antenna disc

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the technical field of disc manufacturing and relates to an antenna disc with one or more integrated surface antennas, an antenna disc arrangement, a method for manufacturing the antenna disc, and its use.

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of technical devices for transmitting and receiving high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, primarily to enable basic services such as radio and television reception, mobile telephony, GPS navigation, and wireless internet (Wi-Fi). In mobile telephony, the introduction of the 5G standard is planned, which will allow for significantly higher data rates and capacities compared to the previous 4G standard. 5G is expected to use the frequency range of 0.6 to 6 GHz. This presents new challenges for vehicle manufacturers, as 5G also envisages the use of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which utilizes multiple transmitting and receiving antennas for data transmission.

[0003] Vehicle glazing in modern vehicles increasingly features full-surface, electrically conductive layers that are transparent to visible light. These electrically conductive layers serve, for example, to protect vehicle interiors from overheating caused by sunlight by reflecting incoming heat radiation, as is known, for instance, from EP 378917 A. On the other hand, electrically conductive layers can also be used to selectively heat the glass by applying an electrical voltage, in order to remove ice or condensation, as is known, for example, from WO 2010 / 043598 A1.

[0004] Electrically conductive layers are opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the high-frequency range. If the glazing of a vehicle is completely and entirely covered with electrically conductive layers, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic radiation within the vehicle's interior is no longer possible. For the operation of sensors located inside the vehicle, such as rain sensors, camera systems, or fixed antennas, localized areas of the electrically conductive layer are typically removed. These removed areas, which form so-called communication or data transmission windows, are known, for example, from EP 1605729 A2.

[0005] Because transparent, electrically conductive layers affect the color and reflective properties of a windshield, uncoated communication windows are visually very conspicuous. Furthermore, areas without coatings can cause optical distortions, so positioning them within the driver's field of vision should be avoided if driving safety is not to be compromised. For this reason, communication windows are placed in inconspicuous positions on the windshield, for example, in the area of ​​the rearview mirror, and covered with black printing and plastic covers.

[0006] The formation of a grid pattern in the communication window area is also known. From EP 0 717 459 A1, US 2003 / 0080909 A1 and DE 198 17 712 C1, disks with a metallic layer are known that have a grid-like delamination of the metallic layer, which acts as a low-pass filter for incident high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. From WO 2014060203 A1, a disk with a metallic layer is known whose grid-like delamination is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

[0007] Depending on the application, such communication windows may be too small to allow the transmission and reception of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, as required, for example, for mobile telephony and satellite-based navigation. This is especially true if the necessary antenna is located far from the window and only a small amount of signal intensity can reach the antenna's reception range through a small communication window, or conversely, only a small amount of signal intensity can be transmitted outwards through the communication window. Nevertheless, users expect to be able to operate mobile phones from any position inside a vehicle.

[0008] The use of external antennas for high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, attached to the vehicle body, is known, for example, from US 20140176374 A1. However, such antennas detract from the vehicle's aesthetic appearance, can cause wind noise, and are susceptible to damage and vandalism. To avoid external antennas, it is known, for example, from DE 10106125 A1, DE 10319606 A1, EP 0720249 A2, US 2003 / 0112190 A1, and DE 19843338 C2, to use the transparent, electrically conductive layer itself as a surface antenna. For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to a coupling electrode, and the antenna signal is made available at the edge of the window.The antenna signal coupled from the flat-panel antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier, which in motor vehicles is connected to the metallic body of the vehicle. This establishes a high-frequency reference potential for the antenna signal. The usable antenna voltage is the difference between the reference potential of the vehicle body and the potential of the antenna signal.

[0009] EP 3 300 167 A1 discloses a disk with a unipolar monopole antenna. The wire-shaped monopole antenna has a first connection area that serves as the first electrode. An electrically conductive coating of the disk has a second connection area that serves as the second electrode.

[0010] EP 3 249 743 A1 discloses a disk with an electrically conductive coating into which a slot antenna is incorporated. A region of the coating provides a reference potential. DE 103 14 094 A1 discloses a disk in which a segmented [material] serving as a slot antenna is incorporated.

[0011] The area is galvanically separated from an electric heating field by an insulation line.

[0012] EP 3 192 326 B1 discloses a disk with an electrically conductive coating that is heatable and has at least one data transmission window permeable to electromagnetic waves.

[0013] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved disc (hereinafter referred to as "antenna disc" for ease of reference) with one or more integrated planar antennas that enables good reception of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the frequency range of mobile telephony according to the 5G standard, and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by an antenna disk as defined in independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, an antenna disc is shown, which preferably serves to separate an interior space from an external environment. Preferably, the antenna disc is a vehicle window of a motor vehicle, for example a windshield (vehicle antenna disc).

[0016] The antenna disk comprises at least one electrically insulating substrate and at least one electrically conductive, preferably transparent, layer on the substrate, hereinafter referred to as the "functional layer" for ease of reference. The functional layer is, for example, applied directly to the substrate. However, it is also possible that one or more further layers made of materials different from the substrate and the functional layer are located between the surface of the substrate and the functional layer. The functional layer is typically completely surrounded by a layer-free edge zone of the antenna disk, with the edge zone being directly adjacent to the functional layer.

[0017] The antenna disk comprises at least one antenna structure, in particular a plurality of antenna structures. The antenna structure is described below: Each antenna structure comprises an electrically conductive layer with antenna function, hereinafter referred to as the "antenna layer" for ease of reference, which serves to receive and / or transmit high-frequency antenna signals. For the purposes of the present invention, high-frequency antenna signals are to be in the frequency range from 600 MHz to 6 GHz, i.e., in the frequency range intended for the 5G mobile communications standard. The antenna layer is preferably transparent to visible light. In accordance with the common understanding of the term "layer," the antenna layer is an area-based structure, wherein a minimum dimension in the area exceeds the layer thickness by a factor of several, e.g., by a factor of 100 or 1000.In particular, the antenna layer serves as a planar antenna and is not linear, i.e., the antenna layer is not a wire antenna or slotted antenna.

[0018] The at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, with a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer of at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 30 ohms, and more preferably at least 50 ohms, for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. This high-frequency resistance is the electrical resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. Thus, the electrical resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is high for high-frequency antenna signals, and the antenna layer is strongly decoupled from the functional layer at high frequencies.

