阅读说明：本技术 具有液晶布置结构的车窗玻璃 (Vehicle window pane having a liquid crystal arrangement ) 是由 D·拜尔 S·洛伦茨 J·迪特里希 M·布赫曼 J·格罗特 O·海泽尔 K·克拉赫恩费尔 于 2018-05-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种车窗玻璃,所述车窗玻璃包括板状的窗玻璃主体(16),窗玻璃主体(16)具有面向车辆的周围的外侧和背离所述外侧的内侧,在窗玻璃主体(16)的内侧上布置有遮蔽布置结构,遮蔽布置结构由包括液晶单元(26)的液晶布置结构(20)形成。液晶布置结构(20)包括两个膜(22、24),液晶单元(26)布置在所述两个膜(22、24)之间,并且液晶布置结构(20)经由至少一个纵向扩展的补偿层(28)连接到窗玻璃主体(16)。(The invention relates to a window pane comprising a plate-shaped pane body (16), the pane body (16) having an outer side facing the surroundings of the vehicle and an inner side facing away from the outer side, a shading arrangement being arranged on the inner side of the pane body (16), the shading arrangement being formed by a liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprising a liquid crystal cell (26). The liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprises two films (22, 24), a liquid crystal cell (26) is arranged between the two films (22, 24), and the liquid crystal arrangement (20) is connected to the glazing body (16) via at least one longitudinally extending compensation layer (28).)

1. A window pane comprising a plate-shaped pane body (16), the pane body (16) having an outer side facing the surroundings of a vehicle and an inner side facing away from the outer side, a shading arrangement being arranged on the inner side of the pane body (16), the shading arrangement being formed by a liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprising a liquid crystal cell (26), characterized in that the liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprises two films (22, 24), the liquid crystal cell (26) is arranged between the two films (22, 24), and the liquid crystal arrangement (20) is connected to the pane body (16) via at least one longitudinally extending compensation layer (28).

2. The glazing according to claim 1, characterised in that the longitudinal expansion compensation layer (28) is an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer.

3. The glazing according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the longitudinal expansion compensation layer (28) has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm.

4. The vehicle glazing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a liquid crystal arrangement (20) is arranged between the glazing main body (16) and the glazing inner body (18).

5. The vehicle pane according to claim 4, characterised in that the pane inner body (18) is made of thin glass.

6. The glazing according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the polarizing layer (32) is arranged within the glazing between the body (18) and the liquid crystal arrangement (20) or between the glazing body and the liquid crystal arrangement.

7. The glazing according to claim 6, characterised in that the polarizing layer (32) is connected to the liquid crystal arrangement (20) via a second longitudinally extending compensation layer (30).

8. The glazing according to claim 7, characterised in that the second longitudinal expansion compensation layer (30) is made of an acrylate layer, in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer.

9. The glazing according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the second longitudinal expansion compensation layer (30) has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm.

10. The glazing according to any of the claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the second longitudinal expansion compensation layer (30) has a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the films (22, 24) of the liquid crystal arrangement (20).

11. The glazing according to any of the claims 6 to 10, characterised in that a third longitudinally expanding compensation layer (34) is arranged between the glazing inner body (18) and the polarising layer (32) or between the glazing inner body and the liquid crystal arrangement.

12. The glazing according to claim 11, characterised in that the third longitudinal expansion compensation layer (34) is an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer.

13. The glazing according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the third longitudinal expansion compensation layer (34) has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm.

14. The glazing according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that it comprises an edge seal (36) covering at least the edges of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) and the longitudinal expansion compensation layer (28), preferably made of an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer.

15. The glazing according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that both films (22, 24) of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) are formed by PET films or polycarbonate films, preferably having a thickness between 50 μ ι η and 250 μ ι η.

16. The glazing according to any of the claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprises a single liquid crystal cell (26).

17. The vehicle pane according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the pane body (16) is curved, in particular has three-dimensional bending properties.

18. The vehicle window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the pane body (16) is made of glass or plastic.

19. The glazing according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that it comprises a light guiding layer (40, 40') connected or connectable via its edges to a light source.

20. The window pane according to claim 19, characterised in that a light guide layer (40, 40') is arranged on the side of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) facing away from the surroundings of the vehicle.

21. The glazing according to claim 19 or 20, characterised in that the light guiding layer (40, 40') forms the inner visible surface of the glazing.

