Windscreen and transmitting and / or receiving arrangement for a vehicle, in particular lidar arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a windscreen for a vehicle, having an exposed exterior surface (I) and an exposed interior surface (i), wherein the windscreen has a transmission region (S) which is provided for the optical beam path of a transmitter and / or receiver (4) of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the transmission region (S) on the interior surface (i) is provided with an electrically conductive coating (20) which, in the specified sequence starting from the interior surface (i), comprises: - a first high-refractive-index layer (21) having a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 35 nm to 150 nm, - an electrically conductive layer (22) based on a transparent conductive oxide with a thickness of 50 nm to 200 nm, - a second high-refractive-index layer (23) having a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, - a low-refractive-index layer (24) having a refractive index of at most 1.6 and an optical thickness of 25 nm to 210 nm, wherein the optical thickness is determined as a product of the geometric thickness and the refractive index at 550 nm.

Description

[0001] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT

[0002] Windscreen and transmit and / or receive arrangement for a vehicle, in particular lidar arrangement

[0003] The invention relates to a windshield, an arrangement containing the windshield for a vehicle for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, and a vehicle equipped with the windshield or the arrangement.

[0004] Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with sensors that simplify operation for the user. Examples of such sensors include light sensors, which automatically switch on the headlights when needed, or cameras, which automatically recognize traffic signs, for example.

[0005] To determine the distance to and speed of objects in the environment, lidar (light detection and ranging) technology is already used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). With regard to autonomous driving, the importance of this technology will increase even further in the future. A lidar module comprises a transmitter and a receiver of electromagnetic radiation, typically pulsed infrared radiation with a central wavelength of 905 nm or 1550 nm. Objects in the environment are illuminated with the radiation, and the reflected radiation is detected, allowing the spatial position and speed of the objects to be determined. Lidar systems are disclosed, for example, in W02011015196A1, WO2015189025A1, and WO2016149118A1.

[0006] Lidar modules can generally be integrated at various locations within a vehicle, such as the roof, bumpers, or headlights. However, it may be desirable to install the lidar module inside the passenger cabin, particularly behind the windshield. This is aesthetically pleasing and advantageous for protecting the lidar module from damage. Furthermore, the relative positioning to the road surface is beneficial for geometric distance determination, the area of ​​the windshield used for detection can be cleaned by the windshield wipers, and external attachments, which can sometimes impair the vehicle's aerodynamics, can be avoided. Vehicle windshields with integrated optical sensors, especially lidar systems, are disclosed, for example, in WO2020148185A1, WO2021053138A1, WO2022117943A1, WO2022167333A1, and W02024069105A1. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0007] However, a problem with lidar detection through the windshield is the loss of reflections on the surfaces of the windshield, which reduces the intensity of the lidar signal and thus leads to a loss of signal.

[0008] It is known to reduce the reflection of glass panes by means of antireflective coatings. Such antireflective coatings comprise one or more sequences of a high-refractive-index and a low-refractive-index layer, the antireflective effect being due to optical interference effects. Antireflective coatings of this type for the visible spectral range are known, for example, from WO9743224A1, W02007104874A1, WO2019179682A1 and EP0490613A2.

[0009] The unpublished international patent application PCT / EP2025 / 072440 proposes an antireflection coating suitable for reducing reflections in the transmission area of ​​a windshield for a lidar module with an operating wavelength of approximately 905 nm. The antireflection coating consists of dielectric layers with different refractive indices.

[0010] It is also known to heat the transmission area of ​​a windshield for sensors to prevent icing or condensation. This heating can be achieved using laminated or printed heating elements, or a transparent, electrically conductive coating through which an electric current is passed. Examples include W02010043598A1, WO2011069901 A 1, and W02012031907A1. However, heating often impairs optical quality. For instance, heating elements cause optical distortions, and heated coatings with conductive silver layers exhibit low transmission in the near-infrared range, which is detrimental to the functionality of lidar modules.

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved windshield and an improved transmit and / or receive arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a lidar arrangement with a central operating wavelength of approximately 905 nm. The transmission area through which the beam path of the transmitter or receiver passes should, in particular, be heatable. At the same time, a high-intensity signal with low signal loss should be ensured, and the windshield should have the simplest possible design. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT

[0012] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a windshield according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The windshield according to the invention is intended for a vehicle and has an exposed outer surface and an exposed inner surface. The windshield also has a transmission area, which is provided for the optical beam path of a transmitter and / or receiver of electromagnetic radiation. This refers to a locally limited area of ​​the windshield that is designed and suitable for allowing the optical beam path of a transmitter and / or receiver of electromagnetic radiation to pass through the transmission area when such a transmitter and / or receiver is arranged on the inner side of the windshield and directed towards the inner surface.The transmission area is typically identifiable on the windshield by the fact that it is surrounded by an opaque masking area and / or that a mounting device for the transmitter and / or receiver is attached to the windshield.

[0014] According to the invention, the interior surface is provided in the transmission area with an electrically conductive coating, which, starting from the interior surface, comprises the following in the specified order:

[0015] - a first optically high-refractive-index layer with a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 35 nm to 150 nm,

[0016] - an electrically conductive layer based on a transparent conductive oxide with a thickness of 50 nm to 200 nm,

[0017] - a second optically high-refractive-index layer with a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm,

[0018] - an optically low refractive index layer with a refractive index of at most 1.6 and an optical thickness of 25 nm to 210 nm.

[0019] The transmission area and the total area covered with the electrically conductive coating preferably correspond to a maximum of 10% of the total area of ​​the windshield, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 5%.

[0020] The invention further comprises an arrangement for a vehicle for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation. The arrangement according to the invention comprises SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0021] - a windshield according to the invention,

[0022] - a transmitter and / or receiver of electromagnetic radiation, which is arranged on the interior side of the windshield and is directed towards the interior surface, so that an optical beam path of the transmitter and / or receiver passes through the transmission area of ​​the windshield.

[0023] The windscreen and the arrangement are presented together below, with the explanations and preferred designs relating equally to the windscreen and the arrangement.

