Vehicle-window assembly having a reversibly shape-variable outer contour

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle-window assembly (100) comprising at least one first window (1) having a main outer face (F1) exposed to the external surroundings, and an inner face (F2) facing a vehicle interior, characterized in that the vehicle-window assembly (100) has at least one polymorph region (P), preferably having one or more movable shaped elements (2), the first window (1) and / or the movable shaped elements (2) being functionally connected to one or more actuators and, as a result, a reversibly shape-variable outer contour being formed in the polymorph region (P).

Description

[0001] Vehicle window arrangement with reversibly shape-changing outer contour

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle window arrangement with a reversibly shape-changing outer contour.

[0003] The development of vehicles, especially electric cars, their safety and functional improvements, as well as a general increase in energy efficiency, is of particular interest, especially against the backdrop of the increasing demands for sustainability in the market.

[0004] Possible solutions include improving vehicle aerodynamics, which can lead to improved vehicle performance and / or increased energy efficiency, and consequently, increased vehicle range. For example, spoilers for motor vehicles are known in the art. These are used to influence airflow and increase downforce at higher speeds, resulting in greater driving stability and more stable cornering. However, spoilers are generally disadvantageous in terms of energy or fuel consumption, as they increase drag and thus the required energy. To strike a compromise between energy efficiency and a stabilizing safety element, variable spoilers have been developed that can be adjusted in position and / or angle while driving.Other vehicles were equipped with retractable spoilers, which can be extended manually or automatically to optimize their performance. For braking purposes, it is also known to dynamically change the angle of attack of spoilers and use them as air brakes. To stabilize and assist cornering, it is common practice, especially in sports cars, to install pop-up spoilers.

[0005] Another approach to improving technical properties is the research and application of biological systems with regard to biomechanics and functional morphology. This is done, among other things, as a so-called "bottom-up process" in abstraction bionics, in which, after abstracting a recognized principle of a biological system, it is translated into technical applications. In the reverse "top-down process," after a technical problem has been defined, analogies in nature are sought and analyzed for implementation as a solution to the technical problem. An example of a bottom-up process is the discovery that the skin scales of sharks possess fine longitudinal ridges (riblets) that all run in the direction of flow. Dietrich W. Bechert of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin recognized the potential for technical application.He investigated the influence of various groove patterns on flow resistance. Understanding the physical function of the groove structures made it possible to specifically optimize groove structures for different technical applications. In 1996, for example, a 700 m test was conducted. 2 A riblet film from the company M3 was applied to an Airbus A320. A test flight showed a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption. However, the films were not sufficiently durable under operational conditions, and subsequently, for example, paint finishes with a riblet effect were developed that also offer anti-fouling properties.

[0006] To date, such or similar devices or elements, as described above by way of example, are only provided for and implemented in the area of ​​the vehicle body. However, vehicle windows, which can cover relatively large areas of vehicles as roof, side, or rear windows, such as panoramic roofs, remain unused for such or similar applications, particularly for the use of variable, mechanical-dynamic devices, elements, uses, and purposes.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a vehicle window arrangement, in particular for a roof, rear and / or side window of a vehicle, which can be used to improve or extend the vehicle's characteristics or functionalities, in particular for optimizing aerodynamics, energy saving and / or energy generation, and which optionally creates the possibility of harmonizing an aesthetic appearance and design with the desired properties and functionalities.

[0008] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by a vehicle disc arrangement according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a vehicle window arrangement is provided, comprising at least one first window with a main outer surface F1, which is exposed to the external environment and an inner surface F2, which faces a vehicle interior, wherein at least the first window of the vehicle window arrangement has at least one polymorphic area, preferably with one or more movable form elements, wherein the first window and / or the form elements are functionally connected to one or more actuators and thereby a reversibly shape-changeable outer contour of the first window is formed in the polymorphic area.

