VEHICLE WINDOW WITH LIGHT SOURCE AND LIGHT GUIDING LAYER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle roof with a vehicle window.

[0002] A vehicle window is known from practice which is particularly suitable for use in the area of ​​a vehicle roof. The vehicle window can form a fixed roof element or a cover element of a roof opening system, by means of which a roof opening can be optionally closed or opened. The known vehicle window comprises a window body which can be curved and is provided with a light guide layer. Furthermore, the known vehicle window is provided with a light source whose light can be coupled into the light guide layer. The coupling takes place via an edge of the light guide layer. The light guide layer can form the visible surface of the vehicle window from the vehicle interior, so that when the light source is activated, the light guide layer creates a light element in the vehicle window, by means of which light element a vehicle interior can be illuminated if necessary.In the known vehicle window, the light guide layer has smaller dimensions than the window body, on the inside of which the light guide layer is arranged, so that light emitted by the light source can be coupled in via the edge of the light guide layer.

[0003] From WO 2019 / 069909 A1, a lighting device for a vehicle roof is known, comprising a pane body provided with a coupling element on a large surface. The coupling element has a wedge-shaped cross-section and a side surface through which light from a light source can be coupled into the coupling element. The light source is spaced apart from the side surface of the coupling element.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating a vehicle roof designed according to the type mentioned in the introduction, in which the light guide layer can provide the largest possible luminous area.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by the vehicle roof having the features of patent claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, a vehicle roof is proposed in which the light emitted by the light source can be coupled into the light guide layer over a large area, specifically by means of the coupling element arranged on the inside of the pane body arrangement. This makes it possible to optimally adapt the light guide layer to the requirements in terms of its dimensions and its base area. Furthermore, only light with specific angles of incidence is coupled into the light guide layer. Light rays that lie outside this range are not coupled in, so they do not propagate in the light guide layer. This improves the luminosity and also the luminous homogeneity across the surface of the light guide layer. The coupling element thus directs the light emitted by the light source into the light guide layer at defined angles, thereby achieving greater coupling efficiency.

[0007] In principle, the concept according to the invention, in which the coupling element is arranged on the inside of the pane body arrangement, can be used for toughened safety glass (ESG) and laminated safety glass (VSG).

[0008] When the invention is applied to laminated safety glass, the pane body assembly comprises an outer pane body and an inner pane body, which is connected to the outer pane body via a bonding layer. The inner pane body forms the light guide layer. In this case, the coupling element can be attached directly to the inside of the inner pane body.

[0009] It is of course also conceivable that in the case of laminated safety glass, an additional light guide layer is applied to the inner body of the pane, into which the light from the light source can be coupled by means of the coupling element.

[0010] In the embodiment in which the inner pane body forms the light guide layer, no additional costs are incurred for applying a light guide layer. Furthermore, the functional integration results in weight and space savings. Thus, the inventive design with the coupling element via the inner pane body makes it possible to provide a flat ambient light function, for example, even in a fixed roof element of a motor vehicle.

[0011] The inner pane body, which can have the same dimensions as the outer pane body or be smaller, is generally made of any material suitable for use as a light guide. For example, the inner pane body is made of a material that includes glass and / or polycarbonate and / or another plastic.

[0012] In a pane assembly constructed as laminated safety glass, a bonding layer between the individual panes is preferably made of a material comprising PVB, EVA, and / or TPU. The bonding layer can be clear or transparent or even colored.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element of the vehicle roof according to the invention is designed in a strip-like manner and is preferably arranged close to the edge of the underside of the pane body assembly. Light can then be coupled into the light guide layer of the pane body assembly via the extension of the strip-like coupling element.

[0014] In the vehicle roof according to the invention, two coupling elements of the type described above are provided, which are arranged close to the edge on the underside of the pane body arrangement facing away from one another.

[0015] In order to optimize the coupling angle of the light coupled into the optical fiber layer by the coupling element, the coupling element in the vehicle roof according to the invention has a wedge-shaped cross-section. This allows the coupling element to function like an optical prism.

[0016] The coupling element, which is in particular a strip-like plastic body, is preferably made of a material comprising PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PA (polyamide), COC (cycloolefin copolymer) or COP (cycloolefin polymer).

