Glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics and temperature-dependent switching operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics. The glazing unit of the present invention comprises a laminated glass plate (100) having a functional element (4) having electrically controllable optical characteristics and a control device (10) electrically connected to the functional element (4), wherein the control device (10) has a data set or a programmed function that assigns a voltage ramp to each temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The control device (10) is configured to check the temperature, select a voltage ramp from the data set or calculate a voltage ramp by the programmed function based on the checked temperature, and apply a voltage having the selected or calculated voltage ramp to the functional element (4), wherein the impedance of the functional element (4) is checked by the control device (10), and the temperature of the functional element (4) is calculated by the impedance. The above control device (10) is connected to a DC voltage source (15) and is equipped with a DC voltage converter (11) that converts the primary voltage of the DC voltage source (15) into a secondary voltage higher than the primary voltage, and is equipped with an inverter (12) that converts the secondary voltage into an AC voltage and applies it to a functional element (4). The control device (10) checks the impedance of the functional element (4) by measuring the current consumption of the inverter (12).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics, its use, and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] Glazing units having electrically controllable optical properties are known. Such glazing units consist of laminated glass plates equipped with functional elements whose optical properties can be changed by an applied voltage. The voltage is applied by connecting a control device to two planar electrodes with an active layer disposed between them. Such functional elements are SPD functional elements (floating particle devices) known in EP0876608B1 and WO2011 / 033313A1, etc. SPD functional elements can control the transmission of visible light by applying voltage. Another example is a PDLC functional element (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) known, for instance, in DE102008026339A1. The active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are arranged in a disordered manner, causing light passing through the active layer to scatter strongly. When voltage is applied to the planar electrodes, the liquid crystals align in a common direction, increasing the transmittance of light passing through the active layer. PDLC functional devices operate by primarily increasing scattering instead of reducing overall transmittance, and as a result, can prevent a clear view or ensure anti-glare function. Electrochromic functional devices are known, for example, in US20120026573A1, WO2010 / 147494A1 and EP1862849A1 and WO2012 / 007334A1, and the change in transmittance is the result of an electrochemical process induced by an applied voltage.

[0003] These glazing units can be used, for example, as vehicle windows, and the light transmission behavior of the windows can be electrically controlled. These glazing units can be used, for example, as roof panels to reduce exposure to direct sunlight or severe reflections. Such roof panels are known, for example, in DE10043141A1 and EP3456913A. A windshield has also been proposed that implements an electrically controllable sunscreen by a switchable functional element to replace conventional mechanically foldable sunscreens in automobiles. A windshield equipped with an electrically controllable sunscreen is known, for example, in DE 102013001334A1, DE102005049081B3, DE102005007427A1 and DE102007027296A1.

[0004] In addition, it is known that such a glazing unit or a switchable functional element is provided with a plurality of segments in which optical properties can be switched independently of each other. For example, one region of the functional element may be selectively darkened or light may be scattered to a high level, while another region may be kept transparent. A glazing unit having independent segments and a method for manufacturing the same are known, for example, in WO2014072137A1. WO2017157626A1 is also referenced.

[0005] Optical characteristics can be controlled by applying voltage to individual segments. Therefore, animation methods are possible where the segments can darken, become opaque, or become transparent randomly, in any order, or from the outer segment to the inner segment. However, the optical characteristics of the functional element vary with temperature. For example, high temperatures above 50°C can significantly increase the electrical resistance of planar electrodes. When voltage is applied to a specific segment at a high temperature, an electric field is generated near the switched-off segment. In that case, the optical state of such a segment changes due to the generated electric field, rather than because a specific voltage was applied.

[0006] Another optical problem arises when the functional element is operated at very low temperatures, for example, below 0°C. In this case, the switching time of the functional element can increase significantly. While the time to change between two optical states is generally less than 1 second, at low temperatures, it may take several minutes for the change from one optical state to another to be completed. Consequently, users unfamiliar with the functional element assume that it is not functioning properly. One solution to this problem is disclosed in WO2019111235A1. The switching time can be kept constant by using a heating coating that heats the functional element when the temperature is excessively low. However, this method requires the use of an electrically operated heating coating. Therefore, additional space must be available, and an additional power supply must be guaranteed. WO9837453A1 discloses an electrochromic element in which a voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in response to a change in temperature to enable the color to change as quickly as possible. The temperature is preferably determined by a temperature sensing device that measures directly within the electrochromic functional element. A temperature-dependent voltage is applied to an electrochromic functional element by a temperature-independent and preferably linear voltage ramp to change the color of the functional element. The problem to be solved

[0007] A glazing unit with improved switching behavior of electrically controllable optical characteristics is required. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved glazing unit and a method for controlling the same. means of solving the problem

[0008] The objective of the present invention is achieved according to the present invention by a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics. The glazing unit

[0009] - Laminated glass plate having a functional element having electrically controllable optical properties and

[0010] - Includes a control device electrically connected to the functional element.

[0011] The control device has a data set or a programmed function that assigns a voltage ramp to each temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The control device,

[0012] - Check the temperature of the functional element, and

[0013] - Select a voltage ramp from a data set based on the verified temperature or calculate a voltage ramp by a programmed function, and

[0014] - Suitable for applying a voltage having a selected or calculated voltage ramp to a functional element.

[0015] The object of the present invention may also be achieved by a method for controlling a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics. The method comprises a control device,

[0016] (a) Check the temperature of the functional element, and

[0017] (b) Select a voltage ramp from the data set based on the verified temperature or calculate a voltage ramp through a programmed function, and

[0018] (c) Characterized by applying a voltage having a selected or calculated voltage ramp to a functional element.

[0019] The glazing unit and the method are described together below, and the description and preferred embodiments relate equally to the glazing unit and the method. Where preferred features are described in relation to the method, this means that the glazing unit is preferably designed and therefore suitable therefor. Conversely, where preferred features are described in relation to the glazing unit, this means that the method is therefore preferably performed. The glazing unit is designed for use in vehicles or buildings. Laminated glass is provided to separate the interior space from the external environment when a window is opened (particularly when opening vehicle windows, or when opening windows of a building or room).

[0020] The present invention is based on the knowledge that the switching operation of a general electrically controllable functional element varies with temperature. The switching operation can be adjusted to the temperature by checking the temperature and selecting a voltage ramp from a data set or by calculating a voltage ramp through a programmed function. Since the time to change between two switching states varies with temperature, it may take several minutes depending on the temperature of the functional element before a change between the two switching states occurs, but it may also take less than one second. According to the present invention, the voltage ramp, which is applied to the functional element in stages, can be calculated or selected by a glazing unit as a function of the temperature of the functional element, thereby making the time to change between the two switching states faster or slower.

[0021] The "defined temperature range" is the temperature interval that constitutes the domain of a function stored in a data set or programmed, and must be defined before using the functional element.

[0022] The defined temperature range is preferably -30°C to 120°C, particularly preferably -25°C to 100°C, particularly -20°C to 100°C. The time required to change between the two switching states within this temperature range depends particularly on the temperature. This temperature range is also a typical temperature range that occurs in a natural environment (i.e., not under simple laboratory conditions or exceptional conditions).

[0023] In the context of the present invention, "applying voltage" also means that the switching state in which voltage is applied by the control device can be changed to a voltage-free switching state. The voltage-free state also represents, for example, a voltage equilibrium state in an electrochromic element. Therefore, "no voltage" means that voltage is not applied by a voltage source.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functional element comprises at least two switching states having different optical characteristics, and a temperature-dependent switching time is required to change between the two switching states. Consequently, the temperature having a time tmax corresponding to the longest required switching time exists in any temperature range.

[0025] Each voltage ramp selected or calculated based on the temperature confirmed by the above-mentioned control device results in a switching time tswitch that is greater than or equal to tmax, so a switching time tswitch occurs when voltage is applied to the functional element.