[0024] According to the invention, the transmitter and / or receiver is arranged or provided for on the interior side facing the windshield, such that its beam path passes through the windshield, more precisely through the transmission area of ​​the windshield. The electrically conductive coating has an electrically conductive layer based on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), allowing it to be used to heat the transmission area when an electric current is passed through the coating. It can then also be referred to as a heated coating. The optically high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index layers of the electrically conductive coating at least reduce reflections on the electrically conductive layer itself, so that the heated coating does not lead to a significant increase in the reflectance at the coated surface.The electrically conductive coating can also be easily adjusted to reduce reflection losses on the interior surface of the windshield. In this way, the electrically conductive coating also acts as an anti-reflective coating, lowering the reflectance on the coated surface compared to an uncoated surface. This increases the signal strength of the transmitter and / or receiver. The electrically conductive coating according to the invention exhibits particularly ideal anti-reflective properties at a central wavelength of approximately 905 nm. It is therefore especially suitable for a lidar arrangement with an operating wavelength of approximately 905 nm. The TCO-based layer is corrosion-resistant and can therefore be used without problems on the exposed interior surface of the windshield.Furthermore, the TCO-based layer is more transparent in the near IR range than other conductive layers, especially silver layers, so that the functionality of the transmitter and / or receiver is not impaired when operating at such a wavelength, which is particularly relevant for lidar modules. Because the anti-reflective effect and the heating effect are achieved through the same coating, the windshield has a comparatively simple structure and is correspondingly easy to manufacture. These are significant advantages of the present invention.

[0025] The windshield is designed to separate the vehicle's interior from the external environment within the front window opening. It has two exposed surfaces: an outer surface, which, when installed, is exposed to the external environment, and an inner surface, which, when installed, is exposed to the vehicle's interior.

[0026] The windshield is typically designed as a laminated glass. The laminated glass comprises an outer pane and an inner pane, which are bonded together via a thermoplastic interlayer. For the purposes of the invention, the inner pane refers to the pane of the laminated glass facing the vehicle interior. The outer pane refers to the pane facing the external environment. The outer pane and the inner pane each have an outer and an inner surface and a circumferential side edge (more accurately: side edge surface) extending between them. For the purposes of the invention, the outer surface refers to the main surface intended to face the external environment when installed. The inner surface refers to the main surface intended to face the interior when installed.The interior surface of the outer pane and the exterior surface of the inner pane face each other and the intermediate layer and are connected to each other by the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0027] In this basic structure of a composite glass pane, the outer surface of the outer pane forms the exposed outer surface of the windshield, and the inner surface of the inner pane forms the exposed inner surface of the windshield. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible for the exposed inner surface in the transmission area to be formed by a different surface (in particular, the surface of a support substrate attached to the inner pane or of an insert within a feedthrough through the inner pane).

[0028] The transmitter and / or receiver of the arrangement according to the invention is located on the interior side facing the windshield, i.e., it is situated inside the vehicle, for example, attached to the windshield or otherwise secured within the vehicle interior. The transmitter and / or receiver is directed forward through the windshield (relative to the intended direction of travel when driving forward). The transmitter and / or receiver can therefore emit electromagnetic radiation forward through the windshield and / or detect electromagnetic radiation from a space in front of the vehicle through the windshield. The beam path of the transmitter and / or receiver passes through the windshield. The area of ​​the windshield through which the beam path passes is referred to, for the purposes of the invention, as the transmission area.The transmission area lies between the exposed interior surface and the exposed exterior surface of the windshield. The area of ​​the exposed interior surface that lies within the transmission area is (in particular, completely) provided with the electrically conductive coating according to the invention.

[0029] The angle of the transmitter and / or receiver's beam path to the windshield can be called the angle of incidence. It is determined as the angle between the surface normal of the windshield on the one hand and the beam path between the windshield and the transmitter / receiver on the other. When the beam path is perpendicular to the windshield, the angle of incidence is 0°. Such an angle of incidence of 0° or a few degrees can occur, for example, in trucks and buses where the windshield is installed at a very steep angle. In passenger cars, in particular, the windshield is typically installed with a pronounced inclination, usually at an installation angle (measured from the vertical) of approximately 60°. This would result in an angle of incidence of 60° if the transmitter and / or receiver were oriented horizontally forward.If the beam path is inclined slightly downwards towards the roadway, even greater angles of incidence result. A particular advantage of the electrically conductive coating according to the invention is that the desired anti-reflection effect is guaranteed even at such large angles of incidence.

[0030] The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter and / or detected by the receiver is preferably infrared radiation (IR radiation, radiation in the IR range) with a wavelength of 895 nm to 915 nm, particularly preferably from 900 nm to 910 nm, most preferably from 903 nm to 907 nm, and especially about 905 nm.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the transmitter and / or receiver is a lidar module. A lidar module comprises a transmitter of electromagnetic radiation and a receiver (SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT) for radiation of the same wavelength. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, to which the receiver is sensitive, is referred to in the context of the invention as the operating radiation of the lidar module, and its wavelength as the operating wavelength. The operating wavelength of the lidar module is preferably from 895 nm to 915 nm, particularly preferably from 900 nm to 910 nm, most preferably from 903 nm to 907 nm, and particularly about 905 nm.

[0032] In principle, all common lidar systems can be used, for example

[0033] - TOF lidar (time of flight), in which concentrated, pulsed radiation is emitted and the radiation reflected by an obstacle is returned to the receiver; the distance from the obstacle can be calculated based on the time that elapses between the emission of the radiation pulse and the detection of the reflected signal; here again, various variants are possible:

[0034] • “Scanning lidar”, in which several individual radiation pulses are emitted in different directions, for example by means of a rotating mirror; from which the overall image is obtained;

[0035] • “Flash Lidar”, in which a radiation pulse floods the entire area of ​​space corresponding to the receiver’s field of view;

[0036] - FMCW lidar (frequency-modulated continuous wave), in which non-pulsed, continuous radiation is emitted, the frequency (i.e., wavelength) of which is modulated, and radiation reflected from an obstacle is returned to the receiver; the distance and speed of the obstacle can be calculated based on the frequency difference between the emitted and detected radiation.

[0037] The type of transmitter and receiver depends on the type of lidar system used. The transmitter is typically a laser, in particular a diode laser, which can be pulsed (especially TOF lidar) or continuous (especially FMCW lidar). The receiver can be, for example, a photodiode or a photodiode array, in particular an InGaAs photodiode, an avalanche photodiode (APD), in particular a single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD), or a photomultiplier, in particular a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter and / or receiver is attached to the windshield, in particular to the exposed interior side. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0039] The surface of the windshield. For this purpose, the transmitter and / or receiver can, for example, be arranged in a housing that is adhered to the windshield. For windshields, so-called "brackets" are particularly common, which is also preferred in the present case. A bracket is a mounting device that is attached to the windshield, in particular adhered to it, and into which the transmitter and / or receiver can be inserted or clamped. Often, the bracket is designed as a combined mounting device for a number of functional elements, the position and relative distance of which are determined by the bracket. These elements can include, in addition to the transmitter and / or receiver according to the invention (in particular a lidar module), for example, a light and / or rain sensor or a camera.Alternatively, it is also possible that the transmitter and / or receiver is not attached directly to the windshield, but to another location in the vehicle interior, for example in the vehicle roof or in the area of ​​the dashboard.

