Composite pane comprising at least one photovoltaic component and at least one functional element with electrically controllable optical properties

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite pane comprising an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2), which are connected face-to-face with one another by means of an intermediate layer (3), wherein the outer pane (1) has a transparent see-through area (D), which defines an active area (A) of the composite pane, and wherein at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) is incorporated in the intermediate layer (3) in such a way that one part of the active area (A) - known as the photovoltaic part - is occupied by the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), while another part of the active area (A) - known as the non-photovoltaic part - is not occupied by photovoltaic components (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), and wherein at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) with electrically controllable optical properties is incorporated in the intermediate layer (3) and is at a smaller distance from the inner pane (1) than the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), and wherein at least the non-photovoltaic part of the active area (A) is fully occupied by the at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6). The at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) divides the non-photovoltaic part of the active area (A) into a number of areas which are separate from one another and the optical properties of which are controllable independently of one another, by either there being a single functional element (5), which is divided into independently controllable segments (5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, 5-vi), or there being a separate functional element (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) in each of the said areas.

Description

[0001] Composite pane with at least one photovoltaic component and at least one functional element with electrically controllable optical properties

[0002] The invention relates to a composite pane equipped with at least one photovoltaic component and at least one functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, and to the use thereof.

[0003] It is known that laminated panes can be equipped with photovoltaic components. For example, laminated panes, which are typically used as glazing elements, can be used to generate electrical energy. Such laminated panes are particularly common as vehicle roof panes, but can also be used as part of building glazing or for any other purpose. Laminated panes consist of an outer pane and an inner pane, which are bonded together by a thermoplastic intermediate layer. The photovoltaic components can be embedded in the intermediate layer, where they are protected from damage and contamination. Sunlight hits the photovoltaic components via the outer pane. Such laminated panes are known, for example, from WO2013182398A1 and WO2013182399A1.

[0004] The photovoltaic components are typically opaque. In some applications, it is desirable that not the entire active area of ​​the laminated pane, which could in principle be used for photovoltaic energy generation, is covered with photovoltaic components. For example, for vehicle roof windows, it has been proposed to design the photovoltaic components in the form of spaced-apart, essentially parallel strips that extend along the vehicle's direction of travel ("from front to rear"). The spaces between the strips allow light to penetrate the laminated pane into the vehicle interior, thereby at least partially preserving the feeling of transparent roof glazing.However, the incident light can also be disturbing to vehicle occupants, for example, if the light causes glare or if the alternating light and shadows are particularly distracting due to the striped design of the photovoltaic components. Furthermore, the vehicle interior can heat up considerably in summer. This effect is particularly pronounced because the layers of the laminated glass arranged outside the photovoltaic components are typically clear and are not coated with solar control to optimize the photovoltaic energy yield.

[0005] Functional elements with electrically controllable optical properties are known as such. The optical properties of the functional elements can be changed by applying an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is applied via a control unit that is connected to two surface electrodes of the functional element, between which the active layer of the functional element is located. One example of such functional elements are SPD functional elements (suspended particle device), which are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1. Another example is PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), which are known, for example, from DE 102008026339 A1. Electrochromic functional elements are also known, for example from US 20120026573 A1, WO 2010147494 A1 and EP 1862849 A1 and WO 2012007334 A1.

[0006] WO2021087322A1 discloses a composite pane that can also be used as a vehicle roof pane. A transparent photovoltaic component is embedded in the intermediate layer, and a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties is located on the interior side of the composite pane. The transparent photovoltaic component is designed to electrically power the functional element.

[0007] DE102018112395A1 and the subsequently published WO2023161181A1 disclose a composite pane in which photovoltaic components are embedded in the intermediate layer and, on the interior side thereof, a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties. The composite pane has regions that are not equipped with the photovoltaic components, whereby the light transmission through these regions can be influenced overall by the functional element.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved composite pane whose active area is only partially covered with photovoltaic components. The composite pane should make it possible to prevent disturbance to people in an interior space defined by the composite pane and to prevent thermal energy from entering the interior space due to solar radiation penetrating the areas not covered by photovoltaic components. The composite pane should offer the user a high degree of flexibility, in particular allowing the light incidence through different areas not covered by photovoltaic components to be influenced independently of one another.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by a composite pane according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] The composite pane according to the invention comprises an outer pane and an inner pane, which are joined to one another via an intermediate layer. At least one photovoltaic component is embedded in the intermediate layer. The outer pane has at least one transparent region, which is referred to as the see-through region within the meaning of the invention. This see-through region defines an active region of the composite pane or forms an active region of the composite pane. In this active region, light can pass through the transparent see-through region of the outer pane and can essentially be used photovoltaically, i.e., strike the plane with the at least one photovoltaic component. The at least one photovoltaic component is embedded in the intermediate layer in such a way that only a part of said active region is occupied or covered by the at least one photovoltaic component.This part of the active region is referred to as the photovoltaic part within the meaning of the invention. Another part of the active region, however, is not covered or occupied by the at least one photovoltaic component. This part of the active region is referred to as the non-photovoltaic part within the meaning of the invention. The non-photovoltaic part is free of photovoltaic components; it is not covered or occupied by photovoltaic components.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one functional element with electrically controllable optical properties is also embedded in the intermediate layer. The functional element is spaced closer to the inner pane than the at least one photovoltaic component. In other words, the at least one functional element is arranged on the interior side of the at least one photovoltaic component, between the at least one photovoltaic component and the inner pane. This refers to all of the photovoltaic components, if several are present. At least the non-photovoltaic part of the active region is completely occupied by or covered by the at least one functional element. From there, the at least one functional element can extend into adjacent regions of the composite pane.In addition to the non-photovoltaic part, the photovoltaic part of the active region can also be completely or partially covered by at least one functional element.

