Vehicle window

Abstract

A transparent vehicle window separating a vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior comprises an inner plate (3), an adjacent, further outer plate (1), and an adhesive layer (2) between the plates (1, 3), wherein the inner plate (3) has an inner surface (4) facing the interior and a circumferential side (6) connecting the inner surface (4) with an outer surface (5) facing the adhesive layer (2), wherein at least one light source (8) is provided opposite the inner surface (4) and an inner edge region (7) of the vehicle window (10), which emits light into the edge region (7) of the inner plate (3), and wherein the inner plate (3) has light-reflecting structures (12) incorporated in its interior in the edge region (7) opposite the light source (8), which scatter the light of the light source (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transparent vehicle window that separates a vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior and is designed to be transparent.

[0002] Such vehicle windows can form part of the vehicle roof or other transparent panes, such as side windows. Particularly in the area of ​​the vehicle roof, it is now common to illuminate it to create high-quality interior lighting. In this process, the window acts as a light guide. Light sources are positioned primarily along the sides of the window. The emitted light is then coupled laterally into the window.

[0003] Such vehicle windshields are typically laminated and consist of several transparent sheets bonded together across their entire surface by one or more adhesive layers. In a minimal configuration, the windshield thus comprises three layers: an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and an adhesive layer between these two sheets, which bonds them together. This adhesive layer can, for example, be a multi-layered film.

[0004] The object of the invention is to improve an illuminated vehicle window in such a way that it distributes the light coupled into it to the interior as evenly and harmoniously as possible.

[0005] This is achieved by a vehicle window that separates the vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior and is transparent, comprising an inner plate, an adjacent, further outer plate, and an adhesive layer between the plates, wherein the inner plate has an inner surface facing the interior and a circumferential surface connecting the inner surface to an outer surface facing the adhesive layer, wherein at least one light source is provided opposite the inner surface and an inner edge region of the vehicle window, which emits light into the edge region of the outer plate, and wherein the inner plate has light-diffusing structures incorporated into its interior in the edge region opposite the light source, which reflect the light from the light source.

[0006] The light-scattering structures are designed in such a way as to allow the coupled light to strike an interface at an angle large enough for total internal reflection.

[0007] In contrast to earlier vehicle windshields, where light is coupled in from the perimeter and cannot be emitted evenly, the invention provides for positioning the light source on the inside edge of the vehicle windshield. Furthermore, light-reflecting structures are provided in the inner panel at the edge and opposite the light source.

[0008] In contrast to the prior art, where these light-reflecting structures were also present in the field of vision of the vehicle windshield in order to reflect the laterally coupled light towards the inside, the invention provides these integrated, light-reflecting structures only in the edge area. There, they are hardly or not at all visible to the occupant. Furthermore, the light source is also provided in this area.

[0009] The light-reflecting structures cause the light coupled in on the inside to be refracted for the first time and deflected laterally towards the center of the panel, where it is then reflected again, for example by the adhesion layer, and finally emitted towards the inside. Compared to the prior art, a larger portion of the light emitted by the light source is ultimately reflected into the interior without passing completely through the vehicle window to the outside.

[0010] The structures are primarily microstructures that are distributed across a spatial section to optimize the scattering of light.

[0011] The structures can be produced by internal laser engraving, so that the outer surfaces are smooth and unchanged, thus ensuring optimal coupling and extraction of light.

[0012] To ensure that the light is scattered as evenly and as desired, the structures have a maximum surface area in the range of 0.0007 to 0.005 mm. 2 , especially 0.0009 to 0.004 mm 2 This is measured from the inside.

[0013] The structures can have different distances from the inner surface, either individually or in groups. It is also possible for groups of structures to have the same distance from the inner surface, while individual structures have different distances.

[0014] For manufacturing purposes, it can be advantageous if individual groups of structures lie in their own separate planes, with these planes running parallel or obliquely to the inside.

