Illuminable glazing having multi-layer light coupling means

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing arrangement (10) at least comprising: · a first pane (1) having a first main surface (IV) and a second main surface (III), wherein the first pane (1) is provided for at least partly forwarding coupled-in light; · a light source (2) for producing light which can be coupled into the first pane; · a second pane (6) having a first main surface (II) and a second main surface (I); · an intermediate layer (5) which is arranged between the first pane (1) and the second pane (6); and · a light coupling means (3) which is arranged in the intermediate layer (5), wherein the light coupling means (3) is formed from a multi-layer film, wherein the multi-layer film comprises at least one support layer (3.1) and a microprism film (3.2).

Description

[0001] Illuminatable glazing with multi-layer light coupling agent

[0002] The invention relates to a glazing arrangement with at least one light source and a film-shaped multilayer light coupling means, a method for its production and its use.

[0003] Laminated glazing, consisting of two or more glass or polymer panes, is used in vehicles as windshields, rear windows, side windows, and roof windows. In illuminable or illuminated glazing, light from a light source is coupled into a flat light guide in the form of a pane of the glazing using total internal reflection.

[0004] WO 2010 / 049638 A1, WO 2013 / 053629 A1, WO 2014 / 060409 A1, or WO 2015 / 095288 A2 disclose the coupling of light into a glass pane via a side surface. WO 2013 / 110885 A1, WO 2018 / 178591 A1, or WO 2019 / 105855 A1 disclose arranging the light source in a recess of a glass pane, thereby coupling the light into the pane.

[0005] In recent developments of such illuminable composite panes, a light coupling device is arranged opposite the light source. The light coupling device can be a microprism film, a structured plastic foil, or a plastic plate with a planar arrangement of microprisms, which can be arranged on a continuous intermediate layer of a composite pane.

[0006] However, it has been shown that such an arrangement has a limitation on the height of the usable microprism film, the structured plastic film, or the plastic plate with regard to implementation in known glazing assemblies. If the height of the light coupling means used is, in particular, greater than approximately 130 pm to 150 pm, insertion into a conventional structure of a glazing arrangement with a first pane, intermediate layer, and second pane can lead to stresses arising in the region of the light coupling means, which in the worst case can lead to cracks in one of the panes. Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved glazing arrangement in which light coupling means with a greater height can also be provided without the occurrence of stresses.At the same time, the glazing arrangement should continue to be easy to manufacture using standardized materials for the panes and the interlayer.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by a glazing arrangement according to claim 1 and a method for producing the glazing arrangement according to claim 7. Preferred embodiments are evident from the subclaims.

[0008] The glazing arrangement according to the invention comprises at least a first pane and a light source for generating light that can be coupled into the first pane, wherein the pane is provided to at least partially transmit coupled-in light. The first pane has at least a first main surface and a second main surface. The glazing arrangement further comprises a second pane, also having a first main surface and a second main surface. An intermediate layer, in which a light coupling means is arranged, is arranged between the first pane and the second pane.

[0009] According to the invention, it is further provided that the light coupling means, which is arranged in the intermediate layer, is formed from a multilayer film, wherein the multilayer film comprises at least one carrier layer and a microprism film.

[0010] The inventive arrangement of a light coupling means formed from a multilayer film in the intermediate layer of the glazing arrangement advantageously makes it possible, in particular, to also use microprism films with a height greater than 150 pm. Stresses in the finished glazing arrangement are avoided. The structure of the light coupling means comprising at least one carrier layer and a microprism film is crucial not only for the stress-free arrangement of the light coupling means, but also for simple implementation in known glazing arrangements using standardized materials. This enables simple production of the glazing arrangement and at the same time offers a wide range of design and lighting design variations, since the light coupling means can be provided in any height, shape, length and width in the intermediate layer and thus in the glazing as a whole.

[0011] The light coupling means of the present invention can also advantageously contribute to reducing or better dissipating the heat generated by the light source. This extends the service life of the illuminated glazing assembly. At the same time, the glazing assembly according to the invention makes it possible to provide light sources with lower power than before, which contributes to energy savings, since the light coupling means designed according to the invention contributes to greater brightness in the desired direction of light propagation.

[0012] Basically, any electrically insulating substrate that is thermally and chemically stable, as well as dimensionally stable, under the conditions of manufacture and use of the glazing assembly is suitable as the first and second panes. Preferably, the first and second panes are transparent.