[0026] That is, there exists a temperature in an arbitrary temperature range that has a temperature-dependent switching speed Vmin, which is the lowest switching speed within a certain temperature range. The control unit has a data set or a programmed function that assigns a voltage ramp to each temperature in a given temperature range that generates a switching speed Vswitch of Vmin or less. In this case, the control unit

[0027] (a) Check the temperature of the functional element and

[0028] (b) When voltage is applied to a functional element, a switching speed Vswitch occurs by selecting a voltage ramp from a data set based on the verified temperature or by calculating a voltage ramp by a programmed function, and

[0029] (c) A voltage having the voltage ramp is applied to the functional element so that a change occurs between at least two switching states.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the expression “any temperature range” preferably means that for each temperature interval considered, there exists at least one temperature that requires a tmax time for the change between two switching states under different constant conditions (voltage ramp, pressure, humidity, etc.). Thus, it is irrelevant whether, for example, a temperature of -20°C to 50°C or a temperature of 0°C to 100°C is considered in the any temperature range. Each of these two temperature ranges has at least one temperature to which tmax applies. “Any temperature range” also means a temperature range that extends over at least 1°C, preferably over at least 2°C, and particularly over at least 5°C. Thus, the any temperature range has a width of at least 1°C. Thus, a temperature range over at least 1°C may be, for example, 150°C to 151°C or, for example, -50°C to -51°C. This is not necessarily limited only to a range between 0°C and 1°C.

[0031] "Temperature" ("temperature value") may mean a number that is not an integer. Preferably, a temperature (temperature value) within a certain temperature range may be a real number having up to 10 decimal places, particularly preferably up to 5 decimal places, and particularly up to 2 decimal places.

[0032] The time required to switch between the two switching states can range from less than one second to a maximum of several minutes, depending on the temperature of the functional element. This variable switching behavior is undesirable for users of a glazing unit equipped with such a functional element. Due to this temperature-dependent switching time of the functional element, non-expert users quickly perceive that the glazing unit is not functioning properly. This impression can worsen the user experience. This problem can be resolved by having a control unit with a data set or a programmed function, where the temperature is checked by the control unit. The data set assigns a voltage ramp to each temperature within a specified temperature range. The programmed function includes a domain defined by at least a defined temperature range and calculates the voltage ramp (voltage ramp of the codomain) based on the temperature. Now, when a change occurs between the two switching states, the voltage required for switching is applied as a voltage with a voltage ramp selected from the data set or calculated by the programmed function. The voltage ramp is selected according to the temperature at which the change between the two switching states changes to the switching speed Vswitch. It goes without saying that the time taken to change from one of the two switching states to the other corresponds to tmax or a longer time. Therefore, the time required to change between the two switching states is artificially extended for at least most switching operations, that is, for all switching operations where the technically required switching time is less than tmax.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, electrically controllable optical characteristics are understood to mean characteristics that can be controlled continuously. In the context of the present invention, "switching states that a functional element can change" refers to switching states that may be a range from a switching state in which optical characteristics change minimally (0% switching state or minimum switching state) to a switching state in which optical characteristics change maximally (100% switching state or maximum switching state). Between the two states mentioned above, all switching states are created continuously by selecting the corresponding voltage. For example, a 20% switching state corresponds to a change in optical characteristics by 20% of the maximum change. The optical characteristics are particularly related to light transmission and / or scattering behavior. The switching time for changing between switching states may vary depending on the percentage change in optical characteristics. Since this difference in change is preferably directly proportional to the switching time, for example, a change from a 0% switching state to an 80% switching state preferably takes four times longer than the time taken to change the switching state from 0% to 20%. However, the switching time for changing between switching states may be independent of the percentage change in optical characteristics.

[0034] However, in principle, it can be conceived that electrically controllable optical characteristics can be switched only between two discrete switching states. In this case, only two switching states exist, namely 0% and 100%. It can also be conceived that electrically controllable optical characteristics can be switched between two or more discrete switching states.

[0035] An AC voltage or a DC voltage may be applied to the functional element. If the functional element is a PDLC functional element or an SPD functional element, an AC voltage is applied to the functional element. If the functional element is an electrochromic functional element, a DC voltage is applied to the functional element.

[0036] Where the functional element is an electrochromic functional element, in the context of the present invention, the "voltage ramp" is V s -1 It refers to the linear voltage change per unit time.

[0037] However, if the functional device is a PDLC or SPD functional device, the voltage ramp is not linear and is determined through an inverse function resulting from the desired optical characteristics of the switching state. Since there is a non-linear consistency between the voltage—specifically the RMS value of the AC voltage—and the optical characteristics of the functional device, the voltage ramp is determined using an inverse function. In particular, the inverse function may be the inverse function of the switching state setting characteristics of the functional device. That is, the voltage (the RMS value of the AC voltage) is applied to the functional device in steps to reach a specific switching state, and the voltage decreases or increases at each step depending on the type of functional device and whether a transparent switching state or a switching state with lower transparency has been achieved. The voltage preferably increases non-linearly in steps by the inverse function. Since the inverse function depends on temperature, if the voltage ramp is non-linear, it is desirable for the voltage ramp to be part of a programmed function. Alternatively, all voltage values ​​applied in steps to the final voltage are stored in a data set for all temperatures within a defined temperature range. Each change in voltage value preferably occurs within a specific period of up to 1 second.

[0038] The programmed function includes a voltage ramp as a function of temperature, the current switching state, and the desired switching state. Therefore, V Switch or t Switch The voltage ramp required for can be determined by the control device as a function of the confirmed temperature (e.g., 60℃) and can be applied to the functional element.

[0039] In a dataset, if the voltage ramp is linear, it is desirable to assign a voltage ramp value to each temperature value. For example, a dataset can be generated by measuring and identifying individual points and performing interpolation (e.g., linear interpolation) between those points. However, in principle, the dataset can be tabulated, in which case each voltage ramp is assigned to a specific temperature range (e.g., 1°C to 2°C) or an individual temperature value (e.g., exactly 1.0°C). The latter is less preferred because verifying the measured values ​​for all temperatures is much more complex.

[0040] Regarding the switching time depending on temperature, transitioning from a switching state with high transparency or light transmittance to a switching state with low transparency or light transmittance (falling switching state) may be longer than transitioning from a state with low transparency or light transmittance to a switching state with high transparency or light transmittance (rising switching state). This means, for example, that transitioning from a switching state with 40% transparency to a switching state with 70% transparency requires a shorter switching time than transitioning in the opposite direction. Therefore, the switching time t for both the case where the switching state changes to the falling switching state and the case where it changes to the rising switching state when voltage is applied to the functional device Switch It is desirable to select a voltage ramp such that... Therefore, it is desirable for the data set to have a voltage ramp assigned differently to each temperature within a predetermined temperature range. If the control device has a programmed function, the programmed function preferably includes a function for changing to a rising switching state and a function for changing to a falling switching state.

[0041] Generally, the required switching time tmax varies with temperature; compared to the switching time at temperatures above 10°C, the switching time at temperatures below 10°C increases significantly. For typical functional devices, the limiting temperature is usually about 10°C. Temperatures below 10°C occur particularly seasonally and in relation to weather. At a temperature of 20°C, the switching time tmax is generally 0.5 seconds or less. In contrast, at a temperature of -10°C, the switching time tmax is generally 5 seconds or more. The time difference for various temperatures may increase as the temperature decreases and may vary depending on the functional device. Preferably, for at least two switching states, the time required to switch between the two switching states is longer at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures.

[0042] Preferably, the functional element is divided into at least two individual segments, and each segment is electrically connected to a control device so that a voltage with a voltage ramp can be applied to each segment independently. The functional element may be divided into two or more individual segments. The functional element is particularly preferably divided into three or more individual segments, very particularly preferably into five or more, and particularly into ten or more individual segments. Dividing into various segments allows the functional element to be controlled according to demand. Using independently controllable segments, the user can define which areas of the glazing unit should be transparent, dark, opaque, or provide high light scattering (translucency). For example, if the glazing unit is used as a roof glass for a vehicle, individual segments can be selectively controlled to prevent excessive heating inside the vehicle depending on the position of the sun. It is also possible to assign a separate segment to each vehicle occupant, namely the driver, the front passenger, the left rear passenger, and the right rear passenger.