[0017] The refractive index of the coupling element is in particular adapted to the refractive index of the adjacent optical fiber layer and preferably has a value between 1.40 and 1.65 and in particular between 1.48 and 1.59.

[0018] The coupling element is preferably manufactured using an extrusion process or an injection molding process.

[0019] To improve internal reflection, the coupling element can be provided with a reflective coating, which can comprise metals such as aluminum or silver and can be applied by a vapor deposition or sputtering process.

[0020] To further improve the coupling behavior of the light into the light guide layer, in an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle window according to the invention, an additional deflection structure is arranged between the coupling element and the window body assembly. The additional deflection structure can change the angle of incidence of the light onto the light guide layer through appropriate refraction in order to increase the internal reflection in the light guide layer. The additional deflection structure can comprise a series of asymmetric prisms with dimensions in the millimeter or micrometer range and arranged as a three-dimensional array or in a line, as is the case, for example, with a Fresnel lens array.

[0021] The additional deflection structure can be formed integrally with the coupling element and be formed directly during its manufacture, for example, during an extrusion or injection molding process. It is also conceivable for the additional deflection structure to be a coating of the coupling element, for example, in the form of a separate structured film.

[0022] The coupling element is bonded to the pane body via an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer, which preferably has a refractive index between 1.40 and 1.65 and in particular between 1.48 and 1.56, can be formed from any optically suitable adhesive. For example, the adhesive layer is made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an optically clear liquid adhesive (LOCA = liquid optical clear adhesive ), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PVB (polyvinyl butyral), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), an epoxy adhesive or an acrylate adhesive.

[0023] The selected materials preferably have refractive indices that minimize refraction of the light rays at the interfaces and optimize the coupling efficiency under ideal angular conditions.

[0024] The refractive indices of a pane inner body made of glass are, in particular, 1.52, whereas the refractive indices of the coupling element and the adhesive by means of which the coupling element is bonded to the pane inner body can vary depending on the material selected. When PMMA is used for the coupling element, the refractive index is 1.49. The adhesive then has a refractive index of 1.52, for example. When a coupling element made of polycarbonate is used, the refractive index is, for example, 1.58, whereas the refractive index of the adhesive used is 1.56. If the coupling element is made of COP, its refractive index is 1.52. The adhesive by means of which the coupling element is bonded to the glass inner body then preferably also has a value of 1.52.

[0025] In a specific embodiment of the vehicle window according to the invention, the coupling element is formed from a cast resin, which is preferably molded directly onto the window body assembly using a casting process. In this case, the light source, which is an LED strip, can be an insert of the cast resin, i.e., the light source can be encapsulated in the cast resin.

[0026] In the vehicle roof according to the invention, the light source is arranged directly on a side surface of the coupling element. The light source, designed in particular as a high-performance LED module, is an LED bar or strip with a plurality of LEDs that emit their light directly into the coupling element.

[0027] Furthermore, a cladding element or cover can be arranged on the inside of the disc body assembly, concealing the coupling element. In this embodiment, which meets high optical requirements, the light source and, if applicable, the light guide, by means of which the light is coupled into the coupling element, can also be located behind the cover. The cover, forming a housing, can be glued to the disc body assembly.

[0028] It is also conceivable for the coupling element to be housed in a molded section that is molded onto the pane body assembly and made, for example, of polyurethane foam. In this case, the reflective coating on the coupling element prevents absorption losses through the molded section.

[0029] To ensure that an optimal optical transition is always maintained between the coupling element and the pane body assembly, in a special embodiment of the vehicle pane according to the invention, the coupling element is pressed toward the pane body assembly by the trim element and / or the shaped section. The trim element or the shaped section thus exerts pressure on the coupling element, ensuring that the optical contact between the coupling element and the pane body assembly is maintained.

