Illuminable glazing

Abstract

The invention relates to a glazing (1) comprising: - at least one first pane (1) with a first main surface (I) and a second main surface (II), - a coating (20) with a first main surface (III) and a second main surface (IV), wherein the first main surface (III) of the coating (20) is arranged on the second main surface (II) of the first pane (1), - at least one light source (4), said light source (4) being connected to the coating (20) such that light of the light source (4) can be coupled into the coating (20), and - at least one light output coupling means (6) for coupling light out of the coating (20) via at least one of the main surfaces (III, IV), wherein for at least one wavelength λ of a light of the light source (4), - the refractive index n20 of the coating (20) is greater than the refractive index n1 of the first pane (1), and - the extinction coefficient k20 of the coating (20) is lower than the extinction coefficient k1 of the first pane (1).

Description

[0001] Illuminatable glazing

[0002] The invention relates to an illuminable or illuminated glazing, preferably as a single pane or composite pane and in particular a roof pane.

[0003] In illuminated glazing or light distribution systems, light is usually coupled into a flat light guide of the glazing by utilising the effect of total reflection, which is known, for example, from WO 2008 / 047442 A1, JP 2011 086547 A or JP 2015 043321 A

[0004] From WO 2010 / 049638 A1, WO 2013 / 053629 A1, WO 2014 / 060409 A1, WO 2015 / 095288 A2, or WO 2022 / 218741 A1, it is known to couple light via the side surface (also called the side edge) of a glass pane. If the light source is placed very close to the glass edge, light can be coupled into the light guide very efficiently and across the entire width of the light guide. This makes it possible to achieve very homogeneous, planar illumination. This principle is widely known and widely used, for example, for display backlighting and decorative lighting applications.

[0005] In other applications, such as a roof pane in automotive glazing, such light coupling via one of the side surfaces is difficult because it is glued into the vehicle body and the pane typically has a rounded edge, the so-called C-cut. Since the side surface must be as smooth as possible for the most efficient light coupling, complex smoothing and polishing or other special processing of the side surface is required.

[0006] From WO 2013 / 110885 A1, WO 2018 / 178591 A1 or WO 2019 / 105855 A1 it is known to insert light sources into recesses, for example in mechanically drilled holes, and thereby couple light into the glass pane. However, the point-like coupling of light makes homogeneous illumination of the entire pane difficult. Furthermore, the edge of the hole is matt for technical reasons, which also reduces the efficiency of the light coupling. In addition, the holes lead to a mechanical weakening of the glazing. Alternatively, the light source can be arranged on one of the main surfaces of the glass pane and the light can be coupled into the glass pane via one of the main surfaces, which is known, for example, from WO 2022 / 096365 A1.

[0007] In WO 2014 / 060409 A1, an additional single-pane safety glass pane is mounted under the main laminated glass pane by means of a casing or housing, the sole function of which is to conduct light. This results in considerable additional production costs and additional weight and space requirements for the entire roof pane.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved glazing which can be manufactured simply and inexpensively and which enables particularly efficient illumination of the glazing.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by a glazing according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] The glazing according to the invention comprises at least the following features: at least one first pane with a first main surface and a second main surface, a coating with a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the coating with the first main surface is arranged on the second main surface of the first pane, at least one light source, wherein the light source is connected to the coating in such a way that light from the light source can be coupled into the coating, and at least one light extraction means for coupling light out of the coating via at least one of the main surfaces, wherein for at least one wavelength A of light from the light source, a refractive index n2or coating is greater than a refractive index m of the first pane, and an extinction coefficient k2o of the coating is less than an extinction coefficient ki of the first pane.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light source is connected to the coating according to the invention in such a way that light from the light source is directed at an angle 0 greater than or equal to the angle 0 to tai of total reflection can be coupled into the coating.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light source is designed such that the light is essentially not coupled into the first pane or another (e.g., second) pane. In particular, the light is not coupled into the coating via the first pane.

[0013] The present invention is based on the following discovery by the inventors: Glass—be it mineral glass, such as soda-lime glass, or polymeric glass—is often described as transparent. By exploiting total internal reflection, light coupled into a glass pane can be retained within the glass with virtually no reflection losses at the interfaces to other media (such as air). However, even in glass, a generally wavelength-dependent extinction occurs, and thus a loss of intensity increases with the length of the path through the medium. This is particularly disadvantageous for tinted glass panes or in arrangements in which the light source is far from the point of light extraction.

