Transparent disc, disc sensor unit and motor vehicle

Abstract

A transparent disc (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a viewing area (12) and an electrically heated sensor area (14), wherein the transparent disc (10) has a transparent, electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heated sensor area (14) which extends at least within the electrically heated sensor area (14), and the transparent disc (10) comprises sensor area busbars (22) for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heated sensor area (14), between which the electrically heated sensor area (14) is arranged, wherein the sensor area busbars (22) are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heated sensor area (14), characterized in that the transparent disc (10) has a transparent, electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12).which extends at least within the field of vision (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transparent pane for a motor vehicle. The transparent pane comprises a viewing area and an electrically heatable sensor area. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pane sensor unit comprising the transparent pane according to the invention and to a motor vehicle comprising the transparent pane according to the invention or the pane sensor unit according to the invention.

[0002] To ensure the functionality of some camera and / or sensor systems connected to a windshield, especially one with a metallic coating, the corresponding camera and / or sensor window was typically locally stripped according to the state of the art, or this area was masked directly before a coating process, for example, on float glass, a windshield for a motor vehicle. This ensured light transmission in a desired wavelength range (especially in a wavelength range corresponding to infrared light).

[0003] These areas were defrosted and / or defogged, for example, using a ring heater on the inside of a glass surface or a panel heater on a lens hood of a camera mounting plate. In some cases, the state of the art also used heating wires (e.g., printed heating wires), which are typically visible, or no heating at all. However, in both cases, this can lead to functional limitations in some camera systems.

[0004] DE 10 2006 045 514 A1 describes a transparent surface electrode on a load-bearing, rigid, or flexible substrate, consisting of a grid of electrically conductive, very fine lines with nodes and meshes. This structure is designed to produce a diffraction pattern that is as circular as possible in transmitted light, thus ensuring a high degree of optical inconspicuousness. The surface electrode can be manufactured using a high-resolution deposition or ablation process. Production from bent wires is also possible. The surface electrode can be used, for example, in automotive heating glass applications. The grid is transparent to infrared (IR) rays, which means that an on-board IR camera is not obstructed.

[0005] EP 2 256 856 A1 describes a transparent, sheet-like device for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic radiation, which can also be used for heating. The device is used, among other things, as a windshield in motor vehicles. The device comprises an area with a transparent, electrically conductive, linear structure, which is arranged, for example, in front of a camera or an optical sensor to keep a windshield glass free of fog and ice in front of these devices. The linear electrical conductor of the structure is an electrically insulated or non-insulated wire or a structured, electrically conductive coating.

[0006] DE 10 2008 051 730 A1 discloses a transparent article, which is used in particular as a windshield of a motor vehicle, comprising a transparent, electrically insulating substrate and a transparent, electrically conductive coating. The transparent, electrically conductive coating has a locally limited, structured, electrically heatable, transparent region and an electrically conductive, transparent region. The locally limited, structured, electrically heatable, transparent region is formed by electrically insulating regions that are free of electrically conductive material, thereby creating a particularly meandering conductor track. According to a first embodiment, the locally limited, electrically heatable, structured, transparent region is electrically insulated from the electrically conductive, transparent region.The locally limited, electrically heatable, structured, transparent region is connected to electrical contacts, so that when a voltage is applied, a current flows through the conductor path described above. According to a second embodiment, the locally limited, electrically heatable, structured, transparent region is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive, transparent region, wherein the electrical contacts are preferably connected outside the locally limited, electrically heatable, structured, transparent region. For this purpose, the electrically conductive, transparent region consists of two subregions.

[0007] EP 2 334 141 A1 describes a coated pane with a heatable communication window. The pane comprises a large-area, electrically conductive, transparent coating applied to a transparent substrate, which is supplied with power via current collectors. Furthermore, there is at least one locally delimited area free of the coating, with at least one heating conductor applied within the free area. The heating conductor comprises two poles, the first pole being electrically connected to the electrically conductive transparent coating, and the second pole being electrically connected to the electrically conductive transparent coating or one of the current collectors.

[0008] DE 10 2008 033 617 A1 relates to a transparent pane, for example a windshield for motor vehicles, with an electrically heatable coating that extends over a substantial portion of the pane's surface and is electrically connected to at least two opposing low-resistance busbars, with at least one conductive structure covering the heating field outside a central field of view. This reduces electrical resistance between the busbars because a current flows partially through the conductive structure with relatively low resistance. The electrically heatable coating is, for example, a metallic layer, preferably silver. To form a communication window, an area can be left free between the conductive, printed structure and the conductive, electrically heatable coating.

[0009] EP 1 605 729 A2 describes a transparent pane for a motor vehicle with a viewing area and an electrically heatable sensor area. The transparent pane has a transparent, electrically conductive layer extending within the electrically heatable sensor area. The transparent pane further comprises sensor area busbars for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area, between which the electrically heatable sensor area is arranged. The sensor area busbars are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of creating a transparent pane which partially impairs the function of sensors, in particular optical sensors, for example image sensors, to a lesser extent or not at all.

