Functional element arrangement which has controllable optical properties

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional element arrangement (100) for a laminated pane (101) at least comprising: a first functional element (1) and a second functional element (1') each comprising, in this order: - a first carrier film (2, 2'), - a first flat electrode (3, 3'), - an active layer (4, 4') having electrically controllable optical properties, - a second flat electrode (5, 5') and - a second carrier film (6, 6'), wherein at least one first electrically conductive bridge (7) connects the first flat electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) to the first flat electrode (3') of the second functional element (1') in an electrically conductive manner, and at least one second electrically conductive bridge (8) connects the second flat electrode (5) of the first functional element (1) to the second flat electrode (5') of the second functional element (1') in an electrically conductive manner, and wherein the first functional element (1) and the second function element (1') are provided to be arranged next to one another in a planar manner.

Description

[0001] Functional element arrangement with controllable optical properties

[0002] The invention relates to a functional element arrangement for a composite pane with controllable optical properties and to a composite pane comprising such a functional element arrangement.

[0003] Composite panes in vehicles or buildings are often equipped with functional elements whose optical properties can be changed by applying an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is applied via a control unit that is connected to two surface electrodes of the functional element, between which the active layer of the functional element is located. One example of such functional elements are SPD functional elements (suspended particle device), which are known, for example, from EP0876608B1 and WO2011033313A1. The applied voltage can be used to control the transmission of visible light through SPD functional elements. Another example is PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), which are known, for example, from DE102008026339A1. The active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix.If no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are randomly aligned, resulting in strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align in a common direction, increasing the light transmission through the active layer. The PDLC functional element works less by reducing overall transmittance than by increasing scattering, which can prevent clear visibility or provide glare protection.

[0004] Such composite panes can be used, for example, as vehicle windows, whose light transmission behavior can then be electrically controlled. They can also be used, for example, as roof windows to reduce sun glare. Such roof windows are known, for example, from DE10043141A1 and EP3456913A1. Vehicle windows are generally curved to contribute to the advantageous aerodynamics of the vehicle. Depending on the extent of the curvature and the surface area of ​​the functional element, this can, however, lead to the functional element arranged in the vehicle window bending and developing wrinkles, which significantly reduce the optical quality of the functional element and thus the entire vehicle window.Since the degree of curvature can usually not be changed without adapting the entire vehicle design, the surface area of ​​the functional element is generally reduced and the black printing area of ​​the vehicle window, which is usually arranged around the peripheral edge of the functional element, is enlarged. This has the disadvantage that the view-through area of ​​the vehicle window is reduced and the window can also be optically changed to a lesser extent. Another solution is the arrangement of several functional elements as part of a functional element arrangement, which is arranged in the vehicle window. However, this has the disadvantage that electrical contact is necessary for each of the additional functional elements, which increases material costs and the space required in the vehicle window.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved functional element arrangement that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. The functional element arrangement should also be inexpensive to manufacture.

[0006] The object of the present invention is achieved by a functional element arrangement according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0007] The functional element arrangement according to the invention for a composite pane comprises at least a first functional element and a second functional element. The first functional element comprises, in this order:

[0008] - a first carrier film,

[0009] - a first surface electrode,

[0010] - an active layer with electrically controllable optical properties,

[0011] - a second surface electrode and

[0012] - a second carrier film.

[0013] The second functional element includes in this order:

[0014] - a first carrier film,

[0015] - a first surface electrode,

[0016] - an active layer with electrically controllable optical properties,

[0017] - a second surface electrode and

[0018] - a second carrier film.

[0019] In other words, both the structure of the first functional element and the structure of the second functional element are characterized by the fact that the active layer is arranged between the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode, with the first surface electrode being arranged between the first carrier foil and the active layer. The second surface electrode is arranged between the second carrier foil and the active layer. The first carrier foil and the second carrier foil preferably form the layers delimiting the respective functional element.

[0020] For the purposes of the invention, “the first surface electrodes” refers to the first surface electrode of the first functional element and the first surface electrode of the second functional element, as well as the first surface electrode of any additional functional elements that may be present. For the purposes of the invention, “the second surface electrodes” refers to the second surface electrode of the first functional element and the second surface electrode of the second functional element, as well as the second surface electrode of any additional functional elements that may be present. For the purposes of the invention, “the first carrier films” refers to the first carrier film of the first functional element and the first carrier film of the second functional element, as well as the first carrier film of any additional functional elements that may be present.For the purposes of the invention, "the second carrier films" refers to the second carrier film of the first functional element and the second carrier film of the second functional element, as well as the second carrier film of any additional functional elements that may be present. For the purposes of the invention, "the active layers" refers to the active layer of the first functional element and the active layer of the second functional element, as well as the active layer of any additional functional elements that may be present.

[0021] The first functional element has two exposed main surfaces. The first exposed main surface is simultaneously a surface of the first carrier film of the first functional element facing away from the active layer, and the second exposed main surface is simultaneously a surface of the second carrier film of the first functional element facing away from the active layer. An edge surface surrounding the first functional element runs between the exposed main surfaces of the first functional element. The second functional element has two exposed main surfaces. The first exposed main surface is simultaneously a surface of the first carrier film of the second functional element facing away from the active layer, and the second exposed main surface is simultaneously a surface of the second carrier film of the second functional element facing away from the active layer.Between the exposed main surfaces of the first functional element there is an edge surface surrounding the first functional element.

[0022] According to the invention, at least one first electrically conductive bridge electrically connects the first surface electrode of the first functional element to the first surface electrode of the second functional element. At least one second electrically conductive bridge electrically connects the second surface electrode of the first functional element to the second surface electrode of the second functional element. It is understood that, apart from the at least first and at least second electrically conductive bridges, the first and second surface electrodes of the first functional element are arranged electrically insulated from the first and second surface electrodes of the second functional element.

