Composite glass pane for a vehicle and lighting system for a vehicle having a composite glass pane

Abstract

The invention relates to a composite glass pane for a vehicle, the composite glass pane (1) having an inner pane (2) and an outer pane (3) which is connected to the inner pane (2) by an adhesive layer (4), the inner pane (2) having a first side (5) facing away from the outer pane (3), a second side (6) facing the outer pane (3), a coupling-in region (15) and at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) spaced apart therefrom, wherein radiation (22) coming from a light source (20) can be coupled into the inner pane (2) such that the coupled-in radiation (23) in the inner pane (2) is guided by reflections to at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19), wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) deflects at least some of the coupled-in radiation (22) such that the deflected part of the coupled-in radiation (23) exits the inner pane (2) through the first side (5) of the inner pane (2) as diffuse or directed radiation.

Description

[0001] Laminated glass pane for a vehicle and lighting system for a vehicle with a laminated glass pane

[0002] The present invention relates to a laminated glass pane for a vehicle and a lighting system for a vehicle with such a laminated glass pane.

[0003] There is a continuing need to use automotive laminated glass for lighting the interior of the vehicle.

[0004] Based on this, the object of the invention is therefore to provide a laminated glass pane for a vehicle that can be used for interior lighting. Furthermore, a corresponding lighting system for a vehicle is to be provided.

[0005] The invention is defined in independent claims 1 and 15. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The laminated glass pane according to the invention for a vehicle can have an inner pane and an outer pane that is connected to the inner pane via an adhesive layer. The inner pane has a first side facing away from or remote from the outer pane, a second side facing or remote from the outer pane, a coupling region, and at least one coupling-out region spaced therefrom. The coupling-in region can be designed such that it couples radiation coming from a light source into the inner pane such that the coupled-in radiation is guided in the inner pane by reflections to the at least one coupling-out region, wherein the at least one coupling-out region deflects at least a portion of the coupled-in radiation such that the deflected portion of the coupled-in radiation exits the inner pane through the first side of the inner pane as diffuse (or non-directional) or directed radiation.

[0007] Thus, according to the invention, the inner pane is used as a waveguide for the coupled-in radiation, so that the position of the at least one coupling-out region can be freely selected and is not dependent on the position of the coupling-in region. This provides considerable design freedom, allowing the laminated glass pane according to the invention to be customized for the respective vehicle or vehicle type.

[0008] In particular, the inner pane has a plurality of spaced-apart output regions, each of which deflects at least a portion of the input radiation such that the deflected portion of the input radiation exits the inner pane through the first side of the inner pane as diffuse or directed radiation. If the plurality of spaced-apart output regions are designed such that the output radiation each exits as diffuse radiation, this can create, for example, the impression of a starry sky. In particular, it is possible for the plurality of output regions to be designed such that they have two or more different output efficiencies. This can be used to couple out radiation with different intensities at the individual output regions. This can thus, for example, represent brighter and less bright stars for the desired starry sky.

[0009] Of course, the output coupling areas can also be designed so that they have identical output coupling efficiencies.

[0010] The at least one coupling-out region can be designed as a hologram, for example.

[0011] The output regions can be formed as separate sub-holograms, so that no part of the hologram is formed between the sub-holograms. In this case, the hologram comprises the sub-holograms that are not spatially connected. However, it is also possible for the output regions to be spaced apart from one another, but all to be part of a single, spatially connected hologram; thus, the hologram does not have separate sub-holograms, but is formed as a single hologram with the output regions spaced apart from one another.

[0012] To create a starry sky, for example, each output region (e.g. each sub-hologram) can create exactly one star of the starry sky to be created. However, it is also possible for at least one output region (e.g. each sub-hologram) to create two or more stars of the starry sky to be created. Furthermore, the output regions can be spaced apart from one another but all be part of a single, interconnected output region (e.g. a single, interconnected image hologram) that creates the starry sky to be created. Since the input radiation is guided in the inner pane, the outer pane can, for example, be tinted. This tinting of the outer pane has no influence on the guidance of the input radiation in the inner pane and is completely independent of it.

[0013] The outer pane can also be completely transparent. The inner pane and the adhesive layer can also be completely transparent.

[0014] If the at least one coupling-out region is designed in such a way that the coupled-out radiation emerges as directed radiation, this can be used, for example, to realize a reading light or reading lighting.

[0015] The laminated glass pane can be designed so that all output regions output the radiation as diffuse radiation or as directed radiation. It is also possible for one or more output regions to output the radiation as diffuse radiation, and one or more output regions to output the radiation as directed radiation.

[0016] The inner pane can, in particular, be formed as a glass pane with a thickness greater than 2 mm. Preferably, the inner pane is no thicker than 5 mm. The same applies to the outer pane.

