GLASS WINDOW FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a glass pane for a vehicle and its use.

[0002] Vehicles are increasingly being equipped with electrical components. In addition to traditional radios, a growing number of vehicles contain devices capable of receiving or transmitting high-frequency signals.

[0003] Examples include the reception of signals from a navigation system or signals from communication systems.

[0004] Navigation systems can be, for example, a satellite-based navigation satellite system (GNSS). Systems currently in operation include the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). Other navigation systems are possible, for example, based on mobile communication systems.

[0005] Communication systems can be, for example, short-range radio systems for car-to-car or car-to-infrastructure, or mobile communication systems, such as 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th generation mobile communication systems.

[0006] Since vehicles often have large metal surfaces, high-frequency signals are shielded by these, making reception (as well as transmission - if intended -) more difficult.

[0007] Although suitable antennas can be attached to the outside of the vehicle, such additional equipment presents a problem in several respects.

[0008] Exemplary orders are known from US 20140176374 A1.

[0009] Firstly, these installations require penetrations that are susceptible to corrosion. Secondly, such installations often detract from the visual appearance. Furthermore, they frequently create noise and increased wind resistance. In addition, such antennas are also targets of vandalism.

[0010] Based on this, a trend has developed in the past to deploy antennas in other locations.

[0011] For example, GNSS antennas can be placed inside the vehicle interior, such as below the dashboard or below the windshield.

[0012] It is difficult to find a suitable position with a good view of the GNSS satellites for the antenna while simultaneously avoiding EMC problems caused by electrical devices in the dashboard and by the vehicle engine.

[0013] Furthermore, electrically conductive layers such as infrared-reflecting layers or low-E layers can prevent the transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the disk and block the GNSS signal.

[0014] Typical GPS antennas are implemented as planar antennas, usually as patch antennas, and are known, for example, from WO 00 / 22695 A1, DE 202006011919 U1, or DE 202010011837 U1. A planar metallic antenna structure is arranged on one side of a printed circuit board or a ceramic substrate. On the opposite side, a planar base plate serves as a ground plane. The antenna structure and base plate are connected to an electrical receiver via electrical conductors. Due to the thickness of the printed circuit board or ceramic substrate, the antenna has a certain thickness and, if mounted directly on the windshield, is clearly visible and not very aesthetically pleasing.

[0015] International patent application WO 2016 / 162251 A1 discloses a vehicle windscreen with an integrated GPS antenna coupled via a coplanar strip conductor.

[0016] The applicant's products also include antennas mounted on or integrated into a glass pane. However, it has become apparent that connecting such antennas to systems located away from the glass pane is not without its problems.

[0017] Typically, the antenna structure and a stripline structure are positioned on the glass pane such that a film F with the stripline is wrapped around the edge of the glass pane GS1. The mounting area for the glass pane to a vehicle body A is also located in this same area. Adhesive KL (polyurethane-based) is often present in this mounting area. Previous stripline structures included a conductor for the counterpoise GND (ground potential) parallel to the actual antenna conductor in the same structural plane.

[0018] In the fastening area, signal impairment on the strip conductor occurs particularly at high frequencies (> 500 MHz, especially 1 GHz).

[0019] This impairment may be caused by the adhesive KL and its electric field constant and / or the spatial proximity to another GND potential (ground potential) of the vehicle body A.

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved glass pane for a vehicle in which an antenna, and in particular a GPS antenna, and a connection structure with improved properties can be integrated simply and cost-effectively.

[0021] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a glass pane for a vehicle according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the figures, and the description.

[0022] The invention makes it possible to reduce disruptive influences in the mounting area, thus providing less signal attenuation.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the film is wrapped around the first glass layer in the area of ​​the connection structure.

[0024] This makes it possible to arrange the film with the antenna structure on one side of the glass pane, while, for example, a connection area to the connecting structure can be arranged on the inside.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the film is flexible. In a further embodiment of the invention, the film has a thickness of 25 µm to 500 µm.

[0026] This allows for the easy provision of a bend, e.g. for folding around a glass layer, without having to use these preforms.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the film is essentially transparent in the wavelength range of 400 nm - 700 nm.

[0028] This does not affect the optical properties.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the distance between each of the two lateral conductors and the central conductor is between 50µm min and 300µm.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the central conductor has a width of 50µm to 300µm.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the film has a thickness of 25 µm to 300 µm.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the conductor layers have a height of 1 µm - 75 µm.