[0019] The antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure has a first connection area or signal conductor connection area, which serves as the first (coupling) electrode for coupling in and / or out high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. The functional layer has at least a second connection area or ground conductor connection area, which serves as the second (coupling) electrode for providing a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0020] For electrical connection to receiving and / or transmitting electronics, the first connection area can be electrically coupled to a signal line, e.g., galvanically or capacitively. The second connection area can also be electrically coupled to a ground line, e.g., galvanically or capacitively.

[0021] The functional layer, which is galvanically isolated from the antenna layer and exhibits a high electrical resistance to the antenna layer for high-frequency antenna signals, provides a high-frequency effective reference potential for the antenna signals. The usable antenna voltage results from the difference between the reference potential of the functional layer and the potential of the antenna signals.

[0022] The functional layer can thus advantageously function as an electrical ground if it is galvanically isolated from the antenna layer and decoupled at high frequencies. In this way, a reference potential for the antenna signals received by the antenna layer can be provided easily and independently of the antenna disk's environment. For example, it is not necessary to provide a reference potential via the metallic vehicle body, which simplifies the installation of the antenna disk and allows the integrated area antenna to function independently of the vehicle. When used in buildings, providing a reference potential can sometimes be more complex, which can be advantageously avoided according to the invention.The antenna disk according to the invention thus advantageously enables the integration of both the antenna layer acting as a planar antenna and the electrical ground providing the reference potential into the antenna disk. In particular, the transmission of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation through a communication window can also be avoided. Furthermore, several antenna layers, each serving as a planar antenna, can be easily implemented in the same antenna disk. This enables, in particular, the reception and / or transmission of mobile communication signals according to the new 5G standard. The antenna layer of the antenna disk according to the invention, which serves as a planar antenna, can also be used to transmit antenna signals. The planar antenna of the antenna disk is preferably designed in the form of a monopole antenna.In this case, the antenna layer and the functional layer are designed accordingly for the function of the antenna layer as a monopole antenna.

[0023] The antenna layer of each antenna structure further comprises an isolation line, which electrically divides the functional layer into two functional layer zones. These zones are galvanically isolated from each other but coupled at high frequencies such that the high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm. Crucially, the second connection area (ground conductor connection area) is contained in (only) one of the two functional layer zones. For the sake of simplicity, the functional layer zone containing the second connection area is referred to as the second functional layer zone, and the other functional layer zone as the first functional layer zone.

[0024] To achieve a high-frequency resistance of less than 1 ohm for high-frequency antenna signals, the isolation line has a width of less than 150 µm. The two functional layer zones are then connected to each other with a low-impedance connection. The isolation line thus creates a functional layer zone containing the ground connection area (i.e., the second functional layer zone), which is galvanically isolated from the rest of the functional layer (i.e., the first functional layer zone). This prevents current conducted within the functional layer (e.g., heating current of the functional layer) from being introduced into the functional layer zone containing the ground connection area. Simultaneously, high-frequency antenna signals can pass through the isolation line.

[0025] In the antenna disk according to the invention, the antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within a recess of the functional zone, at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate.

[0026] In the embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention described above, it is advantageous if the antenna layer and the functional layer of the at least one antenna structure are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate. The antenna layer of the at least one antenna structure is then located at least partially, and in particular completely, within a recess of the functional zone, i.e., not only in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate, but also with respect to the plane of the functional layer. In this case, the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated by an electrically insulating area (hereinafter referred to as the "insulation zone"), which for this purpose is partially or completely free of electrically conductive material, in particular material of the functional layer.The spatial distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer, determined by the isolation zone, is selected such that a resistance of at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 50 ohms, is provided for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer. For this purpose, the minimum distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is at least 0.5 mm, and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The isolation zone can be created, in particular, by removing the functional layer. The antenna layer, the functional layer, and the isolation zone are arranged directly adjacent to each other. Preferably, the recess is created by completely removing the functional layer.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, the antenna layer and the functional layer of the at least one antenna structure are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate, in particular on different surfaces of several substrates. In this configuration, the antenna layer is preferably located closer to the interior of the antenna disk than the functional layer when the disk is installed. Crucially, the at least one antenna layer, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate (i.e., in orthogonal projection onto the substrate), is located at least partially within a recess formed in the functional layer, which is partially or completely free of the functional layer, so that the recess is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which can be received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer.In this embodiment, the recess does not need to be completely free of the conductive layer; rather, it is only necessary to ensure the transmission of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, the recess or pass-through area is either completely stripped of the layer or provided with a grid made of the same material as the functional layer, which is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation that can be received by the antenna layer. Such a grid is disclosed in the aforementioned WO 2014060203 A1, to which reference is made in full, particularly with regard to the design of the grid transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. The pass-through area is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation by at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, in which the antenna layer is arranged at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate within a recess of the functional zone, the at least one antenna structure comprises an insulating line that completely surrounds a recess edge (formed by the functional layer) that delimits the recess. In this case, the second functional layer zone, which contains the second connection area, completely surrounds the recess. This applies both when the recess is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and when the recess is arranged completely within the functional layer.It is understood that a marginal recess is defined only by the recess edge formed by the functional layer, so that the second functional layer zone can only surround the recess edge, but not the "open" edge of the recess where there is no material of the functional layer.

[0029] In the immediately preceding embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, it is advantageous if the isolation line, which extends from a first isolation line endpoint to a second isolation line endpoint, is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint, in particular both isolation line endpoints, lie on a functional layer edge of the functional layer that does not form part of the recess.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, in which the antenna layer is arranged at least in a perpendicular view through the at least one substrate within a recess of the functional zone, the at least one antenna structure comprises an insulating line that does not completely surround a recess edge (formed by the functional layer) that delimits the recess. In this case, the second functional layer zone containing the second connection area does not completely surround the recess. This applies both when the recess is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and when the recess is arranged completely within the functional layer.

[0031] In the immediately preceding embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, it is advantageous if the isolation line, which extends from a first isolation line endpoint to a second isolation line endpoint, is designed such that at least one isolation line endpoint, in particular both isolation line endpoints, lie on the recess edge.

[0032] For example, a recess in the functional layer is arranged entirely within the functional layer. In this case, the antenna layer is completely surrounded by the functional layer, with the insulating zone located between the antenna layer and the functional layer, provided that the antenna layer and the functional layer are located on the same surface of the at least one substrate.

