Vehicle roof pane with integrated hidden switching element for opening and closing the door

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle roof pane (100) comprising a composite pane having an outer pane (2) with an outer side (I) and an inner side (II) and having an inner pane (3) with an outer side (III) and an inner side (IV), the outer pane and inner pane being connected to each other via a multi-ply thermoplastic intermediate layer (4), wherein the outer pane (2) has black printing (5) at least in portions of its edge region, characterized in that a sensor switching element (6) operable from the outside for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) in the edge region of the vehicle roof pane (100) beneath the black printing (5), in that the composite pane comprises at least one other functional element (8, 13) with electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system, and in that electrically conductive structures are arranged inside the composite pane for supplying power to and / or controlling the sensor switching element (6), wherein the electrically conductive structures are also used by the at least one other functional element (8, 13).

Description

[0001] Vehicle roof window with integrated invisible switching element for opening and closing the door

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle roof window with an integrated invisible switching element for opening and closing the door.

[0003] In the development of modern vehicles, there is a trend to dispense with door handles, door locks, and other functional elements on the side of the vehicle, or at least to make them smaller, due to better aerodynamics and a minimalist design that is perceived as modern. Examples of this include current vehicle models or vehicle concepts from Ford or BMW, which do not have door handles and have significantly reduced rear-view mirrors. In this context, it is also known to arrange a sensor switching element in the area of ​​the B-pillar for opening and closing the door, as described, for example, in DE 202021103109 U1. It is also known to provide sensor switching elements in a composite pane of a vehicle roof, as shown, for example, in the publications WO 2018 / 002707 A1 or WO 2022 / 180065 A1.

[0004] All of the aforementioned arrangements of a sensor switching element in a composite pane have in common that the sensor switching element is placed in an electrically conductive functional layer. If a sensor switching element is formed in such a functional layer, this generally requires costly stripping of the functional layer using a laser beam to introduce the structuring separating lines, but in any case the introduction of at least one separating line, albeit in a simpler way, such as by an opaque cover print. Furthermore, the sensor switching element is limited to the design of the functional layer. In particular, the sensor switching element must necessarily be formed on the same pane side as the functional layer to be switched.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor switching element for opening and closing the door(s), which makes it possible to completely dispense with functional door elements. The aim is to provide an arrangement that is as unobtrusive as possible, while also allowing the driver to maintain an ergonomic position during operation. The sensor switching element is to be integrated into an existing window structure as simply as possible and independently of an electrically conductive functional layer. This allows greater freedom in combining a sensor switching element with various other functions of the vehicle roof window.

[0006] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a vehicle roof window according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0007] The invention relates to a vehicle roof window comprising a composite pane with an outer pane having an outer side I and an inner side II and an inner pane having an outer side III and an inner side IV, which are connected to one another via a multi-layer thermoplastic intermediate layer, wherein the outer pane has a black print at least in sections in its edge region.According to the invention, it is provided that an externally operable sensor switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in the edge region of the vehicle roof window below the black print, that the composite window comprises at least one other functional element with an electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system and that electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the composite window for the power supply and / or control of the sensor switching element, wherein the electrically conductive structures are also used by the at least one other functional element.

[0008] The composite pane of the vehicle roof window according to the invention comprises an outer pane with an outer side I and an inner side II and an inner pane with an outer side III and an inner side IV, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. This composite pane is intended to separate the (vehicle) interior from the external environment as a vehicle roof or at least as a significant part of a vehicle roof. For the purposes of the invention, the inner pane refers to the pane facing the interior. The outer pane refers to the pane facing the external environment. The intermediate layer serves to connect the two panes, as is usual with composite panes.

[0009] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass. However, they can also be made of plastic. The thickness of the outer and inner panes can vary widely and can be adapted to individual requirements, ensuring that the safety standards required in vehicle construction are met. The outer and inner panes preferably have thicknesses of 0.4 mm to 3.5 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The panes can be clear, tinted, or colored.

[0010] The thermoplastic intermediate layer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic material, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) or mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), very particularly preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and additives known to the person skilled in the art, such as plasticizers.

[0011] More preferably, the thermoplastic intermediate layer contains at least 60 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 70 wt.%, in particular at least 90 wt.% and for example at least 97 wt.% polyvinyl butyral.

