Foldable panel assembly with light module

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel assembly (1) with rigid and flexible regions, characterized in that the rigid regions comprise at least two rigid form elements (2), preferably made of glass, and, formed between the at least two form elements (2), there is a joint region (3), made of a flexible joint material, and the form elements (2) are integrally connected to the joint material by way of at least one connecting portion (4), wherein the joint region (3) allows the panel assembly (1) to be reversibly foldable, at least from a first end position into a second end position, and the panel assembly (1) also has at least one light module, at least comprising a light source (5) and one or more light-guide elements (9). The invention also comprises a method for producing such a panel assembly with a light module.

Description

[0001] Foldable disc arrangement with light module

[0002] The invention relates to a foldable pane arrangement with at least one light module and a method for its production.

[0003] Laminated glass panels are used in a wide variety of applications, such as architecture, building components, automotive, security technology, smart technology, and household appliances, and are being equipped with an increasing number of functionalities. High demands are often placed on safety, but also on appearance and design, as well as the greatest possible adaptability of the laminated glass to the surroundings or the supporting element, product, spatial conditions, or the object equipped with the laminated glass, be it a building or a vehicle, for example. Glass constructions are enjoying increasing popularity in architecture. Structural glass applications are just as possible as the combination of different glass products to improve specific functions.However, opening and closing mechanisms and associated spatial requirements often play a major role, which would require the mobility and flexibility of an insertable composite pane, which cannot yet be provided.

[0004] WO 2025 / 188 029 A1 discloses a flexible glass laminate consisting of a flexible thin glass layer bonded to a flexible carrier layer via an adhesive layer. This flexible composite material is intended for use in the construction sector, particularly for decorating interior walls.

[0005] Furthermore, it is often desirable to enable flexibly adaptable, functional, and / or aesthetic lighting for a composite glazing arrangement. In the automotive sector, it is common practice to equip a vehicle's interior with a light distribution system that provides subtle or striking illumination as needed. In the case of illuminable or illuminated glazing, such as windshields, rear windows, side windows, or roof windows, which are conventional composite glazing panels made of two or more glass or polymer panes, light from a light source is coupled into a flat light guide in the form of a pane of the glazing using total internal reflection. Illuminated glazing elements are known per se.For illumination, a light source, typically a light-emitting diode, can be arranged on the side edge surface or in a recess of a glass pane of the glazing element, so that light is coupled into the glass pane via the side edge surface or the edge surface of the recess and spreads there as a result of total internal reflection. WO 2010 / 049638 A1, WO 2013 / 053629 A1, WO 2014060409 A1 or WO 2015 / 095288 A2 disclose the coupling of light into a glass pane via a side surface. The light is often coupled out of the glass pane again by light-scattering structures, thereby realizing the illumination. The shape of the light-scattering structures can be freely selected, so that illuminated surfaces of any shape, for example as a pattern, can be created. Illuminated glazing elements of this type are known, for example, from W02014 / 060409A1 or WO2014 / 167291 A1.However, flexible lighting of different areas of the glazing is not planned or possible.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pane assembly that can meet these requirements, offers increased flexibility in its usability and spatial adaptability, and is movable and flexible in at least one spatial direction and can be adapted, for example, to the openings of objects. Furthermore, the composite pane should be visually appealing, in particular with adaptable, functionally and / or aesthetically pleasing lighting, as well as being as simple and cost-effective to manufacture as possible.

[0007] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a composite pane according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments are evident from the subclaims.

[0008] According to the invention, a pane arrangement with rigid and flexible regions is provided, wherein the rigid regions comprise at least two rigid shaped elements, preferably made of glass, and a joint region made of flexible joint material is formed between the at least two shaped elements and the shaped elements are materially connected to the joint material via at least one connecting section, wherein the pane arrangement is reversibly foldable via the joint region at least from a first end position into a second end position and wherein the pane arrangement further comprises at least one light module, at least comprising a light source and one or more light guide elements.

[0009] The light source and at least one light guide element are functionally connected, for example, to one or more shaped elements. Thus, in the pane arrangement according to the invention, light from the light source can advantageously be coupled into these shaped elements via one or more light guide elements, providing targeted illumination. In other words, the invention provides an at least partially illuminable, foldable composite pane arrangement.