[0033] Alternatively, a recess in the functional layer is arranged at the edge of the functional layer and is formed by a depression or indentation of the edge of the functional layer. In this case, the antenna layer is partially surrounded by the functional layer, with only a section of the antenna layer adjacent to the disk edge not surrounded by the functional layer ("open edge of the recess"). In this case as well, the insulation zone is located between the antenna layer and the functional layer if the antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, with the antenna layer, the functional layer, and the insulation zone being directly adjacent to each other. The recess is bounded by a recess edge formed by the functional layer.The edge of the antenna layer located at the disk edge is preferably aligned with an edge of the functional layer (but separated from it by the insulation zone). Preferably, the edge of the antenna layer adjacent to the disk edge borders directly on the layer-free edge delamination zone of the antenna disk.

[0034] If the antenna layer is arranged within a layer-free recess of the functional layer and the antenna layer is formed from the material of the functional layer, the term "recess" of the functional layer is to be understood as meaning that the antenna layer is not part of the functional layer.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, the antenna layer of each antenna structure advantageously consists of the same material as the functional layer and is formed from the functional layer, wherein the insulating zone located between the functional layer and the antenna layer is produced by partially or completely removing the functional layer. This measure allows the antenna layer to be produced from the functional layer itself in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0036] However, it is also possible for the antenna layer to consist of a material different from the functional layer and, for example, to be in the form of a metal foil applied to the substrate, such as a copper, silver, gold, or aluminum foil. The electrically conductive foil advantageously has a thickness of 50 µm to 1000 µm and preferably of 100 µm to 600 µm. The electrically conductive foil advantageously has a conductivity of 1 × 10⁶ S / m to 10 × 10⁷ S / m and preferably of 3.5 × 10⁷ S / m to 6.5 × 10⁷ S / m. It is also conceivable to use a carrier foil or substrate coated with a metal, for example, copper, silver, gold, or aluminum. The carrier foil or substrate preferably contains or consists of a polymer, in particular polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof.Such films are preferably glued to the substrate, for example by means of a thin adhesive film or double-sided adhesive tape.

[0037] Alternatively, the antenna layer consists of a printed and baked-on electrically conductive paste, preferably a silver-containing screen-printing paste. An advantageous printed antenna layer has a thickness of 3 µm to 20 µm and / or a sheet resistance of 0.001 ohms / square to 0.03 ohms / square, preferably 0.002 ohms / square to 0.018 ohms / square. Such antenna layers are easy to integrate into industrial manufacturing processes and cost-effective to produce.

[0038] Each antenna structure comprises an antenna layer, a first termination area, a second termination area, and an isolation line. If the antenna layer is at least partially, and in particular completely, arranged within a recess, and if the antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the substrate, the antenna structure also comprises an isolation zone.

[0039] The functional layer is arranged on a surface of the substrate and partially covers, preferably over a large area, of the substrate's surface. The term "large area" means that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or preferably at least 90% of the substrate's surface is covered (e.g., coated) by the functional layer. In particular, the functional layer can extend over the entire surface of the substrate, with the exception of one or more uncoated areas that galvanically isolate the antenna layer(s) from the functional layer or form a pass-through region. However, the functional layer can also extend over smaller portions of the substrate's surface, for example, less than 50%, less than 30%, or less than 20%, which may be desirable, for instance, if only a small area of ​​the antenna disk is to be electrically heated by the functional layer.According to the invention, a large-area covering of the substrate with the functional layer is preferred.

[0040] The at least one substrate contains or preferably consists of 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. Suitable glasses are known, for example, from EP 0 847 965 B1.

[0041] The thickness of the at least one substrate can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. Substrates with standard thicknesses of 1.0 mm to 25 mm are preferably used, and more preferably those of 1.4 mm to 2.1 mm. The size of the substrate can also vary widely and depends on its intended use.

[0042] The substrate can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the three-dimensional shape has no shadowed areas, so that it can be coated, for example, by cathode sputtering. Preferably, the substrate is planar or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions in space. The substrate can be colorless or colored.

[0043] The antenna disk is designed, for example, as a single disk or a composite disk. The composite disk typically comprises two preferably transparent substrates, corresponding to an inner and outer disk, which are firmly bonded together by at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer, wherein the at least one functional layer is located on at least one surface of at least one of the two substrates of the composite disk. Preferably, the at least one functional layer is located on an inner surface of the composite disk to protect it from external influences.

[0044] The thermoplastic interlayer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic interlayer may also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The thermoplastic interlayer may be formed by one or more thermoplastic films arranged one above the other, the thickness of each thermoplastic film preferably being from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0045] The antenna disc, for example, has a circumferential edge region with a width of 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, which is not provided with the functional layer. The functional layer advantageously has no contact with the atmosphere and is protected from damage and corrosion, for example, within a composite disc, by the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0046] The functional layer is preferably transparent to visible light. Preferably, the substrate and the antenna disc are also transparent to visible light. For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the overall transmission of the antenna disc complies with the legal requirements for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a transmittance of more than 70%, and particularly more than 75%, for visible light. For rear side windows and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmission. In an advantageous embodiment, the functional layer is a single layer or a layered structure consisting of several single layers with a total thickness of less than or equal to 2 µm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 µm. Preferably, the antenna disc has a transparency of more than 85% for visible light.

[0047] In principle, the functional layer can be any electrically conductive layer that fulfills a specific, predefined function for the antenna disk.

[0048] For example, the functional layer is a layer with solar shading properties. Such a layer exhibits reflective properties in the infrared range, and thus in the range of solar radiation, thereby advantageously reducing the heating of the interior of a building or motor vehicle due to solar radiation. Layers with solar shading properties are well known to those skilled in the art and typically contain at least one metal, in particular silver or a silver-containing alloy. The layer with solar shading properties can comprise a sequence of several individual layers, in particular at least one metallic layer and dielectric layers, which, for example, contain at least one metal oxide. The metal oxide preferably contains zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like, as well as combinations of one or more thereof.The dielectric material contains, for example, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, or aluminum nitride. Layers with sun protection properties are known, for example, from DE 10 2009 006 062 A1, WO 2007 / 101964 A1, EP 0 912 455 B1, DE 199 27 683 C1, EP 1 218 307 B1, and EP 1 917 222 B1.

[0049] The thickness of a sun-protective layer can vary widely and be adapted to the specific requirements, with a layer thickness of 10 nm to 5 µm and, in particular, 30 nm to 1 µm being preferred. The surface resistance of a sun-protective layer is preferably from 0.35 ohms / square to 200 ohms / square, more preferably from 0.5 ohms / square to 200 ohms / square, most preferably from 0.6 ohms / square to 30 ohms / square, and especially from 2 ohms / square to 20 ohms / square. The sun-protective layer exhibits, for example, good infrared-reflecting properties and / or particularly low emissivity (low-E).

