Vehicle pane with a lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle pane (3) with a light guide layer (10) on the pane inner face and a lighting device (4) which introduces light of a light source (11) into the light guide layer (10) by means of a light-coupling device. The light-coupling device has at least one light-coupling element (13) that has a base surface (14) and is optically connected to a light guide layer (10) inner face (15), which faces the vehicle interior, via the base surface (14). According to the invention, the light-coupling element (13) has a light-coupling region (18) which lies opposite the base surface (14) and on which the light source (11) comprising at least one LED (12) is positioned, said light source emitting light into the light-coupling element (13) via the light-coupling region (18).

Description

[0001] Vehicle window with a lighting device

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle window with a light-guiding layer on the inside of the window and with an illumination device which introduces light from a light source into the light-guiding layer by means of a light-coupling device, wherein the light-coupling device has at least one light-coupling element which has a base surface and which is optically connected via its base surface to an inner surface of the light-guiding layer directed towards a vehicle interior.

[0003] A vehicle window of this type is known from DE 10 2020 109 338 B3. An illumination device for the vehicle window has a light source arranged on one end face of an elongated, rod-shaped light guide, made, for example, of PMMA or PC. The illumination device further comprises a strip-like light coupling element with a body that is wedge-shaped in cross-section. The light coupling element, which is made of a plastic material such as PMMA, as well as the light guide, extend over the length of the illumination device, with the light guide being arranged directly in front of a lateral, elongated end face of the light coupling element. Due to this arrangement of the light guide, the illumination device has a greater width in the transverse direction of the vehicle window, thereby reducing the view-through area of ​​the vehicle window.

[0004] Further prior art is represented by DE 10 2014 006 490 A1 and DE 20 2018 105 785 U1. The invention is based on the object of creating a vehicle window as mentioned above, which is improved with regard to the lighting device. This object is achieved with a vehicle window according to the invention according to claim 1. Further advantageous developments and refinements of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0005] The vehicle window mentioned above is advantageously further developed according to the invention such that the light coupling element has a light coupling region opposite the base surface and on which the light source with at least one LED, in particular a top LED, is positioned, which radiates light into the light coupling element via the light coupling region. Such a light coupling region is formed, for example, by a light coupling surface opposite the base surface and thus represents a surface of the light coupling element facing away from the base surface, which is not perpendicular or at a right angle to the base surface.

[0006] In the vehicle window according to the invention, the lighting device is thus formed narrower due to the positioning of the light source with the at least one LED on the underside of the light coupling element in comparison with the lighting device of the known vehicle window mentioned at the outset.

[0007] The lighting device can be provided with only a single elongated strip-like light coupling element that extends over the length of the lighting device. Alternatively, the lighting device can also have several similar light coupling elements that extend one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the lighting device along a line inward of a lateral window edge. Each light coupling element is expediently formed as an optical prism with a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section. The arrangement of a plurality of individual light coupling elements allows improved adaptation to a curvature of the vehicle window in the longitudinal direction or in the direction of the longitudinally extending lighting device. The light coupling element can be made of glass or a plastic material such as PMMA, PC, COP (cyclic olefin polymer) or COC (cyclic olefin copolymer).

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment, each light-coupling element can be formed integrally with the light-guiding layer. The base surface thus corresponds to the inner surface of the light-guiding layer at the location of the light-coupling element, but without the molded-on light-coupling element. A light-guiding layer made of clear glass thus contains the at least one light-coupling element molded during production from the same glass material. A light-guiding layer made of a plastic material, in particular as stated above with regard to the light-coupling elements, contains the molded-on or injection-molded light-coupling elements made of the same plastic material or of a plastic material with a refractive index that is the same or similar to that of the light-guiding layer.This one-piece or integrated formation of the light coupling elements with the light-guiding layer eliminates the need for an otherwise required coupling or fastening of at least one light coupling element to the light-guiding layer.

[0009] A preferred embodiment provides for each light coupling element to be attached to the light-guiding layer as a separate component. Such attachment is preferably achieved by bonding, e.g., using an adhesive tape or an adhesive layer. The bonding material can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an optically clear liquid adhesive, EVA, PVB, TPU, an epoxy adhesive, or an acrylate adhesive.

