Insulating glazing with a coating for reducing bird collisions

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulating glazing (100) for separating an interior space from an external environment, comprising an outer pane (1), an inner pane (2) and a spacer (3) which connects the inner pane (2) and the outer pane (1) to one another in the edge region, wherein the inner pane (2) has a pattern of regions (B) on an outer surface (III) facing the outer pane (1) and has a coating (4) with a refractive index of at least 2.10 in the regions (B), wherein the coating comprises either exactly one layer or exactly two layers.

Description

[0001] Insulated glazing with a coating to reduce bird collisions

[0002] The invention relates to an insulating glazing with a coating for reducing bird collisions as well as the production and use of the insulating glazing.

[0003] A common problem with building glazing is that birds fail to recognize it as an obstacle and collide with it. Collisions with the glazing often result in serious physical injury or even death. According to the environmental organization NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union), 100 million birds die in this way every year in Germany alone. Therefore, there is a great need for solutions to preserve bird biodiversity and their populations.

[0004] Often, attempts are made to address this problem by applying adhesive films to the glazing to make it more noticeable to birds. Black adhesive films featuring the silhouette of a bird of prey are very common. Alternatively, prints on the glazing or etched structures can be used. However, all of these solutions have only very limited success, presumably due to the lack of visual contrast for the bird to perceive.

[0005] The bird's eye detects not only radiation in the (for humans) visible spectral range, but also significantly in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral range. This can be used to increase the contrast of structures and make them more noticeable to birds. For example, US2013087720A1 describes glazing with a pattern of coated areas. The coating absorbs radiation in the UV range and re-emits longer-wavelength radiation, which is also in the UV range.

[0006] EP3148329B1 discloses insulating glazing provided with a pattern of coated areas that reflect radiation in the UV range. The coating is formed from titanium oxide (TiO2) or as a multilayer system of alternating layers of tin oxide (SnO2) and silicon oxide (SiO2). EP314832B1 thus discloses layers with a very low refractive index or thin-film stacks with three or more layers that alternate between low-refractive and high-refractive layers, with the topmost layer preferably being a low-refractive layer, for example, made of SiO2. The layers are applied to an external surface of the glazing. WO2022053507A1 discloses insulating glazing provided with a layer stack on a surface exposed to the external environment.WO2023006543A1 discloses insulating glazing provided with a layer stack on the outer pane surface facing the inner pane. In both documents, the layer stack comprises at least three layers, alternating between high-index layers with a refractive index of 2.1 to 2.8 and low-index layers with a refractive index of less than 1.9.

[0007] To ensure particularly good visual perception for birds, such coatings are often applied to the surface of the glazing that borders the outside environment. However, this has the disadvantage that the coatings are exposed to external influences such as weathering or mechanical wear. Furthermore, these coatings undesirably alter the appearance of the glazing, as the coatings on the surfaces bordering the outside environment are usually very visually conspicuous.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing further improved insulating glazing with a coating for reducing bird collisions, which at the same time has a high resistance over a long period of time.

[0009] The object is achieved by an insulating glazing according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] The insulating glazing according to the invention comprises an outer pane, an inner pane, and a spacer which connects the inner pane and the outer pane to one another in the edge region. The inner pane has a pattern of several coated regions, also called "regions." The pattern is arranged on an outer surface of the inner pane facing the outer pane. In the coated regions, the inner pane has a coating which has a refractive index of at least 2.10. The coating comprises precisely one layer or precisely two layers. In other words, the coating is formed with a maximum of two layers, preferably a single layer. The outer pane can be formed as a single glass pane, but it can also be formed as a composite pane.The insulating glazing can also be triple glazed, meaning that the outer pane comprises two panes connected by an additional spacer at the edge. One of the two panes, hereinafter referred to as the middle pane, is positioned between the inner pane and the other pane. The middle pane is connected to the inner pane at the edge by the spacer according to the invention. The other pane, hereinafter referred to as the outer pane, is intended to border the outside environment.

[0011] The outer surface of the inner pane is not covered over its entire surface with said coating. There are a plurality of coated areas which are covered with the coating according to the invention. In addition to the coated areas, there is one or more uncoated areas which are not covered with said coating. The uncoated area separates, or the uncoated areas separate, the coated areas from one another. The proportion of coated areas to the total surface of the inner pane is, for example, from 1% to 90%, preferably 5% to 20%. When naming the areas, “coated” and “uncoated” refers to the coating according to the invention for reducing bird collisions. This coating is only present in the coated areas, while the remaining surface is not covered with said coating.However, other coatings may well be present in the uncoated areas, for example a full-surface coating which is applied to the surface in addition to the coating according to the invention in order to provide it with additional functions.

[0012] The insulating glazing according to the invention is intended to separate an interior space from an external environment. In addition to the outer surface, the inner pane also has an interior-side surface facing away from the outer pane. The inner pane is intended to be the pane closest to an interior space. The interior-side surface is therefore simultaneously the interior-side surface of the insulating glazing. The outer pane can be a single pane which has an interior-side surface facing the inner pane and an outer surface facing away from the inner pane. In this case, the outer surface of the outer pane is simultaneously the outer surface of the insulating glazing, which is intended to face the external environment.However, it is also possible for the outer pane to be designed as a composite pane or to comprise further panes that are connected to one another via spacers. The outer pane as a composite pane comprises an outer pane and a middle pane that are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. The middle pane is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane and has an interior-side surface that faces the inner pane and an exterior-side surface that faces the outer pane. The outer pane has an interior-side surface that faces the middle pane and an exterior-side surface that faces away from the middle pane. The exterior surface of the outer pane is intended to face the external environment.The outer surface of the outer pane is therefore also the outer surface of the insulating glazing. The insulating glazing according to the invention is intended or designed in particular as a window pane or as a component of a window pane, preferably for use in a building or in a building-like facility.