[0010] Rigid shaped elements are provided to impart the necessary strength to the pane arrangement according to the invention. The shape and design of the shaped elements furthermore essentially determine the appearance and at least partially the possible end position shapes of the pane arrangement and their space requirements in the end positions. In other words, the shaped elements can advantageously be selected to match a desired design and a possibly desired or predetermined end position, a folding pattern and / or shape of the pane arrangement. Adaptation or selection of the specific design of the shaped elements used for the pane arrangement can advantageously also be carried out with regard to necessary or required safety aspects and standards, for example in the choice of material, the thickness and dimensions as well as the arrangement of the shaped elements within the pane arrangement.The shaped elements of the disc arrangement can, for example, be made of the same or different materials. Furthermore, the disc arrangement is equipped with a light module that allows light to be coupled into one or more shaped elements and used as luminous elements. This allows for not only a spatially and geometrically appealing design with a form / movement function of the disc arrangement, but also selective, possibly functionally adapted and / or aesthetically attractive lighting.

[0011] The shaped elements of the disc arrangement according to the invention are integrally bonded to the joint material, resulting in a non-detachable connection. The shaped elements are spaced apart from one another by the joint area and are designed to be pivotable (foldable) in at least one spatial direction, at least relative to one another, in a hinge-like manner.

[0012] The molded elements are preferably made of glass, for example, flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or aluminosilicate glass. The molded elements can also optionally be made of single-pane safety glass or a glass composite, such as laminated safety glass.

[0013] In further preferred embodiments, the molded elements can also be made of known, glass-like rigid plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and / or mixtures thereof.

[0014] The shaped elements and / or the flexible joint area of ​​the composite pane arrangement are preferably transparent.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total visible light transmission of the composite pane is preferably more than 50%, and in particular more than 60%, for example more than 70%. "Transparent shaped element" and "transparent hinge area" thus mean that they are transparent enough to achieve the desired or necessary transparency for the respective intended use. Accordingly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and in particular 0%. Light transmission is measured according to ISO 9050:2003.

[0016] The light module comprises a light source for generating light that can be coupled into the light guide elements and shaped elements. The light source is arranged on or in a light guide. The light source can be connected to the light guide, for example, via an optically clear adhesive (OCA). Optically clear, i.e., transparent adhesives are known, in particular, by the abbreviations LOCA ("Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive") and OCA ("Optical Clear Adhesive").

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of a pane arrangement according to the invention, the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED), at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and / or at least one laser diode. This type of light source is particularly bright and efficient.

[0018] In another embodiment of the pane arrangement according to the invention, the light module has two or more light sources. The multiple light sources allow the illuminable pane arrangement to be illuminated better or differently in additional and / or different areas, for example, different shaped elements, or to create a lighting accent at multiple locations on the pane arrangement.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is designed as a separate or separable component and is functionally connected to at least one light guide element and / or at least one shaped element. The light source can, for example, be arranged in a separate housing. By being designed as a separate or separable component, the light source is advantageously particularly easy to maintain or replace and can contribute to an extended service life and thus to the sustainability and cost-effective usability of the pane arrangement. The use of the light source as a separate, prefabricated component is also advantageous for industrial series production.

[0020] In another embodiment, the light source is functionally connected to one or more light guide elements and / or shaped elements via an optical adapter and / or an optical means. Known, suitable optical adapters are made, for example, from polycarbonate or an optically clear adhesive. The optical adapters can be adaptable, have different shapes and geometries and can advantageously be coupled to several light guide elements, such as several glass fibers, simultaneously, making them available for further optical coupling, for example to shaped elements. The adapters can be designed, for example, as adapter plates that are coupled to several glass fibers. The light source can be manufactured and used with the optical adapter and / or the optical means as a modularly prepared unit, which can be advantageously integrated into industrial series production.

[0021] The light source can also be designed as a collimator, so that the light beams are aligned parallel on their way to the disc arrangement. The invention also provides that the light module includes all connections, connections, or lines, or parts thereof, necessary for operation, for example, connections to a power source and, if applicable, to a control and regulation unit. Electrical connections to a power source or communicative connections to a control unit (electronic control unit) can be visually unobtrusive and / or wireless.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the light guide element is designed as at least one optical fiber made of glass and / or plastic, a light guide foil, and / or a light guide plate, and is functionally connected to one or more shaped elements. Particularly preferably, at least one light guide element is a glass fiber or a glass fiber bundle. According to the invention, it is advantageously possible to couple light into the shaped elements via the light guides at the flattest possible angle, using a light source that may be arranged at a greater distance.

[0023] By using optical fibers made of glass and / or plastic to guide light, the light from the light source can advantageously be transported with little effort to any position in the pane arrangement and, for example, coupled to one or more shaped elements and thus functionally connected. Advantageously, light can thus be transported to the desired areas of the pane arrangement according to the invention and, in addition, the given foldability allows the spatial arrangement to be changed beforehand or subsequently. According to the invention, it is therefore not only possible to change the geometric shape and design of the pane arrangement, but the spatial variability of the position of individual shaped elements or areas and their specifically adjustable illumination by the light module also results in new possibilities for achieving or combining different lighting effects.

