature sensor, so that the ohmic resistance between the two ends of the additional conductor tracks can be measured.

[0015] This means that the respective one end of the additional conductor track is electrically connected to one of the two connections of the temperature sensor, so that the ohmic resistance can be measured between the respective other ends of the additional conductor track.

[0016] Advantageously, the connection of the temperature sensor is connected to the corresponding additional conductor track via a soldered connection or an adhesive connection using an electrically conductive adhesive. This ensures a particularly good and stable electrical conducting connection under the respective conditions of use of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention.

[0017] In the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the first connection region can advantageously be arranged between two panes of the composite pane, and the second connection region between the two panes can be led out of the composite pane, and the electrical conductor tracks can electrically contact the electrical functional element in the first connection region.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the temperature sensor is arranged on the first connection region of the carrier film.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the additional conductor track and / or the temperature sensor are arranged in the edge region of the carrier film. The distance between the additional conductor track and / or the temperature sensor and the edge of the carrier film is preferably less than 5 mm, particularly preferably equal to or less than 3 mm.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the first additional conductor track, the temperature sensor and the second additional conductor track are guided in an annular manner and preferably in an essentially U-shaped manner around the first connection region.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the at least one electrical conductor track and the at least one additional conductor track are arranged next to each other in one plane or one above the other in at least two, preferably exactly two or exactly three or exactly four planes.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the at least one electrical conductor track and the two additional conductor tracks are arranged next to each other in one plane or one above the other in at least two, preferably exactly two or exactly three or exactly four planes.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, at least one electrical conductor track is arranged on a first surface of the electrically insulating carrier film and at least one further conductor track and / or additional conductor track is arranged on a second surface of the carrier film.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the at least one electrical conductor track and the additional conductor track and preferably the temperature sensor are firmly connected to the first or second surface of the carrier film. Preferably, the at least one electrical conductor track and the additional conductor track and particularly preferably the temperature sensor are bonded to the first or second surface of the carrier film, preferably via an adhesive layer. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be fastened to the carrier film only by an electrical conducting connection (e.g. a welded connection) to the additional conductor track.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the temperature sensor is a resistance element or a resistance thermometer, preferably a measuring resistor or a thermistor (i.e. a resistor whose value changes reproducibly with temperature). The temperature sensor is particularly preferably a platinum resistor, a nickel resistor, a hot conductor structural element (a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient (NTC), also called an NTC thermistor) or a cold conductor structural element (a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), also called a PTC thermistor). Such a temperature sensor contains, for example, a layer of pure metal, such as platinum or nickel, or a ceramic (sintered metal oxide) or a semiconductor, or consists thereof.

[0026] Particularly advantageous are temperature sensors consisting of NTC thermistors having an ohmic resistance value of 1 kohm to 100 kohm, and in particular 5 kohm to 20 kohm, and for example 10 kohm, at a temperature T of 25° C.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the temperature sensor has a measuring range of -40°C to +150°C.

[0028] In another advantageous design of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the carrier film has a cutout or recess on both sides of the temperature sensor, which extends from the edge of the carrier film preferably substantially straight and particularly preferably at a 90° angle into the interior of the carrier film. For this purpose, the additional conductor track is preferably guided annularly around the cutout or recess. The length of the cutout is preferably at least 3 mm to 100 mm, particularly preferably 4 mm to 20 mm, and in particular 6 mm to 10 mm. The width of the cutout is preferably 0.1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and in particular 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. Due to the cutout or recess, the section with the temperature sensor is particularly flexible. This has the particular advantage that the temperature sensor, which is usually thicker than the remaining connection area, can be introduced into the composite sheet particularly well and with less stress during lamination.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a coupling assembly having a composite sheet and a flat ribbon cable according to the present invention, comprising at least:

[0030] a composite sheet material consisting of a first sheet material and a second sheet material, which are connected to one another in terms of area by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer,

[0031] - an electrically functional element between the two sheets,

[0032] - A flat ribbon cable according to the invention, comprising at least one electrical conductor track, a temperature sensor and at least two additional conductor tracks, wherein the flat ribbon cable has a first connection region at a first end and a second connection region at a second end, wherein the first connection region is arranged between two panes and the second connection region leads out of the composite pane between the two panes, and wherein the at least one electrical conductor track electrically contacts the electrical functional element in the first connection region.

[0033] The connection assembly according to the invention therefore comprises a composite pane composed of a first pane and a second pane which are securely connected to one another in terms of area by means of a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0034] The connection assembly further comprises an electrical functional element arranged between the two sheets, and a flat ribbon cable for electrically contacting the electrical functional element, in particular for electrically connecting the functional element to an electrical control unit. The flat ribbon cable has a first connection region and a second connection region, wherein the first connection region is located at a first end of the flat ribbon cable in the extension direction of the flat ribbon cable, and the second connection region is located at a second end of the flat ribbon cable. The flat ribbon cable is partially laminated into the composite sheet, wherein the first end with the first connection region is located between the two sheets and the second end with the second connection region is led out of the composite sheet between the two sheets and is located outside the composite sheet. In this case, the electrical conductor track in the first connection region is in electrical contact with the electrical functional element and is preferably galvanically connected to it.

[0035] Generally speaking, a flat ribbon cable is a flat body with two opposite sides, which can be optionally brought into a flat or curved shape. In the flat (ie non-curved) state, the flat conductor is arranged in a plane. Flat ribbon cables are usually constructed to be elongated and have two ends along their extension direction.

[0036] An advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention comprises at least two electrical conductor tracks, wherein the electrical conductor tracks are arranged at least in sections next to one another or one above the other.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two electrical conductor tracks are arranged one above the other in at least two, preferably exactly two or exactly three or exactly four planes. Here, the term "overlapping" refers to the plane of extension of the flat ribbon cable, i.e., to the plane spanned by the two larger dimensions of the flat ribbon cable. Advantageously, the at least two conductor tracks are each arranged congruently in a projection orthogonal to the plane of extension. Alternatively, the conductor tracks can also be designed larger in a plane and substantially partially or completely occupy the plane within the flat ribbon cable, preferably minus the insulating edge region. This increases the current-carrying capacity of the conductor tracks.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, at least one electrical conductor track is arranged on a first surface of an electrically insulating carrier film and at least one further conductor track is arranged on a second surface of the carrier film, i.e. a surface lying opposite the first surface relative to the carrier film.

[0039] In another advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the electrical conductor track is firmly connected to the first or second surface of the carrier film. The electrical conductor track is preferably bonded to the first or second surface of the carrier film, in particular via an adhesive layer. Alternatively, the carrier film can be coated with the electrical conductor track, in particular by a printing process, such as a screen printing process.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the flat ribbon cable has an insulating region between the planar conductor tracks, which preferably consists of sections of an insulating film. Advantageously, sections of the insulating film are also each arranged at the edge of the flat ribbon conductor.