[0023] The first functional element and the second functional element are intended to be arranged flatly next to one another, in particular within a composite pane. For the purposes of the invention, "arranged flatly next to one another" means that a first section of a circumferential edge region of the first functional element borders a first section of a circumferential edge region of the second functional element, wherein the edge surface of the first functional element in this first section is opposite the edge surface of the second functional element in this first section or these face one another. The functional elements are therefore arranged essentially horizontally, so that the main surfaces of the first functional element do not face the main surfaces of the second functional element, as would be the case with a vertical arrangement (arranged one above the other).The angle between the first main surface of the first functional element and the first main surface of the second functional element can certainly be smaller or larger than 180°, but it is not intended to be smaller than 90° or larger than 270°. In principle, depending on the design of the electrically conductive bridges, it may also be possible to stack the first functional element and the second functional element, i.e., to arrange them one above the other. This arrangement can be useful if the functional element arrangement is to be stored, as this can reduce the space required. In this context, "adjacent" does not mean that these sections of the circumferential edge regions abut one another, i.e., are in direct contact with one another.

[0024] For the purposes of the invention, the "edge surface of the functional element" essentially refers to the edge surface of the associated active layer. This distinction is particularly important when the carrier foils and / or the surface electrodes protrude beyond the active layer in certain sections. The "first section of a peripheral edge region of the first functional element" is referred to below as the "first section of the first functional element." The "first section of a peripheral edge region of the second functional element" is referred to below as the "first section of the second functional element." The "second section of a peripheral edge region of the first functional element" is referred to below as the "second section of the first functional element." The "second section of a peripheral edge region of the second functional element" is referred to below as the "second section of the second functional element."

[0025] The first functional element and the second functional element are particularly intended to be arranged flatly next to one another in the intermediate layer of a composite pane. They are therefore intended to be arranged flatly between two panes of a composite pane, wherein the first functional element and the second functional element are preferably arranged at a distance from one another of at least 1 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm, in particular at least 1 cm, in a flat arrangement. In other words, the first functional element and the second functional element are spaced apart from one another by at least 1 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, in particular at least 1 cm, at the point of their smallest distance from one another.Any additional functional elements that may be present are each also spaced apart from at least one other functional element of the functional element arrangement (for example the first functional element or the second functional element) by at least 1 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm, in particular by at least 1 cm.

[0026] The functional element arrangement is designed to be supplied with an electrical voltage by means of a voltage source. In this case, only the first surface electrode of the first functional element or the first surface electrode of the second functional element and either the second surface electrode of the first functional element or the second surface electrode of the second functional element need to be electrically contacted. This means that the first surface electrode of the first functional element and the first surface electrode of the second functional element together form the first surface electrode of the functional element arrangement, and the second surface electrode of the first functional element and the second surface electrode of the second functional element together form the second surface electrode of the functional element arrangement.By connecting the surface electrodes via the electrically conductive bridges, the electrical voltage is always applied to the entire functional element arrangement. The active layer of the first functional element and the second functional element changes its optical state depending on the applied voltage on the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode of the functional element arrangement. For example, the active layer changes from a transparent state, which allows visibility, to a light-scattering, translucent state. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the functional element arrangement can be curved more sharply using the electrically conductive bridges without creating wrinkles in one or both functional elements. The functional element arrangement can therefore be used, for example, in highly curved vehicle composite windows with a large surface area.Furthermore, the functional element arrangement only needs to be connected to a single voltage source, which saves material costs for bus bars on the functional elements and for lines to the functional elements, thus reducing costs. These are major advantages of the invention.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the functional element arrangement comprises at least a third functional element, comprising in this order:

[0028] - a first carrier film,

[0029] - a first surface electrode,

[0030] - an active layer with electrically controllable optical properties,

[0031] - a second surface electrode and

[0032] - a second carrier film.

[0033] At least one third electrically conductive bridge electrically connects the first surface electrode of the second functional element to the first surface electrode of the third functional element. At least one fourth electrically conductive bridge electrically connects the second surface electrode of the second functional element to the second surface electrode of the third functional element. Preferably, the functional element arrangement also comprises a fourth functional element with the same structure as the first functional element, wherein the fourth functional element is electrically connected to the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode of the first functional element or the third functional element by means of at least two further electrically conductive bridges. In this way, the functional element arrangement can be expanded as desired.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, with respect to the first functional element, the first surface electrode is applied as a coating to the first carrier film and / or the second surface electrode is applied as a coating to the second carrier film. Additionally or independently thereof, with respect to the second functional element, the first surface electrode is applied as a coating to the first carrier film and / or the second surface electrode is applied as a coating to the second carrier film. In particular, with respect to both the first functional element and the second functional element, the first surface electrode is applied as a coating to the first carrier film and the second surface electrode is applied as a coating to the second carrier film. In other words, all surface electrodes are applied to the carrier film closest to them.This results in good stability of the surface electrodes and they are better fixed within the respective functional element.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first carrier film and the first surface electrode of the first functional element have a projection relative to the active layer in the first section of the first functional element. Furthermore, the first carrier film and the first surface electrode of the second functional element have a projection relative to the active layer in the first section of the second functional element. The at least first electrically conductive bridge is applied to the projection of the first surface electrode of the first functional element and to the projection of the first surface electrode of the second functional element. This arrangement can prevent the active layer from coming into direct spatial contact with the at least first or the at least second electrically conductive bridge, which could lead to damage to the active layer.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the second carrier film and the second surface electrode of the first functional element have a projection relative to the active layer in the first section of the first functional element, and the second carrier film and the second surface electrode of the second functional element have a projection relative to the active layer in the first section of the second functional element. The at least second electrically conductive bridge is applied to the projection of the second surface electrode of the first functional element and to the projection of the second surface electrode of the second functional element. The first section of the first functional element borders on the first section of the second functional element when the first functional element and second functional element are arranged flat next to one another.This reduces the distance that the at least first electrically conductive bridge and the at least second electrically conductive bridge must bridge, which saves costs and space requirements.

