CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT WITH COMPOSITE DISC AND FLAT RIBBON CABLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection arrangement with a composite disc and a ribbon cable, as well as a method for its production and its use.

[0002] Glazing in buildings and vehicles is increasingly being provided with large-area, electrically conductive functional layers that are transparent to visible light. In particular, for reasons of energy conservation and comfort, high demands are placed on glazing with regard to its thermal insulation properties. It is desirable to avoid high heat input from solar radiation, which leads to excessive heating of the interior and, in turn, high energy costs for the necessary air conditioning. This can be remedied by layer systems in which the light transmittance and thus the heat input due to sunlight can be controlled by applying an electrical voltage. Electrochromic layer systems are known, for example, from EP 0867752 A1, US 2007 / 0097481 A1, and US 2008 / 0169185 A1. Such layer systems are usually switched by external switches located in the vicinity of the glazing.Another function of electrical functional layers is to keep the field of vision of a vehicle window free of ice and fogging. Electrical heating layers are known (see, for example, WO 2010 / 043598 A1), which cause targeted heating of the window by applying an electrical voltage. The voltage applied to the electrical heating layer is generally controlled by external switches, which in vehicles are integrated, for example, in a dashboard. For example, from DE 10106125 A1, DE 10319606 A1, EP 0720249 A2, US 2003 / 0112190 A1 and DE 19843338 C2, the use of an electrical functional layer as a surface antenna is known. For this purpose, the functional layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to a coupling electrode and the antenna signal is made available in the edge region of the window.The antenna signal coupled out by the planar antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier which, in motor vehicles, is connected to the metallic body, thereby providing a high-frequency reference potential for the antenna signal.

[0003] Such laminated panes typically consist of at least two rigid individual glass panes bonded together by one or more thermoplastic intermediate or adhesive layers. The electrically functional layer is located between the individual glass panes and is typically electrically connected to the external environment via a flat conductor. The reason for this is that suitable flat conductors generally have a maximum total thickness of 0.3 mm. Such thin flat conductors can be easily embedded between the individual glass panes in the thermoplastic adhesive layer. Examples of flat conductors for contacting electrically functional layers in laminated panes in the automotive sector can be found in DE 42 35 063 A1, DE 20 2004 019 286 U1, WO 2020 / 064158 A1, or DE 93 13 394 U1.

[0004] The use of flat conductors in composite panes with electro-optical components is also known. These are planar structures with electrically controllable optical properties of an active layer. This means that the optical properties of the active layer, and in particular its transparency, scattering behavior, or luminosity, can be controlled by an electrical voltage. Examples of electro-optical components are SPD elements (SPD = Suspended Particle Device), known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1, and PDLC elements (PDLC = Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), known, for example, from DE 102008026339 A1.

[0005] The electrical contacting of electrical functional layers and electro-optical components is typically achieved via busbars, which are applied to the edge area of ​​the functional layer or electro-optical component and provide electrical contact. By connecting the busbars to an external voltage source, typically via flat conductors attached to the busbars, a voltage is applied and the functional layer or electro-optical component is switched.

[0006] In practice, ribbon cables equipped with multiple electrical conductors are used for more complex control tasks. The electrical conductors are very thin, ranging in thickness from 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, for example, and are made of copper, which has proven itself due to its good electrical conductivity and easy processing, as well as low material costs.

[0007] Typically, the pane manufacturer requires a composite pane with a connection area for connecting to additional control electronics. Such composite panes are often manufactured for a variety of customers and / or applications, and the connection area must be customized to the respective application and the customer's specific needs. This entails significant effort in customer-specific and / or application-specific adaptation, which is resource-intensive and therefore expensive. This particularly applies to the connection area for the electrical contact of the ribbon cable in the outer area of ​​the composite pane, which must be designed to suit the application and customer's specific requirements.Furthermore, it is often desirable to electrically connect the ribbon cable to another connecting cable, preferably a round cable, since round cables are much cheaper than ribbon cables and are also easier to handle than ribbon cables, whereby even longer distances can be bridged without any problem using the round cable.

[0008] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved connection arrangement with a composite disc and a ribbon cable that electrically contacts an electrical functional element of the composite disc, which enables flexible electrical contacting of the ribbon cable outside the composite disc, but is nevertheless cost-effective, easy to handle and can be easily laminated.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a connection arrangement comprising a composite disk and a ribbon cable according to the independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the subclaims. A method for producing the connection arrangement and its use are set forth in the independent patent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a connection arrangement, at least comprising: a composite pane comprising a first pane and a second pane, which are interconnected via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer, an electrical functional element between the two panes, a ribbon cable with electrical conductor tracks, wherein the ribbon cable has a first connection area at a first end and a second connection area at a second end, wherein the first connection area is arranged between the two panes and the second connection area is led out of the composite pane between the two panes, and wherein the electrical conductor tracks in the first connection area electrically contact the electrical functional element, and wherein at least two of the electrical conductor tracks within the ribbon cable are arranged one above the other in at least two, preferably in exactly two or exactly three or exactly four, levels.