22. The glazing according to any of the claims 19 to 21, characterised in that the light guiding layer (40') comprises a flat glass body.

23. The vehicle glazing as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that the light-guiding layer (40) comprises a plastic film and/or a plastic sheet.

24. The glazing according to any of claims 19 to 23, characterised in that the light-guiding layer (40) contains scattering centres, preferably formed by nanoparticles.

25. The glazing according to any of the claims 19 to 24, characterised in that the light guiding layer (40') has an imprint (52).

26. The glazing according to any of claims 19 to 25, characterised in that the light-guiding layer (40) has a scratch-resistant coating (42).

27. The glazing according to any of claims 1 to 26, characterised in that at least one of the two films (22, 24) of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) is provided with an additional matrix layer (50) on the side facing away from the liquid crystal cell (26), the additional matrix layer (50) mechanically stabilising the liquid crystal arrangement (20).

28. The glazing according to claim 27, characterised in that the additional substrate layer (50) comprises a polyethylene layer and/or a polycarbonate layer.

29. The glazing according to claim 27 or 28, characterised in that the additional substrate layer (50) is connected to the respective film (22, 24) of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) via an adhesive layer (54).

30. The glazing according to claim 28 or 29, characterised in that an additional substrate layer (50) is laminated to each film (22, 24).

31. A method for manufacturing a glazing for a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

-preparing a structure consisting of a plurality of layers in a stacked structure, said structure comprising: a window glass main body (16); a liquid crystal arrangement (20) comprising a liquid crystal cell (26) and two films (22, 24), the liquid crystal cell (26) being arranged between the two films (22, 24); a longitudinally expanding compensation layer (28) located between the liquid crystal arrangement (20) and the glazing body (16), at least the liquid crystal arrangement (20) and the longitudinally expanding compensation layer (28) being placed in a frame (44), the frame (44) defining their positions relative to each other;

-introducing the structure comprising the frame (44) into a vacuum bag (48);

-evacuating the vacuum bag (48) and applying pressure to the vacuum bag (48) to cause the layers of the structure to become bonded;

-removing the composite structure from the vacuum bag (48).

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the structure is heated while the structure is subjected to pressure.

33. Method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the structure in the frame (44) is covered with a pressure plate (46).

34. A method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the structure comprises a glazing inner body (18).

35. The method according to any of the claims 31 to 34, wherein the structure comprises a polarizing layer (32).

36. The method of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein: the structure comprises a light guiding layer (40, 40').

37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that at least one of the two films (22, 24) of the liquid crystal arrangement (20) is provided with an additional matrix layer (50) which mechanically stabilizes the liquid crystal arrangement (20).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a vehicle window pane having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Background

Windows of this type are known from practice and can be displaceable or fixed roof elements of motor vehicles. The window glass includes a plate-like window glass main body that is typically made of glass and forms the exterior of the roof element. On its inside, the glazing body is provided with a liquid crystal arrangement which can be electrically switched, thereby defining the semi-permeability of the glazing. Depending on the switching state of the liquid crystal arrangement, the window pane is either largely translucent or largely opaque, so that a shading arrangement is formed.

Furthermore, it is well known that droplet-like liquid crystals are embedded in polymers. In the default state, the liquid crystal is disordered, which is why substantially no light is transmitted. The appearance was milky white. However, if a voltage is applied to these liquid crystal cells, the liquid crystals are aligned, allowing light to be transmitted.

Furthermore, it is well known to use films known as SPD (suspended particle device) films for vehicle windows in order to provide a screening arrangement. SPD films comprise small rod-like particles in suitable cells integrated in a thin plastic film and initially randomly oriented. The electric field aligns the particles, allowing light to be transmitted. However, there is a problem that: SPD films can only be manufactured in blue and cannot be manufactured in neutral colors that are readily used in motor vehicles.

Up to now, there is a general problem of providing a curved window pane, in particular a three-dimensionally curved window pane, with a liquid crystal arrangement as a shading arrangement which allows a uniform shading of low transmission.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window pane according to the above-mentioned type, which has such a liquid crystal arrangement: even if the windowpane main body is three-dimensionally curved, uniform shading characteristics are exhibited.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle window pane having the features of claim 1.

