Composite pane
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/055702
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-12
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2026055702_17092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0002] 1
[0003] Composite disc
[0004] The present invention relates to a composite disk according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0005] Composite discs with a functional assembly arranged between two discs are known in the prior art. This functional assembly comprises a functional element to which an electrical voltage can be applied via contact surfaces. Depending on the electrical voltage, the functional element switches from a first state to a second state and vice versa. The functional element exhibits different optical properties in the first state than in the second state. In the first state, the functional element is clear and transparent and transmits a large proportion of the incident light, whereas in the second state it appears optically milky or opaque and scatters the incident light in various directions.
[0006] From WO 2023 / 025492 A1, a composite disk is known in which the functional element is divided into segments. On the side of the functional assembly facing the first disk, a single contact surface is provided for all segments. On the side of the functional assembly facing the second disk, each segment has its own contact surface, each connected to the control unit via its own electrical connection channel, so that the segments can be switched independently into different states. Each contact surface is electrically connected to a control unit via its own electrical connection channel. The control unit applies the desired voltages to the segments.
[0007] In contrast, the present invention aims to reduce the number of electrical connection channels required per segment. Furthermore, a method for controlling such a composite disc and a motor vehicle equipped with such a composite disc are to be provided.
[0008] This problem is solved by a composite disc according to claim 1, a method according to claim 10, and a motor vehicle according to claim 13. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0009] 2
[0010] The composite disk comprises a first disk, a second disk, a functional assembly, and a control unit. The functional assembly is located between the first and second disks. It includes a functional element with multiple segments. Each segment can be switched from a first state to a second state and vice versa, depending on an electrical voltage applied to it. In the first state, the segments exhibit different optical properties than in the second state.
[0011] For example, the functional element can comprise an electrochromic material that changes its transparency to light depending on the electrical voltage. For example, the functional element can comprise liquid crystals (LC), in particular liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix (polymer dispersed liquid crystal, PDLC). It is also possible for the functional element to comprise liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix and impregnated with color pigments (PDLC-DD). Furthermore, it is possible for the functional element to comprise guest-host polymers. For example, when an electrical voltage greater than or less than 0 V is applied to the functional element, the liquid crystals can be aligned in a common direction. The voltage can be applied, for example, by having contact surfaces between which the functional element is arranged have different electrical potentials.In this state, the functional element is transparent and / or clear. When the applied electrical voltage is 0 V, the liquid crystals are randomly oriented, causing the light passing through the functional element to scatter. In this case, the functional element is no longer transparent but may appear cloudy or milky, for example. Thus, the functional element can change its transparency not so much by reducing its overall transmission, but rather by increasing its scattering. Such a functional element is particularly well-suited for use in a vehicle roof. If a user wants to look out through the laminated glass, the electrical voltage is set to a value greater or less than 0 V. Conversely, if they want to avoid glare from sunlight, the electrical voltage can be set to 0 V, thereby reducing or eliminating the glare.
[0012] The functional structure comprises a first group and a second group of contact surfaces. Each group can contain multiple contact surfaces. The contact surfaces of both groups are electrically connected to the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0013] 3
[0014] The control unit is connected. The control unit is designed to apply an electrical voltage to the segments via the contact surfaces. This electrical voltage is the difference between the electrical potentials of the contact surfaces between which the respective segment is located. These electrical potentials can also change over time. This can occur, for example, when an alternating voltage relative to ground potential is applied to the contact surfaces. The voltage applied to each segment can then be adjusted by a phase shift and / or an amplitude difference between the alternating voltages. The first group of contacts is located between the first disk and the functional element. The second group is located between the functional element and the second disk. Thus, there are multiple contact surfaces on both sides of the functional element.This is advantageous for reducing the number of required electrical connection channels or for increasing the number of independently switchable segments while maintaining the same number of electrical connection channels. In particular, several of the contact surfaces of the second group can be electrically connected to the control unit via the same connection channel.