[0013] In particular, the inner pane can be referred to as a first pane and the outer pane as a second pane. If the outer pane comprises an outer pane and a middle pane, the middle pane can be referred to as a second pane and the outer pane as a third pane.

[0014] The coating according to the invention has reflective properties in the visible as well as the UV range. In particular, the reflective properties in the visible range are created by the use of just one or two high-refractive-index layers. This allows birds to perceive the pattern with high contrast. Due to the arrangement of the coating in the gap between the insulating glazing units, it is very well protected from external influences. However, not all types of coatings are suitable for arrangement in the gap. Due to the high refractive index of the coating, the pattern is still easily perceptible for birds, despite being arranged in the gap. The differences in the UV range, on the other hand, are not as noticeable for humans. Using a maximum of two layers or just one layer means that the differences are even less noticeable for humans and, at the same time, material can be saved.These are great advantages of the present invention.

[0015] The coating can, for example, contain or be based on silicon nitride, silicon-metal mixed nitride (such as silicon-zirconium mixed nitride, silicon-hafnium mixed nitride, or silicon-titanium mixed nitride), aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, niobium oxide, vanadium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and / or tin-zinc oxide. The coating is, in particular, based on one or more of the materials mentioned. “Based on” means that the layer consists predominantly, in particular substantially, of the material in question, but may contain dopants and impurities. The proportion of dopants and impurities is preferably at most 10 wt.%. Common dopants are, for example, aluminum, boron, or antimony. The nitrides and oxides mentioned can be deposited stoichiometrically, substoichiometrically, or superstoichiometrically, based on the nitrogen or oxygen content.These materials form optically highly refractive layers within the meaning of the invention, with refractive indices of at least 2.10.

[0016] The coating is particularly preferably based on silicon zirconium mixed nitride (SiZrN) because it can be applied to the surface with significantly higher deposition rates than other known coatings such as TiO2 or coatings comprising SiO2, thus accelerating production and making it more cost-effective. Another very significant advantage of glass panes coated with SiZrN is that they can be tempered without optical defects. Tempering is sometimes important to ensure good thermal shock resistance, fracture resistance, and scratch resistance of the glass.

[0017] The coating according to the invention can be formed in a single layer. The coating is preferably formed in a single layer and has only a single layer which contains or consists of SiZrN. The coating is particularly preferably formed in a single layer and has only a single layer based on SiZrN. However, the coating can also be formed in multiple layers and comprise two layers, wherein all layers preferably contain SiZrN and particularly preferably differ in the proportion of Zr and / or the proportion of dopants. In particular, the coating is formed in two layers and comprises two layers, wherein all layers are based on SiZrN and particularly preferably differ in the proportion of Zr and / or the proportion of dopants. This can be advantageous in order to be able to adjust the effective refractive index of the overall coating.The higher the refractive index, the closer the layers are arranged to the pane. This achieves a particularly intense reflective effect. For example, the coating can comprise two layers based on SiZrN, which have different refractive indices, whereby, starting from the pane, the layer with the higher refractive index is present first, followed by the layer with the lower refractive index. In the case of layers based on SiZrN, the different refractive indices are achieved in particular by the layer with the higher refractive index having a higher Zr content. However, the coating according to the invention preferably does not have any layers that are not based on SiZrN. This means that there is no layer that is only applied in the coated areas and not in the uncoated areas and that is not based on SiZrN.It is fundamentally, but possibly, that the inner pane is provided with additional coatings, in particular with large or even full-surface coatings that cover both the coated and the uncoated areas.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the coating according to the invention for reducing bird collisions has a thickness of 30 nm to 100 nm, preferably of 35 nm to 70 nm, most preferably of 40 nm to 50 nm. This achieves particularly good results, in particular a high degree of reflection in the UV range and near-UV visible spectral range (UV range = ultraviolet spectral range).

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coating according to the invention for reducing bird collisions has optical thicknesses of 60 nm to 215 nm, preferably of 72 nm to 155 nm, most preferably of 86 nm to 108 nm. This achieves particularly good results, in particular a high degree of reflection in the UV range and the near-UV visible spectral range. The optical thickness is the product of the geometric thickness and the refractive index (at 550 nm). The optical thickness of a layer sequence is calculated as the sum of the optical thicknesses of the individual layers. The specification of layer thicknesses or thicknesses in this document refers, unless otherwise stated, to the geometric thickness of a layer.

[0020] The coating is, in particular, a (partially) transparent coating, so that visibility through the glass pane is not obstructed in the coated areas. The transmission of the coating in the entire visible spectral range from 400 nm to 800 nm is preferably more than 50%, particularly preferably more than 60%.

