Vehicle side window with aerogel layer and vacuum insulation

Abstract

Vehicle side window (S) comprising a first pane (1), a second pane (2), a vacuum insulating glass unit (8) and an aerogel layer (3), wherein the vacuum insulating glass unit (8) is arranged between the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) and comprises a first glass layer (8a) and a second glass layer (8b) separated from the first glass layer (8a) by spacers (8d, 8e), wherein the space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) is evacuated, and wherein the second pane (2) is connected to the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8) via a frame-like spacer (4), so that a cavity is formed bounded by the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8), the second pane (2) and the spacer (4), and wherein the aerogel layer (3) is arranged in the cavity.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle side window equipped with an aerogel layer and vacuum insulating glazing.

[0002] For vehicle glazing, energy input through the glass poses a problem. The total solar energy received consists of direct solar radiation and indirect solar radiation received after the glass components have heated up. This is typically characterized by the TTS value. If the vehicle's interior heats up too much, the air conditioning system must be used, which is not conducive to energy-efficient operation. At low outside temperatures, heat is lost through the glass, necessitating interior heating, which is also energy-intensive. This high energy consumption is particularly critical for electric vehicles because it reduces their range before the next battery charge is needed. Furthermore, the waste heat from a combustion engine cannot be used for heating, so the heating system must also be electrically powered.Vehicle manufacturers are therefore striving to minimize energy input or heat loss through the glazing as much as possible, thereby improving thermal comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0003] Vehicle windows are often designed as laminated glass, comprising an outer and an inner pane bonded together via a thermoplastic interlayer. With such laminated glass, thermal comfort can be improved by IR-reflective coatings. For example, solar control coatings are known, which incorporate IR-reflective silver layers to reflect the infrared components of solar radiation. Low-E coatings are also known, with reflective properties in the mid-infrared range. These reflect heat radiation emanating from the heated window in summer and heat radiation emanating from the interior in winter.Reference is made, by way of example, to WO2019110172A1, where a composite pane is disclosed with a solar control coating (for example, on the interior surface of the outer pane) and an emissivity-reducing coating (on the interior surface of the inner pane).

[0004] Aerogels are highly porous solids known for their very low thermal conductivity and heat-insulating properties. WO2012154602A1 discloses an insulating glass unit with an aerogel layer. US2010146880A1 discloses a building roof panel consisting of two glass panes and an aerogel layer sandwiched between them.

[0005] EP3381881A1 discloses a vehicle window consisting of two glass panes and an intermediate thermally insulating layer, which may be designed as an aerogel layer. However, moisture can penetrate through the side edge of this laminated window, potentially damaging and / or contaminating the typically moisture-sensitive aerogel layer. This is particularly true for liftable and lowerable side windows, where, in the open (lowered) position, part of the side edge (upper edge) is exposed and not protected by the vehicle body.

[0006] To provide thermal insulation, it is also known to design glazing as vacuum insulating glazing (VIG). In this method, two glass panes are spaced apart by spacers, and the space between the panes is evacuated. Such glazing for buildings is known, for example, from EP1978199A1 and WO9804802A1. A vehicle window designed as vacuum insulating glazing is known from EP3878827A1.

[0007] A type of insulating glass unit is known from CN102839893A and CN208267668U, in which two glass panes are connected to each other via a spacer. The space between them is filled with aerogel and evacuated.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved vehicle side window which reduces the thermal energy input into the vehicle interior in summer and the heat loss from the vehicle interior in winter.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle side window according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] The vehicle side window according to the invention comprises a first pane, a second pane, a vacuum insulating glass unit, and an aerogel layer. The vacuum insulating glass unit (and also the aerogel layer) is arranged between the first and the second pane.

[0011] The vacuum insulating glass unit comprises a first glass layer and a second glass layer, which are spaced apart by spacers, creating a gap between the first and second glass layers. The first glass layer of the vacuum insulating glass unit faces the first pane of the vehicle's side window, while the second glass layer faces away from the first pane and towards the second pane. The gap between the first and second glass layers is evacuated.

[0012] The second pane is connected to the first pane or the vacuum insulating glass unit via a frame-like spacer. This creates a cavity bounded by the first pane or the vacuum insulating glass unit, the second pane, and the spacer. According to the invention, an aerogel layer is arranged in this cavity.

[0013] The vehicle side window according to the invention is characterized by being equipped with both vacuum insulating glazing and an aerogel layer. The combination of an aerogel layer and vacuum insulating glazing gives the vehicle side window according to the invention excellent thermal insulation properties. Both act as heat-insulating layers that reduce heat transfer through the side window, in particular heat conduction. As a result, the vehicle interior heats up less at high outside temperatures (in summer) and cools down less at low outside temperatures (in winter). The side window thus exhibits improved thermal insulation properties. The aerogel layer also has acoustic insulating properties, which is advantageous for shielding against disturbing external noise.The aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing are very lightweight, resulting in a comparatively low overall weight for the side window. The frame-like spacer prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the cavity, thus protecting the aerogel layer from deterioration. These are significant advantages of the present invention.

[0014] The invention can basically be implemented in two variants: In a first variant ("Variant A"), the second pane is connected to the first pane via the frame-like spacer. In other words, the first pane and the second pane are connected to each other via the spacer. This creates a cavity bounded by the first pane, the second pane, and the spacer. The vacuum insulating glass and the aerogel layer are arranged within this cavity. - In a second variant ("Variant B"), the second pane is connected to the vacuum insulating glass unit via the frame-like spacer. This creates a cavity bounded by the vacuum insulating glass unit, the second pane, and the spacer. The aerogel layer is arranged within this cavity.

[0015] The vehicle side window according to the invention is designed to separate a vehicle interior from the external environment in a side window opening of a vehicle.

[0016] The first and second panes form the outer panes of the vehicle's side window. The vacuum insulating glass and the aerogel layer are arranged between the first and second panes. According to the invention, the first pane is the one of the side window panes facing the vacuum insulating glass. According to the invention, the second pane is the one of the side window panes facing the aerogel layer. The resulting layer sequence is: first pane - vacuum insulating glass - aerogel layer - second pane. However, the designation as first and second panes does not indicate their orientation relative to the vehicle's external environment and the vehicle's interior. Both panes can form the outer or inner pane of the vehicle's side window.

[0017] For the purposes of this invention, the term "inner pane" refers to the pane facing the interior. The term "outer pane" refers to the pane facing the external environment. Both the outer and inner panes have an outer and an interior surface, and a circumferential side edge surface extending between them. For the purposes of this invention, the term "outer surface" refers to the main surface intended to face the external environment when installed. For the purposes of this invention, the term "interior surface" refers to the main surface intended to face the interior when installed. The interior surface of the outer pane and the outer surface of the inner pane face each other and are connected to one another.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first pane forms the outer pane of the side window, and the second pane forms the inner pane. In an alternative embodiment, the first pane forms the inner pane of the side window, and the second pane forms the outer pane.