[0015] The contact surfaces can, for example, each comprise or be configured as a transparent, electrically conductive layer. The contact surfaces can, for example, comprise at least one metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The contact surfaces can, for example, each contain silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, indium tin oxide (ITO), gallium-doped or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, and / or fluorine-doped or antimony-doped tin oxide. The contact surfaces can, in particular, have a thickness of 10 nm to 2 pm, preferably 20 nm to 1 pm, and most preferably 30 nm to 500 nm. It is particularly possible that the contact surfaces are each a coating on a substrate element.
[0016] The first and second panes are preferably glass panes, particularly preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, one or both panes can also be made of other types of glass, such as quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass, or of rigid, clear plastics, such as polycarbonate or SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0017] 4
[0018] Polymethyl methacrylate. The thicknesses of the outer disc and the inner disc are preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, independently of each other.
[0019] It should be noted that the control unit can be located at a spatial distance from the discs and the functional structure.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first group and the second group can comprise a different number of contact surfaces. This is also advantageous in order to be able to switch many segments separately from one another with a small number of electrical connection channels.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to apply different electrical voltages to the segments. It is also possible for the segments to assume a state intermediate between the first and second states. For example, the scattering of light by the segments can increase as the segment approaches the second state. In this way, the segments can be switched between different states, enabling the creation of interesting and appealing optical effects.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the composite disk can comprise a first plurality of electrical connection channels and a second plurality of electrical connection channels. Each of the contact surfaces of the first group can be electrically connected to the control unit via one of the electrical connection channels of the first plurality. Each of the contact surfaces of the second group can be electrically connected to the control unit via one of the electrical connection channels of the second plurality. The electrical connection channels of the first plurality can each electrically connect exactly one single contact surface to the control unit. The electrical connection channels of the second plurality can each electrically connect several contact surfaces to the control unit.
[0023] In this embodiment, the number of contact surfaces of the first group can be equal to the first plurality of connection channels. The number of contact surfaces of the second group can be greater than the second plurality of connection channels. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0024] 5
[0025] This embodiment is also advantageous for switching a large number of segments separately from each other using a small number of electrical connection channels.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first plurality and the second plurality can each comprise the same number of electrical connection channels. This embodiment is also advantageous for switching a large number of segments separately from one another with a small number of electrical connection channels. According to another embodiment of the invention, the number of segments can correspond to the square of half the number of electrical connection channels. Thus, if n is, for example, the number of electrical connection channels, the number of segments can be (n / 2) 2 This embodiment is also advantageous for switching a large number of segments separately from each other using a small number of electrical connection channels.
[0027] However, it is also possible that the number of segments is less than (n / 2) 2The number of electrical connection channels is not limited to a specific maximum value in any case.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to output alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels. The alternating voltages can be phase-shifted relative to each other and / or have different amplitudes, so that a root mean square (RMS) value is applied to the segments. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to set each of the electrical connection channels to an electrical potential. The electrical potential for the first plurality of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula:
[0029] n
[0030] U k = (fc- 1) xx s
[0031] The electrical potential for the second set of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula:
[0032]
[0033] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0034] 6
[0035] In both formulas, n is the total number of electrical connection channels; thus, n is the sum of both sets of channels. k is an order number of the respective electrical connection channel. For example, k is 1 for the first electrical connection channel, 2 for the second, and so on. For the first set of electrical connection channels, k lies between 1 and n / 2 inclusive. For the second set of electrical connection channels, k is greater than n / 2. s is a difference between the electrical voltages applied to two adjacent segments. It should be noted that, within the context of this description, this refers to the difference between two adjacent segments of the functional element and not a potential difference between directly adjacent contact surfaces. x is the highest single value of the electrical voltages applied to the segments.In particular, x can be the highest value of an electrical voltage applied to the segments. It is possible that a segment with an electrical voltage of value x is in the first state.
[0036] The electrical voltage results from the differences in the potentials of the contact surfaces electrically connected to the respective segment.