[0011] The connection arrangement according to the invention thus comprises a composite pane made up of a first pane and a second pane, which are firmly connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0012] The connection arrangement further comprises an electrical functional element which is arranged between the two panes, and a ribbon cable which serves to make electrical contact with the electrical functional element and, in particular, in the connection region of the composite pane, for electrically connecting the functional element to a control electronics system. The ribbon cable has a first connection region and a second connection region, wherein, along a direction of extension of the ribbon cable, the first connection region is located at a first end and the second connection region is located at a second end of the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable is partially laminated into the composite pane, wherein the first end with the first connection region is located between the two panes and the second end with the second connection region is led out of the composite pane between the two panes.The electrical conductor tracks in the first connection area are in electrical contact with the electrical functional element and are preferably galvanically connected to them.

[0013] In general, a ribbon cable is a flat body with two opposing sides that can be formed into either a flat or curved shape. The ribbon cable is generally elongated and has two ends along its length. Furthermore, the ribbon cable is considerably longer and wider than it is thick.

[0014] The ribbon cable according to the invention comprises at least two electrical conductor tracks, wherein the at least two electrical conductor tracks are arranged one above the other within the ribbon cable in at least two, preferably in exactly two, exactly three, or exactly four, planes. "One above the other" here means with respect to the plane of extension of the ribbon cable, i.e., with respect to the plane spanned by the two larger dimensions (length and width) of the ribbon cable. Advantageously, at least two conductor tracks are arranged congruently in the projection orthogonal to the plane of extension. Alternatively, the conductor track can also be larger in one plane and essentially partially or completely occupy the plane within the ribbon cable, preferably minus an insulating edge region. This increases the current-carrying capacity of this conductor track or achieves shielding.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, at least one electrical conductor track is arranged on a first surface of an electrically insulating carrier film and at least one further conductor track is arranged on the second surface (ie the surface opposite the first surface with respect to the carrier film) of the carrier film.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, the electrical conductor tracks are firmly connected to the first or second surface of the carrier film, preferably via an adhesive surface. Alternatively, the carrier film can be coated with the electrical conductor tracks, in particular by a printing process, for example, a screen printing process.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, the ribbon cable has insulating regions, preferably consisting of sections of an insulating foil, between the conductor tracks of a plane. Sections of an insulating foil are also advantageously arranged at the edge of the ribbon cable.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, the conductor tracks have at least one electrically insulating cover film on their surfaces facing away from the carrier film.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the conductor tracks or sections of an insulating film are firmly connected to the cover film, for example, via adhesive surfaces. The carrier film and the cover film together form an insulating sheath that encloses the electrical conductor tracks.

[0020] The width of the ribbon cable can be constant or vary. In particular, the ribbon cable can be widened in the first connection area and / or the second connection area.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, the maximum width bF of the ribbon cable, preferably within the composite pane and / or at the exit point from the composite pane, is from 6 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 40 mm and in particular from 25 mm to 30 mm. In a further advantageous embodiment of a ribbon cable according to the invention, the maximum thickness dF of the ribbon cable, preferably within the composite pane and / or at the exit point from the composite pane, is from 150 µm to 600 µm, preferably from 300 µm to 400 µm and in particular from 300 µm to 350 µm. Ribbon cables with such maximum dimensions, in particular within the composite pane and / or at the exit point from the composite pane, can be laminated particularly well or without impairing the stability of the composite pane or disrupting its visual appearance.The area at the exit point is of particular importance, as sealing and gasket problems often occur there with larger dimensions of the flat cable.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the ribbon cable, it has a length of 5 cm to 150 cm, preferably 10 cm to 100 cm, and in particular 50 cm to 90 cm. It goes without saying that the length, width, and thickness of the ribbon cable can be adapted to the requirements of each individual case. The direction of the length defines the extension direction of the ribbon cable.

[0023] The carrier film, the cover film, and / or the insulation film preferably contain or consist of polyimide or polyester, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The cover film and / or the insulation film can also consist of an electrically insulating lacquer, preferably a polymer lacquer. The cover film and / or the insulation film can also contain or consist of thermoplastics and elastomers such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Alternatively, encapsulating materials such as acrylate or epoxy resin systems can be used as the cover film and / or insulation film. The carrier films, cover films, or insulation films can be transparent or colored, for example, black or white.