[0043] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the functional element is controlled in an animated manner, in which case the voltage is first applied to the first segment of at least two separate segments, and the switching time t Switch Only then is voltage similarly applied to the additional segment among at least two separate segments. Therefore, the additional segment is changed only after the operation of the first segment transitioning to a different switching state is completed. It is desirable that the voltage be applied to the additional segment immediately after the previous switching operation is completed. Here, "immediately" means a time of preferably 1 second or less, particularly preferably 0.5 seconds or less, and especially 0.1 seconds or less. In this case, it is desirable that at least two individual segments change to the same switching state. Other animation methods are also possible. When a functional element is divided into two or more segments, adjacent segments can be switched continuously in the manner described above, where "switching" means transitioning from one switching state to another. However, it is also possible to switch the first outer segment and then continuously switch the adjacent inner segment. Naturally, the reverse order is also possible.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functional element is used in another animation manner, in which case a voltage is applied simultaneously to all segments of at least two segments so that all segments of at least two segments are simultaneously changed to a desired switching state. Alternatively, the voltage for changing the switching state is applied continuously to all segments of at least two segments with a small time difference, preferably at most 5 seconds, particularly preferably at most 1 second.

[0045] A control device is provided to control the optical characteristics of the functional element. The control device is electrically conductively connected to the functional element on one side, or optionally to an individual segment of the functional element, and to a voltage source on the other side. The control device includes electrical and / or electronic components necessary to apply the required voltage to the planar electrode according to the switching state. The switching state can be predefined by the user (e.g., by operating a switch, button, or rotary or sliding controller), determined by a sensor, and / or transmitted via a digital interface from the vehicle's central control unit (typically a LIN bus or CAN bus if the laminated glass is the vehicle window). If the laminated glass is the vehicle window, the switch, button, rotary, or sliding controller may be integrated, for example, into the vehicle dashboard. However, touch sensors, for example, capacitive or resistive sensors, may be integrated directly into the laminated glass. Alternatively, the functional element may be controlled by a non-contact method, for example, by recognizing gestures, or according to the state of the pupil or eyelid detected by a camera and a suitable electronic evaluation device. The control device may include, for example, an electronic processor, a voltage converter, a transistor, a capacitor, a diode, and other components.

[0046] If the functional element is an SPD functional element or a PDLC functional element, the voltage applied to the functional element is an AC voltage. If the functional element is an electrochromic functional element, a DC voltage is applied to the functional element.

[0047] The functional element may be a PDLC functional element or an SPD functional element, but the voltage source may be a DC voltage source. This occurs, for example, when laminated glass in a vehicle is vehicle glass and is connected to the onboard voltage. The control unit is preferably connected to the onboard electrical system to obtain information regarding the voltage and, optionally, the switching state to be set. In this case, the control unit is equipped with at least one inverter to convert the DC voltage to an AC voltage. In the first embodiment, the control unit has one inverter, and the inverter has an output pole having a plurality of independent outputs to optionally operate the segments of the functional element individually, and each segment is connected to one of the outputs. Thus, each segment or the entire functional element is assigned to and electrically connected to the output of the inverter. The individual outputs are generally implemented by switches, and the inverter generates the voltage to be switched thereon. These switches may be directly integrated into the inverter. However, strictly speaking, alternatively, the inverter itself may have a single output, to which an external switch is connected to distribute voltage to the segments of the functional element. In the sense of the present invention, such an externally connected switch is also considered as an output of the inverter. In the second embodiment, and where the functional element has at least two segments, the control device includes a plurality of inverters, and in this case, each segment is connected to a separate inverter to operate the segments separately. Thus, each segment is electrically connected to an inverter. The first embodiment has the advantage of being more cost-effective and saving more space. However, the first embodiment has the disadvantage that when the functional element is divided into at least two segments, the segments can only be controlled optically in a digital manner. Different finite switching states cannot be provided to the segments (i.e., independently "dimmable"), which is possible without issue in the second embodiment.

[0048] The inverter(s) can be operated to generate an actual AC voltage containing the negative component of the inverter in relation to the supply voltage of the control unit. However, this method is technically relatively complex because, as in vehicles, there is no negative potential for DC voltage sources. Alternatively, it is possible to simulate the AC voltage, and this method is often preferred. In this case, the control unit is equipped with two inverters, and the functional element is electrically connected to both inverters. The potential of the inverters is modulated by a variable function, for example, a sine function, in which case the potential of the first inverter is in one phase and the potential of the second inverter is phase-shifted, specifically by 180°. Consequently, the signal of the first inverter is inverted with respect to the signal of the second inverter. Thus, a time-varying and periodic potential difference is generated with alternating relative positive and relative negative values, which corresponds to the AC voltage. If the functional element is divided into at least two segments, each segment is electrically connected to two different inverters so that the AC voltage can be modulated for each segment. "Other inverters" does not mean that each inverter cannot be connected to multiple segments.

[0049] The onboard voltage of a vehicle (e.g., 12–14 V) is generally insufficient to fully optically control the functional element. Therefore, regardless of whether the functional element is a PDLC, SPD, or electrochromic element, it is much more desirable for the control unit to be equipped with a DC-DC converter suitable for increasing the supply voltage (primary voltage), that is, suitable for converting it to a higher secondary voltage (e.g., 65 V). The control unit is connected to a DC voltage source, which supplies the primary voltage. The DC-DC converter converts the primary voltage to a higher secondary voltage. In a favorable embodiment, the secondary voltage is 5 V to 70 V, and the AC voltage is 5 V to 50 V. If the functional element is not an electrochromic element, the secondary voltage is converted to an AC voltage (e.g., 48 V) by an inverter.

[0050] According to the present invention, the temperature of a functional element is checked to select or calculate a voltage ramp to which a voltage is applied based on the temperature of the functional element. In this case, it is assumed that the laminated glass has a uniform temperature throughout. That is, the temperature of the functional element matches the temperature of other regions of the laminated glass (generally, at least approximately). Therefore, checking the temperature of the laminated glass is equivalent to checking the temperature of the functional element at least approximately.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the laminated glass is equipped with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is connected to a control unit so that the control unit can determine the temperature of the laminated glass and, therefore, the temperature of the functional element by means of the temperature sensor. The measurement signal of the temperature sensor is transmitted to the control unit and evaluated therein, so that the control unit determines the temperature of the laminated glass by means of the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be integrated into the laminated glass. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be fixed or placed on the outside of the laminated glass. Preferably, the temperature sensor is fixed to the surface of the laminated glass facing inward (e.g., inside the vehicle). The temperature sensor may also be placed inside the control unit or within a fixing member of the control unit that is fixed to the laminated glass. In principle, a temperature sensor that is not directly fixed to or integrated into the laminated glass but measures temperature from a distance, such as an IR sensor placed near the laminated glass and directed toward the laminated glass, may also be used.

[0052] In an additional advantageous embodiment, the control device is suitable for determining the electrical impedance of the functional element and thereby determining the temperature of the functional element. This is possible because the impedance (corresponding to the conventional ohmic resistance in the case of AC voltage) varies with temperature. In particular, there exists an injective relation between the real part of the electrical impedance and the temperature of the functional element. Thus, a single temperature can be assigned to each impedance. In particular, the real part of the impedance as a function of temperature decreases very monotonically as the temperature increases. In the embodiment, there is an advantage in that a temperature sensor, which complicates the structure and increases production costs because it must be integrated as an additional component, can be omitted. This method is performed by the control device determining the impedance of the functional element and thereby determining or estimating the temperature therefrom. To this end, the voltage is applied and the resulting current is determined. The impedance can be calculated as the quotient of the voltage and the current. Impedance data, such as impedance curves or impedance tables that describe the temperature dependence of impedance (more precisely, the real part of the impedance) (impedance as a function of temperature or temperature as a function of impedance), is stored in the control unit. The control unit can determine the approximate temperature by comparing the magnitude of the measured impedance with the impedance data.

