Vehicle window laminate and a method of manufacturing a vehicle window laminate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle window laminate comprising a first glass sheet, and a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and second glass sheet situated parallel and mutually spaced apart, and at least one resistive heating layer, provided onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the first glass sheet and / or onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the second glass sheet, and at least two busbars, wherein said busbars electrically contact the resistive heating layer at a mutual distance with respect to each other. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle window laminate, in particular the vehicle window laminate according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Vehicle window laminate and a method of manufacturing a vehicle window laminate

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle window laminate, and a method for manufacturing a vehicle window laminate, in particular the vehicle window laminate according to the invention.

[0003] Heated coated vehicle windows are known in the art. These windows typically have a conductive coating connected to the vehicle’s electrical system, in particular to busbars, for conducting an electrical current. The electrical current is capable to generate heat in the vehicle window. This elevation of the temperature improves the visibility through the vehicle window as it allows to melt frost and ice on the exterior surface of the window and / or it allows to evaporate condensation on the interior surface of the window.

[0004] For an optimal visibility, the heated coated vehicle window needs to be capable to evenly and / or homogenously distribute heat across the vehicle window. However, generating a homogenous heat distribution in a vehicle window comes with some difficulties. Vehicle windows namely typically have an irregular shape, in particular a non-rectangular or a non-square shape. As the electric current will follow the path of the least resistance, which may be the shortest path, typically a heterogenous heat distribution is obtained in heated coated vehicle windows. This results in areas with a stronger heating, so-called hotspots, and areas with a weaker heating, so- called cold-spots. Although at times it may be preferred to have a local hotspot, for example in the presence of wiper blades and / or camera’s and / or sensors.

[0005] However, it has turned out to be difficult to properly regulate the desired heating distribution over the window. A further difficulty in designing heated coated windows is to enable acceptable aesthetic properties as acceptable aesthetics includes hidden busbars, in particular as observed from the exterior of a vehicle. The latter issue mainly arises since it is preferred to arrange the heating system as close to the exterior window surface, typically referred to as face 1 . To this end, it may be desired to arrange the heating layer or heating system onto face 2, which is the surface of the outer glass sheet facing towards the interior of the vehicle. This face is the closest to the exterior side which is prone to icing and the environment, without the heating layer itself being exposed to said environment. However, it turns out to be difficult to arrange the heating system on face 2, without the busbar or electrical connection being exposed from the exterior side of the vehicle. This is mainly due to the fact that said heating layer is typically arranged at a side of the obscuration layer facing towards a cabin or interior of a vehicle. The visible busbar may, from an aesthetic point of view, not be desired.

[0006] It is a first objective of the present invention to improve the regulation of the heat distribution of a vehicle window laminate, in particular to reduce or limit heterogenous heat distribution.

[0007] It is a second objective of the present invention to provide d a vehicle window laminate which provides for improved or substantially the same heating without, or lower, compromising the exterior aesthetic appearance of the laminate.

[0008] The invention thereto provides a vehicle window laminate, in particular an automotive window laminate, comprising:

[0009] - a first at least partially transparent sheet, in particular a first glass sheet, and optionally a second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular a second glass sheet, said first at least partially transparent sheet and optional second at least partially transparent sheet situated parallel and mutually spaced apart, wherein the first at least partially transparent sheet and the optional second at least partially transparent sheet each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, preferably wherein the inner surface of the first at least partially transparent sheet is facing towards the inner surface of the second at least partially transparent sheet,

[0010] - optionally at least one electric heating structure, said heating structure comprising: o at least one resistive heating layer or at least one resistive heating coating, provided, preferably directly or indirectly, onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the first at least partially transparent sheet and / or onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the optional second at least partially transparent sheet, o at least two busbars, wherein said busbars electrically contact the resistive heating layer or the at least one resistive heating coating at a mutual distance, optionally opposite, with respect to each other, o at least one contact distributor, wherein the contact distributor is at least partially, preferably substantially entirely, disposed between the resistive heating layer or the resistive heating coating and at least one busbar, for distributing the contact between said busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer or the at least one resistive heating coating, wherein said contact distributor is electrically insulated from the resistive heating layer or the resistive heating coating, wherein said at least one contact distributor comprises at least one contact aperture, and wherein preferably said at least one busbar contacts the resistive heating layer or the resistive heating coating through or via the at least one contact aperture. It is imaginable that a conductive filler at least partially fills or is accommodated in, the at least one contact aperture.

[0011] The vehicle window laminate according to the present invention has several benefits over conventional window laminates according to the prior art. The application of at least one contact distributor between the resistive heating layer and the busbar enables to regulate the distribution of electrical current, in particular a magnitude and location thereof, between the busbar and the resistive heating layer. Electric current can flow from the busbar to the resistive heating layer at location(s) and / or area(s) where the busbar and the resistive heating layer make contact, in particular electric contact. The location(s) or area(s) where the busbar and the resistive heating layer make (electric) contact are regulated or controlled by the contact distributor, in particular by at least one contact aperture as the busbar contacts the resistive heating layer through or via the contact aperture. Hence, by providing at least one contact aperture or contact opening, at least one location for electric current transfer from the busbar to the resistive heating layer is provided according to the needs of the heating zones of the window laminate. The contact distributor comprises or is at least partially, preferably entirely, composed of one or more (electrically) insulating materials. Optionally, at least one (electric) insulation layer is arranged between the contact distributor and the resistive heating layer. Additionally or alternatively, at least one (electric) insulation layer may be arranged between at least one busbar and the contact distributor. Additionally, as the contact distributor is insulated from the resistive heating layer and is disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar, the contact distributor preferably also insulates the busbar and the resistive heating layer from each other. The latter at least at the locations where there is no contact aperture. This is beneficial as it contributes to lowering the risk of shortage and / or to reduce the flows of current in regions where this is not needed or required. The combination of a contact distributor which is insulated from the resistive heating layer and which comprises at least one contact aperture through which at least one busbar contacts the resistive heating layer, enables the regulation of electric current transfer from the busbar to the resistive heating layer. The contact distributor may therefore realize that heat transfer and / or distribution is regulated and / or improved. As electric current follows the shortest path or the path of least resistance, providing at least one contact aperture contributes to regulating or controlling the path the electric current will follow. The invention enables, for example, to place at least one contact aperture of at least one contact distribution in or close to an area or location of the vehicle window laminate where a cold-spot is expected or typically formed. A coldspot can be defined as a location or an area of the vehicle window laminate that receives and / or transmits a limited amount of electrical current, in particular such that said location or area is heated to a limited extend or not at all. A cold-spot may be formed by an area or location having a relatively high resistance compared to other areas and / or locations of the vehicle window. This may be the case when the location or area is located at a distance from the shortest path between the busbars. Preferably, the contact aperture is placed such that at least one resistive heating layer and at least one busbar are in (electrical) contact in or close to a coldspot area or a cold-spot location of the vehicle window laminate. Additionally, the vehicle window laminate according to the present invention capable of distribute heat across the vehicle window which heat may also be used for emitting infrared light to a part of the interior of the vehicle. In particular, an at least partially transparent, in particular, glass sheet facing the interior of the vehicle may be configured to be at least partially, or locally, or entirely be used to emit infrared light to a user of the vehicle. This may enhance comfort to the user of the vehicle. It is imaginable that the heating properties of the vehicle window laminate are sufficient for reducing the need of a hot air heating system of a vehicle, or it may even replace a hot air heating system of a vehicle.

[0012] Where reference is made to parallel layers, it is to be understood as substantially parallel. For example one layer may locally be provided with a wedge shaped, such as a bonding layer, which is typically used for compensation of double images projector or camera areas. However, the majority of the layer may still be parallel to another layer. In the context of the invention, the term “busbar” may alternatively be referred to as an anode and a cathode, or a positive pole and a negative pole, or a negative electrode and a positive electrode.

