Composite pane arrangement having a light source and a light guide

The composite pane arrangement efficiently couples light into vehicle panes using a flexible light guide and external light source, addressing space and processing challenges, enabling flexible design and easy maintenance.

WO2025219042A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-23SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/058389
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-17
Filing Date
2025-03-27
Publication Date
2025-10-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing composite panes in vehicles face challenges in efficiently coupling light due to the need for multiple low-power light sources that require significant space and complex processing of side surfaces, making homogeneous illumination difficult, especially in curved designs like vehicle roofs.

Method used

A composite pane arrangement with a light source positioned outside the pane and a flexible light guide that couples light into the pane, using scattering, reflection, refraction, or diffraction, allowing for efficient light distribution without direct integration on the pane, enabling flexible positioning and easy replacement of light sources.

Benefits of technology

This arrangement achieves efficient light coupling and space savings by positioning the light source away from the pane, allowing for flexible design and easy replacement, while providing attractive accent lighting without additional modules.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite pane arrangement (101) having a light source (5), at least comprising: - a light source (5) positioned outside the composite pane (10), - a light guide (4) positioned partly between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2), wherein the light source (5) is positioned at a first end (4a) of the light guide (4) located outside of the composite pane (10), and a second end (4b) of the light guide (4) is provided for coupling the light (6) emitted by the light source (5) into the composite pane via a light coupling means (7), the second end (4b) being located inside of the composite pane (10).
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Description

[0001] Composite pane arrangement with light source and light guide

[0002] The invention relates to a composite pane assembly, in particular a composite pane assembly for a vehicle, as well as a system and a vehicle comprising the composite pane assembly. The composite pane assembly according to the invention can be designed, for example, as a roof pane of a vehicle.

[0003] Laminated glass consists of at least one outer pane, one inner pane, and an adhesive interlayer that connects the outer pane to the inner pane. Typical interlayers are polyvinyl butyral films, which, in addition to their adhesive properties, offer high toughness and high acoustic damping. The interlayer prevents the laminated glass pane from shattering in the event of damage. The laminated glass pane only cracks but remains dimensionally stable.

[0004] Modern vehicles often include a composite pane serving as a roof window, consisting of two glass panes bonded by a thermoplastic interlayer. The individual panes of a composite pane are bent congruently to achieve a uniform curvature. One or more thermoplastic composite films are inserted between the congruently bent panes. These films melt during lamination, creating a thermoplastic interlayer of a constant thickness.

[0005] Lighting can provide an attractive viewing experience in vehicles. To implement accent or functional lighting in a vehicle, the lighting must be integrated into vehicle components. The current state of the art involves a multitude of individual light sources consisting of several low-power light sources. Installing light sources inevitably requires a lot of space, as their dimensions require them to be installed as an additional component in the vehicle.

[0006] WO 2010 / 049638 A1, WO 2013 / 053629 A1 and WO 2015 / 095288 A2 disclose the coupling of light into a glass pane via a side surface. However, the point-like coupling of light makes homogeneous illumination of the entire pane difficult. Also known are laminated glazings with light sources, wherein the light emitted by the light source is guided through the laminated glazing via a glass substrate or a polymeric intermediate layer. Such a laminated glazing has a light introduction surface for introducing the light emitted by the light source and a light extraction surface for extracting the light. In the case of a roof pane in the automotive sector, for example, coupling light via one of the side surfaces is difficult because this is glued into the vehicle body and, in addition, the pane typically has a rounded edge, the so-called C-cut.Since the side surface must be as smooth as possible for the most efficient light coupling, complex smoothing and polishing or other special processing of the side surface is required.

[0007] WO 2019 / 170330 A1 discloses a composite pane with electrically controllable optical properties, which comprises an outer pane, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer and an inner pane, wherein a light guide is arranged at least partially between the outer pane and the inner pane.

[0008] WO 2005 / 054915 A1 discloses a light-guiding arrangement for vehicle roofs, comprising two glass panes with an intermediate layer. The light-guiding arrangement comprises light-coupling means that couple light into the intermediate layer, as well as a recess for accommodating the light-coupling means.

