Heatable wired laminated glazing with temperature control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heatable wired laminated glazing (1) for a vehicle. The automotive glazing is configured to be placed in front of a light sensor. The glazing comprises an inner glass pane (13) facing the light sensor and an outer glass pane (11) facing the exterior of the vehicle. The glazing, being laminated glazing, further comprises an interlayer (12) laminating the inner glass pane (13) and the outer glass pane (11) together. The interlayer (12) comprises embedded conductors (2). The glazing further comprises a flat connector partially embedded between the interlayer and the inner or outer glass pane and extending along the inner glass pane towards the face of the inner glass pane opposite the interlayer. The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2). The flat connector (3) comprises a control circuit (4) configured to control the embedded conductors (2) on a portion opposite the interlayer (12). The flat connector (3) further comprises, on a portion opposite the intermediate layer (12), an active regulation system (5) configured to be connected to a battery of the vehicle. The flat connector (3) further comprises, on a portion adjacent to the intermediate layer (12), at least one thermistor (6). The thermistor (6) is connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3). The invention also relates to the use of such a glazing as a windscreen or taillight of a vehicle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heatable glazing for automobiles, in particular heatable laminated glazing with wires, and in particular to a system and method for controlling the temperature of such glazing. [Background technology]

[0002] In the realm of autonomous driving, it is important to keep the vision of the various light sensors used in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles unobstructed to enable their functioning under any weather conditions. Frost-covered or frosted glazing in front of the light sensors usually impedes or ultimately prevents the light sensors from collecting data. It is therefore very important that defrosting or defogging, which is done through heating of the glazing, is done as quickly as possible.

[0003] For heating automotive glazing, in particular windscreens, various solutions are known from the skilled artisan. Windscreens are laminated glazings, usually made of two glass sheets joined by an interlayer, usually a thermoplastic layer made of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0004] To heat such laminated glazing, thin metal conductor wires may be embedded in the laminate and in contact with the interlayer, more specifically at least partially embedded in the interlayer and in contact with one of the inner surfaces of one of the glass panes. Such wires are used to heat the windshield for defrosting or de-frosting (resistive heating by Joule effect). These wires may be made very thin, so that they intrude minimally into the driver's field of vision, and usually run side-to-side or vertically along the windshield, following a sinusoidal path as described in EP 3191303 B1. The wires may also follow a serpentine path. Heatable wired glazing is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0005] Heating of automotive glazing is usually limited to keep the temperature of the glazing below a maximum temperature value. For example, in Europe, car windshields cannot be heated above 70° C. because the driver of the vehicle may touch the windshield while driving. It is also usually not recommended to heat any automotive glazing above a maximum temperature value. Furthermore, especially for heated laminated glazing, the maximum temperature value to which the glazing is heated is related to the laminate itself. Laminated glazing (or laminate) is a type of safety glass that holds together if it shatters. If broken, laminated glazing is held in place by a thermoplastic interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU), between two or more glass layers. The interlayer holds the glass layers together even if broken, and the high strength of the interlayer prevents the glass from shattering into large sharp pieces. An increase in the temperature of the glazing can damage the interlayer, which is more sensitive to high temperatures than the glass.

[0006] Such heating systems usually use the voltage coming from the battery of the automotive glazing. The voltage is usually in the range of 9V to 16V. In order to limit the temperature reached by the glazing, a resistor is added to the heating circuit to limit the received voltage. The heating time is also defined so that the temperature of the glazing never exceeds a maximum temperature value. Therefore, in order to avoid reaching such a maximum temperature value, there is no need to control the temperature of the glazing, since both the resistance and the heating time are predefined.

[0007] However, the real trend in automobiles is towards defrosting or de-frosting as quickly as possible. In order to heat up the glazing as quickly as possible, it is necessary to bring more power to the conductors. There are two possibilities: to increase the voltage at the input of the heating circuit or to decrease the resistance of the heating circuit. The temperature of the glazing may then reach and even exceed a maximum temperature value. It is therefore necessary to know the temperature of the glazing during heating.