[0013] It is also conceivable that the window laminate comprises at least one intermediate contact enhancer locally electrically connected to the at least one resistive heating layer, preferably wherein a resistance of the intermediate contact enhancer is lower compared to a resistance of the resistive heating layer, thereby forming a resistance-reducing portion. The intermediate contact enhancer may alternatively be referred to as a low resistive patch or low resistive bridge. At least one intermediate contact enhancer comprises at least one contact patch, or a pair of low-resistive patches, which is / are electrically connected to the resistive heating layer, preferably at a mutual distance with respect to each other. The intermediate contact enhancer is preferably arranged in proximity of an (expected) cold-spot, in particular wherein the patches are arranged at opposing sides of said cold-spot. Preferably, a distance between a local contact enhancer and an expected cold-spot is situated between 0 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 2cm and 5 cm. By increasing the size of the patches, a local area of low resistance can be established. The area of reduced resistance causes an increased current or at least a local higher current density, compared to the situation without the area of low resistance. The areas of high current density cause an increased generation of heat. If a pair of contact patches having low resistance is arranged adjacent to a local cold-spot, an area of high current density may form in an area overlapping the cold-spot. In this high-current density more heat will be generated, and hence the area between the patches of the local contact enhancer may heat up before other areas of the laminate. Hence, the effect of preferred heating zones is established with both a single contact patch of low resistance, as well as a pair of contact patches enclosing a cold-spot. In this sense, the term low resistance of the contact enhancer may be understood as a lower resistance compared to the resistive heating layer. This intermediate contact enhancer locally establishes an electrical connection with the resistive heating layer, wherein said local electrical connection defines a lower electrical resistance compared to the adjoining area. This causes a local portion or a local area of (relatively) low resistance, which may increase the local generation of heat, in particular in the adjoining area due to increased current density. The intermediate contact enhancer may be formed by one or more local patches or area(s) of electrically conductive material, wherein said electrically conductive material is in connection with the heating layer. The degree of electrical resistance at these patches or area(s) may be regulated by the material of which the intermediate contact enhancer is formed, the size of the resistance-reducing portion and / or the thickness of the material of which the intermediate contact enhancer is formed and / or by the distance between the pair of patches forming the distributor. At least one contact enhancer is preferably positioned in proximity of a sensory portion of the window laminate, such as an area comprising at least one camera and / or rain-sensor. It is imaginable that at least one intermediate contact enhancer is formed by a contact distributor according to the invention, comprising a contact aperture, provided with at least one conductive layer on top of the distributor, such as to establish an electrical between the conductive layer and the resistive heating layer. However, it is alternatively also imaginable that the aspects disclosed in this document related to an intermediate contact enhancer is / are applied independent of the contact distributor of the invention. This may form an vehicle window laminate, comprising: a first at least partially transparent sheet, in particular a first glass sheet, and a second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular a second glass sheet, said first at least partially transparent sheet and second at least partially transparent sheet situated parallel and mutually spaced apart, wherein the first at least partially transparent sheet and the second at least partially transparent sheet each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the first at least partially transparent sheet is facing towards the inner surface of the second at least partially transparent sheet, at least one resistive heating layer, provided onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the first at least partially transparent sheet and / or onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the second at least partially transparent sheet, at least two busbars, wherein said busbars electrically contact the resistive heating layer at a mutual distance with respect to each other, at least one intermediate contact enhancer locally electrically connected the at least one resistive heating layer, thereby forming an area of low resistance, preferably at least compared to neighbouring areas. The latter may be combined with the independent aspects related to the contact enhancer. It is imaginable that the intermediate contact distributor is configured to locally allow electrically contact between at least one busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer at least at one location, preferably at two different locations, thereby forming at least two low resistance connections. Optionally, the at least two low resistance connections differ in resistance. The difference in resistance between the at least two low resistance connections may for example be formed by a difference in the size of the low resistance connections. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one contact distributor enables, for example, to (electrically) insulate at least one busbar and at least one resistive heating layer in or close to an area or location of the vehicle window laminate where it is expected or known to form a hotspot. A hot-spot can be defined as a location or an area of the vehicle window laminate that receives and / or transmits an excessive amount of electrical current, in particular such that said location or area is heated to an excessive extend. In particular, a hot-spot is formed by an area or location having a relatively low resistance compared to other areas and / or locations of the vehicle window. Preferably, at least one contact distributor is placed such that at least one resistive heating layer and at least one busbar are insulated in or close to a hot-spot area or a hot-spot location of the vehicle window laminate.

[0014] Optionally, the thickness of the resistive heating layer may differ locally at least at two sub-areas for regulating the electrical conductivity. An area with a (relatively) higher electrical conductivity allows electric current to flow more easily compared to an area with a (relatively) lower electrical conductivity. It is imaginable that increasing a thickness of the resistive heating layer results in an increased electrical conductivity of said layer. Yet, by decreasing the thickness the electrical conductivity of the resistive heating layer may be decreased. Therefore, altering the thickness of the respective sub-areas may allow for regulating, in particular both increasing and decreasing, the electrical conductivity of said layer. The resistive heating layer may comprise at least one opening or incision for locally reducing, in particular to limit, or even block, electrical conductivity. Hence, contrary to the thickness variations, providing an incision only allows for a local decrease or block of electrical conductivity. Therewith, the invention contributes to regulate the heat distribution of a vehicle window laminate, in particular in limiting heterogenous heat distribution. The vehicle window laminate may comprise at least one obscuration band. Said obscuration band preferably being arranged onto a portion of the resistive heating layer facing away from the inner surface of the first and / or second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, in a manner at least partially overlapping the at least one contact distributor and the busbar(s). In particular, as seen from the exterior of the vehicle, the contact distributor and busbar are in front of the obscuration band. However, it is imaginable that the contact distributor and busbar are provided behind the obscuration band. Where reference in this document is made to the vehicle window laminate, this may in particular be an automotive window laminate.

[0015] Preferably, at least one busbar at least partially covers at least one contact aperture, such that at least one busbar at least locally contacts the resistive heating layer via said at least one contact aperture. Since the contact distributor is insulated from the resistive heating layer, it is preferably the contact aperture through which at least one busbar contacts the resistive heating layer. Optionally, at least one contact distributor is composed out of and / or formed by insulating material. Preferably, at least one busbar only or even exclusively contacts the resistive heating layer through a contact aperture. It is imaginable that a part of at least one busbar, and / or an electrically conductive material similar or corresponding to the busbar material and / or at least part of the resistive heating layer and / or an electrically conductive material similar or corresponding to the material of the at least one resistive heating layer, is at least partially accommodated by at least one contact aperture of at least one contact distributor. Optionally, at least one open end side of the contact aperture of at least one contact distributor at least partially accommodates at least part of at least one the busbar and / or at least part of the resistive heating layer.

[0016] The vehicle window laminate according to the present invention at least comprises a first and a second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface may also be referred to as an inward and outward surface respectively. The outward surface of the at least partially transparent sheet facing to or in the direction of the exterior side of a vehicle is typically referred to as face 1 or a number one surface. The inward surface of this at least partially transparent sheet, hence the opposite face of the face 1 , is typically referred to as face 2 or a number two surface. The outward surface of the at least partially transparent sheet facing to or in the direction of the interior side of a vehicle forms the second outer surface of the window laminate and is typically referred to as face 4 or a number four surface. The inward surface of this at least partially transparent sheet, so the opposite face of face 4, is typically referred to as face 3 or a number three surface. Preferably, at least one resistive heating layer is provided onto at least a portion of face 2 and / or face 3 of the vehicle window laminate. Providing a resistive heating layer at the inner surface of at least one of the at least partially transparent sheets significantly increases the heating capabilities of the window laminate. The contact distributor according to the invention contributes, or even enables, hiding one or more electric components, in particular one or more busbar(s), in particular as observed from the exterior of a vehicle. Therewith, the proposed invention does not, or nearly, compromises the exterior and / or the interior aesthetic appearance of the laminate.

[0017] Within the present invention, reference is made to a busbar which may be referred to as a power supply element or an electrically conductive element configured for supplying electric power at least to the resistive heating layer. The at least two busbars according to the invention may be understood as the electrical connections between an (external) power source and the heating layer of the invention. It is conceivable that the at least one resistive heating layer according to the invention is referred to, and / or formed by, at least one resistive coating. Coating may in this aspect be understood as a spray-on coating and / or a rolled-on coating or via alternative application techniques, such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) magnetron sputtering. Hence, where throughout this document reference is made to the resistive heating layer this may also be referred to as the resistive coating. It is conceivable that the at least one contact distributor is alternatively referred to as an electrically insulated layer, wherein said layer is electrically insulated with respect to the busbar and the resistive heating layer, but allows a connection between the latter through via one or more apertures in the electrically insulated layer.

[0018] According to the proposed invention, the contact distributor is at least partially, preferably substantially entirely, disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar. It is imaginable that the contact distributor extends beyond a perimeter defined by at least one busbar. Preferably, said extension does not exceed 20 mm on either side of the busbar, preferably not more than 10 mm, more preferably not more than 5 mm. It is also conceivable that the contact distributor covers the entire resistive heating layer. If the contact distributor covers the entire resistive heating layer, may be preferred that the contact apertures are arranged on a stroke along the edge of the contact distributor. Optionally, the contact distributor may stretch at least partially beyond at least one side edge of the resistive heating layer. In particular, it is preferred that at least a portion of the contact distributor stretches beyond the perimeter of the resistive heating layer. As such, at least that portion of the contact distributor may locally seal the resistive heating layer. Preferably, the contact distributor seals at least part of the resistive heating layer, preferably at least at or close to at least one side edge of the at least one at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, onto which the resistive heating layer is attached. It is imaginable that the contact distributer locally extends beyond a part of the perimeter of the heating layer, thereby sealing the edge of the resistive heating layer, at least locally. The contact distributer may extend beyond the perimeter of the resistive heating layer along the entire perimeter thereof. This may allow the contact distributor to seal all side edges of the heating layer, in particular at or close to the corresponding side edges of the at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, onto which the resistive heating layer is attached. Sealing the resistive heating layer may prevent that moisture penetrates said layer and damages it but may also contribute to a better aesthetical appearance. The first and second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, of the vehicle window laminate may be curved, in particular double curved.