[0019] The vehicle side window according to the invention is preferably an opening side window, in particular a liftable and lowerable side window. Such a side window has a section adjacent to the lower edge (pointing downwards in the installed position), which is always arranged within the vehicle body (typically a vehicle door), and to which a section adjoins that projects into the window opening and closes it (in the closed state). The side window can be lowered completely or partially into the vehicle body (typically a vehicle door), thereby opening the side window.The section of the side window that is permanently located inside the vehicle body is connected to a mechanism for raising and lowering the side window, which is located inside the vehicle body (typically inside a vehicle door) and is driven electrically (typically triggered by pressing a button by a vehicle occupant) or mechanically (typically by operating a crank by a vehicle occupant).

[0020] The vacuum insulating glass and the aerogel layer are separate components. The vacuum insulating glass has a smaller distance to the first pane than the aerogel layer and a larger distance to the second pane. Conversely, the aerogel layer has a smaller distance to the second pane than the vacuum insulating glass and a larger distance to the first pane. The vacuum insulating glass can face the outside environment and away from the vehicle interior, and consequently have a smaller distance to the outside environment and a larger distance to the vehicle interior than the aerogel layer. In this case, the aerogel layer faces the interior and away from the environment, and has a larger distance to the environment and a smaller distance to the interior than the first pane—specifically, when the first pane forms the outer pane of the side window.In other words, the aerogel layer is then located on the inside side of the vacuum insulating glass, and the vacuum insulating glass is located on the outside side of the aerogel layer. However, the vacuum insulating glass can also face the vehicle interior and away from the outside environment, and consequently have a smaller distance to the vehicle interior and a larger distance to the outside environment than the aerogel layer. In this case, the aerogel layer faces the outside environment and away from the interior, and has a larger distance to the interior and a smaller distance to the environment than the first pane – namely, when the first pane forms the inner pane of the side window. In other words, the vacuum insulating glass is then located on the inside side of the aerogel layer, and the aerogel layer is located on the outside side of the vacuum insulating glass.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the vacuum insulating glazing is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is connected to the second disk via a bonding layer. In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is formed on the surface of the second disk.

[0023] The possibilities for connecting the individual elements of the side panel according to the invention are explained in more detail below.

[0024] In variant A (first and second panes connected via the spacer, vacuum insulating glass and aerogel layer arranged in the cavity), the vacuum insulating glass and the aerogel layer are preferably fixed in the cavity between the first and second panes. For this purpose, the vacuum insulating glass and the aerogel layer are mechanically connected directly or indirectly to at least one of the panes, or attached directly or indirectly to at least one of the panes. Numerous variations are possible with regard to the design of this attachment.

[0025] In one embodiment, the vacuum insulating glass (more precisely, its first glass layer, which faces the first pane) is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer. The following options are then possible for attaching the aerogel layer: - The aerogel layer can be attached to the second disc. This can be achieved by connecting the aerogel layer to the second disc via a bonding layer, or by creating the aerogel layer directly on the surface of the second disc. - The aerogel layer can be attached to the vacuum insulating glass (more precisely, to its second glass layer). This can be achieved by connecting the aerogel layer to the vacuum insulating glass via a bonding layer, or by creating the aerogel layer directly on the surface of the second glass layer. The aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glass unit, particularly via the aforementioned connection mechanisms, which can be selected independently for bonding to the second pane on the one hand and the vacuum insulating glass unit on the other. This means that the aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glass unit via separate bonding layers, or the aerogel layer can be produced on the vacuum insulating glass unit or the second pane and bonded to the other pane via a bonding layer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the aerogel layer is attached to the second disc. Three variations are possible here: In an advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer. In this embodiment, the aerogel layer is preferably provided as a prefabricated block or sheet and then bonded to the surface of the second pane via the bonding layer. To facilitate the production of the aerogel layer, it can, for example, be produced on a carrier film. The carrier film can then be removed or remain permanently in the side window. This makes it possible, for example, to bond the surface facing away from the carrier film, or the carrier film itself, to the pane surface via the bonding layer. From a process engineering perspective, it is particularly advantageous if the carrier film is a bonding layer, such as a thermoplastic film (like PVB film) or an OCA film. In this case, the aerogel layer can be bonded to the pane surface via the carrier film. In a further advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is produced on the surface of the second disk (or any coating applied to it), which faces the cavity. The production of the aerogel layer on the surface is preferably carried out via a sol-gel process. It then adheres to said surface without the need for a bonding layer.

[0027] If the aerogel layer is attached to the second pane, then the following options are possible regarding the attachment of the vacuum insulating glazing: - The vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its first glass layer) can be attached to the first pane, in particular connected to the first pane via a bonding layer. The vacuum insulating glass unit (more precisely, its second glass layer) can be attached to the aerogel layer, in particular connected to the aerogel layer via a bonding layer. If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, the aerogel layer can alternatively be produced on the vacuum insulating glass unit. The vacuum insulating glass unit can be attached to either the first pane or the aerogel layer. Specifically, the vacuum insulating glass unit is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer and to the aerogel layer via another bonding layer. More precisely, the first glass layer is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer, and the second glass layer is connected to the aerogel layer via another bonding layer. If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, the aerogel layer can alternatively be formed on the vacuum insulating glass unit itself.

[0028] In variant B (vacuum insulating glass and second pane connected via the spacer, aerogel layer arranged in the cavity), the vacuum insulating glass is connected to the first pane, in particular via a bonding layer. The aerogel layer is preferably fixed in the cavity between the vacuum insulating glass and the second pane. For this purpose, the aerogel layer is connected to or attached to at least the second glass layer of the vacuum insulating glass or the second pane. Several variations are possible with regard to the design of this attachment: - The aerogel layer can be attached to the second disc. This can be achieved by connecting the aerogel layer to the second disc via a bonding layer, or by creating the aerogel layer directly on the surface of the second disc. - The aerogel layer can be attached to the vacuum insulating glass unit (more precisely, to its second glass layer). This can be achieved by bonding the aerogel layer to the vacuum insulating glass unit via a bonding layer, or by applying the aerogel layer directly to the

[0029] The surface of the second glass layer must be created. The aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glass unit, particularly via the aforementioned connection mechanisms, which can be selected independently for bonding to the second pane on the one hand and the vacuum insulating glass unit on the other. This means that the aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glass unit via separate bonding layers, or the aerogel layer can be produced on the vacuum insulating glass unit or the second pane and bonded to the other pane via a bonding layer.

[0030] In both variants A and B, it is particularly advantageous for the stability of the side window if the vacuum insulating glass is attached to the first pane and the aerogel layer is attached to the second pane. The following variants are particularly preferred: The vacuum insulating glass unit (more precisely, its first glass layer) is bonded to the first pane via a first bonding layer, and the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a second bonding layer. Optionally, a further bonding layer can be present between the vacuum insulating glass unit and the aerogel layer, further increasing the stability of the overall assembly. The vacuum insulating glass unit (more precisely, its first glass layer) is bonded to the first pane via a bonding layer, and the aerogel layer is applied to the surface of the second pane. Optionally, a further bonding layer can be present between the vacuum insulating glass unit and the aerogel layer, further increasing the stability of the overall assembly.

[0031] The purpose of these bonding layers is to adhesively join the components between which they are placed. Each bonding layer is preferably designed as a thermoplastic layer. This thermoplastic layer can alternatively be referred to as a thermoplastic layer.