[0010] The vehicle window arrangement according to the invention separates a vehicle interior from the external environment and is designed, in particular, as a roof, rear, and / or side window of a vehicle, for example, a passenger car. According to the invention, a polymorphic area is provided in at least one surface section of the first window of the vehicle window arrangement, in which the outer contour, i.e., the shape, form, and / or structure of the window surface facing the external environment in the assembled state, is reversibly modifiable. In other words, the first window itself is designed to be shape-changeable in its outer surface (F1) within the polymorphic area, or the shape change of the outer contour is achieved by one or more movable form elements arranged within the polymorphic area.The invention also includes an embodiment of the polymorphic area in which both the pane surface itself is designed to be shape-changeable, at least in its outer surface, and one or more movable form elements are additionally arranged. This shape-changeable outer contour is achieved in particular by actuating the first pane in the polymorphic area and / or by actuating movable form elements, which are optionally, but preferably, provided and arranged in the polymorphic area of ​​the pane. This reversibly shape-changeable outer contour of the pane surface advantageously makes it possible to utilize the window surfaces of a vehicle formed by the vehicle window arrangement according to the invention, at least partially, for improving vehicle characteristics, for example, for improved aerodynamics and / or energy efficiency, or additionally or alternatively for energy generation.

[0011] The outer contour of the vehicle window assembly is the outward-facing exterior surface of the assembled window in its installed position, i.e., the (overall) exterior of the respective window, and is formed in particular by the outer surface F1 exposed to the environment and / or the movable form elements. The provided actuators, for example by lifting, pushing, pulling and / or rotating, can reversibly effect precise movement and positioning, in particular of the first pane and / or form elements, and thus an advantageous reversible change in the shape of the outer contour of the window assembly.

[0012] Actuators, as technical components and drive elements for generating mechanical motion by converting energy and / or signals, are generally known. According to the invention, an actuator preferably comprises at least one electromechanical drive, for example, an electric actuator motor, which is used to generate reversible motion of the first disk and / or the movable form elements. Pneumatic or hydraulic drive elements are also conceivable. In addition to a drive, for example, a motor, actuators also include mechanical / physical actuating elements and motion devices, such as telescopic pins, telescopic rails, joints, eccentrics, etc., which convert the energy into the desired directed and targeted reversible motion and the resulting reversible change in the outer contour.

[0013] For the purposes of the invention, movable form elements are essentially understood to be dimensionally stable, movably arranged and / or mounted elements, which may, for example, be designed as wing elements or flaps, and which are functionally connected to an actuator according to the invention. The form elements are thus essentially rigid in themselves and are movably mounted, for example, with a moving element, such as a joint, pivot joint or ball joint, telescopic elements such as telescopic pins, with one or more cables, etc., or within a rail, which in turn may, for example, be connected to an electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drive (motor).

[0014] According to the invention, the movable form elements are particularly preferably made of glass. In further preferred embodiments, however, the form elements can also be made of known glass-like rigid plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and / or mixtures thereof. The form elements can be designed with identical or different, regular and / or irregular geometric shapes, surfaces, and cross-sections. This allows for a high degree of variability in the design and, in particular, in the possibilities for spatial configuration and adaptation to the desired functionality.

[0015] The polymorphic area, in which the reversible shape change of the outer contour of the vehicle windscreen assembly can be effected, can be provided in at least a partial area of ​​the windscreen. The polymorphic area can also be provided essentially across the entire surface, possibly with the exception of an edge and / or mounting area, for example, to ensure the necessary secure and stable attachment of the vehicle windscreen assembly to a vehicle body. For example, the polymorphic area can cover between 5% and 95% of the windscreen surface (in plan view). Alternatively, it is also possible for a polymorphic area to be formed in an edge region, possibly in sections, of the windscreen assembly. Furthermore, several polymorphic areas can be formed, which can be adjacent to each other or arranged separately.The actuation for reversible shape changes of the outer contour can occur dependently or independently in the various polymorphic areas. This further increases the variability of the divisibility and adaptability of the shape-changing outer contour with regard to providing different and / or improved functionalities with the vehicle window assembly, and / or improving vehicle characteristics under different conditions and requirements.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle windscreen assembly, it comprises a second windscreen with an outer surface F3 facing the first windscreen and a main inner surface F4 exposed to the vehicle interior, wherein the second windscreen is optionally functionally connected to one or more actuators. The functional connection of the second windscreen to one or more actuators can be configured alternatively or additionally to the functional connection of the first windscreen and / or the form elements to one or more actuators. The functional connection can be established and configured independently of each other. Thus, in one embodiment, the second windscreen can be a fixed and immovably installed (mounted) windscreen and optionally serve, for example, as a carrier for actuators (drive unit and / or actuating elements / motion devices) and / or movable form elements.Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the second disk can advantageously be itself actuated and, for example in relation to the first disk, be reversibly displaceable and mounted.