[0019] Preferably, at least one contact aperture forms an elongated slit, wherein the elongated slit particularly has at least two different widths in the length direction of the slit. This configuration enables to contact the busbar and the resistive heating coating along the elongated slit, wherein two different widths in length direction of the slit contributes to the regulation of the contact area of the busbar and the resistive heating layer and therewith the heat distribution. Different widths in the length direction of the slit and / or different sizes of the contact aperture enable to regulate the degree of contact between and / or the contact area size of the busbar and the resistive heating layer. Preferably, a wider portion of the elongated slit is provided at location(s) where an increased electrical current feed is desired. Optionally, at location(s) where a decreased electrical feed is desired a smaller portion of the elongated slit is provided. The contact distributor may be insulated from the resistive heating layer at locations where no electrical feed is desired. Hence, this configuration of the contact aperture contributes in the regulation of the electric feed and hence the heat distribution. The length direction of the elongated slit may at least partially follow at least a part of the shape of the vehicle window laminate. The width of the slit preferably changes gradually along the length of the slit and / or wherein the width of the slit changes in a stepped manner along the length of the slit. Hence, the contact area of the busbar and the resistive heating layer can be regulated and / or can be adapted to the desired distribution of electric feed and hence of heat.

[0020] It is imaginable that the contact distributor comprises at least two contact apertures, preferably a plurality of contact apertures, wherein a surface area and / or size of at least two contact apertures is mutually different. By changing the surface area and / or size of the apertures it is possible to change the electrical parameters of the connection between the busbar and the resistive heating layer and hence the heat generation may as such be regulated. By applying a contact distributor, composed out of an electric isolated material, comprising at least one, preferably a plurality of, apertures and / or slits and / or voids. These apertures and / or slits and / or voids have a certain volume taken out of the insulating contact distributor, this void volume depends on the surface area of the aperture / slit / void and the thickness of the distributor. By providing a conductive material accommodated in at least a part of these volume(s) a busbar may be formed, which may distributes electrical power from a power supply to the coating.

[0021] The window laminate may comprise at least two contact distributors, each contact distributor being disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar. Each of the contact distributors is preferably electrically insulated from the resistive heating layer. By providing at least two contact distributors an even further improved regulation may be achieved since the degree of regulating the electrical connections is improved. This is since each contact distributor provides for distributing a contact between at least one busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer. Not only that, it also provides to enhance the esthetical appearance since the busbars may be hidden from sight, at least from an exterior side looking into the laminate. Both of the contact distributors may be independently formed as described throughout the various embodiments in this document. The at least two contact distributors may have a mutually different length. Preferably, also the respective busbars arranged onto the respective contact distributors have mutually different lengths. For example, at least one contact distributor and the busbar arranged on said contact distributor extend along a distribution path, said distribution path comprising a straight portion and a curved portion. This may for example be the case for a side window of a vehicle. Particularly, a distance between the opposing at least two contact distributors and respective busbars is different over the length of the busbars. Here, the distance may thus be not constant.

[0022] Conceivably, the window laminate may comprise at least one contact distributor, wherein said contact distributor is disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least two busbars. Said contact distributor is preferably electrically insulated from the resistive heating layer. As such, a single contact distributor may provide for distributing a contact between the two busbars and the resistive heating layer. The contact distributor in this case comprises at least two respective contact apertures, wherein each of the at least two busbar contact the resistive heating layer through one of the respective contact apertures, in particular a distinct one of the respective contact apertures. This is particularly beneficial in case the busbars are arranged on the same edge of the window laminate. The contact distributor may comprise at least two (or more) groups of (multiple) contact apertures, wherein each busbar contacts the resistive heating layer through the (multiple) contact apertures of one (distinct) of the at least two groups of (multiple) contact apertures. At least one contact distributor may comprise at least two groups of multiple contact apertures, preferably wherein the at least two groups alternate with respect to each other. In particular, the contact apertures of at least two alternating contact apertures groups may mutually alternate along and / or with respect to an edge of the vehicle window laminate, in particular at least one edge of the resistive heating layer, and / or along and / or with respect to the longitudinal direction of at least one busbar and / or at least one contact distributor.

[0023] Preferably at least a portion of the at least two busbars are arranged on opposing edges of window laminate, in particular the first at least partially transparent sheet and / or the second at least partially transparent sheet. The opposing edges may be the left edge and right edge, but it is also conceivable that the upper and lower edge are provided with busbars. Preferably, at least a portion of the at least two busbars are arranged at the same edge of a window laminate. It is therefore conceivable that at least one edge, such as a lower edge or an upper edge, comprises at least two busbars. Optionally, at least a portion of at least two busbars is arranged on opposing sides of the resistive heating layer. However, it is also conceivable that at least two (electrically separated) busbars are provided onto a single edge. Preferably, at least a part of at least one of the at least two busbars extends at least partially between two, preferably opposing, edges, in particular side edges, of the vehicle window laminate. At least a part of at least two busbars may extend parallel to each other. Preferably, at least one busbar is substantially U-, or T-shaped, more preferably the at least two, busbars is are substantially U-, or T-shaped. At least one busbar may at least partially enclose or surround at least a part of at least one other busbar, in case at least two busbars are at least partially arranged on the same edge of the vehicle window laminate. This contributes to a more efficient use of the space occupied by various components, in particular the busbars, in and / or on at least a part of the vehicle window laminate. This may allow to hide the busbars in the vehicle. This is especially beneficial if the vehicle window laminate is used as a door glass or frameless door glass, wherein the busbars can be hidden under the door trim, and / or belt line. This contributes to improve the aesthetic properties of the vehicle window laminate, such that black ceramic decoration can be omitted at the visible perimeter of the window.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one resistive heating layer comprises one or more segmentations optionally forming a plurality of, in particular electrically separated, resistive heating sections, in particular wherein said segmentations are at least partially formed by a local opening or incision or segmentation line. Said segmentation line in particular extends between at least two points on the circumference, in particular a pair of opposing points, of the resistive heating layer. Preferably, the resistive heating layer is locally electrically isolated by said one or more segmentations. Preferably, the at least two busbars are each electrically connected to one or more of the one or more resistive heating sections. Preferably, one or more resistive heating sections defined at least partially by the segmentations extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of at least one busbar. Preferably, two or more than two resistive heating sections defined at least partially by the segmentations extend substantially parallel to each other. Additionally or alternatively, at least two segmentations may at least partially be parallel to each other. Preferably, all the resistive heating sections arranged in at least one resistive heating layer extend substantially parallel to each other. Additionally or alternatively, all the segmentations arranged in at least one resistive heating layer may extend substantially parallel to each other. It is imaginable that at least one segmentation forms an isolated island (i.e. not heated or heatable) of resistive heating material in the resistive heating layer. Such an island isolated from being heated may have a width of approximately 0.5mm to 5mm, preferably 1 mm. The at least two busbars each contact one or more resistive heating sections. This may be on the same edge of said resistive heating section and / or adjacent and / or opposing edges of the resistive heating section. Optionally, if a resistive heating section is to be excluded from generating heat, at least one busbar, preferably both are electrically insulated from said resistive heating section (i.e. not electrically contacting) to be excluded. This may further improve homogenous heating of the vehicle window laminate. This may especially be beneficial in case segmentations and / or segmentation lines and / or partial segmentations are thinner than 100 microns, in particular when used in combination with high voltages, and preferably sparks should be avoided.

[0025] It is noted that the term segmentations (i.e. in the resistive heating layer) as used herein may also be referred to as a segmentation line, separation line, division line, or any other equivalent expression indicating a structural or functional (electrical) discontinuity, boundary, or interface within the resistive heating layer (or resistive heating section). All such terms are intended to be interchangeable and to encompass any configuration or implementation that provides a segmented, interrupted, or partitioned, preferably electrically isolated, arrangement of the heating structure for functional or manufacturing purposes.

[0026] Optionally, at least one resistive heating section and / or the resistive heating layer or coating is provided with at least one partial segmentation, wherein said partial segmentation extends from the circumference of the resistive heating section (or the resistive heating layer) towards a point at a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating section (or the resistive heating layer). Preferably, at least one partial segmentation is arranged in at least one resistive heating section, and wherein said at least one partial segmentation extends substantially parallel to at least one segmentation forming said at least one resistive heating section. Preferably, at least one resistive heating section comprises a plurality of partial segmentations, wherein one or more of the plurality of partial segmentations extend substantially parallel to each other. A plurality of partial segmentations preferably alternatingly extend from opposing points on the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section. The partial segmentation allows to define or form a part of the conductive path between the at least two busbars. Here, the conductive path may be understood as the path of least resistance between the two busbars. The partial segmentation may thus provide for establishing a detour in the conductive path. Hence, allowing to effectively heat predefined parts of the laminate. That is, the heat generation of the laminate may be controlled by predefining the partial segmentations in the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section. It is imaginable that at least one partial segmentation forms an isolated island (i.e. not heated or heatable) of resistive heating material in the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section. It is also conceivable that a plurality of partial segmentations are provided to the resistive heating section and / or resistive heating layer such as to form a meandering conductive path. A meandering conductive path in particular defines more than one turn. To this end it is conceivable that (adjacent) partial segmentations contact the circumference at opposing and / or adjacent edges of the resistive heating section and / or resistive heating layer. Preferably, a plurality of partial segmentations may alternatingly extend from opposing points on the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section. A part of the circumference, in particular at least one edge, of the resistive heating layer and / or at least one resistive heating section may at least partially be curved. Due to the presence of a curvature in the resistive heating layer a distance between two opposing points on the circumference of the resistive heating layer may variate along the circumference. Optionally, at least one segmentation extends between at least one point on a curved part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer and at least one other, in particular opposite, point on the circumference of the resistive heating layer. Due to the presence of a curvature in at least a part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer, at least one resistive heating section may comprise a curved end portion. Preferably, at least one resistive heating layer and / or at least one resistive heating section comprising a curved part is provided with at least one partial segmentation, preferably a plurality of partial segmentations. At least one partial segmentation preferably extends from the circumference, in particular a point on the circumference, of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section towards a point at a distance from the curved part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section. The partial segmentation(s) are in particular configured for forming a conductive path along at least a part of the curvature in the resistive heating layer and / or a curved end portion of the resistive heating section. Said conductive path along the at least a part of the curvature in the resistive heating layer and / or the curved end portion of the resistive heating section preferably forms an extended detour. The conductive path with an extended detour preferably at least partially extends along at least a part of the curvature in the resistive heating layer and / or a curved end portion of the resistive heating section. The conductive path with the extended detour may have a sufficient length to compensate for at least a part of curvature of the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or the respective resistive heating section. This embodiment particularly contributes in an improved, in particular uniform, heating of the resistive heating layer. Preferably, a plurality of conductive paths in the resistive heating layer have a similar, preferably uniform, length.