[0009] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved composite pane arrangement with a light source which enables particularly efficient light coupling into a composite pane and a flexible arrangement of the light source.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by a composite pane arrangement with a light source according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are evident from the subclaims.

[0011] The composite pane arrangement with a light source according to the invention comprises at least:

[0012] • an outer pane, an intermediate layer and an inner pane, wherein the outer pane and the inner pane are connected to one another via the intermediate layer to form a composite pane,

[0013] • a light source arranged outside the laminated pane,

[0014] • a light guide arranged partially between the outer pane and the inner pane, wherein the light source is arranged at a first end of the light guide arranged outside the composite pane and a second end of the first light guide arranged inside the composite pane is provided via a light coupling means for coupling the light emitted by the light source into the composite pane.

[0015] The purpose of the light guide is to position the light source not directly on or in the composite pane, but to make the arrangement of the light source as flexible as possible, whereby the light coupling is particularly efficient.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention, the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source in transmission through scattering, reflection, refraction, or diffraction. The light coupling means can comprise a transparent body that is connected to the light guide or integrated into the light guide. The transparent body can comprise one or more prisms.

[0017] Preferably, the light guide has a length of at least 0.1 m outside the composite pane. In particular, the light guide can be spaced from the composite pane at a distance of 0.1 m to 2 m.

[0018] Because the light source is not arranged directly on the composite pane, the light source can be positioned flexibly and adapted to the installation situation of the composite pane arrangement. In the active state, i.e. when the light source is supplied with power, the light source, in particular a high-performance LED, generates not only light but also unwanted heat. Because the light source can be arranged away from the composite pane, the composite pane is not heated up additionally. A further advantage of this type of arrangement is that a defective light source can be easily replaced without damaging the composite pane. Because the light source does not have to be integrated into the composite pane, large light sources, i.e. light sources with large external dimensions, can be used.In addition, such a composite pane arrangement enables efficient light coupling, since the light is guided through the light guide directly into the composite pane and can be emitted at a predetermined location.

[0019] The terms "outer pane" and "inner pane" serve merely to distinguish between a first pane and a second pane. When the composite pane is used as a vehicle pane or as a building pane, the outer pane preferably, but not necessarily, faces the exterior of the composite pane, and the inner pane faces the interior. In the composite pane according to the invention, the outer pane and inner pane are connected to one another via at least one intermediate layer. The composite pane according to the invention can be designed, for example, as a roof pane of a vehicle.

[0020] The optical fiber comprises, in particular, a core and a cladding surrounding the core, the core having a higher refractive index than the cladding. The optical fiber preferably has fibers made of glass and / or plastic as the core. By forming the core as a fiber, in particular made of glass and / or plastic, the light guide can be designed flexibly. The optical fiber is preferably in the form of a cable, with the longer of its dimensions being referred to as the length and the shorter of its dimensions being referred to as the width.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the light guide can comprise a liquid, particularly a gel, as a transport medium. The use of a liquid or a gel as a transport medium offers a higher light output than with other light guides. The light guide is preferably flexible and / or bendable. By using the flexible light guide to guide the light, the light can advantageously be transported to any position on the composite pane with little effort. This makes the design of the light guide within the composite pane flexible and particularly easy to implement.