[0041] In another advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the conductor track has at least one electrically insulating cover film on its side facing away from the carrier film. The conductor track or the section of the insulating film is preferably firmly connected to the cover film. Particularly preferably, the conductor track or the section of the insulating film is bonded to the cover film, in particular via an adhesive layer. The carrier film and the cover film together form an insulating sleeve surrounding the electrical conductor track.

[0042] The width of the flat ribbon cable can be constant or variable. In particular, the flat ribbon cable can be widened in the first connection region and / or in the second connection region.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the maximum width bF of the flat ribbon cable is preferably from 6 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 40 mm, and in particular from 25 mm to 30 mm in the composite pane and / or at the exit from the composite pane. In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the maximum thickness dF of the flat ribbon cable is preferably from 150 μm to 600 μm, preferably from 300 μm to 400 μm, and in particular from 300 μm to 350 μm in the composite pane and / or at the exit from the composite pane. Flat ribbon cables with such maximum dimensions can be laminated particularly well, in particular in the composite pane and / or at the exit from the composite pane, or the stability of the composite pane or its visual appearance are impaired.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable, it has a length of 5 cm to 150 cm, preferably 10 cm to 100 cm and in particular 50 cm to 90 cm. Obviously, the length, width and thickness of the flat ribbon cable can be adapted to the requirements of the respective individual case. The length direction defines the extension direction of the flat ribbon cable.

[0045] The carrier film, the cover film and / or the insulating film preferably contain polyimide or polyester, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or consist of them. The cover film and / or the insulating film can also consist of an electrical insulating lacquer, preferably a polymer lacquer. The cover film and / or the insulating film can also contain thermoplastics and elastomers, such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, or consist of them. Alternatively, potting materials such as acrylate or epoxy resin systems can be used as cover film and / or insulating film.

[0046] The carrier film, the cover film and / or the insulating film preferably has a thickness of 10 μm to 300 μm, particularly preferably 25 μm to 200 μm and in particular 60 μm to 150 μm. The carrier film, the cover film and / or the insulating film are bonded to the conductor tracks, for example, via an adhesive layer. The thickness of the adhesive layer is, for example, 10 μm to 150 μm and particularly preferably 50 μm to 75 μm. Such a carrier film, cover film and / or insulating film is particularly suitable for electrically insulating and mechanically stabilizing the conductor tracks and protecting them from mechanical damage and corrosion.

[0047] The electrical conductor tracks and / or the additional conductor tracks of the flat ribbon cable contain or preferably consist of a metal material, for example copper, aluminum, stainless steel, tin, gold, silver or alloys thereof. If the electrical conductor tracks are manufactured as strips consisting of a metal film, the metal can be tinned in sections or completely. This is particularly advantageous for achieving good solderability while simultaneously protecting against corrosion. In addition, the contact is improved by means of an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electrical conductor track and / or the additional conductor track has a thickness dL of 10 μm to 300 μm, preferably 10 μm to 150 μm, particularly preferably 30 μm to 250 μm and in particular 50 μm to 150 μm. Such thin conductors are particularly flexible and can, for example, be laminated well into the composite sheet and led out of it. According to one embodiment, the electrical conductor track and / or the additional conductor track has a width bL of 0.05 mm to 40 mm, preferably 1 mm to 20 mm and in particular 2 mm to 5 mm. Such a width is particularly suitable for achieving a sufficient current carrying capacity in combination with the above-mentioned thicknesses.

[0049] Such flat ribbon cables are so thin that they can be easily embedded between the individual panes in the thermoplastic intermediate layer of the composite pane and led out of it. Therefore, flat ribbon cables are particularly suitable for contacting electrical functional elements in the composite pane.

[0050] Each electrical conductor track can be electrically contacted at two contact points spaced apart from one another along the conductor track. A contact point is an area of ​​the conductor track at which electrical contact can be made. In the simplest design, it is an accessible area of ​​the electrical conductor track. The first connection area has a contact point for at least one of the electrical conductor tracks. The second connection area is typically, but not necessarily, located on the same side as the first connection area of ​​the flat ribbon cable. At least one second connection area has a contact point for at least one of the electrical conductor tracks. The connection area of ​​the flat ribbon cable serves to electrically contact the conductor tracks, for which purpose a possible covering film and, if necessary, an insulating film or a carrier film is not present or removed at least at the contact points, so that the conductor tracks are accessible.

[0051] Obviously, the connection area can be protected from corrosion by a conductive coating such as tinning or a non-conductive layer such as welding paint. The protective layer is usually removed, burned or otherwise penetrated during electrical contact to achieve electrical contact. The non-insulated connection area can be created by windowing technology or by subsequent removal (e.g., by laser ablation or mechanical removal) during manufacturing. In the windowing technology, the conductor track is coated (e.g., bonded or laminated) on the carrier film by a cover film having corresponding recesses (windows) in the connection area. Alternatively, the conductor track is laminated on both sides, wherein the cover film has corresponding recesses in the connection area. When it is removed later, if the conductor track has been applied to the carrier film, the corresponding recess can be brought into the cover film in the connection area. In laminated flat ribbon cables, the recess can be brought into the cover film and, if necessary, the carrier film in the connection area. However, it is also possible that the flat ribbon cable has one or more penetrations (Durchbrechung) of the cover film and, if necessary, the carrier film in the first connection area and the second connection area, respectively. In this case, each lead-through extends completely onto the conductor track, ie it forms a material-free passage onto the conductor track.

[0052] The connection areas are constructed according to their respective uses. In an advantageous design, the contact points are constructed as welding contact points. The electrical conducting connection between the connection area of ​​the flat ribbon cable and the electrical functional element and at least one connection area is preferably achieved by soldering, pressure welding, welding, clamping, crimping or plugging. In the case of soldering, soft soldering with a low melting point solder becomes preferred. Alternatively, the electrically conductive connection can be achieved by bonding or clamping with an electrically conductive adhesive, for example by means of a metal clip, a sleeve or a plug connection. In the interior of the composite sheet, the electrically conductive connection can also be achieved by direct contact of the electrically conductive area, wherein such a component is firmly laminated in the composite sheet and thereby prevented from slipping.

[0053] The flat ribbon cable is advantageously provided in the first or second connection region with an electrode field comprising a large number of individual electrodes electrically connected to the conductor track. This enables simple electrical contacting of the electrical functional elements for their specific control / regulation.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of the coupling arrangement according to the invention, the flat ribbon cable in the second coupling region comprises one or preferably a plurality of electrical connection regions, wherein the flat ribbon cable is releasably or firmly connected to the coupling cable.

[0055] Advantageously, in the connection region, the conductor tracks, i.e. the electrical conductor tracks and / or the additional conductor tracks are electrically connected to one or more connection cables, in particular electrical cores of round cables, at the second connection region. Particularly preferably, the conductor tracks and the cores are electrically connected to each other by welding connections, crimping connections, clamping connections or plug connections.