[0014] In the present invention, a coating is applied to the first pane that a) has a higher refractive index, thus forming a planar optical waveguide, and b) has a low extinction coefficient, so that less coupled-in light is lost along its propagation in the medium. The combination of both allows for a high output light intensity, even at positions on the glazing that are far away from the respective light source.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the light source (4) is suitable for emitting light of at least one wavelength A in the wavelength range of visible light (VIS), preferably in the range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the extinction coefficient k2o of the coating is smaller than the extinction coefficient ki of the first pane by a factor of at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, particularly preferably at least 5, and in particular at least 10. In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the extinction coefficient k2o at a wavelength A of 550 nm is less than or equal to 1*10 -6 , preferably less than or equal to 1*10 -7 and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1*10 -8 .

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the coating has a substantially constant thickness d2o.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the coating has a thickness d2o of at least the minimum wavelength A of the light from the light source.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the coating has a thickness d2o of 380 nm to 10 pm, preferably of 780 nm to 5 pm and in particular of 800 nm to 2 pm.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the coating is deposited on the second main surface of the first pane by a thin-film deposition process.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coating according to the invention is deposited by known methods, preferably by cathode sputtering or magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering. This is particularly advantageous with regard to a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and uniform coating of the substrate. The cathode sputtering takes place in a protective gas atmosphere, for example, argon, or in a reactive gas atmosphere, for example, by adding oxygen or nitrogen.

[0022] Coatings according to the invention can also be applied by other methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by plasma-enhanced vapor deposition (PECVD) or by wet-chemical processes, for example sol-gel processes such as spray coating, dip coating, spin coating or casting. In general, sol-gel processes are understood to be the condensation of colloidally dissolved particles to form three-dimensional networks, whereby the size of the colloids can vary between 1 nm and several thousand nm. In spray coating, a sol is atomized by supplying a certain amount of air and transported to the substrate in very small particles. In so-called dip coating, the substrate is immersed in a solution and then withdrawn again at a constant speed.In the so-called casting process, a synthesis solution is dripped onto the substrate and the solvent is waited for to evaporate. The production of coatings by casting is also based on the "evaporation-induced self-assembly" (EISA) mechanism. The films produced in this way can be significantly thicker than those produced by dip or spin coating.

[0023] Particularly preferred methods for producing silicon dioxide-containing coatings or coatings consisting of silicon dioxide are chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced vapor deposition (PECVD) processes, in which the coating is formed by a reaction of gases containing silicon, such as silane or tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS, also tetraethoxysilane).

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the coating contains or consists of titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, in particular SiA1N4, silicon zirconium nitride, silicon oxynitride and / or silicon dioxide, in particular SiO2.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the refractive index n2or coating is at least 0.1, preferably at least 0.2 and in particular at least 0.2 to 1.5, greater than the refractive index m of the first pane.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glazing according to the invention comprises at least one, preferably transparent, light coupling means, wherein the light source is connected to the first main surface of the coating via the light coupling means, so that light from the light source can be coupled into the coating. Transparent within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean an object, in particular a light coupling means, a light decoupling means and / or a transparent body, which has a transmission in the visible spectral range of greater than 20%, preferably greater than 50%, particularly preferably greater than 70%, in particular greater than 85%.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a part of the light arriving from the light source in transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light coupling means is suitable for coupling a part of the light arriving from the light source at an angle 0 greater than or equal to the angle 0 to The angle θ is the angle of incidence or reflection relative to the normal to the main surface of the pane. Advantageously, the proportion of light coupled into the coating by the light source at an angle θ greater than or equal to the angle θ of total reflection is increased by a factor of at least 50, preferably at least 200, by the light coupling means.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the light coupling agent is introduced into the second main surface of the coating, preferably by laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, and / or etching, preferably chemical or physical etching. A flat, irregular surface structuring that results in diffuse light scattering upon illumination is particularly suitable. Alternatively, linear or grid-like (e.g., cross-lattice-like) structures can be introduced.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the light coupling means according to the invention is not formed integrally with the coating.

[0031] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the light coupling means is printed onto the second main surface of the coating, for example, by inkjet or screen printing. Advantageously, the print contains particles that are suitable for scattering, refracting, diffracting, or reflecting light. In a further alternative advantageous embodiment, the light coupling means contains or consists of a transparent body that is integrally bonded to the second main surface of the coating, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0032] The transparent body according to the invention preferably contains or consists of a structured plastic film or plastic plate, for example with light-scattering, light-refracting, light-diffracting, or light-reflecting particles, a holographic film. The transparent body according to the invention can also contain or consist of a planar arrangement of microprisms, for example of randomly or grid-arranged pyramids or of linearly arranged steps (hereinafter also referred to as step prisms). Typically, the transparent body has a surface structure composed of such microprisms. Such microprisms can advantageously be produced by mechanical processing such as stamping or embossing, by chemical etching, by photolithography, or other transfer techniques.