[0015] The planes can be equidistant or spaced differently from each other; preferably, the spacing between adjacent planes is in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 mm, and in other cases even up to 1 mm. It should be noted that the structures of a plane cannot lie mathematically precisely within an infinitely thin plane due to manufacturing tolerances. The structures can be positioned with an accuracy of + / - 0.01 to 0.03 mm, which means that the "plane" is a virtual plate with a thickness equal to twice the positioning accuracy to account for the + / - tolerances. The structures of a plane lie within this virtual plate.

[0016] The structures should, as it turns out, have a spacing of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, or alternatively even up to 1 mm, in all directions from the nearest adjacent structures to achieve good scattering. To deflect the light passing through a plane of structures, it is advantageous if the structures of one plane are laterally offset from the structures of the adjacent plane, and preferably from all other planes. "Laterally" refers to the perpendicular viewing direction of the plane.

[0017] Furthermore, the structures, which have a certain geometry in space, can also be rotated relative to other structures in space in order to change the scattering effect as desired.

[0018] Another possibility, which can be combined with the aforementioned possibilities, is that the structures that are further away from the inside have a different size or orientation than the structures that are closer to the inside, in order to create different reflections and scatter the light differently.

[0019] The structures, viewed perpendicularly to the inside, can have a spacing in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, or alternatively 0.01 to 1 mm, in order to scatter as much or even all of the light as possible before reaching an interface where it is reflected, e.g. the adhesion layer.

[0020] Looking at the inside, the structures can be arranged in patterns, e.g. rows or circles, that run parallel to each other.

[0021] The row spacing can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, or alternatively in the range of 0.01 to 1 mm. Such rows or circles result in a very harmonious overall appearance of the emitted light.

[0022] Alternatively, other patterns can be used, e.g. spirals.

[0023] According to another variant, or according to an additional property complementing the one above, the structures, viewed from the inside, are arranged, for example, in parallel rows. The structures within a row are laterally offset from the structures of the next or all adjacent rows. This also serves to reflect light evenly.

[0024] The distance between adjacent structures of adjacent rows, measured in the direction of the rows, can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.01 to 1 mm.

[0025] The structures can, in particular, form a three-dimensional, for example, uniform matrix in space. This results in a very even, harmonious distribution of light when viewed from the interior. Furthermore, the fabrication of the structures is simpler if fixed, predetermined, and uniform distances between them are used.

[0026] Alternatively, a chaotic distribution of the structures can also lead to a sufficiently good dispersion.

[0027] If the perimeter and / or the inner edge around the light source is covered by an opaque layer, no unsightly stray light can escape from the sides and edges. Furthermore, light can optionally be directed towards the center of the panel in this area. This layer can also be reflective, for example, as a silver layer or silver foil.

[0028] According to one variant, the vehicle windshield has a reflective surface, particularly in the form of an interface between two adjacent surfaces of the windshield. Alternatively, the reflective surface is formed by the outer surface of the windshield adjacent to the vehicle's surroundings, with the structures oriented and arranged such that the coupled light from the light source is deflected into the interior at the reflective surface. More precisely: light is coupled into the panel from the light source via the inner surface and deflected obliquely at the structures, i.e., scattered, and thus directed over a large area towards the reflective surface. The light rays are deflected towards the reflective surface at an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence. This means that light is ultimately directed inwards within the panel, where it is then emitted into the vehicle interior.

[0029] The adhesion layer has, for example, a reflective surface facing the inner plate, which deflects the light towards the vehicle interior before it reaches the outer plate, so that the adhesion layer forms the reflective surface.

[0030] The reflective layer can optionally also be formed by the transition between glass and air, and therefore does not have to be formed between two solid layers.

[0031] A compact, three-layer structure results when the outermost layer forms the outside of the vehicle window.

[0032] In order to form a unit that can be installed, with the light source optimally aligned to the structures, the light source is attached to the vehicle window.

