Vehicle roof window with integrated invisible switching element for opening and closing the door

Abstract

Vehicle roof window (100) comprising a laminated window with an outer window (2) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II) and an inner window (3) having an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), which are connected to each other via a multilayer thermoplastic intermediate layer (4), wherein the outer window (2) has a black print (5) at least partially in its edge region, characterized in that an externally operable sensor switching element (6) for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) in the edge region of the vehicle roof window (100) below the black print (5), that the laminated window comprises at least one other functional element (8, 13) with an electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system, and that electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the laminated window for supplying power and / or controlling the sensor switching element (6).wherein the electrically conductive structures are shared by at least one other functional element (8, 13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle roof window with an integrated invisible switching element for opening and closing the door.

[0002] In the development of modern vehicles, there is a trend towards eliminating or at least miniaturizing door handles, door locks, and other functional elements on the side of the vehicle due to improved aerodynamics and a minimalist design perceived as modern. Current vehicle models or concepts that feature no door handles and significantly reduced rearview mirrors serve as examples. In this context, it is also known to arrange a sensor switching element in the area of ​​the B-pillar for opening and closing the door, as described, for example, in DE 202021103109 U1. Furthermore, it is known to incorporate sensor switching elements into a laminated glass panel of a vehicle roof, as shown, for example, in publications WO 2018 / 002707 A1 or WO 2022 / 180065 A1.

[0003] All the aforementioned arrangements of a sensor switching element in a composite disc have in common that the sensor switching element is placed in an electrically conductive functional layer. If a sensor switching surface is formed in such a functional layer, this generally requires costly removal of the functional layer using a laser beam to introduce the structuring separation lines, or at least the introduction of at least one separation line, even if in a simpler way, such as by an opaque cover print. Furthermore, the sensor switching surface is limited by the design of the functional layer. In particular, the sensor switching surface must necessarily be formed on the same side of the disc as the functional layer to be switched.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor switching element for opening and closing the door(s), thereby making it possible to completely dispense with functional door elements. The aim is to provide an arrangement that is as inconspicuous as possible and also allows for an ergonomic driving position. The sensor switching element should be integrated into an existing window structure in the simplest possible way and independently of an electrically conductive functional layer. This allows for greater flexibility in combining a sensor switching element with various other functions of the vehicle's roof window.

[0005] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by a vehicle roof window as defined in the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a vehicle roof window comprising a composite window with an outer window having an outer surface I and an inner surface II and an inner window having an outer surface III and an inner surface IV, which are connected to each other via a multilayer thermoplastic intermediate layer, wherein the outer window has a black print at least partially in its edge region.According to the invention, it is provided that an externally operable sensor switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in the edge area of ​​the vehicle roof window below the black print, that the laminated window comprises at least one other functional element with an electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system, and that electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the laminated window for supplying power and / or controlling the sensor switching element, wherein the electrically conductive structures are also used by the at least one other functional element.

[0007] The composite window of the vehicle roof according to the invention comprises an outer window with an outer surface I and an inner surface II, and an inner window with an outer surface III and an inner surface IV, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. This composite window is intended to serve as a vehicle roof, or at least as an essential part of a vehicle roof, separating the (vehicle) interior from the external environment. For the purposes of the invention, the term "inner window" refers to the window facing the interior. The term "outer window" refers to the window facing the external environment. The intermediate layer serves to connect the two windows, as is customary with composite windows.

[0008] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass. However, they can also be made of plastic. The thickness of the outer and inner panes can vary widely and thus be adapted to the specific requirements of each case, ensuring compliance with the safety standards required in vehicle construction. The outer and inner panes preferably have thicknesses of 0.4 mm to 3.5 mm, and particularly preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The panes can be clear, tinted, or colored.

[0009] The thermoplastic intermediate layer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) or mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), most preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and additives known to the skilled person, such as plasticizers.

[0010] The thermoplastic intermediate layer preferably contains at least 60 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 70 wt.%, in particular at least 90 wt.% and for example at least 97 wt.% polyvinyl butyral.

