Vehicle side window with aerogel layer and vacuum insulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle side window (S) comprising a first pane (1), a second pane (2), vacuum insulating glazing (8) and an aerogel layer (3), wherein the vacuum insulating glazing (8) is arranged between the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) and comprises a first glass layer (8a) and a second glass layer (8b) spaced apart from the first glass layer (8a) by a spacing means (8d, 8e), wherein the intermediate space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) is evacuated, and wherein the second pane (2) is connected to the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8) by means of a frame-type spacer (4) such that a cavity is formed, delimited by the first pane (1) or respectively the vacuum insulating glazing (8), the second pane (2) and the spacer (4), and wherein the aerogel layer (3) is arranged in the cavity.

Description

[0001] Vehicle side window with aerogel layer and vacuum insulation

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle side window equipped with an aerogel layer and vacuum insulating glazing, and to the use thereof.

[0003] The energy input through the glazing is a problem for vehicle glazing. The total solar energy radiated is made up of the direct energy radiated and the indirect energy radiated as thermal radiation after the pane components have heated up. This is typically characterized as the TTS value. If the vehicle interior heats up too much, this must be countered with air conditioning, which is not in the spirit of energy-saving operation. At low outside temperatures, heat is lost through the glazing, meaning the interior must be heated, which is also energy-intensive. The high energy consumption is particularly critical for electric vehicles because it leads to a shortened running time until the next necessary battery recharge. In addition, the waste heat from a combustion engine cannot be used for heating, so the heating must also be operated electrically.Vehicle manufacturers therefore strive to minimize energy input and heat loss through the glazing as much as possible and thereby improve thermal comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0004] Vehicle windows are often designed as composite panes, comprising an outer pane and an inner pane laminated together via a thermoplastic interlayer. The thermal comfort of such composite panes can be improved by IR-reflective coatings. For example, solar control coatings are known, which comprise IR-reflective silver layers to reflect the IR components of solar radiation. Emissivity-reducing coatings (low-E coatings) are also known, with reflective properties in the mid-IR range, which reflect the thermal radiation emanating from the heated pane in summer and the thermal radiation emanating from the interior in winter.For example, reference is made to WO2019110172A1, which discloses a composite pane with a solar control coating (for example, on the interior surface of the outer pane) and an emissivity-reducing coating (on the interior surface of the inner pane). Aerogels are highly porous solids known for their very low thermal conductivity and heat-insulating properties. WO2012154602A1 discloses an insulating glazing unit with an aerogel layer. US2010146880A1 discloses a building roof pane consisting of two glass panes and an aerogel layer between them.

[0005] EP3381881A1 discloses a vehicle window consisting of two glass panes and a thermally insulating layer between them, which can be formed as an aerogel layer. However, moisture can penetrate through the side edge of this composite pane, which can damage and / or contaminate the typically moisture-sensitive aerogel layer. This is particularly true for side windows that can be raised and lowered, where, in the open (lowered) state, part of the side edge (upper edge) is exposed and not protected by the vehicle body.

[0006] To provide thermal insulation, it is also known to construct glazing as vacuum insulating glazing (VIG). Two glass panes are spaced apart by spacers, with the space between the panes being evacuated. Such glazing for buildings is known, for example, from EP1978199A1 and WO9804802A1. EP3878827A1 discloses a vehicle window constructed as vacuum insulating glazing.

[0007] CN102839893A and CN208267668U disclose a type of insulating glazing in which two glass panes are connected by a spacer. The space between them is filled with aerogel and evacuated.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved vehicle side window which reduces the thermal energy input into the vehicle interior in summer and the heat loss out of the vehicle interior in winter.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle side window according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims. The vehicle side window according to the invention comprises a first pane, a second pane, a vacuum insulating glazing unit, and an aerogel layer. The vacuum insulating glazing unit (and also the aerogel layer) is arranged between the first and second panes.

[0010] The vacuum insulating glazing comprises a first glass layer and a second glass layer, which are spaced apart by spacers, forming a gap between the first and second glass layers. The first glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing faces the first pane of the vehicle side window, while the second glass layer faces away from the first pane and toward the second pane. The gap between the first and second glass layers is evacuated.

[0011] The second pane is connected to the first pane or the vacuum insulating glazing via a frame-like spacer. This creates a cavity defined by the first pane or the vacuum insulating glazing, the second pane, and the spacer. According to the invention, an aerogel layer is arranged in this cavity.

[0012] The vehicle side window according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it is equipped with both vacuum insulating glazing and an aerogel layer. The combination of an aerogel layer and vacuum insulating glazing provides the vehicle side window according to the invention with excellent thermal insulation properties. Both act as heat-insulating layers, reducing heat transfer through the side window, particularly heat conduction through the side window. As a result, the vehicle interior heats up less at high outside temperatures (in summer) and cools down less at low outside temperatures (in winter). The side window thus exhibits improved thermal insulation properties. The aerogel layer also has acoustically insulating properties, which is advantageous for shielding disturbing external noise.The aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing are very lightweight, so the total weight of the side window is also comparatively low. The frame-like spacer prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the cavity and thus protects the aerogel layer from degradation. These are major advantages of the present invention. The invention can be implemented in two basic variants:

[0013] - In a first variant ("Variant A"), the second pane is connected to the first pane via the frame-like spacer. In other words, the first pane and the second pane are connected to each other via the spacer. This forms a cavity defined by the first pane, the second pane, and the spacer. The vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer are arranged in this cavity.

[0014] - In a second variant ("Variant B"), the second pane is connected to the vacuum insulating glazing via the frame-like spacer. This creates a cavity defined by the vacuum insulating glazing, the second pane, and the spacer. The aerogel layer is arranged in this cavity.

[0015] The vehicle side window according to the invention is intended to separate a vehicle interior from the external environment in a side window opening of a vehicle.

[0016] The first and second panes form the external panes of the vehicle's side window. The vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer are arranged between the first and second panes. Within the meaning of the invention, the first pane is the pane of the side window facing the vacuum insulating glazing. Within the meaning of the invention, the second pane is the pane of the side window facing the aerogel layer. The following sequence of layers therefore applies: first pane - vacuum insulating glazing - aerogel layer - second pane. However, the designation as first or second pane does not indicate the orientation relative to the vehicle's external environment or the vehicle interior. Both panes can form the outer pane or the inner pane of the vehicle's side window.

[0017] 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 outside environment. The outer pane and the inner pane each have an outside surface and an inside surface and a circumferential side edge surface running between them. For the purposes of the invention, the outside surface refers to the main surface which is intended to face the outside environment in the installed position. For the purposes of the invention, the inside surface refers to the main surface which is intended to face the interior in the installed position. The inside surface of the outer pane and the outside surface of the inner pane face each other and are connected to one another.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first pane forms the outer pane of the side window, and the second pane forms the inner pane. In an alternative embodiment, the first pane forms the inner pane of the side window, and the second pane forms the outer pane.

[0019] The vehicle side window according to the invention is preferably an openable, in particular a raising and lowering side window. Such a side window has a section adjacent to the lower edge (facing downward in the installed position), which is always arranged within the vehicle body (typically a vehicle door), and which is adjoined by a section that projects into the window opening and closes it (when closed). The side window can be lowered completely or partially into the vehicle body (typically a vehicle door), thereby opening the side window.For this purpose, the section of the side window that is permanently located within the vehicle body is connected to a mechanism for raising and lowering the side window, which mechanism is located within the vehicle body (typically within a vehicle door) and is driven electrically (typically triggered by a vehicle occupant pressing a push button) or mechanically (typically by a vehicle occupant pressing a crank).