[0033] The refractive index n of the transparent body is preferably from m - 0.3 to m + 0.3, particularly preferably from m - 0.2 to m + 0.2 and in particular from m - 0.15 to n i + 0.15, where m is the refractive index of the first pane.

[0034] In a further alternative advantageous embodiment, the light coupling means and in particular the transparent body is a part of the light source, for example a section of the housing.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source is connected to the coating directly or only via the light coupling means. In particular, the light source is designed such that the light is not coupled into the first pane or a further pane.

[0036] It is understood that a glazing according to the invention may comprise one or more light sources, the light of which is coupled into the coating according to the invention by one or more of the light coupling means described above. Different light coupling means may also be combined in one glazing. In an advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the light source is suitable for emitting visible light.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the light source contains or consists of at least one light-emitting diode (LED), preferably at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), at least one laser diode, at least one incandescent lamp, and / or at least one gas discharge lamp. A light source with a plurality of laser or light-emitting diodes, which are arranged in particular in a strip on a carrier strip, is particularly advantageous.

[0038] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, the light source, and in particular the plurality of laser or light-emitting diodes, are arranged in a meandering, wave-like, or zigzag pattern on the coating according to the invention, in particular in the form of a circle or loop. This allows a particularly large amount of light to be coupled into the coating.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light extraction means is suitable for coupling out a portion of the light guided into the coating according to the invention, preferably by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction, at at least one of the main surfaces of the coating.

[0040] Advantageously, the light coupling means is introduced into the first main surface, into the second main surface and / or within the coating according to the invention, and / or arranged on the first main surface and / or on the second main surface.

[0041] For this purpose, the light extraction means is preferably introduced into the first main surface and / or the second main surface of the coating according to the invention by laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, and / or by etching.

[0042] Alternatively or in combination, the light coupling means can be materially bonded to the first main surface and / or to the second main surface of the coating according to the invention, preferably by printing or gluing on a color, a paste or particles, particularly preferably light-scattering, light-refracting or light-reflecting particles.

[0043] Alternatively or in combination, the light-coupling agent may comprise or consist of particles, particularly preferably light-scattering, light-refracting, light-diffracting, or light-reflecting particles, scattering centers, or cavities arranged within the coating according to the invention. Such scattering centers or cavities can be introduced into the coating, for example, by laser structuring.

[0044] Alternatively or in combination, the light coupling means may contain or consist of at least one transparent body which is materially connected to the first or second main surface of the coating according to the invention, for example by gluing or arranging it on the first pane before applying the coating, wherein the transparent body preferably contains or consists of a) a structured plastic film or plastic plate or b) a transmission holographic film.

[0045] Advantageously, the structured plastic film or plastic plate has a planar arrangement of microprisms like a step prism.

[0046] Alternatively or in combination, the light-coupling means can be a reflective body that is integrally bonded to the second or first main surface of the coating according to the invention, for example by adhesive bonding. The reflective body preferably contains or consists of a) a structured plastic film or plastic plate or b) a transmission holographic film. Advantageously, the structured plastic film or plastic plate has a planar arrangement of microprisms, such as a step prism.

[0047] If such a light extraction means is arranged, for example, on the second main surface of the coating according to the invention, the light is extracted, for example, via the second main surface and can be recognized by an observer who views the coating according to the invention via the second main surface. Alternatively or in combination, the light extraction means can be a transparent body which is connected to the first or second main surface of the coating according to the invention, preferably in a materially bonded manner, for example by gluing. The transparent body then advantageously contains or consists of a preferably structured, particularly preferably a diffusely scattering or directionally refracting, for example by microprisms, transparent layer, plastic film or plastic plate, whose refractive index nw is significantly greater than ni. In particular, n is then at least +0.2 or at least +0.5 greater than m.Such a light extraction means can, for example, be a roughened film coated with titanium oxide (TiOx). If such a light extraction means is arranged, for example, on the second main surface of the coating according to the invention, the light is extracted via the second main surface and can be detected by an observer viewing the coating according to the invention via the second main surface.

[0048] The transparent body of the light-coupling means according to the invention can contain or consist of a planar arrangement of microprisms, for example, randomly or grid-arranged pyramids or linearly arranged steps (hereinafter also referred to as step prisms). Typically, the transparent body has a surface structure composed of such microprisms. Such microprisms can advantageously be produced by mechanical processing such as stamping or embossing, by chemical etching, by photolithography, or other transfer techniques.

[0049] In an advantageous development of the invention, the glazing according to the invention comprises at least one light amplification means. The light amplification means is arranged opposite the light coupling means with respect to the coating according to the invention. Opposite here preferably means that the light amplification means is arranged at least in the region of the orthogonal projection of the light coupling means onto the coating according to the invention.