[0056] The connecting cable can in turn have, at its end facing away from the connection region, electrical connecting means, for example a plug or a socket, which can connect the connecting assembly to an electrical control unit according to the invention, board electronics or other control and evaluation units.

[0057] In another advantageous embodiment, the connection region or the electrical connection means can be surrounded by one or more protective housings. The one or more protective housings increase the mechanical stability of the connection region or the connection means, in particular during the production of the connection assembly, and thus reduce the rejection of defective items, which in turn corresponds to cost savings. In this case, at least one protective housing is arranged such that it is located above one or more connection regions or connection means and preferably follows the outer shape of the connection region or the connection means. Thus, a positive-fitting encapsulation of the connection region or the connection means can be achieved.

[0058] At least one protective housing serves to mechanically protect the connection region or the connection means and is advantageously designed so that it counteracts possible deformations of the connection region or the connection means during the production of the connection assembly, in particular during the lamination of the composite sheet under vacuum and at high temperatures. The protective housing can consist of a correspondingly strong plastic, for example polyimide (PI) or PA66 in combination with glass fibers. For this purpose, the at least one protective housing is particularly advantageously composed of a harder material than the material from which the connection region and the connection means are formed. The determination of the material hardness is carried out here according to known conventional methods, for example according to ISO 14577, as used at the time of the application or at the time of priority.

[0059] The protective housing can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or 3D printing. For example, the protective housing can be bonded to one or more connection areas. However, joint manufacturing with one or more connection areas is also possible, for example by injection molding.

[0060] The coupling assembly according to the invention comprises a composite sheet having an electrical functional element arranged in the interior of the composite sheet. The electrical functional element can be any electrical structure that fulfills an electrical function and needs to be controlled / regulated by an external control unit, making it technically meaningful to use a flat ribbon cable with a plurality of conductor tracks.

[0061] Preferably, the electrical functional element is a layer (electrical functional layer) that is advantageously large-area and conductive and advantageously transparent to visible light, as described at the beginning. The electrical functional layer or a carrier film having the electrical functional layer can be arranged on the surface of a single sheet. For example, the electrical functional layer is located on the surface of one and / or another sheet placed inside. Alternatively, the electrical functional layer can be embedded between two thermoplastic films of the intermediate layer. The electrical functional layer is then preferably applied to a carrier film or a carrier sheet. The carrier film or the carrier sheet preferably comprises a polymer, in particular polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a combination thereof.

[0062] The electrical functional layer is preferably arranged on the surface of at least one sheet and partially, but preferably covers or covers the surface of the sheet over a large area. The expression "large area" means that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75% or preferably at least 90% of the surface of the sheet is covered by the functional layer. However, the functional layer can also extend over a smaller portion of the surface of the sheet. The functional layer is preferably transparent to visible light. In an advantageous design, the functional layer is a single layer or a layer structure consisting of a plurality of single layers having a total thickness of less than or equal to 2 μm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 μm.

[0063] In the sense of the invention, "transparent" means that the total transmittance of the glass corresponds to the legal provisions for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a transmittance of more than 70% and in particular more than 75% for visible light. For the rear side windows and rear window, "transparent" can also mean a transmittance of 10% to 70%. Correspondingly, "opaque" means a transmittance of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, in particular 0%.

[0064] For example, the electrical functional layer comprises at least one metal, preferably silver, nickel, chromium, niobium, tin, titanium, copper, palladium, zinc, gold, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, tungsten or an alloy thereof, and / or at least one metal oxide layer, preferably tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F) or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb). Transparent electrically conductive layers are known, for example, from DE 20 2008 017 611 U1 and EP 0 847 965 B1. They consist, for example, of a metal layer, such as a silver layer or a layer consisting of a silver-containing metal alloy. A typical silver layer preferably has a thickness of 5 nm to 15 nm, particularly preferably 8 nm to 12 nm. The metal layer can be embedded between at least two layers consisting of a dielectric material of the metal oxide type. The metal oxide preferably comprises zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, etc., and a combination of one or more thereof. The dielectric material may also contain silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride and combinations of one or more thereof. The layer structure is usually obtained by a series of precipitation processes, which are performed by vacuum processes, such as magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Very fine metal layers, which in particular contain titanium or niobium, may also be provided on both sides of the silver layer. The lower metal layer serves as an adhesion layer and a crystallization layer. The upper metal layer serves as a protective layer and an absorption layer to prevent the silver from changing during further process steps.

[0065] The transparent, electrically functional layer preferably has a surface resistance of 0.1 ohm / square to 200 ohm / square, particularly preferably 1 ohm / square to 50 ohm / square and very particularly preferably 1 ohm / square to 10 ohm / square.

[0066] Preferably, the electrical functional layer is a layer capable of electrical heating, by which the composite sheet is provided with a heating function. Such heatable layers are known per se to those skilled in the art. They typically comprise one or more, for example two, three or four layers capable of conducting electricity. These layers comprise at least one metal, for example silver, gold, copper, nickel and / or chromium, or a metal alloy, or are preferably composed thereof, and preferably comprise at least 90% by weight of metal, especially at least 99.9% by weight of metal. Such layers have particularly advantageous electrical conductivity in the visible spectrum while having high transmittance. The thickness of a single layer is preferably 5nm to 50nm, particularly preferably 8nm to 25nm. In the case of such a thickness, advantageous high transmittance and particularly advantageous electrical conductivity in the visible spectrum are achieved.

[0067] The electrical functional element can also preferably be an electro-optical component, such as an electrochromic (EC) element, an SPD element, a PDLC element or a guest-host element, as described at the beginning. These are known per se to those skilled in the art, so that they do not need to be explained in more detail. The electrical functional layer can also be a polymeric layer capable of conducting electricity, for example a polymer containing at least one conjugated polymer or provided with particles capable of conducting electricity.

[0068] Electro-optical components, such as electrochromic elements, SPD elements, PDLC elements or so-called guest-host elements, are commercially available as multilayer films, in which the active layer is arranged between two surface electrodes, which are used to apply a voltage to control the active layer. Typically, the two surface electrodes are arranged between two carrier films, which are usually composed of PET. The commercially available multilayer film is also covered with a protective film composed of polypropylene or polyethylene on both sides, which is used to protect the carrier film from contamination or scratches. When manufacturing a composite sheet, the electro-optical component is cut out from the multilayer film in the required size and shape and inserted between the films of the intermediate layer, by means of which two glass sheets are laminated to each other into a composite sheet. A typical application is a windshield with an electrically adjustable sun visor, which is known, for example, from DE 102013001334 A1, DE 102005049081 B3, DE102005007427A1 and DE 102007027296A1.