[0037] It should be noted that it is also possible that the electrical potential for the second set of electrical connection channels is determined according to the formula
[0038] U k = (k - 1) xxs is defined and that the electrical potential for the first plurality of electrical connection channels is defined according to the formula U kThe formula is defined as x - (k - + 1) xs. In this case, k lies between 1 and n / 2 inclusive for the second set of electrical connection channels. For the first set of electrical connection channels, k is greater than n / 2 in this case.
[0039] If the control unit is designed to output alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels, the control unit may in particular be designed to transform the potentials calculated according to the formulas mentioned above into phase shifts and / or amplitude differences of the alternating voltages relative to each other, so that a root mean square value, which may also be called the RMS value, corresponds to the voltage applied to the respective segment of the voltage defined according to the formulas mentioned above.
[0040] The above statement that the control unit sets each of the electrical connection channels to an electrical potential is therefore also intended to include that the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0041] 7
[0042] The control unit outputs corresponding phase-shifted alternating voltages and / or alternating voltages with different amplitudes, so that the voltages defined according to the formulas mentioned above are applied to the segments as a root mean square.
[0043] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for achieving an interesting optical effect, namely a uniform gradation of the segment states. At one end of the functional element, a first segment can be in the first state. At the other end of the functional element, a second segment can be in the second state. The segments arranged between the first and second segments can then uniformly represent the transition from the first to the second segment. In this way, the optical impression can be created as if all segments were individually dimmable.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first group and the second group can comprise an unequal number of connecting channels.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to set each of the electrical connection channels to an electrical potential. The electrical potential for the first plurality of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula:
[0046] 1. U k = ( / c — 1) x n2x s
[0047] The electrical potential for the second set of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula.
[0048] 2. U k = x — (k — nL — 1) xs
[0049] Here, is the number of connection channels belonging to the first group, and n2 is the number of connection channels belonging to the second group. These two formulas apply when the ordinal numbers of the connection channels in the first group begin with 1 and continue for the second group after the connection channels of the first group have been numbered from 1 to n. The ordinal numbers of the connection channels in the second group thus begin at n1 + 1 and end at n1 + n2. Formula 1 applies to the connection channels of the first group. Formula 2 applies to the connection channels of the second group. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0050] 8
[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the segments can be transparent in the first state and opaque in the second state. In the second state, the segments can, in particular, scatter the incident light.
[0052] In the method according to claim 10, the control unit applies different electrical voltages to the segments. It is possible that, in an embodiment of the invention, the control unit performs one or more process steps, which are described in this description in connection with the disk, such that the control unit is configured to perform such process step(s).
[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can output alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels. These alternating voltages can be phase-shifted relative to each other and / or have different amplitudes.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can set each of the electrical connection channels to an electrical potential. The electrical potential for the first plurality of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula:
[0055] 1. U k = ( / c — 1) x n2x s
[0056] The electrical potential for the second set of electrical connection channels can be defined according to the following formula.
[0057] 2. U k = x — (k — nL — 1) xs
[0058] Here, is the number of connecting channels belonging to the first group, and n2 is the number of connecting channels belonging to the second group. These two formulas apply if the ordinal numbers of the connecting channels in the first group begin with 1 and continue for the second group after the connecting channels of the first group have been numbered from 1 to n. The ordinal numbers of the connecting channels in the second group thus begin at n1 + 1 and end at n1 + n2. Formula 1 applies to the connecting channels of the first group. Formula 2 applies to the connecting channels of the second group.
[0059] The electrical voltage results from the potential differences between the contact surfaces electrically connected to the respective segment. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0060] 9
[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical potential for the second plurality of electrical connection channels can be determined according to the formula / k =
[0062]
[0063] xs can be defined. The electrical potential can be defined for the first plurality of electrical connection channels according to the formula
[0064] U k Let k be defined as x - (k - + 1) xs. In this case, k lies between 1 and n / 2 inclusive for the second set of electrical connection channels. For the first set of electrical connection channels, k is greater than n / 2 in this case.