[0022] The light guide can be at least partially light-scattering and / or transparent. In particular, the light guide can be optically transparent. The light guide has a lateral surface connecting the first end and the second end, with the light in the light guide exiting at least partially through the lateral surface of the light guide. The light guide can have a tubular sheath that is at least partially transparent or, alternatively, can have no sheath. The light can be emitted over an extended section of the light guide or at a point.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the light guide is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, a light-reflecting layer is arranged between the inner pane and the intermediate layer. The second end of the light guide, arranged within the composite pane, is provided via the light coupling means for coupling the light emitted by the light source into the inner pane, wherein the refractive index of the inner pane is greater than the refractive index of the light-reflecting layer. The light-reflecting layer can be formed as a coating on an outer surface of the inner panes facing the intermediate layer.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, refractive indices are generally specified relative to a wavelength of 550 nm [nanometers]. The refractive index is fundamentally independent of the measurement method; it can be determined, for example, using ellipsometry. Ellipsometers are commercially available. When determining the refractive index of the panes, particularly the inner and outer panes, the same measurement method is used as for determining the refractive index of the light-reflecting layer or a light-conducting layer.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, a light-guiding layer can be arranged between the inner pane and the intermediate layer. The second end of the first light guide, arranged within the composite pane, can be provided via the light coupling means for coupling the light emitted by the light source into the light-guiding layer, wherein the refractive index of the light-guiding layer is greater than the refractive index of the inner pane. In particular, the light-guiding layer can be formed as a light-guiding film, a light-guiding coating, or a thin glass pane, wherein the light-guiding layer has a thickness of, for example, 1000 pm or 500 pm [micrometers] or less.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention, at least one light extraction means is provided for extracting light from the first inner pane or from the light-conducting layer. The one or more light extraction means can be mounted on or in at least one of the surfaces, preferably on or in an inner surface of the inner pane.

[0028] The light-guiding layer can be formed as a light-guiding film, a light-guiding coating, or a thin glass pane, with the light-guiding layer having a thickness of 1000 μm or less. The use of the light-guiding layer can create attractive accent lighting, for example, in a vehicle. The composite pane can comprise multiple light-guiding layers. Advantageously, the light guide can have a diameter corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer. This achieves a particularly good connection between the light guide and the composite pane and a particularly effective light coupling.

[0029] Preferably, the intermediate layer has a recessed area in which a portion of the light guide is arranged. Thus, the light guide is securely fixed within the composite pane.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the composite pane comprises an opaque cover layer on a surface (I, II) of the outer pane. The cover layer and the section of the light guide overlap in the viewing direction through the composite pane. The opaque cover layer can be arranged in a circumferential edge region, in particular on the inner surface (II) of the outer pane. The cover layer is also referred to as a cover print or black print. The cover print is formed from a printing ink. The cover layer can be formed from an opaque enamel, preferably applied as a screen print or as a digital print. The enamel can contain glass frits and / or mineral frits and optionally at least one pigment, preferably glass frits and / or mineral frits based on oxides selected from boron, bismuth, zinc, silicon, aluminum, and sodium. The pigment ensures the opacity of the cover layer.The pigment can be a black pigment, for example, carbon black, aniline black, bone black, iron oxide black, spinel black, and / or graphite. Alternatively, the cover layer can be formed as a particularly black adhesive tape or a base layer, a so-called primer. The composite pane can have multiple cover layers. The cover layers can have a layer thickness of 5 μm to 50 μm, particularly preferably 8 μm to 25 μm.

[0031] Advantageously, the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED), one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), one transparent organic light-emitting diode (TOLED), and / or at least one laser diode. The use of a laser diode has the advantage of being particularly powerful and efficient. This allows for accent lighting to be created at multiple locations on the composite pane.

[0032] The light source can include a cooling device for cooling the light source. This allows high-performance LEDs to be used as the light source, as these require active cooling during operation. The light source can emit colored or white light. Preferred light colors are white, yellow, red (due to their strong signaling effect), green (due to the human eye's high sensitivity to the green color spectrum), and blue.

[0033] It is understood that a composite pane arrangement according to the invention can comprise one or more light guides and light sources. Preferably, all light guides are coupled together, or each light guide is individually coupled, to at least one light source. The light guide(s) can be arranged in any technically feasible form within the composite pane, for example, in the edge region, in the center, straight, curved, or as lettering or a symbol. The use of a flexible light guide enables virtually wrinkle-free layering within the composite pane, even with a complexly curved pane geometry.

[0034] The composite pane arrangement according to the invention provides attractive accent lighting through the use of a light guide in the composite pane. Furthermore, the integration of the light guide into the composite pane results in enormous space savings, as an additional lighting module directly on or in the composite pane is no longer required.