[0050] The light amplification means can be arranged directly between the first main surface of the coating and the second main surface of the first pane. In particular, the light amplification means is not formed integrally with the coating.

[0051] The light amplification agent according to the invention is particularly suitable for redirecting light emerging from the coating into the coating by reflection, preferably directed reflection, scattering, preferably diffuse scattering, or diffraction, preferably at an angle 0 greater than or equal to 0 to tai-

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glazing is a single glazing, for example a single pane.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the glazing according to the invention is a composite pane. Preferably, a second pane is bonded to the first main surface of the first pane by at least one intermediate layer, preferably by lamination.

[0054] Basically, all electrically insulating substrates that are thermally and chemically stable and dimensionally stable under the conditions of manufacture and use of the composite pane according to the invention are suitable as the first pane and second pane.

[0055] The first pane and / or, if present, the second pane preferably contain or consist of glass, particularly preferably flat glass, most preferably float glass, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass or quartz glass, or clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and / or mixtures thereof. The first pane and / or second pane are preferably transparent, in particular for use of the panes as a windshield or rear window of a vehicle or other applications where high light transmission is desired. For the purposes of the invention, a pane is then understood to be transparent if it has a transmission in the visible spectral range of greater than 70%. In particular, at least the first pane and preferably also the second pane are made of clear glass.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 1.0 mm to 25 mm are preferably used, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm for vehicle glass and preferably 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.

[0058] The glazing can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the three-dimensional shape has no shadow zones, allowing it to be coated with additional coatings, for example, by cathode sputtering. The panes are preferably planar or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions of the room. Planar substrates are particularly preferred. The panes can be colorless or colored.

[0059] In the case of a composite pane, the first pane and the second pane are connected to one another by at least one intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is preferably transparent, tinted, or colored. The intermediate layer preferably contains or consists of at least one plastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the intermediate 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 intermediate layer can be formed by one or more films arranged one above the other, with the thickness of a film preferably being from 0.025 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.The intermediate layers can preferably be thermoplastic and, after lamination, bond the first pane, the second pane, and any additional intermediate layers together. Particularly advantageous are so-called acoustically dampening intermediate layers, which preferably consist of three PVB layers, with the middle layer being softer than the two outer layers. The intermediate layer can also be a functional intermediate layer, in particular an infrared-reflecting intermediate layer, an infrared-absorbing intermediate layer, a UV-absorbing intermediate layer, an at least partially colored intermediate layer, and / or an at least partially tinted intermediate layer. For example, the thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be a band filter film.

[0060] 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, for example, in a vehicle or a building, the first pane can face the interior or the exterior.

[0061] The first pane and / or, if present, the second pane may have further suitable, conventional layers, for example anti-reflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings, sunscreen coatings, or low-E coatings. It is understood that further layers on the second main surface of the first pane must not impair the properties of the coating according to the invention, and in particular, the total reflection of light in the coating.

[0062] Furthermore, the glazing may 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.

[0063] A further aspect of the invention comprises a glazing assembly comprising a glazing according to the invention and a voltage source or control electronics connected to the light source. The light source can be controlled by the voltage source or control electronics so that it emits light when a voltage is applied. A further aspect of the invention comprises a method for producing a glazing according to the invention, wherein at least:

[0064] S1 : the first disc is provided and

[0065] S2: the coating is deposited on the first main surface of the first disc by a thin film deposition process.

[0066] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, prior to the second method step (S2), a light source, preferably a laser diode and / or a light-emitting diode, is arranged on the second main surface of the first pane such that, after the coating has been deposited in the second method step (S2), light can be coupled into the coating according to the invention. Particularly preferably, the light is coupled into the coating parallel to a direction of extension of the coating.

[0067] For example, at least one prefabricated miniature light-emitting diode or miniature laser diode can be arranged on the second main surface of the first disc.

[0068] A simple light-emitting or laser diode has a pn junction layer with an insulator between them, with two conductive layers on top and bottom. Alternatively, a laser or light-emitting diode, or a respective strip, can be deposited directly onto the first wafer as a substrate using semiconductor production processes.

[0069] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the light or a portion of the light from the light source is directed at an angle 0 greater than or equal to the angle 0 to tai of total reflection is coupled into the coating according to the invention.

[0070] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0071] - Arranging a preferably light-scattering, light-reflecting, light-refracting or light-diffracting light coupling means on the first main surface of the coating, preferably by laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, etching, coating, printing or applying a transparent body, arranging at least one light source on the light coupling means and arranging at least one light decoupling means on or in the coating.

[0072] The glazing according to the invention can, for example, be the roof window, windshield, side window, or rear window of a vehicle, or other vehicle glazing, for example a partition in a vehicle, preferably in a rail vehicle or a bus. Alternatively, the glazing can be architectural glazing, for example in an exterior facade of a building or a partition inside a building, or a built-in component in furniture or appliances.