[0012] The at least one functional element with electrically controllable optical properties makes it possible to reduce the incidence of solar radiation through the non-photovoltaic part of the active region. Depending on the design of the functional element, this can be achieved in particular by selecting a state of low light transmission or strong light scattering. The user can select a transparent state of the functional element, so that the non-photovoltaic part of the active region is transparent. Solar radiation can then pass through the non-photovoltaic part of the active region.However, if solar radiation becomes too strong, causing discomfort to the user, for example, due to excessive heating of the interior space behind the laminated glass, glare, or disturbing light-shadow changes, the user can select a less transparent state of the functional element to reduce or completely prevent the penetration of solar radiation. This is a major advantage of the present invention.

[0013] The at least one photovoltaic component is preferably opaque, so that no view through the component is possible. The incidence of solar radiation through the photovoltaic part of the active region is then effectively prevented by the photovoltaic component, while the incidence of solar radiation through the non-photovoltaic part can be controlled by the at least one functional element. The light transmission through the opaque photovoltaic component is preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 2%, in particular 0%. The opacity of the photovoltaic component is typically achieved by the photovoltaic component absorbing light in the visible spectral range and converting it into electrical energy. Alternatively or additionally, the use of an opaque back electrode is also possible.In principle, however, the invention is also applicable, for example, to partially transparent or translucent photovoltaic components, which do not completely prevent solar radiation but attenuate it. Here, too, the at least one functional element can advantageously adjust the light incidence through the non-photovoltaic part of the active region.

[0014] For the purposes of the invention, the outer pane is the pane of the composite pane which, in the installed position, faces the sun, while the inner pane faces away from the sun. The composite pane according to the invention is typically intended as a window pane to separate an interior space (for example the interior of a building or a vehicle) from the exterior environment. For the purposes of the invention, the term inner pane refers to the pane facing the interior space. The term outer pane refers to the pane facing the exterior environment. The outer pane and the inner pane each have an exterior and an interior surface (main surface) and a circumferential side edge surface running between them. For the purposes of the invention, the term exterior surface refers to the main surface which, in the installed position, is intended to face the exterior environment and the sun.For the purposes of the invention, the interior-facing surface refers to the main surface intended to face the interior in the installed position. The interior-facing surface of the outer pane and the exterior-facing surface of the inner pane face each other and are connected to each other via the intermediate layer.

[0015] The outer pane and the inner pane are preferably glass panes, particularly preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, one or both of the panes can in principle also be made of other types of glass, for example, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass, or of rigid, clear plastics, for example, polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The thicknesses of the outer pane and the inner pane are preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, independently of one another. The outer pane and the inner pane can be thermally or chemically tempered, partially tempered, or not tempered, independently of one another.

[0016] For the purposes of the invention, the active region of the composite pane is the region that is fundamentally available and can be used to generate energy through photovoltaics. It is characterized in that the outer pane (and all other layers of the composite pane between the outer pane and the at least one photovoltaic component) are transparent, so that solar radiation can hit the at least one photovoltaic component and excite it. In this sense, the transparent see-through region of the outer pane defines the active region of the composite pane. This means that, when viewed from above, the transparent region of the outer pane and the active region are congruent. According to the invention, only part of the active region of the composite pane is occupied by the photovoltaic component or components, namely the photovoltaic part.If multiple photovoltaic components are present, they are arranged laterally offset from one another, relative to the viewing direction through the laminated pane (in other words, viewed from above the laminated pane or the main surfaces of the outer and inner panes). Another part of the active area of ​​the laminated pane is not occupied by photovoltaic components, namely the non-photovoltaic part.

[0017] The outer pane can be made transparent as a whole, so that the see-through area encompasses the entire outer pane. In this case, the entire composite pane forms the active area. However, the outer pane can also have an opaque masking area through which no sunlight can pass and which defines a masking area (or non-active area) of the composite pane. The active area then corresponds to the composite pane minus the masking area. Such masking areas are particularly common in vehicle windows. The masking area is preferably formed by applying an opaque cover print to the outer pane, in particular to the interior-side surface of the outer pane facing the intermediate layer.For this purpose, an enamel printing paste containing glass frits and a pigment, particularly black pigment, is typically printed onto the surface, for example using a screen printing process, and then fired. The masking area typically comprises a peripheral edge region of the outer pane, which surrounds the central see-through area in a frame-like manner. However, the masking area can also comprise additional areas, which are designed, for example, as a type of cross bracing of the frame-like edge region.

[0018] A masking region (non-active region) can alternatively also be formed by a connecting layer (in particular a thermoplastic layer) located between the plane with the photovoltaic components and the outer pane being opaque, or by an opaque film or plate being embedded in the intermediate layer between the plane with the photovoltaic components and the outer pane, or by an opaque film being adhesively bonded to a region of the outer pane. Generally speaking, in one embodiment of the invention, the active region is surrounded by a non-active masking region (frame-like), which is realized by an opaque element being arranged on the outside of the plane with the at least one photovoltaic component. The at least one photovoltaic component can extend from the active region into the masking region.Although the areas arranged there do not contribute to electricity generation, it may be desirable for aesthetic reasons.

[0019] If multiple photovoltaic components are present, they are preferably arranged in one plane of the composite pane, so that they are essentially at the same distance from the outer and inner panes. However, this is not mandatory. At least one functional element is arranged on the interior side of all photovoltaic components. This way, the photovoltaic energy yield is not reduced if the at least one functional element is set to a state with reduced light transmission.

[0020] According to the invention, the at least one photovoltaic component divides the non-photovoltaic part of the active region into a plurality of separate regions. These regions of the non-photovoltaic part of the active region are also referred to as non-photovoltaic regions for the purposes of the invention. The non-photovoltaic regions are arranged laterally offset from one another, relative to the viewing direction through the composite pane. In the aforementioned typical embodiment, there are a plurality of non-photovoltaic regions, with adjacent non-photovoltaic regions each separated from one another by a photovoltaic component (or a photovoltaic region). Thus, a photovoltaic component (a photovoltaic region) is arranged between adjacent non-photovoltaic regions.