[0027] Preferably, the window laminate comprises at least two contact distributors, each at least partially disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar, for distributing the contact between a respective busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer (or resistive heating section), wherein said contact distributors are insulated from the resistive heating layer, and wherein each contact distributor comprises at least one contact aperture, and wherein each busbar contacts the resistive heating layer (or resistive heating section) through a respective contact aperture of the respective contact distributor.

[0028] Preferably, at least one partial segmentation is situated or arranged between a pair of contact apertures of at least one contact distributor, in particular of the respective contact aperture of the contact distributors of the respective busbars (in case each busbar contacts the resistive heating layer via an individual contact distributor). This allows each of the two busbars to electrically contact the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section via a respective one of the pair of contact apertures, such that the two busbars contact on opposing sides of at least one partial segmentation. It is imaginable said contact apertures on the opposite sides of the at least one partial segmentation are arranged on the same edge of the resistive heating section and / or resistive heating layer and / or the laminate. Alternatively, the contact apertures are arranged on the adjacent and / or opposing edges of the resistive heating section and / or resistive heating layer and / or the laminate. Preferably the busbars contact the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section in proximity of the part of at least one the partial segmentation on the circumference of the resistive heating section and / or resistive heating layer. In case one resistive heating section comprises a plurality of partial segmentations, the contact apertures arranged in the respective heating section and adjacent to, in particular directly next to, the respective segmentation, which segmentation in particular forms a boundary of the respective resistive heating section, may be the only contact apertures through which a busbar contacts the resistive heating layer. Different combinations of partial segmentations and contact apertures may be established based on the teaching above, which the skilled person would readily appreciate. For example, multiple partial segmentations may be provided between a pair of contact apertures. The partial segmentations may be arranged on different edges of the laminate.

[0029] The partial segmentations are particularly beneficial to define a plurality of parallel conductive paths extending from the at least two busbars. The multiple partial segmentations are preferably substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the conductive paths defined at least partially by the partial segmentations extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of at least one busbar. The two busbars may both be arranged along a bottom (or lower) edge of the window laminate, which allows the busbars to be hidden from sight when installed whilst ensuring a uniform heat generation in the laminate via the plurality of parallel conductive paths. This is particularly beneficial for a vehicle side window, but may also be applied for a windshield or panoramic roof.

[0030] It is conceivable that at least two (electrically separated) busbars are provided onto a single edge. This may be in case the resistive heating layer comprises at least one segmentation, preferably formed by at least one local opening or incision, the at least two busbars may be arranged on opposing sides of the segmentation, in particular on opposing sides of the local opening or incision. The one or more local openings or incisions are preferably locally electrically not conductive. In this respect, it is imaginable that only a single contact distributor is provided which extends over both parts of the resistive heating layer that are locally electrically separated by said segmentation, and wherein two electrically separated busbars are provided onto said single contact distributor. It is conceivable that a surface area of at least one contact aperture or a plurality of contact apertures decreases in proportion to a decreasing distance to an opposing busbar. Hence, the closer the distance between opposing busbars, the smaller the surface area of the aperture(s). This provides for an increased resistance between busbar and resistive heating layer if the busbars are arranged closer to one another. Hence, the resistance established by the aperture of the contact distributor may at least partially compensate for the resistance caused by the distance between the opposing busbars. However, it may also be used to increase the effect of the distance between the busbars, if so desired, to generate a local hot- or cold-spot. Using the concept of the present invention it is conceivable that a plurality of heating circuits are provided, each circuit comprising a pair of opposing busbars, or interconnected busbars. For example, it is conceivable that a first heating system comprising two busbars and at least one contact distributor is arranged for heating a substantial portion of the window laminate, and a second heating system comprising two busbars and at least one contact distributor is used for locally heating the wiper area. The two heating systems may even use one busbar in common. This enables to provide different heating systems using the same concept of heating and using only a single resistive heating layer thereby the systems may both be provided in a single process step, contrary to providing a different heating system for the wiper area using tungsten wire heating. The number of heating areas, as well as the shape of contact distributor and the busbars may be incorporated according to the preferred heating map for the window.

[0031] At least one contact distributor may be at least partially, preferably entirely, composed out of at least one first ceramic layer, preferably a printed ceramic layer. Preferably, the first ceramic layer is substantially translucent and / or transparent. Said at least one first ceramic layer is preferably substantially free of conductive particles to provide for the insulating property of the contact distributor. The ceramic layer is beneficial as it may be easily printed onto the window laminate, both prior to curving the laminate as after the laminate has been curved. In addition, printing may allow for accurate placement of the apertures in the contact distributor which is beneficial for the regulating properties of the distributor. Optionally, at least one contact distributor comprises at least one second ceramic layer, preferably a printed ceramic layer, wherein said second ceramic layer is arranged on a side of the first ceramic layer facing away from the resistive heating layer. As an alternative to a first and / or second ceramic layer, it is conceivable that the contact distributor may be partially or entirely composed out of a (thermo)plastic material, in particular a plastic layer, in particular a self-adhesive plastic layer such as a foil. Hence, the first ceramic layer and / or second ceramic layer may be formed by a plastic layer. However, a printed layer may have the preference in view of the accuracy of placement. Preferably, the at least one second ceramic later is tinted, in particular dark, more in particular black. This may provide for a less visually obtrusive way to provide for the regulating properties. Especially since the contact distributor and the busbar are in front of the obscuration band (as seen from an exterior of the vehicle), which tinded ceramic allows the contact distributor to blend in with the ceramic band. Preferably, the first ceramic layer and / or the second ceramic layer of the contact distributor have a total thickness which is situated between 5 micron and 100 micron, preferably between 10 micron and 30 micron.

[0032] By arranging at least one busbar, preferably each, onto a contact distributor it is possible to provide for easy positioning. The busbar for example be formed by an ET1183 tinned copper busbar commercially sold by 3M, which is applied onto the contact distributor. The tin cladded material, if applied, provides for a shiny look if the aperture is observed from the outside. It may however be preferred to have a more black or uniform look and especially if the resistive heating layer is a sputtered Ag coating. To this end, at least one busbar may comprise coloured particles and / or pigment, preferably black coloured particles and / or pigment. Preferably, at least a portion of the coloured particles are formed by carbon particles. A carbon and / or graphite and / or graphene comprising busbars allows for darker colours, such adhesive conductive on a tin cladded copper foil may be an ARcare 93758 commercially sold by Adhesive research and measures 61 microns thickness. These busbars contains a self-adhesive conductive material. During the lamination process, the busbar may become soft and filling of the aperture is achieved. The conductive material and the busbar can also be applied separately, for example from the range of Loctite EDAG or Loctite ECI conductive Silver and or Carbon filled inks in combination with a standard tin cladded busbar. Preferably, the at least one busbar that is arranged at least partially onto the side of the at least one contact distributor facing away from the resistive heating layer has a phase transition temperature situated between the temperature range of 100 degrees Celsius and 140 degrees Celsius. This temperature allows the busbar to become sufficiently soft in order to at least partially fill the contact aperture in the contact distributor and as such establish an improved electrical contact between the busbar and the resistive heating layer. At least one busbar may be at least partially formed by a heat-activated adhesive, in particular a heat-activated adhesive strip, preferably wherein said strip extends over substantially all contact apertures.

