A connection arrangement for a glazing with a functional element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection arrangement for a functional element on a glazing comprising a flat foil conductor and a pigtail comprising several individual wires and a connection element selected from plugs or sockets for a glazing comprising at least one glass sheet, a functional element provided on the glazing.

Description

A CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A GLAZING WITH A FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminated glazing, in particular a laminated glazing intended to be used as a dynamic glazing, more in particular a dynamic glazing with a functional element laminated inside the glazing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connection arrangement to energize the said functional element.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is primarily intended to be used in production of automotive glazing but not limited to. The present invention relates to a glazing with an functional element needing an electrical connection such as an antenna, or a functional film for controlling the transparency of the glazing, or a display, or alike. For example, in the architectural field such glazings with functional films are dynamic glazings that may be darkened at will, in particular electronically, in order to protect against the heat of the sun and glare. In the construction field, smart windows can be darkened at will when the weather is sunny in order to prevent the passage of light into a room, or lightened when the weather is cloudy in order to once more maximize the passage of light or light from display in case the dynamic glazing comprises an integrated display. In addition, in the architectural field, the glazings are generally flat or have a low curvature. Also, it is more and more requested from designer and car manufacturers to have a roof or side or rear windows provided with a functional film such as a switchable film to control the light level entering inside the vehicle for thermal comfort and / or for privacy and acoustic comfort. In the automotive field, such glazings are for example used as the roofs, windshields, rear windows and side windows including the quarter-lites of vehicles.

[0003] Moreover, automotive designers are looking for using at least one of the automotive glazing as display. Thus, it is desired to integrate a display into a glazing and more particularly into a laminated glazing. However, laminating a display into a glazing is difficult due to properties of the functional films. Furthermore, the display may be combined with a switchable film to increase the light contrast while keeping a thermal comfort and / or privacy.

[0004] Automotive glazings such as roof, windshield, back-lite, quarter-lite and side lite are generally bent to fit with the design of the car. The bent shape is more and more complex with high value of curvature. The bent shape is commonly obtained by applying a pressureand / or a heating on the laminated glazing. The bending processes are those commonly and well known by skilled man in the art to bent automotive and / or architectural laminated glazing.

[0005] In the prior art, the use of liquid crystal (LC) films in glazings has been envisaged as a way of providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing into a glazing that is simply translucent. These applications did not involve specific embodiments designed for providing the electrical connection to the glazing. Particularly, since automotive glazings are subject to vibrations, shocks, vast amount of temperature changes or pull force specifically on these electrical connections during manufacturing and / or during usage, and such glazings are subject to movement in the case of sliding windows, providing such glazing with a rigid electrical connection is even more challenging. Moreover, as the vehicles are designed in orderto utilize every bit of space in order to be efficient and cost effective, the room for electrical connections for the functional elements used inside the glazings are very limited and a simple scaling down brings further challenges.

[0006] Furthermore, more and more vehicles are expected to be equipped with 48V architecture that additional electrical isolation measures are required. Combining 48V architecture with the limited space problem mentioned above impedes implementation of a scaled down connection arrangement.

[0007] DE202021105230 describes a connection arrangement for such glazings with functional elements that the connectors comprising a housing to protect themselves from the external effects like the lamination process used in automotive industry.

[0008] EP3448824 discloses implementation of a thick component inside a laminated glazing by having a precut window on the interlayer and placing the overmolded component with an adhesive sheet. The thick component can be a connection arrangement on the flexible printed circuit board.

[0009] W02023030929 describes a connection arrangement for such glazings with functional elements that the connectors comprising round wires constituting a pigtail for the connection arrangement.

[0010] EP2704903 describes a sleeve around the connection arrangement in order to protect the connection arrangement.

[0011] lt is also known from CN218332212 that a connector comprises a collinear pressing joint in order to connect a divisional PDLC film as the functional element.

[0012] US20220194057 describes a switchable glazing that the electrical connection to the functional element is realized via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board.

