Vehicle window panel with light source and light guide layer

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle window panel (15) comprising: a window panel body assembly (13) comprising a light guide layer, comprising a window panel outer body (16) having an outer side (21) facing the surroundings of the vehicle, and comprising a window panel inner body (18) having an inner side (23) facing the interior of the vehicle; and a light source (24), the light of which can be coupled into the light guide layer (19), the outer pane body (16) being attached to the inner pane body (18) by means of at least one connecting layer (20). The connecting layer (20) and / or the pane body assembly (13) at least partially comprises a diffusion layer (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle window pane having the features of the preamble of independent claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] Such a vehicle window panel is known in practical applications and is particularly suitable for the field of vehicle roofs. The vehicle window panel here can constitute a fixed roof component of the vehicle roof, or it can also constitute a cover component of a roof opening system, by means of which the roof opening can be selectively closed or opened. The known vehicle window panel comprises a window panel body, which can be arched and provided with a light conductor layer. The light conductor layer is used in particular to meet the aesthetic requirements of the vehicle interior and is also used for vehicle interior lighting. In addition, a light source is provided in the known vehicle window panel, whose light can be coupled into the light conductor layer. The coupling is mostly achieved through the edge of the light conductor layer or (window panel) edge. The light conductor layer can constitute a visible surface of the vehicle window panel visible from the vehicle interior space, so that when the light source is activated, a light-emitting element of the vehicle window panel is realized through the light conductor layer, and the vehicle interior space can be illuminated by the light conductor layer if necessary. In the known vehicle window panel, the size of the light conductor layer is smaller than the size of the window panel body, and the light conductor layer is arranged on the inner side of the window panel body so that the light emitted by the light source can be coupled in via the edge of the light conductor layer. However, such coupling is complex and requires either a window panel of small dimensions or an arrangement of the light source in a wet area of ​​the vehicle.

[0003] It is also known from the prior art to use prisms or other optical elements to couple the light of the light source into the optical waveguide layer. The use of prisms or optical elements allows for greater freedom of choice in the arrangement of the light source, since the light source no longer has to be arranged directly in the edge region of the optical waveguide layer. The advantage of this design freedom is that, in contrast to the case of direct arrangement in the edge region of the optical waveguide layer, the light source is no longer arranged in a moist area, but can also be arranged in a dry area protected from moisture. This makes it possible to dispense with seals and / or moisture protection. For example, by using a prism (for example applied to the inner side of the inner optical waveguide layer), the light source can be arranged laterally below the edge region of the optical waveguide layer, in particular offset to the edge region.

[0004] Depending on the application, the use of prisms or other optical elements for light coupling has the disadvantage that additional components are required and the space requirement may be increased compared to lateral light coupling. In addition, this solution places relatively high demands on the tolerances between the prism and the light source, since the efficiency of the light coupling depends on the relative positioning and / or positional relationship of the light source to the prism. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to further develop a vehicle window pane of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the light coupling into the optical waveguide layer and / or the light distribution within the optical waveguide layer can be improved and / or optical light losses can be reduced.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle window pane having the features of claim 1 .

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the drawings fall within the scope of the invention. It is understood that the statements made for the vehicle window panel apply in an equivalent manner to the vehicle according to the invention without repeated reference to this. It is particularly understood that within the scope of common language usage, common wording changes and / or substitutions in their meanings of the corresponding concepts, in particular the use of synonyms supported by generally recognized language documents, belong to the scope of the present disclosure, even if this is not explicitly mentioned in the respective description.

[0008] According to the present invention, a vehicle window panel is proposed, which includes a window panel body component. The window panel body component includes a light conductor layer, a window panel outer body with an outer side facing the vehicle surroundings, and a window panel inner body with an inner side facing the vehicle interior space. The vehicle window panel also includes at least one light source, when electromagnetic radiation is emitted by the light source, the light of the light source can be coupled into the light conductor layer or coupled into the light conductor layer. The window panel outer body is attached to the window panel inner body by at least one connecting layer. For example, the window panel inner body constitutes the light conductor layer. The connecting layer preferably includes a diffusion layer at least partially. The vehicle window panel is preferably a composite glass window panel and / or a composite safety glass (VSG).