[0050] The functional layer can, for example, also be an electrically heated layer, which provides the antenna disk with a heating function. Such heated layers are known to those skilled in the art. They typically contain one or more, for example, two, three, or four electrically conductive layers. These layers preferably contain or consist of at least one metal, for example, silver, gold, copper, nickel, and / or chromium, or a metal alloy, and preferably contain at least 90 wt.% of the metal, and in particular at least 99.9 wt.% of the metal. Such layers exhibit particularly advantageous electrical conductivity combined with high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of a single layer is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, and more preferably from 8 nm to 25 nm.At this thickness, an advantageously high transmission in the visible spectral range and a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity are achieved.

[0051] Typically, at least one dielectric layer is arranged between each pair of adjacent electrically conductive layers of the electrically heated functional layer. Preferably, a further dielectric layer is arranged below the first and / or above the last electrically conductive layer. A dielectric layer contains at least one layer of a dielectric material, for example, a nitride such as silicon nitride or an oxide such as aluminum oxide. Dielectric layers can also comprise several layers, for example, layers of a dielectric material, smoothing layers, matching layers, blocker layers, and / or antireflection layers. The thickness of a dielectric layer is, for example, from 10 nm to 200 nm.

[0052] The electrically heated functional layer is electrically connected to at least two busbars through which a heating current can be supplied to the functional layer. The busbars are preferably arranged in the edge region of the electrically conductive layer along a side edge. The length of the busbar is typically essentially equal to the length of the side edge of the electrically conductive layer, but can also be slightly greater or lesser. Preferably, two busbars are arranged on the electrically conductive layer, in the edge region along two opposite side edges of the electrically conductive layer. The width of the busbar is preferably from 2 mm to 30 mm, and particularly preferably from 4 mm to 20 mm.The collector conductors are typically designed in the form of a strip, with the longer of its dimensions being called the length and the shorter of its dimensions being called the width.

[0053] The busbars are designed, for example, as a printed and baked-on conductive structure. The printed busbar contains at least one metal, preferably silver. The electrical conductivity is preferably achieved via metal particles contained in the busbar, particularly preferably via silver particles. The metal particles can be embedded in an organic and / or inorganic matrix such as pastes or inks, preferably as a baked screen-printing paste with glass frits. The layer thickness of the printed busbar is preferably from 5 µm to 40 µm, particularly preferably from 8 µm to 20 µm, and most preferably from 10 µm to 15 µm. Printed busbars with these thicknesses are technically easy to produce and exhibit advantageous current-carrying capacity. Alternatively, the busbar can also be designed as a strip of electrically conductive film.The busbar then contains, for example, at least aluminum, copper, tin-plated copper, gold, silver, zinc, tungsten, and / or tin, or alloys thereof. The strip preferably has a thickness of 10 µm to 500 µm, particularly preferably 30 µm to 300 µm. Busbars made of electrically conductive foils with these thicknesses are technically easy to produce and exhibit advantageous current-carrying capacity. The strip can be electrically connected to the conductive structure, for example, via a solder compound, an electrically conductive adhesive, or by direct bonding.

[0054] The electrically conductive layer can also be a surface electrode, for example, the surface electrode of a composite disk with electrically switchable or controllable optical properties. Such composite disks contain electrically switchable or controllable functional elements, for example, SPD (suspended particle device), PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), electrochromic, or electroluminescent functional elements, and are known per se to those skilled in the art. The surface electrodes contain at least one metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), for example, silver, molybdenum, indium tin oxide (ITO), or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, and have layer thicknesses of, for example, 200 nm to 2 µm. The electrically conductive layer can also be a polymeric electrically conductive layer, for example, containing at least one conjugated polymer or a polymer provided with conductive particles.

[0055] The functional layer or a carrier film containing the functional layer can be arranged on the surface of a single pane (substrate). In the case of a laminated pane consisting of two panes (substrates), a preferably transparent functional layer is located on an inner surface of one and / or the other pane. In the case of a laminated pane consisting of more than two panes, several preferably transparent functional layers can also be located on several inner surfaces of the panes. Alternatively, the functional coating can be embedded between two thermoplastic interlayers. The functional layer is then preferably applied to a carrier film or carrier pane. The carrier film or carrier pane preferably contains a polymer, in particular polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof.

[0056] If the antenna disk is designed as a composite disk, it is preferred that the signal line and the ground line are designed as flat conductors. The flat conductor is preferably designed as a strip conductor, and in particular as a coplanar strip conductor, whose signal line is electrically coupled to the antenna layer and whose shield (ground line) is electrically coupled to the functional layer. Electrically coupled here preferably means galvanically connected. Alternatively, the signal line can be capacitively coupled to the antenna layer and the ground line can be capacitively coupled to the functional layer. The signal line and the ground line can also be designed as separate flat conductors.

[0057] The strip conductor is preferably designed as a foil conductor, in particular a flexible foil conductor (flat ribbon conductor). A foil conductor is understood to be an electrical conductor whose width is significantly greater than its thickness. Such a foil conductor is, for example, a strip or ribbon containing or consisting of copper, tinned copper, aluminum, silver, gold, or alloys thereof. The foil conductor has, for example, a width of 2 mm to 16 mm and a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm. The foil conductor can have an insulating, preferably polymeric, sheathing, for example, based on polyimide. Foil conductors suitable according to the invention have a total thickness of only, for example, 0.3 mm. Such thin foil conductors can be easily arranged between the disks. Several electrically insulated, conductive layers can be located in a foil conductor strip.

[0058] The electrical connection between the antenna layer and the signal line, or between the ground line and the functional layer, is made, for example, using electrically conductive adhesives or a soldered connection, both of which ensure a secure and permanent electrical connection. Alternatively, the electrical connection can be made using clamps, where the clamping is achieved, for example, by connecting one end of the signal line of the strip conductor to the antenna layer via a crimp contact and connecting one end of the ground line of the same or another strip conductor to the functional layer.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk, it comprises a plurality of antenna structures as described above. If all antenna layers are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, each antenna layer is surrounded by an insulating zone, i.e., the antenna layers are galvanically isolated from one another, with a high-frequency resistance between the individual antenna layers being at least 10 ohms, preferably at least 50 ohms. The antenna layers are thus highly decoupled at high frequencies and can act as individual planar antennas. The antenna layers are preferably each arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, in a separate recess of the functional layer and each has an insulating line.Two or more antenna layers, in particular all antenna layers, can also be arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, in a common recess. The antenna layers can also be arranged on different surfaces of one or more substrates. In this case, the antenna layers, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate, are each arranged at least partially within the same recess or passband, or multiple passbands. Several planar antennas could be advantageously used for the application of MIMO technology.