[0011] The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by several thermoplastic films arranged one above the other, wherein the thickness of a thermoplastic film is preferably from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0012] The outer pane has black printing at least partially, preferably around its perimeter, in its edge region. "Around" in the context of the invention means that the black printing surrounds the portion of the outer pane intended for viewing in a frame-like manner. The black printing runs along the perimeter of the outer pane, which is directly adjacent to the perimeter edge of the outer pane.

[0013] Suitable materials and methods for producing such a black print are already known. For example, Saint-Gobain Glass France has previously developed a PVB printing technology, which is described in more detail in patent applications FR2928929, FR2969957, FR2974103, and WO2014020261. This technology consists of applying a compatible ink, preferably black, to the relevant areas of a PVB interlayer. If the black print is applied as a colored ink to a PVB interlayer, the colored area of ​​the PVB interlayer is in direct contact with the inner surface (II) of the outer pane, so that the outer pane is provided with the black print. The colored PVB interlayer is preferably a thermoplastic interlayer. The black print can also be applied as an enamel in the edge region of the outer pane.Its primary purpose is to visually conceal the areas of the laminated glass that are bonded to the vehicle body. Simultaneously, these areas can accommodate electrical wiring leading to various functional layers or switches, concealing the wires and ensuring they reach the necessary connection points. In particular, the width of this black print along the edge of the laminated glass can vary and be adapted to the vehicle manufacturer's design specifications.

[0014] According to the invention, a sensor switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in the edge region of the vehicle roof window below the black print. The term "vehicle door" includes not only the passenger doors but also the trunk door.

[0015] According to the invention, the sensor switching element is preferably configured as a switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door. The sensor switching element is provided with conventional electrical connections and terminals and is expediently functionally connected to appropriate control electronics.

[0016] The switching element thus designed can preferably be configured as a camera, an NFC sensor, a TOF camera, and in particular a capacitive sensor, preferably a touch or proximity sensor.

[0017] It is known that an arrangement of two electrodes generates an electric field through a dielectric material. When an object approaches the dielectric material, the charge distribution and the resulting electric field are affected. Suitable evaluation electronics can detect the change in the electric field and trigger a switching operation. In this context, it is also known to form sensor switches using a line or surface electrode, or by an arrangement of two coupled electrodes, for example, as capacitive sensor switches. Examples can be found in US 2007 / 0194216 A1. When an object approaches the sensor switch, the capacitance of the surface electrode to ground or the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two coupled electrodes changes.The change in capacitance is measured via a circuit arrangement or sensor electronics, and a switching signal is triggered when a threshold value is exceeded. Circuit arrangements for capacitive switches are known, for example, from DE 20 2006 006 192 U1, EP 0 899 882 A1, US 6,452,514 B1 and EP 1515211 A1.

[0018] A sensor electronics system for a capacitive sensor switching element is also known, for example, from DE 20 2005 010 379 U1. In a simple embodiment, the capacitance of the sensor switching element is measured by a capacitance-to-voltage converter. The sensor switching element is charged to a predetermined voltage by sensor electronics. The current flow required for charging is measured and converted into a voltage signal. Subsequently, the sensor switching element is discharged and recharged to the predetermined voltage. A change in the capacitance of the sensor switching element can be measured by the change in the voltage signal. The capacitance of the sensor switching element to ground changes when a grounded body, such as a person, comes near it or touches it. Alternatively, the sensor switching element can have two sections, and the capacitance between the two sections can be measured.

[0019] In a configuration suitable for simple switching functions, the sensor switching element has two parallel or concentric conductors with a touch switching section spaced between 0.3 and 1.5 cm, particularly between 0.5 and 1 cm. The conductor spacing must be dimensioned to allow for reliable switching by an adult's finger or thumb and may, if necessary, lie outside the range specified here.

[0020] A change in capacitance can also be detected by a non-oscillating oscillator, which is set into oscillation by the change in capacitance. Alternatively, an oscillating oscillator can be damped so strongly that its oscillation ceases. Sensor electronics with an oscillator are known from EP 0 899 882 A1.

[0021] The sensor electronics preferably measure the capacitance of an electrically conductive coating to ground or the capacitance of two or more areas of an electrically conductive coating to each other. If a change in capacitance is detected, the sensor electronics output a control signal to control the opening or closing circuit of the door by supplying a suitable control voltage to the door lock.