[0053] Various embodiments are possible to determine impedance, particularly in relation to power consumption measurement. If the control unit includes at least one inverter that converts the input DC voltage into an output AC voltage, the output current of the inverter is measured. The issue here is that this determined current ("apparent current" or "total current") consists of two components: reactive current (which, metaphorically speaking, is generated because the AC voltage "pushes" electrons back and forth, causing the functional element to act electrostatically) and active current (which is generated due to parasitic losses in the supply line and the functional element). However, only the active current is important for determining the impedance (more precisely, the real part). The control unit calculates the measured active current component (active current) from the total current by checking the phase shift between the voltage and the apparent current.

[0054] When the functional element is a PDLC or SPD functional element, the impedance in a particularly desirable variant can be verified by measuring the current consumption of the inverter. A control unit is suitable for this verification. Since only DC voltage exists, all reactive current dissipates on average over time unless it is absorbed by the inverter's intermediate circuit capacitor. Considering the inverter's loss factor, the measured current can be directly used as a basis for impedance verification. Another advantage is that this current measurement is frequently used for fault detection (short circuits and overloads), which can reduce the cost of additional components.

[0055] It is also possible to use an estimation algorithm to determine the temperature of the functional element. The estimation algorithm is preferably located in the control unit and executed there. The temperature of the functional element is estimated based on one or more measured signals. The signals for temperature estimation may preferably be measured data regarding internal temperature, external temperature, thermal radiation (infrared, secondary heating, and / or ultraviolet), and / or speed of travel if laminated glass is used as the glass of the vehicle. The signals can generally be measured via sensors located in the vehicle and transmitted to the control unit. Alternatively, sensors may be arranged near the laminated glass specifically for temperature estimation. In any case, the sensors are connected to the control unit. Using the estimation algorithm, the temperature can be estimated based on the measured signals. Temperature is a function of one or more signals. Therefore, the signals are the domain and the temperature is the codomain. The temperature of the functional element can be determined through the estimation algorithm regardless of whether the functional element is a PDLC functional element, an SPD functional element, or an electrochromic functional element.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the functional element is a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) functional element. The PDLC functional element comprises liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. When no voltage is applied to the PDLC functional element, the liquid crystals are arranged in a disordered manner, causing light passing through the active layer to scatter strongly (transparency). When voltage is applied to the functional element, the liquid crystals are aligned in a common direction, increasing the transmittance of light passing through the functional element (transparency). However, there may be cases where the liquid crystals exist in an orderly manner in the no-voltage state, but exist in a disordered manner when voltage is applied. However, other functional elements whose optical properties change based on the liquid crystals, such as PNLC (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) functional elements, may also be used. When voltage is applied in relation to a functional element such as a PDLC functional element, in the sense of the present invention, it always refers to an AC voltage (the RMS value of the AC voltage, not the instantaneous voltage).

[0057] In an additional preferred embodiment, the functional element is an SPD (Surviving Particle Device) functional element. In this case, the SPD functional element includes floating particles. The floating particles absorb light due to the application of voltage, thereby changing the optical state of the functional element. Thus, the SPD functional element has transparent and opaque optical characteristics and a switching state having an intermediate stage between transparency and opacity. When voltage is applied in relation to a functional element such as the SPD functional element, in the sense of the present invention, it always refers to an AC voltage (the RMS value of the AC voltage, not the instantaneous voltage).

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the functional element is an electrochromic functional element. In this case, the transmission of visible light through the functional element depends on the degree of ion embedding. Ions are emitted, for example, by an ion storage layer and embedded in an electrochromic layer. Transmittance may be affected by a voltage applied to the functional element that induces ion movement. A suitable electrochromic layer contains, for example, at least tungsten oxide or vanadium oxide. When the functional element is an electrochromic functional element, it is preferable that the control device is not equipped with an inverter and that a DC voltage is applied to the functional element. However, to reach a voltage in the range of 1V to 50V, preferably 10V to 42V, a DC-DC converter may be a component of the control device as needed.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the functional element is an SPD functional element or a PDLC functional element. The switching speed of the functional element can be much better influenced by the voltage ramp when the functional element is operated by an AC voltage. In particular, the functional element is a PDLC functional element. Experimental studies have shown that the technical effects of the present invention unfold particularly favorably for PDLC functional elements.

[0060] The aforementioned controllable functional element and its mode of operation are known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted here.

[0061] The laminated glass preferably comprises at least one outer glass plate and one inner glass plate, and they are connected to each other by a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, "inner glass" refers to glass facing inward. "Outer glass" refers to glass facing outward. The outer glass and the inner glass each have an outer side and an inner side, and a circumferential side edge surface extending between them. In the context of the present invention, "outer surfaces of the inner glass and outer glass" refer to main surfaces provided to face outward from the installed location. In the context of the present invention, "inner surfaces of the inner glass and outer glass" refer to main surfaces provided to face inward from the installed location. Accordingly, the inner surface of the outer glass and the outer surface of the inner glass face each other and are connected to each other by a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0063] A thermoplastic intermediate layer serves to connect the inner glass and the outer glass, as is typically done in laminated glass. Generally, a thermoplastic film is used, and the intermediate layer is formed from it. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer is formed from at least a first thermoplastic layer and a second thermoplastic layer, with a functional element disposed between them. Then, the functional element is connected to the outer glass through a region of the first thermoplastic layer and to the inner glass through a region of the second thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layer preferably protrudes circumferentially beyond the functional element. When the thermoplastic layers are in direct contact with each other and are not separated from each other by the functional element, the thermoplastic intermediate layer is merged together during lamination so that the original layer can no longer be identified and instead a homogeneous intermediate layer exists.

[0064] The thermoplastic layer can be formed, for example, by a single thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic layer can also be formed by parts of various thermoplastic films with their side edges attached to each other.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the functional element, more precisely, the lateral edge of the functional element, is circumferentially surrounded by a third thermoplastic layer. The third thermoplastic layer is frame-shaped and has a recess into which the functional element is inserted. The third thermoplastic layer may be formed by a thermoplastic film, into which the recess is inserted by cutting. Alternatively, the third thermoplastic layer may be composed of a plurality of film sections around the functional element. Then, the intermediate layer is formed by a total of at least three thermoplastic layers, one arranged flatly on top of the other, and the intermediate layer has a recess into which the functional element is arranged. When manufactured, the third thermoplastic layer is arranged between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer, and the lateral edges of all thermoplastic layers are preferably congruent. The third thermoplastic layer preferably has a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the functional element. This can compensate for local thickness differences caused by locally confined functional elements, thereby preventing glass breakage during lamination and improving the visual appearance.

[0066] The layers of the intermediate layer are preferably formed from the same material, but in principle, they may be formed from different materials. The layers or films of the intermediate layer are preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU). This means that the layers or films mainly contain (more than 50 weight%) of the said materials and may optionally contain additional components, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, UV or IR absorbers. The thickness of each thermoplastic layer is preferably 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm. For example, standard thickness films of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm may be used.

[0067] The outer and inner glass panes are preferably made of glass, and particularly preferably of soda-lime glass, which is conventional for window glass. However, the glass panes may also be made of other types of glass (e.g., quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass) or hard transparent plastics, such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The glass panes may be transparent, tinted, or colored. Depending on the application, limits may be set on the tint or degree of tinting. For example, in some cases, a specified light transmittance must be guaranteed. For example, in accordance with Regulation 43 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN / ECE) (ECE-R43, "Single Regulation on Safety Glass Materials and Approval for Installation in Vehicles"), a light transmittance of at least 70% must be guaranteed in the main field of view (A).