The invention proposes a vehicle window pane comprising: a plate-shaped, flat or curved window pane body having an outer side facing the surroundings of the vehicle and an inner side facing away from the outer side, on the inner side of which window pane body a shading arrangement is arranged, which shading arrangement is formed by a liquid crystal arrangement comprising a liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal arrangement comprises two films, the liquid crystal cell is arranged between the two films, and the liquid crystal arrangement is connected to the glazing body via the longitudinally extending compensation layer.

Since the liquid crystal cell is arranged between the two films, the liquid crystal arrangement can conform to the shape of a plate-like, in particular curved, glazing body, which may be made of glass or plastic, for example polycarbonate or PMMA. This also allows the glazing body to be realized with three-dimensional bending properties, the glazing body thus having a bending in the longitudinal direction of the glazing and a bending in the transverse direction of the glazing. The longitudinal expansion compensation layer, which may be elastic in particular, compensates for pressure forces which may occur between the glazing body and the liquid crystal arrangement, for example due to different thermal expansion characteristics. Thus, depending on the switching state of the liquid crystal cell, the liquid crystal arrangement can show a constant light transmission, i.e. constant transmission characteristic, through the surface of the liquid crystal arrangement, preferably extending across the main part of the glazing body.

In the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the function of the liquid crystal cell is integrated between the two films, ensuring a good deformability of the liquid crystal arrangement. Furthermore, a uniform layer thickness of the entire liquid crystal cell can be achieved.

Preferably, the longitudinal expansion compensation layer also has adhesive properties such that no additional adhesive layer is required between the various layers of the composite structure.

The glazing body may have three-dimensional bending properties. For example, the pane body can be bent in two directions, i.e. in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when considering a roof pane, each bend having a radius of between 1000mm and 10000mm, preferably between 2000mm and 5000mm, the radius being changeable over the bend, i.e. not necessarily constant in all directions. The radius of curvature may vary over the curvature, i.e. need not be constant, i.e. the radius of curvature may vary in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction of the glazing.

The liquid crystal arrangement of the glazing according to the invention can be operated at a short switching time of the order of one second over a wide temperature range. Furthermore, a low voltage is sufficient to activate the liquid crystal arrangement. In particular, the voltage as an alternating voltage may be lower than 30V. The frequency of the alternating voltage is for example 60Hz, but may also be higher, up to 100 to 200Hz or even lower, depending on the desired speed of alignment of the liquid crystals.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal arrangement provides a very low light transmission when switched off, below 1% for visible light. For example, the color of the liquid crystal arrangement is grey, but can be tailored by mixing dyes.

In particular, the window pane according to the invention is a roof element of the vehicle. This roof element may be a fixed roof element rigidly connected to the body of the vehicle or a movable roof element constituting the cover element of the sunroof arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the longitudinal expansion compensation layer, in particular the optically isotropic longitudinal expansion compensation layer, is an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy resin layer, a silicone layer or a layer of a cross-linked material, for example an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer. For this purpose, the following elastic films can be used, in particular during the manufacture: the elastic mould is made of a corresponding material and its thermoplastic and/or crosslinking reactive properties allow it to form a composite structure with the glazing body and the film of the liquid crystal arrangement when heated. Of course, different materials that are elastic and capable of absorbing pressure may also be used for the longitudinally expanding compensation layer.

In order to be able to absorb the pressure between the glazing body and the liquid crystal arrangement to a large extent, the longitudinal expansion compensation layer preferably has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, in particular at least 0.4 mm.

In a particular embodiment of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the pane inner body is arranged on the inside of the vehicle glazing. In this case, the liquid crystal arrangement is arranged between the pane inner body and the pane body forming the outer side of the window pane.

The windowpane inner body may be realized in the same manner as the windowpane body. This means that both the glazing body and the glazing inner body are made of glass, for example, having a thickness of about 1.5mm to 2.6 mm. However, in one particular embodiment of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the pane inner body is made of thin glass which is flexible and thus adjustable to the possible curvature of the plate-shaped pane body. For example, the thin glass, which may be a chemically pre-stressed glass, has a thickness between 0.1mm and 1.5 mm. The flexibility of the thin glass enables compensation of the thermal expansion characteristics of the liquid crystal arrangement, thereby preventing possible damage to the liquid crystal arrangement due to temperature changes.

In order to further improve the shading properties of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment of the vehicle glazing, the polarizing layer is arranged between the main body and the liquid crystal arrangement within the glazing.