[0033] That is, the invention enables fine structures that are also suitable for high frequencies.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the invention, vias are arranged at least between one of the lateral conductors and the conductor opposite the film.

[0035] The vias achieve improved potential equality across the entire array, thus further improving the high-frequency properties.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two conductor layers is at least partially provided with a cover layer.

[0037] This allows for contact to be established at a suitable point with one of the conductor layers or their structures, e.g., to provide a connection to a ground potential. Conversely, the top layer can prevent unwanted contact.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antenna structure is designed to receive high-frequency signals. In particular, the antenna structure can be designed to receive mobile communication signals and / or signals from a (satellite-based) positioning system.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the film comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyurethane, polymethylene methacrylic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl butyral, FR6, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyamide.

[0040] This means that a material can be used which is suitable as a support for conductor structures during manufacturing and is optionally optically transparent and / or easily bondable with a glass layer.

[0041] Basically, all electrically insulating substrates are suitable as glass panes, provided they are thermally and chemically stable under the conditions of manufacture and use of the glass pane according to the invention as a vehicle window.

[0042] The glass pane preferably contains glass, particularly preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass or clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and / or mixtures thereof.

[0043] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the conductor structures comprise silver and / or copper and / or gold and / or aluminum and / or indium and / or graphene.

[0044] This means that the conductor structures can also be adapted to electrical and / or thermal and / or mechanical boundary conditions.

[0045] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the connection structure has a connection area for an electromechanical high-frequency connection element. In particular, the connection structure can have an SMA connector.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the glass pane is a laminated glass pane, wherein the glass pane has a second glass layer, wherein the film is inserted between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0047] This means the film can be applied to the outside of a pane of glass as well as between the glass layers of a laminated glass pane.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a glass pane according to the invention, in particular a land, sea, air or space vehicle.

[0049] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the glass pane according to the invention is used for receiving signals for satellite-based navigation, in particular for receiving GNSS signals from Navstar GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, Navic, and QZSS. Alternatively or additionally, the glass pane according to the invention is used for receiving signals from a mobile communication system, in particular a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation mobile communication system.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below 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.

[0051] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic overview relating to the arrangement of films, glass layer(s) in relation to a vehicle body to illustrate aspects according to the prior art and the invention, Fig. 2 a cross-section through a film in embodiments of the invention illustrating the layer structure, Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a connection structure in embodiments of the invention, and Fig. 4 a schematic top view of a connection structure in embodiments of the invention.

[0052] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that different aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. That is, each aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention unless explicitly presented as a pure alternative.

[0053] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally be made to only one entity at a time. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the invention may also include several of the entities concerned. Therefore, the use of the words "a", "an", and "a" should only be understood as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0054] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the individual steps of a procedure described below can be arranged and / or combined in any order. Furthermore, the procedures can be combined with each other unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0055] Information with numerical values ​​should generally not be understood as exact values, but also include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0056] Insofar as standards, specifications, or the like are mentioned in this application, reference is always made to at least those standards, specifications, or the like applicable on the filing date. That is to say, if a standard / specification, etc., is updated or replaced by a successor, the invention is also applicable to it.

[0057] The figures depict various embodiments.

[0058] In Figure 1 The image shows a glass pane for a vehicle in its installed state. The glass pane has at least one first glass layer, GS2.

[0059] A film F with two conductive layers LS1 and LS2 is applied to the first glass layer GS2. A cross-section of such a film is shown in Figure 2 shown. Application can involve gluing / laminating or bonding in an autoclave (e.g., for laminated glass panes).

[0060] At least one of the conductor layers is structured, as will be described below. The structuring can be created by various processes, e.g., by appropriate (screen) printing, (ablative) laser structuring, (wet-chemical) etching, etc.

[0061] An antenna structure ANT is provided by means of at least one of the two conductor layers LS1, see Figure 4 .

[0062] The antenna structure ANT in Figure 4 The antenna itself can be appropriately chosen and may, for example, have a horn-shaped antenna, a polarized antenna, broadband antennas, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, a connection structure GCPW to the antenna structure is provided by means of the two conductor layers LS1 and LS2. The connection structure GCPW has a center conductor ML on one side of the foil, flanked by two lateral conductors L1 and L2. The center conductor ML and the two flanking lateral conductors L1 and L2 are located in one of the two conductor layers, here in conductor layer LS1. In the other conductor layer LS2, a conductor GL is also provided, arranged essentially parallel to the center conductor ML and the two flanking lateral conductors L1 and L2. The two flanking lateral conductors L1 and L2 and the conductor GL have essentially the same potential. Such an arrangement is prospectively in Figure 3shown. In this case, the conductor GL in the other conductor layer LS2 occupies a width that is generally wider than the sum of the width b ML of the center conductor ML and the widths of the distances a 1 , a 2 of each of the two lateral conductors L1, L2 to the center conductor ML.