[0017] An edge connecting the first and second sides of the inner pane can in particular be curved (preferably convexly curved). This increases the mechanical stability of the inner pane (particularly in the region of the edge). In particular, the edge surface can have a round cut or a so-called C-cut. A C-cut is understood here in particular to mean that, seen in cross-section, the edge surface is round or C-shaped or, for example, has the shape of an arc of a circle or an arc of an elliptical. The curvature of the edge can preferably be such that a curved, continuous and continuous edge surface is present. This means an edge surface without kinks, cracks and / or holes. The same applies to the edge of the outer pane.

[0018] The refractive index of the adhesive layer material and the refractive index of the inner pane material can be selected such that the reflections of the coupled-in radiation at an interface between the inner pane and the adhesive layer are total internal reflections. Furthermore, the reflections at the interface between the first side and the environment (usually air) can also be total internal reflections. The at least one coupling-out region can be formed on the first side of the inner pane.

[0019] Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one coupling-out region is formed on the second side of the inner pane.

[0020] Of course, it is also possible for the at least one coupling-out region to be formed on both the first side and the second side of the inner pane.

[0021] All configurations of the at least one coupling-out region are possible which lead to the desired coupling-out of the radiation as diffuse radiation or as directed radiation.

[0022] Thus, the at least one coupling-out region can have a microstructure or microstructuring. This can bring about the desired coupling-out through reflective, diffractive, and / or diffractive effects. In particular, it can be a structuring of the first and / or second side in this region and thus a surface structure. Furthermore, the at least one coupling-out region can have scattering centers. Such scattering centers can be realized by surface roughness or by volume diffusers (e.g., introduced air inclusions). Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one coupling-out region to have a volume grating (e.g., a hologram) and / or a surface grating (e.g., a relief grating).

[0023] The at least one coupling-out region can be designed, for example, to be reflective and / or transmissive.

[0024] Through the design (e.g., as an image hologram) and / or the arrangement (e.g., a starry sky) of the at least one output region, a perceivable image can be generated when the at least one output region is exposed to the coupled-in radiation. Thus, the image information of the generated image is preferably contained (preferably completely) in the design and / or arrangement of the at least one output region. In this case, one can say that the coupled-in radiation is free of image information. The coupled-in radiation can thus also be referred to as illumination radiation.

[0025] The inner disc may have a coupling region protruding from the first side.

[0026] The coupling region can have a flat or curved entrance surface. Furthermore, the coupling region can have a deflection element that deflects at least a portion of the radiation coming from the light source such that the deflected portion of the coupled-in radiation is guided by reflections in the inner pane to at least one output region.

[0027] The deflection element can be designed, for example, as a reflective deflection element or as a transmissive deflection element. Furthermore, the deflection element can be designed, for example, on the first side or second side of the inner pane. If the deflection element is designed on the first side of the inner pane, it is preferably designed as a transmissive deflection element. If the deflection element is designed on the second side of the inner pane, it is particularly designed as a reflective deflection element.

[0028] The deflection element can be designed as a volume or surface grating and thus in particular as a hologram or relief grating.

[0029] The coupling region (or the deflection element) can be formed on the first side of the inner pane, on the second side of the inner pane, and / or on an edge connecting the first and second sides of the inner pane. The coupling region (or the deflection element) can comprise a diffractive element (reflective and / or transmissive), a hologram (reflective and / or transmissive), a volume hologram (reflective and / or transmissive), an imaging element (such as a lens and / or a curved mirror), and / or a deflection element (such as a planar deflection surface).

[0030] If the edge connecting the first and second sides of the inner pane is curved, the coupling region (or the deflection element) is preferably formed on the first side of the inner pane and / or on the second side of the inner pane.

[0031] The laminated glass pane can have at least one further pane which is connected to the inner pane, for example by means of a further adhesive layer. The refractive index of the further adhesive layer can be selected such that the light is reflected at the interface between the further pane and the further adhesive layer and at the interface between the inner pane and the further adhesive layer, in each case due to total internal reflection. The further pane can be designed in the same way as the inner pane, so that the further pane and the inner pane can each be referred to as a light guide. Furthermore, two or more further panes with corresponding adhesive layers can be formed on the inner pane as a layer stack, wherein the further panes can be designed in the same way as the inner pane.

[0032] This means that two or more light guides can be integrated into the laminated glass pane, providing further design options for the desired lighting effects.

[0033] The at least one coupling-out region can, for example, be essentially point-shaped in order to create the starry sky described, for example. However, it is also possible for the at least one coupling-out region to have a larger area.