[0017] The first pane, the second pane and / or the movable form elements are preferably transparent, for example made of glass or glass-like plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0018] For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the overall transmission of the vehicle window assembly to visible light preferably has a transmittance of more than 50% and, in particular, more than 60%, for example, more than 70%. The measurement of light transmission is carried out according to ISO 9050:2003. For the purposes of the invention, "opaque" means a light transmission (measured according to ISO 9050:2003) of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 5%, and in particular less than 0.1%.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the vehicle windscreen assembly, the first windscreen, the second windscreen, the shaped elements, and / or the actuators are functionally connected to one or more sensors and / or a control unit. Sensors can be, for example, temperature, speed, acceleration, pressure, gyroscope, angle, light, proximity, ultrasonic, and / or air mass sensors, although this list is not exhaustive. The use of sensors enables the shape-changing adjustment of the outer contour of the vehicle windscreen assembly in the polymorphic range, for example, the alignment of one or more shaped elements, such as flaps or wing elements, advantageously also in real time.This allows for the necessary, and as immediate as possible, adjustment of the outer contour, for example to a current driving situation, in order to achieve, for example, the best possible driving behavior and / or optimal aerodynamics.

[0020] The control unit could, for example, be a vehicle's on-board computer. It goes without saying that the actuators, sensors, and / or the control unit, as well as the functionally connected elements, are equipped with the necessary connections (e.g., to a power supply), cables, and links to communicate with each other in order to provide and ensure their respective functions, up to and including the reversible change in the outer contour of the vehicle's windscreen assembly. These connections could be, for example, electrical cables, wires, or wireless links. Suitable designs for connections, cables, and links, for example, for power supply or for providing functional communication, are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The functional connection and integration of sensors and / or a control system improves the efficiency of the vehicle disc arrangement according to the invention and enables and improves the automation of the provision and function of the reversible shape-changing outer contour and the thereby achievable, advantageously adaptable, properties of a vehicle, such as improved aerodynamic behavior.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the outer contour in the polymorphic region is designed to be reversibly shape-adaptive to flow, radiation, and / or temperature. For example, the main outer surface F1 of the first disk and / or the shape elements in the polymorphic region can be designed to be reversibly shape-adaptive to flow, radiation, and / or temperature.

[0023] Flow-, radiation- and / or temperature-adaptive means that the outer contour, i.e., the outer shape, form and / or structure in the polymorphic area of ​​the first pane of the vehicle window assembly, is adjustable, particularly with regard to these parameters, for example, current or expected driving and / or environmental conditions, such as solar radiation, air currents, wind conditions, driving wind, for example, when a vehicle is cornering or driving straight ahead or during a braking process.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention

[0025] Vehicle windscreen arrangement is the first windscreen, the second windscreen and / or the

[0026] Form elements can be transformed (reversibly) from an initial position, in steps or continuously, into at least one functional end position by one or more actuators. In other words, the outer contour of the vehicle window assembly in the polymorphic area can be transformed from an initial position, in steps, gradually or continuously, into at least one functional end position by one or more actuators.

[0027] In another embodiment of the vehicle windscreen assembly, the first windscreen is a movable windscreen with rigid and flexible areas, at least in the polymorphic region (P). The rigid areas are formed by shaped elements, preferably made of glass, and a hinge area made of flexible hinge material is formed between at least two shaped elements, i.e., the rigid areas. The shaped elements are bonded to the hinge material in at least one connecting section. The first windscreen is reversibly movable with the shaped elements, at least from a first initial position to an end position. In other words, in this embodiment, the movable shaped elements are part of the first windscreen, and the first windscreen can be reversibly transformed into different shapes (configurations) of the outer contour by actuation with the shaped elements.The form elements are thus bonded to the joint material, resulting in a permanent connection. The form elements are spaced apart from each other by the joint area, arranged to allow movement, and, when actuated, are designed to pivot, for example, like a hinge.