[0021] In one advantageous embodiment, the coating according to the invention has a refractive index of at least 2.15, particularly preferably at least 2.2. This achieves particularly good reflective properties, so that birds can perceive the pattern with high contrast. The higher the refractive index, the greater the reflectance of the coating. In the context of the present invention, the refractive index is specified based on a wavelength of 550 nm. Due to the optical dispersion properties of high-index materials, the refractive index can be even higher in the UV range, making the coating even more effective in the UV range. The refractive index is fundamentally independent of the measurement method. It can be determined, for example, using ellipsometry. Ellipsometers are commercially available, for example from Sentech.

[0022] If the coating is based on SiZrN, the refractive index can be adjusted in particular by the proportion of zirconium (Zr) in the SiZrN. In an advantageous embodiment, the SiZrN has a ratio of the proportion of Zr to the sum of the proportions of silicon (Si) and Zr of at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%. This ratio can also be at least 20 wt.% or even at least 25 wt.% to further increase the reflectance. The ratio of the proportion of Zr to the sum of the proportions of Si and Zr is, for example, from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%, in particular from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.% - thus, refractive indices of 2.1 to 2.5 are easily achievable. The Zr proportion, in addition to increasing the refractive index, improves the chemical resistance of the coating. In addition to the proportion of zirconium, the proportion of nitrogen also influences the refractive index.

[0023] The coated areas of the inner pane preferably have a reflectance of at least 10% in the spectral range from 300 nm to 420 nm, particularly preferably at least 20%, very particularly preferably at least 30%. This means that the maximum reflectance occurring in the reflection spectrum in the spectral range from 300 nm to 420 nm is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, very preferably at least 30%. The glass pane is then easily perceived as an obstacle by birds. In particular, the coated areas of the inner pane have a reflectance of at least 10% in the spectral range from 400 nm to 700 nm, i.e. the visible near-UV spectral range, particularly preferably at least 15%, very particularly preferably at least 20%. For the visibility of the glass pane for birds, it is particularly advantageous if the coated areas also have significant reflection in the near-UV visible spectral range.

[0024] The term "reflectance" is used in accordance with the DIN EN 410 - 2011-04 standard. Reflectance always refers to the coating-side reflectance, which is measured when the substrate with the coated areas (the inner pane) faces the light source and detector, but is separated from the light source and detector by an intermediate transparent substrate (the outer pane).

[0025] The reflectance is measured at an angle of incidence of 8°, unless otherwise specified, to the coated surface normal of the coated inner pane surface. The spectral range from 380 nm to 780 nm was used to characterize the reflection properties.

[0026] The reflectance describes the proportion of the total incident radiation in the specified spectral range that is reflected. The reflectance always refers to a specific spectral range, for example, the visible spectral range from 380 nm to 780 nm or, for example, the ultraviolet range. It is expressed as a percentage (relative to 100% incident radiation) or as a unitless number from 0 to 1 (normalized to the incident radiation). Plotted as a function of wavelength, it forms the reflection spectrum. The information on the reflectance or reflection spectrum refers to a reflection measurement with a light source that radiates uniformly in the spectral range under consideration with a normalized radiation intensity of 100%.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the coating is based on SiZrN. In the context of the invention, this means that the coating consists predominantly of SiZrN, in particular essentially of SiZrN. However, the coating can contain dopants and impurities. Dopants can be used in particular to further increase the refractive index of the coating and / or to adjust the thermomechanical and chemical resistance of the coating. In advantageous embodiments, the SiZrN can contain, preferably be doped, aluminum (Al), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb) or titanium (Ti), wherein the proportion of dopants is particularly preferably less than 20 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 10 wt.%. The proportion of SiZrN in the coating is therefore preferably at least 80 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 90 wt.%.The SiZrN can be deposited stoichiometrically, substoichiometrically or overstoichiometrically with respect to the nitrogen content.

[0028] According to the invention, the outer surface of the inner pane has a pattern of coated areas provided with the coating to reduce bird collisions. The pattern is preferably a regular pattern. In a regular pattern, a basic motif appears that repeats periodically. Particularly preferably, the distances between adjacent coated areas are constant across the entire surface of the inner pane. However, the coated areas can also be distributed irregularly across the surface of the inner pane (irregular pattern).

[0029] The dimensions are fundamentally unrestricted within the scope of the present invention, as any pattern is perceptible to birds and therefore has a positive effect in preventing bird collisions. However, the American Bird Conservancy suggests certain patterns and dimensions that have proven particularly effective (see the website "https: / / abcbirds.org / glass-collisions / stop-birds-hitting-windows / ," accessed on May 3, 2023). These patterns with the suggested dimensions can be used with particular preference.

[0030] In a first preferred embodiment, the coated regions are formed in the form of stripes on the outer surface of the inner pane. The stripes are preferably arranged parallel to one another. The stripes preferably run horizontally or vertically, in each case relative to the installation position of the insulating glazing unit according to the invention, in particular as a window pane or component thereof. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the stripes to run diagonally. The stripes can extend to the side edges of the inner pane or end at a distance therefrom. Each stripe preferably has a constant width. Furthermore, the widths of all stripes are preferably the same. Particularly preferably, the stripes are arranged regularly, i.e. the pattern is formed as a regular stripe pattern in which the widths of the stripes and the distances between adjacent stripes are the same and constant.