[0020] The vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer are separate components. The vacuum insulating glazing is spaced closer to the first pane than the aerogel layer and further away from the second pane. Conversely, the aerogel layer is spaced closer to the second pane than the vacuum insulating glazing and further away from the first pane. The vacuum insulating glazing can face the outside environment and away from the vehicle interior and thus be spaced closer to the outside environment and further away from the vehicle interior than the aerogel layer, which then faces the interior and away from the environment and is spaced further away from the environment and further away from the interior than the first pane - namely when the first pane forms the outer pane of the side window.In other words, the aerogel layer is then arranged on the interior side of the vacuum insulating glazing, and the vacuum insulating glazing is arranged on the outside of the aerogel layer. The vacuum insulating glazing can also face the vehicle interior and away from the outside environment, and thus be closer to the vehicle interior and further away from the outside environment than the aerogel layer, which then faces the environment and away from the interior, and is further away from the interior and closer to the environment than the first pane - namely when the first pane forms the inner pane of the side window. In other words, the vacuum insulating glazing is then arranged on the interior side of the aerogel layer, and the aerogel layer is arranged on the outside of the vacuum insulating glazing.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the vacuum insulating glazing is connected to the first pane via a connecting layer.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a connecting layer. In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is produced on the surface of the second pane.

[0023] The possibilities for connecting the individual elements of the side window according to the invention are explained in more detail below.

[0024] In variant A (first and second panes connected via the spacer, vacuum insulating glazing and aerogel layer arranged in the cavity), the vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer are preferably fixed in the cavity between the first and second panes. For this purpose, the vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer are mechanically connected directly or indirectly to at least one of the panes, or are directly or indirectly attached to at least one of the panes. However, numerous variations are possible with regard to the design of this attachment.

[0025] In one embodiment, the vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its first glass layer, which faces the first pane) is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer. The following variants are then possible with regard to the attachment of the aerogel layer: - The aerogel layer can be attached to the second pane. For this purpose, the aerogel layer can be connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, or the aerogel layer can be created directly on the surface of the second pane.

[0026] - The aerogel layer can be attached to the vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, to its second glass layer). For this purpose, the aerogel layer can be bonded to the vacuum insulating glazing via a bonding layer, or the aerogel layer can be applied directly to the surface of the second glass layer.

[0027] - The aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glazing, in particular via the aforementioned connection mechanisms, which can be selected independently of each other for connection to the second pane on the one hand and the vacuum insulating glazing on the other. This means that the aerogel layer can be attached to the second pane and the vacuum insulating glazing via a connecting layer, or the aerogel layer can be produced on the vacuum insulating glazing or the second pane and connected to the other pane via a connecting layer.

[0028] In one design, the aerogel layer is attached to the second pane. Three variants are possible:

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a connecting layer. In this embodiment, the aerogel layer is preferably provided as a prefabricated block or plate and then connected to the surface of the second pane via the connecting layer. To facilitate the production of the aerogel layer, it can be produced, for example, on a carrier film. The carrier film can then be removed or remain permanently in the side window. For example, it is possible to connect the surface facing away from the carrier film or the carrier film itself to the pane surface via the connecting layer. From a process engineering perspective, it is particularly advantageous if the carrier film is a connecting layer, for example, a thermoplastic film (such as PVB film) or an OCA film. The aerogel layer can then be connected to the pane surface via the carrier film.

[0030] - In a further advantageous embodiment, the aerogel layer is produced on the surface of the second pane (or any coating applied thereto) that faces the cavity. The aerogel layer is preferably produced or manufactured on the surface using a sol-gel process. It then adheres to said surface without the need for a bonding layer.

[0031] If the aerogel layer is attached to the second pane, the following options are possible for attaching the vacuum insulating glazing:

[0032] - The vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely its first glass layer) can be attached to the first pane, in particular connected to the first pane via a connecting layer.

[0033] - The vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its second glass layer) can be attached to the aerogel layer, in particular, bonded to the aerogel layer via a bonding layer. If the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer, the aerogel layer can alternatively be formed on the vacuum insulating glazing.

[0034] - The vacuum insulating glazing can be attached to both the first pane and the aerogel layer. For this purpose, the vacuum insulating glazing is connected to the first pane, in particular, via a bonding layer and to the aerogel layer via another bonding layer. More specifically, the first glass layer is connected to the first pane via a bonding layer, and the second glass layer is connected to the aerogel layer via another bonding layer. If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, the aerogel layer can alternatively be formed on the vacuum insulating glazing.

[0035] In variant B (vacuum insulating glazing and second pane connected via the spacer, aerogel layer arranged in the cavity), the vacuum insulating glazing is connected to the first pane, in particular via a connecting layer. The aerogel layer is preferably fixed in the cavity between the vacuum insulating glazing and the second pane. For this purpose, the aerogel layer is connected to or attached to at least the second glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing or the second pane. With regard to the design of this attachment, several variants are possible:

[0036] - The aerogel layer can be attached to the second pane. For this purpose, the aerogel layer can be bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer, or the aerogel layer can be created directly on the surface of the second pane.

[0037] - The aerogel layer can be attached to the vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, to its second glass layer). For this purpose, the aerogel layer can be bonded to the vacuum insulating glazing via a bonding layer, or the aerogel layer can be applied directly to the surface of the second glass layer.

[0038] - The aerogel layer can be attached to both the second pane and the vacuum insulating glazing, in particular via the aforementioned connection mechanisms, which can be selected independently of each other for connection to the second pane on the one hand and the vacuum insulating glazing on the other. This means that the aerogel layer can be attached to the second pane and the vacuum insulating glazing via a connecting layer, or the aerogel layer can be produced on the vacuum insulating glazing or the second pane and connected to the other pane via a connecting layer.

[0039] In both variants A and B, it is particularly advantageous with regard to the stability of the side pane if the vacuum insulating glazing is attached to the first pane and the aerogel layer is attached to the second pane. The following variants are particularly preferred:

[0040] - The vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its first glass layer) is bonded to the first pane via a first bonding layer, and the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a second bonding layer. Optionally, an additional bonding layer can be present between the vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer, bonding them together to further increase the stability of the overall composite.

[0041] - The vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its first glass layer) is bonded to the first pane via a first bonding layer, and the aerogel layer is applied to the surface of the second pane. Optionally, a further bonding layer can be present between the vacuum insulating glazing and the aerogel layer, which connects them to each other to further increase the stability of the overall composite.

[0042] The purpose of these bonding layers is to adhesively bond the components between which they are arranged. Each bonding layer is preferably formed as a thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layer can also be referred to as a thermoplastic layer.

[0043] The thermoplastic layers are preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU), or on mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably based on PVB. This means that the layer predominantly contains the said polymer (a proportion greater than 50 wt.%). In addition to the polymer, the layer may contain further additives, for example, plasticizers, UV absorbers, or stabilizers. Each thermoplastic layer is preferably formed from at least one thermoplastic film. The thickness of each film is preferably between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. For example, PVB films with standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used.