[0009] The inner body of the window panel is in principle made of any material that can be used as a light conductor, and the inner body of the window panel can have the same size as the outer body of the window panel or can also be smaller. For example, the inner body of the window panel is made of a material including glass and / or polycarbonate and / or other plastics. In the window panel body assembly configured as composite safety glass, the connecting layer between the individual window panel bodies is preferably composed of a material including polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and / or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The connecting layer can be translucent or transparent or can be colored.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting layer is composed of a particularly transparent polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. For example, the diffusion layer can be arranged on or in the connecting layer. The diffusion layer can also partially supplement and / or replace the connecting layer. Therefore, at least one connecting layer is not, for example, arranged between the window panel outer body and the window panel inner body in equal areas to connect them to each other, but can be supplemented and / or replaced and / or expanded by the diffusion layer in part and / or section. Alternatively or supplementally, the diffusion layer can be arranged and / or bonded on the window panel outer body, especially on the side opposite to the outside, and / or can be arranged and / or bonded on the window panel inner body, especially on the side opposite to the inside. Alternatively or supplementally, the diffusion layer can be introduced and / or embedded between at least two layers of at least one connecting layer at least sectionally and / or partially. The connecting layer is preferably a particularly transparent hot-melt adhesive film, particularly preferably a transparent PVB hot-melt adhesive film that has been used in existing vehicle window panels. In particular, in composite safety glass, the window panel body assembly comprises a window panel outer body and a window panel inner body attached to the window panel outer body via a connecting layer. Preferably, the window panel inner body forms a light conductor layer. Alternatively, an additional light conductor layer can be applied to the window panel inner body, into which light from at least one light source can be coupled directly or indirectly.

[0011] The solution according to the invention has the advantage that by using or by introducing or by arranging a diffuser layer, light can be preferably coupled into the optical waveguide layer substantially vertically, particularly preferably by arranging the light source in the inner edge region. As a result, a top-mounted light source (Aufsatz-Lichtquelle) that does not require complicated assembly can be used. For example, a top light-emitting diode (Top-LED) can be used, "top" meaning "upper"). Therefore, unlike the prior art, the bonding process required for arranging the prism on the inner side of the window plate is not mandatory. However, in the case of the present invention, there is also such an option for mounting the prism, and it can also be advantageous in different design concepts. By arranging a diffuser layer, the coupling of light into the optical waveguide layer can be simplified and / or improved, because a higher degree of design freedom for mounting the light source can be achieved. Compared with the prior art, the light distribution in the optical waveguide layer can also be improved by the diffuser layer. Another advantage is that the light coupled in a diffuse manner causes a particularly random scattering, so that, unlike when using a prism to couple light into the optical waveguide layer, it is not necessary to comply with large tolerances and / or positioning requirements. According to the invention, in this way, a color mixture of the red, green and blue (RGB) colors of the light source that is as uniform as possible is achieved without the need for a surface for correct color reproduction, such as a surface for mounting other optical elements. Compared to the prior art, at least one light source can also be positioned more freely. Therefore, the number of light sources used essentially only determines the brightness in the optical conductor layer, rather than primarily determining the color mixture. If multiple light sources are used, the number of light sources required per unit length can be reduced, and / or the desired brightness can be adjusted by selecting the number of light sources per unit length along the edge area. According to the invention, at least one light source can be freely selected, so that, for example, a standard light strip or a commercially available LED light strip can be selected. This can reduce component costs. Of course, special LED light strips with a certain color change and / or brightness change can also be used without matching in terms of color authenticity and light coupling.

[0012] According to the invention, since the light from the light source is coupled into the light conductor almost vertically, preferably at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular between 70° and 110° to the inner side of the light conductor layer, it is no longer necessary to remove the coating on the inner side of the light conductor in order to prevent the light from the light source from being reflected by the coating, reducing the brightness and / or intensity and / or spectral separation. Of course, the removal step, for example the removal of the coating, can always still be optional.

[0013] The diffuse layer is preferably configured to deflect light entering from the light source through the inner body of the window panel and / or scatter it in the diffuse layer. By light scattering, light coupling can be performed perpendicularly to the surface of the optical conductor layer, in particular perpendicularly to the inner side, when viewed in the main radiation direction of the light source. The incident light beams are then deflected and / or diverted by the diffuse layer so that they can propagate in the optical conductor layer even in the case of vertical coupling. The diffuse layer preferably acts as an opaque (white or colored) layer. The diffusion properties of the diffuse layer can preferably be adjusted and / or determined relative to a conventional connecting layer by introducing additives during the manufacture of the diffuse layer. Depending on the desired degree of diffusion, the amount of additive added can be varied. As additives, purely by way of example, white PVB material and / or diffuse PVB material, for example a material with white pigment particles, can be selected. For example, an at least partially structured layer can be produced for adjusting the degree of diffusion, by which the light can be deflected in a particularly targeted manner.

[0014] The diffusion layer, in particular the diffusion film, can be produced, for example, by pressing. The diffusion layer or the diffusion film can be configured as a scattering film and / or a scattering element and / or a diffusion element. The diffusion layer can have a carrier film, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which can be coated with a resin that can be hardened by ultraviolet light. Such a resin can, for example, have a corresponding scattering structure. Such a scattering structure has, for example, a surface structure that has the effect of scattering light. Such a surface structure can have a specific optical pattern or be configured to have such a pattern.