[0065] If the control unit outputs alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels, the control unit can, in particular, transform the potentials calculated according to the formulas mentioned above into phase shifts and / or amplitude differences of the alternating voltages relative to each other, so that a root mean square value, which can also be called the RMS value, corresponds to the voltage applied to the respective segment of the voltage defined according to the formulas mentioned above.
[0066] The above formulation, that the control unit sets the electrical connection channels to an electrical potential, is therefore also intended to include the fact that the control unit outputs corresponding phase-shifted alternating voltages and / or alternating voltages with different amplitudes, so that the voltages defined according to the formulas mentioned above are applied to the segments as a root mean square.
[0067] The motor vehicle according to claim 13 comprises a disc according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0068] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components and for components with identical or similar functions.
[0069] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a composite disc according to an embodiment of the invention with nine segments controllable via six electrical connection channels; SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0070] 10
[0071] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a composite disk according to an embodiment of the invention with 25 segments controllable via ten electrical connection channels;
[0072] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 1;
[0073] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 1;
[0074] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 1;
[0075] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 1;
[0076] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 1;
[0077] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a possible control of the composite disk from Fig. 2;
[0078] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the potentials of the contact surfaces in an embodiment of the functional element with 9 segments and 6 connection channels; and
[0079] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of the stress resulting at the segments of the functional element in the embodiment from Fig. 9.
[0080] The composite disk in Fig. 1 comprises a control unit 7, a first plurality of electrical connection channels 1, 2 and 3, a second plurality of electrical connection channels 4, 5 and 6, a first group of contact surfaces 8, 9 and 10, a second group of contact surfaces 11 to 19 and a functional element 20.
[0081] For clarity, the composite discs are shown in the figures without the first and second discs. In practice, the contact surfaces 8 to 19 and the functional element 20 are arranged between the first and second discs. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0082] 11
[0083] The contact surfaces 8 to 19 can each comprise a busbar and a layer in direct contact with the functional element 20. The layer can, for example, comprise or be a metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conductive oxide. The contact surfaces 8, 9, and 10 are electrically isolated from each other. The contact surfaces 11 to 19 are also electrically isolated from each other.
[0084] The functional element 20 comprises an electrochromic material that changes its transparency to light depending on the electrical voltage. For example, the functional element 20 can comprise liquid crystals (LC), in particular liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix (polymer dispersed liquid crystal, PDLC). For example, when an electrical voltage greater than or less than 0 V is applied to the functional element 20, the liquid crystals can be aligned in a common direction. In this first state, the functional element 20 is then transparent and / or clear. When the applied electrical voltage is 0 V, the liquid crystals can be randomly aligned, leading to scattering of the light passing through the functional element 20. In this second state, the functional element 20 is no longer transparent but may, for example, appear cloudy or milky.The functional element 20 can also assume intermediate states in which it is neither as cloudy or milky as in the second state nor completely clear or transparent as in the first state.
[0085] Functional element 20 is divided into a total of 9 segments. This division results from the voltages applied to functional element 20, which are defined by the potentials of the contact surfaces 8 to 19. Each of these voltages generates an electric field within functional element 20.
[0086] The first contact surface 8 is connected to the control unit 7 via the first electrical connection channel 1. The second contact surface 9 is connected to the control unit 7 via the second electrical connection channel 2. The third contact surface 10 is connected to the control unit 7 via the third electrical connection channel 3. The fourth contact surface 11, the seventh contact surface 14, and the tenth contact surface 17 are each connected to the control unit 7 via the fourth electrical connection channel 4. The fifth contact surface 12, the eighth contact surface 15, and the eleventh contact surface 18 are each connected to the control unit 7 via the fifth electrical connection channel 5. The sixth contact surface 13, the ninth SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0087] 12
[0088] Contact surface 16 and the twelfth contact surface 19 are each connected to the control unit 7 via the sixth electrical connection channel 6.