[0031] The width of the strips is, in an advantageous embodiment, from 0.2 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 0.3 cm to 10 cm, or even from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. The distance between adjacent strips is, in an advantageous embodiment, from 2 cm to 20 cm, preferably from 4 cm to 12 cm. This achieves particularly good results. The American Bird Conservancy ideally suggests a width of at least 1 / 8 inches (about 0.32 cm) and a distance of 2 inches (about 5 cm) or 4 inches (about 10.1 cm).

[0032] In a second preferred embodiment, the coated regions are formed in the form of dots on the outer surface of the inner pane. There is a plurality of dot-shaped coated regions, which are distributed two-dimensionally over the surface of the inner pane. The term "dot" is of course not to be understood in a strictly mathematical sense, but rather describes a locally coated region with an extent that is much smaller than the extent of the inner pane. Extent refers to the length of the longest dimension of the dot. The dots preferably have a circular shape, with the extent corresponding to the diameter of the circle. However, other shapes are also conceivable, in particular polygonal shapes, for example triangular, square, rectangular or hexagonal dots. The extents of all dots are preferably the same.Particularly preferably, the dots are arranged regularly and distributed over the outer surface of the inner pane, i.e. the pattern is formed as a regular dot pattern. In one variant, the dimensions of the dots and the distances between neighboring dots can be the same across the entire surface. In a further variant, the dots can be arranged in a line, with several such lines arranged parallel to one another. The distances between neighboring dots within a line are each the same, with the same distance preferably occurring across all lines. Likewise, the distance between neighboring lines is preferably the same across the entire surface. The lines can run vertically or horizontally, relative to the installation position of the insulating glazing unit.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the size of the dots (particularly the diameter in the case of circular dots) is at least 0.5 cm, preferably from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, particularly preferably from 0.6 cm to 5 cm. The spacing between adjacent dots is in an advantageous embodiment in the range of 1 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 2 cm to 5 cm. This achieves particularly good results.

[0034] However, the pattern can also be designed in any other form. For example, the coated areas can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern on the outer surface of the inner pane. Irregular patterns are also possible. Dot-like coated areas in the form of symbols or logos are also possible, for example, the company logo of the glass manufacturer or the company logo of the company that owns or leases the insulating glazing unit.

[0035] The outer pane can be designed as a single pane, so that the insulating glazing according to the invention preferably contains only two panes, particularly preferably two glass panes. Regardless of how the outer pane is designed, the inner pane is preferably designed as a single pane, particularly preferably as a single glass pane. However, the outer pane can also be designed as a composite pane, i.e. comprise a first pane and a second pane, with a thermoplastic intermediate layer being arranged between the first pane and the second pane. The first pane is, for example, the outer pane, which is intended to be arranged closer to the external environment than the second pane. The second pane is, for example, the inner pane, which is arranged between the inner pane and the first pane.The second pane is therefore connected to the inner pane via the spacer and to the first pane via the thermoplastic interlayer. The outer surface of the first pane is then the outer surface of the outer pane, which is exposed to the outside environment. The inner surface of the first pane is connected to the second pane via the interlayer. The outer surface of the second pane is connected to the first pane via the interlayer. The inner surface of the second pane is connected to the inner pane via the spacer and, at the same time, is the inner surface of the outer pane. Insulating glazing with laminated panes often has improved sound insulation, particularly when the thermoplastic interlayer is designed as a sound-insulating thermoplastic interlayer.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the outer pane, comprising only a single pane, is provided with a sun protection coating, wherein the sun protection coating is preferably applied to the interior-facing surface of the outer pane. Alternatively, the second pane of the outer pane, designed as a composite pane, is provided with a sun protection coating. The sun protection coating is preferably applied to the interior-facing surface of the second pane. However, the sun protection coating can also be applied to the exterior surface of the second pane or the interior-facing surface of the first pane. The sun protection coating serves to reflect infrared components of the solar radiation and thereby improves thermal comfort in the interior, which heats up less.In the space between the panes of the insulating glazing, the solar protection coating is protected against corrosion and has a particularly beneficial effect.

[0037] The sun protection coating is preferably a thin-film stack, i.e., a sequence of thin individual layers. In one embodiment, the sun protection coating has at least one electrically conductive layer, which primarily provides the IR-reflecting effect. The electrically conductive layer is preferably a metal-based layer, particularly preferably silver-based. Alternatively, niobium, niobium nitride, titanium nitride, gold, aluminum, or copper can also be used. Dielectric layers or layer sequences are typically arranged above and below the electrically conductive layer. If the sun protection coating comprises multiple conductive layers, each conductive layer is preferably arranged between two typically dielectric layers or layer sequences, so that a dielectric layer or layer sequence is arranged between adjacent conductive layers.The solar protection coating is therefore a thin-film stack with n electrically conductive layers and (n+7) dielectric layers or layer sequences, where n is a natural number and where a lower dielectric layer or layer sequence is alternately followed by a conductive layer and a dielectric layer or layer sequence.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the sun protection coating has at least one electrically conductive layer based on silver (Ag). The conductive layer preferably contains at least 90 wt.% silver, more preferably at least 99 wt.% silver, most preferably at least 99.9 wt.% silver. The silver layer can contain dopants, for example, palladium, gold, copper, or aluminum. The thickness of the silver layer is typically between 5 nm and 20 nm.