[0073] A further aspect of the invention comprises the use of the glazing according to the invention in buildings, in particular in the access area, window area, roof area or facade area, as a built-in part in furniture and appliances, in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as a windscreen, rear window, side window and / or roof window.

[0074] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0075] They show:

[0076] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a glazing according to the invention using the example of a single pane,

[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a glazing according to the invention using the example of a composite pane,

[0078] Figure 3A, B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a glazing according to the invention using the example of a single pane to illustrate the method according to the invention, and

[0079] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of the second main surface of a coating according to the invention of a glazing according to the invention with a wave-shaped light source. Figure 1 (Fig. 1) shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a glazing 101 according to the invention using the example of a single pane. The single pane can be, for example, automotive glazing, structural glazing, or a component of a piece of furniture or (electrical) device. For example, the glazing 101 is a roof pane of a vehicle. The glazing 101 can also be part of an insulating glazing and serve, for example, as an outer or inner pane in a window of a building. Alternatively, the glazing 101 can be arranged in an interior space and, for example, be glazing in a meeting room.

[0080] The glazing 101 contains a pane 1, which is also called the first pane 1 in the context of the present invention. The dimensions of the first pane 1 are, for example, 1.4 m x 1.5 m. The first pane 1 is made, for example, of soda-lime glass. The thickness of the first pane 1 is, for example, 3 mm. It is understood that the thickness of the first pane 1 can be adapted to the respective use. The first pane 1 can, for example, contain tempered, partially tempered, or non-tempered glass. Alternatively, the first pane 1 can be made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate.

[0081] The first disc 1 has a first main surface I and a further opposite second main surface II. The first disc 1 is further delimited by four circumferential side surfaces which are arranged orthogonally to the main surfaces I, II.

[0082] A coating 20 according to the invention is arranged on the first pane 1. The second main surface II of the first pane 1 is in direct contact with the first main surface III of the coating 20.

[0083] The first pane 1, for example, consists of tinted glass with a transmission of 10% when viewed through the first pane 1.

[0084] The coating 20 consists, for example, of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and has, for example, a thickness d2o of 1 pm. The refractive index n2o of the coating 20 is, for example, 1.76 at a wavelength of 550 nm, and the refractive index of the first pane 1 at a wavelength of 550 nm is, for example, 1.51. The refractive index n2o of the coating 20 is thus 0.25 greater than the refractive index m of the first pane 1.

[0085] The extinction coefficient k2o of the coating 20 is smaller than the extinction coefficient ki of the first disc 1 in the entire wavelength range of visible light, i.e. in the range between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0086] The extinction coefficient k2o of the coating 20 at a wavelength of 550 nm is, for example, < 1*10 -9 and the extinction coefficient ki of the first disc 1 at the same wavelength of 550 nm is, for example, 2.3*10' 5 . The extinction coefficient k2o of the coating 20 is thus smaller by a factor of more than 20,000 at a wavelength of 550 nm than the extinction coefficient ki of the first disc 1.

[0087] The glazing 101 comprises a light source 4, for example a light-emitting diode (LED), which emits light in the visible range, for example. The light beam of the light source 4 is directed toward the coating 20 and strikes the second main surface IV of the coating 20 essentially orthogonally.

[0088] Between the light source 4 and the coating 20, for example, a light coupling means 5 is arranged, which by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction, directs a large part of the light of the light source 4 to an angle 0 (theta) greater than or equal to the angle of total reflection 0 to tai into the first disc 1. The angle of total reflection 0 to tai depends on the refractive index of the light-conducting medium and is approximately 59° for the present coating 20 (n = 1.76) to the first disc 1 (n = 1.51).

[0089] Due to the principle of total reflection, everything propagates at an angle 0 > 0 to Light coupled into the coating 20 passes through the coating 20 without losses at the interfaces. This is schematically illustrated in Figure 1 by light beam L1. Attenuation of the coupled-in light occurs solely through extinction within the medium of the coating 20. The light coupling means 5 can be configured in various ways. In the present embodiment, it consists of a region of the second main surface IV of the coating 20, in which scattering centers have been introduced into the second main surface IV by laser structuring.

[0090] For example, a light extraction means 6 is arranged on the second main surface IV of the coating 20. The light extraction means 6 can be arranged at any location on the first main surface III or the second main surface IV of the coating 20 and is arranged offset from the light injection means 5 (ie, not directly opposite).

[0091] Light coupling means 5 according to the invention are known to the person skilled in the art, for example from WO 2022 / 096365 A1, so that they will not be discussed in more detail here.