[0024] The carrier film, the cover film, and / or the insulation film preferably have a thickness of 10 µm to 300 µm, particularly preferably 25 µm to 200 µm, and in particular 60 µm to 150 µm. The carrier film, the cover film, and / or the insulation film are bonded to the conductor tracks, for example, via an adhesive layer. The thickness of the adhesive layer is, for example, 10 µm to 150 µm and particularly preferably 50 µm to 75 µm. Such carrier films, cover films, and / or insulation films are particularly suitable for electrically insulating and mechanically stabilizing the conductor tracks, as well as protecting them from mechanical damage and corrosion.

[0025] The electrical conductors of the ribbon cable preferably contain or consist of a metallic material, such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, tin, gold, silver, or alloys thereof. If the electrical conductors are manufactured as strips of metal foil, the metal can be partially or completely tinned. This is particularly advantageous for achieving good solderability while simultaneously providing corrosion protection. Furthermore, contacting is improved with an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the electrical conductor tracks have a thickness dL of 10 µm to 150 µm, preferably of 30 µm to 150 µm, and in particular of 50 µm to 150 µm. Such thin conductors are particularly flexible and can, for example, be easily laminated into and led out of composite panes. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the electrical conductor tracks have a width bL of 0.05 mm to 40 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 20 mm, and in particular of 2 mm to 5 mm. Such widths are particularly suitable for achieving sufficient current-carrying capacity in conjunction with the aforementioned thicknesses.

[0027] Ribbon cables dimensioned in this way are so thin that they can be easily embedded between the individual panes in the thermoplastic interlayer of a composite pane and routed out of it. The ribbon cable is therefore particularly suitable for contacting electrical functional elements in composite panes.

[0028] Each electrical conductor track can be electrically contacted at two contact points spaced apart from one another along the conductor track. The contact points are areas of the conductor tracks where electrical contact is possible. In the simplest embodiment, these are accessible areas of the electrical conductor tracks. The first connection area has a contact point of at least one of the electrical conductor tracks. The second connection area is typically, but not necessarily, located on the same side with respect to the extension plane of the ribbon cable as the first connection area. The at least one second connection area has a contact point of at least one of the electrical conductor tracks. The connection areas of the ribbon cable serve to electrically contact the conductor tracks, for which purpose a possible cover film and, if applicable,The insulation foil or carrier foil is either absent or removed, at least at the contact points, so that the conductor tracks are accessible. Alternatively, the ribbon cable can have suitable electrical feedthroughs, so-called vias.

[0029] It goes without saying that the connection areas can be protected from corrosion by an electrically conductive coating, such as tinning, or an electrically non-conductive layer, such as solder resist. This protective layer is usually only removed, burned, or otherwise penetrated during electrical contact to enable electrical contact. Insulation-free connection areas can be created using window techniques during production or by subsequent removal, for example, by laser ablation or mechanical removal. With window technology, the conductor tracks are coated, for example glued or laminated, onto a carrier film through a cover film with corresponding recesses (windows) in the connection areas. Alternatively, the conductor tracks are laminated on both sides, with a cover film having corresponding recesses in the connection areas.During subsequent removal, corresponding cutouts can be made in the cover foil in the connection areas if the conductor tracks were applied to a carrier foil. With laminated ribbon cables, cutouts in the connection areas can be made in a cover foil and, if applicable, the carrier foil. However, it is also possible for the ribbon cable to have one or more perforations in the cover foil and, if applicable, the carrier foil in the first connection area and the second connection area. Each perforation extends completely to the conductor track, i.e., it forms a material-free passage to the conductor track.

[0030] The connection areas are designed according to their respective use. In an advantageous embodiment, the contact points are designed as solder contact points. The electrical connection between the connection areas of the ribbon cable and the electrical functional element as well as the at least one connection area is preferably established by soldering, bonding, welding, clamping, crimping, or plugging. When soldering, soft soldering with a low-melting solder is preferred. Lead-free solders are particularly preferred. Alternatively, the electrically conductive connection can be established by gluing with an electrically conductive adhesive or clamping, for example by means of a metallic clip, sleeve, or plug connection.Inside the composite pane, the electrical connection can also be made by direct contact of the electrically conductive areas, whereby this arrangement is firmly laminated into the composite pane and is thus secured against slipping.

[0031] Advantageously, the ribbon cable is provided in the first or second connection area with an electrode array comprising a plurality of individual electrodes electrically connected to the conductor tracks. This enables simple electrical contacting of the electrical functional element for its specific control / regulation.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of a connection arrangement according to the invention, the ribbon cable in the second connection area comprises one or preferably several electrical connection areas in which the ribbon cable is detachably or permanently connected to a connection cable.