[0060] Advantageously, the antenna layer of each antenna structure is formed at the edge of the antenna disk. The maximum distance to the outer edge of the antenna disk is preferably less than 20 cm, and particularly preferably less than 10 cm. This allows the antenna layer and its leads to be concealed under an optically inconspicuous black print or covered with a protective covering.

[0061] The invention further extends to an antenna disk arrangement comprising an antenna disk as described above, and receiving or transmitting electronics, which are electrically connected to the first connection area of ​​the at least one antenna structure by a signal line and to the second connection area by a ground line. Preferably, the signal line and the ground line are each designed in the form of a flat conductor, which in particular enables simple and reliable contacting of the antenna layer and the functional layer in a composite disk.

[0062] The invention further extends to a method for manufacturing an antenna disk according to the invention. The method comprises a step in which at least one substrate is provided. The method comprises a further step in which an electrically conductive functional layer is applied to a surface of the substrate. The method comprises a further step in which an antenna structure is formed. This antenna structure comprises an electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohms, and wherein the antenna layer has a first connection area and the functional layer has a second connection area.The antenna structure further includes an isolation line by which the functional layer is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone and a second functional layer zone, wherein the two functional layer zones are galvanically separated from each other, but are coupled in a high-frequency manner such that a high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, with the second connection area being contained in the second functional layer zone.

[0063] The functional layer can be applied using methods known per se, preferably by magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering. This is particularly advantageous with regard to simple, fast, cost-effective, and uniform coating of the substrate. However, the functional layer can also be applied, for example, by vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), or by wet chemical processes.

[0064] Preferably, the insulating zone and the recess described in connection with the antenna disk are produced by partially or completely removing the functional layer. Advantageously, the antenna layer is produced from the functional layer. The removal is carried out, for example, by a laser beam. A line with a width wider than the width of a laser beam cone can be removed by repeatedly scanning the line with the laser beam. Alternatively, the removal can be carried out by mechanical ablation or by chemical or physical etching.

[0065] To manufacture a laminated glass pane, at least two panes (substrates) are preferably bonded (laminated) together by at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure. Methods known per se can be used to manufacture a laminated glass pane. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 to 145 °C for about two hours. Vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes, also known per se, operate, for example, at approximately 200 mbar and 130 to 145 °C. The two panes and the thermoplastic interlayer can also be pressed together in a calender between at least one pair of rollers to form a laminated glass pane. Plants of this type are known for the production of laminated glass panes and typically have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a pressing unit.The temperature during the pressing process ranges, for example, from 40°C to 150°C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly effective in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heated and evacuatable chambers in which the first and second sheets can be laminated within approximately 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80°C to 170°C.

[0066] Flat conductors for contacting the antenna layer and functional layer can be easily laminated between the substrates, with the flat conductors being led out of the composite between the disks.

[0067] In principle, the antenna disc can be intended for any use, for example as glazing in buildings, especially in the access area, window area, roof area or facade area, as a built-in component in furniture and equipment, in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, especially in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as a windshield, rear window, side window and / or roof window.

[0068] According to the invention, the antenna disc is preferably used in means of transport for travel on land, in the air, or on water, particularly in motor vehicles, for example as a windshield, rear window, side windows, and / or roof window. The use of an antenna disc according to the invention as a windshield is particularly advantageous. For example, mobile phone base stations are mounted along highways or expressways. The high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can then enter the vehicle's interior from the front, passing through the windshield in the direction of travel. In cities, mobile phone base stations are typically mounted on roofs or in elevated positions and transmit downwards. Satellite navigation signals also transmit downwards onto a vehicle.Because windshields are installed at a steep angle to improve aerodynamics, mobile phone signals or satellite navigation signals can also enter the vehicle interior from above, through the windshield.

[0069] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description: The invention relates to an antenna disc comprising: at least one electrically insulating substrate, at least one electrically conductive functional layer on a surface of the substrate, at least one electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is at least 10 ohms, and wherein the antenna layer is electrically coupled to a signal line for coupling out antenna signals received by the antenna layer and the functional layer is electrically coupled to a ground line for providing a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the antenna disk, the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on the same surface of the at least one substrate, wherein the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated by an electrically insulating zone. According to a further embodiment, the shortest distance between the antenna layer and the functional layer is at least 0.5 mm and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.According to a further embodiment, the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate, in particular on different surfaces of several substrates, wherein the antenna layer is arranged closer to the interior than the functional layer, and wherein the at least one antenna layer, viewed perpendicularly through the substrate, is located at least partially within a pass-through region formed in the functional layer, in which the functional layer is partially or completely absent, so that the pass-through region is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. According to a further embodiment, the antenna layer consists of the same material as the functional layer. According to a further embodiment, the antenna layer consists of a material different from the functional layer.According to a further embodiment, the at least one antenna layer is arranged within a recess, in particular a marginal recess, of the functional layer. According to a further embodiment, the functional layer has an insulating line surrounding the at least one antenna layer, thereby dividing the functional layer into two functional layer zones adjacent to the insulating line. These zones are galvanically isolated from each other but are coupled at high frequencies such that the high-frequency resistance for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is less than 1 ohm. According to a further embodiment, the insulating line has a width of less than 150 µm. According to a further embodiment, the antenna disk has a plurality of antenna layers.According to a further embodiment, the antenna disk has at least two substrates that are firmly bonded together by a thermoplastic intermediate layer, with the functional layer being applied to an inner surface of at least one of the two substrates. According to a further embodiment, the signal line and the ground line are each designed as a flat conductor.

[0071] The invention further relates to an antenna disk arrangement comprising an antenna disk as described immediately above. The antenna disk arrangement further comprises receiving or transmitting electronics, which are electrically connected to the at least one antenna layer and the functional layer by means of the signal line electrically coupled to the antenna layer and the ground line electrically coupled to the functional layer.

[0072] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an antenna disk as described above, which comprises: applying an electrically conductive functional layer to a surface of a substrate; forming at least one electrically conductive antenna layer for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, such that the at least one antenna layer is galvanically isolated from the functional layer, wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer and the functional layer for antenna signals received by the antenna layer is at least 10 ohms; electrically conductive coupling of the antenna layer with a signal line for coupling out antenna signals received by the antenna layer and electrically conductive coupling of the functional layer with a ground line that provides a reference potential for the antenna signals.