[0010] The vehicle window is expediently formed such that it has an outer pane and an inner pane, e.g. a clear glass pane, connected to the outer pane by means of a connecting layer such as a hot-melt adhesive film. Expediently, the inner pane forms the light-guiding layer. However, the light-guiding layer can also be formed by another layer such as a film or the like. Expediently, the inner pane contains a structure that becomes visually apparent when light shines into the inner pane. The structure is produced, for example, by screen printing or printing on the inner pane. The structure can, for example, represent a pattern, an emblem, or writing, or combinations thereof.

[0011] Preferably, several LEDs are arranged in a row on the light coupling element, spaced apart from one another. The LEDs can be connected to one another via an LED strip.

[0012] It is particularly preferred that a carrier plate is provided to which the at least one LED is attached. The carrier plate is preferably a PCB (printed circuit board). The carrier plate is arranged on the underside of the light coupling element opposite the base surface, preferably in an orientation parallel to the base surface of the light coupling element. The LEDs are arranged on the top side of the carrier plate facing the light coupling element. In the top-LED embodiment, each LED emits its light upwards towards the light coupling region of the light coupling element. The power supply to the LEDs and their control are carried out via the carrier plate or PCB.

[0013] Preferably, each LED is connected to the light coupling area via a light-guiding optic. The light-guiding optic allows the light emitted by the LED to be influenced and directed with a view to optimizing the light irradiation into the light coupling element and subsequent reflection in the light coupling element toward the light-guiding layer of the vehicle windshield.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the light-guiding optics are formed at the light-coupling region of the light-coupling element, e.g., integrally formed during injection molding of the light-coupling element. Alternatively, the light-guiding optics can also be positioned as a standalone optical component between the light-coupling region of the light-coupling element and the LED. The light-guiding optics are expediently arranged on the LED or a housing of the LED and are thus correctly positioned at the light-coupling region by means of the carrier plate. Preferably, the light-coupling element is formed with a planar light-coupling surface at its light-coupling region. The planar light-coupling surface can be aligned parallel or approximately parallel to the base surface. Alternatively, the light-coupling surface can also be aligned or arranged non-parallel to the base surface, for example, at an acute angle.In particular, it can be arranged at an inclination such that an LED arranged thereon radiates its light with a central light beam further inwards towards the center of the vehicle window.

[0015] In the case where the light coupling region is formed with a flat light coupling surface that is not aligned parallel to the base surface, this refers to orientations of the light coupling surface in which the light coupling surface is at least opposite the base surface, preferably at an acute angle to the base surface, i.e., not perpendicular to the base surface. In other words, the light coupling surface faces away from the base surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the light coupling surface is arranged at an angle in the range of 50° to 89°, preferably in the range of 70° to 87°, in particular in the range of 75° to 85°, relative to the base surface. Thus, light from the light source embodied as an LED can be coupled into the light-guiding layer via the light coupling element predominantly at an angle that corresponds to total internal reflection within the light-guiding layer, and such that light coupled into the light-guiding layer is guided within the light-guiding layer by means of total internal reflection.

[0017] If the flat light coupling surface is aligned parallel to the base surface, the parallel alignment results in the advantage of simple assembly and orientation of the light source; particularly when the LED is designed as a top LED and arranged on a carrier plate, preferably a PCB carrier plate. Furthermore, the parallel alignment of the light coupling surface to the base surface allows for smaller tolerances to be maintained with regard to the overall system comprising light source, light coupling element and light guiding layer. Furthermore, the installation depth of the overall system comprising carrier plate, light source, light coupling element and light guiding layer can be smaller compared to the case in which the light coupling surface is not aligned parallel but at an angle to the base surface.

[0018] The light coupling element expediently contains a recess in its light coupling region. The LED or the light-guiding optics is at least partially inserted into the recess. The light-guiding optics can also be formed in the light coupling region formed in the recess. The light-guiding optics is then recessed into the interior of the light coupling element. The recess expediently serves to correctly assign and position the LED to the light coupling region by specifying such a position for the LED. If the light-guiding optics is formed on or in the light coupling region, an assembly process for attaching a separate light-guiding optics or such an optical component can generally be eliminated.