[0033] Advantageously, in the connection area, the conductor tracks at the second connection area are electrically connected to electrical wires of one or more connecting cables, in particular round cables. Particularly preferably, the conductor tracks and the wires are electrically connected to one another by soldered connections, crimp connections, clamp connections, or plug connections. The connection area can optionally be arranged in a housing and / or sealed with a potting compound that protects the connection area, for example, from corrosion.

[0034] The connecting cables can in turn have electrical connecting means, such as plugs or sockets, at their end facing away from the connection area, which make the connection arrangement connectable to on-board electronics or other control and evaluation units.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection area or the electrical connection means can be surrounded by one or more protective housings. The protective housing(s) increase the mechanical stability of the connection areas or the connection means, particularly during the manufacture of the connection arrangement, and thus reduce the waste of defective articles, which in turn corresponds to cost savings. The at least one protective housing is arranged such that it lies over the one or more connection areas or connection means and is preferably modeled after the external shape of the connection areas or connection means. This makes it possible to achieve a form-fitting enclosure of the connection area or the connection means.

[0036] The at least one protective housing serves to mechanically protect the connection area or connecting means and is advantageously designed to counteract any deformation of the connection area or connecting means during production of the connection arrangement, in particular during lamination of the composite panes under vacuum and at high temperatures. The protective housing can be made of a suitably strong plastic, for example polyimide (PI) or PA66 in combination with glass fibers. Particularly advantageously, the at least one protective housing for this purpose is made of a material that is harder than the material from which the connection areas and connecting means are made. The material hardness is determined using known, common methods, for example, according to ISO 14577, as applied at the time of the application or at the priority date.

[0037] The protective housing can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding or 3D printing process. For example, the protective housing can be glued to the one or more connecting areas or connecting means. However, it is also possible to manufacture it together with the one or more connecting areas or connecting means, for example, using an injection molding process.

[0038] The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a composite pane with an electrical functional element arranged inside the composite pane. The electrical functional element can be any electrical structure that fulfills an electrical function and requires control / regulation by an external control electronics, so the use of a ribbon cable with a plurality of conductor tracks is technically feasible.

[0039] The electrical functional element is preferably a layer (electrical functional layer) that is advantageously large-area, electrically conductive, and advantageously transparent to visible light, as described above. The electrical functional layer or a carrier film with the electrical functional layer can be arranged on a surface of an individual pane. For example, the electrical functional layer is located on an inner surface of the first and / or second pane. Alternatively, the electrical functional layer can be embedded between two thermoplastic films of the intermediate layer. The electrical 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.

[0040] The electrical functional layer is preferably arranged on a surface of at least one pane and partially covers or overlaps the surface of the pane, but preferably over a large area. 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 surface of the pane is covered by the functional layer. However, the functional layer can also extend over smaller portions of the surface of the pane. The functional layer is preferably transparent to visible light. In an advantageous embodiment, the functional layer is a single layer or a layer structure comprising several individual layers with a total thickness of less than or equal to 2 µm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 µm.

[0041] For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total transmission of the glazing complies with the legal requirements for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a visible light transmittance of more than 70%, and in particular more than 75%. For rear side windows, roof windows, and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmission. Accordingly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, and in particular 0%.

[0042] For example, the electrical functional layer contains at least one metal, preferably silver, nickel, chromium, niobium, tin, titanium, copper, palladium, zinc, gold, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, tungsten, or alloys thereof, and / or at least one metal oxide layer, preferably tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F), or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb). Transparent, electrically conductive layers are known, for example, from DE 20 2008 017 611 U1 and EP 0 847 965 B1. They consist, for example, of a metal layer such as a silver layer or a layer of a silver-containing metal alloy. Typical silver layers preferably have thicknesses of 5 nm to 15 nm, particularly preferably of 8 nm to 12 nm. The metal layer can be embedded between at least two layers of dielectric material of the metal oxide type.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 may also contain silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, or combinations of one or more thereof. The layer structure is generally obtained by a sequence of deposition processes carried out by a vacuum process such as magnetic field-assisted cathodic sputtering or by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Very fine metal layers, particularly containing titanium or niobium, may also be provided on both sides of the silver layer. The lower metal layer serves as an adhesion and crystallization layer. The upper metal layer serves as a protective and getter layer to prevent any changes in the silver during subsequent process steps.

[0043] Transparent, electrical functional layers preferably have a surface resistance of 0.1 ohm / square to 200 ohm / square, particularly preferably from 1 ohm / square to 50 ohm / square and most particularly preferably from 1 ohm / square to 10 ohm / square.