[0068] The outer glass plate, inner glass plate and / or intermediate layer may have suitable coatings known in themselves, such as anti-reflective coatings, non-adhesive coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, photocatalytic coatings, UV-absorbing or reflective coatings, solar protection coatings, or low-E coatings, or IR-absorbing or reflective coatings.

[0069] The thickness of the outer glass and inner glass varies greatly and can be adjusted to suit the needs of individual cases. The outer glass and inner glass preferably have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0070] Opaque cover printing can be applied to the peripheral edge areas of laminated glass, which is commonly practiced in the automotive sector, particularly on windshields, rear windows, and roof glass. Cover printing is typically made of glass frit and enamel containing pigments, particularly black pigments. Printing ink is typically applied and burned using a screen printing method. Such cover printing is applied to at least one of the glass surfaces, preferably the inner surface of the outer glass and / or the inner glass. The cover printing preferably surrounds the central viewing area in a frame shape and serves to protect the adhesive connecting the laminated glass to the vehicle body from UV radiation. If a control unit is attached to the inner surface of the inner glass, it is preferable to attach it to the opaque area of ​​the cover printing.

[0071] The laminated glass according to the present invention comprises a functional element capable of electrically controlling optical properties, wherein the functional element is preferably arranged between the outer glass and the inner glass, i.e., embedded in an intermediate layer. The functional element is particularly preferably arranged between at least two layers of thermoplastic material constituting the intermediate layer, wherein the functional element is connected to the outer glass by a first layer and connected to the inner glass by a second layer. However, alternatively, the functional element may be placed directly on the surface of the outer glass or the inner glass facing the intermediate layer. Preferably, the side edges of the functional element are completely surrounded by the intermediate layer so that the functional element does not extend to the side edges of the laminated glass and thus does not come into contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0072] In the sense of the present invention, the fact that the temperature sensor is integrated into the laminated glass means that the temperature sensor is laminated between the outer glass and the inner glass. The temperature sensor is preferably embedded in an intermediate layer, and particularly preferably arranged between at least two layers of thermoplastic material constituting the intermediate layer. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the functional element at a distance of 2 cm or less, and particularly preferably 1 cm or less from the functional element.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the functional element comprises at least one active layer and a first planar electrode and a second planar electrode arranged on both sides of the active layer, such that the active layer is arranged between the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode. The planar electrodes and the active layer are generally arranged substantially parallel to the surfaces of the outer glass plate and the inner glass plate. The active layer has variable optical properties that can be controlled by a voltage applied to the active layer through the planar electrodes. Accordingly, preferably, the active layer comprises at least a liquid crystal within a polymer matrix in the case of a PDLC functional element, at least floating particles in the case of an SPD functional element, and at least an ion storage layer and an electrochromic layer in the case of an electrochromic functional element.

[0074] The first planar electrode preferably has at least two electrode segments separated from each other by a separator. The term "separator" is understood to mean a linear region where adjacent segments are materially separated from each other and electrically insulated from each other because the material of the planar electrode is absent. This implies that although there is no direct electrical connection between the electrode segments, the electrode segments can be indirectly connected to each other to some extent in an electrically conductive manner through an active layer in contact with the electrode segments. The first planar electrode may be subdivided into multiple segments by multiple separators. Each electrode segment represents a segment of a functional element. The number of electrode segments can be freely selected according to the desired number of segments of the functional element. In a preferred embodiment, the separators extend substantially parallel to each other and extend from one side edge of the planar electrode to the opposite side edge. However, other geometric shapes may also be considered. Using separators to form the electrode segments of the functional element is a cost-effective and simple method for producing the segments of the functional element. Preferably, the second planar electrode and the active layer each form a consistent and complete layer.

[0075] The isolation line has a width of, for example, 5 μm to 500 μm, particularly 20 μm to 200 μm. The isolation line is preferably introduced into the planar electrode by a laser irradiation beam. The width of the segment, i.e., the distance between adjacent isolation lines, can be appropriately selected by a person skilled in the art according to the specifications of the individual case.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second planar electrode has a separation line extending parallel to the first planar electrode, so that both the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode have at least two electrode segments arranged congruently when viewed through the laminated glass. As a result of this arrangement, the so-called crosstalk effect between segments of the functional element can be prevented. The crosstalk effect refers to a change in the switching state of a segment that changes due to an adjacent segment to which voltage is applied, even though there should actually be no voltage. However, in principle, it is also possible for the second planar electrode to be less divided than the first planar electrode. That is, it is conceivable to have fewer separation lines and electrode segments so that multiple electrode segments on the first planar electrode are assigned to at least one electrode segment of the second planar electrode. This allows for cost savings.

[0077] The electrode segments of the first planar electrode are electrically connected to the control device independently of each other, so that a first potential (which varies over time in the case of AC voltage) can be applied to each electrode segment (independently of other electrode segments). The second planar electrode is also electrically connected to the control device in the same way, so that a second potential can be applied to the second planar electrode as a whole. Thus, a voltage having a voltage ramp is applied between each electrode segment and the second planar electrode. If the second planar electrode is likewise divided into electrode segments, each electrode segment of the second planar electrode is likewise electrically connected to the control device independently of each other. If the first potential and the second potential are the same, no voltage is applied between the electrodes of each segment (switching state 0%). If the first potential and the second potential are different, a voltage is applied between the electrodes of each segment, creating a finite switching state. In the case of an electrochromic element, a balanced voltage is generated even in a 0% switching state, so the first potential and the second potential may not be the same. However, since almost no current flows at this balanced voltage, the switching state changes only when voltage is applied from the voltage source.

[0078] The planar electrode is preferably transparent, which means that in the context of the present invention, the light transmittance in the visible spectral range is 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 80% or more. The planar electrode preferably comprises at least one metal, one metal alloy, or one transparent conductive oxide (TCO). The planar electrode may be formed based on, for example, 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, and preferably may be formed based on silver or ITO. The planar electrode preferably has a thickness of 10 nm to 2 μm, particularly preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, and very particularly preferably 30 nm to 500 nm.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element comprises two carrier films in addition to an active layer and first and second planar electrodes, wherein the active layer and planar electrodes are preferably arranged between the carrier films. The carrier films are preferably formed from a thermoplastic material based, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, and are particularly preferably based on PET. The thickness of the carrier films is preferably 10 to 200 μm. Such functional elements may advantageously be provided as multilayer films, which may be commercially purchased, cut to a desired size and shape, and then laminated onto laminated glass using a thermoplastic layer having an outer glass plate and an inner glass plate in each case. Even when embedded in such multilayer films, it is possible to split the first and / or second planar electrodes by laser irradiation. Generally, a thin and visually inconspicuous isolation line can be created by laser processing without damaging the carrier films.

[0080] The peripheral side edges of the functional element can be partially or completely sealed, for example, by melting the carrier layer or by tape (preferably polymeric). Thus, if present, the active layer can be protected from components of the intermediate layer (especially plasticizers) that diffuse into the functional element, which could particularly cause degradation of the functional element.

[0081] For electrical contact of a functional element or segment, it is preferable that the functional element be connected to a so-called planar conductor or foil conductor that extends beyond the side edge of the laminated glass and out of the intermediate layer. The planar conductor has a strip-shaped metal layer as a conductive core, and this layer is generally surrounded by a polymer insulating sheath except for the contact surface. Optionally, a so-called busbar, for example, a strip of electrically conductive foil (e.g., copper foil) or an electrically conductive printing may be arranged on the planar electrode, and the planar or foil conductor is connected to said busbar. The planar or foil conductor is connected to a control device directly or through an additional conductor.

[0082] In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is fixed to the inner surface of the laminated glass, preferably to the inner glass surface away from the intermediate layer. The control device may be directly bonded to the surface of the laminated glass, for example. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is inserted into a fixing member, which is again preferably fixed to the inner surface of the laminated glass via an adhesive layer. Such a fixing member is also known as a bracket in the automotive field and is generally made of plastic. Directly attaching the control device to the laminated glass facilitates electrical connection of the laminated glass. In particular, long cables are not required between the control device and the functional element.