[0013] A pane or an object is understood to be transparent if the pane or the object has a transmission in the visible spectral range of greater than 20%, preferably 50%, particularly preferably greater than 70%, in particular greater than 85%.

[0014] The first pane and / or the second pane preferably contain glass or are preferably made of glass. Soda-lime glass is particularly preferred. However, the panes can also be made of diamond glass, borosilicate glass or quartz glass, or of clear plastics, in particular rigid clear plastics, for example polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate. The first pane and / or the second pane are preferably transparent, in particular for use of the panes as a roof pane, windshield or rear window of a vehicle or other applications where high light transmission is desired. In particular, at least the first pane and preferably also the second pane are made of clear glass.

[0015] For windows that are not in the driver's relevant field of vision, such as roof windows, the transmission can be much lower, perhaps greater than 5%. For this purpose, the second pane and / or the intermediate layer can be tinted or colored.

[0016] The thickness of the first pane and / or second pane can vary widely and thus be perfectly adapted to the requirements of the individual case. Standard thicknesses of 1 mm to 25 mm are preferably used, preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm for vehicle glass and preferably from 4 mm to 25 mm for furniture, appliances, and buildings. The size of the panes can vary widely and depends on the size of the inventive use. The first pane and second pane have areas of 200 cm, for example, which are common in vehicle construction and architecture. 2 up to 20 m 2 on.

[0017] The glazing can have any three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape preferably has no shadow zones, allowing it to be coated with additional coatings, for example, by cathode sputtering. The panes are preferably flat or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions of the room. The panes can be colorless or colored.

[0018] The glazing assembly according to the invention comprises a composite pane. The composite pane comprises the first pane and the second pane, which are connected to each other via the intermediate layer. Preferably, the two panes and the intermediate layer are joined together by lamination.

[0019] The intermediate layer can be formed from a single thermoplastic layer or from several thermoplastic layers arranged one above the other. Each thermoplastic layer is typically formed from a thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic layers or films preferably contain or consist of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyurethane (PU). The intermediate layer can be transparent, tinted or colored; in the case of several thermoplastic layers, these can be transparent, tinted or colored independently of one another. The height (also referred to as thickness) of each thermoplastic layer or film is preferably from 0.025 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm. The terms “first pane” and “second pane” are chosen to distinguish between the two panes in a composite pane according to the invention.These terms do not imply any statement about the geometric arrangement. For example, if the composite pane according to the invention is intended to separate the interior from the exterior in an opening, such as a vehicle or a building, the first pane can face the interior or the exterior.

[0020] Furthermore, the first pane and / or the second pane may have further suitable coatings, for example an anti-reflection coating, a non-stick coating, an anti-scratch coating, a photocatalytic coating, a sun protection coating and / or low-E coating.

[0021] Furthermore, the glazing arrangement may optionally comprise further functional elements, in particular electronically controllable optical elements, for example PDLC elements, electrochromic elements or the like, which are typically arranged between the first pane and the second pane in the intermediate layer.

[0022] The light source of the glazing assembly according to the invention comprises at least one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source may additionally or alternatively comprise an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a laser.

[0023] Furthermore, the glazing arrangement of the present invention comprises a light coupling means arranged in the intermediate layer. The light coupling means is intended to couple the light from the light source into the first pane. The light from the light source is coupled at least partially into the first pane via the light coupling means. This occurs by light deflection in transmission by the light coupling means or by scattering, diffraction, refraction, or reflection at the light coupling means. The light is preferably coupled by reflection at the light coupling means, in particular at the microprism film of the light coupling means.

[0024] In one embodiment, the light source can be arranged on an end face of the first pane or in a cutout (a recess) of the first pane. The light source is preferably arranged adjacent to the light coupling means. In a further embodiment, the light source can be arranged on the main surface facing away from the intermediate layer. The light source is preferably arranged opposite the light coupling means and particularly preferably directly borders the main surface of the first pane facing the intermediate layer.