[0033] Although according to the invention, in particular if an esthetical black appearance is desired or required, it is preferred to have a Carbon filled self-adhesive busbar, it may also be combined with or replaced with a Ceramic Silver enamel busbar, and if lowest possible resistivity is required, after bending, and before laminating an additional tin cladded copper busbar can even be fitted on top and / or be electrically connected with silver paste. The surrounding areas of the contact aperture(s) will protect the resistive heating layer against outgassing during a hot bending cycle of the lamination process, which otherwise may have caused discolouration of the coating. This can further be improved with yet another, preferably black ceramic layer on top of the Silver ceramic layer, this layer may also, but not necessarily, overlap the Silver ceramic layer and may also, but not necessarily, have one or more apertures or slits. This extra layer may deviate the gas further away from the visible resistive heating layer, but it can also be beneficial if this side of the glass sheet is touched by a mould, more specifically a bending mould during glass bending, as the cloth of such mould can be saturated from outgassing elements of the Silver ceramic enamel. Secondly the design of the contact aperture(s) may help to improve aesthetic appearance, and to a certain limit the Silver enamel may be mixed with a small percentage of black ceramic enamel, causing the Silver ceramic enamel being darker coloured. Here it is important to keep the electric conductivity to the desired level. By having the contact apertures overprinted with a Silver based ceramic enamel no concessions are made with durability, these kind of enamel has proven itself over 50 years on most car’s backlites and more than 20 years in combination on heated coated windscreens. Throughout this document, if reference is made to a ceramic layer, this layer may be composed of ceramic enamel, and it may be conceivable that the ceramic layer may be referred to ceramic enamel.

[0034] Preferably, the resistive heating layer is formed by a sputtered silver coating. The heating layer may be formed by multiple layers of Silver and dielectric layers, such as an Ag2 or Ag3 magnetron sputtered coating. This type of heating layer may for example branded by AGC as IRIS® and Super IRIS® or Saint Gobain ClimaCoat ®. Here the number following Ag is related to the number of passes of the glass passing the Silver chamber in a coating machine. Resistivity of a coated surface is defined in Ohm I square and can be measured contactless with a Stratometer G from Nagy instruments. Generally, vehicles use low voltage for safety reasons in range of 12 volts to 48 volts. The resistivity of these types of coatings are in range of 1 ,5 - 3 Ohm I Sq for Ag2 and as low as 0,6 Ohm I Sq for Ag3 and Ag4 coatings. Higher voltages like 220 volts can be applied in case resistivity is in range of 15 Ohm I Sq, to 25 Ohm I Sq, which is typically for Low-e coatings like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) based sputtered coatings. However, if cabin infrared heating is required voltages up to 750 volts can be applied. It is conceivable that the resistive heating layer has a variable thickness over the surface area of the first or second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet. Particularly, a thickness of the resistive heating layer differs at least at two different areas. By providing a variation in the thickness of the resistive heating layer, regions of higher and / or lower electrical resistance may be established. This may contribute to prevent hotspots or cold-spots.

[0035] At least one busbar may be, directly or indirectly, be connected to or connectable to a voltage doubler or voltage multiplier may particularly be configured for powering both neutral and phase. Preferably, at least one power source is connected or connectable to a voltage doubler. This is beneficial as it provides the possibility to apply a higher voltage, while maintaining within the safety range for low voltage usage. This is in particular beneficial for fastening and / or improving the performance of defrosting and / or heating the interieur of the vehicle, such as infrared light cabin heating. In the context of the safety range, an electric current below 50V is considered as a “safe voltage”, and any voltage above 50V is considered as a mid-voltage and requires more safety regulations. The vehicle window laminate may comprise an intermediate sheet structure arranged at least partially between the first and second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, preferably wherein said intermediate sheet structure comprises at least one functional layer, more preferably a switchable functional layer. The intermediate sheet structure may comprise a pair of bonding layers, such as Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Between said bonding layers the functional layer may be arranged. The functional layer may comprise a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal, a suspended particle device, electro-chrome, thermo-chrome, and / or photo-chrome layer. Most frequently such switchable film is arranged in between a pair of thermoplastic layers.

[0036] The present invention is further related to an automotive vehicle, in particular a car or truck, wherein at least one window, in particular a side window and / or front window, is formed by a window laminate according to any of the preceding claims. The same benefits as explained with respect to the vehicle window laminate apply mutatis mutandis with respect to the automotive vehicle provided with the same.

[0037] According to a further aspect the present invention is related to a method of manufacturing a vehicle window laminate, in particular an automotive vehicle window laminate, comprising the steps of: i) Providing a first at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, and a second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, wherein the first at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, and the second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, ii) Providing at least one resistive heating layer on an inner surface of at least one of the first at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, or second at least partially transparent sheet, in particular glass sheet, ill) Forming at least one contact distributor, preferably at least two separate contact distributors, wherein the contact distributor is formed by providing at least one first insulating layer onto a part of the resistive heating layer, wherein said insulating layer comprises one or more apertures, iv) Providing at least two busbars, said busbars being mutually separated wherein at least one busbar is provided onto the contact distributor formed by the applied insulating layer, wherein the busbar spans over the one or more apertures. Providing the at least one first insulating layer during step iii) is in particular performed by printing a ceramic enamel, preferably a transparent and / or translucent ceramic enamel onto the resistive heating layer. Optionally, step iii) further comprises the step of: providing at least one second insulating layer onto at least a part of the first insulating layer, wherein the second insulating layer comprises one or more apertures, wherein at least one of, preferably each of, the apertures of the first insulating layer and second insulating layers are at least partially aligned. It is imaginable that during step iii) at least one second insulating layer is entirely provided onto the first insulating layer and / or that at least one second insulating layer is provided onto the entire first insulating layer. Providing the at least one second insulating layer during step iii) is in particular performed by printing a ceramic enamel, preferably a tinted, in particular dark or black, ceramic enamel onto the resistive heating layer. The busbars applied during step iv) may be formed by self-adhesive conductive material.

[0038] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of: v) Melting and / or deforming the busbar by heating the vehicle window laminate, preferably in an autoclave, to a temperature situated between 100 and 140 degrees Celsius, and preferably by simultaneously applying a pressure between 1 and 13 bar.

[0039] The self-adhesive conductive material may cause, under heat and pressure, that the aperture filled during the lamination process. Typically a lamination process contains a de-airing step, preferably by applying vacuum to the lamination stack, and during the lamination cycle, temperatures are elevated typically between 100 and 140 degrees Celsius and preferably simultaneous a pressure is applied in the autoclave between 1 and 13 Bar. Under these lamination conditions the busbar, which may be formed by the adhesive material, becomes liquid or viscous and fills not only the volume of the aperture, but also penetrates deeper into the laminate, in particular into the resistive heating layer, such as to establish an electrical connection between the busbar and the resistive heating layer. The heating step may cause improved electrical connection between the busbar and the underlaying resistive heating layer. The improved contact decreases the risk of sparks and heat generation in the busbar due to malfunction of the contact between busbar and resistive heating layer. In addition, the current levels may be higher as a result of improved contact. Due to the busbar becoming liquid or viscous, the busbar not only is able to fill the contact aperture, but also penetrates deeper in the resistive heating layer, in particular the Ag layer. In a non-limitative example it was observed that after a lamination cycle without adding pressure other than the environmental pressure, in a so called "autoclave free lamination process” a 1 square meter Windscreen with a 2 Ohm / sq resistive Guardian IRR Ag2 coating which was applied with busbars composed out of ARcare 93758 over the entire length on opposing sides of the glass. The busbars were powered with a power source of AC 48 Volts resulting in 11 ,8 Ampere 566 Watt. In the contact apertures of the contact distributor little sparks were detected and the busbar became hot. The same glass was given a second heating step to a temperature of 130 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 7,5 bar was applied. The busbar was again powered with the same power source of AC 48 volts. The improved laminate resulted in 13,7 Ampere 658 Watt. In the apertures no sparks were observed in the improved laminate, not even while the voltage was brought up to 65 Volts and the glass reached temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius. In this example an alternating current was applied, However this could alternatively be a direct current power source. This could be more beneficial if interference from electromagnetic fields with other electronics is expected.

[0040] The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following non-limitative figures, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle window laminate according to the invention;

[0042] Figures 2a and 2b show respective cross sections of the vehicle window laminate shown in figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the vehicle window laminate according to the invention;

[0044] - Figure 4a and 4b depicts a detail according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows another embodiment of window laminate according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a window laminate according to the present invention; and

[0046] - Figures 7a-7b show an enlarged view of the rectangular portions depicted in figure 6.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a non-limitative embodiment of the vehicle window laminate 100 according to the invention. In this non-limitative embodiment the window laminate 100 is an automotive window laminate 100, in particular a front windshield. In this figure a pair of opposing contact distributors 104 is visible as seen through the outer at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 , which is merely shown for indicative purposes. However, in practice it is preferred that these distributors 104 are not or less visible. The contact distributors 104 as shown in this embodiment are of different types. The left contact distributor 104 comprises a contact aperture 105 in the form of a slit 105, wherein a size or opening or dimension of said slit 105 changes over the length of the contact distributor 105. Along the upper edge of the window laminate 100 the opening 105 of the slit is narrower compared to the opening 105 of the slit at the lower edge of the window laminate 100. As a result, the electrical resistance between a busbar (not shown in this figure) applied onto the contact distributor 104 is lower along the lower edge of the laminate 100 compared to the resistance at the upper edge. This allows for improved regulation of the heating of the window. Particularly since the distance between the contact distributors 104 is smaller at the upper side 112 of the window laminate 100 compared to the distance between the opposing contact distributors 104 at the lower side 1 11 of the window laminate 100. The changing dimension of the slit 105 can compensate for the increased / decreased distance between the contact distributors 104. On the right side the contact distributor 104 is not provided with a slit, but with a plurality of contact apertures 105 in the form of circular openings 105. Said contact apertures have different sizes, in order to also establish different electrical resistance paths between the busbar (not shown in this figure) and the contact aperture 105. The figure also depicts, schematically an obscuration band 113, which typically extends along the edge of the window laminate 100. In this embodiment, the slit 105 and the circular openings 105 of the contact distributors 104 are provided in such a manner to establish a substantially homogeneous, or more uniform, heating of the window laminate 100. This may be established since the smaller slit 105 dimension at the upper side 112 of the laminate 100 compensates for the shorter path towards the opposing edge. Similarly, the larger slit 105 dimension at the lower side 111 , which decreases electrical resistance between the busbar (not shown) and a coating, compensates for the larger path of travel (which typically causes a higher electrical resistance). Figures 2a and 2b further elaborate on how the resistance is regulated in more detail.