[0012] The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by several thermoplastic films arranged one above the other, wherein the thickness of a thermoplastic film is preferably from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0013] The outer pane has the black print at least in sections, preferably all the way around, in its edge area. "All the way around" in the context of the invention means that the black print surrounds the part of the outer pane intended for viewing in a frame-like manner. The black print runs along the peripheral edge area of ​​the outer pane, which is directly adjacent to the peripheral edge of the outer pane.

[0014] Suitable materials and methods for forming such a black print are already known. For example, Saint-Gobain Glass France has developed a PVB printing technology in the past, which is described in more detail in patent applications FR2928929, FR2969957, FR2974103 and WG2014020261. This technology consists of applying a compatible ink to the corresponding areas of a PVB interlayer, wherein the ink is, in particular, black. If the black print is applied as a colored ink to a PVB interlayer, the colored area of ​​the PVB interlayer is in direct contact with the inner side II of the outer pane, so that the outer pane is provided with the black print. The colored PVB interlayer is preferably the thermoplastic interlayer. The black print can equally be provided as an enamel in the edge region of the outer pane.Its primary purpose is to visually conceal the areas of the laminated glass that are bonded to the body. At the same time, these areas can be used to house electrical wiring to various functional layers or switches, allowing the wires to be routed invisibly to the required connection areas. In particular, the width of such black print in the edge area of ​​the laminated glass can vary and be adapted to the vehicle manufacturer's design specifications.

[0015] According to the invention, a sensor switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in the edge area of ​​the vehicle roof window below the black print. The term "vehicle door" refers to both the passenger doors and the trunk door.

[0016] According to the invention, the sensor switching element is preferably configured as a switching element for opening and closing the vehicle door. The sensor switching element is provided with conventional electrical connections and terminals and is expediently functionally connected to corresponding control electronics.

[0017] The switching element thus formed can preferably be designed as a camera, an NFC sensor, a TOF camera, and in particular a capacitive sensor, preferably a touch or proximity sensor.

[0018] It is known that an arrangement of two electrodes generates an electric field through dielectric material. When an object approaches the dielectric material, the charge distribution and the resulting electric field are influenced. Using suitable evaluation electronics, the change in the electric field can be detected and a switching process triggered. In this context, it is also known to form sensor buttons using a line or surface electrode or an arrangement of two coupled electrodes, for example as capacitive sensor buttons. Examples can be found in US 2007 / 0194216 A1. When an object approaches the sensor button, the capacitance of the surface electrode with respect to ground or the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two coupled electrodes changes.The change in capacitance is measured via a circuit arrangement or sensor electronics, and when a threshold value is exceeded, a switching signal is triggered. Circuit arrangements for capacitive switches are known, for example, from DE 20 2006 006 192 U1, EP 0 899 882 A1, US 6,452,514 B1, and EP 1515211 A1. Sensor electronics for a capacitive sensor switching element is also known, for example, from DE 20 2005 010 379 U1. In a simple embodiment, the capacitance of the sensor switching element is measured by a capacitance / voltage converter. The sensor switching element is charged to a predetermined voltage by sensor electronics. The current flow required for charging is measured and converted into a voltage signal. The sensor switching element is then discharged and recharged to the predetermined voltage. A change in the capacitance of the sensor switching element can be measured by the change in the voltage signal.The capacitance of the sensor switching element to earth changes when a grounded body, such as a human, comes close to it or touches it. Alternatively, the sensor switching element can contain two regions, and the capacitance between the two regions can be measured.

[0019] In a configuration suitable for simple switching functions, the sensor switching element comprises two parallel or concentric conductors with a contact switching section spaced between 0.3 and 1.5 cm, particularly between 0.5 and 1 cm, from each other. The conductor spacing must be dimensioned to ensure reliable implementation of a switching function using a finger or even the thumb of an adult and may, if necessary, also be outside the range specified here.

[0020] A change in capacitance can also be detected by a non-oscillating oscillator, which is caused to oscillate by the change in capacitance. Alternatively, an oscillating oscillator can be damped so strongly that its oscillation ceases. Sensor electronics with an oscillator are known from EP 0 899 882 A1.