[0030] To further improve the transition between the coupling element and the pane body assembly, in a special embodiment of the vehicle pane according to the invention, the coupling element is optically coupled to the pane body assembly via a transparent immersion medium. Thus, in this embodiment, a film-like layer of an optical immersion medium is arranged between the coupling element and the pane body assembly. The immersion medium can comprise an oil and / or a gel or be formed from an oil and / or a gel.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle window according to the invention, the immersion medium has a refractive index between 1.47 and 1.59 and in particular between 1.51 and 1.52, so that the refractive index is adapted to the refractive index of a window body made of glass of the window body arrangement.

[0032] The viscosity of the immersion medium can range from 10 to 50,000 cP.

[0033] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the description, the drawings and the patent claims.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of a vehicle roof with a vehicle window according to the invention are shown in a simplified schematic form in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle roof with a vehicle window according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic section through the vehicle window of the vehicle roof according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3 Figure 2corresponding section through a second embodiment of a vehicle window; Figure 4 shows a section through a third embodiment of a vehicle window; Figure 5 shows a section through a fourth embodiment of a vehicle window; Figure 6 shows a section through a fifth embodiment of a vehicle window; Figure 7 shows a section through a sixth embodiment of a vehicle window; Figure 8 shows a section through a seventh embodiment of a vehicle window; and Figure 9 shows a section through an eighth embodiment of a vehicle window.

[0035] In Figure 1A vehicle roof 10 of a motor vehicle, not otherwise shown in detail, is shown. The vehicle roof 10 is a panoramic roof, which has an adjustable cover element 12 and a fixed roof element 14, which is fixedly or immovably connected to the vehicle body. Both the cover element 12 and the fixed roof element 14 each comprise a glass element, which represents a vehicle window and is designed as laminated safety glass (LSG), which is provided with an ambient light function. In this respect, the structure of the cover element 12 corresponds to that of the fixed roof element 14. This structure is shown in Figure 2 shown in more detail.

[0036] The roof elements 12 and 14, each designed as a vehicle window, each comprise a composite component comprising an outer window body 16 and an inner window body 18. The outer window body 16 is formed from a curved glass plate, made, for example, from colored soda-lime glass. It is also conceivable to form the outer window body 16 from a plastic element, for example a polycarbonate element. The inner window body 18 can also be made from an inorganic glass, such as soda-lime glass, or a polymer, for example a polycarbonate. Furthermore, the inner window body 18, in the present context, forms a light guide layer in which light coupled into its volume propagates.

[0037] The outer pane body 16 and the inner pane body 18 are connected to each other via a lamination layer or bonding layer 20, which can be made of a material such as PVB, EVA, or TPU. Furthermore, the bonding layer 20 can be clear or fully transparent, or even colored. In this case, the bonding layer 20 has a thickness of 0.76 mm, but can also have a different thickness.

[0038] The outer pane body 16 and the inner pane body 18, each of which has a thickness of approximately 2.1 mm in the present case, form a pane body assembly with an outer side facing the vehicle's surroundings and an inner side facing the vehicle interior. On the inner side, the pane body assembly is provided with a lighting device 22 on each side relative to a vertical longitudinal roof center plane, by means of which the ambient light functionality can be implemented.

[0039] The lighting devices 22 each extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are arranged on the respective lateral edge of the cover element 12 or the fixed roof element 14.

[0040] The lighting devices 22 each comprise a light source 24 comprising an LED array and arranged on one end face of a light guide 26 formed from a rod or a cord and comprising, for example, a PMMA material and / or a polycarbonate material. The light guide 26 can be manufactured using an extrusion process or an injection molding process.

[0041] Furthermore, the lighting devices 22 each comprise a strip-like coupling element 28, which extends over the length of the respective lighting device 22 and, in this case, has a wedge-shaped or triangular cross-section. The coupling elements 28 thus each form a prismatic body. This is preferably manufactured from a plastic material using an extrusion or injection molding process, with PMMA, PC, PA, COC, and / or COP, whose refractive indices are between 1.48 and 1.59, being particularly suitable as materials.

[0042] The coupling elements 28 are each fixed to the pane body assembly via an adhesive layer 30. The adhesive layer 30 has a refractive index that lies in the range of the refractive index of the coupling element 28, or that lies between those of the coupling element 28 and the pane inner body 18, and that lies in particular between 1.48 and 1.56. The material used for the adhesive layer 30 can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an optically clear liquid adhesive, EVA, PVB, TPU, an epoxy adhesive, or an acrylate adhesive.

