Component assembly comprising a glass component having a moulding and a functional element

Abstract

The invention relates to a component assembly comprising: - a glass component (100) for separating an interior space from an external environment, having a moulding (2), wherein the moulding (2) is integrally formed in the glass of the glass component (100) in such a way that it forms an installation space (3) for a functional element (4); and - a functional element (4) arranged at least partly in the installation space (3), wherein the moulding (2) comprises an elevation (5) and / or a recess (6), and wherein the moulding (3) is adapted to the installation space requirement of the functional element (4).

Description

[0001] Component arrangement comprising glass component with molding and functional element

[0002] The invention relates to a glass component, in particular as a vehicle component or building component, with a formation for receiving a functional element.

[0003] In modern glass components, particularly in vehicle components and building components, there is an increasing need to incorporate functional elements such as sensors, lighting, or antennas. This is currently achieved by attaching or inserting add-on parts – primarily made of plastic – onto the closed or cut-out glass surface to create the required installation space or to provide necessary protective covers. Attaching or inserting the plastic add-on parts creates transitions and edges to the glass, which, on the one hand, require sealing against moisture and, on the other hand, frequently trap dirt. WO 2023 / 062169 A1 describes an example of this. A vehicle windshield has a cutout into which a sensor element is inserted by means of a frame insert.

[0004] Particularly for glass coverings in the interior of a vehicle, such as for covering displays, processes have been developed to enable the glass pane to be strongly bent in certain places, thus providing a greater variety of design options. One such process, which uses both hot and cold bending to create curves in interior glass panes, is described in US 2022 / 0204381 ​​A1. However, interior glass panes for covering cockpit components are not comparable in terms of material selection, properties, and thickness to glass components used to separate an interior from the outside environment. Therefore, the described process cannot be transferred to such generic glass components.

[0005] However, highly curved glass components are also known that are suitable for separating an interior from an external environment. For example, US 2019 / 0135087 A1 describes a windshield with curved sections. The outwardly curved sections of the windshield serve to deflect dirt and water, particularly for vehicles used in such environments, such as sand buggies and other off-road vehicles. However, the document does not describe the arrangement of a functional element in the area of ​​the curved sections of the pane, primarily because these areas serve to provide visibility and reduce turbulent flows along the windshield.

[0006] Another method for producing a vehicle window with a highly curved section is described in WO 2019 / 130284 A1. Similar to the aforementioned document, a deformation is introduced into the exterior glazing of a vehicle, the sole purpose of which is to improve aerodynamics.

[0007] With regard to vehicle components and building components, there is therefore great interest in integrating various functional elements into the components, but designing the component structure in such a way that the components can be manufactured as a single piece based on a single carrier material.

[0008] In automotive engineering, especially for high-priced vehicles, there are ambitious requirements regarding the visual appearance of the materials used. Inhomogeneities or gross optical defects in the component surface are undesirable in this context.

[0009] In addition, due to the increasingly complex structure of vehicle components, there is currently an increasing demand for efficient manufacturing processes that enable the components to be produced in as few steps as possible.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a component assembly with a glass component that provides installation space for one or more functional elements, but without having transitions, joints, or edges to an attachment. Furthermore, with a view to sustainable production and recyclability, glued attachments made of plastic are to be avoided.

[0011] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a glass component according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0012] The invention relates to a component arrangement comprising a glass component for separating an interior space from an external environment with a formation, wherein the formation is formed integrally in the glass of the glass component in such a way that it forms an installation space for a functional element, and a functional element arranged at least partially in the installation space, wherein the formation comprises an elevation and / or a depression, and wherein the formation is adapted to the installation space requirement of the functional element.

[0013] A component arrangement according to the invention comprises a glass component which, in other words, has a shape integral to its material extension. A shape within the meaning of the present invention is therefore not a recess or a cutout, since there is no glass material present here to form a shape. The shape comprises an elevation and / or a depression. The shape is shaped in such a way that it forms an installation space for a functional element. The terms installation space and functional element are interpreted broadly here. The term installation space is also understood, for example, to mean that a functional element does not fit completely in its entirety but only protrudes in section by section, or in other words, partially or only with individual components. The term functional element is understood in particular to mean any type of device that provides a function to the building or vehicle.Examples include optical functional elements such as cameras, sensors, lighting devices or antennas.