[0028] The joint material can contain or consist of, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The joint material can be used as a thermoplastic film or as a flexible carrier film in the manufacture of the disc assembly.

[0029] The components are made of glass, for example, flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or alternatively, the aforementioned glass-like plastics. The components may also be made of tempered safety glass or laminated glass.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the shaped elements and / or the flexible joint area of ​​the disc assembly are transparent. For example, either the shaped elements are transparent or the flexible joint areas are made of a transparent joint material. In a preferred alternative, both the shaped elements and the joint areas are transparent, resulting in a preferably completely transparent disc assembly.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, "transparent" means that the overall transmission of visible light preferably exceeds 50% and, in particular, exceeds 60%, for example, 70%. Thus, "transparent disc arrangement," "transparent form element," and "transparent hinge area," etc., are meant to be transparent enough to achieve the desired or necessary transparency for the intended use. Similarly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and in particular 0%. The measurement of light transmission can be carried out according to ISO 9050:2003.

[0032] Rigid form elements within a self-moving disk, as described above, with rigid and flexible areas, are provided to give the disk arrangement according to the invention the necessary strength. The shape and design of the form elements further essentially determine the appearance and at least partially the shapes and possible configurations of the reversibly deformable outer contour. In other words, the form elements can advantageously be selected to suit a desired design and a potentially desired or predetermined functional end position and outer contour.An adaptation or selection of the specific design of the form elements used for the disc assembly can advantageously also be carried out with regard to necessary or required safety aspects and standards, for example, in the choice of material, thickness and dimensions, as well as the arrangement of the form elements within the disc assembly and the desired possible shape changes for the outer contour. The form elements of the disc assembly can therefore, for example, consist of the same or different materials, independently of one another.

[0033] Another preferred embodiment provides that the first disk is designed, at least in the polymorphic region, as a reversibly deformable thin glass disk. Such thin glass disks are movable, in particular flexible, and can, by actuation, form a reversibly shape-changing outer contour, for example, an aerodynamically advantageous structure, such as with dimples (indentations like those on a golf ball surface) or with grooves or ribs, similar to the riblets of sharkskin described above. Advantageously, in this case, the outer contour can be completely seamless and closed to the external environment, so that no moisture or dirt can penetrate.Such thin glass sheets suitable for applications according to the invention, which are flexible, highly stable and essentially fatigue-free bendable, can, for example, be drawn and produced from the liquid glass melt in a known manner using a down-draw process.

[0034] Preferably, a thin glass pane has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, for example 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.6 mm.