[0021] In a first embodiment of the invention, the composite pane is equipped with a single functional element with electrically controllable properties, which completely covers the active region of the composite pane. The functional element can extend beyond the active region and, for example, protrude into a surrounding masking region. The functional element is divided into independent, controllable segments such that the optical properties of the non-photovoltaic regions can be controlled independently of one another. This allows the user greater flexibility. They can darken only certain non-photovoltaic regions while others remain transparent, for example, if this is sufficient to avoid glare from sunlight.Each non-photovoltaic region is assigned at least one segment of the functional element, whereby a segment assigned to a specific region does not extend into other non-photovoltaic regions. Each non-photovoltaic region is occupied by or covered by (at least) one segment that is assigned exclusively to this region. A single segment or multiple segments can be provided for a non-photovoltaic region. The insulation lines that divide the functional element into segments run in the photovoltaic part of the active region.

[0022] In a second embodiment of the invention, the composite pane is equipped with a plurality of functional elements with electrically controllable properties. Each non-photovoltaic region is assigned (at least) one functional element, wherein said non-photovoltaic region is completely covered by the (at least) one functional element. A functional element assigned to a specific region does not extend into other, adjacent non-photovoltaic regions. Each non-photovoltaic region is occupied by or covered by (at least) one functional element that is exclusively assigned to this region. In this way, the optical properties of the non-photovoltaic regions can also be controlled independently of one another, allowing the user greater flexibility.A single functional element or multiple functional elements can be provided for a non-photovoltaic region. The individual functional elements can protrude beyond their assigned non-photovoltaic region and extend into adjacent regions of the composite pane, for example, into adjacent photovoltaic regions or a masking region surrounding the active region.

[0023] In principle, combinations of the illustrated preferred embodiments are also conceivable, with one part of the composite pane being designed according to one embodiment and another part being designed according to a different embodiment. Multiple functional elements or multiple segments of a functional element can also be provided for a single non-photovoltaic region, so that the optical properties of sub-regions of the non-photovoltaic regions can be controlled independently of one another.

[0024] In a typical embodiment, the composite pane is equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic components. Thus, several (at least two) photovoltaic components are embedded in the intermediate layer. The photovoltaic components are spaced apart from one another. They are arranged laterally offset from one another, relative to the viewing direction. The photovoltaic part of the active region then also has several separate regions, which, for the purposes of the invention, are also referred to as photovoltaic regions. The photovoltaic regions are arranged laterally offset from one another, relative to the viewing direction through the composite pane. This results in several photovoltaic regions, with adjacent photovoltaic regions each being separated from one another by a non-photovoltaic region. A non-photovoltaic region is therefore arranged between adjacent photovoltaic regions.However, the presence of multiple photovoltaic components is not mandatory. A single photovoltaic component (and correspondingly a single photovoltaic region) can also divide the non-photovoltaic part of the active region into several separate non-photovoltaic regions, for example, by a single strip-shaped photovoltaic region that divides the non-photovoltaic part into two strip-shaped non-photovoltaic regions. This strip-shaped photovoltaic region can run straight or in a zig-zig or meandering pattern across the active region.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the photovoltaic component or components are strip-shaped, in particular in the form of a straight strip. The individual strips have the same direction of extension, are arranged substantially parallel to one another, and are spaced apart from one another if multiple photovoltaic components are present. Both the photovoltaic part and the non-photovoltaic part of the active region are then divided into strip-shaped regions, with photovoltaic regions and non-photovoltaic regions arranged alternately. The non-photovoltaic part of the active region comprises at least the spaces between adjacent photovoltaic components or regions.In other words, the non-photovoltaic part is formed from at least those strip-shaped regions arranged between adjacent strip-shaped photovoltaic regions. If the two peripheral photovoltaic components are not arranged directly adjacent to the side edge of the active region, a further strip-shaped non-photovoltaic region is arranged between the peripheral photovoltaic components and the side edge of the active region. The width of the strip-shaped photovoltaic components or the photovoltaic regions is preferably from 5 cm to 30 cm. The distance between adjacent strip-shaped photovoltaic components or regions is preferably from 1 cm to 50 cm.

[0026] If the composite pane is intended as a vehicle roof pane, the direction of the stripes is preferably aligned along the direction of travel. They therefore extend in a direction from the front edge to the rear edge of the active area, with the terms "front" and "rear" referring to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In an advantageous embodiment, the strip-shaped photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic areas span the entire active area, thus running uninterrupted from one edge to the opposite edge, in particular from the front to the rear edge.

[0027] However, other arrangements of the photovoltaic components are also conceivable. For example, several photovoltaic components can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern, or a single photovoltaic component can be arranged in a zigzag or meander pattern in the active area.

[0028] The composite pane according to the invention preferably comprises in the order given: the outer pane, a first connecting layer, the at least one photovoltaic component, a second connecting layer, the at least one functional element, a third connecting layer and the inner pane.

[0029] The bonding layers serve to adhesively bond the components of the composite pane between which they are arranged. The bonding layers are preferably formed as thermoplastic layers. The thermoplastic layers can also be referred to as thermoplastic layers.

[0030] The thermoplastic layers are preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU), or on mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably based on PVB. This means that the layer predominantly contains the said polymer (a proportion greater than 50 wt.%). In addition to the polymer, the layer may contain further additives, for example, plasticizers, UV absorbers, or stabilizers. Each thermoplastic layer is preferably formed from at least one thermoplastic film. The thickness of each film is preferably between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. For example, PVB films with standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used.

[0031] The connecting layers can alternatively be formed as adhesive layers, for example. So-called optically clear adhesives (OCAs) are preferred. OCAs are known as such to those skilled in the art. They are characterized in particular by their high optical quality. They are particularly common where high optical quality is necessary, so that the adhesive layer is virtually invisible, for example in displays or touch panels. Optically clear adhesives are characterized in particular by their high light transmission and the fact that low-distortion visibility is possible. The optically clear adhesive is preferably a 2-component polyurethane adhesive, a 1-component acrylate adhesive, a 1-component silicone adhesive, or a 1-component acrylate hybrid adhesive. The connecting layers can alternatively also be formed as (preferably thermoplastic) cast resin layers.