[0019] Furthermore, the light-guiding optics can be provided with a TIR collimator or total internal reflection collimator. Using such a TIR collimator, the light from the LED can be irradiated into the light coupling element as a focused, parallel light beam. This allows for optimized light irradiation into the light coupling element and further reflection into the light-guiding layer.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the light coupling element has a lateral boundary surface directed toward an adjacent pane edge, at which the light radiated into the light coupling element is reflected by internal reflection toward the light-guiding layer. Due to the light reflection thus provided, the lateral boundary surface increases the luminosity of the light-guiding layer.

[0021] The boundary surface can contribute to increasing luminosity in various arrangements and designs. For example, the boundary surface can be formed as a flat reflective surface and oriented perpendicular to the base surface or at an obtuse interior angle to the base surface. Alternatively, the boundary surface can be formed as a curved or arched reflective surface or at least have a curved or arched section. A curved boundary surface extends from the base surface toward a side edge of the vehicle window with such a curvature or curvature downwards toward the light coupling region. The boundary surface therefore forms part of the outer side of the light coupling element or the entire outer side.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the light coupling element has a reflective surface or coating on its boundary surface. This increases the reflectivity of the boundary surface.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the carrier plate is positioned and fixed relative to the light coupling element by means of a holder for the light coupling element. The holder can represent the sole fastening of the carrier plate or it can be supplemented by an additional fastening, such as an adhesive bond to a roof component.

[0024] Such a holder expediently has at least two projections or pins arranged on the light coupling element inward from the LEDs and, in particular, offset from the LEDs. The pins each have a fastening clip or the like with which they engage in an associated opening in the carrier plate. However, locking elements or the like can also be provided for securing engagement on the carrier plate.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the carrier plate is attached to a cover covering the light coupling element. Such a cover, which also represents a panel, can be secured, for example, to the vehicle window on the one hand and to a roof component or roof frame on the other hand by adhesive bonding and / or plugging. The carrier plate can be attached to the cover, in particular, with a bracket or by adhesive bonding. According to a further embodiment, the carrier plate can be adhesively bonded to the light coupling element, for example, to a wedge-shaped reflection surface of the wedge-shaped light coupling element.

[0026] If the carrier plate is held essentially parallel to the inner surface of the light-guiding layer, a parallel arrangement of the carrier plate is not to be understood in the sense of a strictly mathematical parallelism. Rather, a parallel arrangement of the carrier plate can also be understood as an arrangement at a certain inclination to the light-guiding layer, for example, at an angle of up to 15° or 20°.

[0027] Preferably, the cover is formed with a longitudinal curvature that is adapted to a curvature of the light-conducting layer or the vehicle window and the at least one light-coupling element attached thereto, and in particular, coincides with this curvature. If the cover is sufficiently rigid, it can pre-curve the carrier plate accordingly when the carrier plate is positioned together with the cover relative to the light-coupling element.

[0028] The vehicle window according to the invention can be any pane of vehicle glazing, for example a cover arranged fixedly or movably in a roof opening, a glazing of a roof module or panoramic roof or also a side window, a rear window or a windscreen.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments of a vehicle window according to the invention with reference to the drawing. It shows:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a vehicle roof with a vehicle window according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a lateral edge region of the vehicle window with a lighting device having an LED light source and with a light coupling element on a light-guiding layer of the vehicle window;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the light coupling element;

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the light coupling element;

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the light coupling element;

[0035] Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the light coupling element;

[0036] Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the light coupling element;

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the light coupling element with an LED light source coupled via a light guide optic;

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the light coupling element with a coupled LED light source;

[0039] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a carrier plate carrying the LED light source, which is attached to the light coupling element;

[0040] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a holder for the support plate carrying the LED light source; and

[0041] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a holder for the carrier plate carrying the LED light source. A vehicle, such as a passenger car, comprises a vehicle roof 1 (Fig. 1) with a roof opening 2 in which a vehicle window 3 is arranged, which is, for example, fixedly arranged in the roof opening 2 or is formed as a cover which is movably mounted in the roof opening 2 by means of a bearing device and adjustable between a closed position and ventilation or open positions in a manner known per se. The vehicle window 3 can also be a fixed part or section of a roof module or panoramic roof. The vehicle window 3 in each case has a lighting device 4 which is arranged on the inner side 5 of the window and preferably along a respective side edge 6 of the vehicle window 3 and inward from the side edge 6.