[0035] The first pane can, in one embodiment, also be formed from several thin glass panes arranged one above the other and bonded together, for example, by adhesive bonding, such as with an optically transparent adhesive. The thin glass panes can have the same or different shapes, surface areas, dimensions, and / or thicknesses. Advantageously, such composites of thin glass panes, also called thin glass compounds, can increase stability while maintaining adjustable flexibility to create reversible shape changes in the outer contour. In another embodiment, a movable pane with rigid and flexible areas, as described above, can also be formed from a reversibly deformable thin glass pane with rigid areas formed by shaped elements, preferably made of thin glass or a thin glass compound, applied to it.In another preferred embodiment of the invention, grooves, ribs, flaps, wings, splitters, spoilers, and dimples are arranged and / or reversibly formed in the outer contour within the polymorphic area. Such (structural) elements of the outer contour, formed, for example, by movable mold elements, can advantageously serve as flow-guiding elements to improve the aerodynamics of a vehicle.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the vehicle windscreen arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that, at least in the polymorphic area, solar cells are arranged in a positionally adjustable manner, preferably in or on movable form elements. Preferably, solar cells can be integrated into or arranged on movable form elements. Thus, a further improvement in the energy balance is possible through the introduction and integration of solar cells, such as thin-film solar cells, for energy generation. Preferably, these can be arranged in a vehicle windscreen arrangement in the roof of a vehicle, whereby the generated electrical current could be fed directly into the consumer circuit, so that, in particular, the charging capacity of a battery or accumulator can be conserved during driving, which also advantageously contributes to an increase in the range of electric vehicles.If the vehicle is out of service and / or parked, the energy generated by the solar cells can be used to charge the battery or, in cold temperatures, to heat it. Thanks to the adjustable position of the solar cells within the vehicle's windshield, particularly in relation to solar radiation, even improved energy harvesting can occur when the vehicle is parked. For electric cars, this allows for battery charging to be carried out independently of a charging station and, advantageously, accelerated.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a second pane is provided, wherein this is a single-pane safety glass commonly used in the automotive sector or a laminated pane, for example, consisting of an outer pane (facing the first pane), an inner pane, and an intermediate layer arranged between them, for example, made of a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. These types of panes are well known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the first pane of the vehicle window assembly has openings in the polymorphic area, for example, slots or holes extending substantially perpendicular to the surface, for movable form elements. In this embodiment, a carrier for arranging movable form elements, preferably a second pane, is preferably provided, wherein the first pane and the carrier, i.e., for example, the second pane, are preferably designed to be movable relative to each other.Alternatively, the movement of the form elements can be effected, for example, by one or more actuators and elements, such as telescopic elements like telescopic pins or webs, or by connected cables, floating bearings, fixed bearings, eccentrics, etc. In this case, a wide variety of mechanical, electromechanical, and physical components are available to those skilled in the art for realizing the movement and the reversible change in the shape of the outer contour. Another possibility is, for example, the use of coils in the moving elements, which, depending on their configuration, repel or attract each other.

[0038] For example, the first and / or second disc can be moved perpendicularly and / or parallel to each other by one or more actuators, such as a single or multiple actuators. This, in turn, can effect the movement, positioning, and / or alignment of movable form elements, such as extending and / or opening flaps, within the polymorphic area. The feedthroughs are preferably protected from the elements, such as the ingress of rainwater, by known measures, such as the use of suitable seals, sealing lips, etc.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the outer contour of the first pane of the vehicle window assembly according to the invention can advantageously have at least a partial bionic surface structure in the polymorphic region, and preferably be reversibly convertible into a bionic surface structure. In this context, a bionic surface structure is understood to be a structure that has been developed through the analysis of and modeled on naturally grown structures. The design, for example of the shape elements, of the first pane with its main outer surface F1 and optionally surface structures formed on or with it, are optimized for the respective loads, forces, stresses, and functions, so that they can then exhibit particularly good stability properties or special, improved functional properties.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle windscreen assembly can have an opaque cover print, particularly on the first or second windscreen. The cover print can be applied to the main outer surface (F1), the inner surface (F2) of the first windscreen, and / or to the outer surface (F3) and / or the main inner surface (F4) of the second windscreen, especially in a peripheral region of the polymorph area. This can, for example, serve to mask actuators or other functional elements, thus improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle windscreen assembly. Furthermore, such a cover print, for example, a black enamel print known in the automotive sector, can conventionally serve to protect adhesives, components, and parts from UV radiation. Masking and cover prints, as well as their production in vehicle windscreen manufacturing, are known to those skilled in the art.

[0041] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination, unless they are explicitly described only as alternatives to one another. In particular, the features mentioned above and to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Terms relating to the location or position, such as "above, below, over, under, in front, behind, etc." of described parts, refer to the installation position of the vehicle window assembly in a vehicle.