[0013] In the conventional processes, the functional element comes with its own connector and the functional element attached / fixed to the glazing for instance by lamination while the one end of the connector hanging / extending from the glazing. Then, in the installation / mounting process of the glazing to the vehicle or into the building frame, the free end of the connector is plugged to electrify the electrical device. Unfortunately, during the installation / mounting process, the connector may be affected by a greater pull force than the estimated force or during the usage, due to the nature of vehicles, the glazing is subjected to frequent vibrations, shock which may deteriorate / loosen the connection of the connector. The connector may be also subjected to water ingress or moisture. Thus, malfunctioning of the electrical connection of the connector which driven from the causes mentioned above may occur in the glazing comprising a such functional element leading the functional element not working properly and thus, such a glazing refused generally by car manufacturers and the final customers. Therefore, a solution ensuring a rigid and robust electrical connection to the functional element is needed specifically to be fit into limited areas.

[0014] Conjointly, there is still a need for protecting the electrical connection forthe electrical devices on the glazings provided that the protection should be cost-effective, practically simple, compatible with almost all electrical devices and traditional production processes, robust as a rigid connection yet flexible to compensate vibrations, shock or sliding movement of the glazing.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The goal of the present invention is to provide a connection arrangement comprising a flat foil conductor and an electrical connection element to eliminate the aforementioned problems.

[0016] The present invention provides a connection arrangement that may be integrated into a curved glazing and / or a laminated glazing, but not limited to. More specifically, the present invention provides a connection arrangement integrated onto the laminated glazing for theelectrical connection of a functional element laminated inside. The present invention relates to an automotive laminated glazing comprising a functional element, but not limited to.

[0017] The present invention also concerns a laminated glazing, the glazing comprising at least: a. a first glass sheet having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, b. a functional element, c. a second glass sheet having an outer (P3) and an inner (P4) faces, d. at least one bonding layer for laminating the glass sheets.

[0018] The laminated glazing comprises at least two glass sheets, in different embodiments glazing may include three or more glass sheets and more than one functional element provided the functional elements may differ from each other.

[0019] More particularly, the present invention concerns a glazing comprising at least one glass sheet, one functional element needed to be energized. Specifically, the functional element is chosen among the transparency changing liquid crystal films such as PDLC films. More specifically, the present invention concerns a roof glazing for a vehicle having a PDLC film laminated inside the glazing.

[0020] Specifically the present invention provides a connection arrangement comprising a flat foil conductor, a pigtail and an overmolded connection element to be connected to the wire harness of the vehicle.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention relates to the constraints of cable routing standards inside the vehicles. The connection arrangement of the present invention met the standards of cable routing thanks to the overmolded design of the transition element and the connection element.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to minimizing the thickness of the connection arrangement to be able to fit the connection arrangement into limited spaces inside the vehicles. Moreover, in the case of the connection arrangement of the present invention used in roof glazings, the said feature assists providing more headroom for the passengers.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the specific design of the transition element that the connection arrangement is enabled to fit into almost any space inside the vehicles.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to usage of a robust and adjustable pigtail that installation of connection arrangement is facilitated and moreover, robustness of the pigtail enables a longer lifetime compared to conventional connection arrangements.

[0025] Furthermore, thanks to the intelligent approach in designing the connection arrangement, all the benefits mentioned above for the transition element or the connection element are also operable for the other, i.e., the benefits for the transition element are applicable for the connection element and the benefits for the connection element are applicable for the transition element.

[0026] Additionally, the connection arrangement of the present invention aims to provide production of a high-quality glazing with a functional element for a lower cost by eliminating additional process steps and reducing design changes in production.

[0027] Furthermore, the connection arrangement of the present invention aims to provide better insulation for the 48V architecture recently implemented in the automotive industry by providing higher CTI value for the connection arrangement.

[0028] Additionally, the connection arrangement of the present invention aims to provide better serviceability for the after-sale activities that when the glazing needs to be replaced, the connection arrangement is provided to be disconnected more conveniently.

[0029] The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the nature of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention will now be described further, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples. A better understanding of the present invention will be added upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG.l is a view of a vehicle with glazing.

[0032] FIG.2 is a schematic view of a laminated glazing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG.3 is a schematic view of a connection arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:1. Connection arrangement11. Flat foil conductor12. Pigtail13. Connection element14. Transition element2. Glazing21. Glass sheet22. Interlayer23. Functional element24. NotchDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0036] While some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0037] As used herein, spatial ordirectional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification andclaims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0038] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0039] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g., "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeably used in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0041] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "substantially" or "around" or "proximity" or "close to" preferably mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5% i.e., in this context the terms should be understood as in the range of ± 10%, even more ± 5%. Tolerance may be selected depending on the nature of the intended applications.