[0008] Furthermore, since the resistance of the heating circuit is lower and the voltage can vary from 9V to 16V, the heating of the glazing needs to be precisely regulated; otherwise the temperature of the glazing may exceed the maximum temperature value. The regulation to defrost or defog the glazing is performed by a signal given by the light sensor. However, this signal is only given if the entire field of view (FOV) of the light sensor has completely defrosted or defogged the glazing. This results in residual heat in the conductors being wasted. Furthermore, such regulation, performed by the light sensor, cannot avoid voltage fluctuations of the battery.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a solution to regulate the temperature of conductors embedded in laminated glazing that can quickly defrost or defog the automotive glazing without exceeding the corresponding maximum temperature value. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a laminated glazing with heating wire for a vehicle. The glazing is configured to be placed in front of a light sensor. The glazing includes an exterior glass sheet facing the exterior of the vehicle, the exterior glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface. The glazing further includes an interior glass sheet facing the light sensor, the interior glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface. The glazing, being a laminated glazing, further includes an interlayer laminating the exterior glass sheet and the interior glass sheet together. The interlayer includes embedded electrical leads. The glazing further includes a flat connector at least partially embedded between the interlayer and the exterior or interior glass sheet. The flat connector extends along the interior glass sheet. The flat connector partially covers an exterior surface of the interior glass sheet. The flat connector is connected to the embedded electrical leads. The flat connector includes a control circuit configured to control the embedded electrical leads on a portion of the interior glass sheet that partially covers the exterior surface. The flat connector further includes an active regulation system configured to be connected to a battery of the vehicle on a portion of the interior glass sheet that partially covers the exterior surface of the interior glass sheet. The flat connector further includes at least one thermistor on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer and either the outer glass pane or the inner glass pane, The thermistor is connected to a control circuit through the flat connector.

[0011] The invention also relates to the use of such glazing as a windscreen or taillight of a vehicle.The invention also relates to the use of such glazing as a cover for a light sensor mounted on or inside a vehicle.The invention also relates to the use of such glazing as part of an exterior trim element of a vehicle.

[0012] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various views. These examples are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are schematic and are not drawn to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way. Many more advantages are illustrated by way of example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1a] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a heatable lined laminated glazing according to the invention, seen from the side. [Figure 1b] 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heatable lined laminated glazing according to the invention, seen from the side. [Figure 1c] 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heatable lined laminated glazing according to the invention, seen from the side. [Figure 1d] 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heatable lined laminated glazing according to the invention, seen from the side. [Figure 1e] 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heatable lined laminated glazing according to the invention, seen from the side. [Figure 2a] 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2b] 1 illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0015] Although some embodiments described herein include some features and not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to form different embodiments within the scope of the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the embodiments described in the claims can be used in any combination.

[0016] The present invention proposes a heated laminated glazing for vehicles, including cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, buses, trams, trains, drones, aircraft, helicopters, etc.

[0017] The glazing is configured to be placed in front of a light sensor. A light sensor is understood as a sensor (e.g. a camera or a rain sensor) that has at least a receiver operating at ultraviolet, visible or infrared wavelengths. The light sensor can also include an emitter (e.g. a lidar) operating at ultraviolet, visible or infrared wavelengths.

[0018] The glazing is laminated glazing. Laminated glazing means at least an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane laminated by at least one interlayer. The outer glass pane faces the outside of the vehicle. The outer glass pane has an outer surface facing the outside of the vehicle and an inner surface facing the inner glass pane. The inner glass pane faces a light sensor. The inner glass pane has an outer surface facing the light sensor and an inner surface facing the outer glass pane. The glass panes can be made of (mineral) glass, in particular a silica-based glass such as soda-lime silica glass, aluminosilicate glass or borosilicate glass.

[0019] At least one interlayer laminates the inner and outer glass panes together, the at least one interlayer typically being made from polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0020] To heat the laminated glazing (to remove frost and / or defrost), electrical wires are embedded in the interlayer, the wires being adjacent to (or in total or partial contact with) the inner surface of either the outer or inner glass pane. If there are multiple interlayers, the electrical wires are adjacent to or in total or partial contact with either the inner surface of either the outer or inner glass pane, or with either the interlayer. The electrical wires are usually made of tungsten or copper. These electrical wires are very thin, generally with a width comprised between 10 microns and 50 microns. The electrical wires usually run vertically or side to side along the vehicle laminated glazing. The electrical wires may also follow a serpentine path. The electrical wires usually follow a straight or sinusoidal path.