[0032] The thermoplastic layers are preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU), or on mixtures, copolymers, or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably on PVB. This means that the layer contains the said polymer to a large extent (proportion greater than 50 wt%). In addition to the polymer, the layer may contain other additives, such as plasticizers, UV absorbers, or stabilizers. Each thermoplastic layer is preferably formed from at least one thermoplastic film. The thickness of each film is preferably from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. For example, PVB films with standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used.

[0033] The bonding layers can alternatively be designed, for example, as an adhesive layer. Optically clear adhesives (OCAs) are preferred. OCAs are well known to those skilled in the art. They are characterized in particular by their high optical quality. They are especially common where high optical quality is necessary so that the adhesive layer is virtually invisible, for example, in displays or touch panels. Optically clear adhesives are characterized in particular by high light transmission and the fact that distortion-free visibility is possible. The optically clear adhesive is preferably a two-component polyurethane adhesive, a one-component acrylate adhesive, a one-component silicone adhesive, or a one-component acrylate hybrid adhesive.The OCA layer is preferably produced from a high-viscosity OCA, so that it can be supplied as a prefabricated film (OCA film). The thickness of such an OCA film is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1.8 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0034] If several bonding layers are present, a combination is also conceivable, wherein at least one bonding layer is designed as a thermoplastic layer and at least one bonding layer is designed as an adhesive layer.

[0035] The first disk and the second disk are independently preferred as - thermally tempered glass pane, - non-tempered glass pane, - chemically tempered glass pane or - Plastic disc trained.

[0036] The glass panes can be made of materials such as soda-lime glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass.

[0037] Thermally tempered and non-tempered glass panes are preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. Their thickness is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, most preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm or even from 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0038] Chemically tempered glass sheets preferably have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. They are preferably made of aluminosilicate glass, which is particularly suitable for chemical tempering.

[0039] Plastic discs are preferably made of rigid, clear plastics, for example polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Their thickness is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm or even from 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0040] The following combinations of outer pane and inner pane are particularly preferred: 1. Outer pane: thermally tempered glass pane, inner pane: thermally tempered glass pane; 2. Outer pane: non-tempered glass pane, inner pane: non-tempered glass pane; 3. Outer pane: chemically tempered glass pane, inner pane: chemically tempered glass pane 4. Outer pane: thermally tempered glass pane, inner pane: chemically tempered glass pane 5. Outer pane: thermally tempered glass pane, inner pane: plastic pane

[0041] Thermally or chemically tempered glass panes exhibit increased breakage resistance. When broken, thermally tempered glass panes shatter into numerous small, blunt fragments, posing minimal risk of injury. Non-tempered glass panes, on the other hand, shatter into large, sharp fragments. If the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer, the fragments of the second pane are held in place by this layer in the event of breakage, eliminating any risk of injury. The same applies to the first pane if the vacuum insulating glass unit is bonded to it via a bonding layer. In these cases, non-tempered glass panes can also be used without problems for the respective pane.Panes that are not provided with a bonding layer but are nevertheless intended to be designed as non-tempered glass panes are preferably provided with a splinter-resistant film. This applies, for example, to a second pane on which the aerogel layer is directly produced, or to a second pane when the aerogel layer is not attached to it (but to the vacuum insulating glass unit), and / or to a first pane when the vacuum insulating glass unit is not attached to it (but to the aerogel layer). In the event of glass breakage, the splinter-resistant film holds the shards in place, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

[0042] In variant A, the spacer is preferably connected to the first and second panes via a bonding layer, and in variant B, it is preferably connected to the vacuum insulating glass unit (more precisely, its second glass layer) and the second pane via a bonding layer. These bonding layers can again be, for example, a thermoplastic layer or an adhesive layer, particularly an OCA layer. If, in variant A, the vacuum insulating glass unit is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer, the spacer is preferably connected to the first pane by means of the same bonding layer. In variant B, the bonding layer connecting the spacer to the vacuum insulating glass unit can optionally also be located between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glass unit, thus connecting them.If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, the spacer is preferably connected to the second pane via the same bonding layer (variants A and B). If the aerogel layer is produced directly on the second pane and a bonding layer is to be arranged between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glass, the spacer can also be connected to the second pane via the same bonding layer (variants A and B). It is also conceivable that the spacer material itself has adhesive properties towards the panes and can be bonded directly to them, for example by heating, without the use of bonding layers.

[0043] The spacer is designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the cavity containing the aerogel layer. The spacer (together with any connecting layers) thus seals the cavity watertight.

[0044] The spacer is preferably made of a polymer, in particular a transparent polymer. For example, the spacer can be based on transparent polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene.

[0045] The spacer may be covered with a waterproof film. It is also possible that a sealant is present on the side of the spacer facing away from the cavity to improve the cavity's watertightness.

[0046] The spacer has a frame-like, circumferential shape. The length of the spacer is defined as its dimension in the frame-like, circumferential direction. The length of the spacer is determined by the base area of ​​the side pane or the area of ​​the side pane enclosed by the spacer. The width of the spacer is defined as its dimension perpendicular to its length, determined in a plane parallel to the surfaces of the first and second panes. The width of the spacer is preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm. This ensures a stable connection between the first and second panes and a watertight seal of the cavity without the spacer occupying too much surface area, which would then be unavailable for the aerogel layer (and the vacuum insulating glazing in variant A).The height of the spacer refers to the dimension between the first pane (variant A) or vacuum insulating glass unit (variant B) and the second pane. Along with the thickness of the bonding layers used to attach it to the pane surfaces, the height of the spacer determines the distance between the first pane (variant A) or vacuum insulating glass unit (variant B) and the second pane, and thus the thickness of the cavity. It can be selected according to the requirements of the specific application.

[0047] The spacer can be solid or hollow, having an inner cavity surrounded by walls made of the spacer material.

[0048] A transparent spacer is ideal because it doesn't stand out in the typically completely transparent side window. However, opaque spacers can also be used. For example, spacers made of metal or wood can be employed, with the necessary water resistance ensured by a polymer or metallic film if required. Opaque spacers can serve as design elements for the side window or be concealed by opaque printed covers on the first and / or second pane.

[0049] The thickness of the aerogel layer can be selected according to the requirements of the specific application. Preferably, the aerogel layer has a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, most preferably from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and especially from 1 mm to 4 mm. This achieves good results in typical applications.

[0050] The aerogel layer ideally covers the entire surface of the side window enclosed by the spacer. This ensures that the aerogel layer is in direct contact with the spacer. This is particularly preferred because it avoids the formation of a thermal bridge in areas without an aerogel layer. However, a gap may exist between the aerogel layer and the spacer, especially for manufacturing reasons. This gap should be no more than 2 mm, preferably no more than 1 mm, and most preferably no more than 0.5 mm.

[0051] If the aerogel layer is only attached to the second pane (via a bonding layer or directly applied to the surface), it can extend to the vacuum insulating glass (more precisely, its second glass layer) and be in direct contact with it. This is particularly advantageous for optimal thermal insulation. Alternatively, however, a gap can exist between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glass. The gap between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glass is preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably at most 0.5 mm, and most preferably at most 0.2 mm.