[0044] The electrical functional layer is preferably an electrically heatable layer, which provides the composite pane with a heating function. Such heatable layers are known per se 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, in particular at least 99.9 wt.% of the metal. Such layers have particularly advantageous electrical conductivity with simultaneous high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of an individual layer is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 8 nm to 25 nm.With such a thickness, an advantageously high transmission in the visible spectral range and a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity are achieved.

[0045] The electrical functional element can equally preferably be an electro-optical component, such as an SPD element, a PDLC element, or an electrochromic EC element, as described above. These are known per se to the person skilled in the art, so they need not be explained in more detail. The electrical functional layer can also be a polymeric electrically conductive layer, for example, containing at least one conjugated polymer or a polymer provided with conductive particles.

[0046] Electro-optical components, such as SPD or PDLC elements, are commercially available as multilayer films, with the active layer arranged between two surface electrodes that are used to apply a voltage to control the active layer. Typically, the two surface electrodes are arranged between two carrier films, typically made of PET. Commercially available multilayer films are also covered on both sides with a protective film made of polypropylene or polyethylene, which serves to protect the carrier films from contamination or scratches. During production of the laminated pane, the electro-optical component is cut out of the multilayer film in the desired size and shape and inserted between the films of an intermediate layer, by means of which two glass panes are laminated together to form the laminated pane.A typical application is windshields with electrically adjustable sun visors, which are known, for example, from DE 102013001334 A1, DE 102005049081 B3, DE 102005007427 A1 and DE 102007027296 A1.

[0047] In the connection arrangement according to the invention, the electrical functional element is advantageously electrically connected to at least two bus bars through which a current can be fed. The bus bars are preferably arranged in the edge region of the electrical functional element. The length of the bus bar is typically substantially equal to the length of the respective side edge of the electrical functional element, but can also be somewhat longer or shorter. Preferably, two bus bars are arranged in the edge region along two opposite side edges of the functional element. The width of the bus bar is preferably from 2 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably from 4 mm to 20 mm. The bus bars are typically each designed in the form of a strip, with the longer of its dimensions being referred to as the length and the shorter of its dimensions being referred to as the width.Such bus bars are designed, for example, as a printed and fired-in conductive structure. The printed bus bar contains at least one metal, preferably silver. The electrical conductivity is preferably achieved via metal particles contained in the bus bar, particularly preferably via silver particles. The metal particles can be located in an organic and / or inorganic matrix such as pastes or inks, preferably as a fired screen printing paste with glass frits. The layer thickness of the printed bus bar 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 bus bars with these thicknesses are technically simple to implement and have an advantageous current-carrying capacity. Alternatively, the bus bar can also be designed as a strip of electrically conductive foil.The bus bar then contains, for example, at least aluminum, copper, tinned 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. Bus bars made of electrically conductive foils with these thicknesses are technically simple to implement and have advantageous current-carrying capacity. The strip can be electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure, for example, via a solder compound, an electrically conductive adhesive, or by direct application.

[0048] The composite pane of the connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a first pane and a second pane, which are preferably made of glass, particularly preferably of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, the panes can also be made of other types of glass, for example quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass, or of rigid, clear plastics, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The panes can be clear or tinted or colored. If the composite pane is used as a windshield, it should have sufficient light transmission in the central viewing area, preferably at least 70% in the main viewing area A according to ECE-R43. The first pane and the second pane can also be referred to as the outer and inner panes.

[0049] The first pane, the second pane and / or the intermediate layer may have further suitable coatings known per se, for example anti-reflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings or sun protection coatings or low-E coatings.

[0050] The thickness of the first pane and the second pane can vary widely and thus be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. The first pane and the second pane advantageously have standard thicknesses of 0.7 mm to 25 mm, preferably of 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm for vehicle glass and preferably of 4 mm to 25 mm for furniture, appliances and buildings, in particular for electric radiators. The size of the panes can vary widely and depends on the size of the use according to the invention. The first and second panes have areas of 200 cm² to 20 m², which are typical in vehicle construction and architecture, for example.

[0051] A further aspect of the invention comprises a method for producing a connection arrangement according to the invention with the following steps: a) Providing a ribbon cable with electrical conductor tracks, the ribbon cable having a first connection region at a first end and a second connection region at a second end, b) Electrically conductively connecting the conductor tracks of the ribbon cable in the first connection region to an electrical functional element, c) Arranging the ribbon cable between two discs such that the first connection region is located between the two discs and the second connection region is led out between the two discs, d) Laminating the two discs via a thermoplastic intermediate layer according to steps a), b) and c).