[0011] This object is achieved by a transparent pane having the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0012] The transparent pane for a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a viewing area and an electrically heatable sensor area. The transparent pane has a transparent, electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area, which extends at least within the electrically heatable sensor area. The transparent pane comprises sensor area busbars for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area, between which the electrically heatable sensor area is arranged, wherein the sensor area busbars are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area.

[0013] The transparent pane according to the invention has the advantage that an electrically heatable sensor area can be heated, in particular separately from the remaining area of ​​the transparent pane. A very uniform heating result is achieved by distributing the current to the electrically conductive layer of the sensor area by means of the sensor area busbars. This prevents the formation of spots of local overheating and also spots of insufficient heating. Sensors, in particular optical sensors, that can be operated by looking through the electrically heatable sensor area can thus operate flawlessly even under adverse weather conditions.

[0014] Typically, the transparent pane comprises a transparent substrate, preferably a laminated glass, in particular a laminated safety glass (LSG). The electrically conductive layer can be arranged adjacent to the substrate or embedded in it.

[0015] The transparent pane according to the invention can be shaped, for example, as a rear window, side window, roof window or, in particular, as a front window of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a lorry.

[0016] The viewing area is a region of the transparent pane whose surface area preferably corresponds to at least 50%, further preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% of the surface area (of a main surface) of the transparent pane. The viewing area is preferably a central viewing area, as is particularly the case with windshields of motor vehicles.

[0017] The main surface of the transparent pane is the area of ​​the transparent pane that encompasses the electrically heated sensor area and the viewing area. Typically, this is one of the two outer surfaces of the transparent pane with the largest surface area, i.e., the area of ​​the transparent pane with the largest extension.

[0018] The electrically heatable sensor area is an area of ​​the transparent pane whose surface area preferably corresponds to less than 15%, further preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5% of a surface area (of the main surface) of the transparent pane.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically heatable sensor region is arranged in an outer third of the transparent pane, preferably in an outer quarter of the transparent pane, particularly preferably in an outer fifth of the main surface of the transparent pane.

[0020] The electrically heatable sensor area and the viewing area are transparent at least in some areas so that sensors, in particular optical sensors, for example image sensors, are not impaired in their operation. Transparent in this case means permeable at least to light visible to humans. The electrically heatable sensor area and the viewing area can therefore in principle also be permeable to light that cannot be perceived by humans. Preferably, the transparent pane in the electrically heatable sensor area and / or in the viewing area has, at least in some areas, a transmission of light visible to humans of greater than 50%, preferably greater than 75%, furthermore preferably 85% and particularly preferably greater than 95%. The part of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to humans ranges from approximately 380 nm to 780 nm wavelength.

[0021] Electrically heatable means that a current can flow through the electrically conductive layer of the sensor area, causing the electrically conductive layer of the sensor area to heat up. The heat generated by the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer is transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent layers of the transparent pane, such as a glass layer, and to the surface of the transparent pane, particularly in the sensor area.

[0022] The sensor area busbars refer to busbars (in particular busbars) that are provided for supplying power to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area. Their task is typically to conduct an electrical current as evenly as possible into the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area. The sensor area busbars are typically conductors that have an electrically conductive region along at least substantially their entire longitudinal extent (on their surface). Typically, these are inserted or printed into or onto the transparent pane, in particular into or onto the transparent substrate of the transparent pane. The term "printed" refers to application by means of a layer-depositing manufacturing process.

[0023] The sensor area bus bars are typically arranged on or outside two opposite edges of the electrically heatable sensor area. Preferably, the sensor area bus bars are directly electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area. This is achieved via direct, electrically conductive contact between the sensor area bus bars and the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area.

[0024] The sensor area bus bars can be supplied with power from outside the pane via electrical conductors that are routed to an edge of the transparent pane. The electrical conductors can preferably be routed out of the transparent pane in the form of an electrically conductive and (radially) insulated ribbon cable, insulated from the electrically conductive layer. A plug-in contact is provided at one end of the conductors.

[0025] The electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region refers to a transparent, electrically conductive layer that extends at least within the electrically heatable sensor region. Preferably, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region also extends into regions outside the electrically heatable sensor region, in particular such that the electrically conductive layer of the sensor region and the sensor region busbars overlap. In other words, a material of the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region extends beyond the latter. The electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region comprises or consists of the material of the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region.Typically, the electrically heatable sensor region comprises at least substantially completely or completely the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region.

[0026] According to the invention, the transparent pane has a transparent, electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, which extends at least within the viewing area. Thus, the viewing area is also designed to be electrically heated. The transparent, electrically conductive layer of the viewing area refers to a transparent, electrically conductive layer that extends at least within the viewing area. In other words, a material of the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area can extend beyond it. The electrically conductive layer of the viewing area comprises the material of the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area or consists of it.