[0069] Alternative electrical functional elements include LED or OLED lighting elements or photovoltaic structural elements, such as (thin-film) solar cells or antenna systems.

[0070] In the connection assembly according to the present invention, the electric functional element is advantageously electrically connected to at least two busbars, through which current can be fed. The busbar is preferably arranged in the edge region of the electric functional element. The length of the busbar is generally substantially equal to the length of the corresponding side edge of the electric functional element, but it can also be slightly larger or smaller. Preferably, two busbars are arranged in the edge region along two opposite side edges of the functional element. The width of the busbar is preferably 2mm to 30mm, particularly preferably 4mm to 20mm. The busbar is configured in a typical manner in the form of a strip, wherein the longer of its dimensions is referred to as the length, and the less long of its dimensions is referred to as the width. Such a busbar is configured as a conductive structure that can be printed and burned in, for example. The printed busbar contains at least one metal, preferably silver. The conductivity is preferably achieved by metal particles contained in the busbar, particularly preferably by silver particles. The metal particles can be located in an organic and / or inorganic matrix, such as a paste or ink, preferably as a fired screen printing paste with glass frit. The layer thickness of the printed busbar is preferably 5 μm to 40 μm, particularly preferably 8 μm to 20 μm, and particularly preferably 10 μm to 15 μm. Printed busbars with these thicknesses are technically easy to implement and have favorable current carrying capacity. Alternatively, the busbar can also be constructed as a conductive film. The busbar then contains, for example, at least aluminum, copper, tinned copper, gold, silver, zinc, tungsten and / or tin or its alloy. The strip preferably has a thickness of 10 μm to 500 μm, particularly preferably 30 μm to 300 μm. The busbar composed of conductive films with these thicknesses is technically easy to implement and has favorable current carrying capacity. The strip can be conductively connected to a conductive structure, for example, via solder, via a conductive adhesive or by direct placement.

[0071] The composite sheet of the coupling assembly according to the invention comprises a first sheet and a second sheet, which are preferably made of glass, particularly preferably of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, the sheets can also be made of other glass types, such as quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass, or of rigid transparent plastics, such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The sheets can be transparent or can also be tinted or colored. If the composite sheet is used as a windshield, it should have sufficient light transmittance in the central visible area, preferably at least 70% in the main observation area A according to ECE-R43. The first sheet and the second sheet can also be called outer sheet and inner sheet.

[0072] The first pane, the second pane and / or the intermediate layer may have further suitable coatings known per se, for example antireflective coatings, nonstick coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, photocatalytic coatings or sunscreen coatings or low-e coatings.

[0073] The thickness of the first and second sheets can vary widely and thus can be adapted to the requirements in the individual case. The first and second sheets advantageously have a standard thickness of 0.7 mm to 25 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm for vehicle windows and preferably 4 mm to 25 mm for furniture, appliances and buildings, in particular for electric heaters. The dimensions of the sheets can vary widely and depend on the dimensions of the use according to the invention. The first and second sheets have, for example, a typical thickness of 200 cm in vehicle construction and in the construction sector. 2 Up to 20m 2 area.

[0074] In a further advantageous embodiment of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention or of the connection assembly according to the invention, a protective film, a protective body or a protective mass, preferably made of epoxy resin or butyl material, is arranged on and / or around the temperature sensor or on the surface of the flat ribbon cable and in particular of the carrier film facing away from the temperature sensor. This has the particular advantage that the temperature sensor, the electrical conducting connection between the temperature sensor and the additional conductor track, and the additional conductor track in the vicinity of the temperature sensor are protected from damage during lamination.

[0075] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a control system having at least:

[0076] - a coupling assembly according to the invention, and

[0077] an electrical control unit which is electrically connected to the additional conductor track and to the at least one electrical conductor track,

[0078] in

[0079] The electric control unit is configured as follows:

[0080] - Measure the ohmic resistance R between the ends of the additional conductor track Mess ,and

[0081] -Depends on the measured resistance value R Mess

[0082] ○Control electrical functional elements, and / or

[0083] o Detecting defects, preferably breaks and / or short circuits in the additional conductor tracks by means of temperature sensors arranged between the additional conductor tracks.

[0084] The control unit according to the invention is designed to measure the ohmic resistance R between the additional conductor tracks using a temperature sensor arranged between the additional conductor tracks. Mess, in particular via the connection in the second connection region of the flat ribbon cable. The control unit according to the invention can then (taking into account the inherent resistance of the additional conductor track and other resistances of lead-in wires, plugs, etc.) infer the resistance value of the temperature sensor and from this the temperature T at the temperature sensor. For this purpose, a resistance-temperature characteristic curve or table is stored in the electrical control unit. The temperature measurement can be carried out point by point or continuously.

[0085] The control unit is advantageously also connected to electrical conductor tracks, by means of which the electrical functional elements connected via the connection region can be electrically operated and controlled.

[0086] The control unit is advantageously configured such that it matches the control voltage S for the electrical functional element to the measured temperature T at the temperature sensor. A suitable control voltage S can, for example, be calculated by the electrical control unit or stored or programmed in the electrical control unit via a table. Thus, for example, when a certain temperature T is exceeded, the control voltage S can be reduced or completely switched off to protect the electrical functional element. This is particularly advantageous in the case of PDLC elements as electrical functional elements. Alternatively, the control voltage S can be increased, for example in order to maintain an optical color or transparency change that decreases with increasing temperature or to increase the speed of change.

[0087] Furthermore, the ohmic resistance R of the additional conductors is measured by means of a temperature sensor arranged between the additional conductors (for example via a connection in the second connection region). Mess Inferences can be drawn about damage to the flat ribbon cable and the electrical conductor tracks contained therein. The measurement can be performed point by point or continuously.

[0088] If the ohmic resistance R Mess The measured resistance is higher than the upper reference resistance R Ref_o , this indicates a break or defect in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor track and the temperature sensor.

[0089] Example: When using an R resistor with a resistance of, for example, 10 kOhm at 25°C 25 The temperature sensor in the form of an NTC thermistor measures the ohmic resistance R at the undamaged additional wire. Mess When the temperature T in the lower operating range of -40°C is used, an upper resistance R of about 200 kOhm is generated. Ref_o If the reference resistance value R is exceeded Ref_o , for example more than 10%, this indicates a break or a defect in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor track and the temperature sensor, from which a defect of the flat ribbon cable can be inferred.

[0090] If the ohmic resistance R Mess Measured below the lower reference resistance value R Ref_u, this indicates a short circuit in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor track and the temperature sensor.

[0091] Example: When using an R resistor with a resistance of, for example, 10 kOhm at 25°C 25 The temperature sensor in the form of an NTC thermistor measures the ohmic resistance R of the undamaged additional wire. Mess At a temperature T in the upper operating range of 150° C., a lower resistance R of about 300 ohms is produced. Ref_u If it is lower than the reference resistance value R Ref_u , this indicates a short circuit in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor track and the temperature sensor, from which a defect of the flat ribbon cable can also be inferred.