[0037] Preferably, the first surface electrode of the first functional element extends over the entire surface of the first carrier film of the first functional element and / or the second surface electrode of the first functional element extends over the entire surface of the second carrier film of the first functional element. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface electrode of the second functional element extends over the entire surface of the first carrier film of the second functional element and / or the second surface electrode of the second functional element extends over the entire surface of the second carrier film of the second functional element. Particularly preferably, each surface electrode extends over the entire surface of the carrier film closest to it.This facilitates the production of the first functional element and the second functional element, which the carrier films are coated by means of magnetron sputtering, where a partial coating of surfaces can usually only be achieved with great effort.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges that may be present are bendable. Within the context of the invention, "bendable" means that the bridge can be bent in different directions and bends under the action of an external force without returning to its original shape, i.e., the shape it had prior to the external force, when the external force is stopped. Typical bendable materials include copper wires. Additionally, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges that may be present can also be elastic, i.e., return to their original shape as soon as the external force is removed.Alternatively, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges present may not be bendable, but rather already have their desired shape after manufacture. With a non-bendable bridge, there is a risk that it could break or otherwise be damaged if external forces are applied to bend the bridge.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges that may be present contain copper and / or tungsten. The at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges that may be present are preferably made of copper and / or tungsten. These materials are particularly electrically conductive and can be acquired inexpensively. Most preferably, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any additional electrically conductive bridges that may be present are in the form of a wire or a stranded wire. These shapes are particularly suitable because they are generally flexible and inexpensive to manufacture.The at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any further electrically conductive bridges present as a wire preferably have a diameter of 15 pm to 300 pm. If the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any further electrically conductive bridges contain tungsten or are made of tungsten, then they particularly preferably have a diameter of 18 pm to 25 pm. Alternatively, if the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any further electrically conductive bridges contain copper or are made of copper, then they particularly preferably have a diameter of 70 to 150 pm.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least first electrically conductive bridge and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge and / or any further electrically conductive bridges that may be present are designed in the form of a strip that contains or consists of copper and / or tungsten, preferably only copper. The strip is preferably coated with silver, which further increases the electrical conductivity. The term “strip” can mean, for example, a stranded wire or a busbar. The thickness of such a strip, including any silver coating that may be present, is preferably from 10 μm to 50 μm and has a width of 3 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0041] The first functional element and / or the second functional element and / or any additional functional elements present are preferably PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystals). The active layer of a PDLC functional element contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. If no voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals are aligned in a disordered manner, which leads to strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals in the second region of the active layer and, if applicable, other regions of the active layer align in a common direction, and the transmission of light through the active layer is increased.Alternatively, functional elements, and in particular PDLC functional elements, can be used, which are transparent when no voltage is applied (zero volts) and strongly scatter when a voltage is applied. In principle, however, it is also possible to use other types of controllable functional elements, for example, electrochromic functional elements or SPD (suspended particle device) functional elements. The controllable functional elements mentioned and their mode of operation are known per se to the person skilled in the art, so a detailed description can be omitted here. Particularly preferably, the first functional element and the second functional element are PDLC functional elements, as these are very well suited for contacting via electrically conductive bridges.

[0042] Functional elements are commercially available. Each functional element is typically cut from a multilayer film with larger dimensions in the desired shape and size. This can be done mechanically, for example, with a knife. In an advantageous embodiment, the cutting is done using a laser. It has been shown that the side surface is more stable in this case than with mechanical cutting. With mechanically cut side surfaces, there is a risk of the material shrinking, which is visually noticeable and adversely affects the aesthetics of the pane.

[0043] For the purposes of the invention, electrically controllable optical properties are understood to mean properties that are continuously controllable, but equally also those that can be switched between two or more discrete states.

[0044] The first surface electrodes and / or the second surface electrodes of the functional element arrangement according to the invention are preferably configured as transparent, electrically conductive layers. The first surface electrodes and / or the second surface electrodes preferably contain at least one metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The first surface electrodes and / or the second surface electrodes can contain, 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. The first surface electrodes and / or the second surface electrodes preferably have a thickness of 10 nm to 2 pm, particularly preferably of 20 nm to 1 pm, and most particularly preferably of 30 nm to 500 nm.

[0045] The first functional element and / or the second functional element and / or any further functional elements present may comprise, in addition to the active layer, the carrier films and the surface electrodes, further layers known per se, for example barrier layers, blocking layers, anti-reflection layers, protective layers and / or smoothing layers.

[0046] The first carrier films and / or the second carrier films preferably contain at least one thermoplastic polymer, particularly preferably low-plasticizer or plasticizer-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is particularly advantageous with regard to the stability of the functional element. However, the first carrier films and / or the second carrier films can also contain or consist of other low-plasticizer or plasticizer-free polymers, for example ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene. The thickness of each first carrier film and / or second carrier film is preferably from 0.02 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably from 0.04 mm to 0.2 mm. Carrier films provide particularly effective protection against the diffusion of plasticizer into the active layer.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first surface electrode of the first functional element and the first surface electrode of the second functional element are each divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of insulation lines. In other words, the first surface electrode of the first functional element is divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of insulation lines, and the first surface electrode of the second functional element is likewise divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of insulation lines. Preferably, the first surface electrode of any additional functional elements that may be present is likewise divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of insulation lines.Preferably, the first surface electrodes of all functional elements are each divided into an identical number of segments by means of insulation lines. This means that if, for example, the first surface electrode of the first functional element is divided into four segments, the first surface electrode of the second functional element is also divided into four segments. In principle, however, it is also possible for the number of segments of the first surface electrode of the first functional element to differ from the number of segments of the first surface electrode of the second functional element. By dividing the surface electrodes into segments, the respective functional element is automatically divided into different segments, meaning that the different segments can be electrically controlled independently of one another with suitable electrical contact.

[0048] It is preferred that each segment of the first surface electrode of the first functional element is electrically conductively connected to a segment of the first surface electrode of the second functional element by means of at least one first electrically conductive bridge, such that each segment of the first surface electrode of the second functional element is electrically conductively connected to exactly one segment of the first surface electrode of the first functional element via at least one first electrically conductive bridge. However, it is also possible for several first electrically conductive bridges to connect a first segment of the first surface electrodes to several segments of the first surface electrode of the second functional element and vice versa. For example, a first segment of the first surface electrode of the first functional element could be connected to two segments of the first surface electrode of the second functional element and vice versa.In this case, the number of segments of the first functional element may also differ from the number of segments of the second functional element.