[0040] The interior reflectance of the windshield at an angle of 8° with respect to radiation at the operating wavelength (especially 905 nm) is preferably less than 5% (or 5.0%), particularly preferably less than 4.5%, and most preferably less than 4% (or 4.0%). Since angles of attack of 60° or more can occur in reality, reflectances at higher angles would generally be more meaningful. However, the reflectance at an angle of 8° is used here because these values ​​are more common in the literature. At larger angles, for example 60°, the reflectance value can be higher. Since the reflectances at 8° and 60° show the same trend (a decrease in reflectance at 8° corresponds to a decrease in reflectance at 60°), the reflectance at an angle of 8° can be used as a meaningful criterion.

[0041] The electrically conductive coating according to the invention is a thin-film coating, i.e., a stack or sequence of thin layers. The electrically conductive layer based on a TCO (thermoplastic oxidizer) gives the coating its electrical conductivity, enabling its use as a heated coating. The optically high-refractive-index layers and the optically low-refractive-index layer reduce the reflection of the electrically conductive layer through optical interference effects. The anti-reflective effect depends in particular on the optical thickness of the high- and low-refractive-index layers, which in turn results from the refractive index and the layer thickness. In preferred SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0042] In certain configurations, the electrically conductive coating also acts as an antireflection coating, i.e., as a type of interference filter, whereby a (wavelength-dependent) reduction in the reflectance at the coated surface is achieved through destructive interference of the reflected rays. The optically high-refractive-index layers and the second (upper) optically low-refractive-index layer are, in particular, dielectric layers.

[0043] Refractive indices are generally specified within the scope of the present invention with reference to a wavelength of 550 nm. Although the present invention primarily focuses on an operating wavelength of 905 nm, and therefore a reference wavelength of 905 nm would generally be more precise, the reference wavelength of 550 nm is used for the sake of simplicity because specifying the refractive index at this reference wavelength is common practice and tabulated values ​​are more readily available. Furthermore, the refractive index at 905 nm correlates steadily with that at 550 nm, so the latter can be used as a useful reference here. The refractive index is fundamentally independent of the measurement method. It can be determined, for example, by ellipsometry. Ellipsometers are commercially available, for example, from Sentech.

[0044] The optical thickness of a layer according to the present invention is the product of the geometric thickness and the refractive index at 550 nm. If the optical thickness is meant, this is always explicitly stated. Otherwise, specifications regarding layer thickness or thickness always refer to the geometric thickness.

[0045] The optically high-refractive-index layers of the electrically conductive coating according to the invention have a refractive index of at least (i.e., greater than or equal to) 1.9, for example, from 1.9 to 2.6. In a preferred embodiment, the refractive index of the optically high-refractive-index layers is at least 2.1, for example, from 2.1 to 2.6. This is advantageous because a larger difference between the refractive indices of the optically high- and low-refractive-index layers leads to a better antireflective effect due to optical interference.

[0046] The optically low-refractive-index layer of the electrically conductive coating according to the invention has a refractive index of at most (i.e., less than or equal to) 1.6, for example, from 1.3 to 1.6. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0047] The optically high-refractive-index layers can be based, for example, on titanium oxide, silicon nitride, silicon-metal mixed nitride, tungsten oxide, vanadium oxide, niobium oxide, aluminum nitride, bismuth oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, chromium oxide, tin oxide, zirconium oxide, or tin-zinc oxide. Titanium oxide, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, and silicon-metal mixed nitride are preferred (silicon-zirconium nitride, silicon-hafnium nitride, or silicon-titanium nitride are particularly preferred). In silicon-metal mixed nitrides, the refractive index depends especially on the metal content; with a sufficiently high metal content, refractive indices greater than or equal to 2.3 are achievable. Titanium oxide, niobium oxide, and tantalum oxide are particularly preferred due to their high refractive index and very low absorption, especially titanium oxide.

[0048] The optically low-refractive-index layer can be based, for example, on silicon oxide, magnesium fluoride, or calcium fluoride. Silicon oxide is preferred.

[0049] The electrically conductive layer based on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO layer) provides the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive coating, enabling its use as a heating coating. The electrically conductive layer can be based, for example, on indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc mixed oxide (IZO), gallium-doped tin oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO₂:F), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO, ZnO:Al), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO₂:Sb), or niobium-doped titanium oxide (TiÜ₂:Nb). ITO, FTO, and AZO are particularly preferred, and ITO in particular has proven especially advantageous due to its low resistivity and low scatter in surface resistance. The refractive index of the TCO layer is preferably between 1.7 and 2.3.

[0050] If a thin film is formed based on a material, the film consists predominantly of that material, in particular essentially of that material alongside any impurities or dopants.

[0051] The layers of the electrically conductive coating may contain dopants, in particular aluminum, boron, antimony, zirconium, or titanium. These dopants can impart a certain degree of electrical conductivity to materials that are inherently dielectric. However, a person skilled in the art will still identify them as dielectric layers with regard to their function, as is common practice in the field of thin films. The material of the dielectric layers preferably has an electrical conductivity (inverse of the resistivity) of less than 10⁻⁶ Ω. 4 S / m, especially smaller than 10' 8S / m. The proportion of doping is preferably less than 10 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 5 wt.%.

[0052] According to the invention, the first optically high-refractive-index layer has an optical thickness of 35 nm to 150 nm. The first optically high-refractive-index layer preferably has an optical thickness of 35 nm to 125 nm, particularly preferably of 45 nm to 100 nm, and most preferably of 45 nm to 75 nm.

[0053] Such an optically high-refractive-index layer can be achieved, for example, by a layer based on titanium oxide with a refractive index of approximately 2.45 and a thickness of

[0054] - from 15 nm to 60 nm (optical thickness according to the invention, in particular an optical thickness of 37 nm to 147 nm),

[0055] - preferably from 15 nm to 50 nm (preferred optical thickness, in particular an optical thickness of 37 nm to 123 nm),

[0056] - particularly preferably from 20 nm to 40 nm (particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 49 nm to 98 nm),

[0057] - most preferably from 20 nm to 30 nm (most particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 49 nm to 74 nm).

[0058] According to the invention, the electrically conductive layer has a thickness of 50 nm to 200 nm, preferably 80 nm to 170 nm, particularly preferably 90 nm to 150 nm.

[0059] According to the invention, the second optically high-refractive-index layer has an optical thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm. The second optically high-refractive-index layer preferably has an optical thickness of 10 nm to 75 nm, particularly preferably of 20 nm to 50 nm, and most preferably of 20 nm to 40 nm.