[0033] The structures are provided only in the edge region. According to one embodiment of the invention, this region has a maximum width that corresponds to 15% of the width of the entire vehicle window, and in particular only 5% of the width of the vehicle window.

[0034] The structures themselves are positioned, for example, only in a narrow, band-like area within the edge region, with a maximum width of 15 mm. This is sufficient to adequately diffuse the light from the lamp. The lamp itself can therefore be correspondingly small and narrow.

[0035] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the following drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view through a side area of ​​a vehicle window with a light source; - Fig. 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge area of ​​the vehicle window according to Fig. 1; - Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the edge area of ​​the inner plate of the vehicle window with a first alignment of light-reflecting structures; - Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view through the edge area of ​​the inner plate of the vehicle window with a second orientation of the light-reflecting structures; - Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view through the edge area of ​​the inner plate of the vehicle window with a third orientation of light-reflecting structures; - Fig. 6. A view of the light-reflecting structures looking towards the inside of the vehicle window; and - Fig. 7 A bottom view of the vehicle windscreen according to the invention with optional lighting elements.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle windscreen 10, which in this case consists of three layers, namely an outer plate 1, an adhesion layer 2 and an inner plate 3.

[0037] The adhesive layer 2 bonds the two plates 1 and 3 together across their entire surface. For example, the adhesive layer can be a multi-layered plastic film.

[0038] The two plates 1, 3 can be made of the same or different material, with glass or plastic, e.g. PMMA or PC, being suitable materials.

[0039] The inner plate 3 has an inner side facing the vehicle interior, an opposite outer side 5 and a circumferential side 6 which connects the inner side 4 with the outer side 5.

[0040] In an edge region 7, adjacent to the circumferential side 6, one or more light sources 8 are provided at a certain distance from, or even without a distance from, the inner surface 4. These light sources are preferably mechanically connected to the vehicle window 10 to form a pre-assembled unit with it. The light source 8 emits light into the inner plate 3 in the edge region 7.

[0041] The light source 8 is designed or partially shielded by a covering 9 in such a way that light is emitted exclusively in the direction of the edge area 7 above it.

[0042] The corresponding light rays are represented by lines.

[0043] Alternatively, the covering 9 can also have cutouts or holes to create, for example, a light pattern visible inside.

[0044] The plate 3 has inside, specifically in the edge area 7 opposite the light source 8, an area 11 with light-reflecting structures 12, which are incorporated inside the plate 3 and reflect and deflect the incident light.

[0045] These light-reflecting structures 12 reduce the transparency or translucency of the plate 3 in area 11.

[0046] The structures 12 are preferably microstructures, which are found, for example, in Fig. 3 are shown.

[0047] These microstructures are produced primarily through internal laser engraving. This means that by focusing laser light within plate 3, a local temperature increase occurs, causing a local structural change in the material inside the plate. This results in light being refracted at the corresponding point and unable to fully penetrate this area.

[0048] Such structures can each be viewed from the inside, that is, in the direction of X according to Fig. 1, a maximum area in the range of 0.0007 to 0.005 mm 2 , especially 0.0009 to 0.004 mm 2 have.

[0049] In order to reflect the incident light over a large area and to deflect the entire light beam as broadly as possible, the structures 12 within the area 11, which represents a certain volume, are either chaotically distributed or distributed according to predefined patterns. Alternatively, some structures are arranged in patterns and others are chaotically, that is, without a pattern, distributed within the volume that forms area 11.

[0050] The structures can also form a uniform three-dimensional matrix.