[0048] Figures 2a and 2b respectively shown a cross section of the vehicle window laminate 100 as shown in figure 1 at intersections A-A’ and B-B’. As can be seen in the figures, the cross section of the laminate 100 in figure 2a is narrower compared to the cross section of figure 2b, which is caused by the tapered, trapezoidal shape, of windshields. The dimensions of the window laminate 100 are purely for indicative purposes and the difference in width is by no means to scale. The window laminate depicted in figure 2a shows a first at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 , comprising an outer surface 107. The outer surface 107 may be referred to as Face 1 of the laminate 100. To the inner surface 108, or Face 2, of the first at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 a resistive heating layer 103 is applied. The resistive heating layer 103, which may also be a coating, is provided onto substantially the entire inner surface 108 of the first at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101. Preferably, the resistive heating layer

[0049] 103 is a (magnetron) sputtered coating such as an Ag2 or Ag3 coating. However, alternatives such as a Low-e coating are equally conceivable as resistive heating layer 103. It is noted that for illustrative purposes no intermediate sheet structure is depicted between the first at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 and the second at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 102. However, it is conceivable that between the resistive heating layer 103 and the second at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 102 an intermediate sheet structure, comprising a functional layer such as a PDLC or SPD, is arranged. In order to power the resistive heating layer a connection needs to be established. According to the prior art a conductive busbar was arranged directly onto the resistive heating layer 103. However, this causes an unregulated heat distribution across the laminate. The present invention thereto provides a contact distributor

[0050] 104 which is arranged onto the resistive heating layer 103. The contact distributor 104 is composed out of electrically insulating material and is insulated with respect to the resistive heating layer 103. On top of the contact distributor 104 a busbar 106 is provided, which is composed out of electrically conductive material. Since the contact distributor 104 is provided with one or more contact apertures 105, the busbar 106 may contact the resistive heating layer 103 through or via said contact apertures 105. If the busbar 106 is composed of a material which as a phase transition temperature around 100 to 140 degrees Celsius, it may be achieved that the busbar 106 is able to fully flow into the contact aperture 105 and achieve an even better connection with the resistive heating layer 103. By changing the dimension of the contact aperture 105 it is possible to regulate the resistance between the busbar 106 and the resistive heating layer 103. A higher resistance (by making the contact aperture 105 smaller) causes a lower current at the same power. In figure 2a, the contact aperture 105 in the contact distributor 104 on the left side is in the form of a slit 105. The contact distributor 104 on the right side comprises a plurality of circular openings 105 of different dimensions, at the point of the cross section, however, there is no opening. This can be seen in figure 2a as well, where the right contact distributor 104 fully prevents, locally, the electrical connection between the busbar 106 and the resistive heating layer 103. This causes that, around this location, no current flows through the resistive heating layer 103 which contributes to improved regulation thereof. The contact apertures

[0051] 105 as shown in the right contact distributor 104 may be arranged according to a preferred heat distribution. This can be beneficial in case certain hot- or cold-spots are expected to arrange said contact apertures 105 such as to counteract the hot- or cold-spots. Figure 2b shows the cross section of the window laminate 100 along section B-B’ shown in figure 1 . As can be seen, the cross section along this line is taken at a point where the width of the slit 105 in the left contact distributor 104 is wider, which is reflected in the cross sectional view of figure 2b. Similarly, on the right side, the cross section along this line intersects one of the circular contact apertures 105 of the contact distributor 104 on the right side. This is also depicted in the cross sectional view. In order to depict some details, the right-side view is shown in an enlarged manner. This allows to indicate that the contact distributor 104 and the busbar 106 laying on top thereof are situated in front of the (ceramic) obscuration band 120. Hence, when looking into the laminate 100 from the exterior side, which is Face 1 or the outer surface 107 of the first at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 , the contact distributor 104 and busbar are in front of said obscuration band 120. To increase the esthetical appearance it is conceivable that the busbar comprises tinted, in particular carbon, particles to reduce the visibility of the busbar from the outside. Although in this figure it is depicted that the contact distributor 104 and the busbar 106 have substantially the same width, it is imaginable that the contact distributor 104 is wider compared to the busbar 106. It is also imaginable that the contact aperture 104 seals the perimeter of the resistive heating layer 103. A seal of the resistive heating layer 103 may be achieved if the contact distributor 104 extends beyond the perimeter thereof and contacts the at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 101 . This is indicated in this enlarged portion schematically by the dashed extension of the contact distributor 104. To this end, it may be preferred to locally delete, e.g., by means of a laser, the resistive heating layer. Preferably, the contact distributor 104 is composed out of ceramic material, in particular substantially transparent or translucent ceramic material. Particularly in combination with a busbar 106 which is partially tinted, this reduces the visibility from the outside. As mentioned before, the figure does, for illustrative purposes, not depict an intermediate sheet structure comprising a functional layer or film and bonding layers. However, if applied, these are typically arranged onto the side of the obscuration layer 120 facing the second at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 102.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle window laminate 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this figure an optional intermediate sheet structure 121 comprising a functional layer 122 such as a PDLC or the like is depicted in the window laminate 100 for illustrative purposes. Also, an additional obscuration band 123 is provided on the inner surface 109 of the second at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 102. Alternatively, an additional obscuration band may be provided on the outer surface 110 of the second at least partially transparent, in particular glass, sheet 102. In the embodiment depicted in this figure, the contact distributor 104 is composed out of a first layer 104a and a second layer 104b, although more layers are conceivable. The first layer, contacting the resistive heating layer 103 is formed by a transparent and / or translucent ceramic layer 104a. It was found that a transparent and / or translucent ceramic is compatible with substantially all types of resistive heating layers 103. The second later 104b of the contact distributor 104 is formed by a tinted, in particular a dark or black ceramic layer. It was observed that tinted or coloured or black ceramic layers are not compatible with all resistive heating layers 103. An incompatibility between the latter two may cause decolouration and degradation of the heating layer and / or ceramic layer 104b. By arranging the dark or tinted ceramic layer 104b onto the transparent ceramic layer 104 this may be prevented. In addition, the dark, in particular black, ceramic layer 104b contributes to the esthetical appearance of the window laminate 100, in particular if seen from the outside, i.e. , face 1 . The black ceramic may hide the contact distributor from the obscuration layer or bad 120 situated behind (as seen from outside in) the contact distributor 104. The latter is particularly the case when the busbar 105 is provided with coloured, in particular black particles or pigment. This may provide that the contact distributor and busbar cannot be seen from the outside of the window laminate 100, or at least less.

[0053] Figure 4a shows a non-limitative embodiment of the vehicle window laminate 100 according to the invention. Here, the electrical connections 114, 118 are according to an embodiment of the invention and both comprise a contact distributor 104 comprising a contact aperture 105. On top of the contact distributor 104 a busbar 106 is provided such that the busbar 106 contacts the resistive heating layer 103. In this figure, a specific detail of the window laminate 100 according to the invention is depicted. The laminate comprises a sensory section 115, such as for a (ADAS) camera. It is preferred that this section of the window laminate 100 heats up before the rest in order to prevent the camera to be out of order due to bad vision. To this end this embodiments provides for prioritized heating in the area of the camera section 115. The window laminate, in this region comprises an intermediate contact enhancer 116a, 116b, for locally establishing a reduced path of resistance. The camera section 115 is typically located within the obscuration band 113 of the window laminate 100. The local contact enhancer 116a, 116b in this embodiment is composed of a pair of contact patches 116a, 116b, which preferably are formed out of conductive material, preferably a material having a lower resistance compared to the resistive heating layer 103. The local patches 116a, 116b of low resistive material allow the current to flow more easily, such that the portion spanned between the patches will start to heat up earlier once power is applied to the contacts 114, 118. Each of the contact patches 116a, 116b locally decrease the resistance since the patches 116a, 116b are formed out of low resistive material. Low in this respect is again to be understood as lower compared to the resistive heating layer 103. Due to the lower resistance of these patches 116a, 116b, areas of increased current density will be established in proximity of the patches 116a, 116b. In particular between the patches 116a, 116b, the current density is increase, and hence more heat is generated since the resistance between said patches is higher compared to that of the patches 116a, 116b. Since the area between the patches 116a, 116b, overlaps with the sensor section 115 this area will heat up sooner compared to the adjoining areas. As such the generation of heat is established. The contact patches 116a, 116b may be formed by means of the contact distributor and the conductive busbar on top thereof according to the present invention. In figure 4b a cross section along line A-A’ of figure 4a is depicted. Here it can be seen that the patches 116a, 116b enclose the sensor area 115. In this embodiment the patches 116a, 116b are formed by silver printed portions. Figure 5 shows an embodiment wherein a preferred heating zone 117 may be established at a bottom side of the window laminate 100. Two electrodes, which in this embodiment is formed by a pair of positive electrodes 114a, 114b and one negative electrodes 118. The electrodes in this figure may be formed by the contact aperture and busbar applied thereon according to the invention. Although the other way around is also imaginable. The upper positive electrode 114a and bottom positive electrode 114b are mutually electrically connected via an electrode connection 119. The are between the negative electrode 118 and bottom positive electrode 114b cause a generation of heat of the resistive heating layer, preferably, this area overlaps with a rest position of the wipers of the window, such as to cause a preferred heating zone for the window wipers.