[0035] The outer panes and the inner pane preferably contain glass, particularly preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or clear plastics, particularly preferably rigid clear plastics, for example, polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The panes can be clear and optically transparent or tinted or colored. The thickness of the panes can vary widely and thus be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. The thickness of each pane is preferably from 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm. In particular, at least the inner pane and preferably also the outer pane are made of clear glass.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total transmittance of the laminated pane complies with the legal requirements of the European Union for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a visible light transmittance of more than 70%, and in particular more than 75%. For rear side windows, roof windows, and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmittance. Accordingly, "opaque" means a light transmittance of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, and in particular 0%. The laminated pane can have any three-dimensional shape. The laminated pane is preferably flat or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions of the room.

[0037] Additionally, the composite pane can have a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties embedded in the intermediate layer. The functional element can be simply inserted between a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer during the manufacture of the composite pane. The first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer contain at least one thermoplastic polymer, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, and / or mixtures and / or copolymers thereof. The thickness of the thermoplastic bonding films is preferably between 0.05 mm and 2 mm, for example, 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm. The bonding is effected under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure using conventional methods.

[0038] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the functional element is a PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional element. The PDLC functional element has an active layer containing randomly aligned liquid crystals. This leads to strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. The PDLC functional element also has two surface electrodes. If an electrical voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align in one direction, and the transmission of light through the active layer is significantly increased. Without an applied electrical voltage, the PDLC functional element is characterized by a white, milky appearance, which serves as a visual barrier.

[0039] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the functional element is an SPD (suspended particle device). The active layer contains suspended particles, which are preferably embedded in a viscous matrix. The absorption of light by the active layer can be changed by applying a voltage to the surface electrodes, which leads to a change in the orientation of the suspended particles. Advantageously, the functional element is arranged centrally in the composite pane. The functional element can be electrically controlled via contact elements.

[0040] In addition to the first and second intermediate layers, a third intermediate layer for reflecting infrared radiation can be provided. In this case, the third intermediate layer is arranged between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer. The third intermediate layer can comprise a polyvinyl butyral, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and / or mixtures and / or copolymers thereof, and a polymer film. Preferably, a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film is used. The PET film is particularly advantageous with regard to the stability of the third intermediate layer. The PVB films contain at least one thermoplastic polymer, for example ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, and / or mixtures and / or copolymers thereof. The thickness of the thermoplastic PVB film is preferably from 0.05 mm to 2 mm, for example 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

[0041] The PET film can have a transparent, infrared-reflecting coating. The infrared-reflecting coating then contains silver, titanium dioxide, aluminum nitride, or zinc oxide, with silver being preferred. To improve conductivity while maintaining high transparency, the coating can have several electrically conductive layers separated from one another by at least one dielectric layer. The infrared-reflecting and conductive coating can, for example, contain two, three, or four electrically conductive layers. The infrared-reflecting coating can additionally have dielectric layers that serve, for example, to regulate the sheet resistance, provide corrosion protection, or reduce reflection. Such an infrared-reflecting coating is preferably applied to a surface facing the first intermediate layer.

[0042] A further aspect of the invention comprises a system with a composite pane arrangement according to the invention comprising a light control of the light source, for example as a windshield, rear window, side window and / or roof window, in buildings, in particular in the access area, window area, roof area or facade area, as a built-in part in furniture and appliances.

[0043] A further aspect of the invention comprises a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a composite pane arrangement according to the invention.

[0044] It is understood that the features mentioned above and explained in more detail below can be used not only in the specified combinations and configurations, but also in other combinations and configurations, or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 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.

[0045] They show:

[0046] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through the inventive

[0047] Composite pane arrangement,

[0048] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view through a first embodiment of a

[0049] light guide,

[0050] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view through a second embodiment of the

[0051] light guide,

[0052] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view through a third embodiment of the

[0053] light guide,

[0054] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a further development of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention, and

[0055] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through a further embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention with a light-guiding layer.

[0056] In the figures, identical or identically functioning components are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a composite pane assembly 101 according to the invention, which comprises a composite pane 10 with a light guide 4 and a light source 5. In this example, the composite pane 10 is designed as a roof pane of a passenger car.