[0015] The manufacture of the preferred surface structure can be carried out as follows. For example, the preferred surface structure can be manufactured by nanoimprinting. Here, a resin that can be hardened by ultraviolet light is preferably applied to the surface of a carrier film (e.g., PET). In addition, a so-called master mold (master mold) with an engraved microstructure is used to emboss a specific reverse optical pattern into the resin. Here, the resin is preferably hardened by ultraviolet light at the same time. The surface structure is preferably formed as a layer on the surface of the carrier film. The resin used to manufacture the preferred surface structure can be transparent, thereby forming an optical device that refracts light. The preferred surface structure can be coated with metal, so that a structured reflector is preferably produced.

[0016] Another example for a simplified structured diffuser layer is a carrier film, for example a PET film, which is provided with a metal coating, for example aluminum. The microstructure is preferably embossed into the film by means of pressing and / or heating (embossing) to produce the final structure. Unlike in the case of nanoprinting, very small structures or shapes with sharp edges or high aspect ratios cannot be produced with this alternative method. However, this method can be preferred because it is simpler and more cost-effective than nanoprinting.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the diffuse layer is arranged at least in the edge region and / or edge region of the vehicle window panel. In other words, preferably, the connecting layer present in the edge region used as the light coupling-in region, which is especially transparent, is replaced and / or supplemented by a diffuse layer having very large scattering or scattering in all spatial directions. The scattering can preferably be given and / or determined by giving a reflection value and / or a transmission value in a certain wavelength range and / or by means of a haze value (Haze-Wert). The scattering preferably causes a light color within the white spectrum. It is particularly preferred that, in this range, the diffuse layer replaces or supplements the PVB film, which is especially traditionally used, and the PVB film is preferably used as a connecting layer. According to the present invention, light coupling-in preferably occurs in the edge region and / or edge region. Therefore, at least one light source is preferably also arranged in the edge region and / or edge region. It is particularly preferred that at least one light source includes at least one light strip, and the at least one light strip has a plurality of light sources, particularly preferably a plurality of LEDs.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the diffusion layer is composed of a hot melt adhesive film and / or a printed layer and / or a structured film, and / or includes a hot melt adhesive layer and / or a diffuse film. The diffusivity of the hot melt adhesive layer and / or the diffuse layer is preferably significantly improved in terms of material and / or by adding one or more additives relative to the diffusivity of the traditional connecting layer. The printed layer may include a white printing material and / or a (white) coating, which is preferably applied to the outside of the body in the window panel. The structured film preferably includes a light incident reflection angle of at least 42°. For example, the following film can be used as a structured film, which includes a carrier substrate with a structured surface, such as a polymer substrate. The structured surface, for example, has many pyramidal protrusions, the side of the pyramidal protrusion has, for example, at least 30°, especially at least 60° inclination, and the pyramidal protrusion has a height of up to 300 microns. In other examples, the side of at least one pyramidal protrusion may also have an inclination greater than 75°, especially greater than 80°, and at least one pyramidal protrusion has a height of at least 150 microns. Instead of and / or in addition to the pyramidal protrusions, prismatic and / or lenticular structures, such as Fresnel lenses, can be constructed on the surface of the structured film. Such films are also referred to as "sunlight redirecting films". The carrier substrate can have an adhesive layer on the surface opposite the structured surface.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the diffusive layer comprises a diffusivity and / or reflectivity of at least 90%, and / or has a light transmittance of up to 1% in the visible spectrum. For example, a standard PVB layer has a transmittance of greater than 70% at a haze value of less than 5%.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the light source is directly or indirectly arranged on the inner side of the window panel inner body. As a result, it is preferably possible to achieve light coupling into the optical waveguide layer without the aid of a prism for light deflection, because the light coupled in through the inner side is redirected by the diffuser layer according to the present invention. As a result, even in the case of light coupling perpendicular to the inner side, a planar and / or uniform light propagation can be further achieved in the optical waveguide layer. Of course, at least one light source used includes a predetermined radiation angle, which is selected to be as large as possible. Light radiation is carried out from the light source in a light cone, the axis of symmetry of which corresponds to the main radiation direction of at least one light source. Therefore, according to the present invention, the main radiation direction and / or the axis of symmetry preferably extend perpendicular to the inner side, in particular perpendicular to the edge region and / or edge region of the inner side. In other words, in a preferred embodiment, with respect to the main radiation direction of the light source, the light source can be arranged on the inner side of the window panel inner body in such a way that the light generated by the light source can be coupled into the optical waveguide layer substantially vertically.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a light coupling-out layer, in particular a light coupling-out layer having at least one light coupling-out structure, is arranged and / or provided on a side opposite to the inner side of the window panel inner body and / or between the connecting layer and the window panel inner body. For example, the light coupling-out layer may be at least partially or patterned and at least partially light-transmissive, so that the light conducted in the optical conductor layer can only be coupled out or emitted from the optical conductor layer at a predetermined location. The light coupling-out layer may, for example, include a plurality of frits (Fritte) that may be printed and / or vapor deposited, for example. Instead of or in addition to the frit, ink and / or paint, for example ink and / or paint with scattering particles, may also be applied on a side opposite to the inner side of the window panel inner body and / or between the connecting layer and the window panel inner body. Individualized pattern design may thereby be achieved. The light coupling-out layer may include a printed portion of the optical conductor layer and / or a prismatic structure and / or a dot structure and / or a coextruded scattering material, which are arranged on the optical conductor layer or integrated in the optical conductor layer.