[0049] Preferably, the insulation lines of the first surface electrode of the first functional element are arranged parallel to the insulation lines of the first surface electrode of the second functional element. This means that if the segments of the first surface electrode of the first functional element form circles in a plan view of the first functional element, the segments of the first surface electrode of the second functional element are also designed as circles parallel to this in a plan view of the second functional element. Preferably, the segments of the first surface electrodes are polygonal, preferably hexagonal, quadrangular, particularly preferably substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the segments of the first surface electrodes can also be circular, meandering, or any other desired shape. Very particularly preferably, all segments of the first surface electrodes are designed to be the same size and shape.For the purposes of the invention, “substantially rectangular” means that the corners of the rectangle may be rounded.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first surface electrode of the first functional element is divided into at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four, substantially rectangular segments, and the first surface electrode of the second functional element is divided into a number of segments identical to the number of segments of the first surface electrode of the first functional element. In a planar arrangement of the functional element arrangement, the segments of the first surface electrode of the first functional element are arranged in relation to the segments of the first surface electrode of the second functional element such that they lie parallel to one another in plan view.Preferably, the short side of each substantially rectangular-shaped segment of the first surface electrode of the first functional element is adjacent to and arranged parallel to a short side of each substantially rectangular-shaped segment of the first surface electrode of the second functional element.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the first surface electrodes are divided into segments by means of insulation lines, the first carrier foils are also each divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of the insulation lines. In other words, the insulation lines that divide the first surface electrodes into segments also divide the first carrier foils into segments. This enables mechanical segmentation of the functional elements, for example, by cutting. If only the foils and layers between the first and second carrier foils are to be segmented, this is possible, for example, by means of laser radiation, preferably laser ablation.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the first surface electrodes are divided into segments by means of insulation lines, the active layers are also each divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments by means of the insulation lines. In other words, the insulation lines which divide the first surface electrodes into segments also divide the active layers into segments. This improves the optical quality of the functional element arrangement; if only the surface electrodes are segmented, optical abnormalities can occur in the region of the insulation lines; in PDLC elements, this is expressed, for example, by a milky appearance in this area. Particularly preferably, both the first carrier films, the first surface electrodes and the active layers are divided into segments by means of insulation lines.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, a first bus bar is applied to the first surface electrode of the first functional element, and a second bus bar is applied to the second surface electrode of the second functional element. The first bus bar and the second bus bar are intended to be connected to a voltage source. For example, the bus bars can each be electrically connected to the voltage source via a flat conductor and / or cables. A first, higher electrical potential can then be applied to the first surface electrode via the first bus bar, for example, whereas a second, lower electrical potential is applied to the second surface electrode via the second bus bar.Due to the potential difference between the surface electrodes, the active layer changes its optical state; for example, it changes from a transparent, clear state to a light-scattering, translucent state. The voltage is applied across the entire first and second functional elements via the at least first electrically conductive bridge and the at least second electrically conductive bridge. If the functional element arrangement comprises further functional elements that are connected to the second or first functional element via further electrical bridges, the second busbar or the first busbar can also be arranged on other functional elements.

[0054] If at least the first surface electrodes are divided into several segments by means of insulation lines, a first bus bar is preferably applied to each of the segments of the first surface electrode of the first functional element. This allows the segments to be electrically contacted differently and thus change their optical state independently of one another.

[0055] The first bus bar is preferably arranged in a second section of the first functional element, and the second bus bar is preferably arranged in a second section of the second functional element. Alternatively, if the first surface electrodes are divided into segments, the first bus bars are preferably arranged in a second section of the first functional element, and the second bus bar is preferably arranged in a second section of the second functional element. In both cases, the at least one first electrically conductive bridge and the at least one second electrically conductive bridge are preferably arranged between the second section of the first functional element and the second section of the second functional element.

[0056] The first bus bars and the second bus bars are preferably each strip-shaped and preferably extend substantially parallel to one side of the surface electrode or, if the surface electrode is divided into segments, to the segment to which they are applied. In this context, “one side of the surface electrode or of the segment” means one of the sides of the geometric shape formed in a plan view of the functional element. Described using an example, when applying the second bus bar to the second surface electrode, wherein the second surface electrode is rectangular in plan view of the second functional element, this means that the bus bar extends parallel to the short side or to the long side of the rectangular-shaped functional element.If the segment or the surface electrode is circular, the busbar applied to it can also extend only partially along one side, for example in a semicircle.

[0057] Preferably, the at least one first bus bar is applied to the first surface electrode or a segment thereof by soldering or gluing, and at least the second bus bar is applied to the second surface electrode by soldering or gluing. The bus bars applied in this way are preferably in the form of a wire or strip of an electrically conductive foil. The bus bars then contain, for example, at least aluminum, copper, tin-plated copper, gold, silver, zinc, tungsten and / or tin or alloys thereof. The strip preferably has a thickness of 10 μm to 500 μm, particularly preferably of 30 μm to 300 μm. Bus bars made of electrically conductive foils with these thicknesses are technically simple to produce and have an advantageous current-carrying capacity. The strip can be electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive structure, for example, via a solder compound, via an electrically conductive adhesive, or by direct application.

[0058] Alternatively, the at least one first bus bar and / or the second bus bar is / are formed as a printed and fired-in conductive structure. The printed bus bars preferably contain at least one metal, a metal alloy, a metal compound and / or carbon, particularly preferably a noble metal and in particular silver. The printing paste preferably contains metallic particles, metal particles and / or carbon and in particular noble metal particles such as silver particles. The electrical conductivity is preferably achieved by the electrically conductive particles. The particles can be located in an organic and / or inorganic matrix such as pastes or inks, preferably as a printing paste with glass frits. This design can be manufactured quickly and easily in terms of production technology, with silver-containing materials being characterized by high electrical conductivity and relatively long-term stability.The layer thickness of the printed bus bars is preferably from 5 pm to 40 pm, more preferably from 8 pm to 20 pm, and most preferably from 8 pm to 12 pm. Printed bus bars with these thicknesses are technically simple to produce and have advantageous current-carrying capacity. The at least one first bus bar and / or the second bus bar are preferably applied to a surface of the respective surface electrode that faces the active layer of the associated functional element. This arrangement is simpler because the surface electrodes are arranged between the active layer and a carrier film and are therefore difficult to connect to a bus bar via the surface of the surface electrode facing away from the active layer.In principle, the at least one first bus bar and / or the second bus bar can also be applied to the surface of the respective surface electrode facing away from the active layer. For this purpose, the carrier foil adjacent to the respective surface electrode can, for example, have a recess through which the bus bar and the surface electrode can be connected to one another.