[0058] The composite pane 10 contains an outer pane 1 with an inner surface II, an inner pane 2 with an outer surface III, and an intermediate layer 3 which connects the inner surface II of the outer pane 1 to the outer surface III of the inner pane 2 across the pane surface. Furthermore, a light-reflecting layer 9 is arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and the inner pane 2. The light 6 emitted by the light guide 4 propagates in the inner pane 2. The light 6 reflecting layer 9 is provided to reflect the light 6 impinging on the light-reflecting layer 9 back into the inner pane 2. The refractive index of the inner pane 2 is greater than the refractive index of the light-reflecting layer 9. The light rays propagating in the inner pane 2 are reflected into the inner pane 2.The light-reflecting layer 9 is formed as a coating on the outer surface III of the inner panes 2 facing the intermediate layer 3.

[0059] The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made of soda-lime glass, for example, and each have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The intermediate layer 3 is thermoplastic and is formed, for example, as a multilayer film made of thermoplastic polymer (TPU), optically clear pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with a total thickness of 0.86 mm, or comprise one or more of these materials.

[0060] It is understood that other glass panes or polymer panes can also be used as outer pane 1 and inner pane 2. Furthermore, the thickness of outer pane 1 and inner pane 2 can be adapted to the respective application.

[0061] The outer pane 1 can comprise tempered, semi-tempered, or non-tempered glass. The inner pane 1, the outer pane 2, and the intermediate layer 3 are, for example, clear (neither tinted nor colored). In particular, at least the inner pane 2 or also the outer pane 1 is made of clear glass. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 3 can comprise a tinted, in particular dark tint (gray, brown, blue) or colored PVB film. Alternatively or additionally, the outer pane 1 can be dark tinted (gray, brown, blue).

[0062] The light guide 4 has a first end 4a located outside the composite pane 10 and a second end 4b located inside the composite pane. The light guide 4 is arranged in sections between the outer surface III of the inner pane 2 and the inner surface II of the outer pane 2. The intermediate layer 3 has a recess region in which a section of length B of the light guide 4 is arranged with the second end 4b. The light guide 4 has a diameter corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer 3.

[0063] The light source 5 is arranged at the first end 4a of the light guide 4. The second end 4b, arranged within the composite pane 10, is provided with a light coupling means 7 for coupling the light 6 emitted by the light source 5 into the composite pane 10. The second end 4b of the light guide 4 is light-conductingly connected or coupled to the inner pane 2 via the light coupling means 7. The light coupling means 7 is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source in transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction, or diffraction. The light coupling means 7 can contain a transparent body that is connected to the light guide 4 or that is integrated into the light guide 4. The transparent body can comprise one or more prisms. The light guide 4 is designed in the form of a cable. Alternatively, the light guide 4 can be designed as a planar light guide.

[0064] The light guide 4 has a length A of 0.1 m to 2.5 m outside the composite pane 10, for example 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m or 2 m. The light source 5 can have a distance of 0.1 m to 2 m from the composite pane 10. In the composite pane 10, the light guide 4 extends over a length B of 0.01 m to 2.5 m, for example 0.1 m, 0.5 m, 1 m or 2 m.

[0065] The light source 5 consists, for example, of one or more light modules, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), OLEDs, TOLEDs, and / or laser diodes, which can couple light into the light guide 4, for example, via a reflector. When an electrical voltage is applied to the light source 5, light 6 is coupled into the light guide 4. The light source 5 can have a cooling device for actively cooling the light source 5.