[0083] However, alternatively, it is also possible to avoid fixing the control unit to the laminated glass and instead integrate it into the vehicle's electrical system, for example, or fix it to the vehicle body if the laminated glass is vehicle glass. The control unit is preferably placed inside the vehicle so as not to be visible, for example, inside the dashboard or behind the panel.

[0084] The present invention is also extended to a computer program product installed in a control device of a glazing unit according to the present invention, and the computer program product is,

[0085] - Command the control unit to check the temperature of the functional element, and then the control unit checks the temperature of the functional element, and

[0086] - Select a voltage ramp from the data set based on the verified temperature or calculate the voltage ramp through a programmed function, and

[0087] - It is suitable for commanding a control device to apply a voltage having the above voltage ramp to a functional element, and then for the control device to apply the voltage having the above voltage ramp to the functional element.

[0088] The present invention is also extended to a method for controlling a glazing unit according to the present invention having electrically controllable optical characteristics, and in said control method

[0089] (a) The control device checks the temperature of the functional element by a computer program product and then receives a command to check the temperature, and

[0090] (b) The computer program product selects a voltage ramp from a data set based on a verified temperature or calculates a voltage ramp through a programmed function, and

[0091] (c) The control device receives a command from a computer program product to apply the voltage of the voltage lamp to the functional element and then to apply the voltage of the voltage lamp.

[0092] The present invention also relates to a glazing unit according to the present invention, in particular to a laminated glass of a glazing unit according to the present invention, for use as a window glass in a building or on land, in an aviation or maritime transport vehicle, in particular in an automobile. The glazing unit or laminated glass may be used, for example, as a windshield, roof glass, rear wall glass, or side glass.

[0093] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the glazing unit or laminated glass is the windshield of a vehicle. In this case, the functional element is preferably used as an electrically controllable sunscreen, the sunscreen is arranged in the upper region of the windshield, and no functional element is provided in most of the windshield. An optionally present segment is preferably arranged away from the upper edge of the windshield and is arranged substantially parallel to the upper edge of the windshield. Thanks to the independently controllable segment, the user can determine the range of areas to be darkened or highly scattered in the area adjacent to the upper edge to prevent glare from the sun, depending on the position of the sun.

[0094] In another preferred embodiment, the glazing unit or laminated glass is a roof panel of a vehicle. In this case, the functional element is preferably arranged across the entire viewing area of ​​the laminated glass. In a typical embodiment, this viewing area is the laminated glass area excluding the periphery edge area with an opaque cover printed on at least one surface of the laminated glass from the entire surface of the laminated glass. The functional element extends across the entire viewing area, and its lateral edges are hidden from view by the opaque cover printed area. Optionally present segments are preferably arranged in a direction away from the front edge, substantially parallel to the front edge (the edge facing the windshield) of the roof glass. Using independently controllable segments, the user can define which parts of the roof glass should be transparent, which parts should be dark, or which parts should provide high light scattering, for example, depending on the position of the sun, to avoid the vehicle interior becoming overheated. It is also possible to assign separate segments to each vehicle occupant, namely the driver, the front seat passenger, the left rear seat passenger, and the right rear seat passenger. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0095] The present invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and are not of an exact scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way. The contents shown are as follows. FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a glazing unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the glazing unit of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the Z region of FIG. 2, and Figure 4 is the functional element of Figure 1 in the circuit diagram, and FIG. 5a is a diagram of an electrically controllable general-purpose functional element with a switching time at 23°C in a "switched-on" state, and FIG. 5b is a diagram of an electrically controllable general-purpose functional element with a switching time at 23°C in a "switched-off" state, and FIG. 6a is a diagram of an electrically controllable general-purpose functional element with a switching time at -20℃ in a "switched-on" state, and FIG. 6b is a diagram of an electrically controllable general-purpose functional element with a switching time at -20℃ in a "switched-off" state, and FIG. 7 illustrates a method according to the present invention using an animation method. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0096] FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, and FIGS. 4 each illustrate details of a laminated glass plate (100) according to the present invention having electrically controllable optical properties. FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the laminated glass plate (100) according to the present invention, while FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the laminated glass plate shown in FIG. 1 along the cross-sectional line X-X'. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged area Z of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. The laminated glass plate (100) is provided, for example, as a roof glass for a passenger car, and its light transmittance can be electrically controlled by area. The laminated glass plate (100) comprises an outer glass plate (1) and an inner glass plate (2), which are connected to each other through an intermediate layer (3). The outer glass plate (1) and the inner glass plate (2) are composed of soda-lime glass and can be optionally colored. The outer glass plate (1) has a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm, and the inner glass plate (2) has a thickness of 1.6 mm.

[0097] The intermediate layer (3) comprises a total of three thermoplastic layers (3a, 3b, 3c), each formed from a 0.38 mm thick thermoplastic film made of PVB. The first thermoplastic layer (3a) is connected to the outer glass plate (1), and the second thermoplastic layer (3b) is connected to the inner glass plate (2). The third thermoplastic layer (3c), located between them, has an incision into which a functional element (4) having electrically controllable optical properties is inserted in a substantially accurate manner, such that all sides form nearly the same plane at the same height. Thus, the third thermoplastic layer (3c) forms a kind of mount or frame for the functional element (4) with a thickness of approximately 0.4 mm, thereby encapsulating and protecting the functional element with a thermoplastic material. The functional element (4) is a PDLC multilayer film that can be switched from a dark and opaque (translucent) 0% switching state to a clear and transparent 100% switching state, for example. The functional element (4) is a multilayer film composed of an active layer (5) between a first planar electrode (8) and a second planar electrode (9) and two carrier films (6, 7). The first carrier film (6) is in planar contact with the first planar electrode (8), and the second carrier film (7) is in planar contact with the second planar electrode (9). The active layer (5) includes a polymer matrix in which liquid crystal is dispersed, and the liquid crystal is arranged according to the voltage (AC voltage) applied to the planar electrodes (8, 9), thereby allowing optical characteristics to be controlled. The carrier films (6, 7) are made of PET, and their thickness is, for example, 0.125 mm. The carrier film (6, 7) is coated with ITO with a thickness of about 100 nm toward the active layer (5) and forms planar electrodes (8, 9). The planar electrodes (8, 9) are connected to an electric cable (14) via a bus bar (not shown) (e.g., formed of a copper foil strip) and are electrically connected to a control device (10).

[0098] This control device (10) is attached, for example, to the inner surface of the inner glass plate (2) away from the intermediate layer (3). To do this, for example, a fixing member (not shown) is bonded to the inner glass plate (2), and the control device (10) is inserted therein. However, the control device (10) does not necessarily need to be attached directly to the laminated glass plate (100). Alternatively, the control device may be attached, for example, to the dashboard or body, or integrated into the vehicle's onboard electrical system.

[0099] The laminated glass plate (100) has an opaque cover print (13) on the periphery edge area. The cover print (13) is typically formed with black enamel. The cover print is produced by screen printing, where black pigment and glass frit are mixed to form printing ink, which is then burned onto the surface of the glass plate. The cover print (13) is applied, for example, to the inner surface of the outer glass plate (1) and the inner surface of the inner glass plate (2). The side edges of the functional element (4) are covered by this cover print (13). The control device (10) is arranged in this opaque edge area, that is, it is attached to the cover print (13) of the inner glass plate (2). Since the control device (10) does not interfere with the view penetrating the laminated glass plate (100), it is not visually visible. Additionally, since the control device is located at a short distance from the side edges of the laminated glass plate (100), it is advantageous that only a short cable (14) is required to electrically connect the functional element (4).