[0042] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "liquid adhesive", "optical coupling material", "optical resin", "optical coupling adhesive", "optical clear adhesive" and "liquid resin" are used interchangeably, further expression "functional film", "film", "electrically powered functional film" and "electrical functional film" are used interchangeably, further expression "flow", "fluidic flow", "liquid flow" and "liquid adhesive flow" are used interchangeably, further expression "flat foil conductor", "flexible printed circuit" are used interchangeably.

[0043] The present invention introduces improvements to a glazing (2) comprising at least one glass sheet (21), a functional element (23) provided on the glazing (2), and more specifically a connection arrangement (1) electrically connected to the functional element (23) and optionally extending / hanging from the glazing (2). Before going into the details of the present invention, definitions for glazing (2), structure of the proposed glazing (2) will be explained herein.

[0044] The glazing (2) comprising at least one glass sheet (21). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (2) is laminated and comprising a first glass sheet (21) having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, a second glass sheet (21) having an outer (P3) and an inner (P4) faces. In different embodiments, the glazing (2) may comprise more than two glass sheets, like a triple glazing or alike.

[0045] For simplicity, the numbering of the glass sheets (21) in the continuation of the description refers to the numbering nomenclature conventionally used for glazing (2). Thus, the face of the laminated glass which is in contact with the environment external to the vehicle is known as being the face 1 (Pl) and the surface in contact with the internal medium, that is to say the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is known as face 4 (P4). In order to avoid any doubt, the terms "external" and "internal" referto the orientation of the glazing (2) during the installation as glazing (2) in a vehicle. Anyhow, in the description below, these terms are used interchangeably, i.e., the first glass sheet (21) may have face 1 and face 2 or face 3 and face 4 of the glazing, in the meantime the second glass sheet may (21) have face 3 and face 4 or face 1 and face 2, respectively which means first glass sheet (21) may be usedas external side of the glazing (2) or the internal side of the glazing (2). According to the invention, the glass may be a glass of soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate type, and the like, the composition of the glazing (2) is not crucial for the purpose of the present invention.

[0046] The glazing (2) is further comprising a functional element (23), the functional element (23) can be considered as an electrical device, and further wherein the functional element (23) according to the present invention being positioned between the faces 2 (P2) and 3 (P3), where it can be protected from damage, or it can also be positioned on Pl or P4 face of the glazing (2) or in the case of single glazing, the functional element (23) can also be positioned on Pl or P2 face of the glazing. The functional element (23) may be any electrical device conventionally used on the vehicle glazings (2), such as a heating grid / coatings or antennas on glazings, or functional films used for transparency changing or display purposes, or a display itself. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functional element (23) is a functional film such as a PDLC film laminated inside the glazing (2).

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or the second sheet of glass (21) are bent in a previous step before providing a functional element (23) over at least one surface of the first and / or the second sheet of glass (21), i.e., before the lamination process. However, the curvature of the glazing (2) is not crucial for the present invention.

[0048] According the invention, the term "laminated" refers to a step of providing a layered structure in which the functional element (23) and more particularly a functional film such as a switchable film alone or in combination with another functional film, and one or more glass sheets (21) are separated by a bonding interlayer (22) extending across substantially the entire interface between the functional element (23) and the glass sheets (21) facing the functional element (23). In automotive industry, such glazing stacks are laminated via autoclave process which requires high temperature and pressure, such lamination methods are widely known and the way the glazing is laminated is not utmost important for the sake of the present invention.

[0049] According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (2) comprises a first glass sheet (21), a second glass sheet (21) and an electrically powered functional element (23) in between the glass sheets (21), and at least one interlayer (22), provided in contact with the functional element (23) and the inner surface (face 2 or face 3as described above) of the first and / or second glass sheets (21) to provide a bonding function. Achieving such configuration of the glass sheets (21) with the functional element (23) may be accomplished in any method, the present invention is related to the connection arrangement (1) for providing a robust electrical connection forthe glazing (2) with such functional element (23).