[0021] The glazing further comprises a flat connector. An example of such a flat connector is Kapton. The flat connector is at least partially embedded between the interlayer and the outer or inner glass sheet. The flat connector extends along the glazing. The flat connector is provided on a portion of the surface of the outer face of the inner glass sheet. The flat connector is connected to an embedded conductor. Alternatively, the flat connector can be embedded between two interlayers.

[0022] The flat connector includes a control circuit configured to control embedded electrical conductors on a portion of the inner glass pane that partially covers the outer surface of the inner glass pane.

[0023] The flat connector further comprises an active regulation system on a portion partially covering the outer surface of the inner glass pane, which maintains a constant voltage output even when changing the input voltage and the output current. The active regulation system is connected to the vehicle's battery. The advantage of using an active regulation system is that it allows to stabilize the voltage coming from the vehicle's battery. As an example, the voltage of a car may range from 4.5V to 36V. The active regulation system can be used to stabilize the voltage to, for example, 5V. Thus, the control circuit of the heating circuit can be supported by a stabilized source.

[0024] The flat connector further comprises at least one thermistor on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer and the outer or inner glass pane. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance depends on temperature. Thus, the thermistor can provide information about temperature. There are also electronic thermistors that provide a signal with a frequency that varies with temperature. The thermistor is connected to a control circuit through the flat connector.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the glazing further comprises at least one additional interlayer laminated between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet. In this case, the flat connector may still be at least partially embedded between the interlayer and the outer or inner glass sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the flat connector is at least partially embedded between the interlayer and the at least one additional interlayer.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the active regulation system is a DC-DC converter. A DC-DC converter is a high frequency power conversion circuit. A DC-DC converter uses high frequency switching and inductors, transformers and capacitors to smooth out switching noise into a regulated DC voltage. A DC-DC converter maintains a constant voltage output even when changing the input voltage and output current.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor is a lidar and the glazing is transparent in the operating wavelength range of the lidar. LIDAR is an acronym for "light detection and ranging". LIDAR is sometimes called "laser scanning" or "3D scanning". The technology uses an eye-safe laser beam to generate a 3D representation of the surveyed environment. The operating wavelengths of lidar compatible with the present invention are included in the range of 750 to 1650 nm (usually referred to as the near infrared range). In particular, the known operating wavelengths of currently produced lidars compatible with the present invention are 850 nm, 905 nm, 940 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, 1350 nm, 1550 nm, 1650 nm. A variation of 25 nm around the nominal value of the wavelength may be considered acceptable, so that for example a wavelength range of 1525 to 1575 nm may be acceptable around a nominal value of 1550 nm.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the glazing is a vehicle windshield, taillight or sidelight.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the glazing is a cover for a light sensor mounted on or within a vehicle.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the glazing is part of the exterior trim elements, which include bumpers, window / door seals, wheel wells, fenders, headlights, mirror bodies, and roof covers. Vehicle manufacturers use these exterior trim elements to add aesthetics, increase functionality, and add flexibility to vehicle designs.

[0031] The invention also relates to the use of a glazing as described above as a windscreen, taillight or sidelight of a vehicle.

[0032] The invention also relates to the use of a glazing as described above as a cover for a light sensor mounted on or inside a vehicle.

[0033] The invention also relates to the use of a glazing as described above as part of an exterior trim element of a vehicle.

[0034] Figure 1a shows a laminated glazing with heated wires (1) seen from the side. The glazing (1) comprises an outer glass pane (11) and an inner glass pane (13) laminated together by an interlayer (12). Electrical wires (2) are embedded in the interlayer (12) and face the inner glass pane (13). These electrical wires (2) are heated to defog or defog the glazing (1).

[0035] A flat connector (3) is also at least partially embedded in the laminated glazing (1) between the interlayer (12) and the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) extends along the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) partially covers an outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13).

[0036] The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2).

[0037] The flat connector (3) includes a control circuit (4) on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13). The control circuit (4) is capable of controlling the heating of the embedded conductors (2) through the flat connector (3).