Alternatively, the polarizing layer may be arranged between the glazing body and the liquid crystal arrangement.

Preferably, the polarizing layer has a polarization direction at right angles to the polarization direction of the liquid crystal cell when the liquid crystal cell is off. In that case, the on state is associated with the transmissive state. However, the polarization direction of the polarizing layer may also be parallel to the polarization direction of the liquid crystal cell when the liquid crystal cell is switched off, which means that in that case the arrangement is in a transmissive state.

In order to be able to absorb stresses between the liquid crystal arrangement and the polarizing layer due to different thermal expansion characteristics, the polarizing layer is preferably connected to the liquid crystal arrangement via a second longitudinally expanding compensation layer.

The second longitudinal expansion compensation layer, which is preferably optically isotropic, may also be made of an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer or a silicone layer. Other possible materials having elastic properties and capable of absorbing pressure, for example cross-linked materials such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), may also be used.

Preferably, the second longitudinal expansion compensation layer has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, in particular at least 0.4 mm.

Preferably, the second longitudinal expansion compensation layer has a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the film of the liquid crystal arrangement. In this way, multiple refractions of light during passage through the liquid crystal arrangement, the second longitudinally expanding compensation layer and the polarizing layer can be prevented, at least to some extent.

A third longitudinal expansion compensation layer may be provided to connect the body within the glazing to the polarisation layer, the third longitudinal expansion compensation layer being capable of compensating for different thermal expansion characteristics of the polarisation layer and the body within the glazing.

Like the other two longitudinal expansion compensation layers, the third longitudinal expansion compensation layer, which is preferably optically isotropic, is made of an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer, for example, or of another material having elastic properties and capable of absorbing pressure.

Preferably, the third longitudinal expansion compensation layer also has a thickness of at least 0.2mm, in particular at least 0.4 mm.

In order to accommodate the liquid crystal arrangement in a protective manner in the vehicle glazing according to the invention from environmental conditions, i.e. moisture and oxygen, an edge seal is preferably provided which covers at least the edges of the liquid crystal arrangement and the longitudinal expansion compensation layer. The edge seal is made of an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of cross-linked material, such as an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer.

Both films of the liquid crystal arrangement are made of transparent films, e.g. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or polycarbonate, preferably having a thickness between 50 and 250 μm. The two films each constitute a substrate on which a conductive layer for electrically connecting the liquid crystal cell to an on-board electrical system of the vehicle is disposed. Advantageously, aligned layers are arranged on each conductive layer. The aligned layers each bound a liquid crystal cell and serve to pre-align the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal cell. Furthermore, the two aligned layers are separated from each other by a spacer, so that the thickness of the liquid crystal cell in which the liquid crystal is arranged is at least largely constant over the entire liquid crystal arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the liquid crystal arrangement comprises a single liquid crystal cell extending at least largely across the entire liquid crystal arrangement, preferably covering a possible transparent portion of the glazing.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal cell of the window pane according to the invention can be segmented and have switchable sub-cells.

In another particular embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the liquid crystal arrangement is configured in such a way that: at least one of the two films of the liquid crystal arrangement is provided with an additional matrix layer on the side facing away from the liquid crystal cell, which mechanically stabilizes the liquid crystal arrangement. The additional matrix layer can reduce or even prevent fluctuations of the liquid crystal arrangement structure, which in turn reduces the risk of defects. Furthermore, the additional matrix layer prevents moisture and oxygen from diffusing in the direction of the liquid crystal cell. The additional substrate layer can also serve to reduce the difference in thermal expansion between the individual layers of the layer structure of the glazing according to the invention.

Preferably, both films of the liquid crystal arrangement are provided with an additional matrix layer on their side facing away from the liquid crystal cell.

The additional substrate layer may be made of any suitable plastic material. For example, it is made of polyethylene and/or polycarbonate.

Preferably, the additional matrix layer is connected to the respective films of the liquid crystal arrangement via an adhesive layer, which may comprise a cross-linked material such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). The adhesive layer may be made of a pressure sensitive adhesive. Thermoplastic polyurethanes may also be used.

Preferably, an additional matrix layer is laminated over each membrane. The lamination may be performed in a roll lamination process.