[0027] A voltage can be applied to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heated sensor area and / or the viewing area, and thus also to its material. This is typically done via terminals that are electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer and accessible from outside the transparent pane.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the transparent, electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region is designed to reflect infrared light, and / or the electrically conductive layer of the visible region is designed to reflect infrared light. In other words, the transparent, electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region is an infrared-reflecting, transparent, electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region, and / or the transparent, electrically conductive layer of the visible region is an infrared-reflecting, transparent, electrically conductive layer of the visible region. Thus, the material of the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region and / or a material of the electrically conductive layer of the visible region is an infrared-reflecting material.Such infrared-reflecting layers prevent infrared light from being transmitted through the transparent pane by means of reflection. When the transparent pane is used as a window in a motor vehicle, the infrared-reflecting layer reduces or prevents infrared light from penetrating the vehicle interior and heating it up. Multiple infrared-reflecting layers can also be provided. The infrared-reflecting layers can, for example, be or comprise silver layers (one reflection plus one absorption typically amounts to up to 70%, but preferably at least 40%, in particular at least 60% of incident sunlight).

[0029] In particular, a large portion of this percentage is attributable to reflection. Infrared-reflecting layers containing or made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) are also conceivable.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region and / or the electrically conductive layer of the visible region is an electrically conductive coating, in particular a metallic coating or an electrically conductive film.

[0031] Thanks to a further development of some camera and / or sensor systems, it is now possible to ensure the function of a camera even in coated areas, in particular in metallically coated areas, and / or areas in which the transparent, electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area is designed to reflect infrared light.

[0032] Preferably, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region and / or the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area is formed with a homogeneous surface. A homogeneous surface layer is a layer that does not have any structuring measures for directing current flow. Such structuring measures would include, for example, the formation of layer-free regions that form a conductor structure, for example, in a meandering shape. Such measures can be implemented, for example, by masking prior to layer application or by stripping.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor area busbar is designed as a combined busbar for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, and the transparent pane comprises a viewing area busbar for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area. The viewing area is arranged between the combined busbar and the viewing area busbar, and the two busbars are electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, so that the viewing area can be electrically heated. With this embodiment, just three busbars (a sensor area busbar, a viewing area busbar, and a combined busbar) are sufficient to heat the electrically heatable sensor area and the viewing area separately.The electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area can be supplied with power via the sensor area busbar and the combined busbar. The electrically conductive layer of the viewing area can be supplied with power via the viewing area busbar and the combined busbar. The combined busbar typically comprises a region connected to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area and another region connected to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area. These regions can also overlap, or depending on the design, there may be a smooth transition between the regions.

[0034] Alternatively, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transparent pane comprises viewing area busbars for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, between which the viewing area is arranged, wherein the viewing area busbar is electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, so that the viewing area can be electrically heated. With this embodiment, two separate busbars are assigned to the viewing area in order to be able to heat the electrically heatable sensor area and the viewing area separately. The electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area can be supplied with current via the sensor area busbars. The electrically conductive layer of the viewing area can be supplied with current via the viewing area busbar.

[0035] Electrically heatable means that a current can flow through the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area, causing the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area to heat up. The heat generated by the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer is transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent layers of the transparent pane, such as a layer of glass, and to the surface of the transparent pane, particularly in the viewing area.

[0036] The combined busbar refers to a busbar that is provided for supplying power to the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area and for supplying power to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area. The viewing area busbar refers to a busbar that is provided for supplying power to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing area. The combined busbar and the viewing area busbar have the task of introducing an electrical current as evenly as possible into the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable viewing area. These busbars are typically conductors that have an electrically conductive region along at least substantially their entire longitudinal extent (on their surface). Typically, these are inserted or printed into or onto the transparent pane, in particular the transparent substrate of the transparent pane.

[0037] The combined bus bar and the view-area bus bar are typically arranged on or outside two opposite edges of the view area. Furthermore, the combined bus bar and / or the view-area bus bar are preferably directly electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer of the view area. This is achieved via direct, electrically conductive contact between the combined bus bar and / or the view-area bus bar and the electrically conductive layer of the view area.

[0038] Typically, the electrically conductive layer extends substantially parallel or parallel to the main surface (or even within the main surface) of the transparent pane and / or the transparent substrate, in particular a layer of the transparent substrate. This typically applies to both the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area and the viewing area, and thus also to their material. The same typically also applies to the sensor area, viewing area, and / or combined bus bars.

[0039] Typically, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area and / or the viewing area, and thus also its material, is applied to or incorporated into the transparent pane, in particular the transparent substrate. In particular, the two electrically conductive layers and thus also their material are applied to one layer of the transparent substrate, typically inserted between layers of the transparent substrate. The same typically also applies to the sensor area, viewing area, and / or combined busbar.

[0040] Typically, the visible area at least substantially completely or entirely comprises the electrically conductive layer of the visible area. Preferably, the electrically conductive layer of the visible area also extends into areas outside the visible area, in particular such that the electrically conductive layer of the visible area and the visible area busbars, or the electrically conductive layer of the visible area and the visible area busbars and the combined busbar, overlap. In other words, a material of the electrically conductive layer of the visible area extends beyond the latter.