[0092] A light coupling agent 5 can be introduced into the second main surface IV of the coating 20, for example, by laser structuring. For this purpose, a line grating with a periodicity of 1 pm and a trench depth of 100 nm is structured into the surface. For this purpose, a short-pulse laser, for example, is moved in a line pattern across the main surface IV. Alternatively, a diffusely scattering surface structuring can be introduced into the surface by local ablation. For this purpose, a short-pulse laser with a power of 10 watts was moved in a grid pattern across the second main surface IV.

[0093] Alternatively, a transparent body can be arranged as a light coupling means 5 between the light source 4 and the coating 20. The surface of the transparent body facing the light source 4 has, for example, a step prism, which is suitable for refracting a large part of the light from the light source 4 and at an angle 0 > 0 totai into the coating 20. For this purpose, the pane contact surface of the transparent body is flat and glued directly onto the main surface IV of the coating 20. The transparent body consists, for example, of a plastic and in particular of a photopolymer, into which the stepped prism is introduced by suitable microstructuring or exposure processes. Suitable light extraction means 6 include, for example, structuring of the main surface III, IV of the coating 20, at which structuring total reflection is prevented and light can escape from the coating 20 via the respective main surface III, IV. Alternatively, the light extraction means 6 can comprise an imprint on the coating 20 or light-scattering, light-refracting, light-diffracting or light-reflecting particles, scattering centers, cavities or unevennesses introduced into the coating 20.Such scattering centers, cavities or unevennesses can be introduced into or onto the coating 20, for example, by laser structuring.

[0094] In the present embodiment, for example, the light extraction means 6 is formed as an imprint of fine light-scattering particles on the second main surface IV of the coating 20. This interrupts the total reflection of the light beam L1 at the interface between the coating 20 and the surrounding air, and the light is extracted from the coating 20 by scattering.

[0095] In a further development of the invention, the glazing 101 can comprise light amplification means (not shown here) which is arranged opposite the coating 20 of the light source 4. The light amplification means has the task of amplifying a large part of the light which is incident at an angle 0 < 0 totai penetrates into the coating 20 and immediately exits again due to a lack of total reflection at the interface opposite the entrance surface (here first main surface III), to be redirected into the coating 20, preferably at an angle 0 > 0 to tai- The light amplification agent preferably utilizes mechanisms of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and / or scattering. Such light amplification agents are known to the person skilled in the art, for example, from WO 2022 / 096365 A1, so they will not be discussed in detail here.

[0096] The light amplifying agent significantly increases the intensity of the light coupled into the coating 20 under total reflection and thus also the intensity of the light that can be coupled out.

[0097] Figure 2 (Fig. 2) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, using the example of a composite pane. Figure 2 shows an inventive development of the glazing 101 from Figure 1. The glazing 101 of Figure 1 has a similar structure to the glazing 101 from Figure 2, so that only the differences will be discussed below, and otherwise reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

[0098] In contrast to the glazing 101 of Figure 1, in Figure 2, the first pane 1 is connected to a second pane 2 via an intermediate layer 3 by lamination, for example, in an autoclave. The intermediate layer 3 is firmly bonded on the one hand to the first main surface I of the first pane 1 and on the opposite side to the second main surface H' of the second pane 2.

[0099] The dimensions of the glazing 101 are, for example, 1.6 m x 1.5 m. The first pane 1 is intended, for example, to face the interior of a vehicle in the installed position. This means that the second main surface II of the first pane 1 is accessible from the interior, whereas the first main surface l' of the second pane 2 faces outwards with respect to the vehicle interior. The first pane 1 and second pane 2 consist, for example, of soda-lime glass. The thickness of the first pane 1 is, for example, 1.6 mm and the thickness of the second pane 2 is, for example, 2.1 mm. It is understood that the first pane 1 and second pane 2 can have any desired thickness and can, for example, also be the same thickness. The intermediate layer 3 preferably consists of an acoustically dampening 3-layer PVB film. The second pane 2 and the intermediate layer 3 are, for example, clear, i.e., neither tinted nor colored.

[0100] In this example, the light coupling means 5 consists of a transparent body 10 containing a plastic film 12 bonded to the second main surface IV of the coating 20. The plastic film 12 is printed, for example, with light-scattering particles that diffusely scatter the light from the light source 4.

[0101] The light extraction means 6 is also arranged here, for example, on the second main surface IV of the coating 20. It is understood that it can also be arranged on the first main surface III of the coating 20 or within the coating 20.