[0024] The optical fiber as a light guide element is preferably a non-light-scattering fiber which, in contrast to a light-scattering fiber, does not emit light through scattering via its side wall along its length. The invention encompasses the fact that, if necessary or desired, the light guide element, for example the glass fiber, can have light-scattering regions in sections through suitable production or processing, for example structuring or coating. Coupling out of light from the glass fiber as a light guide element can also be reduced or avoided by the joint material in which the glass fiber is embedded having a lower refractive index. The flatter the angle at which the light is coupled into the light guide element, the smaller this difference in refractive index can be selected.A particularly small difference in the refractive index of the joint material and the light guide element has the advantage that the light guide elements within the disc arrangement are then less visible, or even not perceptible to the naked eye, and in this way a particularly uniform appearance can be achieved.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "optical fiber" also refers to a bundle or mesh of several individual fibers, such as a glass fiber bundle. Modern, commercially available optical fibers offer high light transmission and enable sustainable optical solutions. An improved numerical aperture means that the optical fibers can absorb more light during coupling, thus also providing more light for coupling out.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the pane arrangement according to the invention comprises a plurality of glass fibers, wherein, for example, at least one glass fiber is coupled to individual, selected, or each shaped element. According to the invention, each glass fiber can additionally be independently configured for a specific wavelength range and thus guide light of the same or different wavelengths. Furthermore, the light source and the light guide elements, for example, glass fibers, can also be controlled jointly or independently of one another, i.e., can be operated and illuminated independently of one another while coupled to the light source, and can couple light into the shaped elements. This enables a high degree of adaptability and variability.The inventive possibility of selecting different types of form elements, for example made of different materials and in different geometric shapes in combination, enables a further increase in the possibilities in this respect.

[0027] Light guide films and light guide plates, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), are well-known and commercially available. Light guide films are those that are flexible and movable and can be used, for example, as flat joint material, while light guide plates are rigid, dimensionally stable, and flat elements. The shaped elements can be firmly bonded to a surface of the light guide film, for example, using an optically clear adhesive. The light guide film and light guide plates are preferably transparent.

[0028] The connection or coupling of the light source and the light guide element and / or shaped element can be achieved, for example, using optically transparent adhesive (OCA). This facilitates the coupling of light from such connected light sources into the light guide and / or shaped elements, for example, made of glass.

[0029] The light guide element is functionally connected to the other components of the disc arrangement, in particular the light source and (shaped) elements of the disc arrangement, at which the coupling in or out of the light is to take place.

[0030] In one embodiment of the disc arrangement, a light guide element is at least partially integrated into the joint material and embedded therein and / or the joint material at least partially forms the light guide. For example, one or more glass fibers can be laminated into the joint material if the joint material is made of thermoplastic, for example inserted into the lamination as a thermoplastic film. If the joint material is made of optically clear adhesive, for example, the glass fibers can be positioned accordingly in the still liquid adhesive during production and the adhesive can then be cured. If the optically clear adhesive is UV-curable, it is possible, for example, to feed UV light through the glass fibers positioned therein and bring about curing of the joint material.The glass fibers can thus be securely fixed in the desired arrangement and position for further production or use.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one light guide element and / or at least one shaped element has, through one or more provided light-reflecting means, at least partially light-outcoupling-free or light-outcoupling-reduced regions. This ensures that the light is guided by the light guide element and / or shaped element precisely at the intended locations of the pane arrangement, without causing undesirable outward radiation losses or diffuse scattered light, which reduces the intensity of the illumination or disrupts the design of the lighting, for example, making it appear washed out or blurred.

[0032] For example, the light-guiding element and / or a shaped element can have, at least in sections, a light-reflecting coating on an outer surface as a light-reflecting means, which is suitable for reflecting the light emitted by the light source in the direction of the desired location or the desired area for light extraction. This can, for example, prevent or at least reduce the escape of light from the light-guiding element, for example a glass fiber, and enhance the transmission of light, in particular in the direction of the coupled shaped elements as luminous bodies. A further exemplary embodiment is a reflective coating on the surface of a shaped element, which is then arranged opposite the surface of the shaped element from which light is to be extracted. The intensity of the light that can be extracted from this surface is thereby significantly increased.In this case, the light-reflecting agent can therefore also be referred to as a light-enhancing agent. An optically active adhesive containing reflective particles as an additive can also be used as a light-reflecting agent or to form a light-reflecting agent, for example, a reflective layer on the surface of a molded element.