[0034] Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one output coupling region to be designed as an image hologram containing an exposed image. The image is then reconstructed together with the coupled-in radiation in such a way that a viewer can perceive the image. In particular, the image hologram can be designed as an image plane hologram, in which the reconstructed image is perceivable as a (substantially flat) image in the inner pane. If the image hologram has several spaced-apart output coupling regions, these can each contain a portion of the exposed image.

[0035] The laminated glass pane according to the invention can be designed in particular as a pane for a vehicle roof through which a person in the vehicle can, for example, look through.

[0036] The laminated glass pane according to the invention can also be designed as another pane for a vehicle.

[0037] The vehicle can be a land, water and / or air vehicle.

[0038] In particular, it can be a car or a truck.

[0039] Furthermore, the laminated glass pane according to the invention can be designed as a functionalized waveguide having a transparent base body with a front side and a back side. The transparent base body comprises the inner and outer panes as well as the adhesive layer connecting the two panes. In particular, the functionalized waveguide can be designed as a waveguide for displaying an image. Such a functionalized waveguide or such a waveguide for displaying an image can, but does not have to, be designed as a pane for a vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, the laminated glass pane according to the invention can also be designed to display an image.

[0041] The displayable image can be provided (preferably exclusively) by the design (e.g., as an image hologram) and / or the arrangement (e.g., a starry sky) of the at least one output region. Thus, the image information of the displayable image is preferably contained (preferably completely) in the design and / or arrangement of the at least one output region. In this case, one can say that the coupled-in radiation is free of image information. The coupled-in radiation can thus also be referred to as illumination radiation.

[0042] The materials used for the inner and outer panes can be amorphous materials, glass, float glass, transparent thermoplastics such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), COC (cycloolefin copolymers), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), etc., as well as thermosets. The adhesive layer can be made of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer).

[0043] Furthermore, the lighting system for a vehicle can comprise a laminated glass pane according to the invention (including the described further developments) and a light source for emitting radiation onto the coupling area of ​​the laminated glass pane.

[0044] The light source is preferably designed to emit radiation in the visible wavelength range. In particular, the radiation can be white light and / or colored light (such as red, green, and / or blue light). Furthermore, the light source can be designed to generate and emit several different colors. This is preferably controllable or adjustable. The light source can comprise one or more LEDs.

[0045] If multiple LEDs are provided, they can emit radiation or light of the same color and / or different colors. The coupled radiation can propagate at different angles, collimated or uncollimated (e.g., stochastic angular distribution).

[0046] If multiple LEDs are provided, a separate coupling region (or a separate deflection element) can be provided for each LED. However, it is also possible for one coupling region (or a deflection element) to be provided for two or more LEDs. The lighting system can further comprise a control unit for controlling the light source.

[0047] The lighting system can be designed such that the light from the light source directly strikes and enters the laminated glass pane without passing through additional optical elements. However, it is also possible for the lighting system to have at least one optical element (such as a lens) arranged between the light source and the laminated glass pane, so that the light from the light source passes through this optical element and only then strikes the laminated glass pane.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a transparent pane (in particular for a vehicle or a building) and to a lighting system comprising such a transparent pane.

[0049] There is a continuing need to provide transparent panes with additional features.

[0050] The transparent pane according to the invention comprises a transparent base body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The transparent base body has an input region and a scattering film connected to the second side, forming an output region. The output region is preferably spaced apart from the input region. The pane can be a single pane, a single glass pane, or a laminated glass pane.

[0051] Radiation coming from a light source can be coupled into the transparent base body via the coupling area in such a way that the coupled radiation is guided by reflections to the coupling-out area and then further and thus hits the coupling-out area several times, whereby with each impact a part of the incident radiation is deflected in such a way that the deflected part of the incident radiation exits via the scattering film as diffuse radiation.

[0052] The coupling region can be formed on the first side of the pane, on the second side of the pane and / or on an edge connecting the first and second sides of the pane. The coupling region can have a diffractive element (reflective and / or transmissive), a hologram (reflective and / or transmissive), a volume hologram (reflective and / or transmissive), an imaging element (such as a lens and / or a curved mirror) and / or a deflection element (such as a flat deflection surface). It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose features essential to the invention. These exemplary embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. For example, a description of an embodiment with a large number of elements or components should not be interpreted to mean that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. Rather, other embodiments may also contain alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Elements or components of different embodiments may be combined with one another unless otherwise stated. Modifications and variations described for one of the exemplary embodiments may also be applicable to other embodiments.To avoid repetition, identical or corresponding elements in different figures are designated by the same reference numerals and are not explained more than once. The figures show:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention together with a light source 20;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a diagram of the wavelength-dependent refractive index curve of the inner pane 2 and the adhesive layer 4;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the wavelength dependence of the critical angle for total internal reflection at the boundary between the inner pane 2 and the adhesive layer 4;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0058] Fig. 5 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0059] Fig. 6 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0060] Fig. 8 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0061] Fig. 9 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0062] Fig. 10 is a sectional view according to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0063] Fig. 11 is an enlarged detailed view of another embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0064] Fig. 12 is an enlarged detailed view of another embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0065] Fig. 13 is a plan view of the inner side 9 of the laminated glass pane 1 according to Fig. 1;