[0050] By "functional element (23)", it is meant for example electrochromic means in which the variation is obtained by modifying the state of colored ions in compositions included in these glazing (2) and which are sensitive to application of high pressure and temperature. It is also a question of glazing (2) comprising, in suspension, layers of particles that, depending on the application of an electric voltage, are or are not ordered, such as the systems referred to as suspended particles devices (SPDs), or even a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) film consisting of a polymer containing liquid crystals sensitive to the application of the electric voltage or even a guest-host liquid crystal film which include polymers, inorganic particles, or dichroic dye within the liquid crystal matrix. More particularly, the "electrically powered film" is a liquid crystals (LC) film providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing (2) into a glazing that is simply translucent. The electrically powered functional film may be a display film which is electrically operated to illustrate pictures and / or videos to be seen from the outer and / or inner of the vehicle wherein the glazing (2) is placed. The "electrically powered functional film" may be made of OLED and more particularly well-known AMOLED. The glazing (2) according to the present invention may comprise a combination of one switchable film and OLED film. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional film has a size smaller than the first (21) and the second sheet of glass (21). According to the present invention, the functional film is electrically powered through a connection arrangement (1). The way to connect the functional film to a power is well-known. In terms of the present invention, the functional film is not limited to examples given above and it should be understood broadly that any functional film for to be used in glazing (2) which is suitable or not for interlayer lamination, like PVB lamination. Thus, the functional film, when it is incorporated into a laminated curved glazing (2) and positioned on a vehicle, in particular as glazed roof or side window, advantageously has to have a good aesthetic and a quick switch in mode ON / OFF in case of switchable film and clear image / information / video in case of integrated display such as OLED display.

[0051] A connection arrangement (1) is used for energizing the functional element (23) and electrically connected to the functional element (23) and optionally extends over the glazing (2), i.e., one end of the connection arrangement (1) is connected to the functional element (23) and the other end of the connection arrangement (1) is freely hanging and extending from the glazing (2) for being connected to its counterpart. The connection arrangement (1) may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector, or a flexible flat cable (FFC) connector, or a ribbon-type connector, or a flat connector, or a simple cabling means. In the preferred embodiments of the prior art, the connection arrangement (1) is a FPC connector, one end connected to the functional element (23) and one end extending from the glazing (2). A connection arrangement (1) mainly comprises a flat foil conductor (11), a pigtail (12) and a connection element (13). The flat foil conductor (11) is electrically connected to the functional element (23), the pigtail (12) functions as a joint between the flat foil conductor (11) and the connection element (13), and comprises several individual wires. The connection element (13) may be a connector selected from plugs or sockets used in the industry. The flat foil conductor (11) should also be understood as a flexible printed circuit (FPC), both are used interchangeably in the present application to represent a flat connection element that can be laminated inbetween glass sheets (21).

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the individual wires of the pigtail (12) are collected with a sleeve (not shown).

[0053] According to one example of the present invention, the Fig.l shows a laminated automotive roof glazing; the roof glazing is intended to be fixed on the vehicle's body. It is understood that the invention is not limited to a roof and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (2) can be used in any glazing for a vehicle and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (2) can be used in outside of automotive industry, i.e., anywhere where a laminated glazing (2) is needed, such as in buildings and so on.

[0054] The glazing (2) as shown in Fig.2 as an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first sheet of glass (21) having an external surface (Pl) and an inner surface (P2), and a second sheet of glass (21) having an inner surface (P3) and an outer surface (P4). Such glazing (2) is laminated. The first sheet of glass (21) of the glazing (2) is that sheet in contact with the exterior of the vehicle. The second sheet of glass (21) is that sheet in contact with the inner space of the vehicle. However, as explained above, the ordering can be changed and also theglazing (2) can be a triple glazing or any kind of glazing with at least two glass sheets (21). The glazing (2) can also include more functional elements (23) which are laminated inside.

[0055] Th us, the invention relates to any glazing (2), whether tempered, laminated or not, whether for a vehicle or a building, that comprises a functional element (23) needed to be energized, and a connection arrangement (1) fixed to the glazing edge preferably next to the functional element (23).