[0033] For the purposes of this invention, the term "optically effective" refers to the adhesive's ability to alter one or more optical properties of the pane assembly compared to an identical pane assembly without the use of such an optically effective adhesive. Accordingly, the term "optically effective adhesive" refers to an adhesive with this property.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "additive" refers to a component of the optically active adhesive that is added to the base material of the optically active adhesive, which consists of an optically transparent adhesive, and can be customized relative to the base material. One or more optical properties of the optically active adhesive are modified by the at least one additive with respect to the base material and can be specifically adjusted as desired.

[0035] In other words, an optically active adhesive with a base material made of an optically transparent adhesive in which at least one additive is contained.

[0036] The base material of an optically transparent adhesive is curable, meaning it can be irreversibly cured. Typically, it is a plastic that is cured into a polymer-crosslinked state. This distinguishes the curable adhesive significantly from a thermoplastic, which can also be optically transparent but can be reversibly softened by applying heat. In contrast, a curable adhesive cannot be returned to a flowable state once it has cured.

[0037] The optically active adhesive can be cured by heat, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV radiation, and / or chemically. Curing is preferably achieved by applying heat or increasing the temperature and / or UV radiation.

[0038] It is also possible to provide other light amplification means in the pane arrangement according to the invention, which preferably utilize optical mechanisms of reflection, light refraction, and / or scattering. Such light amplification means are known to the person skilled in the art, for example, from WO 2022 / 096365 A1, so they will not be discussed in detail here. Light amplification means increase the intensity of the coupled-in light and the intensity of the output light.

[0039] The disc arrangement of the invention, in particular one or more shaped elements, can additionally comprise at least one light extraction means for extracting light, for example from at least one shaped element. The light coupled into the shaped element via the light guide is then extracted via the light extraction means, thus causing the shaped element to illuminate there. The light extraction means is suitable for extracting a portion of the light guided into the shaped element, preferably by scattering, reflection, refraction, or diffraction, for example at at least one of the surfaces of the shaped element. Advantageously, the light extraction means is arranged or incorporated in this surface of the shaped element. For this purpose, the light extraction means is preferably introduced into the first main surface and / or the second main surface by laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, and / or by etching.

[0040] Alternatively or in combination, the light coupling means can be materially connected to at least one first surface of the shaped element, for example by printing or gluing on a color, a paste or particles, particularly preferably light-scattering, light-refracting or light-reflecting particles.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible joint areas are at least partially tinted, colored, or printed. This can create a visually appealing appearance, for example, through an attractive pattern of the formed joint areas, or can improve the appearance by concealing, for example, cables or adhesives.

[0042] According to another embodiment, both the shaped elements and the joint regions are made of a material with an average refractive index n between 1.4 and 1.6 in the spectral range optically visible to humans at wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm. The refractive index, also called refractive index or refractive coefficient, is a unitless material constant that specifies the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of propagation of light in a medium. The materials of the shaped elements and the joint regions therefore particularly preferably have an average refractive index n that is as similar as possible to that of glass. For example, the average refractive index for the visible spectral range (380 nm to 780 nm) is approximately 1.5 for commercially available soda-lime silicate glass, approximately 1.47 for borosilicate glass, and approximately 1.5 for aluminosilicate glass.Particularly, and expediently, when the shaped elements are made of glass, it is preferable to form joint regions with a material with a refractive index that is as identical or similar as possible to that of the glass. The joint regions preferably have a refractive index n that differs from the refractive index n of the selected shaped elements in the visible spectral range (380 nm to 780 nm) by less than 0.1, for example, less than 0.05. This is particularly advantageous because no light refraction or reflection occurs at the interfaces of the materials used, giving the pane arrangement a particularly uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible joint material is an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), for example based on acrylate or silicone, a polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyurethane (PU), or copolymers or derivatives thereof, optionally in combination with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the joint material can also contain, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The joint material can be used as a thermoplastic film or as a flexible carrier film in the manufacture of the disc assembly.

[0044] The joint material may contain additives known to those skilled in the art, such as plasticizers, to permanently maintain the required flexibility for the foldability of the disc arrangement. Preferably, the joint material contains at least one plasticizer.

[0045] Plasticizers are chemical compounds that make plastics softer, more flexible, more supple and / or more elastic. They shift the thermoelastic range of plastics towards lower temperatures so that the plastics exhibit the desired more elastic properties near the application temperature. Preferred plasticizers are carboxylic acid esters, particularly low-volatility carboxylic acid esters, fats, oils, plastic resins and camphor. Other plasticizers are preferably aliphatic diesters of tri- or tetraethylene glycols. Particular preference is given to using plasticizers 3G7, 3G8 or 4G7, where the first digit indicates the number of ethylene glycol units and the last digit indicates the number of carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid moiety of the compound. For example, 3G8 stands for triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate), i.e. a compound with the formula C4H9CH(CH2CH3)CO(OCH2CH2)3O2CCH(CH2CH3)C4H9.