[0041] The combined bus bar and the view-area bus bar can also be supplied with power from outside the pane via electrical conductors routed to one edge of the transparent pane. In principle, the electrical conductors and associated components can have a structure similar to the corresponding electrical conductors of the sensor-area bus bars.

[0042] Preferably, the electrically heatable sensor area is arranged between the visible area bus bars or between the combined bus bar and the visible area bus bar. This configuration allows the electrically heatable sensor area to be heated when the visible area is heated. This is possible because, according to this configuration, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area is located between the visible area bus bars or between the combined bus bar and the visible area bus bar.

[0043] A material of the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region is preferably the same as the material of the electrically conductive layer of the visible region. The fact that the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region preferably comprises the same material as the electrically conductive layer of the visible region results in cost advantages in manufacturing. The electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region and the visible region preferably consist of or comprise the same material.

[0044] In addition, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region is preferably integrally connected to the electrically conductive layer of the viewing region using the same material. As a result, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region and the electrically conductive layer of the viewing region preferably form a common layer region.

[0045] Furthermore, the entire transparent pane preferably has the same material for the electrically conductive layers. This eliminates the need to divide the pane into a region with the material and a region without the material during production, thus saving manufacturing costs.

[0046] If necessary, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region can be electrically insulated from the electrically conductive layer of the visible area by means of an electrically insulating region. In this case, the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region is circumferentially enclosed by an electrically insulating region. This measure, in particular, insulates the electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor region from the electrically conductive layer of the visible area. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the visible area is heated, the electrically heatable sensor region is not heated.

[0047] The transparent pane preferably has at least one, at least substantially opaque region. Typically, the opaque coating is a black print. In particular, the opaque region is formed at least in the electrically heatable sensor region or adjacent to the electrically heatable sensor region. In addition, the viewing area can also be bordered by an opaque region. By means of the opaque region, in particular the bus bars can be concealed as seen from at least one side of the pane, so that they are not perceptible to humans. This achieves a tidy appearance. Typically, however, the electrically heatable sensor region has at least one sensor window which is outside the opaque region, i.e. free of any material of the opaque region, so that optical sensors are not impaired.

[0048] Furthermore, a window sensor unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided. This comprises the transparent window according to the invention and a sensor arranged on the electrically heatable sensor area.

[0049] In particular, a window sensor unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided. This comprises the transparent window according to the invention and an optical sensor. The optical sensor is arranged on the electrically heatable sensor region in such a way that light transmitted through the electrically heatable sensor region can be detected by the optical sensor. The optical sensor is in particular designed to detect at least part of a wavelength range of light transmitted through the infrared-reflecting, transparent, electrically conductive layer. The optical sensor is in particular an image sensor of a camera.

[0050] Furthermore, a motor vehicle comprising the transparent pane or pane sensor unit according to the invention is provided. Heating the sensor area is particularly necessary for passenger cars and trucks, as these vehicles are typically operated in winter or in high humidity conditions. The transparent pane according to the invention ensures optimal functionality of an optical sensor behind the electrically heatable sensor area, even under adverse weather conditions.

[0051] Preferably, the transparent pane is a windshield of the motor vehicle. This is particularly useful because optical sensors are advantageously located behind the windshield of a motor vehicle.

[0052] The electrically heatable sensor region is preferably arranged in an upper half, further preferably in an upper third, particularly preferably in an upper quarter of the windshield. Furthermore, the electrically heatable sensor region is preferably arranged substantially centrally in the horizontal direction of the transparent pane.

[0053] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0054] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a transparent pane according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a structure of a transparent pane comprising a laminated safety glass as a transparent substrate; Fig. 3 a transparent pane according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a transparent pane according to a third, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a disc sensor unit and Fig. 6 a motor vehicle with a transparent pane according to the invention.

[0055] Fig. Figure 1 shows a transparent pane 10 for a motor vehicle according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The transparent pane 10, as shown, is preferably designed as a windshield for a motor vehicle. Such windshields are generally not flat, but rather curved. The pane 10 typically comprises a laminated glass, in particular a laminated safety glass (LSG), as a transparent substrate 34.

[0056] The transparent pane 10 has a viewing area 12, which is essentially bordered by a dashed line designated by the reference symbol "12". Furthermore, the transparent pane 10 has an electrically heatable sensor area 14 (heating field for the sensor area), which is essentially bordered by a dashed line designated by the reference symbol "14". The viewing area 12 and the electrically heatable sensor area 14 are both transparent. The transparent pane 10 can have at least one opaque area 18 (for example, a black print), which serves to optically shape or partially darken the transparent pane 10. The opaque area 18 is represented in the figures by hatching designated by the reference symbol "18". The opaque area is provided partially within the electrically heatable sensor area and to border the viewing area 12.At a transition between the opaque area 18 and the visible area 12, a shaded or dotted transition area can be provided, which makes the transition appear as a gradient.

[0057] In detailed view D, the electrically heatable sensor area 14 and its surrounding areas are shown enlarged. This allows details to be seen in the detailed view that are not shown in the other view (overview view) for reasons of clarity.

[0058] The transparent pane 10 comprises (in particular vertically arranged) sensor area bus bars 22, between which the electrically heatable sensor area 14 is arranged.