[0025] According to the invention, the light coupling means has a multilayer structure comprising a carrier layer and a microprism film. The carrier layer can in particular consist of a thermoplastic polymer material. Materials that are also used as materials for the intermediate layer are particularly preferred for the carrier layer. The carrier layer thus preferably also contains or consists of at least one plastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyurethane (PU). However, the carrier layer can also contain, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene-propylenes, polyvinyl fluoride and / or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.The carrier layer can be formed by one or more films arranged one above the other, wherein the height of a film is preferably from 0.025 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0026] The carrier layer is preferably glued, laminated, or otherwise firmly connected to the microprism film to form the light-coupling means. The microprism film itself is known in particular from traffic engineering as reflective film, from lighting technology, or from display technology, for example as brightness enhancement film (BEF). This can in particular be a film that comprises a base layer and a microprism layer arranged on the base layer. In this case, the base layer of the microprism film is thus present in addition to the carrier layer of the light-coupling means within the meaning of the present invention. In other words, both the carrier layer and the base layer and microprism layer are included in the light-coupling means.

[0027] The microprism films usable within the meaning of the invention are commercially available, for example from 3M, MNTech, Shinwa, Zeon Chemicals, SKC, or Dupont, and illustrative examples of microprism films are also disclosed in US patents 4,588,258, 4,775,219, 4,895,428, 5,138,488, 5,387,458, 5,450,235, 5,605,761, 5,614,286 and 5,691,846. A scratch-resistant coated microprism film is described, for example, in the document US 2007 / 0254146 A1. The prism structures of such a microprism film are in particular transparent and formed from a polyacrylate or polycarbonate, for example from PMA or PMMA. Typical prism heights range from approximately 20 pm to 25 pm. The base layer of a typical microprism film is preferably made of polyacrylate, PET, or polycarbonate, and its typical height is approximately 100 pm to 150 pm, but it can also be in the range of approximately 30 pm to 40 pm.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light coupling means is arranged in a recess in the intermediate layer. This achieves improved height adjustment between the intermediate layer and the light coupling means. Furthermore, a simple industrial production workflow can be achieved by simply inserting the pre-laminated light coupling means into the recess of the intermediate layer. Furthermore, various design options are open with regard to the shape and surface area of ​​the light coupling means and thus the lighting design in the glazing arrangement.

[0029] The recess in the intermediate layer is preferably formed by a cutout in at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer. The light coupling means is therefore preferably arranged in a cutout in at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer.

[0030] The recess can extend through the entire intermediate layer, thus representing a section of the entire intermediate layer. This is particularly the case if

[0031] - the intermediate layer is formed from a single thermoplastic layer (in particular film) which has the cutout, or

[0032] - the intermediate layer is formed from a plurality of thermoplastic layers (in particular films), wherein all thermoplastic layers each have a cutout; the cutouts are arranged congruently one above the other and together form the recess of the intermediate layer. Alternatively, the recess may extend only through a part of the intermediate layer. This is particularly the case when the intermediate layer is formed from a plurality of thermoplastic layers (in particular films), wherein

[0033] - a single layer has a cutout, while the remaining layers have no cutout, or

[0034] - several adjacent layers each have a cutout, but not all layers; the cutouts of the adjacent layers are arranged congruently one above the other.

[0035] As described, the light coupling means is preferably arranged in a cutout of at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the light coupling means corresponds approximately to the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer with the cutout. If the cutout extends through the entire intermediate layer, this corresponds to the height of the intermediate layer. By "approximately" is meant in particular that the height difference between the light coupling means and said at least one thermoplastic layer corresponds to less than 10% of the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer, preferably less than 5%. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the height of the light coupling means corresponds to the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer.

[0036] In principle, it is also conceivable for the light coupling means to have a (significantly) lower height than the aforementioned at least one thermoplastic layer with the cutout. However, since this would leave a void in the laminated pane, this is less preferred. This advantageously allows stresses in the glazing assembly, which could lead to a shortening of the service life of the glazing, to be completely avoided. Furthermore, this allows additional intermediate or functional layers to be arranged on the thus designed intermediate layer using conventional methods.

[0037] As described, in addition to the at least one thermoplastic layer with the cutout, the intermediate layer can comprise at least one further thermoplastic layer without a cutout. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one thermoplastic layer with the cutout, in which the light coupling means is arranged, directly adjoins the first pane.

[0038] These additional thermoplastic layers can fulfill various functions, for example, they can act as soundproofing layers. Particularly advantageous are so-called acoustically dampening intermediate layers, which preferably consist of three layers of PVB, with the middle layer being softer than the two outer layers.

[0039] Said further thermoplastic layer may also comprise a functional layer, in particular an infrared-reflecting layer, an infrared-absorbing layer, a UV-absorbing layer, a layer that is colored at least in sections, and / or a layer that is tinted at least in sections. For example, the thermoplastic layer may also be a bandpass filter.

