Laminated glass with light barrier

Abstract

Composite disc (10) with - at least one pane (12) and at least one film (14) or at least one coating (16), - at least one coupling point (20) for visible light along at least one edge (18) of the disk assembly (10), and - at least one light barrier (30) by means of which the propagation of the coupled visible light is to be influenced, wherein coupling points (20) for light sources (22) are provided along the edges (18.1, 18.3) extending over the entire side length of the disk assembly (10), by means of which light is coupled into the disk assembly (10), wherein at least one light barrier (30) within the laminated glass unit (10) defines areas in which the light can propagate and areas into which no light enters and wherein the glass assembly (10) is used as a glass roof window (50) of a vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a composite of panes comprising at least one pane and at least one film or coating into which visible light is coupled, the propagation of which can be influenced by light barriers inside the composite of panes.

[0002] Lighting concepts that illuminate glass with colored light are used to design rooms, public spaces, or vehicles. Light is coupled in via the edges of a glass body or laminate. Particularly when films are used within a laminate or glass body, light is coupled out of the laminate. This can occur unevenly or inhomogeneously because, due to the material characteristics of the film, light coupled in mixed colors separates along the film's surface. This can result in undesirable color gradients that do not fit the desired lighting concept. Furthermore, a clear delineation of colored areas is not possible.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to influence the light extraction and thus the design effect of the glass body or glass laminate in such a way that the separation of the coupled light can be avoided or shifted to non-visible or less visible areas.

[0004] Furthermore, it is desirable to design the light emission of the glass body or the glass composite in such a way that different colored light can be coupled in and coupled out in specified areas or even patterns via the surface.

[0005] Preferably, the requirements should apply not only to pure glass structures, but also to other transparent composites.

[0006] DE 10 2016 122 012 A1 discloses a transparent cover for a motor vehicle roof, comprising a stack of layers. This stack consists of two flat discs, each with a main surface, and an adhesive layer arranged between the main surfaces.

[0007] A light source shines light onto a lateral edge of the second disc. A light blocker is provided between the main surfaces of the two discs to reduce the coupling of light from the light source into the adhesive layer.

[0008] DE 10 2015 101 465 A1 discloses an ambient lighting system for vehicles in which a first area is illuminated by means of a curved, elongated light guide. Adjacent to this, a flat area can be provided, which is illuminated by a further light guide. A light barrier is provided between these areas.

[0009] US 2019 / 0018183A1 discloses a light element comprising several spaced-apart light-guiding plates. Light from multiple light sources can be coupled into individual plates. A light barrier is provided between the plates to separate the areas where different coupling occurs.

[0010] US 2016 / 0170132A1 discloses a luminaire element comprising several light-emitting plates arranged in a single plane. A gap is provided between the light-emitting plates. The light-emitting plates have a reflective layer facing the gap.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a composite of discs into which light can be coupled and whose light emission can be selectively influenced.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved with a disk assembly according to claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0013] A disk assembly according to the invention is formed with at least one disk, and at least one film or at least one coating, at least one coupling point for visible light along at least one edge of the disk assembly, and at least one light barrier by means of which the propagation of the coupled visible light is to be influenced.

[0014] According to the invention, coupling points for light sources are provided along the edges extending over the entire side length of the glass composite, by means of which light is coupled into the glass composite, wherein areas in which the light can propagate and areas in which no coupled light enters are defined by the at least one light barrier within the glass composite, and wherein the glass composite is used as a glass roof window of a vehicle.

[0015] A pane is to be a transparent body with a substantially planar extent and can preferably be designed as a glass or plastic pane. At least one such pane is to be provided in the pane assembly according to the invention. Its number and thickness can be adapted as required.

[0016] Furthermore, the laminated glass should have at least one film or coating. This film or coating should preferably be largely transparent if the transparency of the laminated glass is not to be affected. Of course, if the laminated glass serves only an aesthetic purpose, an opaque or reflective film or coating can also be used.

[0017] The combination of at least one pane of glass and at least one film or coating can be used to form a laminated glass system or even laminated safety glass (LSG). This depends on the material of the at least one pane, the material of the at least one film or coating, their respective thicknesses, and their processing. The at least one pane can also be tempered safety glass (ESG) that is covered with at least one film or coating.

[0018] Along at least one edge of the laminated glass unit, at least one coupling point for visible light, i.e., light in a wavelength range visible to the human eye, is provided. At this at least one point, visible light, hereinafter referred to simply as light, is coupled into the laminated glass unit in the desired color and intensity.