[0032] The outer pane and the first bonding layer are preferably clear and have no tints or colors so as not to attenuate the sunlight before it hits the at least one photovoltaic component. They preferably have a light transmittance of at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%. This applies to all layers arranged on the outside of the at least one photovoltaic component. The second bonding layer, the third bonding layer, and the inner pane can be clear, tinted, or colored independently of one another. If the composite pane is a vehicle roof pane, at least the inner pane is preferably tinted to reduce the light transmittance of the composite pane, more preferably also the third bonding layer, and most preferably also the second bonding layer.If it is a vehicle roof window, the laminated pane preferably has a light transmission of less than 20% in the non-photovoltaic part of the active area, relative to the transparent state of the at least one functional element. However, the outer pane, inner pane, and the connecting layers are preferably transparent, so that they still allow visibility through the laminated pane despite any tinting.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one functional element is surrounded by a thermoplastic layer, which in the sense of the invention is also referred to as a capsule layer. The capsule layer is in particular designed like a frame and arranged in a circumferential edge region of the composite pane, wherein the at least one functional element is inserted into the frame-like capsule layer. The capsule layer has at least one recess into which the at least one functional element is inserted. The capsule layer can be formed by a thermoplastic film (or several thermoplastic films stacked on top of one another), into which the recess has been cut out. Alternatively, the capsule layer can also be composed of several film sections around the at least one functional element. The capsule layer preferably has approximately the same thickness as the at least one functional element.This compensates for the local thickness difference introduced by the at least one locally confined functional element, thus avoiding air pockets, preventing glass breakage during lamination, and resulting in an improved visual appearance. Furthermore, the functional element is enclosed within the capsule layer, preventing contaminants from penetrating the active layer via the side edge and preventing corrosion of the surface electrodes. If multiple functional elements are present, the capsule layer is preferably present not only in a frame-like manner around the entire set of functional elements, but also in the spaces between the functional elements, so that each individual functional element is surrounded by the capsule layer in a frame-like manner.

[0034] If only a single functional element is present that completely covers the active area of ​​the composite pane, the capsule layer is arranged entirely within the non-active masking area of ​​the composite pane. If multiple functional elements are present, each covering a non-photovoltaic area, the capsule layer is arranged in the non-active masking area and between the functional elements in the photovoltaic areas.

[0035] The at least one photovoltaic component can also optionally be enclosed in a frame-like capsule layer. Particularly with thin photovoltaic components, such a capsule layer can be dispensed with. The at least one photovoltaic component can simply be arranged between the connecting layers and is enclosed by them. With thicker photovoltaic components, the use of a capsule layer can be advantageous in order to compensate for the local thickness difference introduced by the locally limited at least one photovoltaic component. The capsule layer is arranged circumferentially around the entirety of the photovoltaic components. The entirety of the photovoltaic components is thus arranged in a recess in the capsule layer.If multiple photovoltaic components are present, the capsule layer can optionally also be arranged in the spaces between them, so that each individual photovoltaic component is surrounded by the capsule layer in a frame-like manner. The capsule layer can in turn be formed by a thermoplastic film (or several thermoplastic films stacked on top of one another) into which the recess has been cut. Alternatively, the capsule layer can also be composed of several film sections. The capsule layer preferably has a similar or even approximately the same thickness as the at least one photovoltaic component.

[0036] Alternatively, it is also possible to apply at least one functional element directly to the outer surface of the inner pane facing the intermediate layer (by depositing the layers directly onto the surface) or to bond it to it via a layer of adhesive instead of a thermoplastic layer.

[0037] The functional element comprises at least one active layer or layer sequence and two surface electrodes arranged on either side of the active layer(s) such that the active layer(s) is arranged between the surface electrodes. The surface electrodes and the active layer(s) are typically arranged substantially parallel to the surfaces of the outer pane and the inner pane. The active layer has variable optical properties that can be controlled by an electrical voltage applied to the active layer(s) via the surface electrodes. These optical properties relate in particular to light transmission and / or scattering behavior. For the purposes of the invention, electrically controllable optical properties are understood to mean, in particular, properties that are continuously controllable.In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the electrically controllable optical properties can be switched only between two discrete states. It is likewise conceivable that the electrically controllable optical properties can be switched between more than two discrete states. The surface electrodes are preferably transparent, which, within the meaning of the invention, means that they have a light transmission in the visible spectral range of at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 80%. The surface electrodes preferably contain at least one metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO).The surface electrodes can be formed, for example, from silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, indium tin oxide (ITO), gallium-doped or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, and / or fluorine-doped or antimony-doped tin oxide, preferably based on silver or ITO. The surface electrodes preferably have a thickness of 10 nm to 2 pm, more preferably from 20 nm to 1 pm, most preferably from 30 nm to 500 nm.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element comprises two carrier films in addition to the active layer(s) and the surface electrodes, wherein the active layer and the surface electrodes are preferably arranged between the carrier films. The functional element then comprises, in the following order: a first carrier film - the first surface electrode - the active layer(s) - the second surface electrode - a second carrier film. The carrier films are preferably made of thermoplastic material, for example based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, particularly preferably based on PET. The thickness of the carrier films is preferably from 10 μm to 200 μm.Such functional elements can advantageously be provided as multilayer films, in particular purchased, cut to the desired size and shape and then laminated into the composite pane.

[0039] Depending on the type of functional element, a single active layer or an active layer sequence (i.e., a plurality of different layers that together provide the variable optical properties) may be present. Various types of functional elements can be used, with the functional element, in preferred embodiments, being a functional element based on liquid crystal technology (in particular, a PDLC functional element), an SPD functional element, or an electrochromic functional element.