[0044] The connecting layers can alternatively be formed as an adhesive layer, for example. So-called optically clear adhesives (OCA) are preferred. OCAs are known to those skilled in the art. They are characterized in particular by high optical quality. They are particularly common where high optical quality is necessary, so that the adhesive layer is virtually invisible, for example in displays or touch panels. Optically clear adhesives are characterized in particular by high light transmission and the fact that low-distortion visibility is possible. The optically clear adhesive is preferably a 2-component polyurethane adhesive, a 1-component acrylate adhesive, a 1-component silicone adhesive, or a 1-component acrylate hybrid adhesive.The OCA layer is preferably produced from a highly viscous OCA, so that it can be provided in film-like form as a prefabricated layer (OCA film). The thickness of such an OCA film is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1.8 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0045] If several connecting layers are present, a combination is also conceivable, with at least one connecting layer being designed as a thermoplastic layer and at least one connecting layer being designed as an adhesive layer.

[0046] The first disc and the second disc are independently preferred as

[0047] - thermally toughened glass pane,

[0048] - non-tempered glass pane,

[0049] - chemically toughened glass pane or

[0050] - Plastic disc formed.

[0051] The glass panes can be made of, for example, soda-lime glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass. Thermally toughened and non-toughened glass panes are preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. Their thickness is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, most preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or even from 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0052] Chemically toughened glass panes preferably have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. They are preferably made of aluminosilicate glass, which is particularly suitable for chemical toughening.

[0053] Plastic panes are preferably made of rigid, clear plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Their thickness is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, most preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or even from 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0054] The following combinations of outer pane and inner pane are particularly preferred:

[0055] 1. Outer pane: thermally toughened glass pane,

[0056] Inner pane: thermally toughened glass pane;

[0057] 2. Outer pane: non-tempered glass pane,

[0058] Inner pane: non-tempered glass pane;

[0059] 3. Outer pane: chemically toughened glass pane,

[0060] Inner pane: chemically toughened glass pane

[0061] 4. Outer pane: thermally toughened glass pane,

[0062] Inner pane: chemically toughened glass pane

[0063] 5. Outer pane: thermally toughened glass pane,

[0064] Inner pane: plastic pane

[0065] Thermally or chemically toughened glass panes exhibit increased breakage resistance. Thermally toughened glass panes shatter into a large number of small, non-sharp-edged shards when broken, posing only a minimal risk of injury. Non-toughened glass panes, on the other hand, shatter into large, sharp-edged shards when broken. If the aerogel layer is bonded to the second pane via a bonding layer, the glass shards from the second pane are held in place by the bonding layer in the event of glass breakage, posing no risk of injury. The same applies to the first pane if the vacuum insulating glazing is bonded to it via a bonding layer. In these cases, non-toughened panes can therefore also be used for the respective pane without any problems.Panes that are not provided with a bonding layer and are nevertheless intended to be designed as non-tempered glass panes are preferably provided with a splinter-binding film. This applies, for example, to a second pane on which the aerogel layer is directly applied, or to a second pane if the aerogel layer is not attached to it (but rather to the vacuum insulating glazing), and / or to a first pane if the vacuum insulating glazing is not attached to it (but rather to the aerogel layer). The splinter-binding film fixes the shards in place in the event of glass breakage, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

[0066] In variant A, the spacer is preferably connected to the first pane and the second pane via a connecting layer each, and in variant B, it is preferably connected to the vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its second glass layer) and the second pane via a connecting layer each. The connecting layers can again be designed, for example, as a thermoplastic layer or as an adhesive layer, in particular an OCA layer. If, in variant A, the vacuum insulating glazing is connected to the first pane via a connecting layer, the spacer is preferably connected to the first pane by means of the same connecting layer. In variant B, the connecting layer, via which the spacer is connected to the vacuum insulating glazing, can optionally also be present between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing and connect them to one another.If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a bonding layer, the spacer is preferably bonded to the second pane via the same bonding layer (variants A and B). If the aerogel layer is produced directly on the second pane and a bonding layer is to be arranged between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing, the spacer can also be bonded to the second pane via the same bonding layer (variants A and B). In principle, it is also conceivable for the spacer material itself to exhibit adhesive properties towards the panes and to be bonded directly to them, for example by heating, without the use of bonding layers.

[0067] The spacer is designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the cavity containing the aerogel layer. The spacer (together with any connecting layers) thus seals the cavity watertight. The spacer is preferably made of a polymer, particularly a transparent polymer. For example, the spacer can be made of transparent polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene.

[0068] The spacer can be covered with a waterproof film. It is also possible to apply a sealant to the side of the spacer facing away from the cavity to improve the watertightness of the cavity.

[0069] The spacer has a frame-like, circumferential shape. The length of the spacer is defined as the dimension in the frame-like, circumferential direction of the spacer. The length of the spacer is determined by the base area of ​​the side pane or the area of ​​the side pane enclosed by the spacer. The width of the spacer is defined as the dimension perpendicular to the length dimension, determined in a plane parallel to the surfaces of the first and second panes. The width of the spacer is preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm. This achieves a stable connection between the first and second panes and a watertight seal of the cavity, without the spacer taking up too much surface area, which would then no longer be available for the aerogel layer (and the vacuum insulating glazing in variant A).The height of the spacer is defined as the dimension between the first pane (variant A) or vacuum insulating glazing (variant B) and the second pane. In addition to the thickness of the bonding layers used to attach it to the pane surfaces, the height of the spacer determines the distance between the first pane (variant A) or vacuum insulating glazing (variant B) and the second pane, and thus the thickness of the cavity. It can be selected according to the requirements of the specific application.

[0070] The spacer can be solid or hollow profile, having an inner cavity surrounded by walls made of the spacer material.

[0071] A transparent spacer is ideal because it is unobtrusive in the typically completely transparent side window. However, non-transparent spacers can also be used. For example, spacers made of metal or wood can be used, with the necessary watertightness being ensured by a polymer or metallic film if necessary. Non-transparent spacers can, for example, serve as design elements of the side window or be concealed by opaque prints on the first and / or second pane.

[0072] The thickness of the aerogel layer can be selected according to the requirements of the specific application. The aerogel layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm to 8 mm, most preferably 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and especially 1 mm to 4 mm. This achieves good results in typical applications.

[0073] Ideally, the aerogel layer covers the entire area of ​​the side window enclosed by the spacer. Then, the aerogel layer is in direct contact with the spacer. This is particularly preferred because it prevents the formation of a thermal bridge in areas without an aerogel layer. However, a gap may be present between the aerogel layer and the spacer, particularly for production-related reasons. The gap between the aerogel layer and the spacer should be no more than 2 mm, preferably no more than 1 mm, and particularly preferably no more than 0.5 mm.

[0074] If the aerogel layer is only attached to the second pane (via a bonding layer or directly applied to the relevant surface), the aerogel layer can extend to the vacuum insulating glazing (more precisely, its second glass layer) and be in direct contact with it. This is particularly preferred with regard to optimal thermal insulation. However, there can alternatively be a gap between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing. The gap between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing is preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably at most 0.5 mm, and most preferably at most 0.2 mm.