[0054] Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of a non-limitative example of a vehicle window laminate 100 according to the present invention. The first and / or second sheets are at least partially transparent. In the shown embodiment a resistive heating layer 103 is provided onto at least a part of the inner surface of the first and / or second (glass) sheets. The vehicle window laminate 100 may comprise at least one at least partially curved edge 100a-100d. In the shown embodiment the at least a part of the upper edge 100a and / or at least a part of the lower edge 100c is at least partially curved. The person skilled in the art understands that additionally or alternatively at least a part of at least one side edge 100b, 100d may at least partially be curved. The first and / or second (glass) sheets may comprise at least one curved edge. Additionally or alternatively, at least a part of the perimeter described by the resistive heating layer 103 may at least partially be curved. Preferably, the resistive heating layer 103 follows at least partially at least a part of a perimeter or shape described by at least one of the first and second (glass) sheets. The vehicle window laminate 100 further comprises at least two busbars 106. In the shown embodiment, the vehicle window laminate 100 comprises two busbars 106. The two, in particular electrically separated, busbars 106 are arranged on the same edge 100c of the vehicle window laminate 100. At least a part of at least one of the at least two busbars 106 extends at least partially between two, preferably opposing, side edges 100b, 100d of the vehicle window laminate 100. In the shown embodiment, both busbars 106 extend between two opposing side edges 100b, 100d of the vehicle window laminate 100. In the shown embodiment, at least one busbar 106 at least partially encloses or surrounds at least a part of at least one other busbar 106. In the shown embodiment, at least one busbar 106 is substantially T-shaped. At least a part of the shown busbars 106 extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle window laminate 100. Additionally, at least a part of the shown busbars 106 extend parallel to each other. The busbars 106 (electrically) contact the resistive heating layer 103 via one or more contact apertures 105 of at least one contact distributor 104. In the shown embodiment, the window vehicle laminate 100 comprises two contact distributors 104 arranged at and / or on the same edge 100c of the vehicle window laminate 100 and / or resistive heating layer 103 as the busbars 106. The shown contact distributors 104 each comprise a plurality of contact apertures 105. The busbars 106 contact the resistive heating layer 103 via at least one or more of said plurality of contact apertures 105. At least a part of the contact distributors 104 and at least a part of the busbars 106 preferably overlap. Preferably, at least one contact distributor 104 comprising a plurality of contact apertures 105 is arranged on one edge 100c of the vehicle window laminate 100. At least one contact distributor 104 may comprise at least two groups 105A, 105B of multiple contact apertures 105. In the shown embodiment, the at least two groups 105A, 105B alternate with respect to each other. In particular, the contact apertures 105 of at least two alternating contact apertures groups 105A, 105B may mutually alternate along and / or with respect to an edge of the vehicle window laminate 100, in particular at least one edge of the resistive heating layer 103, and / or along and / or with respect to the longitudinal direction of at least one busbar 106 and / or at least one contact distributor 104. The shown resistive heating layer 103 comprises multiple segmentations 124 for forming a plurality of, in particular electrically separated, resistive heating sections. Figures 7a and 7b schematically show an enlarged view of a part of the vehicle window laminate according to figure 6. The segmentations 124 shown in figure 6 are at least partially formed by a segmentation line. However, alternative shapes or configurations are imaginable. The shown segmentations 124 extend between at least two points on the circumference, in particular a pair of opposing points, of the resistive heating layer 103. In the shown embodiment, the segmentations 124 extend between the upper edge 100a and the lower edge 100c of the vehicle window laminate 100, and in particular of the resistive heating layer 103. Additionally or alternatively, one or more segmentations may extend between two, in particular opposite, side edges 100b, 100c of the vehicle window laminate 100, and in particular of the resistive heating layer 103. Preferably, the at least two busbars 106 are each electrically connected via at least one contact distributor 104 to one or more of the one or more resistive heating sections. In the shown embodiment, one or more resistive heating sections, defined at least partially by the segmentations 124, extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of at least one busbar 106 and / or of at least one contact distributor 104. In the shown embodiment, at least some resistive heating sections, defined at least partially by the segmentations 124, may be provided with at least one partial segmentation 125. The partial segmentation(s) 125 preferably extend from the circumference of the resistive heating section, defined at least partially by the segmentations 124, towards a point at a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating section. Figures 7a and 7b show an enlarged view of resistive heating sections and the partial segmentations.

[0055] Figure 7a and 7b schematically show an enlarged view of a vehicle window laminate according to the present invention. Figures 7a and 7b are an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the rectangle area depicted in figure 6. The resistive heating layer 103 comprises a plurality of segmentations 124. The segmentations 124 form a plurality of, in particular electrically separated, resistive heating sections 126a-126e. The resistive heating layer 103 of the shown embodiments further comprises a plurality of partial segmentations 125, in particular the resistive heating sections 126a-126e are provided with one or more partial segmentations 125. The shown partial segmentations 125 extend from the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or a respective resistive heating section 126a-126e towards a point at a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126a-126e, respectively. The partial segmentation(s) 125 particularly define or form a part of the conductive path. In figures 7a and 7b examples of conductive paths are illustrated by means of the arrows between a negative pool and a positive pool, or a cathode and an anode, of the at least two busbars.

[0056] In figure 7a, the shown portion of the resistive heating layer 103 of the vehicle window laminate comprises four, in particular mutually electrically separated, resistive heating sections 126a-126d.

[0057] On the outer most sides the resistive heating layer 103 comprises a first resistive heating section 126a and a fourth resistive heating section 126d. The shown first resistive heating section 126a and fourth resistive heating section 126d both comprise one partial segmentation 125. In this example, the partial segmentation 125 extends from a part of a first edge 103a of the resistive heating layer 103 or resistive heating section 126a, 126d to a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126a, 126d. The partial segmentation 125 arranged in the first 126a and fourth 126d resistive heating sections extends substantially parallel to the segmentation 124 forming the respective resistive heating section 126a, 126d. The partial segmentation 125 arranged in the first 126a and fourth 126d resistive heating section is arranged between a pair of, in particular two adjacent, contact apertures 105, in particular from two different groups 105A, 105B of, in particular alternating, contact apertures. The partial segmentation 125 is configured to form a detour of the conductive path between the positive pool and the negative pool. The conductive path in the first resistive heating section 126a runs in an opposite direction from the conductive path in the fourth resistive heating section 126d due to the respective connections of the negative pool and the positive pool.

[0058] Next to the first resistive heating section 126a, the embodiment of figure 7a shows a second resistive heating section 126b. The second resistive heating section 126b comprises a plurality of partial segmentations 125, in the shown example three partial segmentation 125. However, more partial segmentations 125 are imaginable. In the shown embodiment, two partial segmentations 125 extend from the first edge 103a of the resistive heating layer 103 or resistive heating section 126a to a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126a. Additionally, one partial segmentation 125 extends from a second edge 103b of the resistive heating layer 103 or resistive heating section 126a to a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126a. In the shown embodiment, the second edge 103b and the first edge 103a are opposing edges. The partial segmentation 125 that extends from the second edge 103b is arranged between the partial segmentations 125 extending from the first edge 103a. In particular, the plurality of partial segmentations 125 alternatingly extend from opposing points on the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126b. The shown second resistive heating section 126b forms a meandering conductive path between the positive pool and negative pool. In particular, a meandering conductive path comprises more than one turns, in the shown embodiment three turns. In the shown embodiment, the contact apertures 105 arranged in the second heating section 126b and arranged adjacent, in particular next, to the segmentation 124 that forms a boundary of the second resistive heating section 126b are the only contact apertures 105 through which a busbar contacts the resistive heating layer 103.

[0059] Next to the second resistive heating section 126b, the resistive heating layer 103 comprises a third resistive heating section 126c. The shown third resistive heating section 126c is free from partial segmentations. Furthermore, no busbars are contacted through the contact apertures 105 with the resistive heating layer 103. As a consequence, the third resistive heating section 126c as shown in figure 7a forms an isolated island of resistive heating material in the resistive heating layer 103 and / or resistive heating section 126c. As a consequence, no conductive path is formed in the third resistive heating section 126c.

