Transparent roof panel assembly for vehicle roof

By defining on the light entry side of the coupling element using a mold, the problem of insufficient precision in the molding of optical adhesives in the prior art is solved, and efficient and accurate light transmission and assembly are achieved.

CN222496195UActive Publication Date: 2025-02-18INALFA ROOF SYST GROUP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202421244932.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-07
Filing Date
2024-06-03
Publication Date
2025-02-18
Estimated Expiration
2034-06-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing transparent roof panel assembly, the molding of the optical adhesive entering the coupling element is not accurate enough to adapt to the complex profile on the inner side of the panel, and the amount of optical adhesive used is difficult to minimize.

Method used

By defining the light entry side into the coupling element using a mold, the light entry side is ensured to be formed in a desired and precise shape. The mold may be a transparent permanent plastic strip that adapts to the contour of the inner side of the panel and provides deformable sections in the mold to cope with thermal expansion.

Benefits of technology

The precise shape and high transparency of the light entry side of the coupling element are achieved, reducing the use of optical adhesives, and improving the assembly efficiency and light transmission effect of the components.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a transparent roof panel assembly for a vehicle roof comprising a transparent panel (3) and at least one light source (8) arranged to provide light in the panel. An incoming coupling element (9) for incoming coupling of light into the panel from the interior side of the panel is attached to the interior side of the panel and redirects light from at least one light source (8) into the panel. The access coupling element (9) is at least partially made of an optical adhesive directly molded to the inner side of the panel. At least during the moulding of the entry coupling element, the entry coupling element is delimited at least on its light entry side by a mould (11) for an optical adhesive. Through the present disclosure, advantageous characteristics can be provided for the light source and the entry coupling element, such as versatility, easy and precise attachment, efficient light transmission, easy assembly, etc.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a transparent roof panel assembly for a vehicle roof, the roof panel assembly comprising:

[0002] a panel having a transparent area, the panel being configured to be disposed over an opening in a roof of the vehicle to allow visible light to pass through the transparent area between an exterior of the vehicle and an interior of the vehicle,

[0003] at least one light source arranged to provide light in the panel, and

[0004] An in-coupling element for in-coupling light from the interior side of the panel into the panel, the in-coupling element being attached to the interior side of the panel and redirecting light from the at least one light source into the panel.

[0005] Therein, the in-coupling element is at least partially made of an optical adhesive molded directly to the interior side of the panel. Background Art

[0006] Such a transparent roof panel assembly is known, for example, from WO 2021 / 198262 A1. In this document, it is only mentioned that the entry coupling element can be made of a casting resin formed directly on the underside of the panel. Utility Model Content

[0007] One of the purposes of the utility model is to provide such a transparent roof panel assembly.

[0008] According to the invention, during the molding of the incoupling element, the incoupling element is bounded by a mold for an optical adhesive at least on its light entry side.

[0009] By using a mould at least on the light entry side into the coupling element, the light entry side can be formed into a desired and precise shape.The mould can easily be adapted to the contour of the inner side of the panel, especially if the mould is deformable.

[0010] Preferably, the mould is permanent and forms at least the light entry side of the coupling element.

[0011] In this way, the mold becomes a mold with optical adhesive and determines the shape of the light entry side of the coupling element. Especially if at least one light source is positioned outside the coupling element, the transparency of the mold should be high.

[0012] This can be achieved, for example, if the mould is in the form of a strip of transparent plastic and can be one piece of material or joined segments. PMMA or another transparent plastic with good light conducting properties can be used for the mould.

[0013] Since optical adhesives are generally expensive, the amount used should be minimized, and for this purpose it is advantageous if the incoupling element is wedge-shaped with a high side and a low side. In this case, the mold will be present at least on the high side of the incoupling element, which is the light entry side of the incoupling element.

[0014] The transparent plastic strip forming the mould may be provided with deformable sections along the length of the strip to compensate for thermal expansion during use of the roof panel assembly.

[0015] Although rigs may be used to position the mould relative to the panel during moulding, if the mould is to be permanent it is preferably attached to the inner side of the panel by means of tape.