[0066] Figure 2A, Figure 2B and Figure 2C each show a cross-section through an embodiment of the light guide 4. The light guide 4 comprises a core 4e and a lateral surface 4c surrounding the core 4e, wherein the core 4e has a higher refractive index than the lateral surface 4c. The light guide 4 preferably has fibers made of glass and / or plastic as the core 4e. Because the light guide 4 has fibers, in particular made of glass and / or plastic, the light guidance can be designed flexibly. Alternatively or additionally, the light guide 4 can have a liquid as the core 4e, in particular a gel as the transport medium. The use of a liquid or a gel as the transport medium offers a higher light yield than with other light guides. The light guide 4 can be at least partially light-scattering and / or transparent, in particular optically transparent. The light guide 4 is preferably flexible, i.e. bendable.By using the flexible light guide 4 to guide light 6, the light 6 can advantageously be transported to any position on the composite pane 10 with little effort. The light guide 4 has a diameter d of, for example, 90 pm, 200 pm or 380 pm and is suitable for emitting light 6 via the lateral surface 4c along its extended length and / or at the second end 4b. The light guide 4 can also consist of a single fiber that has a thick diameter. The diameter of the individual fiber can then be in the millimeter range. The light 6 is coupled into the light guide 4 at the first end 4a via an end face or lateral surface 4c of the light guide 4. For this purpose, the light source 5 is arranged at the first end 4a of the light guide 4.The light source 5 consists, for example, of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), an OLED, a light-emitting diode (TOLED), and / or a laser diode, which can couple light into the light guide 4, for example, via a reflector. When a voltage is applied to the light source 5, light 6 is coupled into the light guide 4. The light source 5 can have a cooling device for actively cooling the light source 5.

[0067] The light guide 4 can scatter the light 6 at the second end 4b and / or at its lateral surface 4c along its extension length in the composite pane 10, so that the light guide 4 shines at the second end 4b and / or over its extension length.

[0068] The emission of light 6 can extend over an extended section of the light guide 4 or can occur in a point-like manner.

[0069] In Figure 2A, the light guide 4 has a round cross-section. Figure 2B shows a light guide 4 with a rectangular cross-section, and in Figure 2C, the light guide 4 is planar.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through a further development of the composite pane arrangement 101 according to the invention, which comprises a composite pane 10 with the light guide 4 and the light source 5, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0071] In this embodiment too, the composite pane 10 contains the outer pane 1 with the inner surface II, the inner pane 2 with the outer surface III and the intermediate layer which connects the inner surface II of the outer pane 1 to the outer surface III of the inner pane 2 across the pane surface. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made of soda-lime glass and each have a thickness of 1.5 mm or 1.1 mm, for example. The intermediate layer 3 is thermoplastic and is designed, for example, as a multi-layer film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a total thickness of 0.86 mm. The outer pane 1 can comprise tempered, partially tempered or non-tempered glass. The inner pane 1, the outer pane 2 and the intermediate layer 3 are, for example, clear (neither tinted nor colored).Alternatively, the intermediate layer 3 can comprise a tinted, in particular dark tint (gray, brown, blue) or colored PVB film. Alternatively or additionally, the outer pane 1 can be dark tinted (gray, brown, blue). As already described in Figure 1, the light-reflecting layer 9 is arranged on the outer surface III of the inner pane 2.

[0072] The light guide 4 is arranged with the second end 4b partially between the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2. The light 6 is coupled into the inner pane 2 at the second end 4b via the light coupling means 7.

[0073] The composite pane arrangement 101 from Figure 3 has a similar structure to the composite pane arrangement 101 from Figure 1. In contrast to Figure 1, the composite pane 10 from Figure 3 has a plurality of light extraction means 8. The light extraction means 8 are mounted on or in an inner surface IV of the inner pane 2. Each light extraction means 8 couples the light 6 incident on the light extraction means 8 out of the inner pane 2. The light extraction means 8 can be formed from a coating material, defects, scattering centers, recesses in the surface IV, or as microcracks. The light extraction means 8 diffusely couple and distribute the light radiation 6 to be coupled out. The inner surface IV of the inner pane 2 can have a plurality of light extraction means 8 in places. Alternatively, the inner surface IV of the inner pane 2 can emit the light 6 pointwise or along the entire extension length.

[0074] The composite pane 10 can be equipped with a functional element in the central region of the composite pane 10. The functional element can be a PDLC functional element embedded in the intermediate layer on all sides.

[0075] Alternatively, further intermediate layers, not shown here, can be arranged between the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2, wherein the light guide 4 is arranged between the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2.

[0076] During the production of the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 by lamination via the intermediate layers 3. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and unyielding at the temperatures and pressures typically encountered. The intermediate layer 3 is then plastic.