[0060] In figure 7b a part of the resistive heating layer 103 of the vehicle window laminate is shown. The shown resistive heating layer 103 comprises a resistive heating section 126e. At least a part of the circumference, in particular at least one edge 103a, of the resistive heating layer 103 may at least partially be curved. In the shown embodiment, a first edge 103a of the resistive heating layer 103 is at least partially curved. In the shown embodiment, the opposing second edge 103b is substantially straight. Due to the presence of said curvature a distance between a point on the curved portion, here first edge 103a, and an opposing point on the circumference, here the second edge 103b, variates along the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103. In the shown embodiment, the distance between the first edge 103a and the second edge 103b variates in the transversal direction of the resistive heating layer 103. Optionally, at least one segmentation 124 extends between at least one point of a curved part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 and at least one other, in particular opposite, point on the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103. In the shown embodiment, two segmentations 124 extend between a point of the curved part of the circumference, in particular the first edge 103a, and an opposing point on a straight part of the circumference, in particular the second edge 103b. Due to the presence of a curvature in at least a part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer 103 at least one resistive heating section 126e may comprise a curved portion. Preferably, the resistive heating layer 103 and / or the resistive heating section 126e comprises at least one or more partial segmentations 125 for forming a conductive path along the curvature in the resistive heating layer and / or the curved end portion of the resistive heating section 126. This conductive path along said curved part particularly forms an extended detour. The extended detour may have a sufficient length to compensate for at least a part of the curved portion or curvature of the circumference the respective resistive heating layer 103. Preferably, a plurality of conductive paths in the resistive heating layer 103 may have a similar, preferably uniform, length. In this embodiment, the partial segmentation 125 provides for establishing an extended detour of the conductive path, which may provide similar or uniform lengths of the conductive path throughout the window laminate. Hence, allowing to effectively heat predefined parts of the laminate. Preferably, all the conductive paths in the window laminate have the same length. In the shown embodiment, the partial segmentation 125 extends from the second edge 103b in a closed loop back to the second edge 103b. In the shown embodiment, the contact apertures 105 arranged in the resistive heating section 126e and arranged adjacent to the segmentation 124 that forms a boundary of the resistive heating section 126e are the only contact apertures 105 through which a busbar contacts the resistive heating layer 103. The contact apertures 105 provided within the partial segmentation 125 are not connected to a busbar and forms an isolated island of resistive heating material.

[0061] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application and / or alternative embodiment.

[0062] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a “second” component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first” component. By "complementary" or “co-acting” components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Claims1 . Vehicle window laminate, comprising:- a first glass sheet, and a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and second glass sheet situated parallel and mutually spaced apart, wherein the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the first glass sheet is facing towards the inner surface of the second glass sheet,- at least one resistive heating layer, provided onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the first glass sheet and / or onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the second glass sheet,- at least two busbars, wherein said busbars electrically contact the resistive heating layer at a mutual distance with respect to each other,- at least one contact distributor, wherein the contact distributor is at least partially disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar, for distributing the contact between said busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer, wherein said contact distributor is insulated from the resistive heating layer, wherein said at least one contact distributor comprises at least one contact aperture, and wherein said at least one busbar contacts the resistive heating layer through the contact aperture.

2. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one contact aperture forms an elongated slit, wherein the elongated slit has at least two different widths in the length direction of the slit.

3. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 2, wherein the width of the slit changes gradually along the length of the slit and / or wherein the width of the slit changes in a stepped manner along the length of the slit.

4. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact distributor comprises at least two contact apertures, preferably a plurality of contact apertures, wherein a surface area of at least two contact apertures is mutually different.

5. Vehicle window laminate according to claim any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one intermediate contact enhancer locally electrically connected to the at least one resistive heating layer, preferably wherein a resistance of the intermediate contact enhancer is lower compared to a resistance of the resistive heating layer, thereby forming a resistancereducing portion.

6. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two busbars are arranged on opposing edges of the first glass sheet and / or the second glass sheet.

7. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a surface area of at least one contact aperture decreases in proportion to a decreasing distance to an opposing busbar.

8. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one contact distributor is at least partially composed out of at least one first ceramic layer, preferably a printed ceramic layer.

9. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 8, wherein the first ceramic layer is substantially translucent and / or transparent.

10. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one contact distributor comprises at least one second ceramic layer, preferably a printed ceramic layer, wherein said second ceramic layer is arranged on a side of the first ceramic layer facing away from the resistive heating layer.11 . Vehicle window laminate according to claim 10, wherein the second ceramic layer is tinted, in particular dark, more particular black.

12. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one contact distributor has a thickness situated between 5 micron and 100 micron.

13. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one busbar that is arranged at least partially onto the side of the at least one contact distributor facing away from the resistive heating layer has a phase transition temperature situated between the temperature range of 100 degrees Celsius and 140 degrees Celsius14. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one busbar comprises coloured particles and / or pigment, preferably black coloured particles and / or pigment.

15. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the coloured particles are formed by carbon particles.

16. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one busbar is at least partially formed by a heat-activated adhesive, in particular a heat-activated adhesive strip, preferably wherein said strip extends over substantially all contact apertures.

17. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least two contact distributors, wherein each contact distributor is at least partially disposed between the resistive heating layer and at least one busbar, for distributing a contact between at least one busbar and the at least one resistive heating layer, wherein said contact distributor is insulated from the resistive heating layer, wherein each contact distributor comprises at least one contact aperture, and wherein said at least one busbar contacts the resistive heating layer through the contact aperture.

18. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 17, wherein the at least two contact distributors and respective busbars have mutually different lengths.

19. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one contact distributor and the busbar arranged on said contact distributor extend along a distribution path, said distribution path comprising a straight portion and a curved portion.

20. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one contact distributor is disposed between the resistive heatinglayer and at least two busbars for distributing a contact between the at least two busbars and the resistive heating layer, and wherein said at least one contact distributor comprises at least two respective contact apertures, wherein each of the at least two busbars contact the resistive heating layer through one of the at least two respective contact apertures, in particular a distinct one of the at least two respective contact apertures.21 . Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the opposing at least two busbars is different over the length of the busbars.

22. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the resistive heating layer differs at least at two areas.

23. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resistive heating layer is formed by a sputtered silver coating.

24. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an intermediate sheet structure arranged at least partially between the first and second glass sheet, preferably wherein said intermediate sheet structure comprises at least one functional layer, more preferably a switchable functional layer.

25. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one resistive heating layer comprises one or more segmentations for forming a plurality of, in particular electrically separated, resistive heating sections.

26. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 25, wherein at least one resistive heating section is provided with at least one partial segmentation, wherein said partial segmentation extends from the circumference, in particular a point on the circumference, of the resistive heating section towards a point at a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating section.

27. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one resistive heating layer is provided with at least one partialsegmentation, wherein said partial segmentation extends from the circumference, in particular a point on the circumference, of the resistive heating layer towards a point at a distance from the circumference of the resistive heating layer.

28. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 26 or 27, wherein at least one partial segmentation is arranged between a pair of contact apertures of at least one contact distributor.

29. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the claims 26 - 28, wherein the at least two busbars contact the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section in proximity of the part of at least one partial segmentation on the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section.

30. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the claims 26-29, wherein at least a part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer is at least partially curved, and wherein at least one segmentation extends between at least one point on a curved part of the circumference of the heating layer and at least one other, in particular opposite, point on the circumference of the resistive heating layer, thereby forming at least one resistive heating section with at least one curved end portion.31 . Vehicle window laminate according to claim 30, wherein at least one resistive heating layer and / or at least one resistive heating section is provided with at least one partial segmentation, wherein at least one partial segmentation extends from the circumference, in particular a point on the circumference, of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section towards a point at a distance from the curved part of the circumference of the resistive heating layer and / or resistive heating section for forming a conductive path with an extended detour along at least a part of the curvature in the resistive heating layer and / or a curved end portion of the resistive heating section.

32. Automotive vehicle, in particular a car or truck, wherein at least one window, in particular a side window, is formed by a window laminate according to any of the preceding claims.

33. Method of manufacturing a vehicle window laminate, in particular an automotive vehicle window laminate, comprising the steps of: i) Providing a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet, wherein the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet each comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, ii) Providing at least one resistive heating layer on an inner surface of at least one of the first glass sheet or second glass sheet, ill) Forming at least one contact distributor by providing at least one first insulating layer onto a part of the resistive heating layer, wherein said insulating layer comprises one or more apertures, iv) Providing at least two busbars, said busbars being mutually separated wherein at least one busbar is provided onto the contact distributor formed by the applied insulating layer, wherein the busbar spans over the one or more apertures.

34. Method according to claim 33, wherein step iii) further comprises the step of: providing at least one second insulating layer onto at least part of the first insulating layer, wherein the second insulating layer comprises one or more apertures, wherein at least one of, preferably each of, the apertures of the first insulating layer and second insulating layers are at least partially aligned.

35. Method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the method comprises the step of: v) Melting or deforming the busbar by heating the vehicle window laminate in an autoclave to a temperature situated between 100 and 140 degrees Celsius, and preferably by simultaneously applying a pressure between1 and 13 bar.

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