[0022] An NFC sensor can also be used as a switching element. NFC (Near Field Communication) refers to contactless data transmission based on RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. NFC technology enables communication over short distances, which in this case can be used to identify the driver and subsequently control the opening and closing of the door. Contactless data transmission can occur, for example, using the driver's smartphone, smartwatch, or key.

[0023] Furthermore, a camera can be used as the recognition element of the sensor switch. This allows, for example, driver identification via fingerprint or facial recognition. The same applies to a TOF (time-of-flight) camera. It can, for instance, recognize gestures in real time and trigger the switching process to open or close the door based on these gestures.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle roof window according to the invention, the sensor switching element is designed as a capacitive touch sensor, which has at least one contact area and at least one connection area. The connection area comprises electrically conductive structures. The contact area is intended to be used by an operator of the sensor switching element by bringing their finger close to the contact area or by touching it with their finder, whereas the connection area serves to connect the contact area to a voltage source, in particular to control electronics. The at least one contact area is preferably larger than the at least one connection area.The touch sensor can, for example, be configured with a sensitivity such that a switching signal is only issued when a person touches the inner surface IV of the inner disc or the outer surface I of the outer disc within the contact area, while touching the disc surfaces above the lead-in area does not trigger a switching signal. This can be optimized alternatively or additionally by a suitable selection of the geometries of the contact area and the lead-in area. For example, the lead-in area can have a small width and a large length, whereas the contact area is preferably approximately square, round, circular, or teardrop-shaped, thus providing a suitable touchable surface, for example, for one or more human fingers or a palm. The button is fully integrated into the disc according to the invention.Therefore, a separate switch component that needs to be attached to or inside the disc is not required.

[0025] According to the invention, the sensor switching element is located in the edge area of ​​the vehicle's roof window, below the black print. "Below the black print" in the context of the invention means that the black print completely conceals the sensor element when viewed from the outside. Therefore, the sensor element is not visually detectable when looking through the vehicle's roof window from the outer to the inner pane. This offers several advantages. Firstly, it supports the principle of many modern vehicle designs to have as few add-on parts and visible or highlighted elements on the exterior of the vehicle body as possible, in order to create a minimalist, clean design language or a more monolithic appearance, which is currently perceived as particularly high-quality. Secondly, the position of the sensor switching element can be concealed to enhance safety.Another advantage is the positioning in the vehicle roof, because this allows the driver to maintain an ergonomic, upright posture during operation without having to angle the hand.

[0026] According to the invention, the composite disc comprises at least one other functional element with an electrical connection to the vehicle's electrical system. This other functional element can also be referred to as a further functional layer.

[0027] The additional functional layer can comprise a light-directing structure, preferably an LED light-directing structure. Such a structure allows light emitted by a lighting element, in particular an LED lighting element, to be coupled into the disc. For this purpose, a suitable lighting element, preferably one or more LEDs, is additionally provided. The lighting element is preferably arranged such that the light it emits can be coupled into the light-directing structure. In this embodiment, the associated lighting element also utilizes the electrically conductive structure, for example, in the form of a shared connector.

[0028] The lighting medium is preferably an LED module (LED - light-emitting diode).

[0029] In the context of the invention, a "light-guiding structure" refers to a light-conducting medium, preferably a glass pane, a polymeric layer, or in particular a plastic pane, which is designed such that light can be coupled into the light-guiding structure by utilizing the effect of total internal reflection, and is also suitable for conducting coupled light. The principle of light guidance or light control by means of total internal reflection is generally known to those skilled in the art and is described in more detail, for example, in WO2008 / 047442A1, JP2011086547A, or JP2015043321A.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, a light source is arranged in the vicinity of the sensor switching element so that the sensor switching element can be illuminated by the light source. This is particularly advantageous for transparent, invisible, or barely visible buttons, as it allows the button to be touched reliably and the switching process to be triggered reliably. The illumination is especially advantageous at night or in darkness, as it enables the button to be located quickly. In particular, the light emission from the light source occurs in the immediate vicinity of the sensor switching element in such a way that the sensor switching element is illuminated for the user. "Immediate vicinity" here preferably means a distance of up to 10 cm, more preferably from 0 cm to 3 cm, and most preferably from 1 cm to 3 cm.Alternatively, the lighting can also be used to give the user feedback on the successful activation of the opening or closing process.