[0077] The light guide 4 has a diameter d of 90 pm, 200 pm, or 380 pm, respectively. The light 6 is coupled into the light guide 4 via an end face of the light guide 4 at the first end 4a. For this purpose, the light source 5 is arranged at the first end 4a of the light guide 4. The light source 5 is, for example, a light module, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), an OLED, a transparent light-emitting diode (TOLED), and / or a laser diode, as described in Figure 1.

[0078] The composite pane 10 has a see-through area and an edge area. A cover layer 11 is arranged in the edge area. The composite pane 10 also comprises a circumferential pane edge. The cover layer 11 extends circumferentially along the entire circumferential pane edge. In this embodiment, the cover layer 11 extends like a frame in the edge area of ​​the composite pane 101. The cover layer 11 frames the see-through area. In the see-through area, the composite pane 10 has no cover layer 11. The see-through area of ​​the composite pane 101 makes up at least 70% of the surface of the composite pane 10. The cover layer 11 is opaque, dark, in particular black or gray. The cover layer 11 is formed from a printing ink.

[0079] Alternatively, the cover layer 11 can be arranged at least partially along the circumferential edge of the pane. The width of the edge region can vary. In this embodiment, the width of the edge region is measured from the edge of the pane and is, for example, 10 mm, 50 mm, or 100 mm. The cover layer 11 and section B of the light guide 4 overlap in the viewing direction through the composite pane 10. The width of the cover layer 11 corresponds to the length B.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the composite pane arrangement 101 according to the invention, which comprises a composite pane 10 according to the invention with the light guide 4 and the light source 5, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0081] In this embodiment, the composite pane 10 also contains the outer pane 1 with the inner surface II, the inner pane 2 with the outer surface III, and the intermediate layer, which connects the inner surface II of the outer pane 1 to the outer surface III of the inner pane 2 across the pane surface. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are still made of soda-lime glass and each have a thickness of, for example, 1.5 mm or 1.1 mm. The intermediate layer 3 is thermoplastic and is designed, for example, as a multi-layer film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a total thickness of 0.86 mm.

[0082] The composite pane arrangement 101 from Figure 4 has a similar structure to the composite pane arrangement 101 from Figure 1. In contrast to Figure 1, the composite pane 10 from Figure 4 has a light-guiding layer 3c between the inner pane 2 and the intermediate layer 3. The second end 4b of the light guide 4, arranged within the composite pane 10, couples the light 6 emitted by the light source 5 into the light-guiding layer 3c via the light-coupling means 7. The light 6 emitted by the light guide 4 propagates in the light-guiding layer 3c. The refractive index of the light-guiding layer 3c is greater than the refractive index of the inner pane 2. The light-guiding layer 3c can be formed as a light-guiding film, a light-guiding coating, or a thin glass pane, wherein the light-guiding layer 3c has a thickness of 1000 pm, 500 pm, or less. In particular, the thin glass pane is made of clear glass.

[0083] In contrast to Figure 1, the composite pane 10 of Figure 4 has a plurality of light extraction means 8. Two light extraction means 8 are arranged on or in the inner surface of the light-guiding layer 3c. Alternatively or additionally, light extraction means 8 can be arranged on or in the outer surface III of the inner pane 2. Each light extraction means 8 extracts the light 6 incident on the light extraction means 8 from the light-guiding layer 3c. The light extraction means 8 can be formed from a coating material, defects, scattering centers, recesses, or as microcracks in the light-guiding layer 3c. The light extraction means 8 diffusely extract and distribute the light radiation 6 to be extracted. The light-guiding layer 3c can have a plurality of light extraction means 8 in some places.

[0084] The light source 5 can emit single-color light 6 or various accents through colored light 6. Different colors allow for attractive lighting of the vehicle to be clearly visible.

[0085] In this example, the composite pane 10 can have an opaque cover layer 11 on a peripheral edge region of the inner surface II of the outer pane 1, for example, a black print made of a ceramic ink, which, when fired, forms a firm bond with the glass surface II of the outer pane 1. The cover layer 11 serves to conceal the view from the outside of the light guide 4 and the adhesive joints with which the composite pane 10 is bonded to a vehicle body.