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the window panel body assembly also includes a light refraction layer, which is preferably arranged between the window panel outer body and the window panel inner body, and is particularly preferably arranged between the diffuse layer and the window panel inner body. The light refraction layer is preferably arranged and / or arranged outside the diffuse layer and / or arranged and / or arranged adjacent to the diffuse layer. In an alternative embodiment, the light refraction layer is arranged between the window panel outer body and the diffuse layer and / or between the window panel outer body and the light coupling-out structure. The light refraction layer preferably has a refractive index of up to 1.45. The diffuse layer arranged according to the present invention has many advantages, but it may not be able to produce enough brightness in the optical conductor layer in some cases, especially for the light coupled out. In order to solve this problem, the number of light sources used can be increased. But this may lead to additional costs. As an alternative, the inventor has now realized that the provision of a light refraction layer can solve this problem. Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to significantly improve the lighting efficiency of the vehicle window panel with a diffuse layer, it is preferably provided that the connecting layer also includes a light refraction layer, that is, a layer with a low refractive index. The light refraction layer can preferably be laminated together into the connecting layer and / or be accommodated in the connecting layer in a sandwich manner. By the preferred combination of the light refraction layer and the diffusion layer and / or the preferred combination of the light refraction layer and at least one connecting layer, the luminous density in the optical conductor layer can be increased and the light loss can preferably be reduced at the same time. By this additional measure, the power, in particular the luminous power, of the vehicle window panel can be significantly increased compared to the prior art. Alternatively or in addition, by this additional measure, i.e. by arranging the light refraction layer, the number of light sources can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art and / or compared to the structure without the light refraction layer, without causing a reduction in the illumination intensity and / or light density.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the light refraction layer is arranged between the side of the window panel outer body opposite to the outside and the diffusion layer. Particularly preferably, the light refraction layer is arranged in the tinted area of ​​the window panel outer body. The light refraction layer can be arranged as a film and / or as a coating on a film. Alternatively or in addition, the light refraction layer can be directly arranged in the diffusion layer and / or in at least one connecting layer. In other words, the light refraction layer can be contained by the diffusion layer and / or at least one connecting layer.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window panel comprises a shading element which is arranged in the region of the light source, in particular directly or indirectly on the inner side of the window panel inner body. In this way, it is possible to prevent scattered light which may be generated by the light source but not coupled into the optical conductor layer from having an optically negative influence and / or interfering with the predetermined light emission or light coupling out of the optical conductor layer.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a coupling element is arranged on the inner side of the window panel body component, which couples the light emitted by the light source into the optical waveguide layer. Particularly preferably, the coupling element is fastened to the side of the window panel inner body facing away from the window panel outer body, in particular bonded to this side.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element is a material body that is transparent to the light of the light source. Here, the coupling element can be constructed in a strip shape and / or have a wedge-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section. In one configuration, the coupling element has a concave curvature on the surface assigned to the light source. Therefore, the light of the light source that is not perpendicular to the diffuser layer can be coupled into the coupling element and coupled into the optical conductor layer by the coupling element. The coupling element is preferably arranged near the edge of the inner side of the window panel body component. Then, via the extension of the strip-shaped coupling element, the light can be coupled into the optical conductor layer of the window panel body component. For example, the coupling element can be constructed as an optical prism. The coupling element is preferably made of a material including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), cycloolefin copolymer (COC) or cycloolefin polymer (COP). The refractive index of the coupling element is particularly matched to the refractive index of the adjacent optical conductor layer, and preferably has a value between 1.40 and 1.65, especially between 1.48 and 1.59. The coupling element is preferably manufactured according to an extrusion method or an injection molding method. Alternatively or in addition, the coupling element can be made of resin and / or transparent polyurethane and is preferably arranged on the window body component. In order to improve the internal reflection, the coupling element can be provided with a reflective coating, which can include a metal such as aluminum or silver and can be applied according to a vapor deposition process or a sputtering process. In order to further improve the light coupling performance into the optical conductor layer, in an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle window according to the present invention, an additional deflection structure is arranged between the coupling element and the window body component. By means of the additional deflection structure, the incident angle of the light on the optical conductor layer can be changed by corresponding refraction to increase the internal reflection in the optical conductor layer. The additional deflection structure can include a row of asymmetric prisms, the size of which is in the millimeter range or micrometer range and is arranged in a three-dimensional array or in a linear manner, such as in the case of a Fresnel lens array. The additional deflection structure can be constructed integrally with the coupling element and can be constructed directly when manufacturing the coupling element, such as in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. It is also conceivable that the additional deflection structure is a coating of the coupling-in element, for example in the form of a separately structured film.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element is bonded to the window panel body, in particular to the inner side, via an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a refractive index between 1.40 and 1.65, in particular between 1.48 and 1.56, and the adhesive can be formed from any optically suitable adhesive. For example, the adhesive layer is formed from a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an optically clear liquid adhesive (LOCA=liquid optically clear adhesive), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), epoxy resin adhesive or acrylic adhesive. The selected material preferably has a refractive index that minimizes the refraction of the light beam at the interface and optimizes the coupling efficiency under ideal angle conditions.