[0052] Contrary to what the name might suggest, aerogels are not gels, but highly porous solids. The name derives from the fact that aerogels are typically produced from gels, with the liquid component of the gel being replaced by a gas without the gel structure collapsing, for example, through supercritical drying or freeze-drying. Structurally, aerogels consist of a branching network of particle chains (dendritic structure) with numerous spaces (pores), particularly in the form of open pores. The particle chains have contact points with each other, so the aerogel can be described as a stable, sponge-like network. The particle chains themselves often result from the fusion of, for example, spherical particles. A very high volume fraction of aerogels consists of pores, especially open pores. Therefore, aerogels have a very low density.The aerogel layer according to the invention is therefore lightweight, so that the weight of the side window is not significantly increased even by comparatively thick aerogel layers. Aerogels can also exhibit high optical transparency, which is particularly advantageous for applications in glazing. Aerogels can be produced, for example, by sol-gel processes.

[0053] Inclusions may be present in the pores, for example, to influence the mechanical, thermal, or optical properties of the aerogel layer. The pores are typically air-filled, apart from any inclusions. The aerogel layer according to the invention can also be referred to as an aerogel layer or as a layer or layer made of or based on an aerogel.

[0054] For the purposes of this invention, porosity is defined as the proportion of the pore volume to the total volume of the aerogel. The aerogel layer according to the invention is preferably formed from, or based on, an aerogel having a porosity of 50% to 99.98%, particularly preferably 80% to 99%, and most preferably 85% to 98%. The porosity can be determined by gas sorption measurement using nitrogen as the sample gas, and in particular using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the sample gas at a temperature of 273 K.

[0055] The pore size of the aerogel is preferably from 1 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 10 nm to 40 nm. This refers specifically to the diameter of the typically approximately spherical pores. The pore size can also be determined using the aforementioned gas sorption measurement.

[0056] The density of the aerogel is preferably 0.16 mg / cm³. 3 up to 500 mg / cm² 3, particularly preferably of 10 mg / cm² 3 up to 300 mg / cm² 3 This refers to the bulk density based on the volume including the pore spaces, whereby the air in the pores is not included in the mass.

[0057] The particles that make up the network of particle chains typically have a size of 1 nm to 10 nm.

[0058] Aerogels can be formed from various materials (material of the particle chains). The aerogel of the aerogel layer according to the invention is preferably composed of silicate, a polymer, carbon, cellulose, or a metal oxide. In principle, all polymers and metal oxides are suitable. Examples include polyimide for a polymer and aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and zirconium oxide for metal oxides. Strictly speaking, silicate aerosols do not have the chemical composition of a silicate, but rather something like SiO(OH)₂. y (OR) z, where R is an organic residue and the parameters y and z depend on the manufacturing process. They are nevertheless generally referred to as such, and the term silicate is also used accordingly within the scope of the present invention. In English, the term "silica aerogel" (i.e., SiO2 aerogel) is also common. For the aerogel layer according to the invention, silicate aerogels, polymer aerogels, and cellulose aerogels are particularly preferred. These aerogels are well-researched and already commercially available in large numbers.

[0059] The aerogel layer is preferably transparent so that it does not obstruct the view through the side window. The aerogel layer preferably has a light transmission of more than 70%, particularly preferably more than 80%. The aerogel layer is preferably colorless.

[0060] According to the invention, the vehicle side window is also equipped with vacuum insulating glazing, which, together with the aerogel layer, provides the heat-insulating properties. The vacuum insulating glazing comprises a first glass layer and a second glass layer, which are spaced apart from each other by spacers, so that an evacuated space is formed between the first and second glass layers.

[0061] The first and second glass layers have a thickness of, for example, 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, most preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and especially 0.5 mm to 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. The first and second glass layers are preferably thinner than the first and second panes of the side pane.

[0062] The first and second glass layers are preferably made of glass. Soda-lime glass can also be used. The first and second glass layers are preferably chemically tempered, especially if they are very thin (for example, with thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 1 mm). In this case, they are particularly preferably made of aluminosilicate glass, which is very well suited to chemical tempering.

[0063] The gap between the first and second glass layers preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. This achieves good thermal insulation without requiring an excessive increase in the thickness of the sides. The thickness of the gap corresponds to the distance between the facing surfaces of the first and second glass layers.

[0064] According to the invention, the space between the glass layers is evacuated, resulting in a vacuum insulating glass unit consisting of the first glass layer and the spaced-apart second glass layer. This means that a negative pressure prevails in the space between the layers, i.e., a pressure lower than the ambient pressure. The pressure in the space is preferably at most 100 mbar, more preferably at most 10 mbar. The pressure can, for example, range from 0.01 mbar to 100 mbar, preferably from 0.1 mbar to 10 mbar.

[0065] The vacuum insulating glass unit incorporates spacers that prevent the first and second glass layers from deforming despite the negative pressure between them. The spacers preferably maintain a constant distance between the first and second glass layers, ensuring they are parallel to each other.

[0066] The spacers preferably comprise a plurality of spacer columns. The spacer columns are distributed (preferably uniformly) over the surface of the first and second glass layers. The number of spacer columns and their spacing depend on the thickness of the glass layers and the negative pressure prevailing in the space between them. The thinner the glass layers (and the lower the pressure in the space between them), the more prone they are to deformation, which necessitates a greater number of spacer columns.

[0067] The spacer columns are preferably transparent so as not to significantly impair the view through the side window. They are preferably made of glass or plastic.

[0068] The spacers particularly preferably also include a circumferential spacer in an edge region between the first and second glass layers. The circumferential spacer extends around the perimeter of an edge region between the first and second glass layers. The evacuated space is bounded by the first glass layer, the second glass layer, and the circumferential spacer. The spacer is made, for example, of glass, plastic, metal, or a metal alloy, preferably of transparent glass or plastic.

[0069] To maintain the vacuum (more precisely, the negative pressure) in the space between the panes, vacuum insulating glass preferably has a gas-tight edge seal. The surrounding spacer (if present) can itself act as an edge seal, or the vacuum insulating glass can be equipped with an additional edge seal, for example made of glass, a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel, silver, or copper), or a gas-tight plastic.

[0070] The first disc, the second disc and any connecting layers may be equipped with standard coatings or imprints.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, an IR-reflective coating is applied to the interior surface of the outer pane (i.e., the pane selected from the first and second panes that forms the outer pane of the vehicle side window) facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing. This coating can also be referred to as a solar control coating.

[0072] In an advantageous embodiment, an IR-reflective coating is applied to the outer surface of the inner pane (i.e., the pane selected from the first and second panes that forms the inner pane of the vehicle side window) facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing. This coating can also be referred to as an emissivity-reducing coating (LowE coating).