[0040] This increases the comfort of the glazing arrangement without impairing the efficiency of the lighting design by the light coupling means, in particular when the glazing arrangement according to the invention is used as a vehicle roof window.

[0041] Furthermore, the glazing arrangement can optionally comprise further functional elements, in particular electronically controllable optical elements, for example PDLC elements, electrochromic elements or the like, which are typically arranged between the first pane and the second pane (i.e. in the intermediate layer).

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light coupling means is arranged in a tinted, untinted, and, in particular, a blackened region of the intermediate layer. This ensures that the light is guided precisely at the intended locations of the glazing arrangement by the light coupling means, without causing undesirable radiation losses to the outside or diffuse scattered light, which could make the lighting design appear washed out or blurred. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a PET film with a height of 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.76 mm can be provided as the carrier layer for the microprism film for producing the light coupling means.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the microprism film of the multilayer film of the light coupling means has a height in the range between 25 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 25 pm and 400 pm, and in particular greater than or equal to 150 pm and less than or equal to 350 pm.

[0044] Microprism films with a height within the specified range are robust and easy to handle, especially with regard to cutting into various shapes by machines. With thinner or thicker films, lamination with the carrier layer is less straightforward than with films of the specified thickness. Furthermore, lamination with such carrier layers, such as those commonly used as interlayers in laminated glass, easily creates a composite of the light coupling agent that approximately corresponds to the standardized height of interlayers. This composite can then be further processed immediately by inserting it into a corresponding cutout in the interlayer.

[0045] In particular, for example, a microprism film with a height of approximately 300 μm can be laminated together with a standardized interlayer film with a height of approximately 500 μm to form the light-coupling means, resulting in a height of approximately 800 μm for the light-coupling means. This light-coupling means can be inserted in the desired configuration, for example as a strip, into a corresponding cutout in an interlayer with a standardized height of 760 μm. This results in an intermediate product of uniform height that can be combined with the first and second panes and optionally further intermediate or functional layers to form a glazing arrangement according to the invention.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises at least one, preferably several, light-emitting diodes (LEDs, OLEDs). The light source can be arranged on an end face of the first pane or in a recess of the first pane. The efficient action of the light coupling means makes it possible to provide less bright light sources or a smaller overall number of light sources in the glazing arrangement according to the invention while maintaining constant brightness and reliable light guidance. The light source can also be arranged on a main surface of the first pane, in particular the main surface facing away from the intermediate layer.

[0047] The object is also achieved by a method for producing a glazing arrangement according to the invention, at least comprising:

[0048] • Laminating a multilayer film comprising at least one carrier layer and a microprism film and thereby providing a light coupling means,

[0049] • Providing an intermediate layer,

[0050] • Making a cutout in at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer,

[0051] • Cutting the multilayer film of the light coupling agent,

[0052] • Inserting the cut-out of the light coupling means into the cut-out of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer, and

[0053] • Inserting the composite thus formed of intermediate layer and light coupling agent between a first pane and a second pane and connecting the elements by lamination.

[0054] To provide a light coupling means, a multilayer film consisting of at least one carrier layer and a microprism film is produced in a first step. Preferably, the carrier layer is laminated with the microprism film to form a multilayer film.

[0055] In the next step, an intermediate layer suitable for laminated glass panes is provided, and one or more cutouts are introduced into it. The intermediate layer is preferably formed from one or more thermoplastic films. The cutout is introduced into at least one thermoplastic film. The cutouts can be introduced, for example, by cutting, particularly on a plotter, or punching.

[0056] The cutouts preferably have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the desired light coupling. In particular, the cutouts can be partially or completely strip-shaped, circular, elliptical, or square.

[0057] During the manufacturing process, before, in parallel, or after the cutouts are made in the intermediate layer, the multilayer film of the light coupling agent is cut to size. Here, too, any desired shape can be chosen. Preferably, the cut multilayer film can be partially or completely strip-shaped, circular, elliptical, or square. The shape of the cutouts in the multilayer film determines the shape of the cutouts in the intermediate layer.

[0058] In the next step, the cut multilayer film of the light coupling agent is inserted into the cutout(s) of the intermediate layer (or the at least one thermoplastic film). Measures may then be taken to strengthen the bond between the light coupling agent and the intermediate layer. This creates a composite of the intermediate layer and the light coupling agent, which is placed between the first and second panes, and the elements are then bonded by lamination.