[0073] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, in a simplified representation not to scale: Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a top view of an enlarged section of the antenna disk. Fig. 1, wherein a corner section of the antenna disk is shown, Fig. 3 a top view of a further embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, wherein only a corner section of the antenna disk is shown, Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the antenna disk according to the invention, which is designed in the form of a composite disk, Fig. 5 a flowchart to illustrate the method according to the invention.

[0075] First, let's... Figures 1 and 2 considered. Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the antenna disk 1 according to the invention in a highly simplified, schematic representation. Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of antenna disc 1 of Figure 1 in the upper right corner area.

[0076] The antenna disk 1 comprises a substrate 2, which here is, for example, glass, on (in Figure 2(not shown in detail), on whose surface 3 a transparent, electrically conductive coating in the form of a functional layer 4 is applied. The antenna disk 1 can comprise only a single substrate 2. However, it is also possible that the substrate 2 is laminated with another substrate to form a composite disk, with the functional layer 4 being arranged inside the composite disk (see Figure 4The antenna disc 1 can, for example, be installed in a building or a motor vehicle to separate an interior from the outside environment. The functional layer 4 serves, for example, as a heat-insulating layer to reduce heat gain in the interior. The glass substrate 2, for example, consists of soda-lime glass and is shown rectangular in this simplified representation. It is understood that the antenna disc 1 can have any other suitable geometric shape and / or curvature. As a windshield, the antenna disc 1 typically has a convex curvature.

[0077] As in Figure 1As can be seen, the antenna disk 1 has a layer-free edge delamination area 5. The edge delamination area 5 extends from a disk edge 6 of the antenna disk 1 to a recessed functional layer edge 7 of the functional layer 4. The edge delamination area 5 has a constant width here, so that the functional layer 4 has the same shape as the substrate 2 (e.g., rectangular). However, the shape of the functional layer 4 can also differ from the shape of the substrate 2.

[0078] The antenna disk 1 comprises a layer-free recess 8 in the functional layer 4, which is rectangular in shape, and in which an antenna layer 9 is located. The recess 8 is arranged at the edge and is formed as a depression of the functional layer edge 7. The shape of the recess 8 is only exemplary; it is understood that the recess 8 can also have any other shape, for example, circular. The term "layer-free" means that the functional layer 4 is removed or not formed in the recess 8 (if the antenna layer 9 located in the recess is formed from the material of the functional layer 4, it is not considered part of the functional layer 4 within the meaning of the invention).

[0079] As in Figure 1As shown, the functional layer edge 7 can be subdivided into four straight functional layer edge sections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. Corresponding to the exemplary rectangular shape of the functional layer 4, the functional layer edge 7 comprises the two parallel functional layer edge sections 7a, 7b and the two parallel functional layer edge sections 7c, 7d. If the antenna disk 1 is intended to be the windshield of a motor vehicle, its outer shape could, for example, resemble a trapezoid. In this case, the two functional layer edge sections 7c, 7d could, for instance, not be parallel but angled to each other. In the figures, the recess 8 is illustrated as a depression in the functional layer edge section 7a, although it would be equally possible for the recess 8 to be formed in one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0080] The rectangular recess 8 shown here, for example, is bounded by a recess edge 16, which is part or a region of the functional layer edge 7, here, for example, the functional layer edge section 7a. The recess edge 16 is a recessed part of the functional layer edge section 7a, so that the functional layer edge section 7a can be divided into a recessed region (i.e., recess edge 16) and a non-recessed region. The recess edge 16 is formed by the functional layer 4.

[0081] The recess edge 16 can be subdivided into three straight recess edge sections 16a, 16b, 16c according to the shape of the recess 8. Thus, the recess edge 16 comprises two parallel recess edge sections 16a, 16b, which are connected by a recess edge section 16c perpendicular to them. The two parallel recess edge sections 16a, 16b extend, for example, perpendicular to the functional layer edge section 7a, while the further recess edge section 16c is arranged parallel to the functional layer edge section 7a. Here, a first recess edge section 16a extends from an outer edge section endpoint 17 of the non-recessed functional layer edge section 7a to an inwardly offset, inner edge section endpoint 18.A second recess edge section 16b extends from an outer edge section endpoint 17' of the non-recessed functional layer edge section 7a to an inwardly offset, inner edge section endpoint 18'. The third recess edge section 16c extends from one inner edge section endpoint 18 to the other inner edge section endpoint 18'.

[0082] Within the recess 8 is the electrically conductive antenna layer 9, which serves as a planar antenna. Accordingly, the antenna layer 9 is layered or planar. The antenna layer 9 is bounded by a circumferential antenna layer edge 10. Adjacent to the disk edge 6, the antenna layer edge 10 is flush with the functional layer edge 7, here, for example, the non-recessed functional layer edge section 7a. Between the antenna layer 9 and the functional layer 4 is an insulating zone 11 (see also enlarged illustration). Figure 2 The isolation zone 11 is the part of the layer-free recess 8 immediately adjacent to the functional layer 4, which does not have an antenna layer 9. Therefore, the isolation zone 11 is likewise layer-free, with the functional layer 4 being removed or not formed.

[0083] The antenna layer 9 is galvanically isolated from the functional layer 4 by the isolation zone 11. The isolation zone 11 has a minimum width, determined by the shortest distance between the recess edge 16 and the antenna layer edge 10, which is dimensioned to provide a high resistance (at least 10 ohms) for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer 9. For example, the isolation zone 11 has a constant width. Preferably, the antenna layer 9 is configured to receive high-frequency electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 0.6 to 6 GHz (5G mobile communication standard). The minimum width of the isolation zone 11 is preferably at least 0.5 mm and is particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, whereby a high resistance of at least 50 ohms can be achieved for high-frequency antenna signals received and / or transmitted by the antenna layer 9.

[0084] The antenna layer 9 is formed here, for example, from the same material as the functional layer 4, whereby only the insulating zone 11 needs to be stripped to create the recess 8. Alternatively, the antenna layer 9 can consist of a material different from the functional layer 4 and can be applied to the substrate 2, for example, in the form of a metal foil or a plastic film coated with a metal or metal alloy.