[0014] According to the invention, the installation space formed by the molding is adapted, in particular in its dimensions and / or shape, to the functional element or to at least a section or part of the functional element, so that the installation space accommodates the functional element at least in sections. This achieves a very good integration of the functional element into the glass component without the need for additional materials, for example, as a support or seal, as was previously the case, and without the need for transitions and joints that need to be sealed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the glass component is a single pane of glass, for example, a float glass pane, or a laminated glass pane. The laminated glass pane is preferably constructed in multiple layers, comprising at least one inner glass pane, one outer glass pane, and at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer arranged therebetween.

[0016] The present invention thus provides, for the first time, a seamless additional installation space for the integration of a functional element into a glass component. The glass components can thus be manufactured in one piece based on a single carrier material. For the sake of sustainability and recyclability, bonded plastic elements are avoided. Especially for high-priced vehicles in automotive engineering, ambitious requirements regarding the visual appearance of the materials used can be met. Inhomogeneities or gross optical defects in the component surface are avoided. The components can be manufactured in just a few steps. Waterproofing can be eliminated or significantly reduced, and the penetration of dirt is no longer possible.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the formation comprises a protrusion and / or a depression in the glass component.

[0018] Depending on the application type (e.g., movable or fixed), the glazing size (e.g., large or small), the size and type of functional element (e.g., optical sensor, lighting element, or antenna), and the glazing type (e.g., curved / flat, monolithic / laminated), several parameters can be adjusted to create a seamless shape in the glass component. Thanks to modern possibilities for incorporating a wide variety of geometries into the glass, even with very small radii, elevations, depressions, or a combination of these can be easily produced.

[0019] Various methods for creating such elevations or depressions in glass, even with highly curved contours, are known. For example, this can be achieved using a bending technique such as press bending, gravity bending, laser-based bending, or another known technique. The selected technique, or a combination of techniques, depends on the size of the radii. Vacuum can also be used to assist the bending process.

[0020] Likewise, heating of the areas requiring significant bending can be supported by laser, microwave radiation, or heated air. The smallest radius of the bent shape is generally the glass thickness. In the case of a laminated automotive window, the minimum radius of a bent shape is approximately 4 mm.

[0021] The molding can be positioned essentially centrally relative to the width of the glass component. It can also be positioned in the edge area of ​​the glass component.

[0022] Positioning in the edge area of ​​the glass component is particularly suitable, for example, if a lighting element such as a turn signal, a brake light, a tail light or another display element must occupy a specific position according to the regulations (side edge or lower edge of the vehicle's rear window), or if such positioning is advantageous due to the optimization of the field of view of a sensor, such as a camera or a lidar sensor.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the glass component has two, three, four, or a plurality of protrusions. The number of functional elements or the required installation space for one or more of the functional elements is particularly important. Purely aesthetic or visual requirements also play a role in the selection of the geometry and the number of protrusions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the glass component is a vehicle component, an exterior building component, or an interior building component. A wide variety of uses and fields of application are available for a glass component according to the invention.

[0025] In the case of use as a vehicle component, the glass component is in particular a windscreen, a vehicle roof window and / or a vehicle rear window.

[0026] Preferred embodiments also include combinations of the windshield or vehicle rear window with the vehicle roof window, in which each formation is arranged complementarily to the other. Furthermore, there are preferred embodiments in which either the windshield and the vehicle roof window, or the vehicle rear window and the vehicle roof window, are formed as a continuous window component and have the formation according to the invention for accommodating a functional element. Even a design as a single window component that covers all three functional surfaces—windshield, roof, and rear—is conceivable and can be described as a complete window.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the functional element is a sensor, a lighting system and / or a functional interior extension of a vehicle.

[0028] Within the scope of the invention, the term "sensor" particularly encompasses optical sensors such as cameras or lidar sensors. Examples of lighting elements include, in particular, turn signals, brake lights, taillights, fog lights, reversing lights, and, particularly in buildings, night lighting. A functional element can also be a display element that, with respect to a vehicle, can display symbols or other information directed either outward or toward the interior of the vehicle. 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.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention,

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0033] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0035] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0036] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0037] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, and

[0038] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows, in a highly schematic view, a component arrangement with a glass component 100 according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown here, a windshield 7 of a vehicle and a roof glass pane 8 separate from it are shown. The roof glass pane 8 has a recess 2 which is formed integrally in the glass of the glass component 100 in such a way that it forms an installation space 3 for a functional element 4, which is arranged at least in sections therein. For example, the functional element 4 is an optical sensor, in particular a camera or a lidar sensor. The recess 4 is shaped in such a way that it provides the installation space for the functional element 4 in such a way that a flat viewing area is provided for the functional element.Furthermore, the formation 2 is shaped in such a way that it offers both protection against obliquely incident light and a straight transition area to the remaining surface of the roof glass pane, in order to enable a good visual appearance of the inventive integration of the functional element 4 into the entire glass component 100. In the embodiment shown, the formation 2 is arranged essentially centrally with respect to the width of the glass component 100 and in the edge area of ​​the windshield 7 located below.