[0073] The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating are preferably thin-film stacks, i.e., sequences of thin individual layers. The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each comprise at least one IR-reflective layer. The IR-reflective layer is preferably a metallic layer, particularly preferably silver-based. The IR-reflective layer preferably contains at least 90 wt.% silver, particularly preferably at least 99 wt.% silver, and most preferably at least 99.9 wt.% silver. The silver layer may contain dopants, for example, palladium, gold, copper, or aluminum. The thickness of the silver layer is typically from 5 nm to 20 nm.

[0074] In addition to the metallic layer, dielectric layers or layer sequences are typically present. These dielectric layers or layer sequences are also referred to as dielectric layer modules. The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each comprise n metallic layers and (n+1) dielectric layer modules, with the dielectric layer modules and the metallic layers arranged alternately, such that each metallic layer is positioned between two dielectric layer modules and one layer module is positioned between adjacent metallic layers. The number n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 (n ≥ 1).

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each have at least two metallic layers (n ≥ 2), for example, exactly two metallic layers (n = 2), or even at least three metallic layers (n ≥ 3), for example, exactly three metallic layers (n = 3). A plurality of metallic layers can improve the IR-reflective effect without excessively reducing light transmission, because the individual metallic layers can be made thinner. On the other hand, the number of metallic layers should not be too large in order to keep production costs low. The IR-reflective metallic layers preferably have thicknesses of 5 nm to 20 nm, independent of one another.

[0076] The layer modules can be configured independently as single dielectric layers or as dielectric layer sequences (i.e., a plurality of successive dielectric layers). Common dielectric layers in such a thin-film stack include, for example: - Anti-reflective coatings that reduce the reflection of visible light and thus increase the transparency of the coated disc, for example based on silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon-metal mixed nitrides such as silicon zirconium nitride (SiZrN), titanium oxide (TiO2), aluminum nitride (AlN) or tin oxide (ZnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 10 nm to 100 nm; - Matching layers that improve the crystallinity of the electrically conductive layer, for example based on zinc oxide (ZnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm; - Smoothing layers that improve the surface structure for the layers above, for example based on a non-crystalline oxide of tin, silicon, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, gallium and / or indium, in particular based on tin-zinc mixed oxide (ZnSnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm.

[0077] The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating can each optionally include blocker layers that protect the metallic layers from degradation. Blocker layers are typically very thin, metal-containing layers based on niobium, titanium, nickel, chromium, zirconium, or alloys thereof, with layer thicknesses of, for example, 0.1 nm to 0.5 nm.

[0078] If a bonding layer exists between the outer pane and the aerogel layer or vacuum insulating glass to which it is attached, the solar control coating can also be embedded in this bonding layer instead of being applied to the inner surface of the outer pane, for example, applied to a carrier film (preferably PET-based) which is sandwiched between two thermoplastic layers. Similarly, if a bonding layer exists between the inner pane and the aerogel layer or vacuum insulating glass to which it is attached, the emissivity-reducing coating can also be embedded in this bonding layer instead of being applied to the outer surface of the inner pane, for example, applied to a carrier film (preferably PET-based) which is sandwiched between two thermoplastic layers.

[0079] The side window can also have an emissivity-reducing coating on the interior surface of the inner window, facing away from the aerogel layer. Such an emissivity-reducing coating is typically a transparent stack of thin films. The emissivity-reducing coating preferably has at least one, and more preferably exactly one, electrically conductive layer, which provides the IR-reflective properties. The conductive layer is preferably based on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), in particular indium tin oxide (ITO), alternatively indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), gallium-doped tin oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb), or niobium-doped titanium oxide (TiO2:Nb).Unlike metals, TCOs are not susceptible to corrosion, so they can be used on the exposed inner surface of the inner disk. Besides the conductive layer, the coating typically includes dielectric layers (for example, based on silicon oxide or nitride), which serve in particular to optimize optical properties (e.g., light transmission) or act as barrier layers to regulate oxygen diffusion during coating deposition.

[0080] Emissivity-reducing coatings of this type with TCO layers are particularly common for conventional laminated glass units, where the inner pane is heated by thermal conduction. Since the heated inner pane emits heat radiation towards the interior, it is necessary in such laminated glass units to apply the emissivity-reducing coating to the interior side of the inner pane, i.e., to the exposed interior surface of the inner pane. In the side pane according to the invention, thermal conductivity is effectively reduced by the aerogel layer, so that it is not absolutely necessary to apply the emissivity-reducing coating to the interior surface of the inner pane.The previously described emissivity-reducing coating with at least one metallic layer, in particular a silver layer, on the outer surface of the inner pane is therefore preferable to an emissivity-reducing coating with a TCO layer on the inner surface of the inner pane. Metallic layers achieve their IR-reflective effect with smaller layer thicknesses and are less expensive to deposit than TCO layers. Furthermore, a coating on the exposed inner surface would be subjected to significant mechanical stress in a liftable and lowerable side window, for example, through contact with the sealing lips of the side window, which rub against the coating when the side window is raised and lowered.

[0081] Emissivity is the measure that indicates how much thermal radiation a pane of glass emits into an interior space compared to an ideal heat radiator (a black body). Emissivity-reducing coatings prevent heat from entering the interior (infrared components of solar radiation and, in particular, the thermal radiation from the pane itself) and also prevent heat from radiating out of the interior. They exhibit reflective properties towards infrared radiation, especially thermal 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. At high outside temperatures and with strong sunlight, emissivity-reducing coatings can at least partially reflect the thermal radiation emitted by the entire pane towards the interior.At low outside temperatures, they can reflect the heat radiation radiated from the interior, thus reducing the effect of the cold window as a heat sink. The emissivity-reducing coating further increases thermal comfort in the interior.

[0082] For the thermal insulation of the side window and the thermal comfort of the interior, it is particularly advantageous if the side window has both the previously described solar control coating on the interior surface of the outer pane and the previously described emissivity-reducing coating on the exterior surface of the inner pane. This configuration is therefore particularly preferred. In summary, it is particularly preferred that an IR-reflective coating (namely the solar control coating on the outer pane and the emissivity-reducing coating on the inner pane) is applied to the surfaces of the first and second panes facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing, preferably comprising at least two silver-based layers.

[0083] The IR-reflective coatings preferably do not extend beyond the spacer. Instead, a circumferential area of ​​the spacer facing the external environment is arranged on a coating-free edge region of the first and second panes (Variant A). The coatings then have no contact with the surrounding atmosphere and are protected from corrosion and damage within the cavity. Similarly, in Variant B, the solar control coating between the first pane and the vacuum insulating glass should also have no contact with the atmosphere.

[0084] In one embodiment of the invention, the first pane and the second pane are essentially congruent, and the spacer extends circumferentially in an edge region of both the first and the second pane. In this embodiment, the side pane is formed essentially over its entire surface by the inventive composite of outer pane, inner pane, vacuum insulating glazing, and aerogel layer.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a connection section of the first pane, intended for attachment to a vehicle body, projects beyond the second pane. Alternatively, a connection section of the second pane, intended for attachment to a vehicle body, projects beyond the first pane. Thus, one pane is larger than the other (namely, the one that projects beyond the other pane), and the side window is formed only in a specific area by the inventive assembly of outer pane, inner pane, vacuum insulating glazing, and aerogel layer. This area is referred to as the window area within the scope of the invention. It is designed to completely cover the vehicle's window opening when closed (extending from there into the vehicle body). The spacer runs around the perimeter of the window area and the smaller pane.The side window has an additional area formed solely by the larger pane, which is designed to connect the side window to the vehicle body, in particular to the mechanism located therein for raising and lowering the side window. For the purposes of the invention, this area is referred to as the connection area. In its installed position, whether the window is open or closed, it is always located within the vehicle body and is therefore never visible.