[0085] As in Figure 2In schematic representation, the antenna layer 9 has a first connection area 13 (signal conductor connection area) that can be electrically coupled to a signal conductor (not shown), for example, galvanically or capacitively. The signal conductor is, for example, a flat conductor. Furthermore, the functional layer 4 has a second connection area 14 (ground conductor connection area) that can be electrically coupled to a ground conductor (not shown), for example, galvanically or capacitively. The ground conductor is, for example, a flat conductor. If the antenna disk 1 is a composite disk, the two flat conductors can be easily laminated between the disks and brought out of the composite disk.

[0086] The antenna layer 9 is, for example, a broadband monopole antenna of the unipolar type, with the first connection area 13 serving as a first electrode and the second connection area 14 as a second electrode. High-frequency antenna signals received by the antenna layer 9 can be coupled out or antenna signals coupled in via the first connection area 13, with the second connection area 14 providing a reference potential for the antenna signals. For example, the first connection area 13 can be electrically connected to the inner conductor and the second connection area 14 to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, which is known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be discussed in detail here. By using the functional layer 4 as the reference potential, the transmit / receive performance of the antenna layer 9 can be significantly improved.

[0087] As in Figure 2As shown, functional layer 4 comprises an isolation line, wherein in Figure 2 Three exemplary alternatives for such an isolation line are shown, designated by the reference symbols 12, 12', 12". Only one isolation line 12, 12', 12" is provided in each case.

[0088] The alternative insulation lines 12, 12', 12" have in common that they electrically divide the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" containing the second connection area 14. Thus, the functional layer 4 is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2 by the insulation line 12. The alternative insulation line 12' also electrically divides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2'. The alternative insulation line 12" also electrically divides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2". Crucially, the second functional layer zones 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" each contain the second connection area 14.

[0089] The alternative isolation lines 12, 12', 12" have different paths. Isolation line 12 completely surrounds the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. Isolation line 12 begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19 of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20 of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a. The second functional layer zone 4.2, which is thus electrically subdivided from functional layer 4, surrounds the antenna layer 9 as far as possible, i.e., partially or completely, except on the "open" side of the functional layer edge section 7a. It would also be possible for isolation line 12 to begin and / or end at one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d. For example, isolation line 12 could begin at functional layer edge section 7c and end at (not (recessed) functional layer boundary section 7a end.For example, the isolation line 12 follows the contour of the recess edge 16, where a shortest distance between isolation line 12 and recess edge 16 is equal to, and it would equally be possible that the isolation line 12 does not follow the contour of the recess edge 16.

[0090] The alternative isolation line 12' does not completely surround the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. The isolation line 12' begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19' of the non-recessed functional layer edge 7a and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 16, here, for example, at recess edge section 16c. It would be equally possible for the isolation line 12' to begin at one of the other functional layer edge sections 7b, 7c, 7d. For example, the isolation line 12' could begin at functional layer edge section 7c and end at the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 16. Likewise, it would also be possible for the isolation line 12' to end at one of the other recess edge sections 16a, 16b.The isolation line 12' here partially follows the contour of the recess edge 16, whereby a shortest distance between isolation line 12' and the recess edge 16 is equal to, whereby it would equally be possible that the isolation line 12' does not follow the contour of the recess edge 16.

[0091] The alternative isolation line 12" does not completely surround the recess 8 or the recess edge 16. The isolation line 12" begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 16, here for example at recess edge section 16a, and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recessed functional layer edge 7a, i.e., at the recess edge 16, here for example at recess edge section 16a. It would be equally possible for the isolation line 12" to end at one of the other recess edge sections 16b, 16c.

[0092] The respective isolation line 12, 12', 12" divides the functional layer 4 into two immediately adjacent functional layer zones 4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.2", which are galvanically isolated from each other, but are coupled with low impedance (less than 1 ohm) with respect to high-frequency antenna signals. The isolation line 12, 12', 12" is designed to be correspondingly thin for this purpose (line width preferably less than 150 µm). The isolation line 12, 12', 12" prevents an electric current flowing in functional layer 4, which is introduced into functional layer 4 for controlling functional layer 4, for example via busbars, from flowing into functional layer zone 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" containing the second connection area 14. This prevents an undesired malfunction of the antenna structure 100 and further improves the antenna function.

[0093] The arrangement consisting of antenna layer 9, isolation zone 11, first connection area 13 and second connection area 14 represents an antenna structure 100 for receiving / transmitting high-frequency antenna signals.

[0094] It would also be conceivable that the recess 8 is located entirely within the functional layer 4, i.e., completely surrounded by the functional layer 4. This is in Figure 1 illustrated.

[0095] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an alternative antenna structure 100' to antenna structure 100, in which the recess 8' is located entirely within the functional layer 4. Within the recess 8' is the antenna layer 10', which is electrically isolated from the surrounding functional layer 4 by the insulation zone 11'. The antenna layer 9' has a first connection area 13' (signal conductor connection area), and the functional layer 4 has a second connection area 14' (ground conductor connection area). The recess 8' is bounded by the recess edge 16'.

[0096] The isolation line 12" divides the functional layer 4 into a first functional layer zone 4.1 and a second functional layer zone 4.2" containing the second connection area 14'. The isolation line 12" does not completely surround the recess 8' or the recess edge 16'. The isolation line 12" begins at a first isolation line endpoint 19' on the recess edge 16' and ends at a second isolation line endpoint 20' of the recess edge 16'.

[0097] It is now Figure 3 Considered, which illustrates a further embodiment of the antenna disk 1. To avoid unnecessary repetition, only the differences to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 received. Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of the antenna disk 1 in the corner area, analogous to Figure 2 Accordingly, the antenna disk 1 comprises a plurality of antenna structures 100, as shown in Figure 2The functional layer 4 has a plurality of recesses 8 for this purpose, in each of which antenna layers 9 are arranged. The antenna layers 9 are each galvanically isolated from the functional layer 4 by an isolation zone 11. The antenna layer 9 of each antenna structure 100 has a first connection area 13 and a second connection area 14. The functional layer 4 provides a common reference potential for all antenna layers 9. Each antenna structure 100 comprises a separate isolation line 12, 12', 12", wherein in Figure 3 Only the alternative according to reference number "12" is shown.

[0098] In Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the antenna disk 1 is shown. Only the features recognizable here are described; otherwise, reference is made to the above explanations. In this embodiment, the antenna disk is a composite disk in which a first substrate 2 (e.g., inner disk) and a second substrate 2' (e.g., outer disk) are firmly bonded together by a thermoplastic interlayer 15. The two substrates 2, 2' each consist of glass, preferably thermally tempered soda-lime glass, and are transparent to visible light. The thermoplastic interlayer 15 consists of a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The outer surface of the second substrate 2' faces the external environment and is simultaneously the outer surface of the antenna disk 1.The inner surface of the second substrate 2' and the inner surface of the first substrate 2 each face the intermediate layer 15. The outer surface of the first substrate 2 faces an interior space, e.g., a vehicle interior, and is simultaneously the inner surface of the antenna disk 1.