[0066] Fig. 14 is a view according to Fig. 13 of a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane according to the invention, and

[0067] Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of the laminated glass pane 1 according to the invention;

[0068] Fig. 16 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a transparent pane 101 according to the invention together with a light source 120, and

[0069] Fig. 17 is a sectional view according to Fig. 16 of a further embodiment of the transparent pane 1 according to the invention together with a light source 20.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the laminated glass pane 1 for a vehicle comprises an inner pane 2 and an outer pane 3, which is connected to the inner pane 2 via an adhesive layer 4.

[0071] The laminated glass pane 1, shown schematically and not to scale in Fig. 1, can be designed in particular as a pane for a vehicle roof through which a person inside the vehicle can see. The outer pane 3 can be tinted. However, it can also be completely transparent.

[0072] The inner pane 2 is preferably completely transparent. The same applies to the adhesive layer 4.

[0073] The inner pane 2 has a first side 5 facing away from the outer pane 3 (or a first side 5 facing away from the outer pane 3) and a second side 6 facing the outer pane 3 (or a second side 6 facing the outer pane 3). The outer pane 3 has a third side 7 facing the inner pane 2 and a fourth side 8 facing away from the inner pane 2. The two panes 2, 3 are connected via the mutually facing sides 6, 7 by means of the adhesive layer 4.

[0074] When using the laminated glass pane 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a vehicle roof, the first side 5 of the inner pane 2 faces the interior of the vehicle and can therefore also be referred to as the inner side 9 of the laminated glass pane 1. The fourth side 8 of the outer pane 3 faces away from the interior of the vehicle and can therefore be referred to as the outer side 10 of the laminated glass pane 1.

[0075] The inner pane 2 further has a first edge 11 connecting the first and second sides 5, 6, which is curved (preferably convex). In particular, the edge has a so-called C-cut. A C-cut here is understood in particular to mean that the edge surface has a round cut. Viewed in cross-section, the edge surface is thus round or C-shaped or, for example, the edge surface has the shape of an arc of a circle or an elliptical arc. In the same way, the outer pane 3 has a second edge 12 connecting the third and fourth sides 7, 8, which is curved. The second edge 12 can also have a C-cut.

[0076] The inner pane 2 further comprises a coupling region 15, on which a transmission grating 16 is provided. Furthermore, the inner pane 2 comprises first, second, and third coupling regions 17, 18, and 19, which are spaced apart from the coupling region 15 and spaced apart from one another. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the coupling regions 17 to 19 are formed on the first side 5 of the inner pane 2.

[0077] Together with the light source 20 shown in Fig. 1, the laminated glass pane 1 forms a lighting system 21 for a vehicle.

[0078] The light source 20 emits radiation 22 (e.g. white light) which strikes the coupling region 15 with the transmission grating 16. The transmission grating 16 deflects the radiation 22 such that it propagates as coupled-in radiation 23 through reflections on the first and second sides 5, 6 of the inner pane 2 to the coupling-out regions 17 to 19. The reflections on the first and second sides 5, 6 are preferably total internal reflections. For this purpose, the refractive indices of the adhesive layer 4 and the inner pane 2 are selected accordingly. The refractive index of the adhesive layer 4 is therefore lower than the refractive index of the material of the inner pane 2. The adhesive layer 4 can, for example, be formed as a PVB layer (polyvinyl butyral layer). In this case, the refractive index profile of the adhesive layer 4 shown in Fig. 2 with the solid line K1 exists in a wavelength range from 400 to 1000 nm.

[0079] In Fig. 2, the wavelength A in nm is plotted along the abscissa, and the refractive index is plotted along the ordinate. A typical glass used for automotive windows exhibits the refractive index curve shown as a dashed line (curve K2) in Fig. 2. As can be seen from the diagram, there is a refractive index difference of approximately 0.03 (depending on the wavelength). This leads to a critical angle for total internal reflection, which is shown in Fig. 3 for wavelengths from 400 to 1000 nm. This critical angle is approximately 78.7° to 79.4° (depending on the wavelength).

[0080] In Fig. 3, the wavelength A in nm is plotted along the abscissa, and the critical angle θG in degrees is plotted along the ordinate (curve K3). This means that at angles of incidence greater than this critical angle on the second side 6, the coupled radiation 23 is totally reflected at the interface between the second side 6 and the adhesive layer 4.