[0052] Steps a), b) and c) can be performed in any order.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, before or after the lamination of the two discs, an electrical connection region, preferably by soldered connections, crimped connections, clamped connections or plug-in connections, is formed between the second connection region of the ribbon cable and a connection cable, in particular a round cable.

[0054] The bonding of the two individual panes during lamination preferably takes place under the influence of heat, vacuum and / or pressure. Known processes for producing a composite pane can be used. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 bar to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 °C to 145 °C for approximately 2 hours. Known vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes operate, for example, at approximately 200 mbar and 80 °C to 110 °C. The first pane, the thermoplastic intermediate layer and the second pane can also be pressed into a pane in a calender between at least one pair of rollers. Systems of this type are known for producing panes and normally have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a pressing unit. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, between 40 °C and 150 °C.Combinations of calendering and autoclaving 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 are laminated within approximately 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80°C to 170°C.

[0055] The invention further extends to the use of the connection arrangement according to the invention as building glazing or vehicle glazing, preferably as vehicle glazing, in particular as a windshield or roof window of a motor vehicle.

[0056] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals. They show, in a simplified representation, not to scale: Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a composite pane of a connection arrangement according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a section of the connection arrangement of Figure 1 in a detailed view, Figure 3 a section of the connection arrangement of Figure 1in a detailed view of a side surface of the composite disc, and Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a ribbon cable according to the invention.

[0058] First, reference is made to the Figures 1 to 3 taken, in which a connection arrangement designated overall by the reference number 1 is illustrated schematically.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a plan view through a composite pane designated overall by the reference number 2 in a view through the second pane 4 of the composite pane 2.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a section of the composite pane 2 in a plan view of the area in which the ribbon cable according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 11, is led out of the side surface 2.1 of the composite pane 2.

[0061] Figure 3 shows a section of the connection arrangement 1 of the Figures 1 and 2in a detailed view of the side surface 2.1 at the point where the ribbon cable 11 is led out of the composite disc 2.

[0062] The connection arrangement 1 comprises a composite pane 2, which is designed here, for example, as a roof pane of a motor vehicle. As shown in Figure 3As shown schematically, the composite pane 2 comprises a first pane 3, which serves as the outer pane, and a second pane 4 as the inner pane. The inner pane is the pane that will face the vehicle interior during later use, while the outer pane faces the vehicle's surroundings. The surface of the outer pane that faces the vehicle's surroundings (first pane 3) is referred to as surface I, as is common in vehicle glazing technology, and the surface of the inner pane that faces the vehicle interior (second pane 4) is referred to as surface IV. The two panes 3, 4 are made, for example, of soda-lime glass. The two panes 3, 4 are firmly bonded to one another by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer 9, for example made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU).

[0063] The composite pane 2 is provided with an electrical functional element 10, which is also only shown schematically and is located between the two panes 3, 4. The electrical functional element 10 here is, for example, a PDLC element, which serves, for example, as electrically adjustable sun or privacy protection. The PDLC element is formed by a commercially available PDLC multilayer film that is embedded in the intermediate layer 9. For this purpose, the intermediate layer 9 comprises, for example, a total of three thermoplastic films (not shown in detail here) made of PVB with a thickness of, for example, 0.38 mm, wherein a first thermoplastic film is connected to the first pane 3 and a second thermoplastic film is connected to the second pane 4, and wherein an intermediate thermoplastic frame film has a cutout into which the cut-to-size functional element 10 is precisely inserted.The third thermoplastic film thus forms a kind of passe-partout for the functional element 10, which is thus completely encapsulated in thermoplastic material and thus protected. This embedding of the PDLC element in a composite pane 2 is well known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description is unnecessary. As is also known to those skilled in the art, the PDLC element generally comprises an active layer between two surface electrodes and two carrier films. The active layer contains a polymer matrix with liquid crystals dispersed therein, which align themselves depending on the electrical voltage S applied to the surface electrodes, thereby allowing the optical properties to be controlled.

[0064] Here, the functional element 10 is divided into nine segments 10.1 by insulation lines. The segments 10.1 are strip-like. The insulation lines between the segments 10.1 have a width of, for example, 40 µm (micrometers) to 50 µm. They can be introduced into the prefabricated multilayer film using a laser, for example.

[0065] The insulation lines separate the surface electrodes of the functional element 10 into insulated strips, each with a separate electrical connection. This allows the segments 10.1 to be switched independently of one another.

[0066] The respective surface electrodes of the segments 10.1 are connected on one side individually via sections of bus bars 28 (in Figure 1 shown on the left) and on the opposite side via a common bus bar 28 (in Figure 1(shown on the right). To apply a voltage to the individual busbar sections of the nine segments 10.1 and the one common busbar 28, for example, ten independent electrical line connections are required.