[0059] If something is "based" on an inorganic material, it consists predominantly of this material, in particular essentially of this material, along with any impurities or dopants. Unless otherwise stated, the specified layer thickness or thicknesses refer to the geometric thickness of a layer. If something is "based" on a polymeric material, it consists predominantly of this material, i.e., at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, and in particular at least 70%. It may therefore also contain other materials such as stabilizers or plasticizers.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first carrier film and the first surface electrode of the first functional element, which is arranged and preferably applied on the first carrier film, have a projection relative to the active layer of the first functional element in the second section. Particularly preferably, the second carrier film and the second surface electrode of the second functional element, which is arranged and preferably applied on the second carrier film, have a projection relative to the active layer of the second functional element at least in the second section. These projections of the surface electrodes enable simplified electrical contacting of the functional element. Preferably, the at least one first bus bar in the second section of the first functional element is on the first surface electrode orapplied to the segments of the first surface electrode and the second busbar is applied in the second section of the second functional element on the second surface electrode.

[0061] Preferably, the second section of the first functional element and the second section of the second functional element are opposite sections of the peripheral edge region of the functional element arrangement. They are preferably arranged such that at least 90% of the total area of ​​the first functional element and the second functional element is located between these sections. Alternatively, the second section of the first functional element and the second section of the second functional element can also be arranged not opposite each other, but offset from each other by greater than 90° and less than 180° in a plan view of the functional element arrangement.

[0062] The invention also extends to a composite pane comprising an outer pane, an inner pane, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer arranged between the inner pane and the outer pane. Furthermore, the composite pane according to the invention comprises a functional element arrangement according to the invention arranged flatly between the outer pane and the inner pane and within the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0063] Unless otherwise stated, all elements of the composite pane mentioned here which are arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane are arranged "flat". In other words: the main surfaces of these elements are arranged essentially parallel to the surfaces of the outer pane and the inner pane. The "thickness" or "layer thickness" of an element means the extent that is essentially orthogonal to the main surface of the element. The main surface of the element describes the surface of the element with the greatest extent. The first functional element and the second functional element as well as any further functional elements of the functional element arrangement are arranged side by side in a flat manner and therefore do not overlap when viewed through the composite pane.

[0064] "Within the thermoplastic intermediate layer" means that the functional element arrangement is completely enclosed by the intermediate layer, i.e., it is arranged within the boundaries of the thermoplastic intermediate layer. It is understood that additional layers, such as barrier layers, can of course be arranged between the intermediate layer and the functional element, i.e., also within the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0065] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass, particularly preferably soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, the panes can also be made of other types of glass, such as quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass, or of rigid, clear plastics, such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The panes can be clear, tinted, or colored.

[0066] The outer pane, the inner pane and / or the intermediate layer may have further suitable coatings known per se, for example anti-reflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings or sun protection coatings or low-E coatings).

[0067] The thickness of the outer and inner panes can vary widely and thus be adapted to the requirements of each individual case. The outer and inner panes preferably have thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0068] The thermoplastic intermediate layer is preferably formed as at least one thermoplastic composite film and is based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU), or mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and additionally contains additives known to those skilled in the art, such as plasticizers. The thermoplastic film preferably contains at least one plasticizer.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first opaque masking region conceals at least the at least first electrically conductive bridge and the at least second electrically conductive bridge when viewed through the composite pane from the inner pane to the outer pane. The first masking region preferably also conceals a peripheral edge region of the composite pane. Particularly preferably, the first masking region also conceals the entire first section of the first functional element and the entire first section of the second functional element as well as the region extending between the first functional element and the second functional element. In particular, a second opaque masking region conceals the same regions as the first opaque masking region when viewed through the composite pane from the outer pane to the inner pane.The first masking area is typically formed by a black masking print on the surface of the inner pane facing away from the intermediate layer. The second masking area is typically formed by a black masking print on the surface of the outer pane facing the intermediate layer. Masking prints are preferably in the form of a dark, preferably black, enamel (also called screen printing). The masking prints can serve as UV protection for the assembly adhesive of the composite pane (for example, for bonding into a vehicle). The composite pane preferably has a transmittance (according to ISO 9050:2003) for visible light of less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 1% in the opaque masking areas.The composite pane can also be semi-transparent, at least in sections, in the opaque masking areas, for example, as a dot matrix, striped matrix, or checkered matrix. Alternatively, the composite pane can also have a gradient in the opaque masking areas, for example, from an opaque coating to a semi-transparent coating.

[0070] The laminated pane is intended to separate an interior space from the exterior environment in a window opening of a vehicle or building. In this context, the term “inner pane” within the meaning of the invention refers to the pane facing the interior (vehicle interior). The term “outer pane” refers to the pane facing the exterior environment. However, the invention is not limited to this. The inner pane has an interior-side surface facing away from the intermediate layer and an exterior surface facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The interior-side surface of the inner pane is simultaneously also the interior-side surface of the laminated pane. The outer pane has an exterior surface facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer and an interior-side surface facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer.The outer surface of the outer pane is also the outer surface of the laminated pane. The laminated pane can be flat or curved in one or more directions of the room; preferably, the laminated pane is curved in one or more directions of the room.

[0071] In a further preferred embodiment of the composite pane, the thermoplastic intermediate layer comprises at least a first thermoplastic composite film and a second thermoplastic composite film. The functional element arrangement is arranged between the first thermoplastic composite film and the second thermoplastic composite film. The second thermoplastic composite film is preferably arranged between the functional element arrangement and the inner pane, and the first thermoplastic composite film is arranged between the outer pane and the functional element arrangement. During lamination of the composite pane, the first thermoplastic composite film and the second thermoplastic composite film fuse together, so that the functional element arrangement is arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer and, at the same time, the outer pane and the inner pane are firmly connected to one another via the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0072] In addition to the first thermoplastic composite film and the second thermoplastic composite film, a frame-shaped, circumferential thermoplastic composite film can also be arranged around the functional element arrangement. The functional element arrangement preferably extends only over a central region of the composite pane. The composite pane therefore has an area free of the functional element arrangement, which extends circumferentially around the functional element. This arrangement prevents moisture from penetrating the functional elements via the edge surface of the composite pane. However, such an arrangement also results in differences in thickness, which can be compensated for by the frame-shaped, circumferential thermoplastic composite film.The functional element arrangement and the frame-shaped, surrounding thermoplastic composite film together extend essentially over the entire surface of the composite pane, possibly minus an area extending between the first functional element and the second functional element. The frame-shaped, surrounding thermoplastic composite film is a component of the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0073] The active layers of the first functional element, the second functional element, and any additional functional elements each have a circumferential edge surface that faces the thermoplastic intermediate layer in the composite pane. Preferably, the circumferential edge regions of the active layer of the first functional element, the active layer of the second functional element, and the active layers of any additional functional elements and the second functional element are sealed by means of one or more barrier layers to reduce plasticizer diffusion.