[0059] The transparent pane 10 also comprises a transparent, electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14, which extends at least within the electrically heatable sensor region 14. In the example shown, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 also extends beyond the electrically heatable sensor region 14. In other words, a material of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can extend beyond the electrically heatable sensor region 14. Typically, the material extends at least as far as below the sensor region busbars 22, which, as shown, can be designed as busbars. This creates an overlap between the sensor region busbars 22 and the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14.The sensor area bus bars 22 are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 and, in particular, contact the latter directly, for example by the sensor area bus bars 22 resting on the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 as shown.

[0060] The electrically heatable sensor region 14 partially comprises (or is covered by) the opaque region 18, with a sensor window 30 being provided for light transmission through the transparent, electrically heatable sensor region 14. The sensor window 30 does not comprise an opaque material of the opaque region 18. The sensor region busbars 22 can be electrically contacted from outside the transparent pane 10 by means of electrical conductors 24, which extend out of the transparent pane 10 and are electrically conductively connected to the sensor region busbars 22. The electrical conductors 24 can be led out of the transparent pane 10 in the form of an electrically conductive and insulated ribbon cable 26, insulated from the electrically conductive layer. A plug contact 28 is typically provided at one end of the electrical conductors 24.

[0061] In the example shown, the viewing area 12 also has an electrically conductive layer 32. The electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 can also extend beyond the viewing area 12. In other words, a material of the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 can extend beyond it.

[0062] The electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing region 12 can comprise the same material. Furthermore, the two electrically conductive layers 20, 32 can be integrally and thus electrically conductively connected using the same material, so that the two conductive layers 20, 32 form a common, continuous, electrically conductive layer of the transparent pane 10. The common, continuous, electrically conductive layer particularly preferably has an extension corresponding to a main surface of the transparent pane 10 and is preferably formed with a homogeneous surface. The main surface of the transparent pane 10 refers to the area of ​​the transparent pane 10 with the largest extension.The main surface of the transparent pane 10 is projected in the overview view, extends between the illustrated outer border of the transparent substrate 34 of the transparent pane 10, and fills the area enclosed by the border. The projected main surface is therefore the entire projected surface of the transparent substrate 34 of the transparent pane 10 visible in the overview view. These configurations result in cost savings in the production of the transparent pane 10. This is possible because there is no need to mask the exposed areas prior to coating with the material, nor to subsequently strip these areas.

[0063] The electrically conductive layers 20, 32 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and the electrically heatable viewing region 12, and thus in the exemplary embodiment the common, continuous, electrically conductive layer, are characterized by an infrared light-reflecting effect. The electrically conductive layer is preferably a metallic layer, in particular a metallic coating. The electrically conductive layers 20, 32 are typically designed to reflect and absorb up to 70%, but preferably at least 40%, in particular at least 60%, of sunlight incident on the transparent pane 10. In particular, a large portion of this percentage is attributable to reflection. These electrically conductive and infrared light-reflecting layers typically comprise or consist of silver or ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0064] If necessary, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can be electrically insulated or decoupled from an adjacent material of an electrically conductive layer, in particular from the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12, by means of an electrically insulating region. This is achieved in particular by stripping (for example, by means of a laser).

[0065] Terminals (+) and (-) of the electrical conductors 24 can be supplied with a voltage to heat the electrically heatable sensor area 14. This is done, for example, by means of a camera system comprising an optical sensor, which directly supplies and / or controls the two terminals (+) and (-) with a voltage. As a result, a current flows from one sensor area busbar 22 via the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 to the other sensor area busbar 22. The electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 heats it, with the heat being transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent areas of the transparent pane 10 and in particular to the surfaces of the transparent pane in the electrically heatable sensor area 14. The viewing area 12 remains unheated in this exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Fig. Figure 2 shows a structure (glass thickness structure) of a transparent substrate 34 of the transparent pane 10 in a stretched view. The transparent substrate 34 is a laminated safety glass, for example, a windshield of a motor vehicle. The transparent substrate 34 accordingly comprises a film 36 (typically a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film), which is arranged between two glass layers 38. For the sake of clarity, in addition to the two glass layers 38 and the film 36, Fig. 2, no further components are shown. At position 130, the sensor area bus bars 22 are arranged laterally of the electrically heatable sensor area 14. This is done in particular by printing or inserting the sensor area bus bars 22. "Printing" refers to application using a layer-depositing manufacturing process. Typically, printing involves printing a silver-containing paste, which is later baked into the glass. "Insertion" typically refers to inserting an electrically conductive ribbon cable (usually made of copper). The sensor area bus bars 22 are also contacted at position 130 by the electrical conductors 24, which can be insulated in particular by means of a Kapton tape.This is typically folded (e.g., bent) and, in particular, fixed together with the electrical conductors 24 after emerging from the transparent substrate 34 and thus from the transparent pane 10 to position 140 or 110. The electrically conductive layers 20, 32 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and the viewing region 12 are also arranged at position 130 and, in particular, are applied (e.g., coated) to the surface of the glass layer 38 located there. The material of the opaque region 18 is typically arranged at position 120 and, in particular, is applied (e.g., coated) to the surface of the glass layer 38 located there.When using the transparent glass pane 10 as a windshield for a motor vehicle, the glass pane 38 between position 110 and position 120 typically serves as the outer glass, whereas the glass pane 38 between position 130 and position 140 serves as the inner glass of the transparent pane 10.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a transparent pane according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The following points out differences from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Unless otherwise stated here, the description of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0068] In addition to the sensor area bus bars 22, the transparent pane 10 comprises view area bus bars 40 (for example, at the top and bottom of the main surface of the transparent pane 10). These are typically arranged outside the view area 12 and can be concealed at least on one side by the opaque area 18. The view area bus bars 40 serve to distribute current to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the view area 12. Advantageously, not only the view area 12 but also the electrically heatable area 14 is arranged between the view area bus bars 40. The view area bus bars are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the view area 12 and, in particular, contact it directly, so that the view area 12 can be electrically heated.