[0040] Functional elements based on liquid crystal technology contain an active layer of liquid crystals. The liquid crystals can be aligned by applying a voltage to the surface electrodes, which is the basis for electrical control of the optical properties. In particular, the following functional elements based on liquid crystal technology are common:

[0041] PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional elements. The active layer contains droplets of liquid crystals in a polymer matrix. If the liquid crystals are aligned in an electric field, the state is transparent and non-light-scattering. If the liquid crystals are not aligned without an electric field, the state is translucent and strongly light-scattering.

[0042] PNLC functional elements (polymer networked liquid crystal). The active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer network. Without an applied voltage, the liquid crystals are aligned, resulting in a transparent and non-light-scattering state. When an electrical voltage is applied, configuration changes occur, leading to strong scattering by the liquid crystals, resulting in a translucent and highly light-scattering state. Guest-host functional elements: The active layer contains dichroic dye molecules (guest) dissolved in liquid crystals (host). In an electric field, the liquid crystals are aligned, influencing the orientation of the dye molecules, which leads to a change in transmittance (tint) and color.

[0043] SPD (suspended particle device) functional elements have an active layer containing suspended particles. The absorption of light by the active layer can be modified by applying a voltage to the surface electrodes, which leads to a change in the orientation of the suspended particles.

[0044] Electrochromic functional elements contain an active layer sequence between the surface electrodes (electrochromic layer sequence), which comprises an ion storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer arranged one above the other in the specified order. The electrochromic layer is the actual carrier of the electrically controllable optical properties. It is an electrochemically active layer whose light transmission depends on the degree of ion incorporation. The ions (for example, H + -, Li + , N / a + - or K +Ions are stored in the ion storage layer and made available by it. The electrolyte layer spatially separates the electrochromic layer from the ion storage layer and serves to facilitate the migration of ions. If a direct voltage of suitable polarity is applied to the surface electrodes, ions migrate from the ion storage layer through the electrolyte layer into the electrochromic layer, whereupon the optical properties (color, light transmission) of the electrochromic layer change depending on the extent of the migrated ions. If a direct voltage of the opposite polarity is applied to the surface electrodes, the ions migrate back from the electrochromic layer through the electrolyte layer into the ion storage layer, and the optical properties of the electrochromic layer change in the opposite way. If no voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the current state remains stable.Suitable electrochromic layers contain electrochromic materials, for example, inorganic oxides (such as tungsten oxide or vanadium oxide), complex compounds (such as Prussian blue), or conductive polymers (such as 3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) or polyaniline). The electrolyte layer is typically formed as a film of organic or inorganic, electrically insulating material with high ionic conductivity, for example, based on lithium phosphorus oxynitride. The ion storage layer is either permanently transparent (pure ion storage) or exhibits electrochromic behavior opposite to that of the electrochromic layer. An example of a pure ion storage layer is a layer containing a mixed oxide of titanium and cerium; examples of anodic electrochromic ion storage layers are layers containing iridium oxide or nickel oxide.

[0045] The side edge of the functional element can be sealed, for example, by fusing the carrier films or using a (preferably polymeric) tape. This protects the active layer or layer sequence, especially against components of the intermediate layer (especially plasticizers) diffusing into the active layer or layer sequence, which can lead to degradation of the functional element.

[0046] During operation, the surface electrodes are connected to a voltage source. For this purpose, so-called bus bars are typically arranged on the contact areas of the surface electrodes. The bus bars are designed, for example, as strips of electrically conductive foil (e.g., copper foil) or electrically conductive prints. These bus bars are typically connected to so-called flat or foil conductors, which extend from the respective bus bar in the intermediate layer beyond the side edge of the composite pane. Flat conductors have a strip-like metallic layer as a conductive core, which, with the exception of the contact surfaces, is typically surrounded by a polymeric insulating sheath.The functional element can be divided into independently controllable segments by dividing at least one surface electrode, optionally also the other surface electrode and / or the active layer(s) into at least two separate segments by at least one insulation line. The insulation line is understood to be a linear region in which the material of the surface electrode is not present, so that the adjacent segments are materially separated from one another and therefore electrically insulated from one another. This means that there is no direct electrical connection between the electrode segments, although the electrode segments can be indirectly electrically conductively connected to one another to a certain extent via the active layer in contact with them. The insulation lines have, for example, a width of 5 pm to 500 pm, in particular 20 pm to 200 pm.They are preferably introduced into the surface electrode using laser radiation.

[0047] The segments of the divided electrode(s) are connected independently to the voltage source. Each electrode segment forms a segment of the functional element. In each segment, a voltage can be applied to the active layer that is independent of the voltage in the other segments. This allows the segments to be controlled independently of each other, and each segment of the functional element forms an independent switching area of ​​the composite disc.

[0048] A photovoltaic component, within the meaning of the invention, is an electrical element for generating electrical energy or electrical current using the photovoltaic effect, which covers a self-contained area (namely, a photovoltaic region of the composite pane). The photovoltaic component is preferably handled as a single component and has only two electrical connections (two electrical poles, "positive and negative poles"), via which the component as a whole is electrically contacted. The photovoltaic component can also be referred to as a photovoltaic element or solar element. Within the meaning of the invention, a photovoltaic cell is the smallest possible photovoltaic unit, comprising a single photovoltaically active absorber layer between a single front electrode and a single rear electrode. The photovoltaic cell is not further subdivided structurally.The photovoltaic cell can also be referred to as a solar cell. A photovoltaic module, within the meaning of the invention, is a one-piece component comprising a plurality of interconnected or electrically connected photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells can be connected in series or in parallel, or there can be groups of serially connected photovoltaic cells connected in parallel, or groups of parallel-connected photovoltaic cells connected in series. Serial connection of all solar cells is preferred. The photovoltaic module can also be referred to as a photovoltaic module or solar module.

[0049] The at least one photovoltaic component according to the invention can be or comprise a single photovoltaic cell, or a photovoltaic module with a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells, or a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic modules that together cover a self-contained area, with the latter two cases typically being realized in practice. In principle, it is also possible for a photovoltaic area to be occupied by several photovoltaic components that are placed flush or overlapping one another.