[0046] It is possible that both the rigid mold elements and the flexible joint areas are also formed on the basis of the same material, for example from the plastics mentioned as the main component (base material), and if necessary the foldability is created via appropriate additives or merely a thickness adjustment, for example a thinner design in the joint area in relation to the mold element.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the shaped elements are designed with identical or different, regular and / or irregular geometric shapes, surfaces, and cross-sections. This allows for great design variability and, in particular, also for the possibilities in the spatial configuration and foldability of the panel arrangement.

[0048] In one embodiment, the rigid form elements can be designed, in particular, as triangles, quadrilaterals, squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, rhombuses, pentagons, hexagons, and / or octagons, and / or in rounded or circular geometries. Within a composite pane, identical or different form elements with different geometries, surfaces, thicknesses, cross-sections, and / or sizes can be used. This results in great variability, adaptability, and design freedom for a wide variety of product groups with regard to spatial and aesthetic design.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the disc arrangement has three or more rigid shaped elements which are connected to one another via flexible joint regions, wherein the disc surface of the disc arrangement is reversibly foldable in one, two or more spatial directions.

[0050] Surprisingly, it is even possible to design the pane surface of the pane arrangement according to the invention with the rigid shaped elements and flexible joint regions in such a way that it can be transferred from a substantially flat, planar starting position, which represents the first end position, into a multiply folded, three-dimensional (second) end position according to a provided origami folding pattern. It is therefore possible to obtain aesthetically, functionally and spatially sophisticated, and optionally due to the folding, for example, advantageously very space-saving end positions of the pane arrangement. It is provided that the folds of the pane arrangement are reversible, i.e., they can be transferred from the formed, folded end position back into the substantially flat starting position. In one embodiment of the pane arrangement according to the invention, the shaped elements can be at least partially positioned and arranged in a matrix of joint material.The mold elements can be completely enclosed by joint material. Alternatively, the mold elements can also protrude from the matrix of joint material. The joint material can also be arranged exclusively between the rigid mold elements and connected to them in a material-to-material manner, for example, via one edge of each mold element as a connecting section, thus potentially simultaneously forming the joint area.

[0051] The shaped elements can also be arranged on one or both sides of the surface of a flexible carrier film, which in this case serves as the joint material, and bonded to it in a material-to-material manner, for example, by bonding with an optically clear adhesive. This further increases the potential design freedom in the function, shape, and appearance of the composite pane. As already described above, the flexible carrier film can also be a light guide film and simultaneously function as a light guide element.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the disc arrangement is connected to at least one holding device and / or to fastening means and / or to a movement device.

[0053] Mounting devices can, for example, be support structures and supporting elements that can carry and support the pane assembly in a final position according to the application requirements. However, they can also be rails, guides, and the like into which edge regions of the pane assembly can be at least partially accommodated, which then provide appropriate support and securing both during the folding process and / or in the final positions of the pane assembly.

[0054] Fasteners can include eyelets, hooks, clamps, screws, rivets, wires, and ropes. These can be firmly connected to the molded elements and / or in the joint area and serve to attach a mechanism as a movement device to accomplish or simply support the reversible folding of the disc arrangement.The invention further comprises a method for producing a foldable pane arrangement with rigid and flexible regions as described above in various embodiments, the method comprising the steps of a) providing at least two rigid shaped elements, b) materially connecting connecting sections of at least two shaped elements with a joint material to form at least one flexible joint region between the shaped elements c) providing a light module, at least comprising a light source and one or more light guide elements, d) producing a functional connection of the light module to one or more shaped elements.

[0055] In one embodiment of the method, the shaped elements are arranged for connection on a thermoplastic film or at least partially between two thermoplastic films made of joint material and then connected to one another under heat, vacuum and / or pressure to form the pane arrangement, analogous or similar to the lamination process for composite panes, wherein the thermoplastic films are designed as a light guide element or one or more light guide elements are arranged between the thermoplastic films and are integrated into the joint material by the action of heat, vacuum and / or pressure.

[0056] The connection can be achieved, for example, by laminating the layer stack of molded elements and at least one thermoplastic film as joint material under the influence of heat, vacuum and / or pressure, whereby the individual molded parts are firmly bonded (laminated) to the joint material. Thus, conventional processes for producing a composite pane can be used. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 15 bar and temperatures of 130°C to 145°C for approximately 2 hours. Conventional vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes operate, for example, at approximately 200 mbar and 130°C to 145°C. The molded elements and thermoplastic film as joint material can also be pressed into a composite pane in a calender between at least one pair of rollers.Systems of this type are known for the production of laminated glass and typically have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a press unit. The temperature during the pressing process, for example, ranges from 40°C to 150°C. Combinations of calendering and autoclave processes have proven particularly effective in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heatable and evacuatable chambers in which the outer and inner panes can be laminated within, for example, approximately 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80°C to 170°C. These specifications are only examples.