[0056] The connection arrangement (1) of the present invention is comprising an overmolded transition element (14) inbetween the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12). The free end of the flat foil conductor (11) is connected to the pigtail (12) and the individual wires of the pigtail (12) is electrically connected to the ends of the flat foil conductor (11). Such electrical joint may be produced by soldering the terminals of the flat foil conductor (11) to individual wires of the pigtail (12) and is protected by the overmolded transition element (14), i.e., the transition element (14) protects the electrical connection inbetween the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12) by being overmolded over the said joint. Providing the transition element (14) by overmolding helps protecting the electrical joint from the external effects like dust, water and etc. More importantly, overmolded transition element (14) further provides freedom in designing the transition element (14) to be able fit the limited space in the installation area.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the pigtail (12) and the transition element (14) are provided to be outside of the lamination, i.e., the free end of the flat foil conductor (11) is extending out the lamination stack and it is connected with the pigtail (12) via the overmolded transition element (14). Therefore, the overmolded transition element (14) can be attached to the P4 surface of the glazing (2) that the stress on the flat foil conductor (11) is reduced while transportation of the glazing (2) or the installation of the glazing (2) as the flat foil conductor (11) is highly fragile to bending and / or pulling and so on. The pigtail (12) functions as a highly robust extension until the connection element (13) that the connection element (13) can be manipulated freely without harming the flat foil conductor (11).

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection element (13) is also overmolded. The connection element (13) is overmolded to the one end of the pigtail (12). Similar to the overmolding of the transition element (14), the connection element (13) at the end of pigtail (12) is overmolded to be able provide freedom in the design and fit the connection arrangement (1) in a very limited area. In the preferred embodiment, theconnection element (13) is mounted on a circuit board and the end of the pigtail (12) is also connected to circuit board and whole assembly is then overmolded for protection. In the preferred embodiment, the connection element (13) is a board-to-cable connector and the end of the pigtail (12) is electrically connected to a circuit board, therefore, a thinner connection element (13) for the connection arrangement (1) can be selected.

[0059] In another version of this embodiment, the overmolding material used to overmold the transition element (14) and the connection element (13) is compatible with the conventional lamination process used in the automotive industry, i.e., the overmolding material can bear the high temperature and pressure of the conventional lamination process even though the overmolded materials (13, 14) are outside the lamination stack. Therefore, the glazing (2) assembly including the connection arrangement (1) can be laminated via the conventional lamination processes since the overmolding material is not effected by the pressure and the temperature.

[0060] In different versions of the present invention, the transition element (14) and / or the connection element (13) are overmolded over the said joints as described above. Such overmolded elements then protects the electrical joints from external elements. In this version, conventional electrical connectors can be used to realize the joints and protection is provided with overmolding process. In another version of the present invention, the transition element (14) and / or the connection element (13) are also providing the said joints by overmolding process. In the latter, the joint(s) are realized with overmolding process and the connection arrangement (1) is provided thinner.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the flat foil conductor (11) is less than or equal to 200 pm. The thickness of the flat foil conductor is kept under 200 pm, and more preferably under 150 pm that the flat foil conductor (11) can be laminated inside glass sheets without causing any issues for the lamination process such as glass breakage. Such flat foil conductors (11) can be manufactured by providing a conductive ribbon insulated by cover foils, for example, Kapton polyimide films used in the automotive industry.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the overmolded transition element (14) is less than or equal to 10 mm. Thanks to the overmolding process, the transition element (14) can be custom designed and the thickness is kept under 10 mm,more preferably around 7 mm that the connection arrangement (1) may fit into any limited space inside the vehicle.

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the overmolded connection element (13) is less than or equal to 15 mm. Thanks to the overmolding process, the connection element (13) can be custom designed and the thickness is kept under 15 mm, more preferably around 12 mm that the connection arrangement (1) may fit into any limited space inside the vehicle.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection element (13) is preferably selected among the board-to-cable connectors and preferably not cable-to-cable connectors. Contradicting the conventionally used products, the connection element (13) is chosen among the board-to-cable connectors that the connection arrangement may fit into the limited space under the roof.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection element (13) comprises at least one clip or any other fixing means (not shown) for the connection element (13) to be connected to the cable harness. To be able to ease of the connection of the connection arrangement (1) to the cable harness, a fixing means like a clip is provided on the connection element (13) so that the operator can easily fix the connection arrangement (1) to the cable harness of the vehicle. The clip or the other fixing means may also be provided below or above the overmolding that the connection element can be fixed to its counterpart in any position.