[0050] The at least one photovoltaic component is suitable for converting sunlight directly into electrical energy. For this purpose, the photovoltaic component has a photovoltaically active absorber layer between a front electrode and a rear electrode (strictly speaking, each photovoltaic cell has its own separate absorber layer and its own separate electrodes if the component comprises several interconnected photovoltaic cells as a solar module). The front electrode faces the outer pane of the composite pane, and the rear electrode faces the inner pane. The electrodes are, in particular, surface electrodes that cover the entire absorber layer. When sunlight is absorbed, free charge carriers are generated in the absorber layer (photovoltaic effect as a special case of the internal photoelectric effect), which are discharged via the electrodes to generate electrical energy or an electric current.The absorber layer often contains dopants to optimize the transport of charge carriers to the electrodes.

[0051] In principle, all types of photovoltaic components or cells can be used within the scope of the present invention. There are no restrictions on specific photovoltaic cells. In particular:

[0052] - thin-film cells or thick-film cells can be used; in a thin-film cell, the absorber layer is a thin layer with a thickness of, for example, 0.5 pm to 3 pm; in thick-film cells, the absorber layer has a greater thickness (for example, 20 pm to 500 pm);

[0053] - any photovoltaically active material can be used for the absorber layer, for example inorganic semiconductors (such as silicon, cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, indium gallium phosphide, CI(G)S chalcopyrite semiconductors or combinations thereof) or organic conjugated polymers, organic conjugated oligomers or organic dyes;

[0054] - the crystal structure of the absorber layer can be monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous.

[0055] Thick-film cells, for example, can have an absorber layer based on monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. Thin-film cells, for example, can have an absorber layer based on amorphous or polycrystalline (especially microcrystalline) silicon, on gallium arsenide, on cadmium telluride, or on organic conjugated polymers. Thin-film cells can also have a chalcopyrite semiconductor such as a compound from the copper-indium-sulfur / selenium (CIS; e.g., CuInSe2) or a compound from the copper-indium-gallium-sulfur / selenium (CIGS; e.g., Cu(InGa)(SSe)2) group.

[0056] The front electrode and the back electrode can, for example, be formed as thin conductive or semiconducting layers with thicknesses of preferably from 50 nm to 2 pm. The layers can contain, for example, metals such as silver, gold, copper, molybdenum, titanium, tungsten, nickel, titanium, chromium, tantalum, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, or transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide. The front electrode and / or the back electrode can, however, also be formed, for example, as a mesh of thin wires containing, for example, aluminum, copper, silver, and / or gold. At least the front electrode is transparent so that sunlight can penetrate the absorber layer. The electrodes can be formed as individual layers or as a stack of several layers.

[0057] In addition to the absorber layer and the electrodes, the photovoltaic component can of course comprise further individual layers known to those skilled in the art, for example, a buffer layer for adapting the electronic properties between the absorber layer and an electrode layer, or diffusion barrier layers. Film-like photovoltaic components can also be used. In a film-like photovoltaic component, the electrodes and the absorber layer are independently printed, wet-chemically applied, or vapor-deposited onto a carrier film. They typically comprise thin-film photovoltaic cells. Film-like photovoltaic components can be supplied on rolls and are very easy to process and integrate into the composite pane, which makes them particularly advantageous. Furthermore, they are flexible and easily adapt to a curved shape of the composite pane.The carrier film can be made of or based on, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. The thickness of the carrier film is, for example, from 10 μm to 300 μm.

[0058] The interior-facing surface of the inner pane facing away from the intermediate layer is preferably provided with an emissivity-reducing coating. Emissivity-reducing coatings are also known as heat-reflecting coatings, low-emissivity coatings, or LowE coatings (low emissivity). Emissivity is the measure that indicates how much heat radiation the pane emits into an interior space in the installed position compared to an ideal heat radiator (a blackbody). Emissivity-reducing coatings prevent heat from radiating into the interior (IR components of solar radiation and, in particular, the thermal radiation of the pane itself) and also prevent heat from radiating out of the interior. They exhibit reflective properties against infrared radiation, particularly against thermal radiation in the spectral range of 5 pm - 50 pm (cf.This effectively improves thermal comfort in the interior. At high outside temperatures and in direct sunlight, the emissivity-reducing coatings can at least partially reflect the heat radiation emitted by the entire pane toward the interior. At low outside temperatures, they can reflect the heat radiation emitted from the interior, thus reducing the effect of the cold pane as a heat sink. The emissivity-reducing coating further increases thermal comfort in the interior.

[0059] The emissivity-reducing coating is typically a transparent stack of thin films. The emissivity-reducing coating has at least one, preferably precisely one, electrically conductive layer, which provides the IR-reflecting properties. The conductive layer is preferably based on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), in particular indium tin oxide (ITO), alternatively indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), gallium-doped tin oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb), or niobium-doped titanium oxide (TiO2:Nb). Unlike metals, TCOs are not susceptible to corrosion, so they can be used on the exposed interior surface of the inner pane.In addition to the conductive layer, the coating typically comprises dielectric layers (e.g. based on silicon oxide or nitride), which serve in particular to optimize the optical properties (e.g. light transmission) or serve as barrier layers to regulate oxygen diffusion during the deposition of the coating.

[0060] The outer pane is preferably not provided with an IR-reflecting coating in order not to impair the yield of the at least one photovoltaic component.

[0061] The laminated glass can be flat, cylindrical, or spherically curved. Spherically curved laminated glass is particularly common for vehicle windows.