[0086] The connection area is preferably located below the window area in the (essentially vertical) installation position of the side window, thus having a small distance to the ground. At the upper edge of the side window (pointing upwards in the installation position) as well as at the front and rear edges (pointing forwards and backwards respectively in the installation position relative to the direction of travel), the first and second panes are preferably arranged essentially flush. The connection section includes the lower edge of the side window (pointing downwards in the installation position), which is identical to the lower edge of the larger pane.

[0087] In this case, only the larger pane needs to be connected to the vehicle body, which has the advantage that conventional connection mechanisms can be used, such as those used for side windows made of single panes of glass.

[0088] Conventional side windows can be connected to the lifting and lowering mechanism in two main ways: In the first variant, the side window has openings (holes) near its lower edge into which the mechanism can engage, for example, via a clamping or screw element. In the second variant, a essentially Y-shaped retaining element is provided, with two parallel contact sections that are attached, in particular by gluing, to one of the external surfaces of the side window, and a mounting section extending downwards from the contact sections, flush with the side window, which is connected to the lifting and lowering mechanism. This mounting section typically also has openings into which a clamping or screw element can be inserted.

[0089] Both variants are also applicable within the scope of the present invention, whereby in the embodiment with the congruent discs the variant with the Y-shaped retaining element is preferred, while in the embodiment with the connecting section of the larger disc projecting beyond the smaller disc both variants are equally applicable.

[0090] In a first embodiment of the invention, the side window has at least one through-hole, preferably at least two, and in particular exactly two through-holes. The through-holes are preferably arranged near the lower edge, i.e., they are located closer to the lower edge than to any other edge. The through-holes are provided for connecting the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism in the vehicle body and are arranged in a section of the side window adjacent to the lower edge. This section is intended to remain within the vehicle body and is not visible, even when the side window is closed. For connection to the raising and lowering mechanism, a clamping element is preferably clamped into the through-hole or a screw element is screwed into the through-hole. The through-hole is a continuous opening through the entire side window between its external surfaces.If the side pane has a connection section that extends beyond the assembly according to the invention and is formed only by the larger pane, the penetration extends only through said larger pane. This is easy to achieve, which is why the connection via the penetration is preferred in the embodiment with the connection section formed by the larger pane. In the embodiment with the congruent panes, this type of connection is less preferred because the penetration would have to extend through the entire assembly of the outer pane, aerogel layer, vacuum insulating glass, and inner pane, which would necessitate further sealing measures around the penetration, particularly in the case of the insulating glass.

[0091] In a second embodiment of the invention, the side window does not have such openings. Instead, at least one retaining element, preferably at least two, and in particular exactly two, retaining elements are attached to the lower edge of the side window. The retaining elements are provided for connecting the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism in the vehicle body. Each retaining element has at least one contact section that is attached to an external surface of the side window in an area adjacent to the lower edge, in particular via an adhesive layer. Each retaining element also has a fastening section adjoining the contact section, which is arranged outside the surface of the side window and serves for connection to the raising and lowering mechanism. This fastening section is preferably provided with a opening.For connection to the lifting and lowering mechanism, a clamping element is preferably clamped into the opening or a screw element is screwed into the opening. Typical retaining elements, which are also preferred within the scope of the present invention, are Y-shaped and have two parallel contact sections, each contact section being attached (in particular, bonded) to one of the external surfaces of the side window, and a fastening section adjoining the contact sections. If the side window is formed entirely from the inventive composite of outer window, aerogel layer, vacuum insulating glass, and inner window, then the aforementioned external surfaces to which the contact sections are attached are the surfaces of the first and second windows facing away from the aerogel layer, i.e., the outer surface of the outer window and the inner surface of the inner window.If the side window has a connecting section that extends beyond the assembly according to the invention and is formed only by the larger window, then the said external surfaces are the outer and inner surfaces of that larger window.

[0092] The side window according to the invention is transparent, allowing visibility. The side window preferably has a light transmission of at least 70%. This allows the side window to be used without problems as a front side window (side window of the driver and front passenger seats), for which there are minimum legal requirements regarding light transmission. Light transmission here refers to the total transmission, determined by the method for testing the light transmittance of motor vehicle windows specified in ECE-R 43, Annex 3, Section 9.1.

[0093] The first pane, the second pane, the vacuum insulating glass, the aerogel layer, any bonding layers, and any coatings are designed to ensure the desired light transmission. The first pane, the second pane, the vacuum insulating glass, the aerogel layer, and any bonding layers are preferably clear and colorless. However, they may have slight tints or colors independently of one another, as long as the light transmission is not excessively reduced. The spacer is also preferably clear and transparent, at least when visible through the side pane and not obscured by opaque printing.

[0094] The side window can be flat, cylindrical, or spherically curved. Spherically curved side windows are particularly common in passenger cars.

[0095] The side window according to variant A according to the invention can be produced by connecting the spacer to the first window and the second window via bonding layers, wherein the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing are surrounded by the spacer.

[0096] The vacuum insulating glass unit is preferably provided as a prefabricated component with an already evacuated cavity and connected to the first pane via a bonding layer. This bonding layer is preferably the same bonding layer used to connect the spacer to the first pane.

[0097] The side window according to variant B can be produced by connecting the vacuum insulating glazing (preferably provided as a prefabricated component with an already evacuated space) to the first pane via a bonding layer and by connecting the spacer to the vacuum insulating glazing and the second pane via bonding layers, wherein the aerogel layer is surrounded by the spacer.

[0098] The aerogel layer can be supplied as a prefabricated block or sheet and can also be bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer. If the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer, this bonding layer is preferably the same bonding layer used to connect the spacer to the second pane. Alternatively, the aerogel layer can be produced directly on the second pane, so that the second pane is supplied with the aerogel layer already attached to it and is then connected to the first pane or the vacuum insulating glass unit via the spacer. In this case, the bonding layer used to connect the spacer to the second pane can optionally extend between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glass unit.

[0099] To facilitate the production of an aerogel layer as a prefabricated block or sheet, it can, for example, be produced on a carrier film. The carrier film can then be removed or remain permanently in the side window. From a process engineering perspective, it is particularly advantageous if the carrier film is a bonding layer, such as a thermoplastic film (like PVB film) or an OCA film. In this case, the aerogel layer can be bonded directly to another element of the side window via the carrier film.

[0100] If the bonding layers are thermoplastic, the bonding is achieved using known lamination processes, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. Lamination typically occurs under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0101] The vehicle side window according to the invention can be used as a side window of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car or truck, and in particular as a liftable and lowerable side window. The side window is particularly advantageous in electric vehicles, where the reduced energy consumption it causes leads to a longer battery life.