[0102] The glazing 101 shown in Figure 2 is particularly suitable as a roof window of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, for example, a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, such as a PDLC functional element, can be arranged between the first pane 1 and the second pane 2. Figures 3A (Fig. 3A) and 3B (Fig. 3B) show schematic cross-sectional representations of a further embodiment of a glazing 101 according to the invention using the example of a composite pane and illustrate the inventive method steps of a method for production according to the invention. Figures 3A and 3B show an inventive development of the glazing 101 from Figure 1. The glazing 101 of Figure 1 has a similar structure to the glazing 101 from Figure 3B, so that only the differences will be discussed below and otherwise reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

[0103] In the method according to the invention for producing a glazing 101 according to the invention, a first pane 1 is provided in a first method step S1 and, in a subsequent second method step S2, a coating 20 according to the invention is deposited on the second main surface II of the first pane 1 by a thin-film deposition method.

[0104] Figure 3A shows the first wafer 1 during the first process step S1, wherein a light source 4 in the form of an LED was also arranged on the second main surface II of the first wafer 1. The LED was, for example, glued as a finished component onto the first main surface II of the first wafer 1. Alternatively, the LED can also be manufactured directly on the first wafer 1 using appropriate semiconductor construction processes.

[0105] Subsequently, in a second process step S2, the coating 20 according to the invention is deposited on the second main surface II of the first pane 1.

[0106] Figure 3B shows the finished glazing 101 according to the invention. The light source 4, i.e. the LED, was arranged on the second main surface II of the first pane 1 in such a way that after the deposition of the coating 20 in the second method step S2, the light of the light source 4 can be coupled into the coating 20. This means that the light source 4 can, for example, direct its light essentially parallel to the direction of extension of the main surfaces of the coating 20 (i.e., into an end face of the coating 20 and thus at an angle 0 to tai of total reflection in the coating 20. Figure 4 (Fig. 4) shows a schematic plan view of another inventive

[0107] Glazing 101 in a plan view of the main surface IV of the coating 20.

[0108] The light source 4 is designed as a strip of individual LEDs arranged in a wave-like pattern in the outer region of a windshield. The wave shape increases the length of the strip and thus the number of light sources 4, so that more light can be coupled into the coating 20 and thus more light can be coupled out of the coating 20 via light extraction elements 6. Alternatively, the light source 4 can be designed in a meandering, sinusoidal, or zigzag shape.

[0109] The glazing 101 according to the invention with the coating 20 according to the invention has a number of advantages over glazings according to the prior art: coatings according to the invention can be produced simply and cost-effectively; the reduction in light intensity within a simple pane is reduced by using a coating with a lower extinction coefficient; glazings according to the invention are easier to recycle, particularly when using glass-based coatings compared to polymer-based coatings; suitable light extraction means (patterns, structures) can be introduced into or onto the coating simply and cost-effectively, for example by direct laser structuring.

[0110] This was unexpected and surprising for the expert.

[0111] List of reference symbols

[0112] 1 first slice

[0113] 2 second slice

[0114] 3 Intermediate layer

[0115] 4 Light source

[0116] 5 Light coupling agents

[0117] 6 Light extraction means

[0118] 10 transparent body or reflective body

[0119] 11 Step prism

[0120] 12 plastic film

[0121] 20 Coating

[0122] 101 Glazing

[0123] L1 light beam

[0124] 0 Angle (theta) ötotai Angle (theta) of total reflection ki Extinction coefficient of the first disc 1 k2o Extinction coefficient of the coating 20 ni Refractive index of the first disc 1 n Refractive index of the transparent or reflecting body 10 n2o Refractive index of the coating 20

[0125] I first main surface, outer surface of the first disc 1

[0126] II second main surface, inside surface of the first disc 1 l' first main surface, outside surface of the second disc 2