[0060] Such an optically high-refractive-index layer can be achieved, for example, by a layer based on titanium oxide with a refractive index of approximately 2.45 and a thickness of

[0061] - from 5 nm to 40 nm (optical thickness according to the invention, in particular an optical thickness of 12 nm to 98 nm),

[0062] - preferably from 5 nm to 30 nm (preferred optical thickness, in particular an optical thickness of 12 nm to 74 nm),

[0063] - particularly preferably from 8 nm to 20 nm (particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 20 nm to 49 nm), SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT most particularly preferably from 8 nm to 15 nm (most particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 20 nm to 37 nm).

[0064] According to the invention, the optically low refractive index layer has an optical thickness of 25 nm to 210 nm. The optically low refractive index layer preferably has an optical thickness of 40 nm to 145 nm, particularly preferably of 65 nm to 140 nm, and most preferably of 120 nm to 140 nm.

[0065] Such an optically low-refractive-index layer can be realized, for example, by a layer based on silicon oxide with a refractive index of approximately 1.45 and a thickness

[0066] - from 20 nm to 140 nm (optical thickness according to the invention, in particular an optical thickness of 29 nm to 203 nm),

[0067] - preferably from 30 nm to 100 nm (preferred optical thickness, in particular an optical thickness of 44 nm to 145 nm),

[0068] - particularly preferably from 45 nm to 95 nm (particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 65 nm to 138 nm),

[0069] - most preferably from 85 nm to 95 nm (most particularly preferred optical thickness, especially an optical thickness of 123 nm to 138 nm).

[0070] In the aforementioned preferred thickness ranges for the individual layers, particularly good antireflective properties are achieved at an operating wavelength of 905 nm. The electrically conductive layer should have a surface resistance of 20 to 100 Ω / square, preferably 20 to 50 Ω / square, to ensure good heating performance. The aforementioned thickness ranges for the electrically conductive layer ensure such a suitable surface resistance. This is especially true when the electrically conductive layer is based on ITO.

[0071] The electrically conductive coating is specifically designed to heat the transmission area. The electrically conductive coating according to the invention then unfolds its advantages to a particularly high degree. For this purpose, in an advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive coating has two electrical connection areas. The electrical connection areas are connected or connectable to electrical supply lines (i.e., suitable and designed to be connected to electrical supply lines). The electrical supply lines are suitable and designed to be connected to an external voltage source, so that each pole of the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0072] A voltage source is connected to each of the connection areas. This serves to apply an electrical voltage (supply voltage) to the electrical connection areas, so that after the supply voltage is applied, an electrical current (heating current) flows between the connection areas through the electrically conductive coating.

[0073] A heating field (or heating path) is thus formed between the two electrical connection areas, which can be heated by applying the supply voltage. This heating field (or heating path) contains the transmission area, preferably completely. The electrically conductive coating preferably extends beyond the transmission area, and the connection areas are arranged outside the transmission area. The connection areas are particularly preferably arranged in an opaque masking area of ​​the windshield to conceal the electrical leads.

[0074] The connection areas of the electrically conductive coating are preferably provided with an electrically conductive print to improve the conduction of electric current into the coating. Such a print typically contains silver particles and glass frits, which are baked into the surface of the glass pane. The print can be applied to the surface of the glass pane or the electrically conductive coating in the form of a viscous printing paste by screen printing (alternatively digital printing, in particular inkjet printing) and then baked on. The print can be positioned above or below the electrically conductive coating – the electrically conductive coating can thus be located between the inner surface of the inner pane and the print, or the print can be located between the inner surface of the inner pane and the electrically conductive coating.The imprint has, for example, a layer thickness of 5 pm to 40 pm, preferably 5 pm to 20 pm, particularly preferably 8 pm to 15 pm, and most preferably 10 pm to 12 pm. Alternatively, instead of the imprint, a section of electrically conductive foil, for example copper foil, can be arranged on the connection area, for example by bonding it with an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0075] The leads are typically electrical connection cables soldered to the respective connection area or the imprint located there. A lead-free solder is preferably used. Instead of soldering, the lead can also be connected to the connection area or the imprint located there using an electrically conductive adhesive. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the two connection areas can be strip-shaped and arranged parallel to each other. A (comparatively wide) heating field is formed between them. Any imprinted markings form a kind of busbar to supply the electric current as evenly as possible across the width of the heating field.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive coating can be structured with electrically insulating structuring lines in such a way that a (comparatively narrow) heating path is formed. The heating path extends, for example, in a meandering pattern across the transmission area. In this case, the connection areas are typically not formed as strips, but rather as a kind of "contact patch" with a comparatively small extent.

[0078] In the arrangement according to the invention, the electrical supply lines are preferably connected to a voltage source.

[0079] Since the electrically conductive coating can exhibit a high degree of reflectivity in the visible spectral range and may interfere with the view through the windshield, in a preferred embodiment the transmission area is arranged outside the central field of vision through which the driver typically observes road traffic, and the electrically conductive coating does not extend into this central field of vision. This central field of vision of the windshield is, in particular, a field of vision defined in ECE-R43 for vehicles.These are: field of vision B, if the vehicle windscreen is intended for a vehicle of category M1 (vehicle for the carriage of persons with a maximum of eight seats in addition to the driver's seat); field of vision B is defined in Annex 18 of ECE-R43; field of vision I, if the vehicle windscreen is intended for a vehicle of category M, other than M1 (other vehicles for the carriage of persons) or for a vehicle of category N (vehicles for the carriage of goods).

[0080] The transmission area is completely covered with the electrically conductive coating. The electrically conductive coating can also extend beyond the transmission area, which can be advantageous for manufacturing reasons. For example, the electrically conductive coating can extend up to 1 cm beyond the transmission area all around. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0081] The arrangement of the electrically conductive coating on the windshield can be implemented in various ways. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive coating is deposited directly on the interior surface of the inner pane, facing away from the intermediate layer. Thus, the interior surface of the inner pane also forms the exposed interior surface of the windshield in the transmission area and carries the electrically conductive coating. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the inner pane is made of untinted and uncolored clear glass.

[0082] In a second preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive coating is deposited on a carrier substrate, which is attached to the interior surface of the inner pane facing away from the intermediate layer, preferably via an adhesive layer. In the transmission range, the exposed interior surface of the windshield is formed by the surface of the carrier substrate facing away from the inner pane, on which the electrically conductive coating is deposited. Outside the transmission range, the interior surface of the inner pane forms the exposed interior surface of the windshield. This embodiment is also particularly suitable when the inner pane is made of clear, untinted glass.

