Layer arrangement of a glass element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Layer arrangement (1) for a glass element of a motor vehicle comprising a translucent outer layer (2) and at least two PVB layers (3) and a translucent inner layer (7) and at least one further layer (4, 5, 6) arranged between the outer layer (2) and the inner layer (7), characterized in that at least one first further layer (4) has an opaque insert, in particular a multi-part insert designed as a predetermined pattern, whereby the at least one first further layer (4) is partially translucent and partially opaque.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a layer arrangement of a glass element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 10 2020 116 602 A1 discloses how to create a starry sky effect in a motor vehicle using digital layers such as PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

[0003] The technical challenge is to create a layered arrangement for a vehicle glass element that enables improved design and functionality. The aim is to vary the optical properties of the layered arrangement while simultaneously ensuring the structural integrity and safety features of the glass element. A further technical challenge is the integration of this layered arrangement into a vehicle to enhance its exterior appearance and occupant safety.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0005] The invention relates to a layer arrangement for a glass element of a motor vehicle comprising a translucent outer layer and at least two PVB layers (PVB: polyvinyl butyral) and a translucent inner layer and at least one further layer arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein at least one first further layer has an opaque insert, in particular a multi-part insert designed as a predetermined pattern, whereby the at least one first further layer is partially translucent and partially opaque.

[0006] In other words, the invention relates to a layer arrangement for a glass element, consisting of an outer and an inner, each transparent layer, as well as at least two PVB layers and at least one further layer between them. One PVB layer is directly adjacent to the outer layer, and the at least one further PVB layer is directly adjacent to the inner layer. This additional layer, or first further layer, includes an opaque insert arranged in a specific pattern, thus making the layer both transparent and opaque to light. In the case of multiple further layers, a PVB layer is arranged between each of them.

[0007] The technical innovation of this layer arrangement lies in the integration of an opaque insert within an intermediate layer of the glass element. This insert, designed as a predefined pattern, enables targeted light diffusion or blocking. In the context of developing high-end vehicles, particularly in the area of ​​customization for discerning customers, this solution offers a unique opportunity to selectively control the light transmission of the glass element and, for example, create a starlight effect and / or integrate a sunshade or shading function. The insert can also serve as a carrier for digital components, protecting them from harmful sunlight and UV radiation (UV: ultraviolet).Encapsulating the digital components with an intermediate layer, also known as an additional layer, including the insert, increases their lifespan and reliability. The digital components can include light sources, particularly LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Furthermore, structuring the insert allows for targeted control of light transmission, thus creating new possibilities for the design and functionality of automotive glass elements. Integrating this technology into a layered arrangement overcomes the technical challenges of creating a starlight effect within the layers of a vehicle roof, as the insert serves as both protection and a carrier for the digital components. The insert can be made of metal and / or opaque plastic.For example, the insert can have round areas cut out in at least one further layer, so that light, especially sunlight, can shine or fall into the interior of the motor vehicle through them.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one or at least one second further layer has light-transmitting recesses, in particular holes.

[0009] In other words, it is intended that at least one or at least one additional layer has openings, in particular holes, through which light can shine, i.e. into the interior.

[0010] The integration of translucent cutouts, primarily holes, into the layered materials within the glazing of the panoramic roof offers significant technical advantages. These cutouts allow daylight, as well as light from light-emitting diodes or other light sources, to pass through the layers, thus creating the desired starry sky effect. The known technique, as described in DE 10 2020 116 602 A1, focuses on digital layers such as PDLC, while the present invention enables or provides for the integration of physical material layers. These material layers, which here can be understood as at least one additional layer, can not only serve as a substrate for digital components but also (with an additional layer) protect them from harmful solar radiation and UV radiation.For this purpose, an outer or first further layer closest to the (sunlight) radiation can contain the insert, and an additional or second further layer can contain the digital or electrical components.

[0011] Embedding the layered materials, or at least an additional layer, within the glass structure or layer arrangement solves the technical problem of creating a starry sky effect using a glass element of a motor vehicle, particularly a roof attached to or encompassed by the vehicle, while simultaneously providing protection for sensitive digital components. Furthermore, the perforated layered materials can act as sunshades by filtering light and conceal the digital components from the view of the vehicle occupants through multiple layers.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the second further layer is made of light-conducting material.