[0075] Contrary to what the name initially suggests, aerogels are not gels, but highly porous solids. The name derives from the fact that aerogels are typically made from gels, whereby the liquid component of the gel is replaced by a gas without collapsing the gel structure, for example through supercritical drying or freeze-drying. Structurally, aerogels consist of a branching of particle chains (dendritic structure) with very many interstices (pores), particularly in the form of open pores. The particle chains have contact points with one another, so that the aerogel can be thought of as a stable, sponge-like network. The particle chains themselves often result from the fusion of, for example, spherical particles. A very high volume fraction of aerogels consists of pores, particularly open pores. Therefore, aerogels have a very low density.The aerogel layer according to the invention is therefore lightweight, so that the weight of the side window is not significantly increased even by comparatively thick aerogel layers. Aerogels can also exhibit high optical transparency, which is particularly advantageous for glazing applications. Aerogels can be produced, for example, using sol-gel processes.

[0076] Intercalations may be present in the pores, for example, to influence the mechanical, thermal, or optical properties of the aerogel layer. The pores are typically filled with air, except for any intercalations. The aerogel layer according to the invention can also be referred to as an aerogel layer or as a layer made of an aerogel or based on an aerogel.

[0077] For the purposes of the invention, porosity refers to the proportion of the pore volume to the total volume of the aerogel. The aerogel layer according to the invention is preferably formed from or based on an aerogel having a porosity of 50% to 99.98%, particularly preferably 80% to 99%, and most preferably 85% to 98%. The porosity can be determined by gas sorption measurement using nitrogen as the measurement gas, in particular using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the measurement gas at a temperature of 273 K.

[0078] The pore size of the aerogel is preferably between 1 nm and 50 nm, particularly preferably between 10 nm and 40 nm. This refers in particular to the diameter of the typically approximately spherical pores. The pore size can also be determined using the aforementioned gas sorption measurement.

[0079] The density of the aerogel is preferably 0.16 mg / cm 3 up to 500 mg / cm 3, particularly preferably 10 mg / cm 3 up to 300 mg / cm 3 This refers to the bulk density based on the volume including the pore spaces, with the air in the pores not included in the mass. The particles that make up the network of particle chains typically have a size of 1 nm to 10 nm.

[0080] Aerogels can be formed from various materials (material of the particle chains). The aerogel of the aerogel layer according to the invention is preferably made of silicate, a polymer, carbon, cellulose, or a metal oxide. In principle, all polymers and metal oxides are suitable. Examples are polyimide for a polymer and aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and zirconium oxide for metal oxides. Strictly speaking, silicate aerosols do not have the chemical composition of a silicate, but rather, for example, SiO(OH). y(OR)z, where R is an organic residue and the parameters y and z depend on the manufacturing process. Nevertheless, they are generally referred to as such, and the term silicate is used accordingly in the context of the present invention. In English, the term "silica aerogel" is also commonly used (i.e., SiO2 aerogel). Silicate aerogels, polymer aerogels, and cellulose aerogels are particularly preferred for the aerogel layer according to the invention. These aerogels are well researched and already commercially available in large numbers.

[0081] The aerogel layer is preferably transparent so that it does not restrict visibility through the side window. The aerogel layer preferably has a light transmission of more than 70%, particularly preferably more than 80%. The aerogel layer is preferably colorless.

[0082] According to the invention, the vehicle side window is also equipped with vacuum insulating glazing, which, together with the aerogel layer, provides the thermal insulation properties. The vacuum insulating glazing comprises a first glass layer and a second glass layer, which are spaced apart from each other by spacers, so that an evacuated space is formed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0083] The first glass layer and the second glass layer have a thickness of, for example, 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, very particularly preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, for example from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. The first glass layer and the second glass layer are preferably thinner than the first pane and the second pane of the side pane. The first glass layer and the second glass layer are preferably made of glass. Soda-lime glass can also be used. The first and the second glass layer are preferably chemically toughened, particularly if they are realized as very thin glass layers (for example with thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 1 mm). They are then particularly preferably made of aluminosilicate glass, which can be very well chemically toughened.

[0084] The gap between the first and second glass layers preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. This achieves good thermal insulation without requiring excessive increases in the thickness of the sides. The thickness of the gap corresponds to the distance between the facing surfaces of the first and second glass layers.

[0085] According to the invention, the intermediate space is evacuated, resulting in a vacuum insulating glazing unit consisting of the first glass layer and the second glass layer spaced apart from it. This means that a negative pressure prevails in the intermediate space, i.e., a pressure that is lower than the ambient pressure. The pressure in the intermediate space is preferably at most 100 mbar, particularly preferably at most 10 mbar. The pressure can, for example, be from 0.01 mbar to 100 mbar, preferably from 0.1 mbar to 10 mbar.

[0086] The vacuum insulating glazing has spacers that ensure that the first and second glass layers do not deform despite the negative pressure between them. The distance between the first and second glass layers is preferably kept constant by the spacers, so that the first and second glass layers are arranged parallel to each other.

[0087] The spacing means preferably comprise a plurality of spacer columns. The spacer columns are distributed (preferably evenly) over the surface of the first and second glass layers. The number of spacer columns and their spacing from one another depend on the thickness of the glass layers and the negative pressure prevailing in the space between them. The thinner the glass layers (and the lower the pressure in the space between them), the more likely they are to deform, which necessitates a larger number of spacer columns. The spacer columns are preferably transparent so as not to significantly impair the view through the side window. They are preferably made of glass or plastic.

[0088] The spacing means particularly preferably also comprise a circumferential spacer in an edge region between the first and second glass layers. The circumferential spacer runs circumferentially in an edge region between the first and second glass layers. The evacuated space is delimited by the first glass layer, the second glass layer, and the circumferential spacer. The spacer is made, for example, of glass, plastic, metal, or a metal alloy, preferably of transparent glass or plastic.

[0089] To maintain the vacuum (or more precisely, the negative pressure) in the gap, the vacuum insulating glazing preferably has a gas-tight edge seal. The surrounding spacer (if present) can itself act as an edge seal, or the vacuum insulating glazing can be equipped with an additional edge seal, for example, made of glass, a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel, silver, or copper), or a gas-tight plastic.

[0090] The first pane, the second pane and any connecting layers may be provided with customary coatings or prints.

[0091] In an advantageous embodiment, an IR-reflective coating is applied to the interior-side surface of the outer pane (i.e., the pane selected from the first pane and the second pane that forms the outer pane of the vehicle's side window) facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing. This coating can also be referred to as a solar control coating.

[0092] In an advantageous embodiment, an IR-reflecting coating is applied to the outer surface of the inner pane facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing (i.e. the pane selected from the first pane and the second pane which forms the inner pane of the vehicle side window). This coating can also be referred to as an emissivity-reducing coating (LowE coating). The sun protection coating and the emissivity-reducing coating are preferably thin-film stacks, i.e. sequences of thin individual layers. The sun protection coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each comprise at least one IR-reflecting layer. The IR-reflecting layer is preferably a metallic layer, particularly preferably based on silver. The IR-reflecting layer preferably contains at least 90% by weight of silver, particularly preferably at least 99% by weight.% silver, most preferably at least 99.9 wt. % silver. The silver layer may contain dopants, for example, palladium, gold, copper, or aluminum. The thickness of the silver layer is typically between 5 nm and 20 nm.

[0093] In addition to the metallic layer, dielectric layers or layer sequences are typically present. Dielectric layers or layer sequences are also referred to below as dielectric layer modules. The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each comprise n metallic layers and (n+1) dielectric layer modules. The dielectric layer modules and the metallic layers are arranged alternately, so that each metallic layer is arranged between two dielectric layer modules, and one layer module is arranged between adjacent metallic layers. The number n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 (n > 1).