[0099] The first substrate 2 contains the functional layer 4, which is provided with a recess 8 in which the functional layer 4 is either removed or not formed. An antenna layer 9 is arranged within the recess 8, which here is, for example, designed as a metal foil (shown thickened for illustration). The metal foil is, for example, bonded to the substrate 2. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 15 protects the antenna layer 9 from external influences. It is understood that a Figure 4 The isolation zone 11, not shown, is located between antenna layer 9 and functional zone 4.

[0100] Figure 5 The process according to the invention is illustrated by means of a flowchart. In a first step I, at least one substrate (2, 2') is provided. In a second step II, an electrically conductive functional layer (4) is applied to a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2'). The process comprises a third step III in which at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is formed, which includes: an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is galvanically isolated from the functional layer (4), wherein a high-frequency resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) is at least 10 ohms for high-frequency antenna signals, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') has a first connection area (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) has a second connection area (14, 14'), an isolation line (12, 12', 12") by which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2"), wherein the two functional layer zones (4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.2") are galvanically isolated from each other, but coupled using high-frequency technology such that the high-frequency resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, with the second connection area (14, 14') being contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2").

[0101] From the above explanations, it follows that the invention provides an improved antenna disk with one or more integrated antenna structures. The functional layer of the antenna disk serves to provide an electrical reference potential for one or more antenna layers. High-frequency antenna signals can be received / transmitted with good signal strength. A plurality of antenna structures can be implemented in a simple manner. The antenna disk is particularly well suited for the new 5G mobile communications standard. Reference symbol list

[0102] 1 Antenna disk 2, 2' Substrate 3 Surface 4 Functional layer 4.1 First functional layer zone 4.2, 4.2', 4.2" Second functional layer zone 5 Edge delamination area 6 Disk edge 7 Functional layer edge 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Functional layer edge section 8, 8' Recess 9, 9' Antenna layer 10, 10' Antenna layer edge 11, 11' Insulation zone 12, 12', 12" Insulation line 13, 13' First connection area 14, 14' Second connection area 15 Intermediate layer 16, 16' Recess edge 16a, 16b, 16c Recess edge section 17, 17' Outer edge section endpoint 18, 18' Inner Edge section endpoint 19, 19', 19" first isolation line endpoint 20, 20', 20" second isolation line endpoint 100 Antenna structure

Claims

1. Antenna pane (1) which comprises at least one electrically insulating substrate (2, 2'), at least one electrically conductive functional layer (4) on a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2'), and at least one antenna structure (100), wherein the antenna structure (100, 100') comprises: - an electrically conductive antenna layer (9, 9') for receiving and / or transmitting high-frequency antenna signals, in which the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is arranged, at least when viewed perpendicularly through the at least one substrate (2, 2'), at least partially, in particular completely, within a cutout (8, 8') of the functional layer (4),wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is galvanically separated from the functional layer (4), wherein a high-frequency technical resistance between the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) for high-frequency antenna signals is at least 10 ohm, wherein (i) the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') are arranged on the same surface (3) of the at least one substrate (2, 2'), wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) are galvanically separated from one another by an electrically insulating insulation zone (11, 11'), and wherein the insulation zone (11, 11') has a minimum width of at least 0.5 mm, which is in particular in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or (ii) the at least one antenna layer (9, 9') and the functional layer (4) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') are arranged on different surfaces of the at least one substrate (2, 2'), in particular on different surfaces of a plurality of substrates, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') is arranged closer to the interior than the functional layer (4), and wherein the at least one antenna layer (9, 9') is situated, when viewed perpendicularly through the substrate (2, 2'), at least partially within a cutout formed in the functional layer (4), in which the functional layer (4) is partially or completely absent such that the cutout is transparent to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, wherein the antenna layer (9, 9') has a first connection region (13, 13') and the functional layer (4) has a second connection region (14, 14'), - an insulating line (12 12', 12"), by means of which the functional layer (4) is electrically divided into a first functional layer zone (4.1) and a second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2"), wherein the two functional layer zones (4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.2") are galvanically separated from one another, but are coupled using high-frequency technology such that a high-frequency technical resistance for high-frequency antenna signals is less than 1 ohm, wherein the insulating line (12 12', 12") of the at least one antenna structure (100) has a maximum width of less than 150 µm, wherein the second connection region (14, 14') is contained in the second functional layer zone (4.2, 4.2', 4.2").

2. Antenna pane (1) according to claim 1, in which the insulating line (12', 12") completely surrounds a cutout edge (16, 16') delimiting the cutout (8, 8').

3. Antenna pane (1) according to claim 2, in which the insulating line (12), which extends from a first insulating line end point (19) to a second insulating line end point (20), is designed such that at least one insulating line end point, in particular both insulating line end points (19, 20), lie on a functional layer edge (7) of the functional layer (4) that does not form part of the cutout.

4. Antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 3, in which the insulating line (12', 12") does not completely surround a cutout edge (16, 16') delimiting the cutout (8, 8').

5. Antenna pane (1) according to claim 4, in which the insulating line (12', 12"), which extends from a first insulating line end point (19', 19") to a second insulating line end point (20', 20"), is designed such that at least one insulating line end point (20'), in particular both insulating line end points (20', 20"), lie on the cutout edge (16, 16').

6. Antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 5, in which the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is made of the same material as the functional layer (4).

7. Antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 5, in which the antenna layer (9, 9') of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100') is made of a material different from the functional layer (4).

8. Antenna pane assembly, which comprises: - an antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 7, - receiving and / or transmitting electronics, which are electrically connected by a signal line to the first connection region (13) and by a ground line to the second connection region (14) of the at least one antenna structure (100, 100').

9. Method for producing an antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 7, which comprises: (I) providing the at least one substrate (2, 2'), (II) applying the electrically conductive functional layer (4) to a surface (3) of the substrate (2, 2'), (III) forming the at least one antenna structure (100, 100').

10. Use of the antenna pane (1) according to one of claims 1 through 7 in means of transportation for travel on land, in the air, or on water, in particular in motor vehicles, for example, as a windshield, rear window, side windows, and / or roof panel.