[0016] The adhesive tape may be positioned on an extension of the mould distal from the in-coupling element for attaching at least one light source thereto.

[0017] Light sources may be mounted on the strip, such as LED lights on a PCB strip, and tape may then be attached to the strip and to the inner side of the panel, while the strip holds the mould, such as by being clamped to the mould.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the mold extends around the entire entry coupling element.

[0019] Such a mold can be used in particular if the cross section of the inlet coupling element is not wedge-shaped but rectangular or another shape which requires boundaries on all sides during molding.

[0020] Preferably, the incoupling element is delimited on its side essentially perpendicular to its light entry side by a barrier, for example a section of tape, or by a mould, and wherein preferably the mould is provided with hooks extending into the incoupling element.

[0021] Such a stop may clearly define the end that enters the coupling element, especially if the optical adhesive is relatively fluid.The hooks will provide additional attachment points between the optical adhesive and the mold.

[0022] If desired, the mold may include at least one lens, and the at least one light source is then positioned so that light from the light source passes through the lens into the coupling element.

[0023] In this way, a built-in lens can be used to direct light from the light source in a desired direction.

[0024] In another embodiment, the mould is provided with a light guide to guide light from a position at a distance from the inner side of the panel to a position closer to the inner side of the panel where the light enters the in-coupling element.

[0025] In this way, light sources may be used which cannot be positioned close to the inner side of the panel, such as top emitting LEDs positioned with their PCB strips substantially perpendicular to the inner side of the panel.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the mold completely covers the entry coupling element, and the entry coupling element is formed by injection molding of an optical adhesive.

[0027] In this way, apart from one or more openings, such as an injection opening for the fluid optical adhesive and a vent opening for air to escape during injection molding, the shape of the inlet coupling element is completely determined by the mold which completely covers the optical adhesive.

[0028] In case the mold is not permanent but is used only during the molding process, during molding of the optical adhesive a retractable tool of non-adhesive material forms a mold for the into coupling element and wherein the light source is at least partially molded within the into coupling element.

[0029] The utility model also relates to a method for attaching a transparent light-transmitting element, such as an entry coupling element, to a glass layer of a transparent roof panel assembly, comprising the following steps:

[0030] Provide molds,

[0031] holding the mold relative to the glass layer,

[0032] positioning the glass panel assembly so that the surface of the incoupling element to be formed remote from the glass layer is horizontal,

[0033] molding a fluid optical adhesive onto the glass layer adjacent to the mold so that it takes the shape of the incoupling element to be formed and adheres to the glass layer and, if the mold is an optically clear permanent mold, also to the mold,

[0034] Allow or force the adhesive to cure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings which show embodiments of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 is a very schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof comprising a roof panel assembly according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the transparent roof panel assembly.

[0038] Figure 3a yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a side portion of a panel of a roof panel assembly showing an entry coupling element upside down.

[0039] Figure 3b is with Figure 3a Corresponding view, but with an LED added to the incoupling element.

[0040] Figure 3c It shows Figure 3b Enlarged plan view of detail III-c.

[0041] Figure 4a is with Figure 3a Corresponding figures, but showing another embodiment.

[0042] Figure 4b is with Figure 3b Corresponding figures, but showing another embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4c is with Figure 3c Corresponding figures, but showing another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5a is along Figure 3b An enlarged cross-sectional view of line VV in FIG. 1 shows the panel in an upside-down position.

[0045] Figure 5b –5d is with Figure 5a Corresponding figures, but showing another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6a and 6b is with Figure 3a and 3b Corresponding figures, but showing a further embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 6a and 6b An enlarged perspective view of a mold used in the examples.

[0048] Figure 8a is along Figure 6b An enlarged cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0049] Figure 8b is with Figure 8a A corresponding figure, but showing a further embodiment.

[0050] Figure 9a , 9b A perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of an entry coupling element and a mold according to yet another embodiment.

[0051] Fig.10 It is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 , but showing a further embodiment.

[0052] Fig.11 is a plan view of a portion of a panel showing a portion of an incoupling element and a light source.