[0081] The adjacent medium on the first side 5 is air with a refractive index of approximately 1, so that the corresponding critical angle for total internal reflection is smaller than that described for the second side 6. If total internal reflection for the coupled radiation takes place on the second side 6, this also applies to the reflection on the first side 5.

[0082] The coupled radiation 23 thus guided within the inner pane 2 then strikes the output coupling regions 17, 18, 19, which are designed here to output at least a portion of the radiation impinging on them as diffuse radiation, as indicated by the arrow bundles 24, 25, and 26 in Fig. 1. For a person inside the vehicle looking at the inner side 9, the output coupling regions 17, 18, and 19 are illuminated points. With appropriate distribution of the output coupling regions 17 to 19 on the inner side 9, the impression of a starry sky can be created, for example.

[0083] In particular, the output coupling regions 17 to 19 can be designed to have different output coupling efficiencies, so that the output light intensities at the individual output coupling regions 17, 18, and 19 are different. This allows brighter and dimmer stars to be displayed.

[0084] Of course, it is also possible to adjust the output efficiencies of the output regions 17-19 so that the output light intensities at two or more output regions 17-19 are the same.

[0085] In the illumination system 21 shown in Fig. 1, the propagation direction of the radiation 22 coming from the light source 20 is such that it strikes the first side 5 perpendicularly. However, it is also possible for the propagation direction of the radiation 22 to have an angle other than 90° to the first side 5, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0086] In the embodiments according to Figs. 1 and 4, the grating 16 is always designed as a transmission grating.

[0087] Furthermore, the grating 16 can be designed as a reflection grating. In this case, the preferred arrangement of the grating 16 is on the second side 6. This is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 for a perpendicular incidence of the radiation 22 on the first side 5 (Fig. 5) and for an angle of incidence of the radiation on side 5 of other than 90° (Fig. 6).

[0088] Fig. 7 shows a modification of the laminated glass pane 1 of Fig. 5, in which the output coupling regions 17-19 are designed such that the output coupling radiation is emitted as directed radiation. This can be used, for example, to create a reading light or reading lighting for a person inside the vehicle.

[0089] Fig. 8 shows a modification of the laminated glass pane of Fig. 6. In this modification, the second coupling-out region 18 is designed to couple out the radiation 23 as directed radiation, which in turn allows the realization of a reading light. The first and third coupling-out regions 17 and 19 are designed to emit the radiation 23 as diffuse radiation.

[0090] The grating 16 in Fig. 1 and 4 to 8 can be designed, for example, as a volume hologram or as a relief grating.

[0091] Fig. 9 shows a modification in which the inner pane 2 has a section 30 protruding from the first side 5 and having a flat entrance surface 31. The inner pane 2 therefore has a greater thickness in the region of the protruding section 30 than, for example, in the region in which the coupling-out regions 17-19 are located. Due to the protruding section 30, the inner pane 2 has a wider cross-section in this region compared, for example, to the region in which the coupling-out regions 17-19 are located. The inclination of the flat entrance surface 31 to the first side 5 is preferably selected such that radiation 22 entering perpendicularly via the flat entrance surface 31 has such an angle relative to the second side 6 that the desired total internal reflection takes place on the second side 6.

[0092] Fig. 10 shows a further development of the embodiment according to Fig. 9. In this development, a lens 32 is arranged between the light source 20 and the entrance surface 31.

[0093] Fig. 11 shows a modification of the laminated glass pane 1 from Fig. 9, showing an enlarged detailed view. The inwardly projecting section 30 is designed as an inverted collector in such a way that the radiation 22 coming from the light source 20 is formed as a substantially parallel beam 23 which strikes the second side 6 at the necessary angle of incidence in order to be reflected by total internal reflection. For example, a parabolic light collecting lens (compound parabolic concentrator) can be used inverted as a collimating lens (compound parabolic collimator). Such a collimating lens is preferably reflective and non-imaging. It comprises at least one rotationally symmetrical parabolic surface which collects or collects the light from a light source with a defined angular spectrum.The length of the collimation optics can be used to adjust which angular spectrum of the radiation 22 coming from the light source 20 can be formed as an essentially parallel beam 23.

[0094] Fig. 12 shows a modification of the laminated glass pane of Fig. 11, in which, instead of the flat entrance surface 31, a lens-shaped entrance surface 35 with an annular projection 36 is formed. The portion of the radiation 22 that passes through the inner side 37 of the annular projection 36 is reflected by total internal reflection on the outer side 38 of the annular projection 36 and thus redirected toward the second side 6.