[0028] The refractive index of the window pane inner body made of glass is in particular 1.52, while the refractive index of the preferred coupling element and the refractive index of the preferred adhesive used to attach the coupling element to the window pane inner body can vary depending on the material selected. In the case of using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for the coupling element, the refractive index is 1.49. The refractive index of the adhesive is then, for example, 1.52. In the case of using a coupling element made of polycarbonate, the refractive index is, for example, 1.58, while the refractive index of the adhesive used is 1.56. If the coupling element is made of cycloolefin polymer (COP), its refractive index is 1.52. The adhesive used to attach the coupling element to the glass inner body then preferably also has a value / refractive index of 1.52.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the light source is arranged on a side surface of the coupling element. Thus, the position and / or positioning of the light source can be selected, in particular independently of the installation space, according to design preferences when designing the vehicle window.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the light source is an LED light bar. At least one light source preferably includes a high-power LED module and / or includes an LED light bar with a plurality of LEDs and / or includes an LED light belt with a plurality of LEDs.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window panel includes a reflector in the area of ​​the light source, which is oriented toward the light source and is configured to reflect light into the optical conductor layer. The reflector includes aluminum, for example, which is preferably applied as an adhesive tape. The reflector is preferably arranged between the inner body of the window panel and the light source, and is particularly preferably arranged on the inner side of the window panel assembly. The reflector preferably includes at least one entrance opening for light. The at least one entrance opening is preferably dimensioned according to the size and / or radiation angle of at least one light source. The at least one entrance opening is preferably configured to allow light from at least one light source to enter. The remaining reflective surface of the reflector is preferably configured to reflect back light that is not reflected in the interior of the optical conductor layer, so that the light is scattered multiple times in the optical conductor layer. As a result, the portion of light remaining in the optical conductor layer can be increased.

[0032] In one embodiment, a reflector layer is arranged on the side of the light conductor layer assigned to the interior space of the vehicle and opposite to the diffuse layer. The reflector layer is preferably arranged on the surface of the light conductor layer assigned to the interior space. In one embodiment, the reflector layer is arranged on the inner side of the window panel inner body. In one embodiment, the reflector layer is arranged between the light conductor layer and the window panel inner body. The reflector layer is arranged and configured so that it reflects the light reflected from the diffuse layer and scattered to the reflector layer back into the light conductor layer. Therefore, the light that can be emitted again on the surface of the light conductor layer and / or the window panel inner body facing the inside is reflected back into the light conductor layer. Therefore, a higher proportion of the light emitted by the light source can be coupled into the light conductor layer, or further conducted in the light conductor layer, thereby increasing the luminous density in the light conductor layer.

[0033] The reflector layer can be arranged by means of bonding, painting, or coating. The reflector layer can have light-reflecting and / or light-scattering properties. The light reflected and / or scattered by the reflector layer is preferably mostly reflected to the diffuser layer, and in the diffuser layer, mostly scattered back into the light conductor layer by means of scattering effects, so that the light undergoes an angle change and is guided into the light conductor layer, that is, the changed angle is sufficient for total reflection. The scattered light of the reflector layer is also deflected onto the diffuser layer or undergoes such an angle change that the light is further guided in the light conductor layer by means of total reflection.