[0043] The inner disc body 18 has a refractive index of 1.52.

[0044] Furthermore, the lighting devices 22 are each provided with a covering element 32, which is also fastened to the underside of the pane body arrangement or to the underside of the pane inner body 18 and covers the coupling element 28, the light guide 26 and the light source 24.

[0045] When the light source 24 is activated, the light emitted by it is coupled into the light guide 26 and from the light guide into the coupling element 28. By internal reflection at the interfaces of the coupling element 28, the light is coupled via the adhesive layer 30 into the inner pane body 18, which represents a light guide layer, where it can propagate therein via internal reflection at the interfaces. The light can be coupled out of the inner pane body 18 toward the vehicle interior by scattering elements provided on the inner pane body 18. For example, a print is applied to the upper side of the inner pane body 18, which scatters the light toward the vehicle interior.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the light guide 26 and the coupling element 28 are formed in one piece.

[0047] In Figure 3a vehicle window 40 is shown which largely corresponds to that of Figure 2, but differs from it in that it has a light guide 26' which is arranged on a side surface of the input element 28 and which is provided with an additional output element 42 which extends over the length of the light guide 26. The output element 42 supports the output of light from the light guide 26' in the direction of the input element 28. The output element 42 can be manufactured in one piece with the light guide 26' or can be an additional structure which is designed as a print, as a prism structure, as a dot structure or the like.

[0048] In all other respects, the vehicle window 40 corresponds to that according to Figure 2 .

[0049] In Figure 43, but differs from it in that the coupling element 28 comprises, on its surface facing the window body arrangement, an additional deflection structure 52 which optimizes the coupling of the light emitted in the direction of the window body arrangement and which is formed from rows of asymmetric prisms with dimensions in the micrometer or millimeter range or a lens array, for example a Fresnel lens array. The additional deflection structure 52 can be a coating of the coupling element 28 or can be manufactured in one piece with it. The coupling element 28 is connected at its edges to the underside of the inner window body 18 of the window body arrangement via adhesive strips 54.

[0050] In addition, the vehicle window 50 corresponds to that according to Figure 3 .

[0051] In Figure 5a vehicle window 60 is shown, which in turn largely corresponds to that according to Figure 3 corresponds, but differs from this in that it comprises an LED strip 62 as a light source, which comprises a plurality of LEDs over the length of the coupling element 28, the light of which can be coupled directly into the coupling element 28 via a side surface. The LED strip 62 is connected to the underside of the inner pane body 18 via a common adhesive layer 30.

[0052] In addition, the vehicle window 60 corresponds to that according to Figure 3 .

[0053] In Figure 6a vehicle window 70 is shown which largely corresponds to that of Figure 2, but differs from it in that the lighting device 22, ie the light guide 26 and the coupling element 28, are not covered by a housing-like cladding element 32. Rather, these elements are accommodated by a polyurethane foam 72 forming a molded section, which is an edge foam or edge foam of the window body arrangement comprising the outer window body 16, the inner window body 18 and the connecting layer 20.

[0054] In all other respects, the vehicle window 70 corresponds to that according to Figure 2 .

[0055] In Figure 7 a vehicle window 80 is shown, which largely corresponds to that according to Figure 6corresponds, but differs from this in that the coupling element 28 is connected to the inner pane body 18 of the pane body arrangement via an immersion medium 31. The immersion medium 31 is formed in the form of a film between the coupling element 28 and the inner pane body 18 and has a refractive index of 1.51 and a viscosity of approximately 30,000 cP. The coupling element 28 is held to the inner pane body 18 by the polyurethane foam 72 forming a molded section, which also presses the coupling element 28 against the inner pane body 18, so that optimal optical coupling between the coupling element 28 and the inner pane body 18 is maintained.

[0056] Furthermore, the vehicle window 80 with the illumination device 22 comprising the coupling element 28 and the immersion medium 31 corresponds to that according to Figure 6 .