[0021] The sensor electronics preferably measures the capacitance of an electrically conductive coating to ground or the capacitance of two or more areas of an electrically conductive coating to each other. If a change in capacitance is detected, the sensor electronics outputs a control signal to control the door's opening or closing circuit by applying a suitable control voltage to the door lock.

[0022] An NFC sensor can also be used as a switching element. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a contactless data transmission based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. NFC technology enables communication over short distances, which in this case can be used to identify the driver and subsequently control the opening and closing of the door. Contactless data transmission can be carried out using a smartphone, smartwatch, or the driver's key, for example.

[0023] A camera can also be used as the recognition element of the sensor switching element. This makes it possible to identify the driver, for example, using fingerprint or facial recognition. The same applies to a TOF (time-of-flight) camera. It can, for example, recognize gestures in real time and, based on these, trigger the switching process for opening or closing the door.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle roof window according to the invention, the sensor switching element is designed as a capacitive touch sensor having at least one touch area and at least one supply area. The supply area comprises electrically conductive structures. The touch area is intended to be used by an operator of the sensor switching element by bringing their finger closer to the touch area or by touching it with their fingertip, whereas the supply area serves to connect the touch area to a voltage source, in particular to control electronics. The at least one touch area is preferably larger than the at least one supply area.The sensitivity of the touch sensor can, for example, be configured such that a switching signal is only output when a person touches the inner side IV of the inner pane or the outer side I of the outer pane in the area of ​​the touch area, while touching the pane surfaces above the supply area does not trigger a switching signal. This can be optimized alternatively or additionally by a suitable choice of the geometries of the touch area and supply area. For example, the supply area can have a small width and a large length, whereas the touch area is preferably approximately square, round, circular, or drop-shaped and thus has a suitable touchable surface, for example for one or more human fingers or a palm. The switch is fully integrated into the pane according to the invention.This means that there is no need for a switch as a separate component that has to be attached to or in the window.

[0025] According to the invention, the sensor switching element is located in the edge area of ​​the vehicle roof window below the black print. For the purposes of the invention, "below the black print" means that the black print completely conceals the sensor element when viewed from the outside. The sensor element is therefore not visually detectable when viewed through the vehicle roof window, from the outer pane to the inner pane. This has various advantages. On the one hand, it supports the requirement of many modern vehicle designs to have as few add-on parts and visible or highlighted elements on the exterior of the vehicle body as possible in order to create a minimalist, clear design language or a more monolithic appearance, which is currently perceived as particularly high-quality. In addition, the position of the sensor switching element can be concealed to create greater security.The positioning in the vehicle roof is also advantageous because it allows the driver to maintain an ergonomic, upright posture when operating the device without having to bend their hand.

[0026] According to the invention, the composite pane comprises at least one other functional element with an electrical connection to the vehicle's electrical system. This other functional element can also be referred to as an additional functional layer.

[0027] The further functional layer can comprise a light-directing structure, preferably an LED light-directing structure. Such a structure allows light emitted by an illuminating means, in particular an LED illuminating means, to be coupled into the pane. For this purpose, a corresponding illuminating means, preferably one or more LEDs, is additionally provided. The illuminating means is preferably arranged such that the light emitted by it can be coupled into the light-directing structure. In this embodiment, the associated illuminating means also utilizes the current-conducting structure, for example, in the form of a shared plug.

[0028] The lighting source is preferably an LED module (LED - light-emitting diode).