[0067] The composite pane 1 further comprises a ribbon cable 11. The bus bars 28 of the segments 10.1 of the functional element 10 are each electrically connected to the ribbon cable 11 via electrical conductor wires 27. A secure electrically conductive connection is preferably achieved by soldering the connection.

[0068] Functional element 10 is a PDLC functional element that functions as an adjustable sun or privacy screen. Depending on the position of the sun, the driver or another vehicle occupant can operate the PDLC functional element, for example, via a touch control element (not shown here).

[0069] To control the nine independent segments 10.1 with a common counterpole, the ribbon cable 11 has, for example, ten electrical conductor tracks that are electrically insulated from one another.

[0070] Figure 4 shows the schematic cross-section of an exemplary ribbon cable 11 with ten electrically insulated conductor tracks 12. Five conductor tracks 12, 12' are arranged one above the other in two different planes E1, E2. For this purpose, five conductor tracks 12 are connected to a first (upper) surface of a carrier foil 24, and five further conductor tracks 12' are connected to a second (lower) surface of a carrier foil 24, and are bonded to the carrier foil 24, for example, via adhesive surfaces not shown here.

[0071] The electrical conductor tracks 12 each have, for example, a thickness dL of 75 µm and a width bL of 3 mm and consist, for example, of a copper foil or of tinned copper.

[0072] Furthermore, the ribbon cable 11 has two electrically insulating cover foils 25.1, which are arranged on the top side (first, upper surface) and on the underside (second, lower surface) of the carrier foil 24 and enclose the conductor tracks 12, 12' between the carrier foil 24 and the cover foil 25.1. This protects the conductor tracks 12, 12' from mechanical damage, short circuits, and corrosion.

[0073] In the example shown, sections of an electrically insulating foil 25.2 are also arranged between the conductor tracks 12, 12' of the respective planes E1, E2 and at the outer edge areas. The insulating foil 25.2 is firmly connected to the carrier foil 24 and the cover foils 25.1, for example, by adhesive bonds (not shown here).

[0074] For example, the entire ribbon cable 11 has a maximum width bF of 26 mm and a maximum thickness dF of 315 µm at the exit point 29 from the composite pane 2. Such a wide and thick ribbon cable 11 can still be easily and securely laminated into the composite pane 2.

[0075] It is understood that the ribbon cable 11 can be adapted to the specific circumstances of the actual application and, for example, can have conductor tracks on three or four levels. Alternatively, or in combination, more or fewer conductor tracks per level can be arranged next to each other.

[0076] As shown in the schematic representation of Figure 2 illustrated, the ribbon cable 11 is partially laminated into the composite disc 2 and led out of the composite disc 2 between the two discs 3, 4. In the Figure 2The ribbon cable 11 is guided around the side surface 2.1 of the second disc 4 and arranged on the surface IV of the second disc 4. For this purpose, the second disc 4 can have a recess in the exit area, for example, through a ground area (not shown here).

[0077] The ribbon cable 11 has a first connection region 6 and a second connection region 8, wherein, along a direction of extension of the ribbon cable 11, the first connection region 6 is located at a first end 5 and the second connection region 8 is located at a second end 7 of the ribbon cable 11. The ribbon cable 11 has, in the first connection region 6, an electrode array 13 with ten electrodes for electrically (e.g., galvanically) contacting the functional element 10. For contacting the conductor tracks 12' of the lower level E2, the ribbon cable 11 can have recesses in the carrier film 24 or through-contacts (so-called vias).

[0078] The ribbon cable 11 has a second connection area 8 at its second end 7. This is connected via a connecting element 14 to, for example, a round cable 26 such that the individual conductor tracks 12, 12' are each electrically contacted with individual wires of the round cable 26. At the end of the round cable 26 facing away from the connecting element 14, a connection element 17, for example a plug or a socket, can be arranged for further electrical connection, for example to the on-board electronics of a vehicle.

[0079] The connecting element 14 and / or the connecting element 17 can, for example, each be arranged within a protective housing 19, which protects the connecting element 14 and / or the connecting element 17 from mechanical damage during the lamination process.