[0053] Fig.12 is along Fig.11 An enlarged cross-sectional view along line XII-XII in FIG.

[0054] Fig.13a and 13b is with Figure 3a and 3b The corresponding figures show yet another embodiment.

[0055] Fig.14 is along Fig.13b An enlarged cross-sectional view of line XIV-XIV in FIG.

[0056] Fig.15a –15c is Fig.14 The corresponding figures show other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 A portion of a vehicle, in this case a passenger car, comprising a glass roof construction is shown. The vehicle comprises a roof opening 1 in a fixed roof 2. In this case, the open roof construction has a roof panel assembly comprising two panels 3, 3' arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The former of the two panels 3, 3' is an openable panel 3 capable of closing and at least partially opening the roof opening 1 of the fixed roof 2. The second panel 3' placed behind the front panel 3 can be a fixed panel closing the rest of the roof opening 1, however, it is conceivable that the second panel 3' is also a movable panel. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to have only one panel, which is fixed or capable of closing and at least partially opening the roof opening 1.

[0058] Figure 2 and Figure 5a-5dA partial cross-sectional view of a multilayer panel 3 of a transparent roof panel assembly and a glass roof panel assembly in an upside-down state is shown. An outer glass layer 5 (upper layer in use) and an inner glass layer 6 are attached by an intermediate layer 7 and an optional second intermediate layer (not shown). For example, the intermediate layer 7 can be formed of EVA or PVB. Other materials for forming flexible foils are known and are suitable as long as the refractive index of the intermediate layer 7 is lower than the refractive index of the inner glass layer 6 if it is desired to keep any light within the glass layer. For example, the reflectivity of glass is 1.52 and the reflectivity of EVA and PVB is 1.48.

[0059] At the inner or lower side of the first glass layer 6, a light source 8 or a series of light sources 8 is provided. Figure 2 , two panels 3, 3' are shown provided with light sources 8 along their entire perimeter. The light source 8 may be any light source suitable for coupling light into the inner glass layer 6. For example, known light sources are LEDs that guide light directly to the underside of the inner glass layer 6, or alternatively or additionally, are elongated side-emitting light guides that are arranged adjacent to the underside of the inner glass layer 6.

[0060] An exit coupling pattern is provided on the surface of the inner glass layer 6. Specifically, the exit coupling pattern is arranged at the interface between the inner glass layer 6 and the intermediate layer 7. The inner glass layer 6 and the intermediate layer 7 are adjacent to each other, which means that they are directly attached to each other or attached to each other through the exit coupling pattern. Light propagates through the inner glass layer 6 by internal reflection and may hit the scattering particles of the exit coupling pattern. Upon impact, the light is at least partially reflected, and the reflected light is able to leave the inner glass layer 6 at the opposite surface of the inner glass layer 6 and thus be emitted into the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle. See, for example, co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 18 / 326,346, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] There are other possibilities for the outcoupling pattern. For example, light can be coupled into an intermediate layer 7 comprising an outcoupling pattern. The outcoupling pattern can be arranged on one of the surfaces of the intermediate layer 7, on the inner glass layer 6 or randomly dispersed within the intermediate layer 7.

[0062] The light source 8 (in this case, a plurality of LED lamps) is coupled to a polyhedral (e.g., prism or wedge-shaped) in-coupling element 9 disposed in front of the light source 8 to in-couple light from the inner side of the panel into the panel. The in-coupling element 9 is mainly made of optically transparent glue, such as Norland IML 150 etc. To cure the glue, ambient light or UV light can be used, or a two-component glue can be used to activate it. It is preferred to use a glue (or other intermediate attachment means) with a refractive index close to and preferably higher than the refractive index of the glass (i.e. 1.52) for optimal transmission of light to the inner glass layer 6. Due to the glue, the surface of the inlet coupling element 9 will be precisely adapted to the inner surface of the inner glass layer 6, because the glue will be provided in a fluid state and supplied to the glass surface.