[0039] Common dielectric layers of such a thin-film stack are, for example: anti-reflective layers, which reduce the reflection of visible light and thus increase the transparency of the coated pane, for example based on silicon nitride, silicon-metal mixed nitrides such as silicon zirconium nitride, titanium oxide, aluminum nitride or tin oxide, with layer thicknesses of, for example, 10 nm to 100 nm;

[0040] - Adaptation layers which improve the crystallinity of the electrically conductive layer, for example based on zinc oxide (ZnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm;

[0041] Smoothing layers that improve the surface structure for the overlying layers, for example based on a non-crystalline oxide of tin, silicon, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, gallium, and / or indium, in particular based on tin-zinc mixed oxide (ZnSnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm. In addition to the electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers, the sun protection coating can also comprise blocker layers that protect the conductive layers from degradation. Blocker layers are typically very thin metal-containing layers based on niobium, titanium, nickel, chromium, and / or alloys with layer thicknesses of, for example, 0.1 nm to 2 nm.

[0042] However, the sun protection coating does not necessarily have to comprise electrically conductive layers. In a further embodiment, the entire thin-film stack is formed from dielectric layers. The layer sequence comprises alternating layers with a high refractive index and a low refractive index. By appropriately selecting the materials and layer thicknesses, the reflection behavior of such a layer sequence can be specifically adjusted as a result of interference effects. This makes it possible to realize a sun protection coating with effective reflection of IR radiation. The layers with a high refractive index (optically high refractive index layers) preferably have a refractive index of greater than 1.8. The layers with a low refractive index (optically low refractive index layers) preferably have a refractive index of less than 1.8. The top and bottom layers of the thin-film stack are preferably optically high refractive index layers.The optically high-refractive-index layers are preferably based on silicon nitride, tin-zinc oxide, silicon zirconium nitride, or titanium oxide, particularly preferably based on silicon nitride. The optically low-refractive-index layers are preferably based on silicon oxide. The total number of high- and low-refractive-index layers is, for example, from 3 to 15, in particular from 8 to 15. This allows a suitable design of the reflection properties without making the layer structure too complex. The layer thicknesses of the dielectric layers should preferably be from 30 nm to 500 nm, particularly preferably from 50 nm to 300 nm.

[0043] The solar protection coating is preferably applied over the entire surface of the pane in question, with the exception of any uncoated peripheral edge region. Optionally, further, locally limited areas may also be uncoated, serving as communication, sensor, or camera windows to ensure the transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the composite pane. Preferably, at least 80% of the pane surface in question is provided with the solar protection coating. The insulating glazing according to the invention comprises at least two panes of glass that are connected to one another in the edge region by a peripheral spacer. The spacer keeps the panes spaced apart from one another, forming a space between the panes, which is typically evacuated or filled with an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen or argon).The spacer reduces thermal conductivity, improving thermal comfort in the interior. The spacer typically has a cavity filled with a desiccant to keep the space between the panes free of moisture.

[0044] The spacer is typically frame-like and arranged in the edge region between the two panes to keep them (usually plane-parallel) at a defined distance from each other. The spacer is typically made of a light metal (particularly aluminum) or of polymeric materials (e.g., polypropylene or styrene-acrylonitrile). It is preferably in contact with the two panes via a sealing compound, particularly a butyl sealing compound. An external sealing compound, particularly organic sealing compounds made of or based on polysulfides, silicones, RTV (room-temperature-curing) silicone rubber, HTV (high-temperature-curing) silicone rubber, peroxide-cured silicone rubber and / or addition-cured silicone rubber, polyurethanes, butyl rubber, and / or polyacrylates, is preferably filled into the marginal space between the panes, which is open to the outside.The inner space between the panes, which is limited and enclosed by the glass panes and the spacer, is preferably evacuated or filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton.

[0045] The inner pane and the outer pane, or the first pane and the second pane of the outer pane, are preferably made of glass, preferably soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. In principle, however, the substrate can also be made of other types of glass, for example quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass. The glass is preferably clear (plain glass), i.e. it has no tints or colors. The thickness of the respective pane can be selected to suit the requirements of the individual case. Thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 12 mm are particularly common, preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 3 mm to 8 mm. The respective pane is typically flat, as is common for building glazing. However, curved panes are certainly conceivable, for example as or for glazing in modern high-rise buildings.In particular, the second pane of the outer pane designed as a composite pane can alternatively also be made of rigid clear plastics, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0046] The thermoplastic intermediate layer in the case of the composite pane according to the invention is preferably formed from at least one thermoplastic film (composite film). The at least one film is preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU), particularly preferably based on PVB. This means that the film predominantly contains the said material (a proportion of greater than 50 wt.%) and can optionally contain further components, for example, plasticizers, stabilizers, UV or IR absorbers. The thickness of each thermoplastic film is preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm. For example, films, in particular PVB films, with standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used.

[0047] The invention further comprises a method for producing an insulating glazing unit according to the invention, wherein, in a first method step P1: the coating according to the invention is applied to the outer surface in the form of a pattern of coated areas, preferably by magnetron sputtering. In a second method step P2: the outer pane, the inner pane, and the spacer are arranged toward an insulating glazing unit.