[0059] The first pane and the second pane are laminated together via the intermediate layer, which partially comprises the composite of the light coupling agent and the intermediate layer, for example, by autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the panes is typically achieved under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0060] During the manufacturing process, before, in parallel with, or after the first pane, the intermediate layer with light coupling means, and the second pane are joined, at least one light source is arranged on the first or second pane, preferably on a side edge or on the main surface of the first pane facing away from the intermediate layer. The light source(s) is / are arranged adjacent to or (relative to the first pane) opposite at least one region of the light coupling means, for example adjacent to an edge region of a strip-shaped light coupling means. In addition to an arrangement on an end face of the first pane, it is preferred to arrange the light source(s) on the main surface of the first pane facing away from the intermediate layer.This avoids the need to make cutouts in the first pane and allows the position of the light source to be varied widely without the restrictions that would result from cutting out the glass.

[0061] The method according to the invention makes it possible to produce an illuminable glazing arrangement as described above in accordance with the invention within the framework of industrial production, without creating stress areas in the finished glazing, even with higher or thicker microprism films (greater than 150 μm). Furthermore, the method enables freely selectable shapes of the light coupling means, for example, as a strip, circular arc section, circle, or elliptical section, to be incorporated into the glazing arrangement. This also makes it possible to achieve better light distribution and more targeted light output through good propagation of at least a large portion of the light to be coupled along the entire shape of the light coupling means, and based on this, to provide fewer light sources.

[0062] The production of the multilayer film of the light coupling means from the carrier layer and microprism film results in the light coupling means already having a height adapted to the intermediate film when inserting the light coupling means into the corresponding cutouts of the intermediate film. The intermediate layer bonded to the light coupling means in this way can be further processed in the usual processes for the production of glazing assemblies, in particular laminated panes for the construction or automotive industries.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the height of the laminated multilayer film of the light-coupling means corresponds approximately to the height of the at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer with the cutout, and after inserting the cut-to-size multilayer film into correspondingly designed recesses in the intermediate layer, the height difference is less than 10% of the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer, preferably less than 5%. This prevents stresses from occurring in the laminated pane in the region of the light-coupling means during the manufacturing process. The proportion of rejects during production can be reduced, and a stable and durable connection of the elements of the glazing arrangement can be achieved using standard industrial manufacturing steps.The present invention further relates to the use of a glazing assembly according to the invention as a roof window of a vehicle. The first pane is preferably the pane facing the vehicle interior, while the second pane faces the exterior. Within the scope of the present invention, all embodiments mentioned for individual features can also be freely combined with one another, provided they are not contradictory.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures are schematic representations and not to scale. The figures do not limit the invention in any way.

[0065] They show:

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a glazing arrangement according to the invention with a composite pane,

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a glazing arrangement according to the invention with a composite pane, and

[0068] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a glazing assembly 10 according to the invention. The glazing assembly 10 comprises a first pane 1, a second pane 6, and a light source 2. The composite pane can be, for example, automotive glazing, structural glazing, or components of a piece of furniture or electrical equipment. For example, the glazing assembly 10 is a roof pane of a vehicle. The glazing assembly 10 can also be part of an insulating glazing unit and serve, for example, as an outer or inner pane in a window of a building. Furthermore, the glazing assembly 10 can be installed in an interior space and can serve, for example, as glazing in a conference room.

[0070] The first pane 1 has a first main surface IV and a second main surface III opposite the first main surface IV. The first pane 1 is delimited by four circumferential end surfaces 4, also called side surfaces. The first pane 1 is made, for example, of soda-lime glass and its dimensions are 1.4 m x 1.5 m. The first pane 1 has a thickness of 3 mm. The thickness of the first pane can be adapted to the respective use. The first pane 1 can comprise tempered, partially tempered, or non-tempered glass. Alternatively, the first pane 1 can be made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate. In the glazing arrangement 10, the light source 2 is arranged such that light is coupled into the pane 1. In the embodiment shown, the light source 2 is arranged on the main surface IV of the first pane 1. However, it can equally well be arranged on an end face 4 of the pane.Light source 2 is designed to emit light in the visible range. Alternatively, it can emit infrared or ultraviolet light.

[0071] The first pane 1 is connected to a second pane 6 via an intermediate layer 5, so that the composite forms a claimed glazing assembly 10. For this purpose, the intermediate layer 5 lies flat against a main surface II of the second pane 6 and, opposite, against the main surface III of the first pane 1.