[0089] During operation, the control unit 7 outputs an alternating voltage via electrical connection channels 1 to 6. These alternating voltages are phase-shifted relative to each other and / or exhibit amplitude differences, so that the voltage applied to each segment is the root mean square (RMS) value of the potential differences between the respective contact surfaces. However, it is also possible for the control unit 7 to set electrical connection channels 1 to 6 to a single electrical potential during operation. For the sake of simplicity, the following description assumes that electrical connection channels 1 to 6 are each set to a single electrical potential.The alternative, that the squared mean values resulting from the phase-shifted alternating voltages are applied to the segments, with the squared mean values corresponding to the voltages resulting from the potentials mentioned above, is always included as a further possibility.
[0090] Due to the arrangement of the contact surfaces 8 to 19 described above and the connection of the contact surfaces 8 to 19 to the control unit 7 via the electrical connection channels 1 to 6, a total of nine segments of the functional element 20 can be controlled separately using the six electrical connection channels 1 to 6. Prior art required a total of ten electrical connection channels for such control. With the invention, different voltages can therefore be set for more segments of the functional element 20 per electrical connection channel.
[0091] Figures 3 to 7 show examples of how the control unit 7 can control the segments of the functional element 20. In Figure 3, a potential of 0 V is output via the first electrical connection channel 1, the second electrical connection channel 2, the third connection channel 3, the fifth connection channel 5, and the sixth connection channel 6. A potential sufficiently different from 0 V is output via the fourth connection channel 4 to switch the segments located between the fourth contact surface 11 and the first contact surface 8, between the seventh contact surface 14 and the second contact surface 9, and between the tenth contact surface 17 and the third contact surface 10 to the first state. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0092] 13
[0093] This potential is also referred to as "high potential" below. For example, this could be a potential of 48 V.
[0094] In Figure 4, the potentials output by the control unit 7 differ in that the same potential is output via the sixth connection channel 6 as in Figure 3 via the fourth connection channel 4, i.e., the high potential of, for example, 48 V. This results in the segments between the fourth contact surface 11 and the first contact surface 8, between the seventh contact surface 14 and the second contact surface 9, and between the tenth contact surface 17 and the third contact surface 10, as well as the segments between the sixth contact surface 13, between the ninth contact surface 16, and between the twelfth contact surface 19, being in the first state.
[0095] In Figure 5, the control unit 7 outputs the high potential via the first connection channel 1, the third connection channel 3, the fourth connection channel 4, and the sixth connection channel 6. A potential of 0 V is output via connection channels 2 and 5. As a result, the segment between the first contact surface 8 and the fifth contact surface 12, the segment between the second contact surface 9 and the seventh contact surface 14, the segment between the second contact surface 9 and the ninth contact surface 16, and the segment between the third contact surface 10 and the eleventh contact surface 18 are each in the first state. The remaining segments, however, have no voltage or such a low voltage that they are in the second state.This can be achieved in particular by ensuring that the phase and amplitude difference of the alternating voltage applied to the contact surfaces is sufficiently small or zero.
[0096] In Figure 6, the control unit 7 outputs a potential of 0 V via the first connection channel 1, via the third connection channel 3, via the fourth connection channel 4, via the fifth connection channel 5, and via the sixth connection channel 6. Only via the second connection channel 2 is the high potential output. This results in the segments between the seventh contact surface 14 and the second contact surface 9, between the eighth contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 9, and between the ninth contact surface 16 and the second contact surface 9 being each at SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0097] 14
[0098] The segments are in the first state. The remaining segments, however, are in the second state, as no voltage is applied to them.