[0092] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coupling assembly according to the invention and comprises the following steps:

[0093] a) providing a flat ribbon cable according to the invention having an electrical conductor track and two additional conductor tracks with a temperature sensor arranged between the two additional conductor tracks, wherein the flat ribbon cable has a first connection region at a first end and a second connection region at a second end,

[0094] b) electrically conductively connecting the conductor track of the flat ribbon cable to the electrical functional element in the first connection region,

[0095] c) arranging the flat ribbon cable between the two sheets in such a way that the first connection region is located between the two sheets and the second connection region leads out between the two sheets,

[0096] d) Laminating the two sheets to the thermoplastic intermediate layer after steps a), b) and c).

[0097] Steps a), b) and c) may be performed in any order.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, before or after laminating the two sheets, an electrical connection region is formed between the second connection region of the flat ribbon cable and the connecting cable, in particular a round cable, preferably by means of a welded, crimped, clamped or plugged connection.

[0099] The connection of two individual sheets in the lamination is preferably carried out under the influence of heat, vacuum and / or pressure. Methods known per se can be used to produce composite sheets. For example, the so-called autoclave process can be carried out at an increased pressure of about 10 bar to 15 bar and a temperature of 130° C. to 145° C. for about 2 hours. The vacuum bag or vacuum ring process known per se works, for example, at about 200 mbar and 80° C. to 110° C. The first sheet, the thermoplastic intermediate layer and the second sheet can also be pressed into sheets between at least one pair of rollers in a calender. This type of facility is known for producing sheets and usually has at least one heating tunnel in front of the pressing device. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, 40° C. to 150° C. The combination of calender and autoclave process has proven to be feasible in practice. Alternatively, a vacuum laminator can be used. These consist of one or more heatable and evacuable chambers in which the first and second sheets are laminated at a reduced pressure of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and a temperature of 80° C. to 170° C. within, for example, about 60 minutes.

[0100] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for measuring the temperature of a flat ribbon cable according to the invention or a coupling assembly according to the invention, wherein

[0101] a) providing a flat ribbon cable according to the invention, a coupling assembly according to the invention or a control system according to the invention,

[0102] b) measuring the ohmic resistance between the ends of the additional conductor tracks by means of a temperature sensor arranged between the additional conductor tracks, wherein the measured resistance value R Mess Corresponds to the temperature T at the temperature sensor.

[0103] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control voltage S of the electrical functional element according to the invention, which is electrically connected to the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, is selected as a function of a temperature measurement.

[0104] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, step b) is carried out repeatedly, preferably continuously, and the control voltage S is adapted accordingly.

[0105] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a step c) before or after step b), the resistance value R is measured. Mess With the reference resistance R Ref_u / o Compared to the reference resistance R Ref_u / o Corresponds to a defect, preferably a break or a short circuit in the flat ribbon cable.

[0106] Step c) is particularly preferably carried out before and / or after the flat ribbon cable according to the invention is arranged in the coupling assembly.

[0107] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for detecting a disconnection of a flat ribbon cable according to the invention or of a coupling assembly according to the invention, wherein

[0108] a) providing a flat ribbon cable according to the invention or a coupling assembly according to the invention,

[0109] b) measuring or calculating an ohmic reference resistance value R between the ends of the preferably undamaged additional conductor tracks Ref_u / o ,

[0110] c) Measure the ohmic resistance R between the ends of the additional conductor tracks Mess And the resistor R Mess With the reference resistance R Ref_u / o Make a comparison.

[0111] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, if the measured ohmic resistance R Mess With the ohm reference resistance value R Ref_u / o If the difference exceeds 5%, preferably exceeds 10% and particularly preferably exceeds 50%, the flat ribbon cable is considered to be defective. In particular, if the measured ohmic resistance R Mess R Ref_o is higher by more than 5%, preferably by more than 10% and particularly preferably by more than 50%, and / or if the measured ohmic resistance R Mess Compared to the lower ohm reference resistance value R Ref_u If the value is lower than 5%, preferably lower than 10% and particularly preferably higher than 50%, the flat ribbon cable is considered defective. The ohmic reference resistance value depends on the resistance range of the temperature sensor in the respective operating range and on the properties of the temperature sensor, in particular whether it is a temperature sensor with a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) or a temperature sensor with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC).

[0112] Those skilled in the art can easily calculate or measure the ohmic reference resistance value R Ref_u / o If the additional conductor track is damaged, the measured resistance value R in ohms is higher Mess Usually used as a reference resistor value R Ref_o This can be used to infer a defect in the flat ribbon cable and in particular a break in the flat ribbon cable. Compared to the reference resistance value R Ref_u The lower the measured ohmic resistance value R Mess Can indicate a short circuit within the flat-band cable.

[0113] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, step c) is carried out before and / or after the flat ribbon cable is arranged in the coupling assembly.

[0114] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, step c) is performed repeatedly.

[0115] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the coupling assembly according to the invention or the control system according to the invention as building glass or vehicle glass, preferably as vehicle glass, in particular as a windshield or sunroof of a motor vehicle.

[0116] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the flat ribbon cable according to the invention, the coupling assembly according to the invention or the control system according to the invention for temperature measurement or for combined temperature measurement and defect detection, in particular for disconnection detection and / or short circuit detection.

[0117] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the features mentioned above and to be explained below can be used not only in the combination described, but also in other combinations or alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0118] The invention is explained in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or identically acting elements are provided with the same reference symbols. In the simplified, not-to-scale illustration:

[0119] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing a first connection region of a flat ribbon cable according to the invention,

[0120] Figure 1B Shown according to Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of a flat ribbon cable according to the invention along the section line AA',

[0121] Figure 2 Shows a defective basis Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a flat ribbon cable,

[0122] Figure 3A shows a schematic top view towards a composite sheet of a coupling assembly according to the invention,

[0123] Figure 3B A detailed view shows Figure 3A The cross-section of the coupling component, and

[0124] Figure 3C A detailed view of the side facing the composite sheet is shown. Figure 3A The cross-section of the coupling component, and

[0125] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first connection region of an alternative flat ribbon cable according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] First reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 , in which a flat ribbon cable, generally indicated by reference numeral 11, is shown in a schematic manner.

[0127] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a first connection region 6 of a flat ribbon cable 11 according to the invention is shown. The first connection region 6 is located at the first end 5 of the flat ribbon cable 11.

[0128] Figure 1B Shown along the basis Figure 1A Schematic cross-sectional view of a flat ribbon cable 11 according to the present invention along the section line AA′.