[0048] The coating is preferably deposited on the outer surface of the inner pane by vapor deposition, for example, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), or atomic layer deposition (ALD). Physical vapor deposition (PVD), for example, vapor deposition, is particularly preferred, and cathode sputtering and, in particular, magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering (magnetron sputtering) are particularly preferred.

[0049] The pattern of coated areas can be created in different ways. In a first embodiment, a masking coating is first applied, covering those areas that are not to be coated. The coating is then applied by vapor deposition, and then the masking coating (with the coating according to the invention applied thereto) is removed again. The masking coating can, for example, be formed by an adhesive film, which is also adhered to the outer surface of the inner pane and can then be removed again. Alternatively, the masking coating can, for example, be printed in the form of a washable printing ink, which can then be washed off again.

[0050] In a second embodiment, during the vapor deposition, a diaphragm is arranged between the inner pane and the target, wherein the diaphragm is designed in such a way that only the areas to be coated are provided with the coating, while the areas not to be coated are shaded by the diaphragm and are therefore not provided with the coating.

[0051] In a third embodiment, in the first process step P1, the outer surface of the inner pane is first coated over its entire surface, preferably by vapor deposition, and the coating is then locally removed to create the uncoated areas. Removal can be achieved, for example, by mechanical abrasion or by laser ablation. In particular, the entire outer surface is coated, and then the surface is stripped of the coating in certain areas using laser ablation, creating the pattern.

[0052] If the outer pane is designed as a composite pane, it can be manufactured using standard processes. The first pane is bonded to the second pane via the thermoplastic intermediate layer. This involves using well-known lamination processes, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the panes via the intermediate layer is typically achieved using heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0053] The invention also encompasses the use of an insulating glazing according to the invention as glazing of a building or a building-like facility.

[0054] The invention is explained in more detail 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. They show:

[0055] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the insulating glazing according to the invention,

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a cross section along X-X' through the insulating glazing according to Figure 1, Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the inventive

[0057] Insulating glazing,

[0058] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the inventive

[0059] Insulating glazing,

[0060] Fig. 5 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the inventive

[0061] Insulating glazing,

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a cross section through a further embodiment of the inventive

[0063] Insulating glazing and

[0064] Fig. 7 Reflection spectra of the insulating glazing according to Examples 1 to 3 and a comparative example.

[0065] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of an insulating glazing 100 according to the invention, and Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the insulating glazing 100 from Figure 1 (the cross-section is indicated by a section line XX' in Figure 1). The insulating glazing 100 is designed, by way of example, as a window pane of a simple building-like facility. The insulating glazing 100 comprises an inner pane 2 made of clear soda-lime glass with a thickness of, for example, approximately 5.9 mm. The inner pane 2 has two main surfaces, namely an outer surface III, which, in the installed position of the window pane, faces the outside environment, and an inner surface IV, which, in the installed position, faces the interior, as well as an edge surface extending therebetween.The insulating glazing 100 also comprises an outer pane 1, wherein the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are connected to one another in the edge region via a circumferential spacer 3. The outer pane 1 is, for example, also a single clear pane of soda-lime glass with a thickness of 5.9 mm. The spacer is made of aluminum, for example, and has a cavity (not shown) filled with a desiccant. The inner pane 2 and the outer pane 1 are held at a defined distance from one another by the spacer 7, wherein the space between the panes is filled with inert gas. The outer pane 1 has an outer surface I facing the outside environment and a surface II facing the inner pane 2 on the inside, as well as an edge surface extending therebetween.

[0066] The inner pane 2 also includes a coating 4 to reduce bird collisions. The outer surface III of the inner pane 2 has a pattern of coated areas B, which are provided with the coating 4, while the remaining surface III is not provided with the coating 4. The pattern is formed as a regular stripe pattern, with the stripes arranged vertically in the installed position. The stripes have a width of approximately 1 cm, for example, and the spacing between adjacent stripes is approximately 5 cm.

[0067] The coating 4 is formed, for example, on the basis of silicon zirconium nitride (SiZrN), wherein the ratio of the proportion of zirconium (Zr) to the sum of the proportions of silicon (Si) and Zr is, for example, approximately 17 wt.%. The coating 4 has a refractive index of approximately 2.15 (measured at 550 nm). Due to the comparatively high refractive index, the coating 4 has reflective properties, in particular in the UV range and the near-UV spectral range, which is perceptible to birds. The striped pattern is therefore visible to birds with high contrast, so that they are able to recognize the insulating glazing 100 as an obstacle. For example, reflections of the sky due to the striped pattern deviate significantly from the bird's natural perception of the sky.Due to the arrangement of the coating 4 in the space between the panes of the insulating glazing 100, the latter is very well protected against external influences, whereby the coating 4 is still very easily visually recognizable for birds despite the outer pane 1 lying between the external environment and the coating 4.

[0068] The refractive index of the coating 4 can be further increased, for example by increasing the Zr content or by doping the refractive index, such as hafnium, niobium, or titanium, or by changing the nitrogen content. The reflection properties can be specifically adjusted by selecting the refractive index and the thickness of the coating 4. Ideally, the coating 4 should have a high degree of reflection in the UV range, so that it is easily visible to birds, and a comparatively low degree of reflection in the spectral range visible to humans (for humans), so that the appearance of the glass pane 1 is disturbed as little as possible in human perception. However, a low, but still present, reflection in the near-UV spectral range (i.e., the spectral range from 400 nm to 700 nm) has proven advantageous in order to even better prevent bird collisions with the glazing.