[0063] Figure 5a It is shown that in this embodiment, the entry coupling element is wedge-shaped. The surface 10 of the wedge-shaped entry coupling element 9 facing away from the inner glass layer is inclined towards the inner surface of the panel 3. In order to manufacture such an entry coupling element 9 by a fluid adhesive, a mold 11 is used at the high side of the wedge-shaped entry coupling element, which high side is the light entry side of the entry coupling element. In order to mold the entry coupling element 9, the panel 3 is held at a certain inclination so that the surface 10 of the entry coupling element 9 is horizontal. If the adhesive is then supplied to the surface of the inner glass layer 6, the adhesive will spread and flatten between the mold 11 and the inclined inner surface of the panel 3. If the adhesive is cured immediately after the adhesive has been locally flattened, a uniform entry coupling element can be formed along the length of the entry coupling element even if the panel is bent along the length. The supply opening of the adhesive can be kept stationary, and then the panel 3 moves along the supply opening in a 3-D movement. For each entry coupling element around the perimeter of the panel 3, 3', the panel 3, 3' must be kept at a different orientation / inclination and moved in a different direction.

[0064] Figure 3a - 3c and 5a show a first embodiment of the panel assembly. In this embodiment, the mould 11 is formed from a permanent strip of optically transparent plastic, for example PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Figure 3c The strip is shown to have a deformable section, such as a bend 12, which allows the mould 11 to be deformed, in particular to be elongated or shortened, in order to compensate for thermal expansion during use of the roof panel assembly. Figure 3c Also shown are holes 13 which may be used to position the mould 11 relative to a fitting during manufacture which is then used to position the mould 11 relative to the panel 3 .

[0065] An LED 8 is provided between each two bends 12, said LED being positioned on a PCB strip 14. Figure 5a As shown, the PCB strip 14 is attached to the glass layer 6 of the panel 3 by means of a double-sided tape 15 adhered to the glass layer 6 and the PCB strip 14 .

[0066] exist Figure 5bIn the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the tape 15 extends to a position below the mold 11 , so that both the mold 11 and the PCB strip 14 are attached to the glass layer 6 by means of the tape 15 .

[0067] exist Figure 5c In the embodiment of the present invention, the mould 11 is provided with an extension 16 which is away from the inlet coupling element 9. The extension is used to attach the mould 11 to the glass layer 6 of the panel 3 by means of the adhesive tape 15. The PCB strip 14 is attached to the surface of the extension facing away from the panel 3. This surface is inclined to direct the light from the LED or other light source 8 towards the inner glass layer 6. Figure 5c Also shown is a capillary stop groove 17 in the surface of the mold 11 facing the inner glass layer 6. Any optical adhesive that flows between the mold 11 and the surface of the inner glass layer 6 due to capillary forces is stopped at the groove 17, which is so high that no capillary forces are generated there. When the mold 11 is made of PMMA material, it has the advantage that it transmits UV light, so that if UV light is used to cure the optical adhesive and there is adhesive under the mold 11, this adhesive will still be cured by the UV light.

[0068] Figure 5d Another embodiment is shown in which a PCB strip 14 is attached to the inner layer 6 of the panel 3, again by means of a tape 15. The thickness of this tape 15 is equal to the thickness of the extension 16 of the mould 11, which extends to the tape 15. The PCB strip 14 is partly fixed to the panel 3 by means of the tape 15 and partly extends across the extension 16 of the mould 11 and is attached thereto, for example by means of mushroom-shaped knobs 18 extending through holes 19 in the PCB strip 14. In this way, the mould 11 is attached to the panel 3 indirectly via the PCB strip 14 by means of the tape 15.

[0069] Figure 4a –4c shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 3. In this new embodiment, the mould has extensions 20 at the very end to provide a stop for the adhesive at the start and end of the entry coupling element 9. The underside of the entry coupling element may also be defined by a strip attached to the panel, which strip may be permanent or removable after the optical adhesive has cured. Figure 4c The LED light source 8 and the maximum angle of the light beam are shown.