[0064] The invention makes it possible to reduce disruptive influences in the mounting area, thus providing less signal attenuation.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the film F - as in Figure 1 shown - in the area of ​​the connection structure GCPW around the first glass layer GS2.

[0066] This makes it possible for the film F with the antenna structure ANT to be arranged on one side of the glass pane GS2, while, for example, a connection area S to the connection structure GPCW can be arranged on the inside of the glass pane GS2.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the invention, the film F is flexible. In a further embodiment of the invention, the film has a thickness h F of 25 µm to 500 µm.

[0068] This allows for the easy provision of a bend, e.g. for folding around a glass layer, without having to pre-form it.

[0069] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the film F is essentially transparent in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. This can be achieved by appropriately selecting the material.

[0070] This does not affect the optical properties. It should be noted that in not all applications are the conductor structure GPCW and / or the antenna structure ANT located in an optically visible area; these structures may also be located in a peripheral area, which is typically optically opaque due to black printing. In such a case, the transparency of the film F and / or the conductor layers LS1, LS2 need not be taken into account.

[0071] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the distance a1, a2 between each of the two lateral conductors L1, L2 and the central conductor ML ranges from 50 µm to 300 µm. It should be noted that the distances a1, a2 need not necessarily be identical, but can also be different. Preferably, however, the distances are identical, i.e., a1 = a2.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the invention, the center conductor ML has a width b ML of 50 µm to 300 µm. The width of the center conductor ML can depend on the material used for the conductor layer LS1 and / or the frequency of the signals to be transmitted.

[0073] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the conductor layers h LS1 , h LS2 have a height of 1 µm - 75 µm, preferably 10 µm - 75 µm. It should be noted that the heights h LS1 , h LS2 need not necessarily be identical, but can also be different. Preferably, however, the heights are identical, i.e., h LS1 = h LS2. Thus, the invention enables fine structures that are also suitable for high frequencies.

[0074] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one or more vias VIA are provided between one of the lateral conductors L1 and the conductor GL opposite the foil F – as shown in Figure 3The vias are indicated – arranged. The vias VIA can be arranged at a predetermined distance. Furthermore, vias VIA can also be provided analogously with respect to the second lateral conductor L2 and the opposite conductor GL. The distance can be based on the wavelength of the signals to be transmitted. Furthermore, the characteristic impedance of the interconnect GCPW can be adjusted by means of such vias VIA. Improved potential equalization across the entire array is also achieved by means of the vias VIA, thus further improving the high-frequency characteristics.

[0075] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two conductor layers LS1, LS2 is (at least) partially provided with a cover layer.

[0076] This allows for contact to be established at a suitable point with one of the conductor layers LS1, LS2, or their structures (L1, L2, ML, GL), for example, to provide a connection to a ground potential (GND). Conversely, the top layer can prevent unwanted contact.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antenna structure ANT is configured for receiving high-frequency signals. In particular, the antenna structure ANT can be configured for receiving mobile communication signals and / or signals from a (satellite-based) positioning system.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the invention, the film F comprises at least one material selected from the group comprising polyimide, polyurethane, polymethylene methacrylic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl butyral, FR6, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyamide.

[0079] This means that a material can be used which is suitable as a support for conductor structures during manufacturing and is optionally optically transparent and / or easily bondable with a glass layer.

[0080] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the conductor layers LS1 and LS2 comprise silver and / or copper and / or gold and / or aluminum and / or indium and / or graphene. It should be noted that the conductor layers LS1 and LS2 can comprise different materials. Preferably, however, they comprise the same materials. This means that the conductor structures can also be adapted to electrical and / or thermal and / or mechanical boundary conditions.

[0081] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the connection structure GCPW - as in Figure 1As indicated, a connection area S for an electromechanical high-frequency connector is provided. Specifically, the connection structure can include an SMA socket. The SMA socket can, for example, have an angled arrangement, thus providing a low profile in the connection area. Typically, vehicle windows are equipped with an electromechanical high-frequency connector S as a built-in / replacement part to enable quick installation and reliable contact.