[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection arrangement (1) is made of as a single piece, more particularly produced as single piece. Although the connection arrangement (1) comprises the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12), manufacturing such in single piece eases the insta I lation / fixation of the connection arrangement (1) by the operator both in the fixing the connection arrangement (1) to the functional element (23) and in the connecting the connection arrangement to the cable harness. Furthermore, the connection arrangement (1) being single piece also provides a better serviceability for aftersale that the connection arrangement may easily be separated from the cable harness when the glazing needs to be replaced.

[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, the overmolding materials are chosen among the material group II, or more preferably material group I to achieve higher Comperative Tracking Index (CTI) to eliminate creepage. The overmolding materials have aCTI value higher than or equal to 400, and in the preferred version, a CTI value higher than or equal to 600. This embodiment provides a good insulation for the connection arrangement (1) that the connection arrangement (1) can be used for 48V architecture and also can be designed to occupy less space. Especially when the connection arrangement (1) needs to be provided in a limited space, scaling down of the conventional connector brings creepage issues due to weak insulation. Therefore, choosing materials with a CTI value higher than or equal to 400 for the overmolding enables better insulation. Furthermore, material of the overmolding should also satisfy enough rigidity for the lamination process.

[0068] In another embodiment of the present invention, a glazing (2) as disclosed above comprises the connection arrangement (1). Glazings (2) with a functional element (23) having the connection arrangement (1) of the present invention may be used as a roof of a vehicle or a sidelite of a vehicle or any glazing inside a vehicle. Thanks to the connection arrangement (1) of the present invention, a glazing (2) comprising the connection arrangement (1) of the present invention may be installed on a vehicle by occupying less volume that enables usage of functional elements (23) inside a glazing for the automotive designers.

[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flat foil conductor (11) is electrically connected to the functional element (23), preferably the flat foil conductor (11) is connected to both sides of the functional element (23), i.e., both to the common electrode and the active electrodes. Energizing of the functional element (23) requires at least two electrical connections and in the preferred embodiment the functional element (23) having multiple segments that can be controlled individually, requires multiple electrical connections. The flat foil conductor (11) comprising multiple thin wires are electrically connected to the functional element (23) that the multiple segments of the functional element (23) can be controlled individually. In a version of this embodiment, the pigtail (12) comprises enough multiple individual wires allowing the individual control of the segments of the functional element (23).

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flat foil conductor (11) is at least partially laminated. In a version of this embodiment, the flat foil conductor (11) is assisted by an extra piece of interlayer to protect the flat foil conductor (11) during the lamination process. As the functional element (23) is laminated inbetween the glass sheets (21), the flat foil (11) is also needed at least partially to be laminated inside the glass sheets (21) in orderto energize the functional element (23). The flat foil conductor (11) is provided inbetween two interlayers in order to protect the flat foil conductor (11) during the lamination process.

[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the glass sheets (21) comprises a notch (24) on its edge and the flat foil conductor (11) is aligned with the notch (24). Such notch (24) facilitates the bending of the flat foil conductor (11) around the edge of the glazing (2). The flat foil conductor (11) is preferably extending over one edge of the glazing (2), in order to facilitate the bending of the flat foil conductor (11) and also protect the flat foil conductor (11) during the interlayer trimming process, a notch (24) is provided at the edge of at least one glass sheet (21). In the preferred version of this embodiment, the notch (24) is provided on the glass sheet (21) closer to the interior of the vehicle.

[0072] In another embodiment of the present invention, the overmolded transition element (14) is fixed on the most interior face of the glazing, i.e., P4 face for the laminated glazing or P2 face for the single glazing. The overmolded transition element (14) is fixed on the most interior face (P2 or P4) of the glazing for both securing the connection arrangement (1) in lamination and / or transportation process and also during its use. Such fixation can be achieved via adhesives or any other method available.

[0073] In another embodiment of the present invention, the overmolding materials are compatible with the conventional lamination processes used in the automotive industry. As the lamination process in the automotive industry requires high temperature and pressures, the overmolding material for the transition element and the connection element is chosen accordingly to comply with the lamination requirements. Therefore, the overmolded products can survive the lamination process.