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the sun protection coating and the emissivity-reducing coating each have at least two metallic layers (n > 2), for example exactly two metallic layers (n = 2), or even at least three metallic layers (n > 3), for example exactly three metallic layers (n = 3). A plurality of metallic layers can improve the IR-reflecting effect without reducing the light transmission too much, because the individual metallic layers can be made thinner. On the other hand, the number of metallic layers should not be too large in order to keep production costs low. The IR-reflecting metallic layers preferably have thicknesses of 5 nm to 20 nm, independently of one another.

[0095] The layer modules can be formed independently of one another, as individual dielectric layers or as dielectric layer sequences (i.e., a plurality of consecutive dielectric layers). Common dielectric layers of such a thin-film stack include, for example:

[0096] Anti-reflective coatings which reduce the reflection of visible light and thus increase the transparency of the coated pane, for example based on silicon nitride (SisN^, silicon-metal mixed nitrides such as silicon zirconium nitride (SiZrN), titanium oxide (TiCh), aluminium nitride (AIN) or tin oxide (ZnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 10 nm to 100 nm;

[0097] - Adaptation layers which improve the crystallinity of the electrically conductive layer, for example based on zinc oxide (ZnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm;

[0098] Smoothing layers which improve the surface structure for the overlying layers, for example based on a non-crystalline oxide of tin, silicon, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, gallium and / or indium, in particular based on tin-zinc mixed oxide (ZnSnO), with layer thicknesses of, for example, 3 nm to 20 nm.

[0099] The solar control coating and the emissivity-reducing coating can each optionally include blocker layers that protect the metallic layers from degradation. Blocker layers are typically very thin metal-containing layers based on niobium, titanium, nickel, chromium, zirconium, or alloys thereof, with layer thicknesses of, for example, 0.1 nm to 0.5 nm.

[0100] If a bonding layer is present between the outer pane and the aerogel layer or vacuum insulating glazing connected to it, the solar control coating can also be embedded in this bonding layer instead of being applied to the interior surface of the outer pane, for example, applied to a carrier film (preferably PET-based) sandwiched between two thermoplastic layers. If a bonding layer is present between the inner pane and the aerogel layer or vacuum insulating glazing connected to it, the emissivity-reducing coating can also be embedded in this bonding layer instead of being applied to the exterior surface of the inner pane, for example, applied to a carrier film (preferably PET-based) sandwiched between two thermoplastic layers.The side pane can in principle also have an emissivity-reducing coating on the interior-side surface of the inner pane facing away from the aerogel layer. Such an emissivity-reducing coating is typically a transparent stack of thin films. The emissivity-reducing coating preferably has at least one, particularly preferably precisely one, electrically conductive layer that provides the IR-reflecting properties. The conductive layer is preferably based on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), in particular indium tin oxide (ITO), alternatively indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), gallium-doped tin oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb), or niobium-doped titanium oxide (TiO2:Nb).Unlike metals, TCOs are not susceptible to corrosion, so they can be used on the exposed interior surface of the inner pane. In addition to the conductive layer, the coating typically includes dielectric layers (e.g., based on silicon oxide or nitride), which serve primarily to optimize the optical properties (e.g., light transmission) or as barrier layers to regulate oxygen diffusion during coating deposition.

[0101] Emissivity-reducing coatings of this type with TCO layers are particularly common for conventional laminated glazing, where the inner pane is heated due to thermal conduction. Since the heated inner pane radiates heat toward the interior, it is necessary for such laminated glazing to apply the emissivity-reducing coating on the interior side of the inner pane, i.e., on the exposed interior surface of the inner pane. In the side pane according to the invention, the aerogel layer effectively reduces heat conduction, so it is not absolutely necessary to apply the emissivity-reducing coating to the interior surface of the inner pane.The previously described emissivity-reducing coating with at least one metallic layer, in particular a silver layer, on the outer surface of the inner pane is therefore preferred over an emissivity-reducing coating with a TCO layer on the interior surface of the inner pane. Metallic layers achieve their IR-reflecting effect with thinner layer thicknesses and are more cost-effective to deposit than TCO layers. Furthermore, a coating on the exposed interior surface of a side pane that can be raised and lowered would be subject to significant mechanical stress, for example, through contact with the sealing lips of the side window, which rub against the coating when the side pane is raised and lowered.

[0102] Emissivity is the measure that indicates how much thermal radiation the pane of glass emits into an interior space in its installed position compared to an ideal heat radiator (a black body). Emissivity-reducing coatings prevent heat radiation from entering the interior (IR components of solar radiation and, in particular, the thermal radiation from the pane itself) and also prevent heat radiation from escaping. They exhibit reflective properties against infrared radiation, particularly against thermal radiation in the spectral range of 5 pm - 50 pm (see also standard DIN EN 12898:2019-06). This effectively improves thermal comfort in the interior. At high outside temperatures and in direct sunlight, the emissivity-reducing coatings can at least partially reflect the thermal radiation emitted by the entire pane of glass toward the interior.At low outside temperatures, they can reflect the heat radiation emitted from the interior, thus reducing the cold pane's effect as a heat sink. The emissivity-reducing coating further increases thermal comfort in the interior.

[0103] For the thermal insulation effect of the side window and the thermal comfort in the interior, it is particularly advantageous if the side window has both the previously described sun protection coating on the interior-side surface of the outer pane and the previously described emissivity-reducing coating on the exterior surface of the inner pane. This configuration is therefore particularly preferred. In summary, it is particularly preferred to apply an IR-reflecting coating (namely the sun protection coating on the outer pane and the emissivity-reducing coating on the inner pane) to the surfaces of the first pane and the second pane facing the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing, preferably comprising at least two silver-based layers.

[0104] The IR-reflecting coatings preferably do not extend beyond the spacer. Instead, a surrounding area of ​​the spacer facing the outside environment is arranged on a coating-free edge area of ​​the first pane and the second pane (variant A). The coatings then have no contact with the surrounding atmosphere and are protected from corrosion and damage in the cavity. In variant B, the solar control coating between the first pane and the vacuum insulating glazing should also have no contact with the atmosphere.

[0105] In one embodiment of the invention, the first pane and the second pane are substantially congruent, and the spacer extends circumferentially in an edge region of both the first and second panes. In this embodiment, the side pane is formed over substantially its entire surface by the composite according to the invention comprising the outer pane, inner pane, vacuum insulating glazing, and aerogel layer.

[0106] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a connecting section of the first pane, intended for connection to a vehicle body, protrudes beyond the second pane. Alternatively, a connecting section of the second pane, intended for connection to a vehicle body, protrudes beyond the first pane. One pane is therefore larger than the other pane (namely the one which protrudes beyond the other pane), and the side window is only formed in one area by the composite according to the invention consisting of outer pane, inner pane, vacuum insulating glazing, and aerogel layer. This area is referred to as the window area in the sense of the invention. It is intended to completely cover the window opening of the vehicle when closed (extending from there into the vehicle body). The spacer runs circumferentially in an edge area of ​​the window area and the smaller pane.The side window has an additional area formed solely by the larger pane and intended to connect the side window to the vehicle body, in particular the mechanism located therein for raising and lowering the side window. This area is referred to as the connection area for the purposes of the invention. In the installed position, it is always located within the vehicle body, both in the open and closed state of the window, and is therefore never visible.