[0083] The substrate is preferably clear and untinted. It can be a thin glass sheet. Alternatively, it can be a thin polymer sheet or a polymer film. The substrate thickness is preferably between 0.05 mm and 1 mm. An optically clear adhesive (OCA) is preferably used as the adhesive layer. OCAs are well known to those skilled in the art. They are characterized in particular by their high optical quality. They are especially common where high optical quality is required so that the adhesive layer is virtually invisible, for example, in displays or touch panels. Optically clear adhesives are characterized in particular by high light transmission and the fact that distortion-free viewing is possible.The optically clear adhesive is preferably a 2-component polyurethane adhesive, a 1-component acrylate adhesive, a 1-component silicone adhesive, or a 1-component acrylate hybrid adhesive. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT.

[0084] In a third preferred embodiment, the inner pane has a feedthrough in which the transmission area is located, or through which the transmission area, i.e., the beam path of the transmitter and / or receiver, passes. A portion of the inner pane is removed, so that the beam path does not pass through the inner pane. An insert is arranged in the feedthrough. The insert is preferably made of glass, in particular clear glass (i.e., untinted and uncolored glass), preferably so-called ultra-clear glass (which is particularly low in iron and therefore especially transparent). Ultra-clear glass typically has a light transmission of more than 90%. Alternatively, the insert can be made of a clear, IR-transparent plastic.The insert is essentially a small glass or plastic disc with the same or a slightly smaller surface area as the feedthrough, which is inserted into the feedthrough. The insert is also connected to, for example, the thermoplastic intermediate layer and is secured by it. The thickness of the insert can be the same as the thickness of the inner disc, but it can also be thinner or thicker.

[0085] The electrically conductive coating is deposited on the surface of the insert facing away from the intermediate layer. Within the transmission range, the exposed interior surface of the windshield is formed by the surface of the insert facing away from both the intermediate layer and the outer pane, on which the electrically conductive coating is deposited. Outside the transmission range, the interior surface of the inner pane forms the exposed interior surface of the windshield. This design is particularly suitable when the inner pane exhibits increased absorption relative to the operating wavelength, especially in the IR range, and would thus interfere with the operation of the transmitter and / or receiver. This occurs, for example, when the inner pane is made of tinted or colored glass.

[0086] One advantage of using a carrier substrate or insert is that the transmission area, including any necessary electrical connections, can be prepared and then subsequently attached to the windshield. This can simplify manufacturing.

[0087] Typically, the windshield has an opaque masking area that frames a central transparent viewing area. The SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0088] The masking area is therefore arranged around the perimeter of the windshield. This masking area is typically formed by an opaque printed layer on the surface of the outer and / or inner pane. This printed layer is, in particular, made of an enamel containing glass frits and a pigment, which is applied using screen printing (alternatively digital printing, especially inkjet printing) and then baked onto the glass surface. Opaque films can also be used as an alternative in the intermediate layer. The frame-like masking area serves primarily to protect the adhesive used to attach the windshield to the vehicle body from UV radiation and to optically mask it. The light transmission of the windshield in the viewing area is preferably greater than 70%. The term light transmission (total transmission) refers to that defined in ECE-R 43, Annex 3, Section 9.1. A defined method for testing the light transmission of motor vehicle windows. The light transmission in the masking area is less than 5%, preferably less than 2%, particularly preferably less than 0.5% and most preferably less than 0.1% (especially essentially 0%).

[0089] The transmission area can be surrounded by a section of the opaque masking area, as is common with camera or sensor areas on windshields. This section of the masking area can, for example, be adjacent to, and extend along, the section of the frame-like masking area that corresponds to the upper edge of the windshield (roof edge) when installed, pointing upwards or towards the vehicle roof. Thus, the section of the masking area surrounding the transmission area extends from the section corresponding to the upper edge towards the center of the windshield.

[0090] The transmission area itself can be transparent in the visible spectral range. However, since the transmission area is primarily concerned with the transmission of infrared radiation, it is also possible to optically mask the transmission area. In a further development of the invention, the windshield is provided in the transmission area with a cover layer that is opaque in the visible spectral range but transparent to infrared radiation. The cover layer is transparent, particularly at the operating wavelength of the transmitter and / or receiver, with a transmission coefficient preferably being at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90°. The cover layer can be formed on one of the surfaces of the outer or inner pane, for example, on the interior surface of the outer pane. The cover layer can be, for example, an enamel print, other type of print, or other opaque coating.In the lag color space, the cover layer should have an L* value of less than 5, which is advantageous in terms of aesthetic appearance. Alternatively, the cover layer can also be formed by an opaque but IR-transparent film in the intermediate layer.

[0091] The windshield can be coated with an IR-reflective coating. Such coatings are commonly used on windshields as sun protection coatings. The IR-reflective coating is designed to reflect portions of solar radiation in the near-infrared range, thus reducing the heating of the vehicle interior. By means of an electrical contact that allows an electric current to pass through the IR-reflective coating, it can also be used as a heated coating to defrost the windshield or remove condensation. The IR-reflective coating can be applied, for example, to the inner surface of the outer pane, to the outer surface of the inner pane, or to a carrier film within the intermediate layer.To avoid interfering with the operation of the transmitter and / or receiver, the IR-reflective coating is preferably not present in the transmission range. The transmission range can be excluded from the coating, for example, by a suitable aperture or masking techniques. Alternatively, the coating could first be applied across the entire surface and then subsequently removed from the transmission range, for example, by laser ablation.

[0092] Such an IR-reflective coating is typically a thin-film stack comprising at least one electrically conductive layer, in particular at least one silver layer. In addition to the at least one silver layer, dielectric layers or sequences of layers are typically present. The IR-reflective coating comprises n metallic layers, in particular silver layers, and (n+1) dielectric layers (or sequences of layers), wherein the dielectric layers (or sequences of layers) and the metallic layers are arranged alternately, such that each metallic layer is positioned between two dielectric layers (or sequences of layers), and a layer (or sequence of layers) is positioned between each adjacent metallic layer. The number n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 (n > 1).Common dielectric layers include, for example, anti-reflective coatings, which reduce the reflection of visible light and thus increase the transparency of the coated disc (for example, based on silicon nitride, SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT.

[0093] Silicon-metal mixed nitrides such as silicon zirconium nitride, titanium oxide, aluminum nitride or tin oxide), matching layers which improve the crystallinity of the electrically conductive layer (for example based on zinc oxide) and smoothing layers which improve the surface structure for the layers above (for example based on non-crystalline tin-zinc mixed oxide).