[0034] In one embodiment, the area covered by the diffuser layer is larger than the area of ​​the reflector layer.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window panel includes an optical element, which is arranged between at least one light source and the optical conductor layer, wherein the optical element has a light refraction structure, which is arranged to direct the light emitted by the light source and coupled into the optical conductor layer to the region of the optical conductor layer facing away from the edge region of the optical conductor layer, especially the central region. The optical element, for example, includes a light refraction optical device and / or a light refraction film, which is preferably arranged between the inner body of the window panel and the at least one light source, and increases the light portion directed from the at least one light source to the center of the window panel body component, especially the central region, when viewed in the vehicle width direction. At least one light source preferably scatters light at an angle of 120°. In this way, the light is directed, for example, to the edge of the window panel component and to the center of the optical conductor layer. The light toward the edge cannot be used for further conduction in the optical conductor layer, so this portion should be reduced. For this reason, it is preferred to use an optical element to direct a portion of the light toward the center. As a result, a higher proportion of the light is scattered into the center of the optical waveguide layer when viewed in the vehicle width and / or length direction, thereby increasing the luminous intensity and / or brightness of the light coupled out of the optical waveguide layer into the passenger compartment. The optical element can be, for example, a plastic component arranged on at least one light source. Alternatively or additionally, the optical element can also be a structured film as described above.

[0036] Furthermore, a cover can be arranged on the inner side of the window panel body component, which covers the coupling element. In an embodiment that meets such high optical requirements, the light source and, if necessary, the optical waveguide for coupling light into the coupling element can also be located behind the cover. The housing can be bonded to the window panel body component.

[0037] The vehicle window panel according to the invention can in principle be arranged at any location of a motor vehicle, in particular at any location of a vehicle roof, and can be designed for different purposes.

[0038] Of course, the embodiments and examples mentioned above and to be explained below can be implemented not only individually, but also in any combination without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, the embodiments and examples mentioned above and to be explained below relate to all embodiments of the present invention in an equivalent or at least similar manner, without being mentioned separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Embodiments of the invention are schematically shown in the drawings and are explained below by way of example. The drawings show:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle roof having a vehicle window panel according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 2A schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle window panel according to a first embodiment;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle window panel according to a second embodiment;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle window panel according to a third embodiment;

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic view of one embodiment of a vehicle window panel is shown from the vehicle interior;

[0045] Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle window panel according to a fourth embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle window panel according to a fifth embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 1 shows a roof 10 of a motor vehicle, which is not shown in detail. The roof 10 is a panoramic sunroof having an adjustable cover element 12 and a fixed roof element 14, which is fixedly or immovably connected to the vehicle body. The cover element 12 and the fixed roof element 14 each comprise a vehicle window panel 15. In the present case, the vehicle window panel 15 is each designed as a composite safety glass (VSG) which is provided with an ambient light function. In this respect, the structure of the cover element 12 corresponds to that of the fixed roof element 14. This structure of the vehicle window panel 15 is Figures 2 to 4 In the drawings, two different exemplary embodiments are shown in more detail.

[0048] The roof elements 12 and 14, each configured as a vehicle window panel 15, each include a window panel body assembly 13, which includes a window panel outer body 16 and a window panel inner body 18. The window panel outer body 16 is composed of an arched glass plate, which is made of colored soda-lime glass, for example. It is also conceivable that the window panel outer body 16 is composed of a plastic element, such as a polycarbonate element. The window panel inner body 18 can also be made of inorganic glass, such as soda-lime glass, or of a polymer, such as polycarbonate. In addition, in this context, the window panel inner body 18 constitutes a light conductor layer 19, in the volume of which the coupled light propagates.

[0049] The window panel outer body 16 and the window panel inner body 18 are connected to each other by at least one laminating layer or connecting layer 20, which can be made of a material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In addition, the connecting layer 20 can be transparent or completely transparent, or it can be colored. In the present case, the thickness of the connecting layer 20 is less than 1 mm, but the connecting layer can also have other thicknesses. Figure 3 In this case, a plurality of connection layers 20 are provided.

[0050] The window panel outer body 16 and the window panel inner body 18, each having a thickness of several millimeters in the present case, form a window panel body component 13, which has an outer side 21 facing the vehicle surroundings and an inner side 23 facing the vehicle interior. On the inner side 23, the window panel body component 13 is provided with lighting devices 22 on both sides with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, by which the ambient light function is realized.