[0100] Meanwhile, the control device (10) is connected to the onboard electrical system of the vehicle, but is not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 for simplification. The control device (10) is suitable for applying a voltage having a voltage ramp required for a desired optical state (switching state) of the functional element (4) to the planar electrodes (8, 9) of the functional element (4) according to a control signal specified, for example, by the driver pressing a button.

[0101] The functional element (4) has, for example, four independent segments S1, S2, S3, S4, the switching state of the functional element (4) can be set independently of each other by the control device (10). Segments S1, S2, S3, S4 are arranged such that one is behind the other, from the front edge of the roof glass to the rear edge. "Front edge" refers to the edge of the roof glass arranged closest to the front of the vehicle at the installed position, and "rear edge" refers to the edge arranged closest to the rear of the vehicle at the installed position. Using segments S1, S2, S3, S4, the vehicle driver can choose to have only one area of ​​the laminated glass translucent while keeping the rest of the laminated glass (100) transparent (for example, depending on the position of the sun) instead of the entire laminated glass.

[0102] To form segments S1, S2, S3, and S4, the first planar electrode (8) is arranged substantially parallel to each other and is separated by three isolation lines (8') extending from one edge of the functional element (4) to the opposite edge. The isolation lines (8') are generally introduced into the first planar electrode (8) by laser processing and subdivide the planar electrode into four electrode segments (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) that are materially separated from each other. Each electrode segment (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) is independently connected to the control device (10). Since the control device (10) is suitable for independently applying voltage between each electrode segment (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) of the first planar electrode (8) on one side and the second planar electrode (9) on the other, the portion of the active layer (5) located between them receives the voltage required to reach a desired switching state.

[0103] As illustrated in the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG. 4, the control unit (10) is connected to a voltage source (15) through the vehicle's onboard electrical system. In the automotive field, the voltage source (15) typically provides a DC voltage in the range of 12V to 14V (vehicle's onboard voltage). The control unit (10) is equipped with a DC-DC converter (11) that converts the onboard voltage (primary voltage) to a higher DC voltage, for example, 65V (secondary voltage). The secondary voltage must be sufficiently high to realize 100% of the switching state of the functional element (4). The control unit (10) also includes an inverter (12) that converts the secondary voltage into an AC voltage. One pole of the inverter (12) is connected to the second planar electrode (9). On the other side, the inverter (12) has multiple independent outputs, and since each output is connected to the electrode segments (8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4) in each case, the switching state of the associated segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 can be set independently of the other segments. When the switching state is 0%, the electrode segments (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) and the second planar electrode (9) always have the same potential, so no voltage is applied. In the case of a switching state greater than 0% of segments S1, S2, S3, and S4, a voltage is applied between the associated electrode segments (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) and the second planar electrode (9). When voltage is generated, current flows through the corresponding part of the active layer (5).

[0104] The switching speed and the resulting switching time vary depending on the temperature. In particular, at temperatures lower than 10°C, the functional element (4) or segments S1, S2, S3, S4 have a lower switching speed for changing between switching states. At temperatures above 10°C, this delay generally does not exist or is less pronounced. Thus, for example, in any temperature range between -20°C and 120°C, there is always at least one temperature that requires the longest switching time tmax. In this exemplary embodiment, -20°C is this temperature. Therefore, the switching time required to change between two switching states is longest when the functional element (4) has a temperature of -20°C.

[0105] In addition to temperature, the switching speed is defined by the voltage ramp of the voltage applied to segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 of the functional element (4). According to the present invention, this dependence of the switching speed is utilized in that a voltage having a voltage ramp selected according to the temperature of the functional element (4) is applied to the planar electrodes (8, 9). To this end, a computer program product stored in the control device (10) commands the control device (10) to first check the temperature of the laminated glass plate (100) or the functional element (4). The control device (10) checks the temperature, and according to the checked temperature, the computer program product selects a voltage ramp from a data set stored in the control device (10) or calculates a voltage ramp using a function programmed in the control device (10), and commands the control device (10) to apply a voltage having the selected or calculated voltage ramp to one or more segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 of the functional element (4). The voltage is selected to reach a desired switching state. Since the voltage ramp selected from the dataset or calculated through a programmed function based on the verified temperature has different values ​​(linear or non-linear voltage ramp), the switching speed according to the switching state is greater or smaller depending on the voltage ramp. The voltage ramp is the switching time t for changing the switching state for all verified temperatures within the temperature range. Switch It is selected so that it occurs. For example, switching time t Switch is equal to the longest switching time tmax required for the temperature of the functional element (4) at -20℃. That is, the switching speed V at which a change between switching states occurs. Switch It is the same at all temperatures and is artificially expanded at all temperatures except -20℃.

[0106] However, for some functional elements (4) and temperatures, the time required to raise or lower the voltage may differ. When switching from a switching state with higher transparency or higher transmittance to a switching state with lower transparency or lower transmittance (downward switching state), the switching time according to temperature may be longer than when switching from a switching state with lower transparency or lower transmittance to a switching state with higher transparency or higher transmittance (upward switching state). Therefore, the voltage ramp is, for example, when voltage is applied to the functional element (4), the switching time t Switch is selected or calculated in each case to occur for both the change to the falling switching state and the change to the rising switching state. That is, the magnitude of the voltage ramp depends on whether the switching state changes to falling or rising. This applies to the switching speed V for both the change to the rising switching state and the change to the falling switching state. Switch It leads to the result that it is identical.

[0107] To check the temperature, the laminated glass plate (100) may be equipped with a temperature sensor that transmits, for example, the measured temperature to a control device (10). If the temperature of the functional element (4) is estimated, for example, based on the impedance of the active layer (5), the temperature sensor may be omitted. The applied voltage causes current to flow through the active layer (5), and the extent of this depends on the electrical impedance that varies with temperature. Once the current consumption according to the applied voltage is confirmed, the current flow or impedance of the active layer (5) can be confirmed, and the approximate temperature can be confirmed. To this end, impedance data linking the impedance of the active layer (5) and the temperature is stored in the control device (10).

[0108] Figures 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b show diagrams of transmittance over time for a typical glazing unit. Figures 5a and 6a show the change from a low transmittance switching state to a high transmittance switching state (switch on). Figures 5b and 6b show the change from a high transmittance switching state to a low transmittance switching state (switch off). Transmittance represents the transmittance of light passing through the laminated glass. The laminated glass or functional element has a temperature of 23°C in Figures 5a and 5b and -20°C in Figures 6a and 6b. A signal to change the switching state occurs for all curves after 5 seconds (indicated as "switching" in Figures 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b). At 23°C, the change to the different switching states (switching on and switching off) is completed within 1 second. The switching behavior at -20°C in Figs. 6a and 6b differs from the switching behavior at 23°C. It takes approximately 5 seconds of switching time to change from the switching-on state of the functional element, that is, from a switching state with a transmittance of about 20% to a switching state with a transmittance of about 47%. Therefore, the switching time has increased by more than five times compared to Fig. 5a at 23°C. The effect can be observed more clearly while the switch is turned off. In this case, the transmittance decreases by only about 25% over 100 seconds and reaches about 32% within this time. Since the measurement ended after 105 seconds, the target switching state of 20% was not reached in Fig. 6b.

[0109] This temperature-dependent switching operation, with switching times lasting from less than 1 second to several minutes, can confuse non-expert users of the glazing unit and lead users to believe that the glazing unit is not functioning properly.