[0057] In Figure 8A vehicle window 90 is shown, which largely corresponds to that according to Figure 2 corresponds, but differs from this in that pressure elements 92 are arranged between the cladding element 32 and the coupling element 28, by means of which pressure elements 92 the cladding element 32 presses the coupling element 28 in the direction of the inner pane body 18, so that an optimal optical transition is always ensured between the coupling element 28 and the inner pane body 18.

[0058] In addition, the vehicle window 90 corresponds to that according to Figure 2 .

[0059] In Figure 9A vehicle window 100 is shown, which largely corresponds to that of Figure 5, but differs from it in that it comprises an illumination device 22 on its underside, which has a coupling element 28 formed from a cast resin that is molded directly onto the underside of the window inner body 18 of the window body assembly. The coupling element 28, whose coupling section 102 has a triangular or wedge-shaped cross-section, is provided in one piece with a receiving section 104, which receives an LED strip 62 as an insert, which represents the light source of the illumination device 22.

[0060] Furthermore, the vehicle window complies with Figure 9 those after Figure 5 . List of reference symbols

[0061] 10Vehicle roof 12Cover element 14Fixed roof element 16Outer pane body 18Inner pane body 20Connecting layer 22Lighting device 24Light source 26, 26'Light guide 28Coupling element 30Adhesive layer 31Immersion medium 32Covering element 40Vehicle pane 42Outcoupling element 50Vehicle pane 52Additional deflection structure 54Adhesive strip 60Vehicle pane 62LED strip 70Vehicle pane 72PU foam 80Vehicle pane 90Vehicle pane 92Pressure element 100Vehicle pane 102Coupling section 104Receiving section

Claims

1. A vehicle roof comprising a vehicle window pane, the vehicle window pane comprising a window pane body assembly, the window pane body assembly having an outer side, which faces a vehicle environment, and an inner side, which faces a vehicle interior, and a light-conducting layer and comprising an outer window pane body (16) and an inner window pane body (18), which is connected to the outer window pane body (16) via a connecting layer (20) and forms the light-conducting layer, wherein, on its inner side, which is formed by the light-conducting layer, the window pane body assembly is provided with an illuminator on either side of a vertical longitudinal center roof plane, the illuminators being disposed on respective lateral edges of the vehicle window pane and extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction and each comprising a light source, the light of which can be coupled into the light-conducting layer, and an input coupling element (28) disposed on the inner side of the window pane body assembly, the input coupling element (28) coupling light emitted by the light source into the light-conducting layer and being attached to the side of the inner window pane body (18) facing away from the outer window pane body (16) via an adhesive layer (30) and having a wedge-shaped cross section, the light source being disposed on a lateral surface of the input coupling element (28) and being an LED bar (62).

2. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the input coupling element (28) is a body of material which is transparent to the light of the light source (24) and which is preferably in the shape of a bar.

3. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input coupling element (28) is provided with an additional deflection structure (52) on its side facing the window pane body assembly.

4. The vehicle roof according to claim 3, characterized in that the additional deflection structure (52) is in one piece with the input coupling element (28) or is a coating of the input coupling element.

5. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adhesive layer (30) comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive and / or an optically clear liquid adhesive and / or an adhesive comprising EVA, PVB and / or TPU, and / or an epoxy adhesive and / or an acrylic adhesive.

6. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the input coupling element (28) is made of a material comprising PMMA, PC, PA, COC and / or COP.

7. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner window pane body (18) has a base area which corresponds to that of the outer window pane body (16).

8. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer window pane body (16) is made of an inorganic glass and / or a polymer glass, and / or the inner window pane body (18) is made of an inorganic glass and / or a polymer glass.

9. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the input coupling element (28) is provided with a cladding element (32) and / or accommodated in a molded section which is connected to the window pane body assembly.

10. The vehicle roof according to claim 9, characterized in that the cladding element and / or the molded section push / pushes the input coupling element (28) in the direction of the window pane body assembly so that an optical contact between the input coupling element (28) and the window pane body assembly is maintained.

11. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the input coupling element (28) is optically coupled with the window pane body assembly via a transparent immersion agent (31).

12. The vehicle roof according to claim 11, characterized in that the immersion agent (31) comprises an oil and / or a gel.