[0099] Figure 7 illustrates how a first segment between the first contact surface 8 and the fourth contact surface 11 is in the first state, and a segment between the third contact surface 10 and the twelfth contact surface 19 is in the second state. The segments between the first and second segments are neither in the first nor the second state, but rather in between. Segments 12 to 18 are closer to the first state the closer they are to the first segment 11, and closer to the second state the closer they are to the second segment 19. Such control of the segments is often desirable because many users find it visually appealing. This can be achieved by the control unit 7 setting a potential of 0 V via the first connection channel 1, 1.5 V via the second connection channel 2, 3 V via the third connection channel 3, 10 V via the fourth channel 4, and 9 V via the fifth channel 5.5 V and outputs 6 of 9 V via the sixth channel. In this way, a voltage of 10 V is generated between the first contact surface 8 and the fourth contact surface 11, a voltage of 9.5 V between the first contact surface 8 and the fifth contact surface 12, a voltage of 9 V between the first contact surface 8 and the sixth contact surface 13, a voltage of 8.5 V between the second contact surface 9 and the seventh contact surface 14, a voltage of 8 V between the second contact surface and the eighth contact surface 15, a voltage of 7.5 V between the second contact surface 9 and the ninth contact surface 16, a voltage of 7 V between the third contact surface 10 and the tenth contact surface 17, a voltage of 6,A voltage of 5 V is reached between the third contact surface 10 and the eleventh contact surface 11, and a voltage of 6 V is reached between the third contact surface 10 and the twelfth contact surface 12. The voltage applied to the segments thus decreases by 0.5 V from the first segment to the second segment.
[0100] In general terms, the potentials output via the connection channels can be calculated according to the following formulas:
[0101]
[0102] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0103] 15
[0104] Here, k is the order number of the channel, i.e., 1 for the first connecting channel 1, 2 for the second connecting channel 2, and 3 for the third connecting channel 3, and so on. n is the total number of connecting channels, 6 in Figure 7. s is the desired voltage difference between two adjacent segments, 0.5 V in Figure 7. It is important to note that, within the context of this description, this refers to the difference between two adjacent segments of the functional element, and not a potential difference between directly adjacent contact surfaces. The formula denoted by 1 is used for a first plurality of connecting channels, and the formula denoted by 2 is used for a second plurality of connecting channels. The first plurality can include all connecting channels where k is less than or equal to n / 2. The second plurality can accordingly include all connecting channels where k is greater than n / 2.However, it is also possible that the second plurality includes all connection channels where k is less than or equal to n / 2, and the first plurality includes all connection channels where k is greater than n / 2.
[0105] The above-mentioned formulas for calculating the potentials output by the control unit 7 are valid for any number of connection channels and contact surfaces in the case that the connection channels of the first plurality are arranged on a first side of the functional element 20 and the connection channels of the second plurality are arranged on a second side of the functional element 20 and that the first plurality and the second plurality comprise the same number of connection channels.
[0106] Therefore, these formulas also apply to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 8, in which, for the sake of clarity, not all individual elements are labelled in Figure 2. The contact surfaces of the first plurality 23 are connected to the control unit 7 via the connection channels of the first group 21. The contact surfaces of the second plurality 24 are connected to the control unit 7 via the connection channels of the second group 22. The functional element 55 is arranged between the first plurality 23 and the second plurality 24. The first plurality 23 comprises the contact surfaces 25 to 29 labelled in Figure 8. The second plurality 24 comprises the contact surfaces 30 to 54 labelled in Figure 8.
[0107] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the voltage applied to two adjacent segments of the functional element 55 also differs by 0.5 V across all segments. The first segment between the first SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0108] 16
[0109] The first segment, between contact surface 25 and the sixth contact surface 30, can be in the first state. However, it is also possible that the first segment is not in the first state, even though it has the highest voltage compared to the other segments. For example, a voltage of 15 V can be applied to the first segment. A voltage of 3 V can be applied to the last segment between the fifth contact surface 29 and the thirtieth contact surface 54. Thus, in this embodiment with 25 segments, the same effect as in Figure 7 is achieved, but only 10 connection channels are required.
[0110] In the event that the first group and the second group comprise a different number of connection channels, the potentials output by control unit 7 can be calculated according to the following formulas:
[0111] 3. U k = (k — 1) x n2x s
[0112] 4. U k = x — (k — nL — 1) xs
[0113] Here, is the number of connecting channels belonging to the first group, and n2 is the number of connecting channels belonging to the second group. These two formulas apply if the ordinal numbers of the connecting channels in the first group begin with 1 and continue for the second group after the connecting channels of the first group have been numbered from 1 to n. The ordinal numbers of the connecting channels in the second group thus begin at n1 + 1 and end at n1 + n2. Formula 1 applies to the connecting channels of the first group. Formula 2 applies to the connecting channels of the second group.