[0080] From the above, it can be seen that the connection arrangement according to the invention advantageously enables a flexible, cost-effective, and simple electrical connection of the ribbon cable to an electrical device outside the composite pane, such as a control electronics system for controlling / regulating the electrical functional element of the composite pane. Particularly advantageous is the simple and flexible adaptation of the number and dimensions of the necessary conductor tracks to the respective requirements and the good laminability of the composite pane. List of reference symbols

[0081] 1Connection arrangement 2Composite disc 2.1Side or exit surface 3First disc 4Second disc 5First end 6First connection area 7Second end 8Second connection area 9Intermediate layer 10Electrical functional element 10.1Segments 11Ribbon cable 12Conductor track 14Connection area 17Socket or plug 19Protective housing 24Carrier film 25.1Cover film 25.2Insulating film 26Round cable 27Conductor wire 28Bus bar 29Exit point bF(maximum) width of the ribbon cable 11 bL(maximum) width of the conductor track 12 dF(maximum) thickness of the ribbon cable 11 dL(maximum) thickness of the conductor track 12 E1Level 1 E2Level 2

Claims

1. A connection assembly (1) comprising: - a laminated pane (2) formed of a first pane (3) and a second pane (4), which are areally connected to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (9), - an electrical functional element (10) between the two panes (3, 4), - a ribbon cable (11) with electrical conductor tracks (12, 12'), wherein the ribbon cable (11) has a first connection region (6) at a first end (5) and a second connection region (8) at a second end (7), wherein the first connection region (6) is arranged between the two panes (3, 4) and the second connection region (8) is guided out of the laminated pane (2) between the two panes (3, 4), and wherein the electrical conductor tracks (12) electrically contact the electrical functional element (10) in the first connection region (6), wherein at least two of the electrical conductor tracks (12) within the ribbon cable (11) are arranged one above the other in at least two, preferably in exactly two or exactly three or exactly four, planes (E1, E2).

2. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical conductor track (12) is arranged on a first surface of an electrically insulating carrier film (24) and at least one further conductor track (12') is arranged on the second surface of the carrier film (24).

3. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the electrical conductor track (12, 12') is fixedly connected to the first or to the second surface of the carrier film (24), preferably via an adhesive surface.

4. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ribbon cable (11) has insulating regions, preferably consisting of an insulating film (25.2), between the conductor tracks (12, 12') of a plane (E1, E2).

5. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the conductor tracks (12, 12') have at least one electrically insulating cover film (25.1) on their surfaces facing away from the carrier film (24) and are preferably fixedly connected to the cover film (25.1), for example via an adhesive surface.

6. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum width bF of the ribbon cable (11), preferably within the laminated pane (2) and / or at the exit point (29) from the laminated pane (2), is from 6 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 40 mm, and in particular from 25 mm to 30 mm.

7. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maximum thickness dF of the ribbon cable (11), preferably within the laminated pane (2) and / or at the exit point (29) from the laminated pane (2), is from 150 µm to 600 µm, preferably from 300 µm to 400 µm, and in particular from 300 µm to 350 µm.

8. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the width bL of each conductor track (12, 12'), preferably within the laminated pane (2) and / or at the exit point (29) from the laminated pane (2), is from 0.05 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 20 mm, and in particular from 2 mm to 5 mm.

9. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thickness dL of each conductor track (12, 12'), preferably within the laminated pane (2) and / or at the exit point (29) from the laminated pane (2), is from 10 µm to 150 µm, preferably from 30 µm to 150 µm, and in particular from 50 µm to 150 µm.

10. The connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, in at least one, preferably in exactly one connection region (14), the conductor tracks (12, 12') are electrically connected to electrical cores of one or more connection cables (16), in particular one or more round cables (26), at the second connection region (8).

11. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the conductor tracks (12, 12') and the cores are electrically connected by solder connections, crimp connections, clamping connections, or plug connections.

12. The connection assembly (1) according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which the one or more connection regions (14) are surrounded by at least one protective housing (19).

13. A method for producing a connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having the following steps: a) providing a ribbon cable (1) with electrical conductor tracks (12, 12'), wherein the ribbon cable (11) has a first connection region (6) at a first end (5) and a second connection region (8) at a second end (7), b) electrically conductively connecting the conductor tracks (12, 12') of the ribbon cable (11) in the first connection region (6) to an electrical functional element (10), c) arranging the ribbon cable (11) between two panes (3, 4) in such a way that the first connection region (6) is located between the two panes (3, 4) and the second connection region (8) is guided out between the two panes (3, 4), d) laminating the two panes (3, 4) via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (9) after steps a), b) and c).

14. The method according to claim 13, having the following step: before or after the lamination of the two panes (3, 4), forming an electrical connection region (14) by soldering connections, crimp connections, clamping connections or plug connections between the second connection region (8) of the ribbon cable (11) and a connection cable (16), in particular a round cable (26).

15. A use of the connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 as a building glazing or vehicle glazing, preferably as a vehicle glazing, in particular as a windshield or roof panel of a motor vehicle.