[0042] The vehicle window 3 comprises (see Fig. 2) an outer pane 7, an inner pane 8, and a connecting layer 9 that connects the outer pane 7 and the inner pane 8 to each other and contains, for example, a laminate layer, laminate film, or hot-melt adhesive film. The outer pane 7 is, for example, a tinted glass pane. The inner pane 8 is, in particular, a transparent glass pane or clear glass pane that forms a light-conducting layer 10.

[0043] The illumination device 4 has a strip-shaped light source 11 with several LEDs 12 arranged side by side. An elongated light coupling element 13 of the illumination device 4 represents an optical prism and is, for example, a plastic injection-molded part. The light coupling element 13 has a base surface 14, via which the light coupling element 13 is attached to an inner surface

[0044] 15 of the inner pane 8 or the light-guiding layer 10, e.g. by means of an adhesive

[0045] 16 (Fig. 2), for example in the form of a transparent adhesive or a transparent adhesive tape. The light coupling element 13, which is essentially wedge-shaped in cross-section, is formed with a wedge tip 17 which is directed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the light coupling element 13 and inward towards the center of the vehicle window 3. The light coupling element 13 has a light coupling region 18 which is located on the underside 19 of the light coupling element 13 opposite the base surface 14. The light coupling region 18 is formed with a flat light coupling surface 20 of the light coupling element 13, which is aligned, for example, parallel to the base surface 14. The light coupling surface 20 expediently borders on a lower wedge reflection surface 21 which is inclined to the base surface 14 and extends to the wedge tip 17.

[0046] The light coupling element 13 has a lateral boundary surface 22 on its outer side 24 facing a lateral pane edge 23 of the vehicle window 3. The lateral boundary surface 22 is, for example, planar and extends from the light coupling surface 20 to the base surface 14 over the entire outer side 24 of the light coupling element 13. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the lateral boundary surface 22 is arranged at an angle to the base surface 14 and to the light coupling surface 20, for example, at an obtuse interior angle a of, for example, 135° to the base surface 14.

[0047] The LEDs 12 are firmly attached to a carrier plate 25. The carrier plate 25 is expediently a PCB (printed circuit board) and designed as a flat, strip-shaped component via which the power supply and control of the LEDs 12 is carried out. In its installed position, the carrier plate 25 is arranged approximately parallel to the inner side 5 of the pane or to the inner surface 15 of the inner pane 8, as well as to the base surface 14, and at a distance from the latter. The LEDs 12 are upward-emitting LEDs or "top" LEDs, which thus emit light perpendicularly from the surface of the carrier plate 25 in their position on the carrier plate 25, in which they are located on the side of the carrier plate 25 facing the light-guiding layer 10. Alternatively, the LEDs can also have a different emission direction, but can be provided with appropriate optics (not shown) so that their main emission direction is directed towards the light coupling surface 20.Alternatively, side LEDs with predominantly lateral light output can also be used, whereby here too their main radiation direction is directed towards the light input surface 20.

[0048] The carrier plate 25 is positioned relative to the light coupling element 13 such that the LEDs 12 are arranged in front of or on the light coupling surface 20. The LEDs 12 radiate light into the light coupling element 13 via the light coupling surface 20. The light is reflected by internal reflection, particularly at the lateral boundary surface 22, and is radiated into the light-guiding layer 10. Fig. 2 shows two light beams 26 and 27, which exemplify light emitted by the LED 12 within a radiation angle of, for example, 120°.

[0049] The LEDs 12 are thus arranged on the light coupling element 13 below the light coupling region 18 or the light coupling surface 20. The area in front of the outer side 24 of the light coupling element 13 in the direction of the window edge 23 is therefore not required for the arrangement of part of the lighting or the light source. Accordingly, the width of the lighting device 4 in the transverse direction of the vehicle window 3 is smaller than in a lighting device such as that known, for example, from DE 10 2020 109 338 B3, in which the light source is arranged in front of a lateral end face of the light coupling element directed towards the window edge. The smaller width of the lighting device 4 leaves a larger view of the vehicle window 3. The carrier plate 25 extends below the light coupling element 13 preferably only as far as the outer side 24 of the light coupling element 13 or only slightly beyond.Thus, the installation space of the lighting device 4 is not or not significantly increased in its width direction or in the transverse direction by the support plate 25.