[0114] In the case that the first group and the second group comprise an unequal number of connecting channels, and the ordinal numbers of the connecting channels in the second group begin with 1 and continue for the first group after the connecting channels of the second group have been numbered from 1 to n2, the following formulas for calculating the potentials result:
[0115] 1. U k = (k — n2 — 1) x n2x s
[0116] 2. U k = x — ( — 1) xs
[0117] Formula 1 applies to the connection channels of the first group. Formula 2 applies to the connection channels of the second group. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0118] 17
[0119] In this way, even if the first and second groups comprise a different number of connecting channels, segment control can be achieved according to the principle explained in connection with Figures 7 and 8. This is illustrated in Figure 9 for a functional element with 9 segments and six connecting channels. The potentials of the connecting channels are represented as bars in a bar chart. The bars of the first group overlap with the bars of the second group. The ordinal numbers of the connecting channels are plotted above and below the bars.
[0120] The connecting channel with ordinal number 1 has a potential of 0. The connecting channel with ordinal number 2 has a potential of 3s. The connecting channel with ordinal number 3 has a potential of 6s. The connecting channel with ordinal number 4 has the highest potential, which is denoted as x. The connecting channel with ordinal number 5 has a potential of xs. The connecting channel with ordinal number 6 has a potential of x-2s.
[0121] This results in the distribution of the voltages applied to the segments, shown as a bar chart in Fig. 10. The voltage applied to the first segment is x, which is the difference between x and 0. The voltage applied to the ninth segment is the difference between x - 2s and 6s. This could, for example, be the value s if x = 9s.
[0122] As can be seen from the overview of Figures 3 to 10, many different designs of the composite disc are possible, requiring fewer electrical connection channels than in the prior art. Alternatively, the same number of electrical connection channels as in the prior art can be used. In this case, more segments than in the prior art can be switched independently. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0123] 18
[0124] Reference symbol list
[0125] 1 electrical connection channel
[0126] 2 electrical connection channels
[0127] 3 electrical connection channel
[0128] 4 electrical connection channels
[0129] 5 electrical connection channel
[0130] 6 electrical connection channel
[0131] 7 Control unit
[0132] 8 Contact surface
[0133] 9 Contact surface
[0134] 10 Contact surface
[0135] 11 Contact surface
[0136] 12 Contact surface
[0137] 13 Contact surface
[0138] 14 Contact surface
[0139] 15 contact surfaces
[0140] 16 contact surfaces
[0141] 17 Contact surface
[0142] 18 contact surfaces
[0143] 19 Contact surface
[0144] 20 Functional element
[0145] 21 First group of electrical connection channels 22 Second group of electrical connection channels 23 First group of contact surfaces
[0146] 24 second group contact surfaces
[0147] 25 contact areaSAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0148] 19
[0149] 26 contact surfaces
[0150] 27 Contact surface
[0151] 28 Contact surface
[0152] 29 Contact surface
[0153] 30 contact surfaces
[0154] 31 Contact surface
[0155] 32 contact surfaces
[0156] 33 Contact surface
[0157] 34 Contact surface
[0158] 35 contact area
[0159] 36 contact surfaces
[0160] 37 Contact surface
[0161] 38 contact surfaces
[0162] 39 Contact surface
[0163] 40 contact area
[0164] 41 Contact surface
[0165] 42 Contact surface
[0166] 43 Contact surface
[0167] 44 contact surfaces
[0168] 45 contact area
[0169] 46 contact surfaces
[0170] 47 Contact surface
[0171] 48 contact surfaces
[0172] 49 contact surfaces
[0173] 50 contact area
[0174] 51 contact areaSAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT
[0175] 20 52 Contact surface
[0176] 53 Contact surface
[0177] 54 contact surfaces
[0178] 55 Functional element
Claims
SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT 21 Patent claims 1. Composite disk comprising a first disk, a second disk, a functional assembly and a control unit (7), wherein the functional assembly is arranged between the first disk and the second disk, wherein the functional assembly comprises a functional element (20; 55) with several segments, wherein the segments can each be switched from a first state to a second state and vice versa depending on an electrical voltage applied to the respective segment, wherein the segments have different optical properties in the first state than in the second state, wherein the functional assembly comprises a first group of contact surfaces (8; 9; 10; 23; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29) and a second group of contact surfaces (11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 24; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) comprising the contact surfaces (8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27;28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) are each electrically connected to the control unit (7), the control unit (7) being configured to apply the electrical voltage to the segments via the contact surfaces (8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54), wherein the first group (8; 9; 10; 23; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29) is arranged between the first disk