[0074] For the purposes of the invention, a barrier layer "for reducing plasticizer diffusion" means that the one or more barrier layers are designed such that the diffusion of plasticizers through the one or more barrier layers is reduced compared to the plasticizer diffusion through the surrounding thermoplastic intermediate layer. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the thermoplastic intermediate layer contains at least 3% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight, particularly preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight, and in particular at least 40% by weight of a plasticizer. The plasticizer preferably contains or consists of triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate).

[0075] Plasticizers are chemicals 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 have the desired more elastic properties near the application temperature. Other 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 glycol. 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 of the formula C4H9CH(CH2CH3)CO(OCH2CH2)3O2CCH(CH2CH3)C4H9.

[0076] The invention also extends to a method for producing a composite pane, comprising the following process steps: a) The functional element arrangement and the thermoplastic intermediate layer are arranged flatly between the outer pane and the inner pane, wherein the functional element arrangement is completely surrounded by the intermediate layer and a layer stack is formed. b) The layer stack is laminated to form a composite pane (101).

[0077] The composite pane can be manufactured using conventional lamination processes, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the outer and inner panes is typically achieved using heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0078] The functional element arrangement according to the invention can be used as an arrangement within window panes, in particular insulating glazing for buildings or laminated panes for vehicles. The laminated pane according to the invention can be used in vehicles for land, air, or water transport, in particular in trains, ships, or motor vehicles, preferably as a roof pane or windshield.

[0079] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0080] They show:

[0081] Fig. 1A is a plan view of a functional element arrangement,

[0082] Fig. 1 B is a cross-sectional view of the functional element arrangement of Fig. 1A,

[0083] Fig. 2A is a plan view of a vehicle roof composite pane with a functional element arrangement,

[0084] Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle roof composite panel from Fig. 2A,

[0085] Fig. 2C is a side view of the edge surface of the functional element arrangement from Fig. 2A and

[0086] Fig. 2D shows a further side view of the edge surface of the functional element arrangement from Fig. 2A.

[0087] Figures 1A and 1B each show different aspects of an embodiment of the functional element arrangement 100 according to the invention. Figure 1A shows a plan view of the functional element arrangement 100, wherein the first functional element 1 and the second functional element 1' are arranged flatly next to one another. Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the functional element arrangement 100 from Figure 1A. The section line for the cross section is indicated in Figure 1A by a dashed line XX'.

[0088] The functional element arrangement 100 is intended, for example, to be arranged between an inner pane and an outer pane of a vehicle roof composite pane. The functional element arrangement 100 is shown flat, although it can certainly adapt to the curvature within a curved composite pane.

[0089] The functional element arrangement 100 is structurally formed from a first functional element 1, a second functional element T, a first electrically conductive bridge 7, and a second electrically conductive bridge 8. The first functional element 1 and the second functional element 1' are each, for example, PDLC functional elements. The first functional element 1 and the second functional element T each comprise, in this order, a first carrier film 2, 2', a first surface electrode 3, 3', an active layer 4, 4', a second surface electrode 5, 5', and a second carrier film 6, 6'. The carrier films 2, 2', 6, 6' of the first and second functional elements 1, T are each designed, for example, in the form of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.The surface electrodes 3, 3', 5, 5' are applied, for example, as an indium tin oxide (ITO) coating on the carrier foils 2, 2', 6, 6', with the first surface electrode 3, 3' being applied to the first carrier foil 2, 2' and the second surface electrode 5, 5' being applied to the second carrier foil 6, 6'. It is understood that each surface electrode 3, 3', 5, 5' is applied to the respective carrier foil 2, 2', 6, 6' of the functional element 1, T, of which it is itself a component. The active layer 4, 4' of each functional element 1, T is, for example, the liquid crystal layer of a generic PDLC functional element.

[0090] The first carrier film 2 and the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 as well as the second carrier film 6 and the second surface electrode 5 of the first functional element 1 have a projection U relative to the active layer 4 in a first section of the circumferential edge region A of the first functional element 1. The projection U is, for example, 1 cm; the carrier films 2, 6 and the surface electrodes 3, 5 therefore extend by, for example, 1 cm beyond the active layer 4 in the first section A of the first functional element 1. The first carrier film 2' and the first surface electrode 3' of the second functional element T as well as the second carrier film 6' and the second surface electrode 5' of the second functional element T have a projection U' relative to the active layer 4' in a first section of the circumferential edge region A' of the second functional element T.The projection U' is, for example, 1 cm; the carrier foils 2', 6' and the surface electrodes 3', 5' therefore extend, for example, 1 cm beyond the active layer 4' in the first section A' of the second functional element T. The first section A of the first functional element 1 is adjacent to the first section A' of the second functional element T. In other words, the edge surface of the active layer 4 in the first section A of the first functional element 1 faces the edge surface of the active layer 4' in the first section A' of the second functional element T and lie opposite one another in a parallel manner.

[0091] The first electrically conductive bridge 7 is applied to the protruding part U of the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 and to the protruding part U' of the first surface electrode 3' of the second functional element T. The first electrically conductive bridge 7 thus electrically connects the first surface electrodes 3, 3' to one another. The second electrically conductive bridge 8 is applied to the protruding part U of the second surface electrode 5 of the first functional element 1 and to the protruding part U' of the second surface electrode 5' of the second functional element T. The second electrically conductive bridge 7 thus electrically connects the second surface electrodes 5, 5' to one another. The electrically conductive bridges 7, 8 are designed, for example, in the form of stranded wires containing tungsten. The electrically conductive bridges 7, 8 are, for example, soldered onto the surface electrodes 3, 3', 5, 5'.The distance between the first functional element 1 and the second functional element T is, for example, 1 cm (measured from the film edge of the first carrier film 2 of the first functional element 1 in the first section A to the film edge of the first carrier film 2' of the second functional element T in the first section A').