[0072] The second pane 6 is delimited by four circumferential end faces 4, also called side faces. The second pane 6 is made, for example, of soda-lime glass and its dimensions are 1.4 m x 1.5 m. The second pane 6 has a thickness of 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 mm. The thickness of the second pane can be adapted to the respective application. The second pane 6 can comprise tempered, semi-tempered, or non-tempered glass. Alternatively, the second pane 6 can be made of a plastic, for example, polycarbonate.

[0073] The intermediate layer 5 is preferably transparent, tinted, or colored. The intermediate layer 5 preferably contains at least one plastic, for example, PVB. The intermediate layer 5 is formed from a single film, the film having a thickness of, for example, 0.76 mm. The intermediate layer 5 is thermoplastic and, after lamination, bonds the first pane 1 and the second pane 6 together.

[0074] Adjacent to the light source 2, the intermediate layer 5 has a cutout in which the light coupling means 3, designed as a multilayer film, is arranged. The multilayer film of the light coupling means 3 comprises at least one carrier layer 3.1 and a microprism film 3.2, and its height is matched to the height of the intermediate layer 5, so that the height difference between the two elements is a maximum of 80 pm, but preferably less than 50 pm.

[0075] The carrier layer 3.1 is particularly preferably formed from a material with a similar or even higher refractive index than that of the first pane 1; however, it may equally comprise another material that is highly compatible with the material of the intermediate layer. In the presently shown embodiment of the invention, the carrier layer is transparent to the light emitted by the light source 2. In this way, the portion of the emitted light that radiates onto the light coupling means 3 can easily pass through the carrier layer onto the microprism film 3.2. The light coupling means is provided to deflect a large portion of the light incident from the light source into the first pane 1 by transmission, scattering, refraction, diffraction, or, in particular, reflection.

[0076] The carrier layer therefore preferably also contains or consists of at least one plastic, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the carrier layer can also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The carrier layer can be formed by one or more films arranged one above the other, wherein the height of a film is preferably from 0.025 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0077] The carrier layer is preferably glued, laminated, or otherwise firmly connected to the microprism film to form the light-coupling means. The microprism film itself is known in particular from traffic engineering as reflective film, from lighting technology, or from display technology, for example as brightness enhancement film (BEF). This can in particular be a film that comprises a, preferably adhesive, base layer and a microprism layer arranged on the base layer. In this case, the base layer of the microprism film is thus present in addition to the carrier layer of the light-coupling means within the meaning of the present invention. In other words, both the carrier layer and the base layer and microprism layer are included in the light-coupling means.

[0078] The microprism films usable within the meaning of the invention are commercially available, for example from 3M, MNTech, Shinwa, Zeon Chemicals, SKC, or Dupont, and illustrative examples of microprism films are also disclosed in US patents 4,588,258, 4,775,219, 4,895,428, 5,138,488, 5,387,458, 5,450,235, 5,605,761, 5,614,286 and 5,691,846. A scratch-resistant coated microprism film is described, for example, in the document US 2007 / 0254146 A1. The prism structures of such a microprism film are in particular transparent and formed from a polyacrylate or polycarbonate, for example from PMA or PMMA. Typical prism heights range from approximately 20 pm to 25 pm. The base layer of a typical microprism film is preferably made of PET or PVB, and its typical height is approximately 100 pm to 150 pm, but it can also be in the range of approximately 30 pm to 40 pm.

[0079] In particular in the area adjacent to the section of the intermediate layer 5 into which the light coupling means 3 is inserted, the intermediate layer 5 can be tinted black.

[0080] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a glazing arrangement 10 according to the invention as a composite pane. The basic arrangement of the first pane 1, the second pane 6, and the intermediate layer 5 arranged therebetween, connecting both panes, already shown in Figure 1 is also implemented here. A light source 2 is arranged on a side surface 4 of the first pane 1, the light from which is coupled into the first pane 1. In addition, a light coupling means 3 in the form of a multilayer film comprising at least one carrier layer 3.1 and a microprism film 3.2 bonded to the carrier layer serves to couple in the light emitted by the light source 2.

[0081] In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, this embodiment of the invention comprises several thermoplastic films, in the present case three films arranged one above the other, which together form the intermediate layer 5. Two adjacent films have a cutout, whereby the cutouts of the films form a recess in the entire intermediate layer 5, into which the light coupling means 3 is inserted. The third film, facing away from the first pane 1, in contrast, has no cutout.