[0069] The electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12 typically extends outside the visible area 12 to the visible area busbars 40, which can be configured as busbars as shown. Typically, the material of the electrically conductive layer 32 extends below the visible area busbars 40. This creates an overlap between the visible area busbars 40 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 is electrically insulated or decoupled from the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area by means of a preferred electrically insulating region 42. The electrically insulating region 42 is delimited by the two concentric, closed, circumferential, dashed lines of the electrically insulating region 42. The electrically insulating region 42 encloses the electrically heatable sensor region 14 all the way around. This is achieved in particular by stripping (for example, using a laser) a material applied over the entire surface of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12.The material of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can again be the same as the material of the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12. However, this time the two electrically conductive layers 20, 32 are not integrally connected due to the electrically insulating region 42, so that the two conductive layers 20, 32 do not form a common, continuous, electrically conductive layer of the transparent pane 10.

[0071] Alternatively (without the electrically insulating region 42), the entire transparent pane 10 may have the electrically conductive layers 20, 32 formed as a common, continuous, electrically conductive layer.

[0072] The transparent disc 10 has, as shown Fig. 1, the sensor has terminals (+) and (-) of the electrically heatable sensor area, which in turn can be supplied with a voltage to heat the electrically heatable sensor area 14. This is done, for example, by means of a camera system comprising the optical sensor, which directly supplies and / or controls the two terminals (+) and (-) with a voltage. As a result, a current flows from one sensor area busbar 22 via the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 to the other sensor area busbar 22. The electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer 20 heats the latter, with the heat being transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent areas of the transparent pane 10 and in particular to their surfaces in the electrically heatable sensor area 14.

[0073] In contrast to Fig. 1, the transparent pane 10 comprises, in addition to the terminals (+) and (-), terminals (+)' and (-)', which are electrically conductively connected to the viewing area busbars 40 of the now electrically heatable viewing area 12. These terminals (+)' and (-)' can now in turn be supplied with a voltage. As a result, a current flows from one viewing area busbar 40 via the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 to the other viewing area busbar 40. Due to the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer 32, the layer heats up, with the heat being transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent areas of the transparent pane 10 and in particular to their surfaces in the viewing area 12.

[0074] The wiring of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 and the electrically heatable viewing area 12 can now be controlled independently of each other thanks to the electrically insulating area 42.

[0075] If the electrically insulating region 42 is not present, the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and the electrically heatable viewing region 12 should (or must) be wired such that only one switching state is used at a time, in other words, that a voltage is applied either to the sensor region bus bars 22 or to the viewing region bus bars 40. If the voltage is applied to the viewing region bus bars 40, current flows through the electrically conductive coating 32 of the viewing region 12 and the electrically conductive coating 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14. In the embodiment shown, in particular, at least substantially the entire transparent pane 10 in the form of a front pane is heated.Thus, a switching state 1 (heating of the entire visible area including the electrically heatable sensor area 14) and a switching state 2 (heating of the sensor area 14) can be realized.

[0076] The electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor field 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the field of view 12 thus use two separate (ground) connections (-), (-)'.

[0077] The visible area bus bars 40 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12 can now be placed in position 130 of the Fig. 2. This is typically done analogously to the embodiments for the sensor area busbars 22 and the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 12.

[0078] In Fig. 4 shows a transparent pane according to a third, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The following points out differences from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Unless otherwise stated here, the description of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0079] In addition to the sensor area bus bars 22, the transparent pane 10 includes a viewing area bus bar 40 (for example, at the bottom of the main surface of the transparent pane 10), for example, in the form of a bus bar for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12. Furthermore, one of the sensor area bus bars 22 is configured not only for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14, but is also configured as a combined bus bar 44 for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 (for example, at the top of the main surface of the transparent pane 10). The viewing area 12 and the electrically heatable sensor area 14 can be arranged between the combined bus bar 44 and the viewing area bus bar 40, as shown.

[0080] The visible area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44 are arranged outside the visible area 12 and are concealed at least on one side by the opaque area 18. The visible area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44 serve to distribute current to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12. The visible area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44 are electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12, so that the visible area 12 can be electrically heated.