[0107] In the (essentially vertical) installed position of the side window, the connection area is preferably arranged below the window area, thus being a short distance from the ground. The first pane and the second pane are preferably arranged substantially flush at the upper edge of the side window (facing upwards in the installed position) as well as at the front and rear edges (facing forwards and backwards in the installed position relative to the direction of travel, respectively). The connection section includes the lower edge of the side window (facing downwards in the installed position), which is identical to the lower edge of the larger pane.

[0108] In this case, only the larger pane needs to be connected to the vehicle body, which has the advantage that conventional connection mechanisms can be used, such as those used for side windows made of single panes of glass.

[0109] There are two different ways of connecting conventional side windows to the raising and lowering mechanism: in a first variant, the side window has openings (holes) near the lower edge into which the mechanism can engage, for example using a clamping or screw element. In a second variant, a substantially Y-shaped holding element is provided, with two parallel contact sections, each of which is fastened, in particular glued, to one of the external surfaces of the side window, and a fastening section extending downwards from the contact sections in alignment with the side window and is connected to the raising and lowering mechanism. For this purpose, the fastening section typically also has openings into which a clamping or writing element can be inserted.

[0110] Both variants are also applicable within the scope of the present invention, wherein in the design with the congruent discs the variant with the Y-shaped holding element is preferred, while in the design with the connecting section of the larger disc projecting beyond the smaller disc both variants are equally applicable.

[0111] In a first variant of the invention, the side window therefore has at least one lead-through, preferably at least two lead-throughs, in particular exactly two lead-throughs. The lead-throughs are preferably arranged near the lower edge, i.e. are at a shorter distance from the lower edge than from all other edges. The lead-throughs are provided for connecting the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism in the vehicle body and are arranged in a section of the side window adjacent to the lower edge, which section is intended to be always located within the vehicle body and not visible, even when the side window is closed. For connection to the raising and lowering mechanism, a clamping element is preferably clamped into the lead-through or a screw element is screwed into the lead-through. The lead-through is a through hole through the entire side window between its external surfaces.If the side pane has a connecting section that extends beyond the composite according to the invention and is formed only by the larger pane, the feedthrough extends only through said larger pane. This is easy to accomplish, which is why the connection via the feedthrough is preferred in the design with the connecting section formed from the larger pane. In the design with the congruent panes, this type of connection is less preferred because the feedthrough would have to extend through the entire composite of outer pane, aerogel layer, vacuum insulating glazing, and inner pane, which would require additional sealing measures around the feedthrough, particularly in the case of insulating glazing.

[0112] In a second variant of the invention, the side window does not have any such passages. Instead, at least one holding element, preferably at least two holding elements, in particular exactly two holding elements, is attached to the lower edge of the side window. The holding elements are provided for connecting the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism in the vehicle body. Each holding element has at least one contact section which is attached to an external surface of the side window in an area adjacent to the lower edge, in particular via an adhesive layer. Each holding element also has a fastening section adjoining the contact section, which is arranged outside the surface of the side window and serves to connect to the raising and lowering mechanism. This fastening section is preferably provided with a passage.For connection to the raising and lowering mechanism, a clamping element is preferably clamped into the feedthrough or a screw element is screwed into the feedthrough. Typical holding elements, which are also preferred within the scope of the present invention, are Y-shaped and have two parallel contact sections, each contact section being fastened (in particular glued) to one of the external surfaces of the side pane, and a fastening section adjoining the contact sections. If the side pane is formed over its entire surface from the inventive composite of outer pane, aerogel layer, vacuum insulating glazing, and inner pane, the said external surfaces to which the contact sections are fastened are the surfaces of the first and second panes facing away from the aerogel layer, i.e. the outer surface of the outer pane and the interior surface of the inner pane.If the side pane has a connecting section which extends beyond the composite according to the invention and is formed only by the larger pane, the said external surfaces are the outside and the inside surface of that larger pane.

[0113] The side window according to the invention is transparent, allowing for a view through it. The side window preferably has a light transmission of at least 70%. This allows the side window to be easily used as a front side window (side window of the driver and passenger seats), for which legal minimum requirements regarding light transmission exist. Light transmission refers to the total transmission, determined by the method for testing the light transmission of motor vehicle windows specified in ECE-R 43, Annex 3, Section 9.1.

[0114] The first pane, the second pane, the vacuum insulating glazing, the aerogel layer, any bonding layers, and any coatings are suitably designed to ensure the desired light transmission. The first pane, the second pane, the vacuum insulating glazing, the aerogel layer, and any bonding layers are preferably clear and colorless. However, they may independently exhibit slight tints or colorations, as long as the light transmission is not excessively reduced. The spacer is also preferably clear and transparent, at least if it is visible through the side pane and is not obscured by opaque prints.

[0115] The side window can be flat, cylindrical, or spherically curved. Spherically curved side windows are particularly common in passenger cars.

[0116] The side pane according to variant A according to the invention can be manufactured by connecting the spacer to the first pane and the second pane via connecting layers, with the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing being surrounded by the spacer. The vacuum insulating glazing is preferably provided as a prefabricated component with a pre-evacuated space and is connected to the first pane via a connecting layer. This connecting layer is preferably the same connecting layer used to connect the spacer to the first pane.

[0117] The side pane according to variant B according to the invention can be manufactured by connecting the vacuum insulating glazing (preferably provided as a prefabricated component with an already evacuated intermediate space) to the first pane via a connecting layer and connecting the spacer to the vacuum insulating glazing and the second pane via connecting layers, wherein the aerogel layer is surrounded by the spacer.

[0118] The aerogel layer can be provided as a prefabricated block or plate and also connected to the second pane via a connecting layer. If the aerogel layer is connected to the second pane via a connecting layer, the connecting layer is preferably the same connecting layer with which the spacer is connected to the second pane. Alternatively, the aerogel layer can be produced directly on the second pane, so that the second pane is already provided with the aerogel layer adhered to it and is then connected to the first pane or the vacuum insulating glazing via the spacer. In this case, the connecting layer with which the spacer is connected to the second pane can optionally also extend between the aerogel layer and the vacuum insulating glazing.

[0119] To facilitate the production of an aerogel layer as a prefabricated block or plate, it can be created, for example, on a carrier film. The carrier film can then be removed or remain permanently in the side window. From a process engineering perspective, it is particularly advantageous if the carrier film is a connecting layer, for example, a thermoplastic film (such as PVB film) or an OCA film. The aerogel layer can then be bonded directly to another element of the side window via the carrier film.

[0120] If the bonding layers are thermoplastic, the bonding is achieved using conventional lamination processes, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. Lamination is typically performed under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0121] The invention further encompasses the use of a vehicle side window according to the invention as a side window of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car or truck, in particular as a raising and lowering side window. The side window is particularly advantageously used in electric vehicles, where the reduced energy consumption it brings about leads to a longer battery life. The invention further encompasses a vehicle equipped with the vehicle side window according to the invention. The side window is preferably a raising and lowering side window. The vehicle can, in principle, be any land, air, or water vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle or rail vehicle, particularly preferably a passenger car or truck, in particular an electric vehicle (electric passenger car).