[0094] The solar control coating is preferably applied to the entire surface of the glass, with the exception of the transmission area, any additional local areas intended to act as data transmission windows to ensure the transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the windshield, and a surrounding edge area. The uncoated area may also extend slightly beyond the transmission area, for example, by up to 1 cm around the perimeter. The surrounding uncoated edge area has a width of, for example, up to 20 cm. It prevents direct contact between the solar control coating and the surrounding atmosphere, thus protecting the solar control coating inside the laminated glass from corrosion and damage. Preferably, at least 80% of the glass surface is coated with the solar control coating.

[0095] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass, in particular soda-lime glass, which is common for window panes. However, the glass pane can also be made of other types of glass (for example, borosilicate glass, quartz glass, aluminosilicate glass). The outer and inner panes preferably each have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0096] The thermoplastic interlayer contains at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU), or mixtures, copolymers, or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably PVB. The interlayer is typically formed from at least one thermoplastic film (bonding film), especially one based on PVB, EVA, or PU. This means that the film consists largely of the aforementioned polymer (proportion greater than 50 wt.%). The film may contain other additives besides the polymer, particularly plasticizers. The thickness of the interlayer is preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0097] The outer pane is preferably made of clear glass, i.e., clear, uncolored, and untinted glass. In one configuration, the inner pane is also made of clear glass. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0098] In another embodiment, the inner pane is made of tinted or colored glass, which is sometimes common in windshields to reduce the thermal energy input from solar radiation. However, since such glass typically absorbs in the IR range and can therefore interfere with the operation of the transmitter and / or receiver, this embodiment of the inner pane has a feedthrough in the transmission area in which an insert with the electrically conductive coating is arranged, as described above. The intermediate layer is preferably clear, uncolored, and untinted.

[0099] The windshield can be flat, as is the case, for example, with windshields for buses, trains, or tractors. In a more advantageous embodiment, however, the windshield is curved, as is common for motor vehicle windshields. Typical radii of curvature range from approximately 10 cm to approximately 40 m.

[0100] The windshield according to the invention is manufactured by bonding the outer and inner panes together via the thermoplastic intermediate layer. This involves the use of methods known per se, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the glass panes typically takes place under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure. Lamination preferably occurs after a glass bending process.

[0101] The surface designated as the exposed interior surface of the windshield in the transmission area is preferably provided with the electrically conductive coating according to the invention prior to lamination. The electrically conductive coating is preferably applied to the respective windshield surface by physical vapor deposition (PVD), particularly preferably by sputtering, and most preferably by magnetron sputtering. However, the coatings can also be applied, for example, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), such as plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), by evaporation, or by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The same applies to any IR-reflective coating. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT

[0102] The electrically conductive coating can be applied locally in the transmission area, for example by using an aperture or by masking the remaining areas and subsequently removing the mask.

[0103] If electrical connection areas are provided for the electrically conductive coating, a conductive print or a section of conductive film is preferably applied below or above the electrically conductive coating in the connection areas before lamination. Electrical leads are then connected to this, preferably after lamination and any bending process.

[0104] The outer and inner panes are typically subjected to a bending process. The outer and inner panes are preferably bent congruently together (i.e., simultaneously and using the same tool) because this ensures optimal alignment of the pane shapes for subsequent lamination. Typical temperatures for glass bending processes range from 500°C to 700°C. Bending can be performed using all common glass bending methods, such as gravity bending, press bending, and / or suction bending.

[0105] Creating a through-hole in the inner disk is preferably done by laser cutting. Removing an IR-reflective coating in the transmission area is preferably done by laser ablation.

[0106] The arrangement according to the invention is produced by arranging a transmitter and / or receiver of electromagnetic radiation on the interior side of the windshield and directing it towards the interior surface of the windshield, so that an optical beam path of the transmitter and / or receiver passes through a transmission area of ​​the windshield.

[0107] The invention further comprises the use of a windshield and an arrangement according to the invention in means of transport on land, water, or in the air. The vehicle is, for example, an airplane or helicopter, a ship, a rail vehicle, or a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a bus, or an agricultural or construction vehicle.

[0108] Commercial vehicle, with motor vehicles being preferred, in particular passenger cars, trucks or buses.

[0109] The invention further comprises a vehicle equipped with an arrangement according to the invention. The vehicle is preferably a passenger car, truck or bus.

[0110] If the electrically conductive coating is designed to be heated, the electrical leads are preferably connected to the vehicle's electrical system and to a voltage source there. When required, an electrical voltage is applied to the connection points to activate the heating function. This can be initiated by the user, for example by pressing a switch, or automatically, for example by an optical measurement of the presence of moisture or ice in the transmission area.

[0111] The vehicle is typically equipped with at least one windshield wiper, usually two. During operation, the at least one wiper sweeps a certain area of ​​the windshield, more precisely the exposed outer surface of the windshield, which is typically formed by the outer surface of the outer pane. In an advantageous embodiment, the transmission area is located within this area of ​​the windshield that can be swept by the at least one wiper. The outer surface can thus be cleared of moisture by the at least one wiper, for example, rainwater, condensation, or a melted layer of ice.

[0112] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0113] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way.

[0114] They show:

[0115] Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the windshield and arrangement according to the invention.

[0116] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through the windshield and the arrangement shown in Figure 1.

[0117] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section through an area of ​​the windshield from Figures 1 and 2,

[0118] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of section Z from Figure 3,

[0119] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through an area of ​​a further invention.

[0120] Windscreen,

[0121] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through an area of ​​a further invention.

[0122] windshield

[0123] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the transmission area of ​​an embodiment of the windshield and arrangement according to the invention.

[0124] Fig. 8 shows a top view of the transmission area of ​​a further embodiment of the windshield and arrangement according to the invention.

[0125] Figures 1 and 2 each show a detail of an arrangement according to the invention for a vehicle for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation. The arrangement comprises a windshield according to the invention for a passenger car, which is formed as a laminated glass pane consisting of an outer pane 1 and an inner pane 2, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3.

[0126] The outer pane 1 faces the outside environment when installed. It is made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm. It has an outer surface I and an inner surface II. The inner pane 2 faces the vehicle interior when installed. It is made of soda-lime glass with a thickness of, for example, 1.6 mm. It has an outer surface III and an inner surface IV. The intermediate layer 3 is made of a 0.76 mm thick PVB film. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are bonded together via the intermediate layer 3. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0127] The windshield has a transparent viewing area D and an opaque masking area M, which surrounds the viewing area D in a frame-like manner.