[0081] The electrically conductive layer 20 of the sensor area 14 typically extends to the sensor area busbar 22 and the combined busbar 44, which can be configured as busbars as shown. This enables direct contact. Typically, the material of the electrically conductive layer 20 extends at least to below the two busbars 22, 44. This creates an overlap between the busbars 22, 44 and the electrically conductive layer 20 of the sensor area 14.

[0082] The electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12 typically extends outside the visible area 12 to the visible area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44, which can be configured as busbars as shown. This enables direct contact. Typically, the material of the electrically conductive layer 32 extends at least to below the two busbars 40, 44. This creates an overlap between the busbars 40, 44 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12.

[0083] By means of an electrical conductor 24, which extends out of the transparent pane 10 and is electrically connected to the sensor area busbar 22, the sensor area busbar 22 can be electrically contacted from outside the transparent pane 10. The electrical conductor 24 can be in the form of an electrically conductive and insulated ribbon cable 26, insulated from the electrically conductive layer, leading out of the transparent pane 10. A plug contact 28 is typically provided at one end of the electrical conductor 24.

[0084] The material of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can, as already explained above, be the same as the material of the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12. Furthermore, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can be integrally connected to the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 using the same material, thus creating an electrically conductive connection. As a result, the two electrically conductive layers 20, 32 form a common, continuous, electrically conductive layer of the transparent pane 10. Furthermore, the entire transparent pane 10 can be made of the same material. The common, continuous, electrically conductive layer particularly preferably has an extension corresponding to a main surface of the transparent pane 10 and is preferably of uniform, flat design.

[0085] The two connections ((+) and (-)) of the electrically heated sensor area can now be connected in a similar way Fig. 1 is supplied with a voltage. This occurs, for example, by means of a camera system comprising the optical sensor, which directly supplies and / or controls the two connections with a voltage. As a result, a current flows from the combined busbar 44 via the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 to the sensor region busbar 22. Due to the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer 20, the latter heats up, with the heat being transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent regions of the transparent pane 10, and in particular to its surfaces in the electrically heatable sensor region 14.

[0086] In contrast to Fig. 1, the transparent pane 10 now includes additional terminals (+)', which are electrically conductively connected to the viewing area busbar 40 of the electrically heatable viewing area 12. The terminals (+)' and (-) can now in turn be supplied with a voltage. As a result, a current flows from the viewing area busbar 40 via the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 to the combined busbar 44. Due to the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer 32, the layer heats up, with the heat being transferred by thermal conduction to adjacent areas of the transparent pane 10, and in particular to their surfaces of the viewing area 12.

[0087] The electrically heatable sensor area 14 and the electrically heatable viewing area 12 should (or must) be connected in such a way that only one switching state is used, in other words, that a voltage is applied either to the sensor area busbar 22 and the combined busbar 44 or to the viewing area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44. If the voltage is applied to the viewing area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44, the electrically conductive coating 32 of the viewing area 12 and the electrically conductive coating 20 of the sensor area 12 (which, as already explained, can be integrally connected using the same material) are passed through. In the embodiment shown, in particular, at least substantially the entire transparent pane 10 in the form of a front pane is heated.Thus, a switching state 1 (heating of the entire visible area including the electrically heatable sensor area 14) and a switching state 2 (heating of the sensor area 14) can be realized.

[0088] The electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor field 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the field of view 12 thus use a common ground connection (-).

[0089] The visible area busbar 40 and the combined busbar 44 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the visible area 12 can now be placed in position 130 in Fig. 2. The combined bus bar 44 is arranged below the electrically heatable sensor field 14 (see Fig. 1). This is typically done analogously to the explanations for the sensor area busbars 22 and the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 12.

[0090] The illustrated combined bus bar 44 is a common ground connection of the electrically conductive layer 20 of the sensor area 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12.

[0091] If necessary, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can in turn be electrically insulated or decoupled from an adjacent material of an electrically conductive layer, in particular from the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12, by means of an electrically insulating region. This is done in particular by stripping (for example, using a laser). This enables a defined current flow and a delimitation of the electrically heatable sensor region 12. For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor region 12 is spatially separated from the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 14 by means of an electrically insulating region.For this purpose, the electrically insulating region has a particularly strip-like shape, which extends from the combined busbar 44 around the electrically heatable sensor region to the combined busbar 44. In the example, this results in a U-shaped electrically insulating region, running to the left and right of the electrically heatable sensor region 14 and below the sensor region busbar 22 and adjacent to the combined busbar 44.

[0092] Fig. 5 shows a pane sensor unit 46 according to the invention, comprising the transparent pane 10 according to the invention and an optical sensor 48, for example an image sensor of a camera 50, which is arranged on the electrically heatable sensor region 14. The optical sensor 48 is arranged on the transparent pane 10 according to the invention in such a way that light transmitted through the electrically heatable sensor region 14 can be detected by the optical sensor 48. In the exemplary embodiment, this is achieved in such a way that the optical sensor 48 looks through the sensor window 30 of the opaque region 18. The optical sensor is designed in particular to detect a wavelength range of light that is transmitted through the infrared-reflecting, electrically conductive layer. By means of a camera system comprising the optical sensor 48, the two connections (+) and (-) can be directly supplied with a voltage and / or controlled.