[0122] 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:

[0123] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention,

[0124] Fig. 2 shows a cross section along XX' through the vehicle side window from Figure 1,

[0125] Fig. 3 a cross-section through the vacuum insulating glazing of the vehicle side window from Figure 1,

[0126] Fig. 4 shows a cross section along XX' through a further embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention,

[0127] Fig. 5 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the vehicle side window according to the invention,

[0128] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section along YY' through the vehicle side window from Figure 5,

[0129] Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 each show a detail of an embodiment of the vehicle side window S according to the invention. The side window S is provided as an openable (i.e., raiseable and lowerable) side window for the front side window of a passenger car.

[0130] The side window S comprises a first pane 1 and a second pane 2, between which a frame-like spacer 4 is arranged circumferentially in an edge region of the side window S, and an aerogel layer 3 and a vacuum insulating glazing 8 are arranged. The spacer 4 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8 are connected to the first pane 1 via a first connecting layer 5a. The spacer 4 and the aerogel layer 3 are connected to the second pane 2 via a second connecting layer 5b. The first pane 1 forms the outer pane of the side window S and therefore faces the exterior of the vehicle when installed. The second pane 2 forms the inner pane of the side window S and therefore faces the vehicle interior when installed.

[0131] The first pane 1 and the second pane 2 are thermally toughened glass panes made of soda-lime glass, each 2.1 mm thick. The connecting layers 5a, 5b are thermoplastic layers and each formed as 0.76 mm thick PVB films. The aerogel layer 3, for example, has a thickness of 2 mm and is made of a transparent polymer aerogel. The spacer 4 is made of transparent polycarbonate (PC). It has a width of 5 mm and a height (dimension between the first pane 1 and the second pane 2) of 3.7 mm. The height of the spacer 4 corresponds approximately to the combined thickness of the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8.

[0132] The vacuum insulating glazing 8, which is shown in detail in Figure 3, is formed from a first glass layer 8a and a second glass layer 8b, which are connected to one another and kept at a distance by a circumferential spacer 8d in the edge region and by spacer columns 8e evenly distributed over the surface. This creates an evacuated gap 8c between the first glass layer 8a and the second glass layer 8b. The first glass layer 8a faces the first pane 1 of the side pane S, and the second glass layer 8b faces the aerogel layer 3. The first glass layer 8a and the second glass layer 8b are each made of chemically toughened aluminosilicate glass and each have a thickness of 0.7 mm. The gap 8c has a thickness of 0.3 mm. The spacer columns 8e are made of glass or a transparent plastic. The circumferential spacer 8d is made of a plastic.In addition, the circumferential spacer 8d is equipped with an edge seal (not shown) which seals the intermediate space 5c gas-tight.

[0133] The aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8 have thermally insulating properties, so that heat conduction through the side window S is reduced. The second pane 2 and the vehicle interior are thus heated less when exposed to sunlight. Likewise, in winter, heat loss from the interior through the side window S is reduced. The aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8 thus increase thermal comfort in the vehicle interior. The aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8 are lightweight, so that the overall weight of the side window S also remains low. The aerogel layer 3 also has acoustically insulating properties, so that disturbing outside noise is shielded.

[0134] An IR-reflecting coating 6 is applied as a sun protection coating to the surface of the first pane 1 (outer pane) facing the vacuum insulating glazing 8 and the second pane 2. An IR-reflecting coating 7 is applied as an emissivity-reducing coating to the surface of the second pane 2 (inner pane) facing the aerogel layer 3 and the first pane 1. The IR-reflecting coating 6 is intended in particular to reflect infrared components of solar radiation and to reduce heating of the layers of the side window and the vehicle interior located behind it as a result of this direct solar radiation.The IR-reflecting coating 7 is designed specifically to reflect the thermal radiation from the heated first pane 1, vacuum insulating glazing 8, and aerogel layer 3 at high outside temperatures, and to reflect the thermal radiation emanating from the vehicle interior at lower outside temperatures. The IR-reflecting coatings 6, 7 further improve thermal comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0135] The IR-reflecting coatings 6, 7 are each thin-film coatings with two silver layers each, each silver layer being embedded between two dielectric layer sequences, so that a dielectric layer sequence is arranged above the uppermost silver layer, below the lowermost silver layer and between the two silver layers.

[0136] The side pane S is completely transparent with a light transmission of over 70%. The outer pane 1, the inner pane 2, the aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8, the spacer 4, and the connecting layers 5a, 5b are clear, untinted, and colorless.

[0137] Two retaining elements 10 are attached to the lower edge of the side window S, which faces downwards in the installed position. These serve to connect the side window S to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window S in the vehicle body. The retaining elements 10 are Y-shaped and have two parallel contact sections, one contact section being adhesively bonded to the external surface of the first window 1 and the other contact section being bonded to the external surface of the second window 2. The retaining elements also have a fastening section adjoining the contact sections. The fastening section is provided with a passage 11, which can be connected to the raising and lowering mechanism by means of a component clamped or screwed therein.

[0138] Figure 4 shows a cross-section through a further embodiment of the vehicle side window from Figure 1. The vacuum insulating glazing 8 has essentially the same area as the first pane 1 and is connected to it via a connecting layer 5a. The second pane 2 is connected to the vacuum insulating glazing 8 via the spacer 4. The cavity is defined by the vacuum insulating glazing 8, the second pane 2, and the spacer 4. The aerogel layer 3 is arranged in this cavity.

[0139] The connection between spacer 4 and second pane 2 is achieved via a connecting layer 5b, which also connects the aerogel layer 3 to the second pane 2. The connection between spacer 4 and vacuum insulating glazing 8 is achieved via a connecting layer 5c, which also connects the aerogel layer 3 to the vacuum insulating glazing 8.

[0140] The first pane 1 with the IR-reflecting coating 6 and the second pane 2 with the IR-reflecting coating 7 are designed exactly as in Figure 2. The aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8 (apart from its base area) and the spacer 4 (apart from its height) are also designed exactly as in Figure 2. The connecting layers 5a, 5b, 5c are thermoplastic layers and each designed as 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm thick PVB films.

[0141] The connecting layer 5c between the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8 is optional. Alternatively, it could also be present only in the edge area between the spacer 4 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8. The aerogel layer 3 is already fixed to the second pane 2, so an additional connection to the vacuum insulating glazing 8 is not absolutely necessary.

[0142] Figure 5 and Figure 6 each show a detail of a further embodiment of the vehicle side window S according to the invention.

[0143] The side pane S can be conceptually divided into a window area D and a connecting area A. In the window area D, the side pane S comprises a first pane 1 (outer pane) and a second pane 2 (inner pane), between which a frame-like spacer 4 is arranged circumferentially in an edge area of ​​the window area D, a vacuum insulating glazing 8 and an aerogel layer 3.

[0144] The first pane 1 is a thermally toughened glass pane made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of 2.1 mm. The second pane 2 is a chemically toughened glass pane made of aluminosilicate glass with a thickness of 0.6 mm. The aerogel layer 3 is produced on the surface of the second pane 2 facing the outer pane 1 and therefore adheres to it. The spacer 4 is connected to the first pane 1 via a connecting layer 5a. The vacuum insulating glazing 8 is also connected to the first pane 1 via the same connecting layer 5a. The vacuum insulating glazing 8 is designed exactly as in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. The spacer 4 is connected to the second pane 2 via a further connecting layer 5c. Between the vacuum insulating glazing 8 and the aerogel layer 3, a further connecting layer 5b is arranged, which connects these two components to one another.The connecting layers 5a, 5b, and 5c are thermoplastic layers, each made of a 0.38 mm thick PVB film. The aerogel layer 3, for example, has a thickness of 2 mm and is made of a transparent polymer aerogel. The spacer 4 is made of transparent polycarbonate (PC). It has a width of 5 mm and a height (dimension between outer pane 1 and inner pane 2) of 3.7 mm.