[0031] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the disc according to the invention, the lighting element is arranged on one of the surfaces of the outer disc or in a recess of the outer disc. In a laminated disc according to the invention, the lighting element can also be arranged on one of the surfaces of the intermediate layer or in a recess of the intermediate layer. Lighting elements arranged in this way have the particular advantage of being especially luminous intensity.

[0032] A particularly preferred light-directing structure is a light-directing layer. To extract light from the vehicle's roof window, the light-directing layer preferably comprises light-scattering elements. These light-scattering elements are particularly preferably particles, dot matrix, stickers, deposits, indentations, etchings, line grids, imprints, and / or screen prints. The light-scattering elements are preferably formed as particles, dot matrix, stickers, deposits, indentations, etchings, line grids, imprints, and / or screen prints on or within the light-directing structure. The light-directing layer can form a single, continuous surface. Alternatively, the light-directing layer can form two or more separate surfaces.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lighting element is arranged in relation to the light-directing structure such that the light emitted by the lighting element is coupled into the light-directing structure. Preferably, the light-directing structure has light-diffusing elements, at least in the area of ​​the sensor switching element, which couple the coupled light out of the light-directing structure and thus also out of the vehicle roof window. This indirectly illuminates the sensor switching element by means of the coupled-out light, making it clearly visible to a user.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, electrically conductive structures are arranged internally within the composite disc for supplying power and / or controlling the sensor switching element. The electrically conductive structure comprises, for example, at least one flat conductor or consists thereof. The sensor switching element is preferably connected to at least one external control electronics unit via this at least one flat conductor. The control electronics unit is tailored to the specific application and can trigger a mechanism for opening or closing a door when the sensor switching element is activated. The sensor switching element can have a connection area for connecting to the flat conductor. The flat conductor is connected to the connection area of ​​the sensor switching element via an electrical connection, preferably by soldering, clamping, or using an electrically conductive adhesive.This allows the contacts to be routed out of or away from the disc in a simple and virtually invisible manner for the user. The flat conductor is preferably connected to the connection area at the edge of the disc and can be covered, for example, by a frame, other fastening elements, or a printed screen.

[0035] According to the invention, the electrically conductive structures are provided for by other functional elements, such as the aforementioned electrically manipulable transmission-regulating layers or a light source (lighting element). They can be connected in a similar manner to, for example, a flat conductor and thereby to an external power supply or control electronics. This results in synergies, particularly in material savings, simplified production, and the resource-efficient shared use of on-board electronics.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply to the vehicle roof window and the connection to the central vehicle control system are provided by external wiring, and in particular by one or two pluggable connectors. This not only eliminates the need for individual supply lines to the electrically operated layers or elements, but also significantly simplifies the installation of the vehicle roof window during vehicle assembly or replacement.

[0037] A liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission can also be provided in the composite disc according to the invention. Here, the transmissive properties of the coating are electrically controllable. As an example, the known PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional layers can be mentioned. Alternatively, SPD (suspended particle device), electrochromic, or electroluminescent layers can also be present with the same function.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in such a way that it is electrically isolated from the sensor switching element by a region of the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0039] In this way, a modern, controllable dimming system can be provided without the need for a complex additional separation of the electrical conductivity from the sensor switching element. Due to the insulating effect of the thermoplastic intermediate layer, it is sufficient to maintain an easily determined minimum distance between the liquid crystal layer and the sensor switching element. At the same time, the leads to the functional elements or the functional layer can still be shared.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle roof window has one or more additional functional layers.

[0041] For reasons of energy conservation and comfort, glazing is subject to high demands, for example, regarding its thermal insulation properties. It is desirable to avoid high heat gain from solar radiation, which leads to excessive heating of the interior and, in turn, high energy costs for the necessary air conditioning. Therefore, various functional layers exist that, either individually or in combination, create very good thermal insulation properties.

[0042] Preferably, the additional functional layer is a LowE coating (emissivity-reducing coating), a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission, an IR-reflective coating, a tinted thermoplastic layer, a second black printing area and / or an LED light-directing structure.