[0051] In the present case, the lighting devices 22 each extend in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle (see Figure 1 ), and is arranged at the corresponding side edge of the cover element 12 or the fixed roof element 14. For example, the lighting device 22 is directly arranged on the inner side 23 of the window panel body component 13, for example, bonded to the inner side 23, and / or indirectly arranged on the inner side 23, in particular, arranged at a distance from the inner side 23, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lighting devices 22 each include at least one light source 24, which includes a light emitting diode device (LED), in particular an LED light bar and / or an LED light belt. For example, the at least one light source 24 can be arranged on the end side of a light conductor (not shown in detail), which is formed by a rod or a rope and includes, for example, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material and / or a polycarbonate material.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 22 may include a coupling element 28, which is in particular strip-shaped and extends, for example, over the length of the respective lighting device 22 and has a wedge-shaped or triangular cross section (see Figure 4). Therefore, the coupling elements 28 are each formed as a prism. The prism is preferably made of a plastic material according to an extrusion process or an injection molding process, wherein in particular polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), cycloolefin copolymer (COC) and / or cycloolefin polymer (COP) can be used as materials, and their refractive index is between 1.48 and 1.59. The coupling element 28 can be fixed to the window panel body component 13, for example, by an adhesive layer. As materials for the adhesive layer, pressure-sensitive adhesives, optically transparent liquid adhesives, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), epoxy resin adhesives or acrylic adhesives can be used. Through such a coupling element 28, at least one light source 24 can also be arranged laterally, in particular along a main radiation direction 30 parallel to the inner side 23 (see Figure 4 ).

[0053] According to the invention, the window panel body component 13 and / or the connecting layer 20 at least partially comprises a diffusion layer 32. The diffusion layer 32 is arranged at least in the edge region 33 and / or edge region of the vehicle window panel 15, see Figures 2 to 4 The diffusion layer 32 is made of a hot-melt adhesive film and has a diffusion rate of at least 90% and / or a light transmittance of at most 1%.

[0054] By providing the diffuser layer 32, the light source 24 can be arranged on the window body component 13 or the vehicle window 15 such that the main emission direction 30 is oriented substantially vertically or perpendicularly to the inner side 23. The main emission direction 30 preferably extends perpendicularly to the vehicle longitudinal direction x.

[0055] A light outcoupling layer 34, in particular a light outcoupling layer having at least one light outcoupling structure, is arranged on the side opposite to the inner side 23 of the window panel inner body 18 and / or between the connecting layer 20 and the window panel inner body 18. Currently, the light outcoupling layer 34 is printed onto the window panel inner body 18. Alternatively, the light outcoupling layer 34 can be placed as a light outcoupling structure on the outer side opposite to the inner side 23 of the window panel inner body 18 or arranged on the outer side, wherein the light outcoupling layer 34 is preferably embedded in the hot melt adhesive film 20 or included by the hot melt adhesive film.

[0056] according to Figure 3 The window panel body assembly 13 further includes a light refraction layer 36, which is preferably disposed between the window panel outer body 16 and the window panel inner body 18, and is particularly preferably disposed between at least a portion of the connecting layer 20 and / or the diffusion layer 32 and the window panel inner body 18. Figure 3, the light refraction layer 36 is partially sandwiched between two connection layers 20 and partially sandwiched between one of the connection layers 20 and the diffusion layer 32. Here, the connection layer 20 connected to the window panel outer body 16 is continuous. Here, the connection layer 20 connected to the window panel inner body 18 is partially arranged on the window panel inner body and is replaced by the diffusion layer 32 in the edge area 33 of the window panel body assembly 13. The refractive index of the light refraction layer 36 is at most 1.45.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle window panel 15 comprises an optional shading element 38 which is arranged on the inner side 23 of the window panel inner body 18 in the region of the light source 24. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , a diffusion layer 32 is provided on the right. The shading element 38 is, for example, a completely opaque, for example black, shielding element that prevents scattered light and serves as a cover. In the present case, the light coupling-out layer 34 in the surface 23 is, for example, a white printed layer.

[0058] exist Figures 2 to 4 An exemplary light path 40 from at least one light source 24 is shown in FIG.

[0059] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 3 configuration, but can also be used in other configurations proposed in this article, if necessary, in a correspondingly matched manner. On the inner side 23 of the window panel inner body 18 or the optical conductor layer 19, in the region of the diffuse layer 32, a reflector layer 42 is arranged opposite to the diffuse layer 32. The reflector layer 42 can preferably be constructed as an adhesive layer, in particular as an adhesive tape. The reflector layer 42 is constructed to reflect light and / or scatter light toward the window panel inner body 18 or the optical conductor layer 19. The reflector layer 42 is arranged in such a way that the light reflected from the window panel inner body 18 or the optical conductor layer 19 is reflected or scattered back into the window panel inner body 18 or the optical conductor layer 19. The reflector layer 42 has a notch 44 in the region of the light source or a possible light coupling-in element, so that the light of the light source or the light of the light coupling-in element is coupled into the window panel inner body 18 or the optical conductor layer 19.

[0060] Figure 7 The embodiment shown in is basically based on Figure 2 , in which the diffusing layer 32 is printed as a partially delimited printed layer on the connecting layer 20 or on the hot melt adhesive layer. The connecting layer 20 preferably extends with a constant thickness between the window panel outer body 16 and the window panel inner body 18. Figure 2 In contrast, the connecting layer 20 is preferably not adjacent to the diffusing layer 32 , but is arranged continuously between the window pane outer body 16 and the window pane inner body 18 .