[0102] The invention further comprises a vehicle equipped with the vehicle side window according to the invention. The side window is preferably a liftable and lowerable side window. In principle, the vehicle can be any land, air, or water vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle or rail vehicle, particularly preferably a passenger car or truck, and especially an electric vehicle (electric passenger car).

[0103] 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 top view of an embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention, Fig. 2 a cross-section along XX' through the vehicle's side window Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a cross-section through the vacuum insulating glazing of the vehicle side window Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a cross-section along XX' through a further embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention, Fig. 5 a top view of a further embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention, Fig. 6. Cut a cross-section along YY' through the vehicle's side window. Fig. 5,

[0104] Fig. 1, Fig.2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a detail of an embodiment of the vehicle side window S according to the invention. The side window S is intended as an opening (i.e., liftable and lowerable) side window for the front side window of a passenger car.

[0105] The side window S comprises a first pane 1 and a second pane 2, between which a frame-like spacer 4 is arranged around the perimeter of the side window S, along with an aerogel layer 3 and a vacuum insulating glass unit 8. The spacer 4 and the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 are connected to the first pane 1 via a first bonding layer 5a. The spacer 4 and the aerogel layer 3 are connected to the second pane 2 via a second bonding layer 5b. The first pane 1 forms the outer pane of the side window S and is therefore, in its installed position, oriented towards the vehicle's external environment. The second pane 2 forms the inner pane of the side window S and is therefore, in its installed position, oriented towards the vehicle's interior.

[0106] The first pane 1 and the second pane 2 are thermally tempered glass panes made of soda-lime glass, each 2.1 mm thick. The bonding layers 5a and 5b are thermoplastic layers, each consisting of 0.76 mm thick PVB films. The aerogel layer 3, for example, has a thickness of 2 mm and is made of a transparent polymer aerogel. The spacer 4 is made of transparent polycarbonate (PC). It has a width of 5 mm and a height (dimension between the first pane 1 and the second pane 2) of 3.7 mm. The height of the spacer 4 corresponds approximately to the combined thickness of the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass unit 8.

[0107] The vacuum insulating glazing 8, which is in Fig.As shown in detail in Figure 3, the structure consists of a first glass layer 8a and a second glass layer 8b, which are connected and held apart by a circumferential spacer 8d at the edge and by spacer columns 8e evenly distributed across the surface. This creates an evacuated space 8c between the first glass layer 8a and the second glass layer 8b. The first glass layer 8a faces the first pane 1 of the side pane S, and the second glass layer 8b faces the aerogel layer 3. The first glass layer 8a and the second glass layer 8b are each made of chemically tempered aluminosilicate glass and have a thickness of 0.7 mm. The spacer 8c has a thickness of 0.3 mm. The spacer columns 8e are made of glass or a transparent plastic. The circumferential spacer 8d is made of a plastic.Furthermore, the circumferential spacer 8d is equipped with an edge seal (not shown) which seals the gap 5c gas-tight.

[0108] The aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass 8 have thermally insulating properties, thus reducing heat conduction through the side window S. This means that the second pane 2 and the vehicle interior heat up less when exposed to sunlight. Similarly, heat loss from the interior through the side window S is reduced in winter. The aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass 8 therefore increase thermal comfort in the vehicle interior. Both the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass 8 are lightweight, keeping the overall weight of the side window S low. The aerogel layer 3 also has acoustic insulating properties, effectively blocking out disruptive outside noise.

[0109] An IR-reflective coating 6 is applied as a solar control coating to the surface of the first pane 1 (outer pane) facing the vacuum insulating glazing 8 and the second pane 2. An IR-reflective coating 7 is applied as an emissivity-reducing coating to the surface of the second pane 2 (inner pane) facing the aerogel layer 3 and the first pane 1. The IR-reflective coating 6 is specifically designed to reflect infrared components of solar radiation and to reduce the heating of the layers behind it in the side window and the vehicle interior as a result of this direct sunlight.The IR-reflective coating 7 is specifically designed to reflect the thermal radiation from the heated first pane 1, vacuum insulating glazing 8, and aerogel layer 3 at high ambient temperatures, and to reflect the thermal radiation emanating from the vehicle interior at lower ambient temperatures. The IR-reflective coatings 6 and 7 further improve thermal comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0110] The IR-reflecting coatings 6, 7 are each thin-film coatings with two silver layers, wherein each silver layer is embedded between two dielectric layer sequences, such that a dielectric layer sequence is arranged above the uppermost silver layer, below the lowermost silver layer and between the two silver layers.

[0111] The side pane S is completely transparent with a light transmission of over 70%. The outer pane 1, the inner pane 2, the aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8, the spacer 4 and the bonding layers 5a, 5b are clear, untinted and colorless.

[0112] Two retaining elements 10 are attached to the downward-facing lower edge of the side window S in its installed position. These elements connect the side window S to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window S in the vehicle body. The retaining elements 10 are Y-shaped and have two parallel contact sections. One contact section is bonded to the external surface of the first window 1, and the other contact section is bonded to the external surface of the second window 2. The retaining elements also have a fastening section adjoining the contact sections. The fastening section is provided with a through-hole 11, which can be connected to the raising and lowering mechanism by means of a component that is either clamped or screwed into it.

[0113] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section through another design of the vehicle side window made of Fig.1. The vacuum insulating glass unit 8 has essentially the same surface area as the first pane 1 and is connected to it via a bonding layer 5a. The second pane 2 is connected to the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 via the spacer 4. The cavity is bounded by the vacuum insulating glass unit 8, the second pane 2, and the spacer 4. The aerogel layer 3 is arranged in this cavity.

[0114] The connection between spacer 4 and the second pane 2 is made via a bonding layer 5b, which also connects the aerogel layer 3 to the second pane 2. The connection between spacer 4 and vacuum insulating glass 8 is made via a bonding layer 5c, which also connects the aerogel layer 3 to the vacuum insulating glass 8.

[0115] The first disc 1 with the IR-reflective coating 6 and the second disc 2 with the IR-reflective coating 7 are designed in the same way as in Fig.2. The aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8 (apart from its base area) and the spacer 4 (apart from its height) are also designed in the same way as in Fig. 2. The bonding layers 5a, 5b, 5c are thermoplastic layers and are each formed as 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm thick PVB films.

[0116] The bonding layer 5c between the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 is optional. Alternatively, it could also be present only in the edge area between the spacer 4 and the vacuum insulating glass unit 8. The aerogel layer 3 is already fixed to the second pane 2, so an additional bond to the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 is not strictly necessary.

[0117] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figures 6 each show a detail of a further embodiment of the vehicle side window S according to the invention.

[0118] The side pane S can be conceptually divided into a window area D and a connection area A. In window area D, the side pane S comprises a first pane 1 (outer pane) and a second pane 2 (inner pane), between which a frame-like spacer 4 is arranged around the perimeter of window area D, along with a vacuum insulating glazing 8 and an aerogel layer 3.