[0070] Figure 6a –8b shows a variant in which the coupling element 9 can have a wedge-shaped cross section ( Figure 8a ) or rectangular cross section ( Figure 8b). In this embodiment, the mold 11 extends completely around the adhesive and consists essentially of two strip-shaped molds 11 from the previous embodiment joined to each other in a mirror image shape. The two strips are interconnected by a bridge 21 which can extend the entire height or leave a gap on their underside so that the optical adhesive can flow under the bridge 21 to form one adhesive portion. Figure 8a The embodiment is superior to Figure 8b An advantage of an embodiment of is that only half the volume of optical adhesive is required. Optical adhesives are generally very expensive, so minimizing the amount of adhesive required is advantageous.

[0071] exist Figure 9a , 9b In the embodiment of the present invention, the mold 11 is provided with hooks 22 to improve the attachment of the optical adhesive to the mold 11. In this case, the hooks 22 are positioned on either side of the deformable bend 12, where they do not interfere with the light beam from the LED light source 8. However, other positions and shapes of the hooks 22 are also conceivable.

[0072] Fig.10 An embodiment of a mold 11 is shown which is formed with lenses 23, one lens for each light source 8. The lenses 23 can be formed integrally with the mold 11 and can be produced during manufacture of the mold 11 (e.g. during injection molding). The lenses 23 can be 2D or even 3D so as to "focus" light that is already in the correct direction (towards the glass at the desired angle) to improve efficiency. An additional reflective lens (not shown) can be provided to reflect the light array that would otherwise be lost into the correct direction (e.g. parallel to the inclined surface 10 entering the coupling element 9). Such a lens can also be mounted on the light source 8, such as an LED.

[0073] Fig.11 and 12 An embodiment is shown in which the mould 11 is provided with a light guide 24 to direct light from a position spaced from the surface of the inner layer 6 of the panel 3 to a position closer to the surface. This is particularly useful where it is desired to use top emitting LEDs, where the LED light source 8 emits light perpendicular to the PCB strip 14. Fig.12 In the embodiment, the PCB strip 14 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the layer 6 of the panel 3. However, it is possible that even the LED light source emits light away from the panel 3. Then, a reflective surface will be needed to reflect the light in the direction of (the light guide 24 of) the coupling element 9.

[0074] Fig.13a , 13b14 show an embodiment in which the mold 11 completely surrounds the optical adhesive together with the surface of the layer 6 of the panel 3 so that the optical adhesive can be supplied to the inner surface of the panel 3 by injection molding. To this end, the mold 11 has one or more injection holes 25 (in this case, 2 injection holes at opposite ends of the mold 11), through which the fluid adhesive is injected into the enclosed space. It is also possible that one of the holes 25 is used to inject the fluid adhesive into the space, while the other hole 25 is used to allow the air in the space to escape without injection under vacuum. Of course, other arrangements are also possible.

[0075] Fig.15a A variant is shown in which the mould 11 is not permanent but is only used during manufacture. For this purpose, the mould 11 is made of a non-adhesive material, such as silicone, and is mounted on a fitting or the like so that the mould can be removed from the panel 3 when the adhesive for the in-coupling element 9 has sufficiently cured. After moulding the in-coupling element 9, the light source 8 with the PCB strip 14 can be attached to the panel 3, for example by means of an adhesive tape 15.

[0076] exist Fig.15b In the embodiment of the present invention, the PCB strip 14 with the light source 8 is attached to the panel 3 before the mold is positioned and the coupling element 9 is formed by molding the optical adhesive. In this case, the mold 11 ( Fig.15a ) is placed on the PCB strip 14 at a position close to the LED light source 8 so that the light source 8 is located inside the coupling element 9.

[0077] Fig.15c The embodiment of is an extreme embodiment, in which the entire light source 8 and PCB strip 14 have been incorporated into the coupling element 9. The mold 11 has been placed close to the PCB strip 14 so that the adhesive is poured onto the light source 8 and the PCB strip 14. This embodiment requires more optical adhesive and is therefore not preferred as long as the adhesive is expensive.

[0078] It is clear from the above description that the present invention provides a roof panel assembly, wherein the panel is illuminated by a light source and an entry coupling element, which have advantageous properties such as versatility, easy and precise attachment, efficient light transmission, easy assembly, etc.