[0043] A LowE (low emissivity) coating is a coating that reduces emissivity. It can also be referred to as a heat radiation reflecting coating or a low emissivity coating. Such coatings are known, for example, from WO2013 / 131667A1. Emissivity is the measure that indicates how much heat radiation a pane emits into an interior space in its installed position compared to an ideal heat radiator (a black body). The function of the low-emissivity coating is to prevent heat radiation from entering the interior space (IR components of solar radiation and, in particular, the thermal radiation of the pane itself) and also from heat radiation from the interior space. It exhibits reflective properties towards infrared radiation, especially heat radiation in the spectral range of 5 µm to 50 µm (see also standard DIN EN 12898:2019-06).This effectively improves thermal comfort in the interior. The emissivity-reducing coating is particularly effective at reflecting at least some of the heat radiation emitted from the entire pane towards the interior at high outside temperatures and in strong sunlight. At low outside temperatures, the emissivity-reducing coating effectively reflects heat radiation radiated from the interior, thus reducing the effect of the cold pane as a heat sink. The emissivity-reducing coating preferably contains at least one electrically conductive layer based on a transparent conductive oxide, which provides reflective properties against heat radiation. This layer based on the transparent conductive oxide is also referred to as the TCO layer. TCO layers are corrosion-resistant and can be used on exposed surfaces.The TCO layer is preferably based on indium tin oxide (ITO), but can alternatively be based on indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO₂:F), or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO₂:Sb). The Low-E layer prevents the vehicle's roof window from cooling down or heating up excessively, thus also providing better protection for electronic components such as the sensor switching element against temperature damage.

[0044] The term IR-reflective coating preferably refers to a solar control coating that exhibits reflective properties in the near-infrared range, for example, in the range of 800 nm to 1500 nm. A solar control coating preferably comprises at least one thin, transparent metallic layer embedded between at least one dielectric layer. Silver has become the preferred metal for the metallic layer because it has a relatively neutral color and selectively reflects infrared radiation outside the visible spectrum of solar radiation. The dielectric layers serve to improve the optical properties of the coated lens via their refractive indices and to protect the metallic functional layer from oxidation.Such solar control coatings, which can be produced, for example, using reactive sputtering, are widely used in glazing for buildings and also in motor vehicles. In most cases, coating systems with two silver functional layers are used, but also three or four silver functional layers, as their efficiency—i.e., the reflection of infrared radiation outside the visible range relative to the transmission of visible radiation—is greater. Suitable solar control coatings are known, for example, from WO2013 / 104439A1 and DE 19927683C1. The IR-reflective coating prevents the vehicle's roof window from overheating, thus also better protecting electronic components such as the sensor switching element from thermal damage.

[0045] The aforementioned functional layers have in common that they possess electrically conductive properties. If such layers or areas are provided in the vehicle roof panel according to the invention, a minimum distance to the sensor switching element is maintained for electrical insulation. Preferably, such functional layers are located at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, and particularly preferably at least 1 cm away from the sensor switching element. It is not necessary to incorporate a special insulating material. The electrically insulating properties of the thermoplastic intermediate layer in which the sensor switching element is embedded are generally sufficient.

[0046] Alternatively or cumulatively, the composite disc of the present invention can comprise a tinted thermoplastic layer or a second black printed area.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof window according to the invention, an IR-reflective coating is arranged on the inner surface II of the outer pane and a Low-E coating is arranged on the inner surface IV of the inner pane. This combination is particularly advantageous with regard to a vehicle roof, as it allows for very good thermal insulation and thus protects the sensor switching element from damage caused by excessively high or low temperatures. Furthermore, the roof surface of a vehicle contributes significantly to the heating of the vehicle interior.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the composite disc has at least one lighting means, preferably an LED module, and an LED light-directing structure, wherein the control of the lighting means is communicatively connected with the control of the sensor switching element.

[0049] The communication link allows for visual confirmation of the sensor switch's activation, for example, by the light illuminating, changing color, or extinguishing. Additionally, the position of the otherwise invisible sensor switch can be indicated by activating the light, for example, by detecting the driver using other sensors, before the switch is activated.

[0050] The procedural aspects of the invention largely arise from the device aspects explained above and are therefore not explained again here.