[0092] The first carrier film 2 and the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 also have a projection relative to the active layer 4 in a second section of the circumferential edge region B of the first functional element 1. Likewise, the second carrier film 6' and the second surface electrode 5' of the second functional element T have a projection relative to the active layer 4' in a second section of the circumferential edge region B' of the second functional element T. With reference to the first functional element 1: the second section B is arranged opposite the first section A in a plan view of the functional element arrangement 100 and runs parallel to the first section A. With reference to the second functional element T: the second section B' is arranged opposite the first section A' in a plan view of the functional element arrangement 100 and runs parallel to the first section A'.The first sections A, A' of the first and second functional elements 1, T are thus arranged between the second section B of the first functional element 1 and the second section B' of the second functional element T. On the first surface electrode 3, on the projecting area in the second section B of the first functional element 1, a first busbar 10 is applied, which is intended to be connected to a voltage source (not shown here). On the second surface electrode 5', on the projecting area in the second section B' of the second functional element T, a second busbar 10' is applied, which is intended to be connected to a voltage source (not shown here). The busbars 10, 10' extend in strip form within the respective second section B, B' of the functional elements 1, T.

[0093] To control the optical properties of the functional elements 1, T, it is sufficient to apply a first electrical potential, for example, negative pole, to the first bus bar 10 and a second electrical potential, for example, positive pole, to the second bus bar 10'. The applied potentials can be transmitted via the electrically conductive bridges 7, 8. By using two functional elements 1, 1' connected in this way instead of one, in its extension of the functional element arrangement

[0094] 100 functional elements, the arrangement is also suitable for use in highly curved composite panes without the formation of wrinkles. At the same time, both functional elements 1 , T do not need to be electrically connected separately, which saves material and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0095] Reference is now made to Figures 2A to 2D. Figures 2A to 2D show a composite pane 101 according to the invention, which is equipped with a functional element arrangement 100. The functional element arrangement 100 is essentially constructed as described for Figures 1A and 1B, so only the differences will be discussed here, and otherwise reference is made to the description of Figures 1A and 1B.

[0096] Figures 2A to 2D each show different aspects of an embodiment of the composite pane 101 according to the invention, or of the functional element arrangement 100 inserted therein. Figure 2A shows a plan view of the composite pane 101. Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the composite pane 100 from Figure 2A. The section line for the cross section is indicated in Figure 2A by a dashed line XX'. Figure 2C shows a side view of the circumferential edge surface of the functional element arrangement 100, which is inserted in the composite pane 100 from Figures 2A and 2B. The figure shows a further side view of the circumferential edge surface of the functional element arrangement 100, which is inserted in the composite pane 100 from Figures 2A and 2B.

[0097] The composite pane 101 is designed as a vehicle roof pane. The composite pane

[0098] 101 comprises an outer pane 11, an inner pane 12, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 13 arranged between the outer pane 11 and the inner pane 12. The functional element arrangement 100 is arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer 13. The first functional element 1 and the second functional element 1' are arranged flatly within the composite pane 101. They extend over a see-through area of ​​the composite pane 100, which is delimited by a masking area 14 in the circumferential edge area of ​​the composite pane 100. The masking area 14 also extends over the area between the first functional element 1 and the second functional element 1' as well as the electrical bridges 7, 8 arranged there. The masking area 14 is applied as a cover print to a surface IV of the inner pane 12 facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer 13, on the interior side.The masking region 14 is also applied to an interior-side surface II of the outer pane 11 facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer 13. The outer pane 11 also has an exterior surface I facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer 13. The inner pane 12 also has an exterior surface III facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer 13.

[0099] The outer pane 11 and the inner pane 12 are made of soda-lime glass, for example, and each have a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 13 is made of, for example, PVB and has a layer thickness of 0.5 mm.

[0100] In contrast to the functional element arrangement 100 of Figures 1A and 1B, the functional elements 1, 1' are divided here into a plurality of segments S, S'. Both the first and the second functional element 1, T are each divided into 3 segments S, S'. The functional elements 1, T are divided into the segments S, S' via insulation lines 9, 9', which were introduced, for example, by means of laser radiation. The insulation lines 9, 9' run essentially orthogonal to the edge of the functional elements 1, 1' in the respective first section A, A' and to the edge in the respective second section B, B'. Figures 2C and 2D show the insulation lines 9, 9' of the first and second functional elements 1, 1', respectively. Figures 2C and 2D each show a side view of the circumferential edge surface of the respective functional element 1, T in the second section B, B'. The viewing direction is indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. 2A.The insulation lines 9, 9' are, for example, 2 mm wide. The insulation lines 9, 9' divide the first carrier foils 2, 2', the first surface electrodes 3, 3', and the active layers 4, 4' into segments. Three segments 1S, 1S' are formed from the first carrier foils 2, 2', each for the first and second functional elements 1, T. The same applies to the first surface electrodes 3, 3' and the active layers 4, 4'; these are also each divided into three segments 2S, 2S', 3S, 3S', each for the first and second functional elements 1, T.

[0101] A first busbar 10 is applied to each segment 2S of the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 and is connected to a voltage source 16 via a current line 15, for example a flat conductor. The first segment 2S of the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 is connected to the first segment 2S' of the first surface electrode 3' of the second functional element 1' by means of an electrically conductive bridge 7, the second segment 2S of the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 is connected to the second segment 2S' of the first surface electrode 3' of the second functional element 1' by means of an electrically conductive bridge 7, and the third segment 2S of the first surface electrode 3 of the first functional element 1 is connected to the first segment 2S' of the first surface electrode 3' of the second functional element 1' by means of an electrically conductive bridge 7 (not shown here).A second busbar 10' is applied to the second surface electrode 3', which is connected to a voltage source 16 via a current line 15, for example a flat conductor.

[0102] By segmenting and separately contacting the three first bus bars 10 with the voltage source 16, the segments S, S' of the functional elements 1, 1' can be electrically controlled independently of one another, whereby, however, only the first segment S of the first functional element 1 can be controlled jointly with the first segment S' of the second functional element T, etc.