[0129] For example, ten electrical conductor tracks 12 are arranged on a polymer carrier film 24 and are, for example, bonded to the carrier film 24. The electrical conductor tracks 12 each lead into a connection electrode 15. In addition, two additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b are guided on the carrier film 24 in a substantially U-shaped manner around the first connection region 6 in the edge region of the carrier film 24. The additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b each contact one of the two connection parts of the temperature sensor 20, which is arranged here, for example, in the middle of the first end 3 of the flat ribbon cable 11.

[0130] The temperature sensor 20 is, for example, a thermistor, ie, a resistor, the value of which changes reproducibly with temperature. The thermistor is, for example, an NTC thermistor, a so-called thermal conductor, which has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and conducts electricity better in the hot state than in the cold state. The resistance value R of the thermistor 25 Preferably, it is 1 kiloohm to 100 kiloohm and, for example, 10 kiloohm. This generally allows a temperature T of −40° C. to +150° C. to be reproducibly measured. The temperature sensor 20 is preferably embodied in SMD technology and has only a small thickness.

[0131] For example, the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and the temperature sensor 20 are adhesively bonded to the carrier film 24. The distance between the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and the edge of the carrier film 24 is, for example, 3 mm.

[0132] The electrical conductor tracks 12 and the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b consist, for example, of a thin copper, silver, tin or gold film. The film can also be coated, for example silver-plated, gold-plated or tin-plated. The thickness of the film is, for example, 35 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm or 100 μm.

[0133] The carrier film 24, the electrical conductor tracks 12, the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and preferably also the temperature sensor 20 are covered with a covering film 25.1 and preferably bonded to it. In this way, a flat ribbon cable 11 with embedded conductor tracks 12, 13a, 13b is produced, which are electrically insulated toward the outside. The covering film 25.1 or the carrier film 24 is usually excluded in the area of ​​the connecting electrode 15, so that the flat ribbon cable 11 can be electrically contacted there. Further sections of the insulating film 25.2 can be arranged between the individual conductor tracks 12, 13a, 13b and between the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and the edge of the carrier film 24.

[0134] For example, polyimide films, preferably black or yellow polyimide films (such as PI-MTB / MBC) with a thickness of 25 μm or 50 μm are particularly suitable as the material for carrier film 24. Alternatively, polymer films, such as PEN with a thickness of 25 μm, preferably white, black or transparent PEN, can be used.

[0135] For example, a film made of polyimide, preferably a black or yellow polyimide film (such as PI-MTB / MBC) with a thickness of 25 μm is particularly suitable as the material of the cover film 25.1 and, if necessary, as the insulating film 25.2. Alternatively, a polymer film made of PEN, preferably white PEN, with a thickness of 25 μm can be used.

[0136] The adhesive layer between the carrier film 24, the cover film 25.1, the insulating film 25.2, the electrical conductor tracks 12 and / or the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b can contain or consist of, for example, an epoxy adhesive or a thermoplastic adhesive. The typical thickness of the adhesive film is 25 μm to 35 μm. The adhesive can be transparent or colored, for example black.

[0137] By measuring the resistance value between the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and in particular the ohmic resistance value R t by means of a temperature sensor 20 arranged between the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b (for example via a connection in the second connection region 8). Mess Taking into account the inherent resistance of the additional conductor tracks 13 a , 13 b and other resistances of lead-in wires, plugs, etc., it is possible to infer the resistance value of the temperature sensor 20 and thus the temperature T at the temperature sensor 20 .

[0138] For this purpose, a resistance-temperature characteristic curve or a table can be stored in an electrical control unit (not shown here) which is electrically connected to the connections of the additional conductor tracks 13 a , 13 b and with which the resistance measurement is carried out.

[0139] A control unit can also be connected to the electrical conductor tracks 12 , by means of which the electrical functional elements 10 connected via the connection regions 15 can be electrically operated and controlled.

[0140] The control unit can be configured, for example, such that the control voltage S for the electrical functional element 10 is matched to the measured temperature T at the temperature sensor 20. Thus, for example, when a certain temperature T is exceeded, the control voltage can be reduced or completely switched off in order to protect the electrical functional element 10. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a PDLC element as the electrical functional element 10. Alternatively, the control voltage S can be increased, for example in order to maintain an optical color or transparency change that decreases with increasing temperature.

[0141] Furthermore, by measuring the ohmic resistance R of the additional conductors 13a, 13b Mess For example, via the connection in the second connection region 8, damage to the flat ribbon cable 11 and the conductor track 12 contained therein can be inferred. The measurement can be carried out point by point or continuously. 25 The temperature sensor 20 in the form of an NTC thermistor measures the ohmic resistance R of the undamaged additional conductors 13a, 13b. Mess When the temperature T in the lower operating range of -40°C is used, an upper resistance R of about 200 kOhm is generated. Ref_o If it exceeds the reference resistance value R Ref_o , this indicates a break or a defect in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b and the temperature sensor 20, from which a defect of the flat ribbon cable 11 can be inferred. 25 The temperature sensor 20 in the form of an NTC thermistor measures the ohmic resistance R of the undamaged additional conductors 13a, 13b. Mess At a temperature T in the upper operating range of 150° C., a lower resistance R of about 300 ohms is produced. Ref_u If it is significantly lower than the reference resistance value R Ref_u , this indicates a short circuit in the measuring circuit consisting of the additional conductor tracks 13 a , 13 b and the temperature sensor 20 , from which a defect, for example a short circuit, in the flat ribbon cable 11 can also be inferred.

[0142] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a flat ribbon cable 11 with a defect in a disconnection region Z. In the disconnection region Z, the two electrical conductor tracks 12 arranged on the left in the figure as well as the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b are damaged and interrupted. Measured ohmic resistance value R of the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b with the temperature sensor 20 MessThe ohm resistance is very high, usually in the upper kiloohm (kOhm) or megaohm (MOhm) range.

[0143] Such damage usually occurs due to excessive loading of the flat ribbon cable 11 , for example after lamination into a composite pane and bending the flat ribbon cable 11 around the pane edges.

[0144] In addition, reference Figure 3A , 3B and 3C, in which a coupling assembly generally indicated by reference numeral 1 is shown in a schematic manner.

[0145] Figure 3A Here, a view of a composite pane is shown, which is generally designated by the reference number 2 .

[0146] Figure 3B A cross section through the composite pane 2 is shown in a plan view in the region in which the flat ribbon cables 11 according to the invention are led out of the side surface 2 . 1 of the composite pane 2 .

[0147] Figure 3C The detailed view of the side 2.1 facing the composite pane 2 shows Figure 3A Cross section of the connecting component 1.