[0051] Preferably, which is not to be understood as restrictive, these structures 12 do not all have the same distance from the inside 4, as in the Fig. 2 to 5 can be seen. Due to the varying distances from the inner surface and the fact that the structures are spaced apart from each other, it is advantageous to provide different levels of structures. The levels run, for example, parallel to the inner surface at varying distances or at an angle to the inner surface, as shown in Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0052] This increases the homogeneity of the light deflection and simultaneously ensures that the incident light beam is reflected or deflected in a homogeneously broad scatter, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3 shows that the structures 12 are arranged in parallel planes E1 to E3, with these parallel planes having different distances from the inner surface 4. In the figures, the structures 12 are depicted as oversized. There are numerous structures 12 in each plane. Therefore, the singular structure 12 of plane E3 is in Fig. 3 is shown only symbolically as a placeholder for numerous structures 12 in level E3.

[0054] The planes can preferably have a distance h from the immediately adjacent planes, which is in the range of 0.01 to 1 mm, in particular 0.01 to 0.4 mm.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 shows three planes E1 to E3 in which structures 12 are located, with the planes E1 to E3 running obliquely to the inside 4 and no longer parallel to it.

[0056] The distances h within the area 11 do not all have to be constant, but can also be different, for example the planes closer to the light source 8 can have a greater distance h from each other than the planes further away.

[0057] Fig. Figure 6 shows the structures 12 of all consecutive levels looking towards the inner surface 4, i.e., in the direction of X. All structures 12 of all levels, or more generally, all structures 12 in area 11, can be laterally offset from each other so that more distant structures 12 are not in the shadow of structures 12 that are closer to the inner surface 4.

[0058] Alternatively, it is advantageous if, with regard to the inside, at least the structures 12 of one plane are laterally offset from the structures of the adjacent plane, so that the structures of the adjacent plane are not in the shadow of the structures of the adjacent plane, which is closer to the inside 4.

[0059] Adjacent structures 12 can have a distance of 0.01 to 1 mm, in particular 0.01 to 0.4 mm, with regard to the inside 4.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition to the arrangement of the structures 12 as mentioned above, the structures 12 (looking towards the inside 4) can be arranged in certain geometric patterns, e.g. rows R1 to R3, which run parallel to each other, for example, with the row spacing d' in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.01 to 1 mm.

[0061] If the structures 12 are arranged in rows R1 to R3 and simultaneously in planes E1 to E3, as just mentioned, it is possible to arrange the structures 12 in, for example, a uniform spatial matrix. However, this is only one possibility.

[0062] Fig. Figure 6 further shows that immediately adjacent structures of 12 adjacent rows R1 to R3 have a distance d in the range of 0.01 to 1 mm. This distance is measured in the direction of the rows, as Fig. 6 shows.

[0063] Fig. Figure 5 also shows that in side view (looking at the perimeter side 6) the distance d between adjacent structures 12 adjacent planes can be small and can also be in the above-mentioned range of 0.01 to 1 mm.

[0064] Optionally, as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the edge area 7 on the inner side 4, as well as the circumferential side 6, are covered by an opaque layer 13 or coating, so that the structures 12 are not directly visible from below, i.e., from the inner side 4. Only in the area directly opposite the light source 8 is the layer 13 omitted to allow light coupling.

[0065] Layer 13 also ensures that no scattered light leaves the vehicle window 10 in the edge area 7 and on the circumferential side 6.

[0066] Optionally, layer 13 on the contact surface with plate 3 can also be reflective.

[0067] The following will be based on Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The light progression is described.

[0068] Light is coupled into the plate 3 via the inner surface 4 from the light source 8 and deflected obliquely by the structures 12, i.e., scattered and thus directed over a large area towards the adhesion layer 2. The light rays, symbolized by arrows, are deflected towards the adhesion layer 2 at an angle of reflection that corresponds to the angle of incidence. This means that light is ultimately directed in the plate 3 towards the inner surface 4, where it is then emitted into the vehicle interior.

[0069] It should be emphasized that reflection can occur at a colorless, printed intermediate layer or at an outer layer, e.g., a printed layer, instead of at the adhesion layer 2. If there is no sufficiently large difference in the refractive indices of the layers at any of the layer boundaries, reflection can also occur at the outer surface of plate 1 (transition to air).