[0082] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the glass pane is a laminated glass pane, wherein the glass pane has a second glass layer GS1, and the film F is inserted between the first glass layer GS2 and the second glass layer GS1. That is, the film can be applied either to an outer surface of the pane or between the glass layers of a laminated glass pane. The film F (with the respective conductive layers LS1, LS2) can be applied directly to one of the glass layers GS1, GS2, or an intermediate layer VF can be arranged above and / or below the film F (with the respective conductive layers LS1, LS2). The intermediate layer VF essentially serves to connect the glass layers GS1, GS2.To compensate for height differences through the foil F (with the respective conductor layers LS1, LS2), the intermediate layer VF may have recesses. The intermediate layer VF contains at least one substance selected from the group comprising polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), and / or mixtures and copolymers thereof.

[0083] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is provided with a glass pane according to the invention, in particular a land, sea, air or space vehicle (or combinations thereof).

[0084] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the glass pane according to the invention is used for receiving signals for satellite-based navigation, in particular for receiving GNSS signals from Navstar GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, Navic, and QZSS. Alternatively or additionally, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, the glass pane according to the invention is used for receiving signals from a mobile communication system, in particular a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation mobile communication system.

[0085] As a result, a new approach is pursued instead of the previous technology of a transmission line or a coplanar waveguide, as used in the prior art. By using an opposing conductor GL, the influence of interfering elements, especially in the mounting area, can be reduced.

[0086] Nevertheless, the requirements for a thin structure that can be integrated can still be met.

[0087] The invention makes it possible to provide good transmission with good matching to the waveguide resistance even when the waveguide is bent around the glass layer GS2.

[0088] This result was unexpected and surprising for the expert. Reference symbol list

[0089] GS1, GS2 Glass layer LS1, LS2 Conductor layer AN Antenna structure GCPW Connection structure ML Center conductor L1, L2 Side conductor GL Opposite conductor F Foil a1, a2 Spacing b ML Width h F Thickness h LS1, h LS2 Height VIA Via S Electromechanical high-frequency connection element A Vehicle body VF Intermediate layer GND Ground potential KLK Adhesive

Claims

1. Glass pane for a vehicle, comprising a first glass layer (GS2), a film (F) with two conductor layers (LS1, LS2) being applied to the first glass layer (GS2), the two conductor layers (LS1, LS2) being located opposite each other with respect to the film (F), an antenna structure being provided by means of at least one of the two conductor layers (LS1), characterized in that a connection structure (GCPW) to the antenna structure is provided by means of the two conductor layers, the connection structure having a centre conductor (ML) which is flanked by two lateral conductors (L1, L2), the centre conductor (ML) and the flanking two lateral conductors (L1, L2) being located in one of the two conductor layers ( LS1), a conductor (GL) being provided in the other conductor layer (LS2) of the two conductor layers (LS1, LS2), which conductor (GL) is arranged essentially parallel to the centre conductor (ML) and the flanking two lateral conductors (L1, L2), the flanking two lateral conductors (L1, L2) and the conductor (GL) having essentially the same potential.

2. Glass pane according to claim 1, characterized in that the film (F) is flexible and is placed around the first glass layer (GS2) in the region of the connection structure (GCPW).

3. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the film (F) is essentially transparent in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm.

4. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 3, characterized in that a distance (a1, a2) of each of the two lateral conductors (L1, L2) from the central conductor (ML) is between 50 µm min and 300 µm.

5. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the central conductor (ML) has a width (bML) of 50 µm to 300 µm.

6. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the film (F) has a thickness (hF) of 25 µm to 300 µm.

7. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the conductor layers have a height (hLS1, hLS2) of 10 µm to 75 µm.

8. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 7, characterized in that through-contacts are arranged in each case between one lateral conductor (L1) and / or the other lateral conductor (L2) of the two lateral conductors (L1, L2) and the conductor (GL) of the second conductor layer (LS2) located opposite with respect to the film (F).

9. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 8, characterized in that at least one of the two conductor layers (L1, L2) is at least partially provided with a covering layer.

10. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 9, characterized in that the antenna structure (ANT) is designed to receive high-frequency signals.

11. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the connection structure (GCPW) has a connection region for an electromechanical radio-frequency connecting element (S).

12. Glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the glass pane is a laminated glass pane, the glass pane having a second glass layer (GS1), the film (F) being introduced between the first glass layer (GS2) and the second glass layer (GS1).

13. A vehicle with a glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 12.

14. Use of a glass pane according to one of the claims 1 through 12 for receiving signals for satellite-based navigation, in particular for receiving GNSS signals from Navstar GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, Navic, QZSS.