[0148] The connecting assembly 1 comprises a composite pane 2, which is designed here, for example, as a sunroof of a motor vehicle. Figure 3C As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the composite sheet 2 includes a first sheet 3 serving as an outer sheet and a second sheet 4 serving as an inner sheet. The inner sheet is the sheet facing the interior of the vehicle, while the outer sheet faces the vehicle surroundings. As is common in vehicle glass technology, the surface of the outer sheet (first sheet 3) facing the vehicle surroundings is referred to as surface I, while the surface of the inner sheet (second sheet 4) facing the vehicle interior is referred to as surface IV. The two sheets 3, 4 are composed of soda-lime glass, for example. The two sheets 3, 4 are firmly connected to each other by two thermoplastic intermediate layers 9 composed of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU).

[0149] The composite sheet 2 is provided with an electrical functional element 10, which is also only schematically shown, and which is located between the two sheets 3, 4. The electrical functional element 10 is, for example, a PDLC element, which is used, for example, as an electrically adjustable sunshade or privacy shield. The PDLC element is formed by a commercially available PDLC multilayer film, which is inserted into the intermediate layer 9. For this purpose, the intermediate layer 9 comprises, for example, a total of three thermoplastic films (not shown) made of PVB with a thickness of, for example, 0.38 mm, wherein the first thermoplastic film is connected to the first sheet 3 and the second thermoplastic film is connected to the second sheet 4, and wherein the thermoplastic frame film placed between them has a section (Ausschnitt, sometimes also called a notch), into which the cut functional element 10 is inserted with a precise fit. Therefore, the third thermoplastic film also forms a kind of channel frame (passepartout) for the functional element 10, which is therefore encapsulated in the thermoplastic material on all sides and is thus protected. Such embedding of PDLC elements into the composite sheet 2 is well known to those skilled in the art, so that a precise illustration is omitted. As is also known to those skilled in the art, PDLC elements generally include an active layer between two surface electrodes and two carrier films. The active layer contains a polymer matrix with liquid crystals dispersed therein, which are oriented according to the voltage S applied to the surface electrodes, whereby the optical properties can be adjusted.

[0150] The functional element 10 is divided into nine sections 10.1 by insulating wires, for example. The sections 10.1 are strip-shaped. The insulating wires between the sections 10.1 have a width of, for example, 40 μm (micrometers) to 50 μm. They can be introduced into a prefabricated multilayer film, for example, by means of a laser.

[0151] In particular, the insulating wire divides the surface electrode of the functional element 10 into mutually insulated strips, each of which has a separate electrical connection. In this way, the segments 10 . 1 can be switched independently of each other.

[0152] The respective surface electrodes of the segment 10.1 are contacted individually on one side via segments of a busbar 28 (shown on the left in FIG. 1 ) and on the opposite side via a common busbar 28 (shown on the right in FIG. 1 ). In order to apply voltage to the respective individual busbar segments of the new segment 10.1 and the common busbar 28, ten independent electrical conducting connections are thus required, for example.

[0153] The composite pane 1 also has a flat ribbon cable 11. The busbars 28 of the segments 10.1 of the functional element 10 are each electrically conductively connected to the flat ribbon cable 11, for example via an electrical conductor wire 27. A reliable electrically conductive connection is preferably achieved here by a welded connection.

[0154] Function element 2 is a PDLC functional element, which is used as an adjustable sunshade or privacy shield. The driver or other vehicle occupants can operate the PDLC functional element, for example by touching the operating element, depending on the sun position.

[0155] In order to actuate the nine individual segments 10 . 1 with a common pole pair, the flat ribbon cable 11 has, for example, ten electrical conductor tracks 12 which are electrically insulated from one another.

[0156] Obviously, the flat ribbon cable 11 can be matched to the respective facts of actual use and can, for example, extend over two, three or four layers. Alternatively or in combination, more or fewer conductor tracks can be arranged side by side per layer.

[0157] As in Figure 3B As shown in the schematic inset of , the flat ribbon cable 11 is partially laminated into the composite sheet 2 and leads out of the composite sheet 2 between the two sheets 3, 4. Figure 3B In the embodiment, the flat ribbon cable 11 is guided around the side surface 2.1 of the second pane 4 and arranged on the surface IV of the second pane 4. For this purpose, the second pane 4 can have a recess in the run-off region, for example through a ground region (not shown here).

[0158] The flat ribbon cable 11 has a first connection region 6 and a second connection region 8, wherein the first connection region 6 is located at a first end 5 of the flat ribbon cable 11 along the extension direction of the flat ribbon cable 11 and the second connection region 8 is located at a second end 7 of the flat ribbon cable 11. The flat ribbon cable 11 has an electrode field in the first connection region 6 with ten connection electrodes 15 for electrical (e.g. galvanic) contacting of the functional element 10.

[0159] The flat ribbon cable 11 has a second connection region 8 at its second end 7. This is connected to the round cable 26 via the connection element 14 in such a way that, for example, both ends of the individual conductor tracks 12 and the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b are in electrical contact with the respective cores of the round cable 26. At the end of the round cable 26 facing away from the connection element 14, for example, a connection element 17 (for example a plug or a socket) can be arranged for further electrical connection, for example to board electronics.

[0160] The connecting element 14 and / or the coupling element 17 may, for example, be arranged in a protective housing 19 which protects the connecting element 14 and / or the coupling element 17 from mechanical damage during the lamination process.

[0161] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a first connection region 6 of an alternative flat ribbon cable 11 according to the invention is shown. The flat ribbon cable 11 according to the invention substantially corresponds to a flat ribbon cable 11 such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B, so only the differences are discussed here and in other respects reference is made to Figure 1A and 1B Obviously, Figure 4 The alternative flat ribbon cable 11 can also be used in accordance with Figure 3A -C connection assembly 1. In addition, the method for temperature measurement and defect identification (disconnection identification and short circuit identification) according to the present invention can also be used according to Figure 4 The flat ribbon cable 11 is implemented as in Figure 1A and 1B As described in the description.

[0162] In accordance with Figure 4 In the flat ribbon cable 11 of FIG. 1 , the first connection region 6 is located at the first end 5 of the flat ribbon cable 11 and has ten connection electrodes 15 arranged in two symmetrical rows on one side of the carrier film 24 . Each connection electrode 15 is electrically connected to a conductor track 12 .

[0163] according to Figure 4 The flat ribbon cable 11 has a temperature sensor 20 at the first end 5, which is electrically contacted via two additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b. The temperature sensor 20 is arranged in a section 22 of the flat ribbon cable 11, wherein the carrier film 24 has two cutouts 21, which extend from the edge of the carrier film 24 substantially orthogonally in the direction of the interior of the carrier film 24. For this purpose, the additional conductor tracks 13a, 13b are guided annularly around the cutouts 21. The length L of the cutouts 21 is 21 For example, the diameter is about 8 mm and the width is about 0.5 mm.

[0164] The section 22 with the temperature sensor 20 is made particularly flexible by the cutouts 21. This has the particular advantage that the temperature sensor 20, which is usually thicker than the remaining connection region 6, can be laminated particularly well into the composite pane 2.

