Vehicle window

Abstract

Vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle window (20), an electrical control unit (50), an input device (63) and a temperature sensor (62), which vehicle window (20) has a first layer (34) in at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38), which first layer (34) comprises a first material, which first material is designed to enable variable light transmission of the first layer (34), wherein the light transmission of the first layer (34) with the first material is variable by at least one effect from a first group consisting of electrochromism, photochromism, and thermochromism, which first layer (34) has a light transmission in the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38) which is always at least 65%, which input device (63) is designed to be at least partially accessible in the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36;38) to enable a vehicle user to adjust the light transmission, which control unit (50) is designed to allow the first layer (34) to be influenced depending on both parameters of a second group, which second group comprises: - measured value of the temperature sensor (62), - input value of an input device (63) for a vehicle user.;

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle with a vehicle window. The KR 10 1 854 861 B1, the KR 10 1 372 218 B1, the KR 10 1 294 896 B1, the KR 10 2007 0 064 051 A, the KR 10 2004 0 006 941 A and the KR 10 2002 0 017 508 A show windshields with a PDLC film or PDLC glass, where PDLC stands for polymer dispersed liquid crystal. US 2010 / 0 315 693 A1 shows a disc with optical filters which allow variable light transmission, with the optical filters having electrochromic and photochromic properties. DE 10 2014 012 383 A1 shows a switchable glass composite. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new vehicle windscreen. The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. A vehicle has a windshield. The windshield has a first layer in at least one specified area, which first layer comprises a first material, which first material is designed to enable variable light transmission of the first layer, wherein the light transmission of the first layer with the first material can be changed by at least one effect from a first group consisting of electrochromism, photochromism, and thermochromism. Providing a material with one or more of these effects allows the light transmission to be adjusted to the external or desired conditions, thereby increasing safety in the vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one predetermined area comprises a first area, which is located on the upper half of the vehicle windshield. Disturbing light interference is more frequent in the upper area than in the lower area, and therefore providing the first area in the upper half is advantageous. Providing the first area in the lower half is possible either cumulatively or alternatively. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one predetermined area has a second area which is provided at the upper edge of the vehicle window as a glare protection strip. This eliminates the need for a fixed glare protection strip with a fixed light transmission, and the glare protection strip can be adapted to the external or internal lighting conditions. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one predetermined area is designed as a color wedge. Color wedges have proven to be comfortable for vehicle users in practice and can prevent excessive sunlight in the corresponding area. The color wedge is preferably designed as a gray wedge, green wedge, or blue wedge. The first layer has a light transmittance of at least 65% in at least one specified area. This means that at least 65% of the solar radiation across the light spectrum is transmitted, and complete blackout does not occur. This increases safety in the event of a malfunction of the first layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window can be influenced by at least two of the effects from the first group. This allows for advantageous combinations in which the light transmission can be adjusted when the vehicle is switched off, and, if necessary, the light transmission can be controlled. According to a preferred embodiment, the first layer is designed as a film or as a coating. According to a preferred embodiment, the first material comprises a photochromic material which enables a light-induced reversible conversion. The photochromic material allows a change in light transmission depending on the external or internal light and thus an automatic adjustment of the light transmission. According to a preferred embodiment, the first material is an electrochromic material which allows the light transmittance to be changed by an external electric field or a current flow. Electrochromic material enables a comparatively fast adjustment of the light transmittance depending on a control signal. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window has a control device for connecting the vehicle window to an electrical control unit. The provision of this control device allows the control unit to advantageously influence the light transmission. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle windscreen is designed as a windscreen, and the at least one area has a third area, which is located in the driver's field of vision, and in which third area the light transmission is adjustable to act as a visor. This advantageously allows the first layer to create the effect of a mechanical visor. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one region has a fourth region, which is located in the field of vision of a passenger, and in which fourth region the light transmission is adjustable to act as a visor. This advantageously allows the first layer to create the effect of a mechanical visor. According to a preferred embodiment, the first layer is provided across the entire surface. This allows the vehicle windscreen to be adapted to other geometries, if necessary, by changing its outer shape. The vehicle has an electrical control unit, which control unit is designed to allow an influence on the first layer depending on both parameters of a second group, which second group includes: - measured value of a temperature sensor, - input value of an input device for a vehicle user. These parameters advantageously allow for a suitable adjustment of the light transmission by the control unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is designed to enable the first layer to be influenced depending on a measured value from a brightness sensor. The vehicle features an input device designed to allow the vehicle user to adjust the light transmission, at least partially, within a predetermined range. This adjustment option enhances both driver comfort and safety. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window is provided at at least one of the vehicle window positions from the vehicle window position group consisting of: - windshield of the vehicle, - side window in the front area of ​​the vehicle, - side window in the rear area of ​​the vehicle, - rear window of the vehicle, and - trunk cover inside the vehicle. The vehicle window can be advantageously used to create so-called privacy glazing in the rear of the vehicle (side windows and rear window). Unlike roller blinds, this eliminates mechanical parts, making the solution more robust and less prone to malfunction. Furthermore, roller blinds can leave gaps at the edges of the window, whereas the reduced light transmission of the vehicle window can be achieved across the entire surface. The invention is also relatively easy to implement with different window geometries. Furthermore, such a vehicle window can also be used in the interior, for example as a trunk cover or as a replacement for a rear roller blind. By reducing light transmission, heat buildup in the trunk can be reduced. Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a top view from the outside of a first embodiment of a vehicle window, Fig. 2 shows a top view from the outside of a second embodiment of a vehicle window, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a control unit for the vehicle window, and Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the vehicle window of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. In the following, identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds upon itself across figures to avoid unnecessary repetition. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle windscreen 20 in a top view from the outside. The vehicle 10 is schematically indicated by a body part. The vehicle windscreen 20 has an upper edge 23, a lower edge 24, a left edge 25, and a right edge 26. Hereinafter, the terms left and right are used in reference to the left and right sides of the vehicle 10. An imaginary horizontal center line 40 of the vehicle windscreen 20 is drawn, and it divides the vehicle windscreen 20 into an upper half 41 and a lower half 42. In the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle windshield 20 has a so-called black print 21 at its edges, which is provided in a frame-shaped area of ​​the vehicle windshield 20 and is preferably completely or at least partially opaque. This serves, on the one hand, to optically cover an adhesive, foaming, or seal provided in the edge area of ​​the laminated glass 20, and on the other hand, the black print 21 acts as UV protection and therefore protects the bonding agents (adhesive, foaming, seal) for connecting the vehicle windshield 20 to the vehicle 10. The black print 21 can be black or another preferably opaque and dark color. On the side of the black print 21 facing the center of the disc, a dot matrix 22 is preferably provided to make the transition from the black print 21 to the viewing area 43 smooth. In a specified area 30 at the upper edge of the vehicle windscreen 20 and in a specified central area 32, the vehicle windscreen 20 has a first layer 34, which first layer 34 comprises a first material. The first material is intended to enable variable light transmission of the first layer 34. The light transmission of the first layer 34 with the first material is variable by at least one effect from a first group consisting of: electrochromism, photochromism, and thermochromism. Areas 30 and 32 are provided on the upper half 41 of the vehicle windscreen 20. Area 30 is located at the upper edge 23 of the vehicle windscreen 20 and serves as a glare protection strip. Its purpose is to at least partially absorb and / or reflect sunlight through the upper area of ​​the vehicle windscreen 20, thereby reducing glare for the vehicle occupants. Area 32 is provided, by way of example, in the area of ​​a rearview mirror, which is preferably mounted as an interior rearview mirror on the vehicle windscreen 20. The area 30 is preferably designed as a color wedge, in particular as a grey wedge, green wedge, blue wedge or black wedge. The material in the first layer 34 can be applied across the entire surface, or it can be rasterized or arranged in other predefined patterns. The light transmittance of the first layer 34 is preferably always at least 65 percent. This is a safety measure and ensures that the vehicle window 20 cannot become completely opaque in areas 30, 32, or in the other areas where it is applied. The use of a photochromic material for the first layer 34 enables a light-induced reversible conversion, resulting in a change in light transmission. An advantage of this is that no additional control unit is required. Rather, the first layer 34 can adapt to the lighting conditions depending on the external and / or internal light. Materials with photochromic properties include, for example, spiropyrans, spirooxazines, chromenes, hexa-1,3,5-triene, diheteroarylethene, and cyclohex-1,3-dienes. Thermochromic materials change color when the temperature changes. This process is reversible, and no control unit is required. Examples of thermochromic materials include rutile and zinc oxide. The use of an electrochromic material allows the light transmittance to be changed by an external electric field or by a current flow. Layer 34 can preferably be provided as a film or as a coating on the vehicle window 20. Preferably, when using an electrochromic material, a control unit is provided, and the vehicle window 20 with layer 34 can be controlled by the electrical control unit. The different areas 30, 32 can be controlled individually or together. Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle windscreen 20. In addition to areas 30 and 32, which are also provided in Fig. 1, additional areas 36 and 38 with a first layer 34 are provided. The first layer 34 can be the same in all areas 30, 32, 36, and 38, but it can also be at least partially different in the individual areas. For the possible configurations of areas 36 and 38, reference is made to the descriptions of areas 30 and 32 in Fig. 1. As an example, a first layer 34 is provided in areas 36 and 38, the light transmission of which can be changed by electrochromism. The vehicle windscreen 20 has control devices 53, 54 to enable control of the first layer 34. The control devices 53, 54 can have cables and enable control via a line. However, the control devices 53, 54 can also operate wirelessly, for example via an antenna and an RFID chip. Such an antenna also enables energy transmission to provide the energy required for adjusting the light transmission. The required energy can also be generated by a solar cell integrated into the vehicle windscreen 20. A control unit 50 is provided. The control unit is connected to the control device 53 via a line 51 and to the control device 54 via a line 52. This allows areas 36 and 38 to be controlled independently of each other. Area 36 is located in the driver's field of vision 43, and the adjustable light transmission in area 36 allows the first layer 34 in this area to act as a visor. This is advantageous because the mechanical visor may be unnecessary. Similarly, layer 34 in area 38 can serve as a privacy screen for the passenger. For vehicles 10 designed for left-hand traffic, the assignment of areas 36 and 38 to the driver and passenger, respectively, is reversed. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 is connected by way of example to a voltage source 65, e.g. the vehicle electrical system 10. Lines 51 and 52 are provided to enable a connection with the control devices 53 and 54 of the vehicle windscreen. If the control devices 53 and 54 are equipped with an antenna, the control unit 50 may also have an antenna. A brightness sensor 61, a temperature sensor 62, and an input device 63 for a vehicle user are provided as examples, and the control unit 50 is configured to process the measured values ​​of the brightness sensor 61 and the temperature sensor 62 as well as input values ​​of the input device 63 and to output them via lines 51, 52 depending on these control signals. It may also be advantageous to provide only a portion of the sensors 61, 62 and the input device. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the vehicle windshield 20, which is designed as laminated glass by way of example. The vehicle windshield 20 has an outer glass pane 27, an interlayer arrangement 29 and an inner glass pane 28. The outer glass pane 27 is bonded to the inner glass pane 28 at least partially via the interlayer arrangement 29. In the exemplary embodiment, the intermediate layer arrangement 29 consists of a layer of hot melt adhesive. PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is a well-suited material. Films made of thermoplastic material (ionoplast) are also available. The intermediate layer arrangement 29 can also comprise several layers, for example, a layer of hot melt adhesive, a filter layer for specific wavelengths, and another layer of hot melt adhesive. For example, the first layer 34 is provided on the inside of the outer glass 27 and is thus integrated as part of the vehicle window 20. The first layer 34 can be provided as a film or as a coating. The black print 21 and the dot matrix 22 are printed by way of example on the inside of the outer glass 27, preferably between the outer glass 27 and the intermediate layer arrangement 29. By placing the first layer 34 between the glasses 27 and 28, the first layer 34 is well protected from damage. Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle window (20), an electrical control unit (50), an input device (63) and a temperature sensor (62), which vehicle window (20) has a first layer (34) in at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38), which first layer (34) comprises a first material, which first material is designed to enable variable light transmission of the first layer (34), wherein the light transmission of the first layer (34) with the first material is variable by at least one effect from a first group consisting of electrochromism, photochromism, and thermochromism, which first layer (34) has a light transmission in the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38) which is always at least 65%, which input device (63) is designed to be at least partially accessible in the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36;38) to enable a vehicle user to adjust the light transmission, which control unit (50) is designed to allow the first layer (34) to be influenced depending on both parameters of a second group, which second group comprises: - measured value of the temperature sensor (62), - input value of an input device (63) for a vehicle user.; Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, in which the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38) of the vehicle window (20) has a first area (30; 32; 36; 38) which first area (30; 32; 36; 38) is provided on the upper half (41) of the vehicle window (20). Vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38) of the vehicle window (20) has a second area (30) which is provided at the upper edge (23) of the vehicle window (20) as a glare protection strip. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one predetermined area (30; 32; 36; 38) of the vehicle window (20) is designed as a color wedge, in particular as a grey wedge, green wedge or blue wedge. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle window (20) can be influenced by at least two of the effects from the first group. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (34) of the vehicle window (20) is designed as a film or as a coating. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first material of the vehicle window (20) comprises a photochromic material which enables a light-induced reversible conversion. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first material of the vehicle window (20) comprises an electrochromic material which enables a change in light transmittance by an external electric field or current flow. Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle window (20) has a control device (53, 54) for connecting the vehicle window (20) to the electrical control unit (50). Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle window (20) is provided as a windscreen, and in which the vehicle window (20) has at least one area (30; 32; 36; 38) a third area (36) which is provided in the field of vision (43) of a driver, and in which third area (36) the light transmission is adjustable to act as a visor. Vehicle (10) according to claim 10, in which the at least one area (30; 32; 36; 38) of the vehicle window (20) has a fourth area (38) which is provided in the field of vision of a passenger, and in which fourth area (38) the light transmission is adjustable to act as a visor. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a brightness sensor (61) and in which the control unit (50) is configured to enable an influence on the first layer (34) depending on a measured value of the brightness sensor (61). Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle window (20) is provided at at least one of the vehicle window positions from the vehicle window position group consisting of: - windshield of the vehicle (10), - side window in the front area of ​​the vehicle (10), - side window in the rear area of ​​the vehicle (10), - rear window of the vehicle (10), and - trunk cover inside the vehicle (10).

Images