[0051] Within the scope of the present invention, all embodiments mentioned for individual features can also be freely combined with one another, provided they are not contradictory.

[0052] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vehicle roof panel according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vehicle roof panel according to the invention.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a possible stacking sequence of a vehicle roof panel 100 according to the invention in a first embodiment. The vehicle roof panel 100 comprises an outer panel 2 and an inner panel 3, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 connects the outer surface III of the inner panel 2 with the inner surface II of the outer panel 2. In the embodiment shown, the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 is a composite of several thermoplastic layers 4a, 4b, 4c. The thermoplastic layer 4 is preferably a PVB layer, wherein the individual PVB layers 4a, 4b, and 4c can each have a thickness of, for example, 0.38 mm. In particular, an edge region of the composite panel is shown, in which a black print 5 is arranged on the inner surface II of the outer panel 2.Below the black print 5, the vehicle roof window 100 has a sensor switching element 6, which is embedded in the multilayer thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. This can be achieved, for example, by inserting corresponding sensor components into a cutout in the intermediate layer 4c before laminating the composite window. The black print 5 completely conceals the sensor switching element 6 when viewed through the vehicle roof window 100 from an external perspective (viewing direction from the outer window 2 to the inner window 3). The sensor switching element 6 is preferably transparent, or at least preferably not visible when viewed from the interior when looking through the vehicle roof window 100 (viewing direction from the inner window 3 to the outer window 2). The inner window 3 has a second black print 11 on its outer surface III.This protects the sensor switching element 6 from light influences and simultaneously enhances the covering effect of connections or adhesive joints in the edge region of the laminated glass. As an additional comfort feature to prevent excessive heat build-up in the vehicle interior, a low-emissivity layer (LowE coating) 7 is provided on the inner surface IV of the inner glass 3. This layer comprises, for example, a conductive ITO layer along with dielectric layers and has a thickness of 400 nm. In the illustrated embodiment, a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer) is provided. This layer, like the sensor switching element 6, is embedded in the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. Specifically, the PDLC layer is arranged in a recess of the intermediate layer 4c. A minimum distance to the sensor switching element 6 is maintained to ensure reliable and sufficient electrical insulation.

[0054] The liquid crystal layer 8 is connected to the vehicle electrical system by means of an electrical connection, whereby the electrically conductive structures arranged internally in the vehicle roof window 100 for the power supply and / or control of the sensor switching element 6 are also used by the liquid crystal layer 8.

[0055] In Fig. 2 is a variation of the structure for a vehicle roof window 100 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 1 is shown in a schematic sectional view. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 is itself multilayered, comprising layers 4a, 4b, and 4c, as well as the additional tinted intermediate layer 10. The tint of the additional intermediate layer 10 can, for example, be gray. Equally included are versions in which one of the other thermoplastic intermediate layers 4a, 4b, or 4c is tinted, in particular gray. As shown in Figure 1, the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 is multilayered, comprising layers 4a, 4b, and 4c, as well as the additional tinted intermediate layer 10. Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a sensor switching element 6 is also embedded below the black print 5 in the intermediate layer 4, which is designed as a PVB layer, in the present embodiment of the invention. Likewise, the embodiment has a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer) arranged in the intermediate layer 4c above the tinted intermediate layer 10. The combination of the LowE coating, the tinted intermediate layer 10, and the liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer) allows for maximum comfort with regard to regulating heat gain, heat loss, and visibility through the roof pane. Furthermore, a lighting element 13, for example, an LED module, is arranged on the outer surface III of the inner pane 3 in the edge region of the laminated pane.The light from the lighting element 13 can be coupled into the laminated glass, more precisely into a light-directing layer 12, via a reflective prismatic film (not shown here) arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The light-directing structure 12 is provided as a light-directing layer below the tinted thermoplastic intermediate layer 10. The lighting element 13 emits visible light perpendicular to the outer surface III of the inner glass 3 into the vehicle glass 100. The light from the lighting element 13 passes through the inner glass 3, layer 4b, and then the light-directing layer 12, striking the reflective prismatic film, which is arranged, for example, between the tinted thermoplastic layer 10 and the light-directing layer 12.At the prismatic film, the light is reflected at least partially at such an angle that it is coupled into the light-directing layer 12 by utilizing the effect of total internal reflection. The light-directing layer 12 can consist of a PET carrier layer provided with light-diffusing elements 14. The light-diffusing elements 14 serve to extract the light coupled into the light-directing layer 12, thus illuminating the vehicle roof window 100. Depending on the extent and design of the light-diffusing elements 14, the light can be extracted either across the entire surface or in desired patterns or areas. This can provide visual confirmation of the activation of the sensor switching element 6, illumination to indicate the position or readiness of the sensor switching element 6, or ambient lighting independent of the sensor switching element 6.The lighting device 13 is connected to the vehicle electrical system by means of an electrical connection, wherein the electrically conductive structures arranged internally in the vehicle roof window 100 for the supply of power and / or control of the sensor switching element 6 are preferably used by the lighting device 13. Reference symbol list 100 vehicle roof windows 2 Outer pane 3 inner disc 4 Intermediate layer 4a first layer of the intermediate layer 4 4b second layer of the intermediate layer 4 4c third layer of the intermediate layer 4 5 Black print 6 Sensor switching element 7 LowE coating 8 Liquid crystal layer 10 tinted thermoplastic layer 11 second black printing area 12 Light-directing structure 13 lighting devices 14 light-diffusing elements I Outside of the outer pane II Inside of the outer pane III Outer surface of the inner pane IV Inside of the inner pane QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202021103109 U1