[0050] The light coupling element 13 has a holder 28 (Fig. 9) that positions and fixes the carrier plate 25 with the LED 12 relative to the light coupling element 13 and the light coupling surface 20. The carrier plate 25 is preferably designed as a longitudinally extending strip and preferably has a plurality of LEDs 12. One light coupling element 13 is preferably assigned to each LED 12, or at least one LED 12 is assigned to each light coupling element 13. The holder 28 contains at least one, preferably a plurality of projections or pins 29, which are expediently attached to the wedge reflection surface 21 of the light coupling element 13 or are integrally formed during injection molding and project downward beyond the light coupling element 13 or its light coupling surface 20 and thus project on its side opposite the base surface 14. A fastening clip 30 is attached or integrally formed on each pin 29.The support plate 25 has a bore or opening 31 assigned to each pin 29. The support plate 25 is placed onto each pin 29. At least one fastening clip 30 engages the support plate 25 and preferably engages behind it at the bore or opening 31. The support plate 25 is thus held fixed by means of the fastening clip(s) 30 engaged on the support plate 25. The pins 29 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light coupling element 13, preferably expediently offset from the LEDs 12, so that when viewed from the side, one pin 29 is arranged between two LEDs 12. Thus, each pin 29 is arranged on the wedge reflection surface 21 in an area with lower light reflection.In addition, at least one pin 29 without a fastening clip 30 can be provided, which is assigned to a bore or opening 31 and serves to position the carrier plate 25 relative to the at least one light coupling element 13.

[0051] In an alternative fastening of the carrier plate 25, it is provided (see Fig. 10) that the carrier plate 25 is attached to a cover 32. The cover 32 has a holder 33 on the inside, to which the carrier plate 25 can be secured. The holder 33 comprises, for example, clips, snap-in holders, or plug-in connections, in particular for releasably fastening the carrier plate 25. The cover 32 covers the lighting device 4 like a panel downwards towards the vehicle interior. The cover 32 is glued, for example, via an inner leg 34 to the inner surface 15 of the inner pane 8 and via an outer leg 35 to a roof component or roof frame or the like.

[0052] In a further alternative fastening, the carrier plate 25 (Fig. 11 ) is fastened to an inner side 36 of the cover 32 by means of an adhesive 37, which has, for example, an adhesive layer or an adhesive tape.

[0053] A preferred embodiment provides that (see Fig. 7) the LED 12 is connected to the light coupling region 18 via a light-guiding optics 38. The light-guiding optics 38 is arranged as an optical component 39 on the LED 12 and is positioned on the light-guiding surface 20 by means of the carrier plate 25. The light-guiding optics 38 or the optical component 39 is designed, for example, such that the light emitted by the LED 12 is influenced in the desired manner for entry into the light coupling element 13, e.g., with regard to the direction or bundling of the light rays. The light-guiding optics 38 or the optical component 39 comprises, in particular, a TIR collimator (Total Internal Reflection), which generates a substantially parallel beam path for the light radiation.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows an alternative design of the light coupling element 13 with a light-guiding optic 38. The light-guiding optic 38 is formed by an optical design of the light-coupling region 18 of the light coupling element 13. Fig. 8 further shows an embodiment in which the light coupling element 13 has, in its light coupling region 18, a recess 40 assigned to a respective LED 12, in which the light-guiding optic 38 is formed in a position set back into the interior of the light coupling element 13. The recess 40 has a size and a cross-section, e.g., round or rectangular, such that the LED 12 with its housing can be received therein in an at least partially countersunk manner and is aligned with the light-guiding optic 38. A wall of the recess 40 can be designed in relation to the LED 12 and its housing such that the LED 12 with its housing is held centered relative to the light-guiding optic 38.This light-guiding optics 38 formed in the light coupling element 13 can also be designed as a TIR collimator.

[0055] Figs. 3 to 6A and 6B show differently designed light coupling elements 13.