[0082] In the embodiment shown, the light coupling means 3 is inserted into a cutout of the intermediate layer 5, which encompasses the height of two of the three layers forming the intermediate layer 5. The height of the light coupling means 3 is thus matched to the height of two layers of the intermediate layer. The third layer of the intermediate layer 5 is designed to be continuous, i.e., no cutout is made in this layer.

[0083] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention shown, the microprism surface of the light coupling means 3 is oriented toward the light source 2. In this case, the carrier layer 3.1 of the light coupling means 3 can also be tinted or colored.

[0084] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing the illuminable glazing arrangement 10. The method comprises the following steps:

[0085] • 101 : Laminating a multilayer film comprising at least one carrier layer 3.1 and a microprism film 3.2 and thereby providing a light coupling means 3,

[0086] • 102: Providing an intermediate layer 5,

[0087] • 103: Making cutouts in the intermediate layer 5,

[0088] • 104: Cutting the multilayer film of the light coupling means 3,

[0089] • 105: Inserting the cut pieces of the light coupling means 3 into the cutouts of the intermediate film 5,

[0090] • 106: Inserting the composite thus formed from intermediate film 5 and light coupling means 3 between a first pane 1 and a second pane 6 and connecting the elements by lamination,

[0091] • 107: Arranging at least one light source 2 on the first or second disc 1, 6.

[0092] In steps 103 and / or 104, for example, automated plotters can be used, which cut the desired shape from a flat film, for example by laser cutting. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting of the light coupling means 3 and / or the introduction of the cutouts into the intermediate film 5 can be done by punching. Step 105 can take place either before or after the intermediate film 5 is applied to a main surface of the first or second pane. List of Reference Symbols

[0093] 1 first slice

[0094] 2 light source

[0095] 3 Light coupling agent 3.1 Carrier layer

[0096] 3.2 Microprism film

[0097] 4 side surface

[0098] 5 Intermediate layer

[0099] 6 second pane 10 glazing arrangement

[0100] I second main surface of the second disc 6

[0101] II first main surface of the second disc 6

[0102] III second main surface of the first disc 1

[0103] IV first main surface of the first disc 1

Claims

Patent claims Glazing arrangement (10) at least comprising: • a first disc (1) having a first main surface (IV) and a second main surface (III), wherein the first disc (1) is intended to at least partially transmit coupled-in light, • a light source (2) for generating light that can be coupled into the first disc (1), • a second disc (6) with a first main surface (II) and a second main surface (I), • an intermediate layer (5) arranged between the first disc (1) and the second disc (6), • a light-coupling means (3) which is arranged in the intermediate layer (5), wherein the light-coupling means (3) is formed from a multi-layer film, wherein the multi-layer film comprises at least one carrier layer (3.1) and a microprism film (3.2). Glazing arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light-coupling means (3) is arranged in a section of at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer (5). Glazing arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the height of the light-coupling means (3) corresponds approximately to the height of said at least one layer of the intermediate layer (5). Glazing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light-coupling means (3) is arranged in a tinted, untinted and in particular in a blackened region of the intermediate layer (5). Glazing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microprism film (3.2) the multilayer film of the light coupling means (3) has a height in the range between 25 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 25 pm and 400 pm, and in particular greater than or equal to 150 pm and less than or equal to 350 pm. Glazing arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source (2) comprises at least one, preferably several, light-emitting diodes (LED, OLED). A method for producing a glazing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least: • Laminating a multilayer film comprising at least one carrier layer (3.1) and a microprism film (3.2) and thereby providing a light coupling means (3), • Providing an intermediate layer (5), • Making a cutout in at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer (5), • Cutting the multilayer film of the light coupling agent (3), • Inserting the cut-out of the light coupling means (3) into the cut-out of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer (5), • Inserting the composite thus formed from the intermediate layer (5) and the light coupling means (3) between a first pane (1) and a second pane (6) and connecting the elements by lamination, • Arranging at least one light source (2) on the first or second pane (1, 6). Method according to claim 7, wherein the height of the laminated multilayer film of the light coupling means (3) corresponds approximately to the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer (5), and after inserting the cut multilayer film into correspondingly designed recesses in the intermediate layer (5), the height difference is less than 10% of the height of said at least one thermoplastic layer of the intermediate layer (5), preferably less than 5%. Use of a glazing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6 as a roof window of a vehicle.

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