A particular embodiment of a glazing according to the invention comprises a light guiding layer connected or connectable via its edges to a light source. The light guide layer, which may be integrated in a one-stage process together with the liquid crystal arrangement and possibly other layers during the manufacture of the glazing, may constitute a lighting system for the interior of the vehicle. In particular, the light guiding layer is a part of said vehicle, which is called ambient lighting system. That is, in this embodiment, the function of the switchable liquid crystal arrangement and the function of the surface lighting system, in particular the ambient lighting system, are combined. Advantageously, the photoconductive layer and the liquid crystal arrangement may be individually and independently controlled, i.e. switchable in such a way that: the liquid crystal arrangement enters its transmissive state or its blocking state, while the light guiding layer is illuminated or not.

When joining the individual layers of a vehicle window pane, the processing parameters have to be adjusted for the liquid crystal arrangement and the light guide layer in such a way that: both the adhesion of the two layers and the function of the two layers are ensured.

In a particular embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light-guiding layer is arranged on a side of the liquid crystal arrangement facing away from the surroundings of the vehicle. This means that the light guiding layer is visible from the interior of the vehicle when activated, regardless of the switching state of the liquid crystal arrangement.

In particular, the light-guiding layer may form the inner visible surface of the glazing.

The light guiding layer may be made of any suitable material. In particular, the light guiding layer may comprise a planar glass body, which provides the advantage that: the additional protective layer on the inner side of the glazing may be omitted.

In an alternative embodiment of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the light-guiding layer may comprise a plastic film and/or a plastic plate. This is particularly advantageous if the window pane is to be weight optimized.

In order to be able to provide the light guiding layer with certain desired illumination characteristics, the light guiding layer preferably contains scattering centers, which may in particular be formed by nanoparticles. In particular, the scattering centers are uniformly dispersed in the photoconductive layer.

In another particular embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the light-guiding layer has an imprint, for example, which defines the light pattern or can be used as a reflective layer.

The liquid crystal arrangement may also have a reflective layer.

To protect the light-guiding layer from damage, it may additionally be provided with a scratch-resistant coating.

The vehicle pane according to the invention can be produced in substantially different ways. For example, the individual layers of the glazing are joined by vacuum lamination or autoclaving, the composite structure of the individual layers being exposed to a specific pressure and a specific temperature. In particular, the following adhesive plastic films may be used as the longitudinal expansion compensation layer: when heated, form a composite structure with other layers, i.e. with the glazing body, the liquid crystal arrangement, the polarizing layer and/or the glazing inner body, owing to their thermoplastic or crosslinking properties. In a particular vacuum lamination process, the composite structure is heated from one side by a heating plate, the composite structure being exposed to pressure via a pressure difference in a chamber (chamber) divided into two parts by a membrane. In the case of manufacture in an autoclave chamber, the laminated structure is heated from all sides by means of circulating air. A gas pressure of up to about 15 bar may be set.

Alternatively, the window glass according to the present invention may be manufactured by so-called optical bonding in which an optically highly transparent and non-yellowing adhesive is used as the longitudinal expansion compensation layer. In particular, silicones which have high temperature stability and which can be removed later without damage can be used. Polyurethane, acrylate or epoxy resins may also be used.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a vehicle window pane, comprising the following steps:

preparing a structure comprised of a plurality of layers in a stacked configuration in a frame, the structure comprising:

a glazing main body; a liquid crystal arrangement structure including a liquid crystal cell and two films, the liquid crystal cell being arranged between the two films; a longitudinally extending compensation layer located between the liquid crystal arrangement and the glazing body, at least the liquid crystal arrangement and the longitudinally extending compensation layer being placed in a frame, the frame defining their positions relative to each other;

introducing the structure comprising a frame into a vacuum bag;

evacuating the vacuum bag and applying pressure to the vacuum bag to cause the layers of the structure to become bonded;

the composite structure is removed from the vacuum bag.

The method thus implemented makes it possible to combine the structural layers of the window pane cleanly and accurately and to implement a window pane that can be mounted on the vehicle without further processing steps.

In order to improve and/or accelerate the bonding of the various layers of the structure, the structure placed in a vacuum bag is heated while it is exposed to pressure. For example, the temperature at which the structure is heated is between 50 ℃ and 150 ℃. The pressure applied to the vacuum bag is preferably in the range between 1 and 20 bar, in particular between 1 and 12 bar. This process may be performed in an autoclave chamber.

In order to stabilize the frame, it may be covered by a pressure plate. The pressure plates constitute an auxiliary structure ensuring that the various layers of the structure maintain their shape during the bonding process.