[0056] The light coupling element 13 shown in Fig. 3 has (corresponding to Fig. 7) a lateral boundary surface 22 which is oriented perpendicular to the base surface 14 and forms the entire lateral outer side 24 of the light coupling element 13. This boundary surface 22 reflects, in particular, light from an LED 12 which is emitted by the LED 12 over a large beam angle. The light coupling element 13 shown in Fig. 4 has a lateral boundary surface 22 corresponding to the embodiment of Fig. 2. The lateral boundary surface 22 is arranged inclined at an obtuse internal angle a to the base surface 14. For example, the boundary surface 22 is oriented at an obtuse internal angle a in the range of approximately 120° to 140° to the base surface 14.

[0057] In the light coupling elements 13 of Figs. 3 and 4, the light coupling surface 20 is arranged or aligned parallel to the base surface 14.

[0058] The light coupling element 13 shown in Fig. 6A is a modification of the light coupling element 13 of Fig. 4 and, in contrast, has a light coupling surface 20 that is not arranged parallel to the base surface 14, but is inclined in the direction of light irradiation into the light-guiding layer 10. An interior angle β between the light coupling surface 20 and the wedge reflection surface 21 is smaller than the corresponding interior angle of the embodiment of Fig. 4.

[0059] Fig. 6B shows a light coupling element 13 according to a further modification of the light coupling element 13 of Fig. 4. The light coupling element 13 of Fig. 6B has a light coupling surface 20 that is not arranged parallel to the base surface 14, but is inclined in the direction of light irradiation into the light-guiding layer 10. This light coupling element 13 is thus fundamentally similar to that of Fig. 6A. In the case of the light coupling element 13 of Fig. 6B, however, further geometric conditions arise. As shown in Fig. 6B, the light source 11 in the form of the LED 12 is arranged in a specific orientation on the light coupling surface 20. In the case shown, the light source 20 has a light direction axis or light irradiation axis a, along which light is primarily irradiated into the light coupling element 13 from the light source 11.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the light coupling element 13 is designed such that the light beam axis a forms an angle Y with the base surface 14, which angle lies in the range from 45° to 135°, as shown in Fig. 6B. The light coupling surface 20 extends substantially perpendicular to the light beam axis a and thus has an acute angle δ with respect to the base surface 14, as also shown in Fig. 6B.

[0061] Preferably, the angle α formed by the lateral boundary surface 22 to the base surface 14 is in the range from 90° to 180°, with an interior angle β between the light coupling surface 20 and the wedge reflection surface 21 preferably being in the range from 100° to 150°.

[0062] As can further be seen in Fig. 6B, the light coupling surface 20 at least partially covers the boundary surface 22, i.e. a surface of the boundary surface 22 projected in the light beam axis a overlaps with the light coupling surface 20 or with a surface of the light coupling surface 20 projected in the light beam axis a. In other words, the surface of the boundary surface 22 projected in the light beam axis a lies completely within the surface of the light coupling surface 20 projected in the light beam axis a.

[0063] A particularly advantageous feature of the embodiment of Fig. 6B is that the light from the light source 11 in the form of the LED 12 is radiated into the light coupling element 13 in the form of a prism in such a way that the light is already guided obliquely in the direction of the light-guiding layer 10. Light that strikes the boundary surface 22 is deflected in such a way that it is either coupled obliquely into the light-guiding layer 10 or is coupled obliquely into the light-guiding layer 10 via the wedge reflection surface 21, which lies opposite the base surface 14 as a rising flank.

[0064] A further advantage of the embodiment of Fig. 6B is that light that is reflected by the light-guiding layer 10 and coupled back into the light-coupling element 13 is deflected by the wedge reflection surface 21 and coupled back obliquely into the light-guiding layer 10. Alternatively, the light coupled back into the light-coupling element 13 is reflected via the wedge reflection surface 21 and / or the light-coupling surface 20 toward the boundary surface 22 and largely coupled back into the light-guiding layer 10. Furthermore, light that does not follow the light incidence axis a and is guided by the LED 12 into the light-coupling element 13 to the boundary surface 22 is reflected in such a way that this light is deflected and reflected via the wedge reflection surface 21 and coupled back into the light-guiding layer 10.