[0002] WO 2018 / 002707 A1

[0002] WO 2022 / 180065 A1

[0002] FR 2928929

[0013] FR 2969957

[0013] FR 2974103

[0013] WO 2014020261

[0013] US 2007 / 0194216 A1

[0017] DE 20 2006 006 192 U1

[0017] EP 0 899 882 A1 [0017, 0020] US 6,452,514 B1

[0017] EP 1515211 A1

[0017] DE 20 2005 010 379 U1

[0018] WO 2008 / 047442A1

[0029] JP 2011086547A

[0029] JP 2015043321A

[0029] WO 2013 / 131667A1

[0043] WO 2013 / 104439A1

[0044] DE 19927683C1

[0044] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN 12898:2019-06

[0043]

Claims

Vehicle roof window (100) comprising a laminated window with an outer window (2) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II) and an inner window (3) having an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), which are connected to each other via a multilayer thermoplastic intermediate layer (4), wherein the outer window (2) has a black print (5) at least partially in its edge region, characterized in that an externally operable sensor switching element (6) for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) in the edge region of the vehicle roof window (100) below the black print (5), that the laminated window comprises at least one other functional element (8, 13) with an electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system, and that electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the laminated window for supplying power and / or controlling the sensor switching element (6).wherein the electrically conductive structures are shared by at least one other functional element (8, 13). Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor switching element (6) is a camera, an NFC sensor, a TOF camera, and in particular a capacitive sensor, preferably a touch or proximity sensor. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the other functional element is a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission (8) and / or a lighting means (13) and a light-directing structure (12), wherein the lighting means (13) is arranged to the light-directing structure (12) in such a way that the light emitted by the lighting means (13) can be coupled into the light-directing structure (12). Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light-directing structure (12) has light-scattering elements (14) at least in the area of ​​the sensor switching element (6). Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the light-scattering elements (14) are designed as particles, dot matrix, stickers, deposits, indentations, scratches, line matrix, imprints and / or screen prints on or in the light-directing structure (14). Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the control of the lighting means (13) is communicatively connected with the control of the sensor switching element (6). Vehicle roof window (100) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vehicle roof window (100) has one or more further functional layer(s). Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the further functional layer or the several further functional layers is / are a LowE coating (7), a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission (8), an IR-reflective coating, a tinted thermoplastic layer (10), a second black printed area (11) and / or a light-directing structure (12). Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the power supply of the vehicle roof window (100) and the connection to the central vehicle control is provided by external wiring and in particular by one or two pluggable connection(s). Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an IR-reflective coating is arranged on the inside (II) of the outer window (2) and a LowE coating (7) is arranged on the inside (IV) of the inner window (3). Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a liquid crystal layer (8) with variable light transmission (8) is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) such that it is electrically insulated from the sensor switching element (6) by a region of the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4).

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