[0019] The coupling preferably occurs into the layers of the laminated glass unit from which light extraction is to take place. For example, if the laminated glass unit consists of one pane and a film or coating, the light can be coupled into the film or coating and also extracted from it, thus removing it from the laminated glass unit. Extraction primarily occurs from the filmed or coated surface of the pane. In a laminated glass unit with two panes, the light can, for example, be coupled into the film or coating located between the panes and optionally also into the pane on whose surface the design effect is to be created by means of the extracted light. This could be applied in the same way to a larger number of panes and / or films or coatings.

[0020] Light from a light source is supplied to at least one coupling point of the laminated glass and coupled into the laminated glass via at least one edge as described. The coupled light propagates through the light-exposed layers.

[0021] Within the laminated glass unit, at least one light barrier is provided to influence the propagation of the coupled light. "Influence" here refers to guiding and limiting the light propagation by means of this at least one light barrier. The at least one light barrier thus prevents the coupled light from propagating uncontrollably within the laminated glass unit, but rather defines the propagation area in the plane of the surface. The light can therefore only propagate up to the at least one light barrier, but not beyond it. By using multiple light barriers, propagation zones can be created along which the light can be directed in a controlled manner within the laminated glass unit.This allows the surface of the laminated glass to be designed using light and light barrier(s), for example also with different colored light, which is coupled into the laminated glass at different coupling points and separated from each other by means of light barrier(s).

[0022] In a first embodiment of the laminated glass unit according to the invention, it is formed with at least one glass unit and at least one film, and the at least one light barrier is formed by a butt joint or an overlap of the at least one film. The laminated glass unit can also include further glass units and / or films or coatings. However, at least one film is to be provided in the laminated glass unit, since the at least one light barrier is formed by means of a film butt joint or a film overlap.

[0023] A butt joint of the film is defined as the abutment of adjacent film sections where the edges of the film sections meet essentially flush. This can be achieved by using separate film sections or at least by partially separating a film. The abutment of a film with an adjacent coating is also considered a butt joint. Minor deviations or small gaps between the adjacent film sections or with an adjacent coating do not impair the inventive concept.

[0024] When light is coupled into a section of the film, it can propagate within that section, but not across the joint or edges of the film sections into the next film section or the adjacent coating. This creates an effective light barrier beyond which no significant light propagation can occur.

[0025] When the film overlaps, one section should extend beyond an adjacent section. The adjacent sections thus lie on top of each other in the overlapping area. This also prevents light coupled into one section from spreading into the other, thereby creating an effective light barrier.

[0026] In both butt joint and overlap joint configurations, an additive can be incorporated. This additive could, for example, be a colored plastic solder bonded to the film sections. This makes the butt joint or overlap opaque and further enhances the effectiveness of the light barrier. Simultaneously, the solder ensures a reliable and secure bond between the films, preventing slippage and the resulting defects.

[0027] In another embodiment of the laminated glass according to the invention, the laminated glass comprises at least two panes bonded together by means of a film or a coating, and the at least one light barrier is formed by at least a partial separation of one of the two panes. The laminated glass of this embodiment thus has at least two panes between which a coating or a film is arranged to form a bond. Further layers of panes and / or films or coatings can be provided in the laminated glass. This can be the case, for example, with laminated glass or laminated safety glass. The pane that is at least partially separated is the one through which the light is to be extracted. It is therefore referred to below as the second pane, while the other pane is referred to as the first pane.

[0028] Light is coupled into the second disk and propagates through it. To create at least a light barrier, the second disk is at least partially divided. It therefore has breaks and / or cuts that form individual disk sections. The second disk can also be composed of disk sections or disk blanks. The division of the disk can also be created by a cut or a slit that penetrates only a portion of the second disk in terms of length and / or width. The essential point is that the light barrier is created by the division across the entire thickness of the disk, either in a specific area or continuously along a length and / or width.Even in this configuration, interrupting or separating the disk can interrupt the further propagation of the coupled light, because it cannot easily spread to the adjacent disk.

[0029] If a design is to be applied across both outward-facing surfaces of the glazed unit, the first glazed unit can also be designed with at least partial separations. For stability reasons, it is advisable to include an additional load-bearing glazed unit within the glazed unit, or at least to select the number and arrangement of the separations in the first and second glazed units in such a way that stability is largely maintained.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the composite disc is formed with at least one disc and at least one coating, and the at least one coating is interrupted at least partially by means of insert elements. Here, the composite disc thus has at least one disc and one coating; further discs and / or films or coatings may be provided in the composite disc. The light is coupled into the at least one coating.