[0074] The method for producing a connection arrangement (1) of the present invention comprises the steps of overmolding the joint of flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12), and overmolding the connection element (13) to the free end of the pigtail (12). The joint inbetween the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12) is constructed and then the transition element (14) is overmolded inbetween the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12). The other end of the pigtail (12) is then connected to the connection element (13) and then also overmolded to protect the connection element (13). By the method of the present invention, the connection arrangement (1) is provided to be robust and also thinner than conventional connectors that it is adapted to be used in limited spaces.

[0075] The method for producing a glazing (2) comprising the connection arrangement (1) of the present invention comprises the steps of electrically connecting the flat foil conductor (11) to the functional element (23), attaching the transition element (14) to the most interior face of the glazing (2), and preferably routing the pigtail (12) around the edge of the glazing (2), most preferably behind the headliner of the vehicle. The manufactured connection arrangement (1) is brought the assembly line of the glazing, and the free end of the flat foil conductor (11) is electrically connected to the functional element (23), and then preferably the flat foil conductor (11) is routed to be aligned with the notch (24) on the edge of the glass sheet (21), and then the overmolded transition element (14) is fixed on the most interior face of the glazing (2), and then after the lamination process, the pigtail (12) is routed around the glazing, and during the installation of the glazing into a vehicle, the pigtail (12) is routed preferably behind the headliner of the vehicle, and then the overmolded connection element (14) is electrically connected to the wire harness of the vehicle.

[0076] In one another specific embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle comprises the glazing (2) and the connection arrangement (1) disclosed in the above embodiments, it should be understood that the glazing and the connection arrangement can be combined in multiple different ways as they disclosed in various embodiments.

[0077] The connection arrangement (1) of the present invention enables the electrical connection of the functional element (23) inside a glazing (2) to be possible even in the vehicles with very narrow and limited spaces behind the glazing. Moreover, such connection arrangement (1) also provides a considerable cost reduction as it utilizes less flat foil conductor (11) and more pigtail (12). Furthermore, the overmolded parts (13, 14) enables robustness while lamination, installation, transportation of the glazing (2) or during its use and they also provide more mobility for the pigtail (12) that the operator will have more freedom while installation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection arrangement (1) for a functional element on a glazing comprising a flat foil conductor (11) and a pigtail (12) comprising several individual wires and a connection element (13) selected from plugs or sockets, characterized in that an overmolded transition element (14) connecting one end of the flat foil conductor (11) with one end of the pigtail (12).

2. A connection arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection element (13) is overmolded at the end of the pigtail (12).

3. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the flat foil conductor (11) is less than 200 pm.

4. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the overmolded transition element (14) is less than 10 mm.

5. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the overmolded connection element (13) is less than 15 mm.

6. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the connection arrangement (1) is produced as one piece.

7. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the material for overmolding having a comparative tracking index (CTI) value higher than or equal to 400.

8. A connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the overmolded elements (13, 14) are compatible with lamination process.

9. A glazing (2) comprising the connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the glazing (2) further comprising two glass sheets (21) and a functional element (23) laminated in between glass sheets (21) with at least one interlayer (22).

10. A glazing (2) according to claim 9, wherein the flat foil conductor (11) is electrically connected to the functional element (23) and at least partially laminated in between glass sheets (21).

11. A glazing (2) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one glass sheet (21) comprises a notch (24) for the flat foil conductor (11).

12. A glazing (2) according to claims 9 to 11, wherein the overmolded transition element (14) is fixed on the P4 face of the glass sheet (21).

13. A glazing (2) according to claims 9 to 12, wherein the glazing (2) is a roof glazing of a vehicle and the functional element (23) is a PDLC film providing changeable light transmission.

14. A method for producing a connection arrangement (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the steps of overmolding the joint in between the flat foil conductor (11) and the pigtail (12), and overmolding the connection element(13) to the end of pigtail.

15. A method for producing a connection arrangement (1) according to claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of electrically connecting the flat foil conductor (11) to the functional element (23), and attaching the overmolded transition element(14) to the P4 face of the glass sheet (21), and routing the pigtail (12) behind the glazing

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