[0095] One could also say that the coupling region 15 has a TIR lens (TIR = total internal reflection). A TIR lens is an optical component that combines a reflector and a lens. At its center is a lens that is ring-shaped and enclosed by a (possibly free-form) paraboloid. The transition region between the lens and the paraboloid is usually arranged concentrically around the light source. However, a deviation from the concentric shape can also occur in combination with a free-form paraboloid. The deflection via the parabolic surfaces occurs via total internal reflection. Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of the inner side 9 of the laminated glass pane 1 from Fig. 1. The coupling-out regions are indicated by an "x". Of course, the coupling-out regions 17 to 19 are designed such that, when the light source 20 is not emitting any radiation 22, they are not visible but transparent.The grid 16 is also preferably designed so that it is transparent to an observer.

[0096] Fig. 14 shows a modification of the laminated glass pane 1 according to Fig. 13 or of the illumination system 21 in the same manner as in Fig. 13. In this modification according to Fig. 14, an additional light source 40, an additional coupling grating 41, and additional coupling-out regions 42, 43, and 44 are provided. Of course, more than two light sources can also be provided. It is also possible for the light from an additional light source to travel not from left to right in the inner pane 2, as seen in Fig. 14, but from bottom to top or from top to bottom in the inner pane 2.

[0097] Fig. 15 shows a modification of the described embodiments in which a further pane 50 is connected to the inner pane 2 by means of a further adhesive layer 51. This can be used to guide the light from a further light source 52, which is coupled into the further pane 50 via a coupling element 53, and to emit it via corresponding coupling-out regions 55, 56 and 57 as directed or non-directed radiation. The other construction of the further pane 50 as well as the corresponding coupling-in region 53 and the further coupling-out regions 55-57 can be as described in connection with the inner pane 2. The inner pane 2 and the further pane 50 can thus also be referred to as the first and second light guides. The different light guides can also be used to guide and emit light of different wavelengths.The light sources 20 and 52 are designed accordingly.

[0098] Of course, not only two light guides can be provided. Three or more light guides can also be arranged in the same way, stacked on top of each other.

[0099] With two or more optical fibers, different output structures or different output areas can be present on the optical fibers. This allows for the creation of different light signatures or images, for example. In particular, these can be switched on and off individually.

[0100] The coupling-out regions described so far are essentially point-shaped coupling-out regions 17-19, 41-43, and 55-57, or coupling-out regions 17-19, 42-44, and 55-57 with a small lateral extension compared to the distance between the coupling-out regions 17-19, 42-44, and 55-57. However, it is also possible to provide one or more flat coupling-out regions.

[0101] If the decoupling region is flat, it can be designed such that it couples out the coupled-in radiation diffusely or directionally. In particular, it is possible for the flat decoupling region to be designed as a volume grating into which image information has been exposed. Upon illumination with the coupled-in radiation, the image can then be reconstructed so that a person in the vehicle can perceive the exposed image. In this case, the decoupling region can be designed as an image hologram. In particular, the image hologram can be designed such that it is an image plane hologram so that it is perceptible to the person in the vehicle as an image in the inner pane 2.

[0102] In the described embodiments, the laminated glass pane 1 is shown with a flat outer side 10 and a flat inner side 9. Of course, the laminated glass pane 1 can be curved. In this case, the outer side 10 and / or the inner side 9 can be curved. In particular, the two panes 2, 3 can each have two curved sides 5-8, with the mutually facing second and third sides 6 and 7 of the inner pane 2 and the outer pane 3 preferably having complementary curvatures, so that the thinnest possible laminated glass pane 1 can be produced.

[0103] The thickness of the inner pane 2 and the outer pane 3 can in particular be in the range from greater than 2 mm up to 5 mm.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the transparent pane 101 comprises a transparent base body 102 having a first side 103 and a second side 104 opposite the first side 103. On an edge 105 connecting the two sides 103, 104, an input region 106 is formed, via which radiation 109 coming from a light source 107 can be coupled into the transparent base body 102. The light source 107 can comprise, for example, one LED or several LEDs (each with or without a lens). If several LEDs are provided, they can emit radiation or light of the same color and / or of different colors. The input radiation can propagate collimated or non-collimated at different angles (e.g., stochastic angular distribution). Furthermore, the transparent pane comprises a scattering film 109 connected to the second side 104, which forms an output region 110.The outcoupling region 110 is preferably spaced from the incoupling region. In particular, no coupling of the radiation 108 coming from the light source 107 takes place via the outcoupling region 110. The scattering film 109 is preferably a microstructured film 109, wherein the microstructuring can be formed on a surface of the scattering film 109, a material interface of the scattering film 109 (particularly if the scattering film 109 is formed in multiple layers) and / or in the volume of the scattering film 109. A microstructuring on a surface / interface can, for example, have a surface grating and / or a thin scattering layer (e.g., a stochastic scattering lacquer layer). A microstructuring in the volume can, for example, have nanoparticles distributed throughout the volume (see, for example, DE 11 2006 002 934 T5), a Bragg grating and / or a volume hologram.