[0031] To influence the propagation of coupled light, at least one light barrier is formed by insert elements. These are positioned at the desired location during the coating application process, and the coating is then applied. An example of this is the application of a polyurethane dispersion to a pane, a process known as "flooding." The pane is either vapor-deposited with the polyurethane dispersion or immersed in it. The insert elements prevent the entire surface of the pane from being coated with the polyurethane dispersion. These insert elements can be strips or any shape, for example, made of plastic, and are preferably opaque. This method can also be used with other coatings to create the at least one light barrier.

[0032] Because the coating is interrupted in some areas by the insert elements, the light can only spread up to the point where the coating is interrupted; the interruption acts as a light barrier.

[0033] The aforementioned configurations of the glazed unit with at least one light barrier can also be combined with one another. This makes it possible to couple light into the glazed unit at different levels and, by appropriately positioning the at least one light barrier at each level, to achieve a variety of design effects.

[0034] The light barrier can also be formed by a suitable coating and / or composition of the at least one film or coating, for example by applying a reflective layer and / or an opaque layer to the at least one film using vapor deposition. This ensures that the coupled light exits the laminated glass only on the desired side or via the desired surface.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one film or coating is essentially composed of PVB (polyvinyl butyral), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), TPU (film or coating made of a thermoplastic elastomer), PA (polyacrylate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or PUR (polyurethane). All these materials are characterized by their tear resistance and tough elasticity. Some can be colored. Functionalization of such films or coatings is also possible. By applying heat and pressure, a bond can be formed between the panes adjacent to the film or coating using such films or coatings. Alternatively, they can be applied as a final surface to the pane assembly.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the coupling of visible light is achieved by means of at least one point light source, at least one grouping of point light sources, and / or at least one optical fiber. As already described, the light is coupled along at least one edge into the layer or layers of the composite disk through which the light extraction is to be effected. This can be done, for example, by means of a point light source. A point light source is a light source of small spatial extent, such as an LED (light-emitting diode). By means of a point light source, light of the desired color and intensity can be coupled into the composite disk at a point along its edge. By means of a plurality of point light sources, light of different colors and intensities can be coupled into the composite disk.In combination with appropriately arranged light barriers, this method can be used to isolate colored areas and, with appropriate detailing, also patterns on the surface of the laminated glass.

[0037] Individual point light sources can also be grouped, i.e., functionally combined. An example would be LED modules, which comprise several LEDs. Using at least one grouped point light source, light can be coupled into the laminated glass over a larger spatial area, for example, along an entire edge length.

[0038] Both a single point light source and a group of point light sources act as direct light sources. Alternatively or additionally, indirect light sources can be used to couple light into the laminated glass. At least one light guide can serve as an indirect light source. These can be designed, for example, as a bundle of fiber optic cables or as an illuminated acrylic glass rod. The light guide(s) can be positioned at the desired points along the edges of the laminated glass to couple light into it. It is also possible to couple light along the entire length of the edges.

[0039] Another preferred embodiment of the invention exists when the visible light is coupled along at least one edge of the glass composite or circumferentially around the glass composite. The light is thus intended to be coupled along at least one edge, i.e., over the entire edge length. The coupling is intended to occur not just at one point on the edge, but over the entire edge. This can, for example, indicate the presence of a glass panel in a room. By using different colors, the occupancy status of the room can also be indicated, for example, if the glass composite is used to form a glass door. Such edge lighting can also create so-called ambient lighting, in which the user's perception of the space can be influenced by the color and intensity of the coupled light. A space can also be a vehicle interior.

[0040] Alternatively, light can be injected all around the entire glass unit. Here, too, ambient lighting or informational messages, such as indicating the occupancy status of a room, can be achieved by selecting the light color and intensity. In this case, the light is injected all around, i.e., along all edges of the glass unit, and across the entire edge of each edge. Light of the same color and / or intensity, or light of different colors and / or intensities, can be injected at all edges.

[0041] It is also preferred that at least one light barrier within the glazing unit defines areas with differing light emission. The at least one light barrier, or a plurality of light barriers, is intended to delineate different areas, each of which can be illuminated by light of a specific color and / or intensity. Areas can also be created into which no coupled light is directed. In this way, an effect similar to that of a window with glass inlays can be achieved when light of different colors and / or intensities is coupled into the individual areas. The light barrier thus not only prevents the unwanted propagation of coupled light within the glazing unit, but also directs different coupled light separately into the areas where it is to be emitted.Mixing of light of different colors and intensities is avoided, thus enabling a clear demarcation of color and brightness ranges. This also allows for the separation of illuminated and unilluminated areas. Furthermore, light can be extracted in the form of patterns or symbols for informational purposes.