and the functional element (20; 55), wherein the second group (11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 24; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) is arranged between the functional element (20; 55) and the second disk, wherein the composite disk has a first plurality of electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3;21) and a second plurality of electrical connection channels (4; 5; 6; 22), each of the contact surfaces of the first group (8; 9; 10; 23; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29) being electrically connected to the control unit (7) via one of the electrical connection channels of the first plurality (1; 2; 3; 21), each of the contact surfaces of the second group (11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 24; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) each electrically via one of the electrical connection channels of the second SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT; 22 The first plurality (4; 5; 6; 22) is electrically connected to the control unit, wherein the electrical connection channels of the first plurality (1; 2; 3; 21) each electrically connect exactly one single contact surface (8; 9; 10; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29) to the control unit (7), characterized in that the electrical connection channels of the second plurality (4; 5; 6; 22) each connect several contact surfaces (11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 24; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) electrically connect to the control unit (7).
2. Composite disc according to claim 1, characterized in that the first group (8; 9; 10; 23; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29) and the second group (11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 24; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54) comprise a different number of contact surfaces.
3. Composite disc according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) is configured to apply different electrical voltages to the segments.
4. Composite disk according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plurality (1; 2; 3; 21) and the second plurality (4; 5; 6; 22) each comprise the same number of electrical connection channels.
5. Composite disk according to the previous claim, characterized in that the number of segments corresponds to the square of half the electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22).
6. Composite disk according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) is configured to output alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22), wherein the alternating voltages are phase-shifted relative to each other and / or have different amplitudes.
7. Composite disc according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) is configured to connect each of the electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22) to an electrical SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT 23 to set potential, whereby the electrical potential for the first multitude of electrical connection channels U k = (k — 1) x n2x s is, whereby the electrical potential for the second multitude of electrical connection channels U k = x — (k — nL — 1) xs is, where k is an order number of the respective connection channel, where is the number of connection channels belonging to the first group, where n2 is the number of connection channels belonging to the second group, where k starts at 1 and ends at for the connection channels of the first group, where k starts at +1 and ends at ni+n2 for the connection channels of the second group, where s is a difference between the electrical voltages applied to two adjacent segments, and where x is the highest single value of the electrical voltages applied to the segments.
8. Composite disc according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments are transparent in the first state and opaque in the second state.
9. Method for controlling a composite disk according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) applies different electrical voltages to the segments.
10. Method according to the previous claim, characterized in that the control unit (7) outputs alternating voltages via the electrical connection channels, wherein the alternating voltages are phase-shifted relative to each other and / or have different amplitudes.
11. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) sets each of the electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22) to an electrical potential, wherein the electrical potential for the first plurality of electrical connection channels (1; 2; 3; 21) U k = (k — x n2x sSAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2025049-WO-PCT 24 is, whereby the electrical potential for the second multitude of electrical connection channels U k = x — (k — nL — 1) xs is, where k is an order number of the respective connection channel, where is the number of connection channels belonging to the first group, where n2 is the number of connection channels belonging to the second group, where k starts at 1 and ends at for the connection channels of the first group, where k starts at +1 and ends at ni+n2 for the connection channels of the second group, where s is a difference between the electrical voltages applied to two adjacent segments, and where x is the highest single value of the electrical voltages applied to the segments.
12. Motor vehicle comprising a composite disc according to any one of claims 1 to 8.