[0145] The connecting layers 5b, 5c can alternatively also be formed in one piece, for example by a single PVB film arranged in the area of ​​the spacer 4 between the spacer 4 and the second pane 2. In the cavity, it is guided around the side edge of the aerogel layer 3 and then runs between the aerogel layer 3 and the vacuum insulating glazing 8. The connecting layer 5b is not absolutely necessary because the vacuum insulating glazing 8 is already fixed to the first pane 1 via the connecting layer 5a, and the aerogel layer 3 is fixed to the second pane 2. It can therefore also be omitted.

[0146] An IR-reflective coating 6 is applied as a sun protection coating to the surface of the outer pane 1 facing the aerogel layer 3 and the inner pane 2. An IR-reflective coating 7 is applied as an emissivity-reducing coating to the surface of the inner pane 2 facing the aerogel layer 6 and the outer pane 1. The IR-reflective coatings 6, 7 are designed exactly as in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0147] The connecting section A is formed only by the first pane 1 (outer pane), which extends beyond the second pane 2. Near the lower edge, the first pane 1 has two openings 11, which serve to connect to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window S in the vehicle body. A component can be clamped or screwed into the openings 11 for this purpose.

[0148] The combinations of features shown are merely examples and do not limit the invention in any way. For example, in the side pane S of Figures 5 and 6, a holding element 10 as in Figures 1 and 2 can be provided instead of feedthroughs 11. Likewise, the aerogel layer 3 of the side pane S of Figures 5 and 6 could be connected to the second pane 2 via a connecting layer, while the aerogel layer 3 of the side pane S of Figures 1, 2 and 4 could be produced directly on a surface of the second pane 2. The combinations of first pane 1 and second pane 2 are also merely examples; alternatively, for example, non-tempered glass panes or plastic panes can be used as the first pane 1 and / or second pane 2.

[0149] Likewise, it is not mandatory that the aerogel layer 3 be arranged on the interior side of the vacuum insulating glazing 8. Alternatively, the vacuum insulating glazing 8 can be arranged on the interior side of the aerogel layer 3. In this case, the first pane 1 forms the inner pane and the second pane 2 forms the outer pane of the side pane S.

[0150] It is also possible for the connecting section A to be part of the second pane 2 instead of the first pane 1 as in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6.

[0151] Likewise, in a configuration with a connecting section A as in Figures 5 and 6, it is also possible for the second pane 2 to be attached to the vacuum insulating glazing 8 via the spacer 4 instead of to the first pane 1.

[0152] The energy input through the side window S was determined through simulations. To characterize this, the so-called thermal transmittance coefficient, commonly referred to as the ll value, was determined. The lower the ll value, the lower the thermal transmittance.

[0153] There were:

[0154] Example of a side window S according to the invention with a 3 mm thick

[0155] Aerogel layer 3, a 3 mm thick vacuum insulating glazing 8 (pressure 50 Pa), an IR-reflecting coating 6 on the interior surface of the outer pane and an IR-reflecting coating 7 on the exterior surface of the inner pane;

[0156] Comparative example: a corresponding side pane made of the same outer pane 1 and the same inner pane 2, but without the aerogel layer 3, vacuum insulating glazing 8 and spacers 4 and without the coatings 6, 7; outer pane 1 and inner pane 2 were laminated to form a composite pane using a 0.76 mm thick PVB film.

[0157] In the comparison example, the simulated U-value was 5.9 W / (m 2 K), in the example according to the invention only 1.15 W / (m 2 K). The aerogel layer 3, the vacuum insulating glazing 8 and the IR-reflecting coatings 6, 7 therefore lead to a significant reduction in the thermal transmittance.

[0158] List of reference symbols:

[0159] (5) Vehicle side window

[0160] (1) first disc

[0161] (2) second disc

[0162] (3) Aerogel layer

[0163] (4) Spacers

[0164] (5a) Connection layer

[0165] (5b) Connection layer

[0166] (5c) Connection layer

[0167] (6) IR-reflective coating (sun protection coating)

[0168] (7) IR-reflective coating (emissivity-reducing coating)

[0169] (8) Vacuum insulating glazing

[0170] (8a) first glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing

[0171] (8b) second glass layer of the vacuum insulating glazing

[0172] (8c) evacuated space of the vacuum insulating glazing 5

[0173] (8d) circumferential spacer of the vacuum insulating glazing 5

[0174] (8e) Spacer columns of vacuum insulating glazing 5

[0175] (10) Holding element

[0176] (11) Implementation

[0177] (D) Window area

[0178] (A) Connection area

[0179] X - X' intersection line

[0180] Y - Y' intersection line

Claims

Patent claims 1. A vehicle side window (S), comprising a first pane (1), a second pane (2), a vacuum insulating glazing (8) and an aerogel layer (3), wherein the vacuum insulating glazing (8) is arranged between the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) and comprises a first glass layer (8a) and a second glass layer (8b) spaced apart from the first glass layer (8a) by spacers (8d, 8e), wherein the intermediate space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) is evacuated, and wherein the second pane (2) is connected to the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8) by a frame-like spacer (4), so that a cavity is formed which is delimited by the first pane (1) or the vacuum insulating glazing (8), the second pane (2) and the spacer (4), and wherein the aerogel layer (3) is arranged.

2. Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum insulating glazing (8) is connected to the first pane (1) via a connecting layer (5a).

3. Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is connected to the second pane (2) via a connecting layer (5b).

4. Vehicle side window (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is produced on the surface of the second pane (2).

5. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) are designed independently of one another as - thermally toughened glass pane, - non-tempered glass pane, - chemically toughened glass pane or - plastic disc.

6. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spacer (4) is formed from a polymer, in particular from a transparent polymer, preferably based on polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, PVC or polystyrene.

7. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer (4) has a width of 3 mm to 10 mm.

8. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerogel layer (3) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, particularly preferably of 1 mm to 4 mm.

9. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerogel layer (3) is formed on the basis of a silicate aerogel, a polymer aerogel or a cellulose aerogel.

10. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and wherein the intermediate space (8c) between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

11. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) are chemically toughened.

12. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spacing means (8d, 8e) - a circumferential spacer (8d) in an edge region between the first glass layer (8a) and the second glass layer (8b) and - comprise a plurality of spacer columns (8e).

13. Vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein on the surfaces of the first pane (1) and the second pane (2) facing the aerogel layer (3) and the vacuum insulating glazing (8) there is in each case an IR-reflecting Coating (6, 7) is applied, preferably comprising at least two layers based on silver.

14. A vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a connecting section (A) of the first pane (1) intended for connection to a vehicle body projects beyond the second pane (2), or wherein a connecting section of the second pane (2) intended for connection to a vehicle body projects beyond the first pane (1).

15. Use of a vehicle side window (S) according to one of claims 1 to 14 as a raising and lowering side window of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car or truck, in particular an electric vehicle.

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