[0038] The flat connector (3) further comprises an active regulation system (5), such as a DC-DC converter, on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13), which is connected to the battery of the vehicle (not shown).

[0039] The flat connector (3) further includes at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the inner glass pane (13). The thermistor is connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

[0040] In this figure, a gap is shown between the interlayer (12) and the inner glass sheet (13). This gap is there for illustration purposes only so as not to overcomplicate the figure. This gap does not actually exist in the laminate.

[0041] Figure 1b shows an alternative heated wire laminated glazing (1) seen from the side. The glazing (1) comprises an outer glass pane (11) and an inner glass pane (13) laminated together by an interlayer (12). Electrical wires (2) are embedded in the interlayer (12) and face the outer glass pane (11). These electrical wires (2) are heated to defog or defog the glazing (1).

[0042] A flat connector (3) is also at least partially embedded in the laminated glazing (1) between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11). The flat connector (3) extends along the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) partially covers the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13).

[0043] The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2).

[0044] The flat connector (3) includes a control circuit (4) on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13). The control circuit (4) is capable of controlling the heating of the embedded conductors (2) through the flat connector (3).

[0045] The flat connector (3) further comprises an active regulation system (5), such as a DC-DC converter, on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13), which is connected to the battery of the vehicle (not shown).

[0046] The flat connector (3) further includes at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the outer glass pane (11), the thermistor being connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

[0047] In this figure, a gap is shown between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11). This gap is there only for illustration purposes so as not to overcomplicate the figure. This gap does not actually exist in the laminate.

[0048] Figure 1c shows an alternative heated laminated glazing (1) seen from the side. The glazing (1) comprises an outer glass pane (11) and an inner glass pane (13) laminated together by an interlayer (12). Electrical wires (2) are embedded in the interlayer (12) and face the inner glass pane (13). These electrical wires (2) are heated to defog or defog the glazing (1). The glazing (1) further comprises an additional interlayer (14) between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11).

[0049] A flat connector (3) is also at least partially embedded in the laminated glazing (1) between the interlayer (12) and the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) extends along the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) partially covers an outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13).

[0050] The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2).

[0051] The flat connector (3) includes a control circuit (4) on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13). The control circuit (4) is capable of controlling the heating of the embedded conductors (2) through the flat connector (3).

[0052] The flat connector (3) further comprises an active regulation system (5), such as a DC-DC converter, on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13), which is connected to the battery of the vehicle (not shown).

[0053] The flat connector (3) further includes at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the inner glass pane (13). The thermistor is connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

[0054] In this figure, a gap is shown between the interlayer (12) and the inner glass sheet (13). This gap is there for illustration purposes only so as not to overcomplicate the figure. This gap does not actually exist in the laminate.

[0055] Figure 1d shows an alternative heated laminated glazing (1) seen from the side. The glazing (1) comprises an outer glass pane (11) and an inner glass pane (13) laminated together by an interlayer (12). Electrical wires (2) are embedded in the interlayer (12) and face the outer glass pane (11). These electrical wires (2) are heated to defog or defog the glazing (1). The glazing (1) further comprises an additional interlayer (14) between the interlayer (12) and the inner glass pane (13).

[0056] A flat connector (3) is also at least partially embedded in the laminated glazing (1) between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11). The flat connector (3) extends along the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) partially covers the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13).

[0057] The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2).

[0058] The flat connector (3) includes a control circuit (4) on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13). The control circuit (4) is capable of controlling the heating of the embedded conductors (2) through the flat connector (3).

[0059] The flat connector (3) further comprises an active regulation system (5), such as a DC-DC converter, on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13), which is connected to the battery of the vehicle (not shown).

[0060] The flat connector (3) further includes at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the outer glass pane (11), the thermistor being connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

[0061] In this figure, a gap is shown between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11). This gap is there only for illustration purposes so as not to overcomplicate the figure. This gap does not actually exist in the laminate.

[0062] Figure 1e shows an alternative heated wire laminated glazing (1) seen from the side. The glazing (1) comprises an outer glass pane (11) and an inner glass pane (13) laminated together by two interlayers (12, 14). Electrical wires (2) are embedded in the interlayer (12) and face an additional interlayer (14). These electrical wires (2) are heated to defog or defog the glazing (1).