[0039] Instead of being oriented forwards in the direction of travel towards the windscreen 7, the shape can equally be directed rearwards and the adjacent window is a vehicle rear window instead of a windscreen.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a highly schematic view of a component arrangement with a glass component 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown here, a windshield 7 of a vehicle and a roof glass pane 8 separate from it are shown. The windshield 7 has a recess 2 in the form of a depression 6. The depression 6 provides a field of view for a functional element 4 integrated into the roof glass pane 8 such that the boundary of the field of view has a planar profile. At the same time, the lateral configurations of the recess protect against lateral light incidence. A further recess 2, corresponding to the recess 2, is provided in the edge region of the roof glass pane 8 facing the windshield 7. A curved elevation here expands the installation space for accommodating the functional element 4.Instead of being oriented forwards in the direction of travel towards the windscreen 7, the shape can equally be directed rearwards and the adjacent window is a vehicle rear window instead of a windscreen.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a similar embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 2. Here, the protrusion 2 is a more pronounced and angular elevation in the roof glass pane 8. In addition to functional requirements, aspects of aesthetic appeal and flow optimization can also be considered in the special design of the protrusion. Instead of being oriented forward in the direction of travel toward the windshield 7, the protrusion can also be directed rearward, and the adjacent pane can be a vehicle rear window instead of a windshield.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the component arrangement according to the invention with a glass component 100. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 3, two parallel and adjacently arranged protrusions 2, 2' are provided in both the windshield 7 and the roof glass pane 8. Instead of being oriented forward in the direction of travel toward the windshield 7, the protrusion can equally be directed rearward, and the adjacent pane is a vehicle rear window instead of a windshield.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a modification of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4. In contrast, in the embodiment shown here, no recesses are provided in the windshield 7, so that it has a conventional curved shape without any protrusions. The roof glass pane 8 has two parallel protrusions 2, 2', which provide a longer installation space for a functional element 4, 4' compared to the previous embodiment.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the component arrangement according to the invention with a glass component 100. In contrast to the embodiments of Figures 1-5, the glass component is enlarged. It represents, for example, a one-piece, seamless vehicle glass pane that simultaneously serves as a windshield and roof glass pane or roof glass pane and vehicle rear window. The formation 2 is designed as an elevation for receiving a functional element in the installation space 3 formed thereby. In the variant shown here, the formation 2 comprises both a recess 6 and an elevation 5. Together, the partial formations expand the installation space 3 to accommodate a functional element 4 and provide a planar field of view for an optical functional element.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a further variant of the embodiment of the invention from Figure 6. Here, the formation 2 is formed as an elevation 5.

[0046] Figure 8 shows a variant of the embodiment of the invention from Figure 8, wherein only one recess 6 is provided as a recess. This variant is particularly suitable for functional elements with comparatively smaller installation space requirements, such as lighting elements.

[0047] Figure 9 shows a further variant of the embodiments of Figure 8, wherein here an inclined viewing window is formed in the formation 2 comprising both a depression 6 and a projection 5.

[0048] List of reference symbols

[0049] 100 glass components

[0050] 2 Formation 3 Installation space

[0051] 4 Functional element

[0052] 5 Survey

[0053] 6 Deepening

[0054] 7 Windshield 8 Vehicle roof window

Claims

Patent claims 1. Component arrangement comprising a glass component (100) for separating an interior space from an external environment, having a formation (2), wherein the formation (2) is formed integrally in the glass of the glass component (100) such that it forms a construction space (3) for a functional element (4), and a functional element (4) arranged at least in sections in the construction space (3), wherein the formation (2) comprises an elevation (5) and / or a depression (6), and wherein the formation (3) is adapted to the construction space requirement of the functional element (4).

2. Component arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the glass component (100) is a single glass pane or a laminated glass pane.

3. Component arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the formation (2) is placed substantially centrally with respect to the width of the glass component (100).

4. Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Formation (2) is placed in the edge area of the glass component (100).

5. Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Glass component (100) has two, three, four or a plurality of formations (2).

6. Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Glass component (100) is a vehicle component, an exterior building component or an interior building component.

7. Component arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the glass component (100) is a vehicle component, in particular a windshield, a vehicle roof window and / or a vehicle rear window.

8. Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical functional element (4) is a sensor, a camera and / or a lighting device of a vehicle.

Images