[0069] SiZrN can be deposited at high deposition rates on the outer surface III of the inner pane 2, for example, by magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering. The inner pane 2 can therefore be produced comparatively cost-effectively. Figure 3 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the insulating glazing 100 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, the strip-shaped coated regions B with the coating 4 are not arranged vertically, but horizontally relative to the installation position. The inner pane 2, the outer pane 1, the spacer 3, the coating 4, as well as the width and spacing of the stripes otherwise correspond to the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the insulating glazing 100 according to the invention. The coated regions B are not formed as stripes, but as circular dots with a diameter of, for example, 1 cm. The dots are distributed in the form of a regular pattern over the outer surface III of the inner pane 2. The dots are distributed horizontally in a line-like manner, with several of these lines being distributed vertically across the inner pane 2. The distance between adjacent dots within a line is constant, with the same distance occurring in each line. The distance between adjacent lines is also constant. The inner pane 2, the outer pane 1, the spacer 3, and the coating 4 otherwise correspond to the preceding embodiments.

[0071] The number of coated stripes or dots in the preceding exemplary designs is sometimes unrealistic. These illustrations are intended merely to illustrate the principle. It is readily apparent that, with the dimensions of the coated areas B mentioned, a significantly higher number of coated areas B is present in typical building glazing than shown.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the insulating glazing 100 according to the invention. The coated areas B are distributed in a checkerboard pattern across the surface III of the inner pane 2. The points are distributed horizontally in lines, with several of these lines distributed vertically across the pane. The distance between adjacent points within a line is constant, with the same distance occurring in each line. The distance between adjacent lines is also constant. The inner pane 2 and the coating 4 otherwise correspond to the previous embodiments.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a cross-section through a further embodiment of the insulating glazing 101 according to the invention. In this case, the outer pane 1 is not a single glass pane, but is designed as a composite pane. The outer pane 1 comprises a first pane 6, a second pane 7 and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 8 arranged between the first pane 6 and the second pane 7. The inner pane 2 and the coating 4 correspond, for example, to those from Figures 1 and 2. The first pane 6 and the second pane 7 are, for example, also each a clear pane made of soda-lime glass. The first pane 6 has, for example, a thickness of 5.9 mm and the second pane 7 has, for example, a thickness of 3.9 mm. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 8 is formed, for example, from a PVB film with a thickness of 0.76 mm.

[0074] The first pane 6 of the outer pane 1 is the outer pane, which is intended to be the pane closest to the outside environment. The second pane 7 is arranged between the first pane 6 and the inner pane 2. The first pane 6 has an outside surface I facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer 8, which, when installed in a building, is the exposed surface of the outer pane 1 facing the outside environment. The first pane 6 also has an inside-side surface II facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer 8. The second pane 7 has an outside surface III facing the first pane 6 and an inside-side surface IV facing the inner pane 2. The surfaces of the inner pane 2 have the reference symbols V and VI in this embodiment.In other words: the outer surface of the inner pane 2 facing the outer pane 1 has the reference symbol V here and the inner surface of the inner pane 2 facing away from the outer pane 1 has the reference symbol VI here.

[0075] A sun protection coating 5 is also applied to the interior-side surface IV of the second pane 7. Since the interior-side surface IV of the second pane 7 is connected to the inner pane 2 via the spacer 3 and faces the cavity between the panes, the sun protection coating 5 is protected against corrosion. However, the sun protection coating 5 is optional within the scope of the present invention. The sun protection coating 5 is a thin-film stack with at least one silver layer, which reflects IR components of the solar radiation. This improves thermal comfort in the interior. Furthermore, the sun protection coating 5 influences the appearance of the insulating glazing 101, in particular the reflective color.

[0076] Examples The reflection behavior of the coated areas B was simulated for a series of examples and comparative examples using the "CODE" software commonly used in the field. The insulating glazing 101 is designed, for example, as described for Figure 6, wherein the outer surface V of the inner pane 2 is fully coated with the coating 4. The coating may not necessarily be based on SiZrN, but may also be based on TiO2, or, as in the case of the comparative example, may not have any coating 4.

[0077] In Examples 1 to 3 according to the invention, the coating 4 was made of SiZrN with a ratio of the Zr content to the sum of the Si content and the Zr content of 17 wt.% (SiZr1?N) or of titanium oxide (TiO2), with the coating 4 being arranged in each case on the outer surface V of the inner pane 2. For Examples 1 and 2, the coating 4 was deposited using a SiZr target in a nitrogen atmosphere, with the Zr content of the target being 17 wt.%. For Example 3, the coating 4 was deposited using a Ti target in an oxygen atmosphere. In Examples 1 and 2, the coating 4 is based on SiZrN, with the coatings differing in layer thickness.

[0078] In the comparative example, the outer surface V of the inner pane 2 was not coated. The material of the coating 4 and the thickness of the coating 4 of Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example are summarized in Table 1.