[0062] The composite pane according to the invention can be manufactured by stacking the individual layers in the intended sequence to form a layer stack and then laminating them together. Known processes can be used for this purpose, for example, autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the outer pane and inner pane is usually achieved under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0063] Before or during stacking of the layers, the at least one photovoltaic component and the at least one electrically controllable functional element are provided with the required electrical connections, wherein electrical conductors extend beyond the side edge of the layer stack, by means of which electrical conductors the at least one photovoltaic component and the at least one electrically controllable functional element can later be electrically connected. The invention also encompasses the use of a composite pane according to the invention as vehicle or building glazing. Use as a vehicle pane is preferred, wherein the composite pane can be used as a window pane of means of transport for land, air, or water traffic. The composite pane can be used, for example, as a windshield, side window, rear window, or roof window.The composite pane is particularly preferably used as a vehicle roof pane, in particular as a roof pane of a passenger car or truck.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way. It shows:

[0065] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a design of a generic composite pane,

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section along XX' through the composite pane of Figure 1 (not claimed),

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a cross section along XX' through an embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention,

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a cross section along XX' through a further embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention.

[0069] Figures 1 and 2 each show a detail of a generic composite pane (not claimed). The composite pane is a vehicle roof pane. The composite pane consists of an outer pane 1 and an inner pane 2, which are bonded together via an intermediate layer 3. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made of soda-lime glass. The outer pane 1 has a thickness of 2.1 mm, and the inner pane 2 has a thickness of 1.6 mm. In the installed position, the outer pane 1 faces the outside environment, while the inner pane 2 faces the vehicle interior.

[0070] The outer pane 1 has an opaque masking area M, which is arranged circumferentially in the edge region and surrounds a central transparent see-through area D in a frame-like manner. In the masking area M, a black masking print 6 is applied to the interior-side surface of the outer pane 1 facing the intermediate layer 3. The see-through area D defines an active area A of the composite pane, in which electrical energy can be generated by photovoltaics. For this purpose, photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 are embedded in the intermediate layer 3.

[0071] The photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 are strip-shaped and span the active region A from its front edge to its rear edge (relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle). They are spaced apart from one another so that they only cover a portion of the active region A. This portion is referred to as the photovoltaic portion within the meaning of the invention, with each photovoltaic component 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 covering a portion of this photovoltaic portion of the active region A. These portions are referred to as photovoltaic regions within the meaning of the invention.

[0072] Another part of the active region A is not occupied by photovoltaic components. This part is referred to as the non-photovoltaic part within the meaning of the invention. The non-photovoltaic part comprises the strip-shaped spaces between adjacent photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 as well as the strip-shaped regions between the two peripheral photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.5 and the side edge of the active region A, which they face. The non-photovoltaic part of the active region A is thus also divided into separate regions, which are referred to as non-photovoltaic regions within the meaning of the invention.

[0073] The photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 are opaque, so solar radiation cannot penetrate the photovoltaic part of the active area A into the vehicle's interior. However, solar radiation can penetrate the non-photovoltaic part of the active area A. This can be desirable and gives vehicle occupants the "open" feeling created by roof glazing. However, it can also be perceived as disruptive, for example, if the occupants are dazzled or the interior heats up considerably in summer.

[0074] To give the user the option of attenuating or completely preventing the radiation from entering the non-photovoltaic part of the active area A, the composite pane is equipped with a functional element 5 with electrically controllable properties. The functional element 5 is arranged on the interior side of the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, thus being closer to the inner pane 2 than the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5.

[0075] The intermediate layer comprises in the following order starting from the outer pane 1 :

[0076] - a first connecting layer 3a,

[0077] - the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5,

[0078] - a second connecting layer 3b,

[0079] - the functional element 5, which is surrounded by a thermoplastic capsule layer 3d in a frame-like manner and

[0080] - a third connecting layer 3c, which adjoins the inner pane 2. The connecting layers 3a, 3b, 3c are thermoplastic layers, each thermoplastic layer being formed from a PVB film. The first and second thermoplastic layers 3a, 3b each have a thickness of 0.76 mm, and the third thermoplastic layer has a thickness of 0.38 mm. The thermoplastic capsule layer 3d is formed from a PVB film with a thickness of 0.38 mm, which approximately corresponds to the thickness of the functional element 5. The thermoplastic capsule layer 3d is formed like a frame around a recess in which the functional element 5 is arranged.

[0081] The photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 have a thickness of, for example, only 0.2 mm. They are simply inserted between the first and second thermoplastic layers 3a, 3b and, after lamination, are enclosed by them. The electrical connections of the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, which protrude beyond the side edge of the composite pane, are not shown for the sake of simplicity. These connections can be used to connect the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 to the vehicle's on-board electrical system, for example, to charge the vehicle battery.

[0082] The functional element 5 completely covers the active region A and extends from there into the masking region M. The functional element 5 is a PDLC multilayer film comprising, in the specified order, a first carrier film, a first surface electrode, an active PDLC layer, a second surface electrode, and a second carrier film. The surface electrodes are electrically contacted and connected to a voltage source via bus bars and electrical cables (not shown) that extend beyond the side edge of the composite pane. The optical properties of the active PDLC layer can be controlled by the voltage applied to the surface electrodes. The active PDLC layer contains liquid crystals which are disordered without an applied voltage, so that the active PDLC layer has a cloudy state due to strong light scattering.If an electrical voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align in the electric field, and the active PDLC layer becomes clear and transparent. If light incidence through the non-photovoltaic part of the active region A is desired, a voltage is applied to the active PDLC layer, making the photovoltaic part clear and transparent. If the (direct) light incidence is to be reduced, the voltage is switched off, making the photovoltaic part highly light-scattering and opaque. Since only a single functional element 5 is present with a uniform switching state, the switching state has a similar effect on all non-photovoltaic regions.

[0083] An emissivity-reducing coating 7 is applied to the interior-side surface of the inner pane 2, facing away from the intermediate layer 3. Such coatings are also known as low-E coatings. The emissivity-reducing coating 7 exhibits reflective properties in the mid-IR range. The emissivity-reducing coating 7 reduces the interior-side emissivity of the laminated pane. In particular, it shields the vehicle interior from thermal radiation from the heated laminated pane in summer and reduces heat radiation from the vehicle interior in winter.