[0119] The first pane 1 is a thermally tempered glass pane made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of 2.1 mm. The second pane 2 is a chemically tempered glass pane made of aluminosilicate glass with a thickness of 0.6 mm. The aerogel layer 3 is produced on the surface of the second pane 2 facing the outer pane 1 and therefore adheres to it. The spacer 4 is connected to the first pane 1 via a bonding layer 5a. The vacuum insulating glass unit 8 is also connected to the first pane 1 via the same bonding layer 5a. The vacuum insulating glass unit 8 is configured in the same way as in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig.2. The spacer 4 is connected to the second pane 2 via a further bonding layer 5c. A further bonding layer 5b is arranged between the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 and the aerogel layer 3, connecting these two components. The bonding layers 5a, 5b, and 5c are thermoplastic layers, each consisting of a 0.38 mm thick PVB film. The aerogel layer 3, for example, has a thickness of 2 mm and is made of a transparent polymer aerogel. The spacer 4 is made of transparent polycarbonate (PC). It has a width of 5 mm and a height (dimension between the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2) of 3.7 mm.

[0120] The bonding layers 5b, 5c can alternatively be formed in one piece, for example by a single PVB film that is arranged in the area of ​​the spacer 4 between it and the second pane 2 and is guided around the side edge of the aerogel layer 3 in the cavity and then runs between the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glass unit 8. The bonding layer 5b is not strictly necessary because the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 is already fixed to the first pane 1 via the bonding layer 5a and the aerogel layer 3 is fixed to the second pane 2. It can therefore be omitted.

[0121] An IR-reflective coating 6 is applied as a solar control coating to the surface of the outer pane 1 facing the aerogel layer 3 and the inner pane 2. An IR-reflective coating 7 is applied as an emissivity-reducing coating to the surface of the inner pane 2 facing the aerogel layer 6 and the outer pane 1. The IR-reflective coatings 6 and 7 are arranged in the same manner as in the configuration of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 trained.

[0122] The connection section A is formed only by the first disc 1 (outer disc), which extends beyond the second disc 2. Near its lower edge, the first disc 1 has two openings 11, which serve to connect it to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window S in the vehicle body. A component can be clamped or screwed into these openings 11.

[0123] The combinations of features shown are merely examples and do not limit the invention in any way. For example, the same applies to the side window S. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 instead of feedthroughs 11 a retaining element 10 as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Likewise, the aerogel layer 3 of the side window S could be provided. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is connected to the second disc 2 via a bonding layer, while the aerogel layer 3 of the side disc S of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 could be generated directly on a surface of the second pane 2. The combinations of first pane 1 and second pane 2 are also merely examples; alternatively, for instance, non-tempered glass panes or plastic panes could be used as first pane 1 and / or second pane 2.

[0124] Likewise, it is not mandatory that the aerogel layer 3 is arranged on the interior side of the vacuum insulating glass unit 8. Alternatively, the vacuum insulating glass unit 8 can be arranged on the interior side of the aerogel layer 3. In this case, the first pane 1 forms the inner pane and the second pane 2 forms the outer pane of the side window S.

[0125] It is also possible that the connecting section A is part of the second disk 2 instead of the first disk 1 as in the design of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0126] The same applies to a design with a connecting section A as in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. It is possible that the second pane 2 is attached to the vacuum insulating glazing 8 via the spacer 4 instead of to the first pane 1. Examples

[0127] The energy input through the side window S was determined by simulations. To characterize this, the so-called heat transfer coefficient, usually referred to as the U-value, was calculated. The lower the U-value, the lower the heat transfer.

[0128] There were: Example a side pane S according to the invention comprising a 3 mm thick aerogel layer 3, a 3 mm thick vacuum insulating glazing 8 (pressure 50 Pa), an IR-reflecting coating 6 on the inner surface of the outer pane and an IR-reflecting coating 7 on the outer surface of the inner pane; Comparative example a corresponding side pane made of the same outer pane 1, the same inner pane 2, but without aerogel layer 3, vacuum insulating glazing 8 and spacer 4 and without the coatings 6, 7; outer pane 1 and inner pane 2 were laminated to form a composite pane by a 0.76 mm thick PVB film.

[0129] In the comparison example, the simulated U-value was 5.9 W / (m²). 2 K), in the example according to the invention only 1.15 W / (m²) 2 K). The aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8 and the IR-reflecting coatings 6, 7 therefore lead to a significant reduction in the heat transfer coefficient. Reference symbol list: S vehicle side window 1 first disc 2 second disc 3 Aerogel layers 4 spacers 5a Compound layer 5b Compound layer 5c Compound layer 6 IR-reflective coating (sun protection coating) 7 IR-reflective coating (emissivity-reducing coating) 8 Vacuum insulating glazing 8a first glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing 8b second glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing 8c evacuated space of the vacuum insulating glazing 5 8d circumferential spacer of the vacuum insulating glazing 5 8e Spacer columns of the vacuum insulating glazing 5 10 retaining elements 11 Implementation The window area A connection area X - X' Intersection line Y - Y' Intersection line 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] WO 2019110172A1

[0003] WO 2012154602A1

[0004] US 2010146880A1

[0004] EP 3381881A1

[0005] EP 1978199A1

[0006] WO 9804802A1

[0006] EP 3878827A1

[0006] CN 102839893A

[0007] CN 208267668U

[0007] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN 12898:2019-06

[0081]

Claims

[1] Vehicle side window (S) comprising a first pane (1), a second pane (2), a vacuum insulating glass unit (8) and an aerogel layer (3), wherein the vacuum insulating glass unit (8) is arranged between the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) and comprises a first glass layer (8a) and a second glass layer (8b) separated from the first glass layer (8a) by spacers (8d, 8e), wherein the space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) is evacuated, and wherein the second pane (2) is connected to the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8) via a frame-like spacer (4), so that a cavity is formed bounded by the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8), the second pane (2) and the spacer (4), and wherein the aerogel layer (3) is arranged in the cavity. [2] Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum insulating glazing (8) is connected to the first pane (1) via a connecting layer (5a). [3] Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is connected to the second window (2) via a connecting layer (5b). [4] Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is produced on the surface of the second window (2). [5] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first window (1) and the second window (2) can be operated independently of each other as - thermally tempered glass pane, - non-tempered glass pane, - chemically tempered glass pane or - are formed from plastic discs. [6] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spacer (4) is formed from a polymer, in particular from a transparent polymer, preferably based on polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, PVC or polystyrene. [7] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer (4) has a width of 3 mm to 10 mm. [8] Vehicle side window (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerogel layer (3) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 6 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 4 mm. [9] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is based on a silicate aerogel, a polymer aerogel or a cellulose aerogel. [10] Vehicle side window (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and wherein the space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. [11] Vehicle side window (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) are chemically tempered. [12] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spacers (8d, 8e) - a circumferential spacer (8d) in an edge area between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) and - comprise a plurality of spacer columns (8e). [13] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an IR-reflecting coating (6, 7) is applied to the surfaces of the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) facing the aerogel layer (3) and the vacuum insulating glazing (8), preferably comprising at least two layers based on silver. [14] Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a connection section (A) of the first window (1) provided for attachment to a vehicle body extends beyond the second window (2) or wherein a connection section of the second window (2) provided for attachment to a vehicle body extends beyond the first window (1).

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