[0057] Another embodiment of the method provides for the thermoplastic film of joint material to be inserted in one piece or in multiple pieces. This makes it possible, for example, to form sub-regions of the pane assembly with different thicknesses, shapes, or even with different material properties, such as varying flexibility, elasticity, or tear resistance, as needed. Furthermore, for the areas forming the joint area, already colored or tinted joint material, or with reflective particles incorporated therein, can be used.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment of the method, a curable, liquid optical adhesive, liquid or a casting resin, is used as the joint material, into which the molded elements and / or the optical fiber elements, preferably glass fibers, are positioned, at least partially received, and firmly bonded. Suitable optical adhesives and casting resins for the firmly bonding of molded elements, particularly made of glass, and their handling to create a firmly bonded connection are known per se.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment of the method, the shaped elements are arranged on one or both sides of a flexible carrier film as joint material and are bonded to the latter in a material-to-material manner, preferably by adhesive bonding, to form at least one joint region with the surface of the carrier film, wherein the carrier film is designed as a light guide element. The bonding can be carried out in a conventional manner using an optically clear adhesive. If the carrier film is thermoplastic, the material-to-material connection can also be achieved directly with the carrier film by the application of heat. The invention also encompasses the use of a foldable pane arrangement that can be illuminated at least partially by a provided light module, as described above in various embodiments, in the field of architecture, in buildings, parts of buildings, vehicles, and household objects, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0060] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. These possible combinations also apply to features mentioned in connection with the disk arrangement and to features described for the method.

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. They show, in simplified form and not to scale:

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the foldable disc arrangement according to the invention;

[0063] Figures 2a-2d each show a cross-sectional view along the section line XX' in various embodiments of the disc arrangement of Figure 1 in a first end position;

[0064] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disc arrangement of Figure 2a in folding;

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the disc arrangement according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of another alternative embodiment of the foldable disc arrangement according to the invention;

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of another alternative embodiment of the foldable disc arrangement according to the invention. Figure 7 is an example of a possible pattern for an origami-like foldable disc arrangement according to the invention.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the foldable pane assembly 1 according to the invention in a first flat end position, which can also be referred to as the unfolded starting position. In this embodiment, the composite pane 1 has, for example, six rigid shaped elements 2 with a quadrangular geometry, more precisely in the form of parallelograms. The hinge regions 3 run between the shaped elements 2, which are integrally connected to one another using the hinge material, for example made of PVB, used as a thermoplastic film. The shaped elements 2 can be pivoted relative to one another via the hinge regions 3, as schematically represented by the arrows A, A', and A", and a folding of the pane assembly 1 can be brought about in different spatial directions. The indicated folding in the direction of the arrows A and A' is shown schematically in Figure 3.According to the invention, the thermoplastic film can be designed as a light guide film, or one or more light guide elements, in particular glass fibers, can be embedded in the thermoplastic film (not shown) and functionally connected to one or more shaped elements 2. The light coupled in by the light source 5 and transported through light guide elements 6 can thus be coupled out via the surface of the shaped elements 2. The shaped elements 2 can have additional light extraction means (not shown) for this purpose, for example, structuring, laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting and / or etching.

[0069] Figures 2a-2d each show a cross-sectional view along the section line XX' in various embodiments of the pane arrangement 1 of Figure 1 in a first end position; which can also be referred to as an unfolded position or unfolded or stretched initial position.

[0070] In Figure 2a, the shaped elements 2 are inserted with one surface flush into the joint material—in this case, a light guide film 7—so that in this first end position of the disc arrangement 1, they form a flat surface. The material connection is thus created via the edges, i.e., the lateral edges, as well as via a surface serving as the connecting section 4. The light source 5 couples light into the light guide element 6 (7), which is then coupled into the shaped elements 2 and out of the surface of the shaped elements 2 opposite the light guide film 7. The light guidance (direction of the light beam) is shown schematically and only in a highly simplified manner in the figures with dashed arrows.