[0103] List of reference symbols

[0104] 1 first functional element

[0105] S segment of the first functional element 1

[0106] 2 first carrier film of the first functional element 1

[0107] 1 S Segment of the first carrier foil 2

[0108] 3 first surface electrode of the first functional element 1

[0109] 2S segment of the first surface electrode 3

[0110] 4 active layer of the first functional element 1

[0111] 3S segment of the active layer 4

[0112] 5 second surface electrode of the first functional element 1

[0113] 6 second carrier film of the first functional element 1

[0114] T second functional element

[0115] S' segment of the second functional element T

[0116] 2' first carrier film of the second functional element T

[0117] 1 S' Segment of the first carrier foil 2'

[0118] 3' first surface electrode of the second functional element T

[0119] 2S' segment of the first surface electrode 3'

[0120] 4' active layer of the second functional element T

[0121] 3S' segment of the active layer 4'

[0122] 5' second surface electrode of the second functional element T

[0123] 6' second carrier film of the second functional element T

[0124] 7 first electrically conductive bridge

[0125] 8 second electrically conductive bridge

[0126] 9 Insulation line of the first functional element 1

[0127] 9' Insulation line of the second functional element T

[0128] 10 first busbar on the first surface electrode 3, 3'

[0129] 10' second bus bar on the second surface electrode 5, 5'

[0130] 11 Outer pane

[0131] 12 inner pane

[0132] 13 thermoplastic intermediate layer

[0133] 14 Masking area

[0134] 15 power line

[0135] 16 Voltage source 100 Functional element arrangement

[0136] 101 Composite pane

[0137] I outside surface of the outer pane 11

[0138] II Interior surface of the outer pane 11

[0139] III outer surface of the inner pane 12

[0140] IV Interior surface of the inner pane 12

[0141] A first section of the peripheral edge area of ​​the first

[0142] Functional element 1

[0143] A' first section of the peripheral edge area of ​​the second

[0144] Functional element 1'

[0145] B second section of the peripheral edge area of ​​the first

[0146] Functional element 1

[0147] B' second section of the peripheral edge area of ​​the second

[0148] Functional element 1'

[0149] XX' cutting line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Functional element arrangement (100) for a composite pane (101) at least comprising: a first functional element (1) and a second functional element (1'), each in this order comprising a first carrier film (2, 2'), a first surface electrode (3, 3'), an active layer (4, 4') with electrically controllable optical properties, a second surface electrode (5, 5') and a second carrier film (6, 6'), wherein at least one first electrically conductive bridge (7) electrically connects the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) to the first surface electrode (3') of the second functional element (T) and at least one second electrically conductive bridge (8) electrically connects the second surface electrode (5) of the first functional element (1) to the second surface electrode (5') of the second functional element (T), and wherein the first functional element (1) and the second functional element (T) are provided forto be arranged flat next to each other., 2. Functional element arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first carrier film (2) and the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) have a projection (U) relative to the active layer (4) in a first section (A) of the circumferential edge region of the first functional element (1), and the first carrier film (2') and the first surface electrode (3') of the second functional element (T) have a projection (U') relative to the active layer (4') in a first section (A') of the circumferential edge region of the second functional element (T), wherein the at least first electrically conductive bridge (7) is applied to the projection (II) of the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) and to the projection (U') of the first surface electrode (3') of the second functional element (T).

3. Functional element arrangement (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second carrier film (6) and the second surface electrode (5) of the first functional element (1) have a projection (II) to the active layer (4) in the first section (A) of the first functional element (1) and the second carrier film (6') and the second surface electrode (5') of the second functional element (T) have a projection (U') relative to the active layer (4') in the first section (A') of the second functional element (T), wherein the at least second electrically conductive bridge (8) is applied to the projection (II) of the second surface electrode (5) of the first functional element (1) and to the projection (U') of the second surface electrode (5') of the second functional element (T), and wherein the first section (A) of the first functional element (1) adjoins the first section (A') of the second functional element (T).

4. Functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least first electrically conductive bridge (7) and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge (8) contain, preferably consist of, copper and / or tungsten.

5. Functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least first electrically conductive bridge (7) and / or the at least second electrically conductive bridge (8) are designed in the form of a wire or a stranded wire.

6. Functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first functional element (1) and the second functional element (T) are a PDLC functional element.

7. Functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) and the first surface electrode (3') of the second functional element (T) are each divided into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments (2S, 2S') by means of insulation lines (9, 9'), wherein each segment (2S) of the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) is electrically conductively connected to a segment (2S') of the first surface electrode (3') of the second functional element (T) by means of at least one first electrically conductive bridge (7), so that each segment (2S') of the first surface electrode (2S') of the second functional element (T) is electrically conductively connected to exactly one segment (2S) of the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1).

8. Functional element arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the insulation lines (9) also divide the first carrier film (2) of the first functional element (1) and the first carrier film (2') of the second functional element (T) into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments (1S, 1S').

9. Functional element arrangement (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the insulation lines (9) also divide the active layer (4) of the first functional element (1) and the active layer (4') of the second functional element (T) into at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four, segments (3S, 3S').

10. Functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a first busbar (10) is applied to each of the segments (2S) of the first surface electrode (3) of the first functional element (1) and a second busbar (11) is applied to the second surface electrode (5') of the second functional element (T).

11. Functional element arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first bus bars (10) are arranged in a second section (B) of the circumferential edge region of the first functional element (1) and the second bus bar (11) is arranged in a second section (B') of the circumferential edge region of the second functional element (T) and wherein the first electrically conductive bridges (7) and the second electrically conductive bridge (8) are arranged between the second section (B) of the first functional element (1) and the second section (B') of the second functional element (1').

12. Composite pane (101), comprising - an outer pane (11), an inner pane (12) and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (13) arranged therebetween and - a functional element arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, arranged flatly and within the thermoplastic intermediate layer (13).

13. Composite pane (101) according to claim 12, wherein an opaque masking region (14) covers at least the at least first electrically conductive bridge (7) and the at least second electrically conductive bridge (8) when viewed through the composite pane (101) from the inner pane (12) to the outer pane (11).

14. Composite pane (101) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the composite pane (101) is curved in one or more directions of space.

15. A method for producing a composite pane (101) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a) the functional element arrangement (100) and the thermoplastic intermediate layer (13) are arranged flat between the outer pane (11) and the inner pane (12) so that a layer stack is formed, wherein the functional element arrangement (100) is completely surrounded by the intermediate layer (13) and b) the layer stack is laminated to form a composite pane (101).

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