[0070] The structures 12 are positioned and arranged relative to the light source 8 such that the angle of incidence θ is greater than a limiting angle of incidence θ c is the point at which total reflection from the adhesion layer 2 occurs.

[0071] Fig. Figure 7 shows possible ways in which the light source 8 or multiple light sources 8 can be positioned. For example, on an elongated vehicle roof, an elongated light source 8 is used along the edges 7 on the longitudinal sides, extending almost the entire length of the vehicle window 10. Alternatively, several individual light sources 8 can be positioned at intervals from each other along the edges 7, and / or additional or alternative light sources can, of course, be provided on the transverse sides.

[0072] Alternatively, the light source 8 can be covered downwards by an interior panel, which also covers the edge area 7.

Claims

[1] Transparent vehicle window separating a vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior, comprising an inner plate (3), an adjacent, outer plate (1), and an adhesive layer (2) between the plates (1, 3), wherein the inner plate (3) has an inner surface (4) facing the interior and a circumferential side (6) connecting the inner surface (4) to an outer surface (5) facing the adhesive layer (2), wherein at least one light source (8) is provided opposite the inner surface (4) and an inner edge region (7) of the vehicle window (10), which emits light into the edge region (7) of the inner plate (3), and wherein the inner plate (3) has light-reflecting structures (12) incorporated in its interior in the edge region (7) opposite the light source (8), which scatter the light of the light source (8). [2] Vehicle windscreen according to claim 1, characterized by, that the structures (12) are microstructures. [3] Vehicle windscreen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the structures (12) are internal laser engraving sites. [4] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structures (12), each viewed from the inside (4), have a maximum area in the range of 0.0007 to 0.005 mm 2 , especially 0.0009 to 0.004 mm 2 have. [5] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the structures (12) individually or in groups have different distances from the inside (4). [6] Vehicle windscreen according to claim 5, characterized by , that individual groups of structures (12) each lie in their own plane (E1 - E3), with the planes (E1 - E3) running parallel or obliquely to the inside (4). [7] Vehicle windscreen according to claim 6, characterized by, that the planes (E1 - E3) have a distance (h) from each other in the range of 0.01 to 1 mm, in particular 0.01 to 0.4 mm. [8] Vehicle windscreen according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that, looking at the inside (4), the structures (12) of one plane (E1 - E3) are laterally offset from the structures (12) of the adjacent plane, in particular all other planes (E1 - E3). [9] Vehicle windscreen according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structures (12), looking towards the inside (4), have a distance in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.01 to 1 mm. [10] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structures (12), looking towards the inside (4), are arranged in rows (R1 - R3) or rings parallel to each other, the row spacing (d') being in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.01 to 1 mm. [11] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structures (12), looking towards the inside (4), are arranged in rows (R1 - R3) that run parallel to each other, wherein the structures (12) in a row (R1 - R3) are laterally offset to the structures (12) of the or all adjacent rows (R1 - R3), in particular wherein the distance (d) between adjacent structures (12) of adjacent rows (R1 - R3), measured in the direction of the rows (R1 - R3), is in the range of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.01 to 1 mm. [12] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structures (12) form a three-dimensional, in particular uniform, matrix. [13] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the circumferential side (6) and / or the edge area (7) on the inside (4) around the light source (8) is covered by an opaque layer (13). [14] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a reflective surface, in particular in the form of an interface between two adjacent surfaces of the vehicle window, is provided or the reflective surface is formed by the outer surface of the vehicle window adjacent to the vehicle environment, wherein the structures are aligned and arranged in such a way that the coupled light from the light source is deflected into the interior at the reflective surface. [15] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adhesion layer (2) has a reflective surface facing the inner plate (3). [16] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the outer plate (1) forms the outside of the vehicle window (10). [17] Vehicle windscreen according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the light source (8) is attached to the vehicle window (10).

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