[0042] The glass composite according to the invention can preferably be used as a glass element of a vehicle, a lighting element or a design element.

[0043] A glass element for a vehicle can be, for example, a fixed or movable glass roof, whereby ambient lighting is achieved by coupling and influencing the coupled light. This can positively influence the perception of space and the well-being of a vehicle occupant.

[0044] The composite disc according to the invention can also be used as a lighting element or design element in buildings or public spaces. A lighting element is defined as a use of the composite disc where the light extracted from the composite disc illuminates a room or an area outside of buildings. This can be used, for example, to indicate exits or escape routes, or to create ambient lighting in rooms.

[0045] The composite disc according to the invention can also be used as a design element. Design elements are defined here as objects with a primarily aesthetic effect, in which the aesthetic effect is achieved by creating areas of differing light emission and coupling of different colored light, optionally with changing coupled light colors. An example is a modern version of a church window, in which motifs similar to those in glass inlay work can be implemented by appropriately manipulating the coupled light.

[0046] With the composite disc according to the invention and the light barriers provided therein, a defined propagation of light coupled into the composite disc can be achieved. This makes it possible to minimize separation phenomena in the illuminated areas and / or to define clearly delineated illumination zones, so that a desired design effect can be realized. Due to the layered structure of the composite disc, light can be coupled into each individual layer and its propagation influenced. By selectively superimposing the different layers, each with its own illumination, the number of achievable designs can be increased. The design effect can also be applied to both sides, i.e., to both surfaces of the composite disc.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0048] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A view underneath a glass roof of a vehicle, Fig. 2 schematic views from below the glass roof made of Fig. 1 with and without light barrier, Fig. 3 exemplary embodiments of the disc composite according to the invention in section, and Fig. 4 A perspective view from below under a glass roof of a vehicle with light barriers.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a view from below a glass roof 50 of a vehicle formed with the glass composite 10 according to the invention. A region A is marked therein, which is in Fig. 2a is enlarged and schematically represented.

[0050] In Fig. 2 is considered Fig. Figure 2a shows an exemplary embodiment of the disk assembly 10 according to the invention, with a light barrier 30 and a coupling point 20 for a light source 22. These are arranged at the edge 18.1 of the disk assembly 10.

[0051] This shows Fig. 2b shows a section of a glass roof window 50 of a vehicle with a laminated glass pane 60 without a light barrier. Light from a light source 22 is also coupled into this window via a coupling point 20.

[0052] As can be seen from the comparison of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b will be evident in Fig. 2b Without a light barrier, a separation of light occurs, which in the broadest sense can correspond to a color gradient undesirable for the design purpose. This results from the material properties of the film in the laminated glass.

[0053] By using the light barrier 30 in the disc composite 10 of Fig. However, in 2a, a region 42.1 is defined within which the coupled light can propagate. By limiting region 42.1, the separation can be minimized so that it is hardly perceptible. Region 42.2, which is adjacent to the light barrier 30, can be a region without coupled light, but it can also be another light source (not shown) at the edge 18.2 of the disk assembly, whose light could then propagate into region 42.2.

[0054] Exemplary designs of the disc composite with regard to its cross-section are given with reference to Fig. 3 explains. Sectional views are shown there, which correspond to the one in Fig. 2a corresponds to the section marked "B".

[0055] Fig. Figure 3a shows a first exemplary embodiment of the laminated glass unit 10 according to the invention. This unit is formed with a pane 12 in the form of tempered safety glass (ESG) and a polyurethane-based film 14. In the Fig. 3a on the left is a coupling point 20 for a light source 22. It is designed as a grouping of point light sources and extends over the entire edge length 18.1. Fig. 2a. By grouping point light sources, light of different colors and intensities can be coupled into the film 14.

[0056] The light from light source 22 is simplified as coupled light 24. This can propagate within the film 14 up to the light barrier 30 and is labeled area 42.1. The light is coupled out of the film 14, simplified as arrows 26. No coupled light 24 can penetrate the light barrier 30 into area 42.2; therefore, in this example, it remains unilluminated.