[0071] In Figure 2b, the shaped elements 2 are partially absorbed into the joint material, with the shaped elements 2 protruding upwards (from the joint material), as shown in the figure. Such a disc arrangement can be produced, for example, by placing shaped elements 2 onto a thermoplastic film and, under the influence of heat and pressure, partially pressing them into the film, thus bonding them together, with the joint regions 3 being formed between the shaped elements 2. In this case, the film is a light guide film 7. On the surface of the shaped element 2a, which is in the middle in the figure and faces the light guide film, a light-reflecting agent, for example a light-reflecting coating or a print, is applied. In this case, this prevents the coupling of light, and incident light is reflected back into the light guide.This has the effect, on the one hand, that the form element 2a is not illuminated and, on the other hand, that the intensity of the light coupling and thus also the light coupling from the other form elements 2 is increased accordingly.

[0072] In Figure 2c, the shaped elements 2 are arranged on both sides of a carrier film made of joint material. The carrier film can also be a light guide film 7. The material connection can be created, for example, by gluing, for example, with an optically clear adhesive, across a surface as a connecting section of the shaped elements 2, or optionally by melting a thermoplastic joint material 3 of the carrier film. The shaped elements 2 can all be functionally connected as luminous elements. In this case, the shaped elements are illuminated on both sides of the carrier film.

[0073] In Figure 2d, the shaped elements 2 are connected to joint material exclusively via an edge or rim section. Such an embodiment of the composite pane can be produced, for example, by surrounding the shaped elements 2 with a liquid adhesive, for example, positioned in a cast mold, and creating the integral connection upon curing. In this case, the connecting region simultaneously forms the joint region 3. This joint region can, as shown, have a smaller thickness than the shaped elements 2. The joint material can also be thinner towards the center of the joint region 3 between the shaped elements 2, with a gradient in thickness (not shown). The shaped elements 2 can also protrude laterally beyond the joint material and, if necessary, serve at least partially to fasten or connect the composite pane 1 to movement devices. The light source 5 can couple light into the pane arrangement.In the illustration shown, one shaped element 2 is additionally configured as a light guide plate 6. On the other two shaped elements shown, a light-reflecting means 8, for example a reflective coating, is arranged on one side, which prevents light extraction on this side and simultaneously enhances the light extraction from the opposite surface of the shaped element 2.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the composite pane from Fig. 1, which has been transferred into a folded position. The position shown does not have to be the second, folded end position of the composite pane 1, but can be achieved, for example, when the shaped elements 2 arranged next to one another are arranged overlapping, possibly flat on top of one another. Folding in the direction of block arrow A" is not shown here. By coupling light from the light source via light guide elements 6 (for example light guide film 7), new lighting accents and effects can be created by moving and / or folding the pane arrangement. Here, pane arrangements designed according to the invention offer great variability and adaptability.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the pane arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which the shaped elements 2 are designed exclusively as right-angled triangles. Joint regions 3 extend between the triangular shaped elements 2, so that in this embodiment the pane arrangement is foldable three-dimensionally in several spatial directions. The light module with light source 5 and light guide element 6 is not shown in the figure.

[0076] Figure 5 shows the pane arrangement from Figure 1 in an alternative embodiment in which two optical fibers 9, for example glass fibers, are embedded in the joint material as light guide elements 6 and are each coupled and functionally connected to three shown shaped elements 2 in a row. The light source 5 is not shown here. With the optical fibers 9, light can be transported in a targeted and simple manner to desired areas, to individual or multiple shaped elements 2 of the pane arrangement 1 according to the invention. Thus, according to the invention, it is not only possible to change the geometric shape and the pane arrangement, but the spatial variability of the position of individual shaped elements 2 or areas and their specifically adjustable illumination by the light module also results in new possibilities for achieving or combining different lighting effects.The glass fibers 9 can additionally be designed independently of one another for a specific wavelength range and thus guide light of the same or different wavelengths. The light source 5 and the light guide elements 6, for example glass fibers 9, can also be controlled jointly or independently of one another, i.e., can be coupled, operated, and illuminated independently of one another with the light source, and can couple light into the shaped elements 2. The glass fibers can be provided in sections with a reflective coating (not shown) to prevent radiation losses and thus improve light conduction to the shaped elements 2. Undesired coupling of light from the glass fiber can also be prevented, for example, by reflective particles in the receiving joint material.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of a section of a pane arrangement 1 according to the invention in which the light source 5 is connected to an optical adapter 10, for example made of polycarbonate or OCA, via a bundle of optical fibers 9a. The light source 5 can be designed, for example, as a collimator, and the optical fibers can be aligned in parallel on the way to the shaped elements 2 into which light is to be coupled. This can be achieved alternatively or additionally using or with the aid of optical means such as lenses or prisms. Several optical fibers can be connected to the adapter 10 and / or accommodated therein, so that a coupling of several light guide elements to one or more shaped elements 2 is possible simultaneously. Furthermore, such assemblies can also be prefabricated, which is particularly advantageous for serial production.