[0065] Preferably, the coupling of light from the light coupling element 13 in the form of a prism into the light-guiding layer 10 thus occurs largely at an angle such that the light remains in the light-guiding layer 10 by total internal reflection. Preferably, the light is coupled out only at defined coupling-out points on the light-guiding layer 10.

[0066] The light coupling element 13 shown in Fig. 5 has a curved boundary surface 22. The boundary surface 22 curves downwards from the base surface 14 with a center of curvature located on the side of the light coupling element 13 to the light coupling surface 20.

[0067] The two lighting devices 4, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical roof longitudinal center plane in the area of ​​the respective side edge 6 of the vehicle window 3, provide ambient light.

[0068] List of reference symbols

[0069] Vehicle roof 22 boundary surface

[0070] Roof opening 23 window edge

[0071] Vehicle window 24 outside

[0072] Lighting device 25 carrier plate

[0073] Inside of the pane 26 light beam

[0074] Page margin 27 light beam

[0075] Outer pane 28 bracket

[0076] Inner disc 29 pins

[0077] Connecting layer 30 fastening clips

[0078] Light-guiding layer 31 opening

[0079] Light source 32 cover

[0080] LED 33 bracket

[0081] Light coupling element 34 inner leg

[0082] Base area 35 outer leg

[0083] Inner surface 36 inside

[0084] Bonding 37 Bonding

[0085] Wedge tip 38 light guide optics

[0086] Light coupling area 39 optical component

[0087] Bottom 40 recess

[0088] Light coupling surface

[0089] wedge reflection surface

Claims

Claims: Vehicle windscreen (3) with a light-guiding layer (10) on the inside of the windscreen and with a lighting device (4) which introduces light from a light source (11) into the light-guiding layer (10) by means of a light coupling device, wherein the light coupling device comprises at least one light coupling element (13) having a base surface (14) and optically connected via its base surface (14) to an inner surface (15) of the light guide layer (10) facing a vehicle interior, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a light coupling area (18) opposite the base surface (14) and on which the light source (11) with at least one LED (12), in particular a top LED, is positioned, which shines light into the light coupling element (13) via the light coupling area (18). Vehicle windshield (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the LED (12) is mounted on a carrier plate (25), in particular a PCB carrier plate, which is attached to the base surface (14) opposite underside (19) of the light coupling element (13). Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the LED (12) is connected to the light coupling area (18) via a light guide optic (38). Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light guide optic (38) is formed on the light coupling area (18) of the light coupling element (13) or as an optical component (39) between the light coupling area (18) of the light coupling element (13) and the LED (12) is positioned.

5. Vehicle window (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a flat light coupling surface (20) at its light coupling area (18), which is arranged parallel or non-parallel to the base surface (14), in particular at an acute angle (θ) to the base surface (14).

6. Vehicle window (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a recess (40) in its light coupling area (18) into which the LED (12) or the light guide optics (38) is at least partially inserted.

7. Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a recess (40) in its light coupling area (18) in which the light guiding optics (38) is recessed into the interior of the light coupling element (13).

8. Vehicle windscreen (3) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the light guide optics (38) comprises a TIR (Total Internal Reflection) collimator.

9. Vehicle window (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a lateral boundary surface (22) directed towards an adjacent window edge (23), on which light emitted into the light coupling element (13) is reflected by internal reflection in the direction of the light guiding layer (10). Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the boundary surface (22) is formed as a flat reflective surface and is oriented perpendicular to the base surface (14) or at an internal angle greater than 90° to the base surface (14), or that the boundary surface (22) is formed as a curved reflective surface or at least has a curved section. Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the boundary surface (22) has a reflective surface or coating. Vehicle windscreen (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) has a holder (28) which holds the carrier plate (25) fixed relative to the light coupling element (13).Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the holder (28) has at least two pins (29) which are arranged on the light coupling element (13) inwards from the LEDs (12) and, in particular, each offset from the LEDs (12), and which engage with a respective fastening clip (30) in associated openings (31) in the carrier plate (25). Vehicle windscreen (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the carrier plate (25) is attached to a cover (32) covering the light coupling element (13). Vehicle windscreen (3) according to claim 14, characterized in that the carrier plate (25) is attached to the cover (32) by a holder (33) or by an adhesive bond (37). Vehicle window (3) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the light coupling element (13) is formed integrally with the light guiding layer (10) via its base surface (14).

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