[0086] It is understood that the light-guiding layer 3c need not be arranged, or not only along a side edge of the inner pane, but can be arranged arbitrarily, for example, over the entire surface III of the outer pane. In particular, one or more sections of the light-guiding layer 3c can be wave-shaped, e.g., in the form of a sine wave.

[0087] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, efficient illumination and accent lighting of a vehicle interior can be realized by means of the composite pane arrangement 101.

[0088] List of reference symbols:

[0089] 1 outer pane

[0090] 2 inner pane

[0091] 3 Intermediate layer

[0092] 3c Light-guiding layer

[0093] 4 light guides

[0094] 4a first end of the light guide 4

[0095] 4b second end of the light guide 4

[0096] 4c Surface of the light guide 4

[0097] 4e Core of the light guide 4

[0098] 5 Light source

[0099] 6 light

[0100] 7 Light coupling agents

[0101] 8 Light extraction means

[0102] 9 light-reflecting layer

[0103] 10 Composite pane

[0104] 11 Cover layer

[0105] 101 Composite pane arrangement

[0106] A Length of the light guide 4 outside the composite pane 10

[0107] B Length of the light guide 4 inside the composite pane 10 d Diameter of the light guide 4 I Outside surface of the outer pane 1

[0108] II inside surface of the outer pane 1

[0109] III outer surface of the inner pane 2

[0110] IV inside surface of the inner pane 2

Claims

Patent claims 1. Composite pane arrangement (101) with a light source (5), comprising: • an outer pane (1), an intermediate layer (3) and an inner pane (2), wherein the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2) are connected to one another via the intermediate layer (3) to form a composite pane (10), • a light source (5) arranged outside the composite pane (10), • a light guide (4) arranged partially between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2), wherein the light source (5) is arranged at a first end (4a) of the light guide (4) arranged outside the composite pane (10) and a second end (4b) of the light guide (4) arranged inside the composite pane is provided via a light coupling means (7) for coupling the light (6) emitted by the light source (5) into the composite pane (10).

2. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (5) is at a distance of 0.1 m to 2 m from the composite pane (10).

3. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide (4) outside the composite pane (10) has a length of at least 0.1 m.

4. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide (4) comprises a liquid, in particular a gel, or several fibers made of glass and / or plastic.

5. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light guide (4) is flexible.

6. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a light-reflecting layer (9) is arranged between the inner pane (2) and the intermediate layer (3) and the second end (4b) of the light guide (4) arranged within the composite pane is provided via the light coupling means (7) for coupling the light (6) emitted by the light source (5) into the inner pane (2).

7. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to claim 6, wherein the refractive index of the inner pane (2) is greater than the refractive index of the light-reflecting layer (9).

8. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a light-guiding layer (3c) is arranged between the inner pane (2) and the intermediate layer (3) and the second end (4b) of the light guide (4) arranged within the composite pane (10) is provided via the light coupling means (7) for coupling the light (6) emitted by the light source (5) into the light-guiding layer (3c).

9. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to claim 8, wherein the refractive index of the light-guiding layer (3c) is greater than the refractive index of the inner pane (2).

10. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the light-conducting layer (3c) is formed as a light-conducting film, a light-conducting coating or thin glass pane, wherein the light-conducting layer (3c) has a thickness of 1000 pm or less.

11. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one light coupling means (8) is provided for coupling out light (6) from the first inner pane (1) or from a light-guiding layer (3c).

12. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light guide (4) has a diameter which corresponds to the thickness of the intermediate layer (3).

13. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the intermediate layer (3) has a recess region in which a portion (B) of the light guide (4) is arranged.

14. Composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein an opaque cover layer (11) is arranged on a surface (I, II) of the outer pane (1), wherein the cover layer (11) and the section (B) of the light guide (4) overlap in the direction of viewing through the composite pane (10).

15. System with a composite pane arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 14 comprising a light control of a light source (5).

16. Vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a composite window arrangement (101) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

Citation Information

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