[0057] The light barrier 30 is formed as a foil joint 32 with a solder 36 made of dark-colored plastic. The foil 14 is formed from two foil sections 14.1 and 14.2, the edges of which are brought together until they almost touch. They are then welded with the solder 36. This creates an opaque joint that acts as an effective light barrier 30. Alternatively, the foil sections 14.1 and 14.2 could also be formed with an overlap 34 (not shown) to create the light barrier 30. Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the foil 14 facing the disc 12, at least in the area of ​​the foil section 14.1, can be provided with a reflective layer (not shown) so that no light passes through the disc 12 and into the foil 14.1. Fig. 3a can be decoupled upwards.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3b shows an embodiment of the inventive glass unit 10 with two glass panes 12.1 and 12.2 and a coating 16 arranged between them, modeled on laminated safety glass (LSG). The glass panes 12.1 and 12.2 can be made of glass and / or plastic. This glass unit also has a coupling point 20 where the light 24 from a light source 22 is coupled into the glass pane 12.2 and the film 16. The light source 22 is designed as an indirect light source in the form of an acrylic glass rod, extending around the entire glass roof window 50 (not shown).

[0059] The disk 12.2 is interrupted by a light barrier 30. In this specific case, the disk 12.2 is formed with two disk sections 12.2a and 12.2b. The separation between the two disk sections is designated as a light barrier 30. Due to the separation of disks 12.2a and 12.2b and the associated separation of the coating 16 (not separately designated), the coupled light 24 can only propagate within region 42.1 and is coupled out of this region as light 26. The coupled light 24 does not reach region 42.2.

[0060] In this embodiment, an additional light barrier (not shown) can also be provided, which is realized by a suitable composition of the coating 16, so that here too, as in Fig. 3a, the light can only be extracted downwards.

[0061] In Fig.Figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view from below of a glass unit 10 according to the invention in a glass roof window 50 of a vehicle. The glass roof window 50 is shown in a sliding configuration. The areas 42.1, 42.2, 30.3 and 30.4 are formed by the light barriers 30.1, 30.2, 30.3 and 30.4.

[0062] Along edges 18.1 and 18.3, which extend over the entire side lengths of the glass roof window 50, coupling points 20 for light sources 22 are provided, by means of which light is coupled into the glazing unit 10. This light can propagate in areas 42.1, 42.3, 42.4, and 42.6 up to the light barriers 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, and 30.4. No coupled light reaches areas 42.2 and 42.5, so the view through the glass roof window 50 is preserved. The light barriers 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, and 30.4 create a clear boundary between the illuminated areas 42.1, 42.3, 42.4, and 42.6 and the unilluminated areas 42.2 and 42.5. The illuminated areas 42.1, 42.3, 42.4 and 42.6 can be used to create ambient lighting in the vehicle, which positively influences the perception of space and the well-being of a vehicle occupant. Reference symbol list 10 laminated glass panels 12 discs Slide 14 16 coating 18 edge 20 Coupling point for visible light 22 Light source 24 coupled light 26 extracted light 30 light barrier 32 impact 34 Overlap 36 Additive 38 disc separation 40 insert element 42 areas of different light output 50 glass roof windows of a vehicle 60 laminated glass panels without light barrier

Claims

[1] Composite disk (10) with - at least one pane (12) and at least one film (14) or at least one coating (16), - at least one coupling point (20) for visible light along at least one edge (18) of the disk assembly (10), and - at least one light barrier (30) by means of which the propagation of the coupled visible light is to be influenced, wherein coupling points (20) for light sources (22) are provided along the edges (18.1, 18.3) extending over the entire side length of the disk assembly (10), by means of which light is coupled into the disk assembly (10), wherein at least one light barrier (30) within the laminated glass unit (10) defines areas in which the light can propagate and areas into which no light enters and wherein the glass assembly (10) is used as a glass roof window (50) of a vehicle. [2] Composite disk (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the disc composite (10) is formed with at least one disc (12) and at least one film (14), and - which is formed by at least one light barrier (30) with a butt (32) or an overlap (34) of at least one film (14). [3] Composite disk (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the butt (32) or the overlap (34) of the film (14) is formed with an additive (36). [4] Composite disk (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the glass composite (10) is formed with at least two glass panes (12.1, 12.2) which are connected to each other by means of a film (14) or a coating (16), and - which is formed by means of at least a light barrier (30) by means of at least partial separation (38) of one of the two disks (12.1, 12.2). [5] Composite disk (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the disc composite (10) is formed with at least one disc (12) and at least one coating (16), and - which at least one coating (16) is interrupted at least in certain areas by means of insert elements (40). [6] Composite disk (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one film (14) or the at least one coating (16) is formed substantially with PVB, EVA, TPU, PA, PMMA or PUR. [7] Composite disk (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coupling of visible light is achieved by means of at least one point light source (22), at least one grouping of point light sources (22) and / or at least one light guide.

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