[0127] H' second main surface, inside surface of the second disc 1

[0128] III first main surface, outer surface of the coating 20

[0129] VI second main surface, inner surface of the coating 20

Claims

Glazing (101) comprising: at least one first pane (1) with a first main surface (I) and a second main surface (II), a coating (20) with a first main surface (III) and a second main surface (IV), wherein the coating (20) with the first main surface (III) is arranged on the second main surface (II) of the first pane (1), at least one light source (4), wherein the light source (4) is connected to the coating (20) in such a way that light from the light source (4) can be coupled into the coating (20), and at least one light decoupling means (6) for coupling light out of the coating (20) via at least one of the main surfaces (III, IV) of the coating (20), wherein for at least one wavelength A of a light from the light source (4), a refractive index n2o of the coating (20) is greater than a refractive index m of the first pane (1),and an extinction coefficient k2o of the coating (20) is smaller than an extinction coefficient ki of the first pane (1). Glazing (101) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (4) is connected to the coating in such a way that the light from the light source (4) is directed at an angle θ greater than or equal to the angle θ. to tai of total reflection in the coating (20). Glazing (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source (4) is suitable for emitting light with at least one wavelength A in the wavelength range of visible light (VIS), preferably in the range from 380 nm to 780 nm. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extinction coefficient k2o is smaller than the extinction coefficient ki by a factor of at least 1.5, preferably of at least 2, particularly preferably of at least 5, and in particular of at least 10. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extinction coefficient k2o at a wavelength A of 550 nm is less than or equal to 1*10 -6 , preferably less than or equal to 1*10 -7 and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1*10 -8 Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coating (20) has a thickness d2o of at least the wavelength A of the light of the light source (4), preferably from 380 nm to 10 pm, particularly preferably from 780 nm to 5 pm and in particular from 800 nm to 2 pm. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coating (20) is deposited on the first pane (1) by a thin-film deposition process, preferably by Cathode sputtering or magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering, chemical vapor deposition or plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, wet-chemical processes, such as sol-gel processes, in particular o spray coating, o dip coating, o spin coating or o casting. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coating (20) titanium oxide, - Contains or consists of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, silicon zirconium nitride, or silicon dioxide. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the refractive index n2o of the coating (20) is at least 0.1, preferably at least 0.2, and in particular at least 0.2 to 1.5, greater than the refractive index m of the first pane (1). Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light source (4) contains or consists of a light-emitting diode, preferably an organic light-emitting diode, a laser diode, an incandescent lamp, and / or a gas discharge lamp. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light extraction means (6) is designed to extract light guided in the coating (20), preferably by scattering, preferably diffuse scattering, reflection, refraction, or diffraction, on at least one of the main surfaces (III, IV) of the coating (20). Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light coupling means (6) is introduced into the first main surface (III) and / or into the second main surface (IV), preferably by laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, or by etching, and / or is integrally connected to the first main surface (III) and / or to the second main surface (IV) of the coating (20),preferably by printing or gluing on a paint, a paste or particles, particularly preferably by light-scattering, light-refracting or light-reflecting particles, and / or is arranged within the coating (20), preferably by particles, particularly preferably by light-scattering, light-refracting or light-reflecting particles, scattering centers and / or cavities within the coating (20), and / or is a transparent body (10) which is connected, for example, to the second main surface (IV) of the coating (20), preferably in a material-to-material manner, for example by gluing, wherein the transparent body (10) preferably a) contains or consists of a structured plastic film (12) or plastic plate, particularly preferably with a planar arrangement of microprisms such as a step prism (11), or b) a transmission-holographic film, and / or is a reflective body (10),which is connected, for example, to the second main surface (III) coating (20), preferably in a material-to-material manner, for example by gluing, wherein the reflective body (10) preferably contains or consists of a) a structured plastic film (12) or plastic plate, particularly preferably with a planar arrangement of microprisms such as a step prism (11), or b) a reflection-holographic film, and / or is a transparent body (10) which is connected, for example, to the second main surface (IV) of the coating (20), preferably in a materially bonded manner, for example by gluing, wherein the transparent body (10) preferably has or consists of a structured, particularly preferably a diffusely scattering or, for example by microprisms, directionally refracting, transparent layer, plastic film (12) or plastic plate and whose refractive index nw is significantly greater than m, in particular by at least +0.2 or by at least +0.5.Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a second pane (2) is connected to the first main surface (I) of the first pane (1) by at least one intermediate layer (3), and preferably the intermediate layer (3) contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic film, particularly preferably made of polyvinyl butyral, and in particular the intermediate layer (3) is clear, tinted, or colored. Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first pane (1) and / or the second pane (2) contains or consists of glass, preferably flat glass, particularly preferably soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, or quartz glass, or polymers, preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or mixtures or combinations thereof, and particularly preferably the first pane (1) and / or the second pane (2) consist of clear glass or are tinted or colored.Glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the light source (4) is connected to the coating (20) directly or via a light coupling means (5) and in particular the light source (4) is designed such that the light (4) is not coupled into the first pane (1) and / or not into the second pane. Method for producing a glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein S1 : the first disc (1) is provided and S2: the coating (20) is deposited on the first main surface (I) of the first pane (1) by a thin-film deposition process. The method according to claim 16, wherein, prior to the second method step (S2), a light source (4), preferably a light-emitting diode, preferably an organic light-emitting diode, or a laser diode, is arranged on the second main surface (II) of the first pane (1) such that, after the coating (20) has been deposited in the second method step (S2), light can be coupled into the coating (20), preferably parallel to a direction of extension of the coating (20) and preferably at an angle of total reflection in the coating (20).Use of the glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular in motor vehicles, for example as a windscreen, rear window, side windows and / or roof window and as a functional individual piece, and as a built-in part in furniture, appliances and buildings, or as building glazing in the construction or architectural sector, indoors or outdoors.

Images