[0029] For the purposes of the invention, "light-directing structure" means a light-conducting medium, preferably a glass pane, a polymeric layer, in particular a plastic pane, which is designed such that light can be coupled into the light-directing structure by utilizing the effect of total internal reflection, and is also suitable for guiding coupled-in light. The principle of light conduction or light guidance by means of total internal reflection is generally known to those skilled in the art and is described in more detail, for example, in WO2008 / 047442A1, JP2011086547A or JP2015043321A. In a preferred embodiment, a light source is arranged in the vicinity of the sensor switching element so that the sensor switching element can be illuminated or illuminated by the light source. This is particularly advantageous for transparent, invisible or barely visible buttons, since this makes it possible to reliably touch the button and reliably trigger the switching process.The illumination is particularly advantageous at night or in the dark, as it allows the button to be quickly located. In particular, the light source emits light in the immediate vicinity of the sensor switching element in such a way that the sensor switching element is illuminated for the user. "Immediate vicinity" here preferably means a distance of up to 10 cm, particularly preferably from 0 cm to 3 cm, and most preferably from 1 cm to 3 cm. Alternatively, the illumination can also be used to provide the user with feedback on the successful activation of the opening or closing process.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the pane according to the invention, the illuminating means is arranged on one of the surfaces of the outer pane or in a recess in the outer pane. In a composite pane according to the invention, the illuminating means can also be arranged on one of the surfaces of the intermediate layer or in a recess in the intermediate layer. Illuminating means arranged in this way have the particular advantage of being particularly bright.

[0031] The light-directing structure is particularly preferably a light-directing layer. To couple the light out of the vehicle roof window, the light-directing layer preferably comprises elements for light scattering. These light-scattering elements are particularly preferably particles, dot matrixes, stickers, deposits, notches, incisions, line matrixes, prints, and / or screen prints. The light-scattering elements are preferably formed as particles, dot matrixes, stickers, deposits, notches, incisions, line matrixes, prints, and / or screen prints on or in the light-directing structure. The light-directing layer can form a single, continuous surface. Alternatively, the light-directing layer can form two or more separate surfaces.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illumination means is arranged relative to the light-directing structure in such a way that the light emitted by the illumination means is coupled into the light-directing structure. Preferably, the light-directing structure comprises light-scattering elements, at least in the region of the sensor switching element, which decouple the coupled light from the light-directing structure and thus also from the vehicle roof window. As a result, the sensor switching element is indirectly illuminated by the decoupled light and is clearly visible to a user.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the composite pane for supplying power to and / or controlling the sensor switching element. The electrically conductive structure comprises, for example, or consists of at least one flat conductor. The sensor switching element is preferably connected to at least one external control electronics unit via the at least one flat conductor. The control electronics unit is tailored to the respective intended use and, when the sensor switching element is triggered, can trigger a mechanism for opening or closing a door. The sensor switching element can have a connection area for connection to the flat conductor. The flat conductor is connected to the connection area of ​​the sensor switching element via an electrical line connection, preferably by soldering, clamping, or using an electrically conductive adhesive.This allows the contacts to be routed out of or away from the pane easily and with minimal visibility to the user. The flat conductor is preferably connected to the connection area at the edge of the pane and can be covered, for example, by a frame, other fastening elements, or a screen-printed cover.

[0034] According to the invention, the electrically conductive structures are shared by other functional elements, such as the aforementioned electrically manipulable transmission-regulating layers or a light source (illumination element). They can be connected in a similar manner, for example, to a flat conductor and thus connected, for example, to an external power supply or control electronics. This results in synergies that can primarily be achieved through material savings, simplified production, and resource-efficient shared use of the on-board electronics.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply of the vehicle roof window and the connection to the central vehicle control system are provided by external cabling, in particular by one or two plug-in connectors. This not only eliminates the need for individual supply lines to the electrically operated layers or elements, but also significantly simplifies the installation of the vehicle roof window during vehicle assembly or during a repair replacement.

[0036] A liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission can also be provided in the composite pane according to the invention. In this case, the transmissive properties of the coating can be electrically controlled. Examples include the well-known PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional layers. Alternatively, SPD (suspended particle device), electrochromic, or electroluminescent layers can also be present with the same function.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the sensor switching element by a region of the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0038] In this way, a modern, controllable dimming system can be provided without the need for a complex separation of the electrical conductivity from the sensor switching element. Due to the insulating effect of the thermoplastic intermediate layer, it is sufficient to maintain an easily determined minimum distance between the liquid crystal layer and the sensor switching element. At the same time, supply lines to the functional elements or the functional layer can still be shared.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle roof window has one or more additional functional layer(s).

[0040] For reasons of energy conservation and comfort, glazing must meet stringent requirements, for example, with regard to its thermal insulation properties. It is desirable to avoid excessive heat gain from solar radiation, which leads to excessive heating of the interior and, in turn, high energy costs for the necessary air conditioning. Therefore, various functional layers are available that, either individually or in combination, produce excellent thermal insulation properties.