[0013] In other words, it is intended that at least one additional or further layer, which is arranged between the glass layers or the outer layer and the inner layer of the panoramic roof, is designed in such a way that it can conduct light.

[0014] The use of a light-guiding layer in the context of the present invention enables the realization of a starlight effect within the layers of the vehicle roof, which is technically challenging with currently available technology. This layer can serve as a carrier for digital components that contribute to generating the effect, while simultaneously protecting these sensitive components from harmful sunlight and UV radiation. This protection can be achieved by shading through the insertion of the first additional layer, which can be present in addition to the second additional layer, particularly when installed and positioned further outwards than the second. Alternatively, a single additional layer can comprise the insertion, the components, and the light-guiding material.The light-guiding properties of the second layer allow it to evenly distribute light generated by LEDs or other light sources, creating a realistic and pleasing starlight effect. This light-guiding layer can also be designed to act as a sunshade by selectively perforating it or arranging it in a specific pattern to filter or diffuse the light. Integrating it into multiple layers of the substrate provides additional protection, concealing the digital components from the vehicle occupant's view. This addresses the limitations of previous technologies, which either rely on purely digital solutions like PDLC without a physical material layer or on purely material-based solutions without digital integration.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one or a third further layer has light sources, in particular LEDs.

[0016] In other words, the layer arrangement is designed to include, for example, light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, within the layers of the structure.

[0017] Integrating light sources such as LEDs into the layered structure enables the creation of a starry sky effect within a vehicle's panoramic roof, a technical challenge with current technology. Using thin material layers embedded within the glass as carriers for digital components, such as the light sources / LEDs, elegantly addresses this challenge. In particular, the inclusion of at least one additional layer, or an additional layer with an insert, provides effective protection for the sensitive digital components against harmful sunlight and UV radiation, significantly increasing their lifespan and reliability. Furthermore, the material can be designed to conceal the digital components from the direct view of the vehicle occupants, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance.For this purpose, the insert, or an additional layer with an insert, can be positioned closer to the interior or occupants than the light sources / LEDs or another layer with light sources / LEDs. Previous work focused on digital layers, such as PDLC technology, and integrated micro-LEDs, but without considering physical material layers. The insert can additionally or alternatively be arranged in a unique pattern to act as a sunshade and can be cut out or selectively perforated to allow both daylight and light from the LEDs or other light sources to pass through.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the installed state of the layer arrangement, this has at least the first as the outermost layer, the second as the middle layer and the third as the innermost layer with respect to an arrangement of the further layers, in particular with respect to the interior.

[0019] In other words, the layer arrangement is designed to be configured such that the first layer forms the outer boundary, the second layer is in the middle, and the third layer is the layer closest to the vehicle interior, with this arrangement being valid in conjunction with the further arrangement of the layers.

[0020] The described layer arrangement enables optimal integration of thin material layers within the glass panes of a panoramic roof, which is particularly important for creating a starry sky effect. The outer layer can serve as protection against environmental influences such as sunlight and UV radiation, while the middle layer can contain the cutouts. The innermost layer can house the light sources / LEDs. Encapsulating the layers within the glass protects the digital components and allows the material of the insert(s) to be used for sun protection or for targeted light transmission through cutouts or perforations. Compared to the state of the art, which is limited to digital solutions such as PDLC, this design allows for the integration of physical material structures, offering greater design freedom and functionality.Alternatively, the three additional layers can be arranged in any order within the panoramic roof. The designation or numbering of the additional layers does not necessarily indicate their position within the panoramic roof. Thus, viewed from the outside in, the first layer with the insert could be the outermost layer, the third layer with components such as LEDs the next layer, and the second layer the innermost layer.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insert of the first layer is designed to shade the light sources / LEDs of the third layer with respect to externally arriving light, in particular sunlight. Alternatively, with only one further layer, the insert can shade or at least partially cover the LEDs or components of this single further layer.