[0093] Fig. 6 shows a motor vehicle 52 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the window sensor unit 46 according to the invention and thus also a transparent window 10 according to the invention according to the preferred embodiments.

[0094] As can be seen, the transparent pane 10 can be designed as a windshield of the motor vehicle 52. The electrically heatable sensor region 14 can be arranged in an upper quarter of the windshield 10 and, as already known from the previous figures, have a sensor window 30. Furthermore, the electrically heatable sensor region 14 is typically arranged substantially centrally in the horizontal direction of the transparent pane 10. The camera 50 with the optical sensor 48 (both not shown) are arranged behind the sensor window 30 on an inner side of the transparent pane 10.

[0095] By means of the transparent pane 10 according to the invention, it is possible to use an existing, electrically conductive, in particular infrared light-reflecting layer (IR layer), for example of a front pane, for the (separate) heating of a camera and / or sensor area (sensor field).

[0096] This brings the following advantages: - faster, even defrosting (even in the middle of the sensor area or sensor field) - direct heating of the glass surface in the camera and / or sensor area - low energy consumption

[0097] The solutions presented in the above preferred first to third embodiments describe a preferred structure, for example, of a laminated safety glass (VSG) pane with the electrically conductive layer, in particular coating at position 130 in Fig. 2. However, it is also possible to coat and contact other positions or to provide an electrically conductive foil.

[0098] The embodiment according to Fig. 4 is to be regarded as a particularly preferred embodiment, since a double use of an existing (in Fig. 4 upper) busbar (combined bus conductor 44 with ground connection (-)) for supplying power to the electrically conductive layer 20 of the electrically heatable sensor area 14 and the electrically conductive layer 32 of the viewing area 12 is possible. List of reference symbols 10 transparent discs 12 Field of view 14 electrically heated sensor area 18 opaque area 20 electrically conductive layer of the electrically heatable sensor area 22 Sensor area busbar 24 electrical conductors 26 ribbon cables 28 plug contact 30 sensor windows 32 electrically conductive layer of the visible area 34 transparent substrate 36 slides 38 glass layers 40 visibility area collectors 42 electrically insulating area 44 combined bus conductor 46 Disc sensor unit 48 optical sensor 50 Camera 52 Motor vehicle 110 first position in or on a laminated safety glass 120 second position in or on a laminated safety glass 130 third position in or on a laminated safety glass 140 fourth position in or on a laminated safety glass

Claims

[1] Transparent pane (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a viewing area (12) and an electrically heatable sensor area (14), wherein the transparent pane (10) has a transparent, electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14), which extends at least within the electrically heatable sensor area (14), and the transparent pane (10) comprises sensor area bus bars (22) for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14), between which the electrically heatable sensor area (14) is arranged, wherein the sensor area bus bars (22) are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14), characterized bythat the transparent pane (10) has a transparent, electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12), which extends at least within the viewing area (12). [2] Transparent pane (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that one of the sensor area bus bars (22) is designed as a combined bus bar (44) additionally for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) and the transparent pane (10) comprises a viewing area bus bar (40) for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12), wherein the viewing area (12) is arranged between the combined bus bar (44) and the viewing area bus bar (40) and the two bus bars (40, 44) are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) so that the viewing area (12) can be electrically heated. [3] Transparent pane (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the transparent pane (10) comprises viewing area bus bars (40) for distributing current to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12), between which the viewing area (12) is arranged, wherein the viewing area bus bars (40) are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) so that the viewing area (12) can be electrically heated. [4] Transparent pane (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the electrically heatable sensor area (14) is arranged between the field of view collectors (40) or between the combined collector (44) and the field of view collector (40). [5] Transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor region (12) is circumferentially enclosed by an electrically insulating region (42). [6] Transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a material of the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor region (14) is the same as a material of the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing region (12). [7] Transparent pane (10) according to claim 6, wherein the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor region (14) is integrally connected to the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing region (12) by means of the same material. [8] Transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the transparent, electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14) is designed to reflect infrared light and / or the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) is designed to reflect infrared light. [9] Transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14) and / or the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) is an electrically conductive coating. [10] Transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrically conductive layer (20) of the electrically heatable sensor area (14) and / or the electrically conductive layer (32) of the viewing area (12) is formed homogeneously over its entire surface. [11] Pane sensor unit (46) comprising the transparent pane (10) according to one of the preceding claims and an optical sensor (48) which is arranged on the electrically heatable sensor region (14) in such a way that light transmitted through the electrically heatable sensor region (14) can be detected by the optical sensor (48). [12] Motor vehicle (52) comprising the transparent pane (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a pane sensor unit (46) according to claim 11. [13] Motor vehicle (52) according to claim 12, characterized by that the transparent pane (10) is a windscreen of the motor vehicle (52).

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