[0041] The additional functional layer is preferably a LowE coating (emissivity-reducing coating), a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission, an IR-reflective coating, a tinted thermoplastic layer, a second black print area, and / or an LED light-directing structure. A LowE (low emissivity) coating is a coating that reduces emissivity. The emissivity-reducing coating can also be referred to as a thermal radiation-reflecting coating or a low-emissivity coating. Such coatings are known, for example, from WO2013 / 131667A1. Emissivity is the measure that indicates how much thermal radiation the pane emits into an interior space in the installed position compared to an ideal thermal radiator (a blackbody).The emissivity-reducing coating prevents heat from entering the interior (IR components of solar radiation and, in particular, the thermal radiation from the pane itself) and from escaping it. It exhibits reflective properties against infrared radiation, particularly against thermal radiation in the spectral range from 5 pm to 50 pm (see also standard DIN EN 12898:2019-06). This effectively improves thermal comfort in the interior. At high outside temperatures and in sunlight, the emissivity-reducing coating can at least partially reflect the thermal radiation emitted by the entire pane toward the interior. At low outside temperatures, the emissivity-reducing coating can effectively reflect the thermal radiation emitted from the interior, thus reducing the effect of the cold pane as a heat sink.The emissivity-reducing coating preferably contains at least one electrically conductive layer based on a transparent conductive oxide, which provides reflective properties against thermal radiation. The layer based on the transparent conductive oxide is also referred to below as a TCO layer. TCO layers are corrosion-resistant and can be used on exposed surfaces. The TCO layer is preferably based on indium tin oxide (ITO), but can alternatively be based on indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F), or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb). The LowE layer prevents the vehicle roof window from cooling down or heating up too much, thereby better protecting electronic components such as the sensor switching element from temperature damage.The term IR-reflective coating preferably refers to a sun protection coating that has reflective properties in the near infrared range, for example, in the range from 800 nm to 1500 nm. A sun protection coating preferably comprises at least one thin, transparent metallic layer embedded between at least one dielectric layer. Silver has emerged as the preferred metal for the metallic layer because it has a relatively neutral color effect and also selectively reflects infrared radiation outside the visible range of solar radiation. The dielectric layers have the task of improving the optical properties of the coated pane through their refractive indices and protecting the metallic functional layer from oxidation.Such sun protection coatings, which can be produced using reactive sputtering, for example, are used extensively in glazing for buildings and also in motor vehicles. In most cases, coating systems with two silver functional layers, but also three or four silver functional layers, are used because their efficiency—i.e., the reflection of infrared radiation outside the visible range relative to the transmission of visible radiation—is greater. Suitable sun protection coatings are known, for example, from WO2013 / 104439A1 and DE 19927683C1. The IR-reflective coating prevents the vehicle roof window from overheating, thereby better protecting electronic components such as the sensor switching element from temperature damage.

[0042] The aforementioned functional layers have in common that they have electrically conductive properties. If such layers or regions are provided in the vehicle roof window according to the invention, a minimum distance from the sensor switching element is maintained for electrical insulation. Preferably, such functional layers are at least 1 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm, and in particular at least 1 cm from the sensor switching element. It is not necessary to incorporate a special insulating material. The electrically insulating properties of the thermoplastic intermediate layer in which the sensor switching element is embedded are generally sufficient.

[0043] Alternatively or cumulatively, the composite pane of the present invention can comprise a tinted thermoplastic layer or a second black print area. In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof pane according to the invention, an IR-reflective coating is arranged on the inner side II of the outer pane and a low-E coating is arranged on the inner side IV of the inner pane. This combination is particularly advantageous with regard to a vehicle roof, as it allows very good thermal insulation to be achieved and thus also protects the sensor switching element from damage caused by excessively high or low temperatures. The roof surface of a vehicle also contributes significantly to the heating of the vehicle interior.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the composite pane has at least one illumination means, preferably an LED module, and an LED light-directing structure, wherein the control of the illumination means is communicatively connected to the control of the sensor switching element.