[0022] In other words, the first additional layer is designed to protect the LEDs of the third layer from direct sunlight, thus also advantageously reducing their visibility from the outside.

[0023] By using the integrated material layer, which can be described as at least one additional layer, as a substrate for the digital components, these are protected from harmful sunlight and UV radiation, thus increasing the lifespan and reliability of the LEDs. The first layer not only serves as a substrate but also as an effective glare shield, protecting the LEDs from direct sunlight and thus preserving the perceived starry sky effect. Furthermore, the first layer can be designed in a unique pattern to act as a sunshade and can be cut out or selectively perforated to allow both daylight and light from the LEDs or another light source to pass through.The digital components can even be enclosed in more than one layer of the material to better protect them from the harmful effects of the sun and UV radiation and to conceal them from the view of the vehicle occupants.

[0024] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a described layer arrangement of a glass element of the motor vehicle.

[0025] In other words, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a glass element that includes a multilayer arrangement of materials as defined above. This layered arrangement serves as the glass element and thus integrates the described features into the vehicle structure.

[0026] Integrating a layered arrangement, or even a glass element, into a motor vehicle offers significant technical advantages. Using material layers as additional layers, or at least as a single layer within the glazing or panoramic roof, enables the realization of complex effects, such as a starlight effect, which was previously difficult to achieve due to technical challenges. These material layers not only serve an aesthetic purpose but can also act as carriers for digital components, such as LEDs or other light sources required to generate the starlight effect.Encapsulating these digital components between the glass layers, particularly between the outermost and innermost layers and within the material layers themselves, provides effective protection against harmful solar radiation and UV rays, thus increasing the lifespan and reliability of the electronics. Furthermore, the material layer can be designed to act as a sunshade by selectively transmitting or blocking light, improving occupant comfort. The combination of physical layers and digital technology therefore represents a significant advancement over the current state of the art.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glass element is designed as part of the vehicle roof of the motor vehicle.

[0028] In other words, it is intended that the glass element is designed as a panoramic roof or at least as part of one, forming an integral component of the vehicle roof.

[0029] The layered material serves as a substrate for digital components, protecting them from harmful sunlight and UV radiation. Furthermore, the material, particularly the insert and / or cutouts, can be designed with a unique pattern to function as sun protection, and selective perforation or cutting allows both daylight and light from LEDs or other light sources to pass through. The digital components can also be encapsulated by multiple layers of material to increase their lifespan and conceal them from the occupants' view.

[0030] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0031] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of a layer arrangement as a panoramic roof for attachment to a frame structure of a motor vehicle; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a layered structure of the layer arrangement.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a layer arrangement 1 for placement on the body of a motor vehicle. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a frame structure 12, provided by the motor vehicle or its body, can be used for this purpose, to which the layer arrangement 1 can be attached by gluing, screwing and / or pressing into the frame structure 12. The frame structure 12 can be arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle, whereby the layer arrangement 1 can form a panoramic roof of the motor vehicle, particularly when the layer arrangement 1 is installed on the motor vehicle.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a layer structure of the layer arrangement. Fig. 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the outermost layer of the layer arrangement 1, referred to as the outer layer 2, can be arranged directly adjacent to an environment or forming an exterior surface of the vehicle. A PVB layer 3 can be arranged closest to the interior of the vehicle. Immediately adjacent to this layer 3, a layer 4 with an insert can be located as the first further layer 4. The insert can be opaque and have a predefined or unique pattern, which can be formed by a metal structure, plastic structure, and / or wood structure, in particular as an opaque film such as aluminum foil. The insert can be encapsulated in the first further layer 4, for example, cast in synthetic resin as the substrate material of the first further layer 4.An intermediate layer 10 can be connected to the first further layer 4, which can be bonded to the adjacent layers 4 and 6. The intermediate layer 10 can be a PVB layer and can be directly bonded to each of the two layers adjacent to it. The PVB layers 3 can be bonded to the layers immediately adjacent to them. A third further layer 6 can be directly connected to this intermediate layer 10 towards the interior, in which LEDs 8 can be arranged as digital components. Immediately following the third further layer 6, another intermediate layer 10 can be arranged, which can be bonded to the adjacent layers 6 and 5. Immediately following this, a second further layer 5 can be arranged, which is arranged as in . Fig.The second layer 5, as shown in Figure 2, may have recesses 9. The material of the second layer 5 can be light-conducting, such as glass or transparent resin, which can make the boundaries of the recesses 9 appear particularly bright, especially when viewed from the perspective of an occupant seated inside the interior and in the presence of sunlight and / or LED light. A PVB layer 3 can be directly adjacent to the second layer 5, facing the interior. An innermost layer or inner layer 7 can be arranged directly adjacent to this and directly adjacent to the interior. The outer layer 2 and the inner layer 7 can be made of glass. The outer layer 2, the inner layer 7, the PVB layers 3, and the intermediate layers may be designed to be completely transparent.