[0105] In the transparent pane 101 shown schematically and not to scale in Fig. 16, the scattering film 109 comprises a carrier film 111 made of polyester, a stochastic scattering lacquer layer 112 formed thereon, and a polyacrylate adhesive layer 113 by means of which the scattering film 109 is bonded to the second side 104. For example, the RearProjection Transparent ASLAN RP 36 film from ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH, Oberauel 2, 51491 Overath, Germany (www.aslanfolien.de) can be used as the scattering film 109.

[0106] Glass, in particular borosilicate glass (e.g. Borofloat from SCHOTT AG, Hattenbergerstrasse 10, 55122 Mainz, Germany, www.schott.com) or soda-lime glass, can be used as the material for the transparent base body 102. In this case, the refractive indices of the material of the transparent base body 102 and the materials of the scattering film 109 are very similar, which advantageously results in the light coupled into the transparent base body 102 via the coupling section 110 and the light guided by reflections being uniformly coupled out as diffuse radiation 120 across the entire scattering film 109 (due to the multiple impacts on the scattering film 109, with a portion of the radiation being reflected with each impact). This provides a uniformly luminous surface, which is desirable, for example, for applications in vehicles and / or buildings.

[0107] It is possible to provide multiple light sources 107, which couple the radiation into the transparent base body 102 via different coupling regions 106. The use of more than one light source and more than one coupling region 106 makes it possible, for example, to create targeted signatures of the luminous surface. It is possible to provide a separate coupling region 106 for each light source 107. Furthermore, one coupling region 106 can be provided for two or more light sources. Borofloat has a refractive index of 1.47, and soda-lime glass has a refractive index of 1.5-1.6. The refractive index of the polyacrylate adhesive layer 113 is 1.49, and the refractive index of the polyester carrier film 110 is 1.6. This provides an excellent index match.

[0108] Together with the light source 107 shown in Fig. 16, the transparent pane 101 forms an illumination system according to the invention.

[0109] Fig. 17 shows a modification of the transparent pane 101 according to Fig. 16, wherein identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals and will not be described again. On the one hand, an electrochromic layer 113 is attached to the first side 103 with an adhesive layer 114. Thus, the transparent pane 101 can be selectively switched to be completely transparent or darkened or tinted using the electrochromic layer 113.

[0110] The refractive index of the adhesive layer 114 is preferably selected such that the light is guided at the interface to the adhesive layer 114 by total internal reflection (and thus in the same way as in the embodiment according to Fig. 16, since there is an interface to air). Thus, the refractive index of the adhesive layer 114 is smaller than the refractive index of the base body 102. Alternatively, an air gap can also be provided between the electrochromic layer 113 and the base body 102.

[0111] The electrochromic layer 113 can also be provided in the transparent pane 101 according to Fig. 16.

[0112] Furthermore, the coupling takes place via the second side 104, as shown in Fig. 17. For this purpose, a deflecting element 115 is preferably provided, which can be or have, for example, a prism, a grating (preferably transmissive), a relief grating (preferably transmissive) or holographic optical element (preferably transmissive) and / or a volume hologram (preferably transmissive). However, coupling via the first side 103 is also possible. In this case, the deflecting element 115 is preferably reflective and can be or have, for example, a prism, a grating, a relief grating or holographic optical element and / or a volume hologram.

[0113] The coupling via the second side 104 or first side 103 can also be provided for the transparent pane 101 according to Fig. 16.

[0114] Together with the light source 107 shown in Fig. 17, the transparent pane 101 forms an illumination system according to the invention. The transparent base body 102 can, as described, be designed as a single pane of glass or a single pane or as a laminated glass pane. The laminated glass pane can have an inner pane and an outer pane, which is connected to the inner pane via an adhesive layer. The inner pane has a first side facing away from or remote from the outer pane, a second side facing or toward the outer pane, the coupling-in region, and the coupling-out region spaced therefrom.The coupling region can be designed such that it couples radiation coming from the light source into the inner pane in such a way that the coupled-in radiation is guided in the inner pane by reflections to the coupling-out region and then further and thus strikes the coupling-out region several times, wherein with each impact a part of the incident radiation is deflected such that the deflected part of the incident radiation exits via the scattering film 109 as diffuse radiation 120.