[0045] The communicative connection allows for visual confirmation of the activation of the sensor switch element, for example, by illuminating, displaying a color change, or extinguishing the light. Additionally, by detecting the driver using other sensors, the position of the otherwise invisible sensor switch element can be indicated by activating the light before activation occurs.

[0046] Method aspects of the invention largely result from the device aspects explained above and are therefore not explained again here.

[0047] Within the scope of the present invention, all embodiments mentioned for individual features can also be freely combined with one another, provided they are not contradictory.

[0048] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way. It shows:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vehicle roof window according to the invention, and

[0050] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vehicle roof window according to the invention. Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a possible stacking sequence of a vehicle roof window 100 according to the invention in a first embodiment. The vehicle roof window 100 comprises an outer pane 2 and an inner pane 3, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 connects the outer side III of the inner pane 2 to the inner side II of the outer pane 2. In the embodiment shown, the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 is a composite of several thermoplastic layers 4a, 4b, 4c. The thermoplastic layer 4 is preferably a PVB layer, wherein the individual PVB layers 4a, 4b and 4c can each have a thickness of 0.38 mm, for example.Shown in particular is an edge region of the composite pane, in which a black print 5 is arranged on the inner side II of the outer pane 2. Below the black print 5, the vehicle roof pane 100 has a sensor switching element 6, which is embedded in the multi-layer thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. This can be achieved, for example, by inserting corresponding sensor components into a cutout of the intermediate layer 4c before laminating the composite pane. The black print 5 completely conceals the sensor switching element 6 when viewed through the vehicle roof pane 100 from an external environment (viewing direction from the outer pane 2 to the inner pane 3). The sensor switching element 6 is preferably transparent, and in any case preferably not visible when viewed externally from the interior when viewed through the vehicle roof pane 100 (viewing direction from the inner pane 3 to the outer pane 2).The inner pane 3 has a second black print 11 on its outer side III. This protects the sensor switching element 6 from light influences and simultaneously reinforces the masking effect of connections or adhesive points in the edge region of the composite pane. As an additional comfort component against excessive heat build-up in the vehicle interior, a layer with low emissivity (LowE coating) 7 is provided on the inner side IV of the inner pane 3. It comprises, for example, a conductive ITO layer together with dielectric layers and has a thickness of 400 nm. In the embodiment shown, a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer) is provided. The layer, like the sensor switching element 6, is embedded in the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The detail shows that the PDLC layer is arranged in a recess in the intermediate layer 4c.A minimum distance from the sensor switching element 6 is maintained to ensure safe and sufficient electrical insulation. The liquid crystal layer 8 is connected to the vehicle's electrical system by means of an electrical connection, whereby the electrically conductive structures arranged internally in the vehicle roof window 100 for supplying power to and / or controlling the sensor switching element 6 are also utilized by the liquid crystal layer 8.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a variation of the structure for a vehicle roof window 100 according to the invention from Figure 1 in a schematic sectional view. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 is again designed in multiple layers with the layers 4a, 4b and 4c as well as with the additionally provided tinted intermediate layer 10. The tint of the additional intermediate layer 10 can, for example, be gray. Equivalently, embodiments are also included in which one of the other thermoplastic intermediate layers 4a, 4b, 4c is tinted, in particular gray. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in the present embodiment of the invention, a sensor switching element 6 is embedded below the black print 5 in the intermediate layer 4 designed as a PVB layer.Likewise, the embodiment has a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer), which is arranged in the intermediate layer 4c above the tinted intermediate layer 10. The combination of the LowE coating, the tinted intermediate layer 10, and the liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission 8 (PDLC layer) allows for the greatest possible comfort with regard to regulating heat radiation, heat dissipation, and visibility through the roof pane. Furthermore, an illumination device 13, for example an LED module, is arranged in the edge region of the composite pane on the outside III of the inner pane 3. The light from the illumination device 13 can be coupled into the composite pane, more precisely into a light-directing layer 12, via a reflective prismatic film (not shown here), which is arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.Below the tinted thermoplastic intermediate layer 10, the light-directing structure 12 is provided as a light-directing layer. The illuminating means 13 radiates visible light perpendicular to the outer side III of the inner pane 3 into the vehicle window 100. The light from the illuminating means 13 passes through the inner pane 3, the layer 4b, and then the light-directing layer 12, and strikes the reflective prismatic film, which is arranged, for example, between the tinted thermoplastic layer 10 and the light-directing layer 12. The light is at least partially reflected by the prismatic film at such an angle that it is coupled into the light-directing layer 12 by utilizing the effect of total internal reflection. The light-directing layer 12 can consist of a PET carrier layer provided with light-diffusing elements 14.The light-diffusing elements 14 serve to couple out the light coupled into the light-directing layer 12, so that the vehicle roof window 100 is illuminated. Depending on the size and design of the light-diffusing elements 14, the light can be coupled out either over the entire surface or in desired patterns or areas. This can provide visual confirmation of the actuation of the sensor switching element 6, illumination to indicate the position or readiness of the sensor switching element 6, or ambient lighting independent of the sensor switching element 6. The illumination means 13 is connected to the vehicle's electrical system by means of an electrical connection, wherein the electrically conductive structures arranged internally in the vehicle roof window 100 for supplying power to and / or controlling the sensor switching element 6 are preferably also used by the illumination means 13.