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, in a highly simplified, not to-scale representation: Figure 1 a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window arrangement according to the invention as a built-in vehicle roof window;

[0044] Figures 1a, 1b each show a cross-sectional view of the vehicle disc arrangement from Figure 1 at the section line X-X';

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the vehicle disc arrangement according to the invention with a section-wise polymorph area;

[0046] Figures 2a-2c each show a cross-sectional view of the vehicle disc arrangement from Figure 2 at the section line Y-Y';

[0047] Figure 3 shows an oblique top view of a further embodiment of the vehicle window arrangement according to the invention with bionic surface structure as a vehicle roof window;

[0048] Figure 4 shows a microscopic image of a section of shark skin and

[0049] Figure 5 shows a schematic oblique top view of an alternative bionic

[0050] Surface texture inspired by shark skin.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle window assembly 100 according to the invention as a built-in vehicle roof window, and Figures 1a and 1b each show a cross-sectional view of the vehicle window assembly 100 at section line XX' from Figure 1. The first window 1 is designed as a window 1 with rigid and flexible areas, wherein the rigid areas are formed by inherently rigid shape elements 1a, 1b (3) which are connected to each other via flexible hinge areas 1c. In the embodiment shown, the shape elements 1a and 1b (3) are, by way of example, square in shape and arranged congruently on both sides of a flexible plate made of hinge material and thus, together with the hinge areas 1c, form the main outer surface F1 and the inner surface F2 of the first window 1.On a second disk 2, serving as a support, telescopic elements 5, for example telescopic pins, and / or webs are arranged as mechanical actuators, by means of which, through actuation, a movement of the disk 1, in particular an alignment of the form elements 1a, 1b (3) and thus an overall change in the shape of the outer contour of the disk, can be effected. The mechanical actuators 5 can be arranged, as shown in the top view of the vehicle disk assembly 100 in the joint areas 1c, between the form elements 1a, 1b (3), but, depending on requirements and the desired movement to be generated, additionally or alternatively also in the rigid areas, i.e., in the installed position below the form elements 1a, 1b (3). Figure 1a shows the cross-section in a substantially planar initial position of the vehicle disk assembly 100 in the polymorphic area P.In contrast, Figure 1b shows a cross-section XX' of the vehicle disc assembly 100 after an actuation, with double arrows indicating, by way of example, a movement or direction of movement. In the variant shown, for example, a groove structure can be formed in the outer contour of the vehicle disc assembly 100 in the direction of travel of the vehicle, which can have a beneficial effect on the aerodynamics.

[0052] The first disk 1 can further be configured in polymorph region P with solar cells (not shown), which can be integrated or embedded, for example, on or between the form elements 1a, 1b (3) and the joint material. The disk 1 with the form elements 1a can, for example, be advantageously moved and oriented depending on the solar radiation, so that improved or faster energy generation can be achieved with the solar cells, even when the vehicle is stationary and parked. This is particularly interesting for electric vehicles, which can achieve a greater range through this measure.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the vehicle window assembly 100 according to the invention as a built-in vehicle roof window with a sectioned polymorphic area P in the rear area of ​​the vehicle window assembly 100, facing the rear of the vehicle. The movable form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) are, by way of example, designed as rectangular flaps arranged in rows relative to one another. In the embodiment shown, the form elements 3a, when installed in the vehicle, form the rearmost row of the form elements 3 in the polymorphic area P. The form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) are movably arranged and fastened on a second window 2 by means of joints 7 and actuating elements 5, for example, by means of telescopic pins or webs 5, in a preferred embodiment.The form elements 3 can, upon actuation, be guided at least partially through a passage 6 in the first disk 1 and positioned, for example, so that the form elements can serve as air guide elements, such as a spoiler. It is also possible that the movable form elements 3 are additionally rotatably mounted and functionally connected to a corresponding actuator.