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 10 Roof

[0063] 12 Cover element

[0064] 13 Window panel body assembly

[0065] 14Fixing the roof elements

[0066] 15 Vehicle window panels

[0067] 16 Window panel outer body

[0068] 18 window panel inner body

[0069] 19 Photoconductor layer

[0070] 20 connection layers

[0071] 21 Outer side

[0072] 22 lighting fixtures

[0073] 23Inside

[0074] 24 light sources

[0075] 28 coupling element

[0076] 30 Main radiation direction

[0077] 32 Diffuse Layers

[0078] 33 Edge Area

[0079] 34 Optical coupling layer

[0080] 36 light refraction layers

[0081] 38 Shading elements

[0082] 40 optical paths

[0083] 42 reflector layers

[0084] 44 Gap

[0085] x Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0086] y Transverse direction of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle window panel (15), the vehicle window panel include: A window panel body assembly (13), comprising a light conductor layer, a window panel outer body (16) having an outer side (21) facing the vehicle surroundings, and a window panel inner body (18) having an inner side (23) facing the vehicle interior; and a light source (24), the light of which can be coupled into the light conductor layer (19), wherein the window panel outer body (16) is attached to the window panel inner body (18) via at least one connecting layer (20), characterized in that the connecting layer (20) and / or the window panel body assembly (13) at least partially comprises a diffusing layer (32).

2. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The diffusing layer (32) is arranged at least in the edge region and / or the edge region of the vehicle window pane (15).

3. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The diffusing layer (32) is composed of a hot-melt adhesive film and / or a printed layer and / or a structured film.

4. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The diffusing layer (32) has a diffusivity and / or reflectivity of at least 90%, and / or has a light transmittance in the visible spectrum of at most 1%.

5. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The light source (24) is directly or indirectly arranged on the inner side (23) of the window panel inner body (18).

6. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The light source (24) is arranged on the inner side (23) of the window inner body (18) with respect to a main radiation direction (30) of the light source (24) so ​​that light producible by the light source (24) can be coupled into the optical waveguide layer (19) essentially vertically.

7. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A light outcoupling layer (34) is arranged on a side opposite to the inner side (23) of the window panel inner body (18) and / or between the connecting layer (20) and the window panel inner body (18), the light outcoupling layer in particular having at least one light outcoupling structure.

8. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The window panel body assembly (13) further comprises a light refraction layer (36), which is preferably arranged between the window panel outer body (16) and the window panel inner body (18), and is particularly preferably arranged between at least a portion of the connecting layer (20) and / or the diffusion layer (32) and the window panel inner body (18).

9. The vehicle window panel according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The light refractive layer (36) has a refractive index of at most 1.

45.

10. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The vehicle window panel comprises a shading element (38) which is arranged on the inner side (23) of the window panel inner body (18) in the region of the light source (24).

11. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A coupling-in element (28) is arranged on the inner side (23) of the window panel body component (13), and couples the light emitted by the light source (24) into the light conductor layer (19).

12. The vehicle window panel according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The coupling-in element (28) is a material body which is transparent to the light of the light source (24) and which is designed in the form of strips and / or has a wedge-shaped or trapezoidal cross section.

13. The vehicle window panel according to claim 11 or 12, It is characterized in that The coupling element (28) is fastened to the window panel body component (13) via an adhesive layer.

14. The vehicle window panel according to any one of claims 11 to 13, It is characterized in that The at least one light source (24) is arranged on a side surface of the coupling-in element (28).

15. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The at least one light source (24) is an LED light strip (62).

16. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The vehicle window (15) comprises a reflector in the region of the light source (24), which is oriented in a light-reflecting manner toward the light source (24) and is provided for reflecting light into the light conductor layer (19).

17. Vehicle window panel according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that In the area of ​​the light source (24) and / or in the area of ​​the coupling-in element (28), on the inner side (23) of the window inner body (18), on the surface of the optical waveguide layer (19) assigned to the interior, the vehicle window (15) at least partially comprises a reflector layer (42), which is preferably oriented in a reflected light manner towards the light reflected and / or scattered by the diffuser layer (32) and is particularly preferably arranged for reflecting light into the optical waveguide layer (19).

18. The vehicle window panel according to claim 1, comprising an optical element which is arranged between the light source (24) and the light conductor layer (19), in, The optical element has a light-refracting structure which is provided for directing light emitted by the light source (24) and coupled into the optical waveguide layer (19) into a region of the optical waveguide layer (19) facing away from an edge region of the optical waveguide layer (19), in particular a central region.

19. A vehicle (10) comprising at least one vehicle window panel (15) according to one of the preceding claims.

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