[0052] List of reference symbols

[0053] 100 vehicle roof windows

[0054] 2 outer pane

[0055] 3 inner pane

[0056] 4 Intermediate layer

[0057] 4a first layer of the intermediate layer 4

[0058] 4b second layer of the intermediate layer 4

[0059] 4c third layer of the intermediate layer 4

[0060] 5 Black printing

[0061] 6 Sensor switching element

[0062] 7 LowE coating

[0063] 8 Liquid crystal layer

[0064] 10 tinted thermoplastic layer

[0065] 11 second black printing area

[0066] 12 Light-directing structure

[0067] 13 Lighting

[0068] 14 light-scattering elements

[0069] I Outside of the outer pane

[0070] II Inside of the outer pane

[0071] III Outside of the inner pane

[0072] IV Inside of the inner pane

Claims

Patent claims 1. A vehicle roof window (100) comprising a composite pane with an outer pane (2) having an outer side (I) and an inner side (II), and an inner pane (3) having an outer side (III) and an inner side (IV), which are connected to one another via a multi-layer thermoplastic intermediate layer (4), wherein the outer pane (2) has a black print (5) at least in sections in its edge region, characterized in that an externally operable sensor switching element (6) for opening and closing the vehicle door is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) in the edge region of the vehicle roof window (100) below the black print (5), that the composite pane comprises at least one other functional element (8, 13) with an electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system, and that electrically conductive structures are arranged internally in the composite pane for power supply and / or control of the sensor switching element (6),wherein the electrically conductive structures are also used by the at least one other functional element (8, 13).

2. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor switching element (6) is a camera, an NFC sensor, a TOF camera, and in particular a capacitive sensor, preferably a touch or proximity sensor.

3. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the other functional element is a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission (8) and / or an illuminating means (13) and a light-directing structure (12), wherein the illuminating means (13) is arranged relative to the light-directing structure (12) in such a way that the light emitted by the illuminating means (13) can be coupled into the light-directing structure (12).

4. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light-directing structure (12) has light-scattering elements (14) at least in the region of the sensor switching element (6).

5. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the light-scattering elements (14) are designed as particles, dot matrix, stickers, deposits, Notches, scratches, line grids, prints and / or screen prints are formed on or in the light-directing structure (14).

6. Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the control of the lighting means (13) is communicatively connected to the control of the sensor switching element (6).

7. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vehicle roof window (100) has one or more further functional layer(s).

8. Vehicle roof window (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the further functional layer or the several further functional layers is / are a LowE coating (7), a liquid crystal layer with variable light transmission (8), an IR-reflective coating, a tinted thermoplastic layer (10), a second black print area (11) and / or a light-directing structure (12).

9. Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the power supply of the vehicle roof window (100) and the connection to the central vehicle control is provided by external cabling and in particular by one or two plug-in connections.

10. Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an IR-reflective coating is arranged on the inner side (II) of the outer pane (2) and a LowE coating (7) is arranged on the inner side (IV) of the inner pane (3).

11. Vehicle roof window (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a liquid crystal layer (8) with variable light transmission (8) is arranged in the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the sensor switching element (6) by a region of the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4).

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