[0054] Figures 2a-2c each show a cross-sectional view along section line YY' of the vehicle disc assembly 100 shown in Figure 2. In a first initial position, shown in Figure 2a, the movable form elements 3, designed as flaps, lie flat on the surface F1 of the first disc 1. For illustrative purposes only, the form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) have a rectangular geometry in the top view and are arranged offset from one another. It is also generally possible for the flaps to overlap each other in a scale-like manner. Possible movements, or directions of movement, of the parts of the vehicle disc assembly 100 are indicated by double arrows. Upon actuation, the second disc 2 can be moved downwards relative to the first disc 1, for example, by a drive, such as an electric actuator 8.For example, all form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) can be moved simultaneously, shifted downwards, and positioned, for example, by a joint 7. This is shown in Figure 2a. The form elements 3 can also, additionally or alternatively, be functionally connected to other mechanical elements such as motion devices, actuators like cables, floating bearings, fixed bearings, eccentrics, rails, etc., and / or, if necessary, to further drives, and thus be movably configured within the vehicle disc assembly 100. It is also possible that the actuation of two or more form elements 3 is achieved via a mechanism that is interlocked with each other. Methods for providing such functional connections between actuators and movable form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) are known to those skilled in the art.The polymorphic area P on the main outer surface F1 is provided with an opaque cover print 4 in a frame-like manner, which can, among other things, mask an underlying actuator 8 and thus contribute to a visually appealing appearance. The vehicle window assembly 100, in particular the first window 1, the second window 2, the movable form elements 3 and / or actuators, can furthermore be functionally connected to one or more sensors and / or a control unit (not shown). It is possible, for example, that individual, several, or all form elements 3 (3a, 3b, 3c), i.e., individual flaps or flap groups, such as a rear row of the four form elements 3a shown, are controlled and moved via actuators, as indicated in Figure 2c.Overall, the efficiency and / or variability of the reversibly shape-changing outer contour of a vehicle window arrangement 100 according to the invention can be increased by using sensors and / or one or more control units. The shape elements 3a, as a series of flaps arranged towards the rear of a vehicle, could, for example, be controlled together and positioned to support a brake curtain. The shape elements 3 can be moved and adjusted in staggered, predefined steps or continuously to provide a continuously adjustable, reversibly shape-changing outer contour.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an oblique top view of a further embodiment of the vehicle window assembly 100 according to the invention, featuring a bionic surface structure as an end position of the shape-changing outer contour in the polymorphic area P as a vehicle roof window, which is modeled on the placoid scales of sharkskin. The bionic surface structure is generated in the first window 1 as crescent-shaped protrusions, forming a bionic shape BF, by actuation. These then form an actuated, shape-changing end position of the outer contour in the outwardly facing main outer surface F1. The window 1 can be designed as a reversibly flexible and deformable thin glass sheet. This has the advantage that no joints or openings, such as feedthroughs 6 (see Figures 2, 2a-2c), are formed within the first window 1 to the external environment. Therefore, no further measures are required for the reliable sealing of the vehicle window assembly 100.Figure 3a shows a cross-section AA' and Figure 3b a cross-section BB', in each of which the actuated end position with the bionic forms BF is shown as a placoid-like elevation with dashed lines. The dimensions of the bionic forms can be roughly based on the size of natural shark skin. For example, in the bionic structure BF, the lengths L1 and L2 can be approximately 130 pm, and the height H approximately 250 pm. However, these dimensions are merely exemplary and not limiting. The designs using a thin glass disc as disc 1 are not limited to reversibly shape-changing outer contours with bionic surface structures in the actuated end position, but other structures, such as aerodynamically advantageous ones like the surface of a golf ball with so-called dimples, can also be reversibly generated, which can enable advantageous flow behavior.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a section of a microscopic image of shark skin with placoid scales. The tips of the placoid scales of sharks point backwards and do not create drag when the animals move through the water. An additional grooved structure on the scales creates many small water vortices, which further reduce friction during fast swimming.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic oblique top view of another possible bionic surface structure of a vehicle windscreen assembly 100 according to the invention, in which a simplified groove structure of placoid scales (see Fig. 4) of shark skin is replicated by movable form elements 3 in an end position of the shape-changing outer contour. The reversibly generated bionic outer contour can advantageously reduce flow resistance and increase energy efficiency. The movable form elements 3 can, for example, analogous to the embodiments shown in Figures 2a-2c, be arranged essentially perpendicular to the surface extent of the vehicle windscreen assembly 100 through slot-like openings 6 (not shown here) in the first windscreen 1 and be movable (extendable) on a support, for example the second windscreen 2 or a support structure, such as on a movable grid.The individual form elements 3 are designed as trapezoidal flaps in the outer contour shown, i.e. in the outwardly directed shape and form, which together in an offset arrangement result in a riblet-like (groove) structure and an outer contour with advantageous flow properties.