[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for explaining an exemplary method according to the present invention. After a desired switching state of a functional element (4) having four segments S1, S2, S3, S4 is set, a computer program product, in the first step of the method, instructs a control device (4), for example, to check the temperature of the functional element (4). The desired switching state is a switching state in which optical characteristics change to the maximum, for example, from a minimum transparent switching state to a maximum transparent switching state. The temperature is checked by the control device (10), for example, through the temperature-dependent impedance behavior of the functional element (4). In the second step of the method, a voltage ramp is selected by the computer program product based on the temperature checked from a data set stored in the control device (10), for example. In the third step of the method, the control device (10) receives an instruction from the computer program product to apply a necessary voltage having the selected voltage ramp to the first segment S1 of the four segments S1, S2, S3, S4 in order to reach the desired switching state. These three steps are a switching time t for changing segment S1 to a desired switching state. Switch The switching speed corresponding to or for changing from the minimum switching state to the maximum switching state is the switching speed V Switch A result is obtained indicating that it corresponds to. Switching time t for the first segment S1. Switch When expires, the desired switching state is reached, and the voltage of the selected voltage ramp is applied to the second segment S2 among the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4. Switching time t for the second segment S2. Switch When it expires, this process is repeated with the third segment S3, and subsequently with the fourth segment S4. In addition, the switching time for changing each of segments S2, S3, and S4 to the desired switching state is the switching time t. SwitchThe correspondence to the second, third, and fourth segments S2, S3, and S4 also applies. Depending on the functional element (4), the voltage is maintained after reaching a desired switching state, or the state is changed so that no voltage is applied by the control device. In the method shown here for a glazing unit having a PDLC functional element illustrated in FIG. 1 to 4, the voltage is still applied to each segment S1, S2, S3, and S4 even after reaching a desired switching state. In the case of an electrochromic functional element, after reaching a desired switching state, the state is changed so that no voltage is applied by the control device, i.e., a state without external voltage.

[0111] In the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention, at least the following steps are performed after the start.

[0112] Start: [Enter desired switching state for segments S1, S2, S3, S4]

[0113] The method is initiated by selecting a desired switching state for four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4.

[0114] (a): [Check the temperature of the functional element (4).]

[0115] The temperature of the functional element (4) of the glazing unit is checked by the control device (10) after a command by the computer program product;

[0116] (b): [Select the voltage lamp based on the verified temperature.]

[0117] The voltage ramp is selected from a data set stored in the control device (10) based on the temperature identified in (a) or calculated by a programmed function;

[0118] (c1): [Apply a voltage with a voltage ramp to segment S1 until the desired switching state is reached.]

[0119] The voltage required to reach the desired switching state is applied to the first segment S1 among the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 via a voltage ramp selected in (b). Even after reaching the desired switching state, additional voltage is applied so that the first segment S1 maintains the desired switching state;

[0120] (c2): [Apply a voltage with a voltage ramp to the S2 segment until the desired switching state is reached.]

[0121] Switching time t for the first segment S1 Switch After the expiration, voltage is applied to the second segment S2 among the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 using the voltage ramp selected in (b). Even after the desired switching state is reached, additional voltage is applied so that the second segment S2 is maintained in the desired switching state;

[0122] (c3): [Apply a voltage with a voltage ramp to the S3 segment until the desired switching state is reached.]

[0123] Switching time t for the second segment S2 Switch After the expiration, voltage is applied to the third segment S3 among the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 using the voltage ramp selected in (b). Even after reaching the desired switching state, additional voltage is applied so that the third segment S3 is maintained in the desired switching state.

[0124] (c4): [Apply a voltage with a voltage ramp to the S4 segment until the desired switching state is reached.]

[0125] Switching time t for the third segment S3 SwitchAfter the expiration, voltage is applied to the fourth segment S4 among the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 using the voltage ramp selected in (b). Even after reaching the desired switching state, additional voltage is applied so that the fourth segment S4 is maintained in the desired switching state.

[0126] End: This method is completed and terminated.

[0127] Therefore, the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 are successively switched to the desired switching state from the first segment S1 to the fourth segment S4. Switching time t Switch When it expires, it reaches the desired switching state. The order may vary. For example, the fourth segment S4 may first reach the desired switching state, followed by the third segment S3, then the second segment S2, and finally the first segment S1. Fewer or more segments than the four segments S1, S2, S3, and S4 shown here are also possible. Therefore, this method can be performed in the same way even when using a different number of segments. Segments may also transition to different switching states. Explanation of the symbols

[0128] Segments of the functional elements (4) S1, S2, S3, S4 1. Exterior plate glass 2 Interior glass panels 3 Thermoplastic Interlayer 3a The first layer of the intermediate layer (3) 3b The second layer of the intermediate layer (3) 3c The third layer of the intermediate layer (3) 4 functional elements 5 active layer 6. First carrier film 7. Second carrier film 8. First planar electrode 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 Electrode segments of the first planar electrode (8) Isolation line between the two 8' electrode segments 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 9 Second planar electrode 10 control unit 11 DC-DC Converter 12 inverter 13 Cover Printing 14 electrical cables 15 Voltage Source / DC Voltage Source 100 laminated glass XX' section line Z enlarged area

Claims

Claim 1 A method for controlling a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical characteristics, wherein the glazing unit comprises a laminated glass plate (100) having a functional element (4) having electrically controllable optical characteristics and a control device (10) electrically connected to the functional element (4), wherein the control device (10) has a data set or a programmed function that assigns a voltage ramp to each temperature within a predetermined temperature range, wherein the control device (10) is configured to check the temperature, select a voltage ramp from the data set or calculate a voltage ramp by the programmed function based on the checked temperature, and apply a voltage having the selected or calculated voltage ramp to the functional element (4), wherein the impedance of the functional element (4) is checked by the control device (10), and the temperature of the functional element (4) is calculated by the impedance, wherein the control device (10) is connected to a DC voltage source (15), and the primary voltage of the DC voltage source (15) A method for controlling a glazing unit, comprising a DC voltage converter (11) that converts the secondary voltage to a higher voltage than the primary voltage, and an inverter (12) that converts the secondary voltage to an AC voltage and applies it to a functional element (4), wherein the control device (10) checks the impedance of the functional element (4) by measuring the current consumed by the inverter (12). Claim 2 A method for controlling a glazing unit, wherein, in claim 1, the temperature of the functional element (4) is measured by a temperature sensor attached to the laminated glass plate (100). Claim 3 A method for controlling a glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional element (4) comprises at least two switching states having different optical characteristics, and a temperature-dependent switching time is required for changing between the two switching states, and accordingly there exists a temperature having a time tmax corresponding to the longest switching time required in an arbitrary temperature range, and each voltage ramp selected or calculated based on the identified temperature causes a switching time tswitch that is longer than or equal to tmax, and a switching time tswitch occurs when voltage is applied to the functional element (4), and the “arbitrary temperature range” means a temperature range extending over at least 1°C, at least 2°C, or at least 5°C. Claim 4 A method for controlling a glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional element (4) is divided into at least two individual segments (S1, S2, S3, S4) and each segment (S1, S2, S3, S4) is electrically connected to a control device (10) so that a voltage having a selected or calculated voltage ramp can be applied to each segment (S1, S2, S3, S4) independently of each other. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the control device (10) is first suitable for applying a voltage to the first segment (S1) among at least two individual segments (S1, S2, S3, S4), and switching time t Switch A method for controlling a glazing unit, wherein a voltage is applied to an additional segment (S2) among at least two individual segments (S1, S2, S3, S4) thereafter, and at least two individual segments (S1, S2, S3, S4) are changed to the same switching state. Claim 6 In paragraph 3, a method for controlling a glazing unit in which the change between two switching states requires a longer time tmax at a lower temperature than at a higher temperature. Claim 7 A method for controlling a glazing unit, wherein, in claim 1 or 2, the functional element (4) is a PDLC functional element or an SPD functional element. Claim 8 A method for controlling a glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laminated glass plate (100) has an outer glass plate (1) and an inner glass plate (2), and a functional element (4) is arranged between the outer glass plate (1) and the inner glass plate (2). Claim 9 A method for controlling a glazing unit, wherein, in claim 1 or 2, the functional element (4) has an active layer (5) between the first planar electrode (8) and the second planar electrode (9), and the optical characteristics of the electrically controllable functional element (4) are determined by the active layer (5). Claim 10 A method for controlling a glazing unit according to claim 9, wherein the first and / or second planar electrodes (8, 9) are formed based on indium tin oxide (ITO). Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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