[0079] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as restrictive, but only as the basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention differently with any appropriate detailed structure expected. In particular, the features presented and described in separate dependent claims or separate embodiments can be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims and embodiments is disclosed herein.

[0080] In addition, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be restrictive, but to provide an understandable description of the utility model. As used herein, the term "one" or "an" is defined as one or more than one. As used herein, the term multiple is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the term "includes" and / or "has" is defined as including (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "connection" is defined as connection, although it is not necessarily a direct connection.

[0081] The utility model thus described can obviously be modified in many ways. These changes should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the utility model, and all such modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0082] For example, one or more glass layers in the roof panel assembly can be replaced by a plastic sheet (e.g. a polycarbonate sheet). The utility model can also be used for panels with only a single layer. In addition, the entry coupling element can be partially covered toward the interior of the vehicle by a cover. The cover can also cover the light source with its base. The embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings includes a mold made of a piece of material. If the mold extends for a longer length, there will be flexible parts between the sections of the mold. However, it is also conceivable that the mold includes several sections connected to each other by connectors. These connectors can be flexible or allow movement.

Claims

1. A transparent roof panel assembly for a vehicle roof, characterized in that: The roof panel assembly comprises: a panel (3) having a transparent area, the panel being configured to be arranged above the opening (1) in the roof (2) of the vehicle to allow visible light to pass through the transparent area between the exterior of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle, at least one light source (8) arranged to provide light in the panel, and an in-coupling element (9) for in-coupling light from the inner side of the panel into the panel, the in-coupling element being attached to the inner side of the panel and redirecting light from the at least one light source (8) into the panel, ·Wherein, the entry coupling element (9) is at least partially made of an optical adhesive, which is molded directly to the inner side of the panel, and at least during the molding of the entry coupling element, the entry coupling element is defined at least on its light entry side by a mold (11) for the optical adhesive.

2. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mold (11) is permanent and forms at least the light entry side of the in-coupling element (9).

3. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The incoupling element (9) is wedge-shaped with a high side and a low side, wherein the mold (11) is present at least on the high side of the incoupling element, the high side being the light entry side of the incoupling element.

4. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mould (11) is in the form of a transparent plastic strip.

5. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transparent plastic strip forming the mould (11) is provided with a deformable section (12) along the length of the strip to compensate for thermal expansion during use of the roof panel assembly.

6. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mould (11) is attached to the inner side of the panel (3) by means of adhesive tape (15).

7. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The adhesive tape (15) is positioned on an extension (16) of the mold (11) remote from the incoupling element (9), the extension being used to attach the at least one light source (8) thereto.

8. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one light source (8) is mounted on a strip (14) and the tape (15) is attached to the strip and to the inner side of the panel (3), while the strip (14) holds the mould (11).

9. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mold (11) extends around the entire incoupling element (9).

10. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The incoupling element (9) is delimited on its side substantially perpendicular to its light entry side by a barrier (20).

11. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The barrier (20) is formed from one of a piece of tape or a portion of the mould.

12. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mould (11) is provided with a hook (22) extending into the coupling element.

13. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mould (11) comprises a lens (23), and the light source (8) is positioned such that light from the light source enters the in-coupling element (9) through the lens.

14. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mold (11) is provided with a light guide (24) to guide light from a position at a certain distance from the inner side of the panel (3) to a position closer to the inner side of the panel, where the light enters the in-coupling element (9).

15. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mold (11) completely covers the incoupling element (9), and the incoupling element is formed by injection molding of the optical adhesive.

16. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the moulding of the optical adhesive, a retractable tool of non-adhesive material forms the mould (11) for the incoupling element (9).

17. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that The light source (8) is at least partially molded into the incoupling element.

18. The transparent roof panel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The strip (14) holds the mould (11) by being clamped to the mould.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Transparent roof panel assembly for a vehicle roof

    US20240109482A1

  • Vehicle window having a light source and a light-conducting layer

    WO2021198262A1