[0063] A flat connector (3) is also at least partially embedded in the laminated glazing (1) between the two interlayers (12, 14). The flat connector (3) extends along the inner glass pane (13). The flat connector (3) partially covers the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13).

[0064] The flat connector (3) is connected to the embedded conductors (2).

[0065] The flat connector (3) includes a control circuit (4) on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13). The control circuit (4) is capable of controlling the heating of the embedded conductors (2) through the flat connector (3).

[0066] The flat connector (3) further comprises an active regulation system (5), such as a DC-DC converter, on a portion partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass pane (13), which is connected to the battery of the vehicle (not shown).

[0067] The flat connector (3) further includes at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the two intermediate layers (12, 14), the thermistor being connected to a control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

[0068] In this figure, a gap is shown between the two intermediate layers (12, 14). This gap is there for illustration purposes only so as not to overcomplicate the figure. This gap does not actually exist in the laminate.

[0069] Figure 2a also shows a heatable wired laminated glazing (1), but from above. In this embodiment, the embedded conductors (2) form a serpentine pattern. As shown in figure 2b, in this embodiment, the embedded conductors (2) are shown as periphery. Other patterns of conductors can be used. Depending on the width of the conductors and the light sensor placed behind them, the conductors can be placed outside or inside the field of view of the light sensor.

[0070] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing specification, such illustration and description are to be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing specification details particular embodiments of the present invention. However, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, it will be understood that the invention can be practiced in many ways. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A laminated glazing with heating wires (1) for a vehicle, the laminated glazing with heating wires (1) being configured to be placed in front of a light sensor, the laminated glazing with heating wires (1) comprising: a. an exterior glass pane (11) configured to face the exterior of the vehicle, the exterior glass pane (11) having an outer surface (11e) and an inner surface (11i); b. an internal glass plate (13) configured to face the light sensor, the internal glass plate (13) having an outer surface (13e) and an inner surface (13i); c. an interlayer (12) configured to laminate together the outer glass pane (11) and the inner glass pane (13), the interlayer (12) including embedded electrical leads (2); d. A flat connector (3) at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the outer glass sheet (11) or the inner glass sheet (13), the flat connector (3) extending along the inner glass sheet (13) and partially covering the outer surface (13e) of the inner glass sheet (13), the flat connector (3) including a control circuit (4) connected to the embedded conductors (2) and configured to control the embedded conductors (2) on the portion of the inner glass sheet (13) partially covering the outer surface (13e). A heating wire laminated glazing (1) comprising: - the flat connector (3) further comprises, on a portion of the inner glass pane (13) that partially covers the outer surface (13e), an active regulation system (5) adapted to be connected to the battery of the vehicle; - the flat connector (3) further comprises at least one thermistor (6) on a portion at least partially embedded between the interlayer (12) and the outer glass pane (11) or the inner glass pane (13), the thermistor (6) being connected to the control circuit (4) through the flat connector (3).

2. 2. The heating-wire laminated glazing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the heating-wire laminated glazing (1) comprises at least one additional interlayer (14) laminated between the outer glass pane (11) and the inner glass pane (13).

3. 3. The heating wire laminated glazing (1) according to claim 2, wherein the flat connector (3) is at least partially embedded between the intermediate layer (12) and the at least one additional intermediate layer (14).

4. The glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the active regulation system (5) is a DC / DC converter.

5. The glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light sensor is a LIDAR and the glazing (1) is transparent in the operating wavelength range of the LIDAR.

6. The glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating wire laminated glazing (1) is a windshield, a taillight or a sidelight.

7. The glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating wire laminated glazing (1) is a cover for a light sensor mounted on the vehicle or its interior.

8. The glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating wire laminated glazing (1) is part of an exterior trim element.

9. Use of the laminated glazing (1) with heating wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3 as a windscreen, taillight or sidelight of a vehicle.

10. Use of the laminated glazing (1) with heating wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3 as a cover for a light sensor mounted on a vehicle or its interior.

11. Use of a laminated glazing (1) with heating wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3 as part of an exterior trim element of a vehicle.

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