[0128] The arrangement also includes a transmitter and / or receiver 4 of electromagnetic radiation, which is attached to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 by means of a mounting device 5, a so-called bracket. The transmitter and / or receiver 4 is a lidar module with a central operating wavelength of 905 nm. The lidar module includes a transmitter for IR radiation of the operating wavelength, with which objects in front of the vehicle can be illuminated. The lidar module also includes a receiver with which the radiation reflected by the objects can be detected. In this way, the distance and speed of these objects can be determined. The beam path L of the lidar module passes through a transmission area S of the windshield.

[0129] The interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 is provided in the transmission area S with an electrically conductive coating, which is not shown in the figure. The coating according to the invention is electrically conductive so that it can be used as a heating coating with which the transmission area S can be heated, for example, to remove condensed moisture. The coating also acts as an anti-reflective coating and improves the signal strength for the transmitter and / or receiver 4 by reducing reflection losses at the windshield.

[0130] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-section of an area of ​​the windshield from Figures 1 and 2, excluding the transmitter and / or receiver 4. The masking area M is formed by a black printed cover 6 on the interior surface II of the outer pane. It is arranged in a frame-like manner at the edge of the windshield. A section of the masking area M also surrounds the transmission area S.

[0131] In this configuration, the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 forms the exposed interior surface i of the windshield, also in the transmission area S. The electrically conductive coating 20 is applied to this surface in the transmission area S. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT

[0132] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of section Z from Figure 3. The layer structure of the electrically conductive coating 20 can be seen here. Starting from the exposed interior surface i of the windshield or the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2, the electrically conductive coating 20 comprises, in the following order: a first optically high refractive index layer 21, an electrically conductive layer 22, a second optically high refractive index layer 23, and an optically low refractive index layer 24.

[0133] Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross-section of a region of a further embodiment of the windshield according to the invention. In contrast to Figure 3, the electrically conductive coating 20 is not applied to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2.

[0134] The windshield is provided in the transmission area S with a carrier substrate 7, which is attached to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 via an adhesive layer 8. The surface of the carrier substrate 7 facing away from the adhesive layer 8 forms the exposed interior surface i of the windshield in the transmission area. The electrically conductive coating 20 is applied to this surface. Outside the transmission area S, the exposed interior surface i of the windshield is formed by the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2.

[0135] The support substrate 7, for example, is a thin glass sheet with a thickness of 0.7 mm made of clear, chemically tempered aluminosilicate glass. The use of such a support substrate 7 can simplify the manufacture of the windshield compared to direct deposition of the electrically conductive coating 20 onto the inner pane 2.

[0136] The windshield is also provided with an IR-reflective coating 30, which is arranged, for example, on the outer surface III of the inner pane 2. It serves as a sun protection coating and reflects IR components of solar radiation to reduce the thermal energy input through the windshield. To avoid impairing the operation of the transmitter and / or receiver 4 by reflecting the infrared operating radiation, the IR-reflective coating 30 is removed in the transmission area S. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0137] Figure 6 shows an enlarged cross-section of a region of a further embodiment of the windshield according to the invention. The inner pane 2 has a passage through which the transmission area S runs. An insert 9 is inserted into this passage. The surface of the insert 9 facing away from the intermediate layer 3 forms the exposed interior surface i of the windshield in the transmission area. The electrically conductive coating 20 is applied to this surface.

[0138] The insert is made of ultra-clear glass, for example. This design is particularly suitable if the inner pane 2 has a slight coloration or tint, such as a green tint. Since colored glass typically exhibits absorption in the IR range, the function of the transmitter and / or receiver 4 can be impaired, which is avoided by the clear insert 9.

[0139] To optically conceal the transmission area S, a cover layer 10, opaque in the visible spectral range but IR-transparent, is arranged in the transmission area S on the interior surface II of the outer pane 1.

[0140] The configurations and feature combinations shown here are merely examples. For instance, an IR-reflective coating 30, shown by way of example in Figure 5, can be optionally present in all configurations. Likewise, an IR-transparent cover layer 10, shown by way of example in Figure 6, can be optionally present in the transmission range S in all configurations.

[0141] Figure 7 shows a top view of the interior surface i of the transmission area S in one embodiment of the windshield according to the invention. The electrically conductive coating 20 extends beyond the transmission area S and is provided above and below the transmission area S with a strip-shaped electrical connection area 25.1, 25.2. The connection areas 25.1, 25.2 are provided, for example, with a silver-containing imprint, which functions as a busbar. Each busbar is connected to an electrical supply line 26.1, 26.2. The electrical supply lines 26.1, 26.2 are electrical connection cables that serve to connect the connection areas 25.1, 25.2 to an external voltage source. Between the connection areas 25.1, 25.2 The electrically conductive coating 20 forms a heating field through which an electric current flows when an electrical voltage is applied to the connection areas 25.1, 25.2. The transmission area S can thereby be heated. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT.

[0142] Figure 8 shows a top view of the interior surface i of the transmission area S in a further embodiment of the windshield according to the invention. The electrically conductive coating 20 extends beyond the transmission area S and is structured by structuring lines 27. The structuring lines 27 are electrically insulating. They are formed, for example, by removing the electrically conductive coating 20 using laser radiation. The structuring lines form a meandering heating path that runs between two electrical connection areas 25.1, 25.2. The connection areas 25.1, 25.2 are arranged outside the transmission area S, and the heating path runs across the transmission area S. The connection areas 25.1, 25.2 are again provided, for example, with a silver-containing imprint and are each connected to an electrical supply line 26.1, 26.2.When an electrical voltage is applied to the connection areas 25.1 and 25.2, an electric current flows through the heating path. This allows the transmission area S to be heated.

[0143] Examples

[0144] Test discs were produced with an electrically conductive coating 20 according to the invention. The test discs comprised a 2.1 nm thick glass disc (ultra-clear glass, AGC Sunmax) with the electrically conductive coating 20. The reflection properties of these test discs were then investigated, with the electrically conductive coating 20 facing the light source, in particular the reflectance at 905 nm at an angle of 8°. The layer sequence of the electrically conductive coating 20 for Examples 1 and 2 according to the invention is shown in Table 1. The comparison example was a corresponding disc without an electrically conductive coating.

[0145] 20.

[0146] The table lists both the geometric thicknesses and the resulting optical thicknesses. The optical thickness is determined as the product of the geometric thickness and the refractive index no(550 nm) at a wavelength of 550 nm, which is also given in the table. The optically high-refractive-index layers

[0147] Layers 21 and 23 were each based on titanium oxide (TiÜ2), the optically low-refractive-index layer 24 on silicon oxide (SiÜ2), and the electrically conductive layer 22 on ITO. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0148] Table 1

[0149] Table 2 shows the reflectance R(8°, 905nm) at a wavelength of 905 nm, measured at an angle of 8°. This should be as low as possible to ensure optimal functionality of the transmitter and / or receiver 4.