[0058] Reference symbol list

[0059] 100 vehicle disc arrangement

[0060] 1 first disc

[0061] 1a, 1b rigid areas (form element 3 of the first disk)

[0062] 1c flexible joint area

[0063] 2 second disc (carrier)

[0064] 3 movable form element

[0065] 3a-3d movable form element

[0066] 4 Masking / Cover printing

[0067] 5 Telescopic element / actuator (movement device, actuator)

[0068] 6 Implementation (for example, a continuous slot in disk 1)

[0069] 7 Joint / movable bracket for molded element

[0070] 8 Actuator motor (drive, actuator)

[0071] BF bionic mold unit

[0072] P Polymorph domain

[0073] F1 Main outer surface of the first disk, exposed to the external environment

[0074] F2 Inner surface of the first pane facing the vehicle interior

[0075] F3 Outer surface of the second disk facing the first disk

[0076] F4 Main inner surface of the second window exposed to the vehicle interior

[0077] AA' cross-section

[0078] B-B' cross-section

[0079] XX' cross-section

[0080] YY' cross-section

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vehicle window arrangement (100) comprising at least one first window (1) with a main outer surface (F1) exposed to the external environment and an inner surface (F2) facing a vehicle interior, characterized in that the first window (1) has at least one polymorphic area (P), preferably with one or more movable form elements (2), wherein the first window (1) and / or the movable form elements (2) are functionally connected to one or more actuators and a reversibly shape-changeable outer contour is formed in the polymorphic area (P).

2. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a second window (2) with an outer surface (F3) facing the first window (1) and a main inner surface (F4) exposed to the vehicle interior, wherein the second window (2) is optionally functionally connected to one or more actuators.

3. Vehicle disc arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first disc (1), the second disc (2), the movable form elements (3) and / or actuators are functionally connected to one or more sensors and / or a control unit.

4. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the outer contour in the polymorphic area (P) is designed to be reversibly shape-changeable in the flow-, radiation- and / or temperature-adaptive manner.

5. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first window (1), the second window (2) and / or the form elements (3) can be reversibly transferred from an initial position, in predefined steps or continuously, to at least one functional end position by one or more actuators.

6. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5 characterized in that in the polymorph area (P) grooves, ribs, flaps, wings, splitters, spoilers, dimples are arranged in the outer contour and / or can be reversibly formed.

7. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5 characterized in that in the polymorphic area (P) at least partially a bionic surface structure is formed or can be formed as a reversibly shape-changing outer contour.

8. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first window (1) is a movable window with rigid and flexible areas, at least in the polymorphic area (P), wherein the rigid areas (1a, 1b) are formed by shaped elements (3), preferably made of glass, and a joint area (1c) made of flexible joint material is formed between at least two shaped elements (1a, 1b, 3), and the shaped elements (1a, 1b, 3) are materially bonded to the joint material at least in one connecting section, wherein the first window (1) with the shaped elements (1a, 1b, 3) is reversibly movable at least from a first initial position to an end position.

9. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the first window (1) is formed at least in the polymorph region (P) as a reversibly flexible thin glass window or by two or more thin glass windows connected to each other in a planar manner.

10. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to claim 9 characterized in that the thin glass pane has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm.

11. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 characterized in that in the polymorph area (P), solar cells are arranged in a positionally changeable manner, preferably in or on the movable form elements.

12. Vehicle window arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 11 characterized in that the second window (2) is a single-pane safety glass or a laminated window.

13. Vehicle disc arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the first disc (1) has passages (7) for movable form elements (3) in the polymorph area, wherein the form elements (3) are arranged on or on a carrier, preferably on a second disc (2).

14. Vehicle disc arrangement (100) according to claim 13 characterized in that the first disc (1) and the carrier, preferably the second disc (2), are designed to be movable relative to each other in one or more spatial directions.

15. Vehicle window arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14 characterized in that an opaque cover print is applied to the main outer surface (F1), the inner surface (F2) of the first window (1) and / or to the outer surface (F3) and / or the main inner surface (F4) of the second window (2).

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