[0084] Figure 3 shows a cross-section through an embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 only in the design of the at least one functional element 5.

[0085] A plurality of functional elements 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 are present, with a separate functional element provided for each strip-shaped non-photovoltaic region. The functional elements 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 completely cover the respective non-photovoltaic region and extend beneath the adjacent photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or, in the case of the two peripheral functional elements 5.1, 5.6, beneath the adjacent photovoltaic component 4.1, 4.5 and the cover print 6 in the masking region M.

[0086] In this way, the optical properties of each non-photovoltaic region can be controlled independently of the other regions, allowing greater flexibility for the user. The functional elements 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 are also implemented as PDLC multilayer films and arranged in the thermoplastic capsule layer 3d such that each functional element 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 is surrounded by the capsule layer 3d in a frame-like manner.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a cross-section through another embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, firstly, in the design of the at least one functional element 5 and, secondly, in that the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 are arranged in a thermoplastic capsule layer 3e.

[0088] There is a single functional element 5, which completely covers the active area A and extends from there into the masking area M. The functional element 5 is divided into several independently controllable segments 5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, 5-vi.

[0089] The functional element 5 is again implemented as a PDLC multilayer film, with the two surface electrodes and optionally also the active PDLC layer divided into separate regions by insulation lines to create segments 5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, and 5-vi. The insulation lines are typically created using laser radiation. The electrode segments are independently connected to the voltage source, so that in each segment 5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, and 5-vi, a voltage can be applied to the electrode segments that is independent of the voltage in the remaining segments 5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, and 5-vi. In this way, the optical properties of each non-photovoltaic region can be controlled independently of the other regions, allowing the user greater flexibility.

[0090] The photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5, for example, have a thickness of 0.4 mm. To avoid air pockets, mechanical stresses, and optical distortions during the lamination process, the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 are arranged in a thermoplastic capsule layer 3e. The capsule layer 3e is made of a PVB film with a thickness of 0.38 mm, which is equipped with recesses into which the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 are inserted.

[0091] List of reference symbols:

[0092] (1) Outer pane of the laminated pane

[0093] (2) Inner pane of the laminated pane

[0094] (3) Intermediate layer of the composite pane

[0095] (3a) first connecting layer / thermoplastic layer

[0096] (3b) second bonding layer / thermoplastic layer

[0097] (3c) third bonding layer / thermoplastic layer

[0098] (3d) thermoplastic capsule layer of the functional element 5 or the functional elements 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

[0099] (3e) thermoplastic capsule layer of the photovoltaic components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

[0100] (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5) photovoltaic components

[0101] (5) Functional element with electrically controllable optical properties

[0102] (5-i), (5-ii), (5-iii), (5-iv), (5-v), (5-vi) Segments of functional element 5

[0103] (5.1), (5.2), (5.3), (5.4), (5.5), (5.6) Functional elements with electrically controllable optical

[0104] Characteristics

[0105] (6) Cover printing

[0106] (7) emissivity-reducing coating (LowE coating)

[0107] (D) Viewing area of ​​the outer pane 1

[0108] (M) Masking area of ​​the outer pane 1

[0109] (A) active area of ​​the composite pane

[0110] X - X' intersection line

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Composite pane, comprising an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) which are joined to one another via an intermediate layer (3), wherein the outer pane (1) has a transparent see-through region (D) which defines an active region (A) of the composite pane, and wherein at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) is embedded in the intermediate layer (3) in such a way that a part of the active region (A), called the photovoltaic part, is covered with the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), while another part of the active region (A), called the non-photovoltaic part, is not covered with photovoltaic components (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), and wherein at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) with electrically controllable optical properties is embedded in the intermediate layer (3), which has a smaller distance from the inner pane (1) than the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), and wherein at least the non-photovoltaic part of the active region (A) is completely covered with the at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6), and wherein the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) divides the non-photovoltaic part of the active region (A) into a plurality of separate regions, and wherein. (A) the composite pane is equipped with a single functional element (5) which completely covers the active region (A), wherein the functional element (5) is divided into independently controllable segments (5-i, 5-ii, 5-iii, 5-iv, 5-v, 5-vi) such that the optical properties of said regions of the non-photovoltaic part of the active region (A) can be controlled independently of one another, or (B) the composite pane is equipped with a plurality of functional elements (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6), wherein each of said regions of the non-photovoltaic part of the active region (A) is occupied by at least one functional element (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) which does not extend into adjacent regions of the non-photovoltaic part of the active region (A).

2. Composite pane according to claim 1, wherein the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) is opaque.

3. Composite pane according to claim 1 or 2, which is equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic components (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), so that the photovoltaic part and the non-photovoltaic part of the active region are each divided into a plurality of separate regions.

4. Composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) is strip-shaped and preferably spans the entire active region (A).

5. Composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one functional element (4) is a functional element based on liquid crystal technology, in particular a PDLC functional element, an SPD functional element or an electrochromic functional element.

6. Composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises in the order given: - the outer pane (1), - a first connecting layer (3a), - at least one photovoltaic component (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5), - a second connecting layer (3b), - at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6), - a third connecting layer (3c) and - the inner pane (2).

7. Composite pane according to claim 6, wherein the connecting layers (3a, 3b, 3c) are formed as thermoplastic layers, preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU).

8. Composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2) are made of soda-lime glass.

9. Composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outer pane (1) has a masking region (M) in which an opaque cover print (6) is applied to the outer pane (1) and which surrounds the see-through region (D) in a frame-like manner.

10. The composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one functional element (5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) is frame-like surrounded by a thermoplastic capsule layer (3d).

11. The composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the surface of the inner pane (2) facing away from the intermediate layer (3) is provided with an emissivity-reducing coating (7).

12. Use of a composite pane according to one of claims 1 to 11 as vehicle or building glazing, preferably as a vehicle roof pane.

Images