[0150] Table 2

[0151] The electrically conductive coating 20 according to the invention in Examples 1 and 2 leads to a significant reduction in reflectance compared to an uncoated disc. This is advantageous for the operation of the transmitter and / or receiver 4. The surface resistance of the electrically conductive coating 20 in Example 1 was 30 Ω / square, and in Example 2, 26 Ω / square. Such a surface resistance ensures sufficient heating effect at typical vehicle electrical system voltages (12 V to 14 V) to, for example, defrost the transmission area S or remove condensed moisture. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT

[0152] Reference symbol list:

[0153] (1) Outer pane

[0154] (2) Inner disc

[0155] (3) thermoplastic intermediate layer

[0156] (4) Sender and / or receiver

[0157] (5) Fastening device

[0158] (6) Cover printing

[0159] (7) Support substrate

[0160] (8) adhesive layer

[0161] (9) deployment

[0162] (10) IR-transparent cover layer

[0163] (20) electrically conductive coating

[0164] (21) first optically high-refractive layer

[0165] (22) electrically conductive layer

[0166] (23) second optically high-refractive layer

[0167] (24) optically low refractive index layer

[0168] (25.1), (25.2) Connection areas of the electrically conductive coating 20

[0169] (26.1), (26.2) electrical supply lines of the connection areas 25.1 , 25.2 (27) structuring line of the electrically conductive coating 20

[0170] (30) IR-reflective coating

[0171] (L) Beam path of the transmitter and / or receiver 4

[0172] (S) Windscreen transmission area

[0173] (D) Windscreen viewing area

[0174] (M) Windscreen masking area

[0175] (I) outer surface of the outer pane 1

[0176] (11) interior surface of the outer pane 1

[0177] (III) outer surface of the inner pane 2

[0178] (IV) interior surface of the inner pane 2

[0179] (i) exposed interior surface of the windscreen

[0180] (Z) enlarged section

Claims

SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT Patent claims 1. Windscreen for a vehicle with an exposed outer surface (I) and an exposed inner surface (i), wherein the windscreen has a transmission area (S) which is provided for the optical beam path of a transmitter and / or receiver (4) of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the inner surface (i) in the transmission area (S) is provided with an electrically conductive coating (20) which, starting from the inner surface (i), comprises in the specified order: - a first optically high-refractive-index layer (21) with a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 35 nm to 150 nm, - an electrically conductive layer (22) based on a transparent conductive oxide with a thickness of 50 nm to 200 nm, - a second optically high-refractive layer (23) with a refractive index of at least 1.9 and an optical thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, - an optically low refractive index layer (24) with a refractive index of at most 1.6 and an optical thickness of 25 nm to 210 nm, wherein the optical thickness is determined as the product of the geometric thickness and the refractive index at 550 nm.

2. Windscreen according to claim 1, wherein. - the first optically high-refractive layer (21) has an optical thickness of 35 nm to 125 nm, preferably of 35 nm to 100 nm, particularly preferably of 45 nm to 75 nm, - the electrically conductive layer (22) has a thickness of 80 nm to 170 nm, preferably 90 nm to 150 nm, - the second optically high-refractive layer (23) has an optical thickness of 10 nm to 75 nm, preferably from 20 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 20 nm to 40 nm, and - the optically low refractive index layer (24) has an optical thickness of 40 nm to 145 nm, preferably of 65 nm to 140 nm, particularly preferably of 120 nm to 140 nm.

3. Windscreen according to claim 1 or 2, wherein SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT - the first optically high-refractive layer (21) and the second optically high-refractive layer (23) are formed on the basis of titanium oxide, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide or silicon-metal mixed nitride, preferably on the basis of titanium oxide, - the electrically conductive layer (22) is based on indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), preferably based on ITO, and - the optically low refractive index layer (24) is formed on the basis of silicon oxide.

4. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrically conductive coating (20) has two electrical connection areas (25.1 , 25.2) which are connected or connectable to electrical supply lines (26.1 , 26.2) which are suitable for being connected to an external voltage source in order to apply an electrical supply voltage to the electrical connection areas (25.1 , 25.2) so that, after the supply voltage is applied, an electrical heating current flows between the connection areas (25.1 , 25.2) through the electrically conductive coating (20).

5. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrically conductive coating (20) does not extend into the field of vision B or I according to ECE-R43.

6. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the windscreen is designed as a composite screen consisting of an outer screen (1) and an inner screen (2) which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3), and wherein the electrically conductive coating (20) is deposited directly on the surface (IV) of the inner screen (2) facing away from the intermediate layer (3).

7. Windscreen according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the windscreen is designed as a composite screen consisting of an outer screen (1) and an inner screen (2) which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3), and wherein the electrically conductive coating (20) is deposited on a carrier substrate (7) which is attached to the surface (IV) of the inner screen (2) facing away from the intermediate layer (3), preferably via an adhesive layer (8), SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO- PCT and wherein the support substrate (7) is preferably formed as a glass sheet, plastic sheet or plastic film with a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

8. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the windscreen is designed as a composite pane consisting of an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3), and wherein the inner pane (2) has a passage in which the transmission area (S) is arranged, and wherein an insert (9) is arranged in the passage, on the surface of which facing away from the intermediate layer (3) the electrically conductive coating (20) is deposited, and wherein the inner pane (2) is preferably made of tinted or colored glass and the insert (9) is made of clear glass, in particular ultra-clear glass, or a clear plastic.

9. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is provided in the transmission area (S) with a cover layer (10) that is opaque in the visible spectral range and IR-transparent.

10. Windscreen according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is provided with an IR-reflective coating (30) which is not present in the transmission area (S).

11. Arrangement for a vehicle for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, comprising - a windshield according to one of claims 1 to 10, - a transmitter and / or receiver (4) of electromagnetic radiation, which is arranged on the interior side of the windshield and is directed towards the interior surface (i), such that an optical beam path (L) of the transmitter and / or receiver (4) passes through the transmission area (S) of the windshield.

12. Arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the transmitter and / or receiver (4) is a lidar module with an operating wavelength of 895 nm to 915 nm, in particular about 905 nm. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024351 -WO-PCT 13. Arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the transmitter and / or receiver (4) is attached to the interior surface (i).

14. Vehicle equipped with a windshield according to one of claims 1 to 10 or an arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 13.

15. Vehicle according to claim 14, which is equipped with at least one windscreen wiper, wherein the transmission area (S) is arranged in an area of ​​the windscreen that can be swept over by the at least one windscreen wiper.

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