[0079] Table 1

[0080] Figure 7 shows the reflection spectra of examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example. They describe the wavelength-dependent reflection behavior when the outer surface V of the inner pane 2 is irradiated with a light source that emits radiation with uniform intensity in the spectral range under consideration (outer reflection). The light source emits light of type D65 (ISO 3664). The detector and the light source are arranged in front of the outer surface I of the first pane 6 during the measurement. During the measurement, the light from the light source transmits through the first pane 6, the thermoplastic intermediate layer 8, the second pane 7 and the space between the second pane 7 and the inner pane 2, strikes the outer surface V of the inner pane 2, and is reflected by the coating 4.The reflected light transmits through the space between the panes, the second pane 7, the thermoplastic intermediate layer 8, and the first pane 6, and then hits the detector. This simulated measurement setup takes into account light losses due to scattered reflection or absorption.

[0081] Comparing Examples 1 and 3 according to the invention with the comparative example, it is noticeable that the inventive examples exhibit a significantly higher reflectance than the comparative example (coating-free). This is due in particular to the high refractive index of TiO2 or SiZrN. Despite the fact that the coating 4 is separated from the light source and the detector by the outer pane 1, which is designed as a composite pane, a high reflectance is achieved across the UV and near-UV range.

[0082] Of all examples, Example 3 shows the strongest reflection in the UV range and in the near-UV visible range. For Examples 1 and 2, the reflection in the visible range is not as strong, which means that coating 4, applied to prevent bird collisions, is not too noticeable to the human eye. The degree of reflection can also be adjusted via the selected layer thickness. However, a good ratio between the level of reflection and homogeneity of the reflection should be ensured, which is why an excessively thin coating should also be avoided. Coatings based on SiZrN are surprisingly particularly preferred in this context, as they exhibit a good ratio between reflection in the near-UV visible range and the UV range, without the reflection being inconsistent.

[0083] A comparison of Examples 1 and 2 allows a conclusion to be drawn about the influence of the layer thickness of the coating 4 according to the invention. The reflectance increases with increasing layer thickness. However, with increasing layer thickness, the focus of the reflection spectrum also shifts increasingly from the UV range to the visible range (layer thicknesses >50 nm). What is particularly desired is a high reflectance in the UV range and an existing, but low, reflectance in the near-UV visible range. Since birds also perceive radiation in the UV range, the coated areas B are then perceptible to birds with high contrast, while the appearance of the glazing is not as significantly impaired for humans.

[0084] List of reference symbols

[0085] 1 outer pane

[0086] 2 inner pane

[0087] 3 spacers

[0088] 4 Coating

[0089] 5 Sun protection coating

[0090] 6 first pane of the outer pane 1

[0091] 7 second pane of the outer pane 1

[0092] 8 thermoplastic intermediate layer

[0093] 100 insulating glazing

[0094] 101 Insulating glazing, comprising outer pane 1 as a laminated pane

[0095] B coated areas of the inner pane 2

[0096] I outside surface of the outer pane 1 / the first pane 6

[0097] II Interior surface of the outer pane 1 / the first pane 6

[0098] III outer surface of the inner pane 2 / the second pane 7

[0099] IV Interior surface of the inner pane 2 / the second pane 7

[0100] V outer surface of the inner pane 2

[0101] VI Interior surface of the inner pane 2

[0102] XX' cutting line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Insulating glazing (100) for separating an interior space from an external environment, comprising an outer pane (1), an inner pane (2) and a spacer (3) which connects the inner pane (2) and the outer pane (1) to one another in the edge region, wherein the inner pane (2) has a pattern of regions (B) on an outer surface (III) facing the outer pane (1) and has a coating (4) with a refractive index of at least 2.10 in the regions (B), wherein the coating (4) comprises either exactly one layer or exactly two layers.

2. Insulating glazing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the coating (4) comprises at least one layer containing silicon-zirconium mixed nitride.

3. Insulating glazing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating (4) comprises exactly one layer consisting of silicon-zirconium mixed nitride.

4. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the silicon-zirconium mixed nitride of the coating (4) has a zirconium content of at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 20 wt.%.

5. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coating (4) has a layer thickness of 30 nm to 100 nm, preferably of 35 nm to 70 nm, particularly preferably 40 nm to 50 nm.

6. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coating (4) has a refractive index of at least 2.

15.

7. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the regions (B) are formed in the form of stripes on the outer surface (III).

8. Insulating glazing (100) according to claim 7, wherein the regions (B) in the form of strips have a width of 0.1 cm to 10 cm and a spacing of 2 cm to 20 cm.

9. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the regions (B) are formed in the form of points on the outer surface (III) which have an extension of 0.5 cm to 10 cm.

10. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer pane (1) is provided with a sun protection coating (5).

11. Insulating glazing (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer pane (1) is designed as a composite pane which comprises a first pane (6), a second pane (7) and an intermediate thermoplastic layer (8) therebetween.

12. Insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the coating (4) contains oxides of titanium, hafnium and / or niobium, preferably only titanium.

13. A method for producing an insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein (a) the coating (4) is applied to the outer surface (III) of the inner pane (2) in the form of a pattern of regions (B), preferably by means of magnetron sputtering, and (b) the outer pane (1), the inner pane (2) and the spacer (3) are arranged towards an insulating glazing (100) and connected to one another.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein first the entire outer surface (III) is provided with the coating (4) and then the inner pane (2) is partially stripped of the coating by means of laser ablation so that the pattern is created.

15. Use of an insulating glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 as glazing of a building or a building-like facility.

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