[0165] A particular advantage of the invention is that each flat ribbon cable 11 according to the invention provides two functions in one component: 1) supply of the electrical functional element 10 of the active glass to control the voltage S, and 2) temperature measurement of the active glass and matched control of the electrical functional element 10 .

[0166] This temperature measurement is particularly important for the electrical functional elements 10 of the active glass, since the optical properties (transparency change, scattering behavior, switching speed, etc.) generally depend on the temperature of the glass. The electronic current supply by the electronic control unit according to the invention, which is programmed or configured accordingly, can use the result of the temperature measurement and adapt the control voltage S accordingly in order to regulate the optical power or simply interrupt the control voltage S if the temperature T is too high or too low and thus protect the electrical functional elements 10 of the active glass from possible damage.

[0167] Reference Symbols List

[0168] 1 Connection components

[0169] 2 Composite sheet

[0170] 2.1 Side or off-side

[0171] 3. First sheet

[0172] 4 Second sheet

[0173] 5 First end

[0174] 6 First connection area

[0175] 7 Second end

[0176] 8 Second connection area

[0177] 9 Middle Layer

[0178] 10 Electrical functional components

[0179] 10.1 Sections

[0180] 11 Flat Ribbon Cable

[0181] 12 Conductor tracks

[0182] 13a, 13b Additional conductor tracks

[0183] 14 Connection Area

[0184] 15. Connecting electrodes

[0185] 17 Socket or plug

[0186] 19 Protective housing

[0187] 20 Temperature Sensor

[0188] 21 Incision

[0189] 22 Section of carrier film 24

[0190] 24 Carrier film

[0191] 25.1 Covering film

[0192] 25.2 Insulating Film

[0193] 26 Round Cable

[0194] 27 Conductor wire

[0195] 28 Busbar

[0196] 29 Leave the site

[0197] bF (maximum) width of the flat ribbon cable 11

[0198] bL (maximum) width of conductor track 12

[0199] dF (maximum) thickness of flat ribbon cable 11

[0200] dL (maximum) thickness of conductor track 12

[0201] E1 Plane 1

[0202] L 21 Length of the cutout 21

[0203] T Temperature

[0204] Z Break Zone

[0205] A-A' hatch line

[0206] I,IV surface

Claims

1. A flat ribbon cable (11) with a temperature sensor (20), comprising: A carrier film (24) having at least one, preferably at least two, electrical conductor tracks (12), wherein the carrier film (24) has a first connection region (5) at a first end (5) and a second connection region (8) at a second end (7), wherein: The first connection region (6) can be arranged between two panes (3, 4) of the composite pane (2) and the second connection region (8) can be led out of the composite pane (2) between the two panes (3, 4), and at least one electrical conductor track (12) can electrically contact the electrical functional element (10) in the first connection region (6). The carrier film (24) has a temperature sensor (20) and two additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b), and the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) are in electrical contact with the temperature sensor (20), so that an ohmic resistance value R between the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) can be measured. Mess .

2. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor (20) is arranged at a first connection region (6) of the carrier film (24).

3. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The temperature sensor (20) and / or the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) are arranged in the edge region of the carrier film (24).

4. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first additional conductor track (13a), the temperature sensor (20) and the second additional conductor track (13b) are guided in an annular manner and preferably in a substantially U-shaped manner around the first connection region (6).

5. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one electrical conductor track (12) and the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) are arranged next to each other in one plane (E1) or one above the other in at least two, preferably exactly two or exactly three or exactly four planes (E1, E2).

6. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least one electrical conductor track (12) is arranged on a first surface of an electrically insulating carrier film (24), and at least one further conductor track is arranged on a second surface of the carrier film (24).

7. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The at least one electrical conductor track (12), the additional conductor track (13a, 13b) and / or the temperature sensor (20) are firmly connected to the first or second surface of the carrier film (24).

8. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The temperature sensor (20) is a resistance element or a resistance thermometer, preferably a measuring resistor or a thermistor, in particular a platinum resistor, a nickel resistor, a hot conductor component or a cold conductor component.

9. The flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The carrier film (24) has a cutout (21) or a recess on both sides of the temperature sensor (20), which extends from the edge of the carrier film (24) preferably essentially straight and particularly preferably at an angle of 90° into the interior of the carrier film (24).

10. A connection assembly (1), comprising: a composite pane (2) consisting of a first pane (3) and a second pane (4), the first pane (3) and the second pane (4) being connected to one another in terms of area by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (9), - an electrical functional element (10) arranged between the two sheets (3, 4), - Flat ribbon cable (11) according to claims 1 to 9, wherein The first connection region (6) is arranged between the two panes (3, 4), and the second connection region (8) is led out of the composite pane (2) between the two panes (3, 4), and the at least one electrical conductor track (12) electrically contacts the electrical functional element (10) in the first connection region (6).

11. The coupling assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The electric functional element (10) comprises a PDLC functional element, a guest-host functional element or an electrochromic functional element, an LED light source or an OLED light source, a photovoltaic module or an antenna, or is composed of them.

12. A control system comprising: - A coupling assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11, and - an electrical control unit which is electrically connected to the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) and to the at least one electrical conductor track (12), in, The electric control unit is configured - measuring the ohmic resistance value R of the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) by means of a temperature sensor (20) arranged between the additional conductor tracks Mess ,and -Depends on the measured resistance value R Mess o controlling the electrical functional element (10), and / or o Detecting defects in the flat ribbon cable (11).

13. A method for temperature measurement, wherein a) providing a flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a coupling assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11, or a control system according to claim 12, b) measuring the ohmic resistance between the ends of the additional conductor tracks (13a, 13b) by means of a temperature sensor (20) arranged between the additional conductor tracks, wherein the measured resistance value R Mess Corresponding to the temperature T at the temperature sensor (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: A control voltage S of an electrical functional element (10) electrically connected to the flat ribbon cable (11) is selected based on the temperature measurement in step b).

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein: In method step c), the measured resistance value R Mess With the upper reference resistance value R Ref_o and / or with the lower reference resistance value R Ref_u is compared and exceeds the reference resistance value R Ref_o and / or below the lower reference resistance value R Ref_u In accordance with the defects in the flat ribbon cable (11), step c) is preferably performed before and / or after the flat ribbon cable (11) is arranged in the coupling assembly (1).

16. A use of a flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a connecting assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11, or a control system according to claim 12 in building glass or vehicle glass, especially in a windshield, side window, rear window or sunroof of a motor vehicle, and preferably having an electrical functional element (10), wherein the electrical functional element comprises an SPD functional element, a PDLC functional element, a host-guest functional element or an electrochromic functional element, an LED light source or an OLED light source, a photovoltaic module, or an antenna, or is composed of them.

17. Use of a flat ribbon cable (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a coupling assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11 or a control system according to claim 12 for temperature measurement or for combined temperature measurement and defect detection.

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