[0078] Figure 7 shows an example of a possible pattern for an origami-like foldable disc arrangement 1. The folding can be performed from the flat, maximally expanded first end position in a rosette-like manner around the central hexagonal shaped element 2H, whereby the radially outwardly extending joint regions 3T and 3B are alternately folded downwards (valley) and upwards (mountain) and then a spiral fold can be performed from the center outwards. According to this pattern, triangles and trapezoidal surfaces of different shapes and sizes are used as shaped elements 2. For example, fastening means can be arranged on the outer, edge-side shaped elements 2, which can be connected to a mechanism for re-expansion from the folded rosette-like end position. The light module and its components are not shown here. List of reference symbols

[0079] 1 composite pane

[0080] 2, 2a rigid form element

[0081] 2H central rigid form element

[0082] 3, 3a, 3b joint area

[0083] 3B Joint area folding upwards (mountain)

[0084] 3T joint area folding downwards (valley)

[0085] 4 connecting section

[0086] A, A', A" arrows (folding direction)

[0087] XX' cutting line

[0088] 5 Light source

[0089] 6 light guide element

[0090] 7 Light guide film

[0091] 8 light-reflecting agent

[0092] 9 optical fiber (preferably glass fiber)

[0093] 9a Fiber bundle

[0094] 10 optical adapters

[0095] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pane arrangement (1) with rigid and flexible regions, characterized in that the rigid regions comprise at least two rigid shaped elements (2), preferably made of glass, and a joint region (3) made of flexible joint material is formed between the at least two shaped elements (2), and the shaped elements (2) are integrally connected to the joint material via at least one connecting section (4), wherein the pane arrangement (1) is reversibly foldable at least from a first end position into a second end position via the joint region (3), and the pane arrangement (1) furthermore has at least one light module, at least comprising a light source (5) and one or more light guide elements (6).

2. Disc arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide element (6) is designed as an optical fiber (9), light guide film (7) and / or as a light guide plate and is functionally connected to one or more shaped elements (2).

3. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one light guide element (6) is at least partially integrated in the joint material and / or the joint material at least partially forms the light guide element (6).

4. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one shaped element (2) and / or at least one light guide element (6) has a light coupling means.

5. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one light guide element (6) and / or at least one shaped element (2) is arranged by means of one or more provided light-reflecting means (8), at least partially light-outcoupling-free or light-outcoupling-reduced areas.

6. Pane arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light source (5), in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and / or at least one laser diode as a light source.

7. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the light source (5) is designed as a separate or separable component and is functionally connected to at least one light guide element (6) and / or at least one shaped element (2).

8. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the light source (5) is functionally connected to one or more light guide elements via an optical adapter (10) and / or an optical means.

9. Pane arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shaped elements (2) are made of glass, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and / or polyurethane (PU).

10. Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shaped elements (2) are formed with identical or different, regular and / or irregular two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes, surfaces and cross-sections. 11 . Disc arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the shaped elements (2) are at least partially positioned and accommodated in a matrix of joint material or the shaped elements (2) are arranged on one or two sides on a flexible carrier film as Joint material is arranged and connected to it in a material-locking manner, wherein the flexible carrier film is designed as a light guide film (7).

12. A method for producing a foldable pane arrangement (1) with rigid and flexible regions and a light module according to one of claims 1-11, characterized by the steps a) providing at least two rigid shaped elements (2) b) materially connecting connecting sections of at least two shaped elements (2) with a joint material to form at least one flexible joint region (3) between the shaped elements (2) c) providing a light module, at least comprising a light source (5) and one or more light guide elements (6), d) establishing a functional connection of the light module to one or more shaped elements (2).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the shaped elements (2) are arranged for connection on a thermoplastic film or between two thermoplastic films made of joint material and are then connected to one another under the influence of heat, vacuum and / or pressure to form a joint region (3) to the disc arrangement (1), wherein the thermoplastic films are designed as a light guide element (6) or one or more light guide elements (6) are arranged between the thermoplastic films and are integrated into the joint material by the influence of heat, vacuum and / or pressure.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the shaped elements (2) are arranged on one or two sides on a flexible carrier film as joint material and are connected to the carrier film in a materially bonded manner, preferably by gluing, to form at least one joint region (3), wherein the flexible carrier film is designed as a light guide element (6).

15. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that a liquid optical adhesive or a casting resin is used as the joint material and the shaped elements (2) are each connected via at least one edge as a connecting section (4) are joined together to form a joint region (3) by curing the adhesive or casting resin, or the shaped elements (2) are positioned in the joint material to form at least one joint region (3), are at least partially received therein and are integrally connected thereto, wherein in each case at least one light guide element (6) are absorbed into the joint material and finally integrated into the joint material while the adhesive or casting resin hardens.

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