[0115] The embodiments according to Fig. 16 and 17 and / or parts thereof can be combined with the embodiments according to Fig. 1 -15

[0116] The following invention is further provided:

[0117] Sentence 1. Transparent pane with a transparent base body (2) which has a first side (3) and a second side (4) opposite the first side, wherein the transparent base body (2) has an in-coupling region and a scattering film (9) which is connected to the second side and forms an out-coupling region, wherein radiation (8) coming from a light source (7) can be coupled into the transparent base body via the in-coupling region in such a way that the in-coupled radiation (8) is guided by reflections to the out-coupling region and strikes the out-coupling region several times, wherein with each impact a part of the in-coupling radiation is deflected in such a way that the deflected part of the in-coupling radiation exits via the scattering film (9) as diffuse radiation (20).

[0118] Sentence 2. Transparent pane according to sentence 1, wherein the scattering film has a microstructuring in one surface.

[0119] Sentence 3. Transparent pane according to sentence 1 or 2, wherein the scattering film has a microstructuring in the volume of the scattering film.

[0120] Sentence 4. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 3, wherein the scattering film is designed such that with increasing distance from the coupling region a larger part of the incident radiation is deflected such that the deflected part of the incident radiation exits via the scattering film as diffuse radiation.

[0121] Sentence 5. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 4, wherein the transparent base body is designed as a glass pane, in particular borosilicate glass or soda-lime glass.

[0122] Sentence 6. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 5, wherein an electrochromic layer (13) is connected to the first side (3) of the transparent base body (2).

[0123] Sentence 7. Transparent pane according to sentence 6, wherein the electrochromic layer is connected to the first side of the transparent base body in such a way that the coupled radiation is guided by total internal reflection at the interface between the transparent base body and the electrochromic layer.

[0124] Sentence 8. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 7, wherein the transparent base body is designed as a laminated glass pane.

[0125] Sentence 9. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 8, wherein the transparent pane is designed as a pane for a vehicle or as a pane for a building.

[0126] Sentence 10. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 9, wherein the coupling region is formed on the second side of the transparent base body.

[0127] Sentence 11. Transparent pane according to one of sentences 1 to 10, wherein the transparent base body has a first edge connecting the first side and the second side, and wherein the coupling region is formed on the first edge.

[0128] Sentence 12. Lighting system with a transparent pane (1) according to one of the sentences 1 to 11 and a light source (7) for emitting radiation onto the coupling area

Claims

Patent claims 1. A laminated glass pane for a vehicle, wherein the laminated glass pane (1) comprises an inner pane (2) and an outer pane (3) which is connected to the inner pane (2) via an adhesive layer (4), wherein the inner pane (2) has a first side (5) facing away from the outer pane (3), a second side (6) facing the outer pane (3), a coupling-in region (15) and at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) spaced therefrom, wherein radiation (22) coming from a light source (20) can be coupled into the inner pane (2) via the coupling-in region (15) in such a way that the coupled-in radiation (23) is guided in the inner pane (2) by reflections to the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19), wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) deflects at least a portion of the coupled-in radiation (22) in such a way thatthat the deflected part of the coupled radiation (23) exits the inner pane (2) through the first side (5) of the inner pane (2) as diffuse or directed radiation.

2. Laminated glass pane according to claim 1, wherein the inner pane (2) has a plurality of spaced-apart coupling-out regions (17, 18, 19) which each deflect at least a portion of the coupled-in radiation such that the deflected portion of the coupled-in radiation exits the inner pane (2) as diffuse or directed radiation through the first side (5) of the inner pane (2).

3. Laminated glass pane according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart coupling-out regions (17, 18, 19) are arranged so that the impression of a starry sky can be created.

4. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the inner pane (2) is formed as a glass pane with a thickness of greater than 2 mm.

5. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the inner disc (2) has a first edge (11) connecting the first side (5) and the second side (6) which is curved.

6. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the outer pane (3) is tinted.

7. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the refractive indices of the material of the adhesive layer (4) and the material of the inner pane (2) are selected such that the reflections of the coupled-in radiation (23) at the interface between the inner pane (2) and the adhesive layer (4) are total internal reflection.

8. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) is formed on the first side (5) of the inner pane (2).

9. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) is formed on the second side (6) of the inner pane (2).

10. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) has a microstructure.

11. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the at least one coupling-out region has a plurality of scattering centers.

12. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19) has a diffractive structure, in particular a volume or surface grating.

13. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the inner pane (2) has a coupling region (30) protruding from the first side (5).

14. Laminated glass pane according to one of the above claims, wherein the coupling region (15) has a deflection element which deflects at least a part of the radiation (22) coming from the light source (20) in such a way that it acts as coupled-in radiation (23) in the inner pane (2) is guided by reflections to at least one coupling-out region (17, 18, 19).

15. Lighting system for a vehicle, wherein the lighting system comprises a laminated glass pane (1) according to one of the above Claims and a light source (20) for emitting radiation onto the coupling region (12).

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