[0034] The following describes the idea in other words. A starry sky effect in a motor vehicle's glass roof, particularly in a panoramic roof or within the layers of a motor vehicle's glass roof, is currently difficult to achieve with available technologies. Some of these problems can be overcome by using a physical material integrated into a layer, such as another layer 4, 5, 6, or by using one of the other layers 4, 5, 6 as a carrier for digital components such as LEDs 8.

[0035] The physical material and / or the additional layers 4, 5, 6 can serve to protect the digital components, such as LEDs 8, from destructive or harmful sunlight and / or its UV radiation. The basic principle of the idea is that physical material, such as an insert, is integrated into a layer of a panoramic roof, in particular an additional layer 4, 5, 6. The digital components, such as LEDs 8, can also contribute to creating a starry sky effect. The insert can be arranged in a unique or predetermined pattern, whereby the pattern can be determined by the positioning or location of the LEDs 8 positioned beneath the insert. Thus, the insert can serve as sun protection for LEDs 8 or digital components in the additional layer encompassing the insert and / or for LEDs enclosed by an additional layer 5, 6.One of the further layers 4, 5, 6 can be selectively perforated, i.e., have cutouts 9, to allow daylight, i.e., sunlight or light from the LEDs 8 and / or another light source, to pass into the interior. The digital components, such as the LEDs 8, can also be integrated or encapsulated within more than one layer, in particular within more than one further layer 4, 5, 6, to protect the LEDs 8, i.e., the digital components, from sunlight degradation, especially UV degradation, and / or to conceal them from the view of a vehicle occupant. Reference symbol list 1 layer arrangement 2 outer layer 3 PVB layers 4 first further shift 5 second further shift 6 third further shift 7 inner layer 8 LEDs 9 recess 10 Intermediate shift 11 PVB layers 12 Framework structure 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 10 2020 116 602 A1 [0002, 0010]

Claims

[1] Layer arrangement (1) for a glass element of a motor vehicle comprising a translucent outer layer (2) and at least two PVB layers (3) and a translucent inner layer (7) and at least one further layer (4,5,6) arranged between the outer layer (2) and the inner layer (7), characterized by , that at least one first further layer (4) has an opaque insert, in particular a multi-part insert designed as a predetermined pattern, whereby the at least one first further layer (4) is partially transparent and partially opaque. [2] Layer arrangement according to claim 1 characterized by that at least one or at least one further layer (5) has light-transmitting recesses (9). [3] Layer arrangement (1) according to claim 2 characterized by , that the second further layer (5) is made of light-conducting material. [4] Layer arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one or a third further layer (6) has light sources, in particular LEDs (8). [5] Layer arrangement (1) according to claims 1, 2 and / or 3, and 4 characterized by , that in the installed state of the layer arrangement (1) it has at least the first (4) as the outermost layer, the second (5) as the middle layer and the third (6) as the innermost layer with respect to an arrangement of the further layers (4,5,6). [6] Layer arrangement (1) according to claim 5 characterized by , that the insertion of the first layer (4) shades the light sources, in particular LEDs (8) of the third layer (6) with respect to light coming from outside. [7] Motor vehicle with a layer arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by that the glass element is designed as part of the vehicle roof of the motor vehicle.

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