Corresponding to the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the structure may have a pane inner body, a polarizing layer and/or a light-guiding layer.

If a light guiding layer is integrated in the structure, both a switchable film in the form of a liquid crystal arrangement and a panel lighting system in the form of a light guiding layer can be integrated in the glazing in one stage of processing using the method according to the invention.

Furthermore, at least one of the two films may be provided with an additional matrix layer that mechanically stabilizes the liquid crystal arrangement. In particular, additional matrix layers are laminated on the respective films of the liquid crystal arrangement before the arrangement is placed in the frame. Preferably, both films of the liquid crystal arrangement are provided with an additional matrix layer.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are clear from the description, the drawings and the claims.

Drawings

Embodiments of a vehicle pane according to the invention are shown in a schematically simplified manner in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1 is a top view of a vehicle roof with a window pane according to the invention;

fig. 2a is a section through a vehicle glazing, the section showing its layer structure;

FIG. 2b is a cross-section through an alternative embodiment of a window pane;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section through another alternative embodiment of a glazing, wherein the alternative embodiment of the glazing comprises a liquid crystal arrangement and a light guiding layer;

fig. 4a to 4e show the manufacture of the glazing of fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross section through another alternative embodiment of a vehicle glazing according to the present invention;

fig. 6a to 6e show the manufacture of the glazing of fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective cross-section through a liquid crystal arrangement with an additional matrix layer;

fig. 8 shows the application of an additional matrix layer to the liquid crystal arrangement.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a roof 10 of a motor vehicle (not specifically shown). The vehicle roof 10 is a panoramic sunroof, the vehicle roof 10 being provided with a displaceable cover element 12 and a fixed roof element 14. They are each realized as a glass element and thus as a vehicle window pane. The cover element 12 and the fixed top element 14 each have the same layer structure provided with the shielding arrangement and shown in fig. 2 a.

The top elements 12 and 14, each realized as a window pane, each comprise a pane arrangement 15, the pane arrangement 15 having a pane body 16 made of a glass disc, which is bent in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the roof of the vehicle and forms the exterior of the window pane. On the inside, each pane comprises a pane inner body 18, which is also made of a bent glass disc. The windowpane body 16 and the windowpane inner body 18 each have a thickness of about 2.1mm and a corresponding three-dimensional curvature.

A liquid crystal arrangement 20 forming a shading arrangement is arranged between the glazing body 16 and the glazing inner body 18, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 comprising two films 22 and 24 of PET or polycarbonate, a single liquid crystal cell 26 being arranged between the films 22 and 24. Both transparent films 22 and 24 have a thickness of about 100 μm. In order to be able to switch the liquid crystal cell 26 between the transmissive state and the blocking state, conductive layers are integrated on the inner sides of the films 22 and 24 of the liquid crystal arrangement 20, which conductive layers are connected to the on-board electrical system of the vehicle via respective contacts (not shown). The respective aligned layers 22 and 24 are preferably disposed on conductive layers, the aligned layers 22 and 24 bounding a liquid crystal cell 26. The aligned layers 22 and 24 serve to pre-align the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal cell 26 in the off state and may both be made of polyimide or UV cured acrylate.

The liquid crystal arrangement 20 is connected to the glazing body 16 via a longitudinally extending compensation layer 28 having adhesive properties. On the side facing away from the glazing body 16, a polarizing layer 32 is connected to the liquid crystal arrangement 20 via a second longitudinally extending compensation layer 30, the polarizing layer 32 comprising a linear polarizer having a polarization direction at right angles to the polarization direction of the liquid crystal cell 26 when the liquid crystal cell 26 is in the blocking position. The polarizing layer 32 is connected to the glazing inner body 18 via a further longitudinally extending compensation layer 34.

The longitudinal expansion compensation layers 28, 30 and 34, which each have adhesive properties and connect the glazing body 16, the liquid crystal arrangement 20, the polarizing layer 32 and the glazing inner body 18, each have a thickness of approximately 0.4mm and are each made of an acrylate layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an epoxy layer, a silicone layer or a layer of a cross-linked material, for example an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) layer or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer. Furthermore, the layer composite forming the glazing comprises an edge seal 36, the edge seal 36 covering the edges of the longitudinally extending compensation layers 28, 30 and 34 and the edges of the liquid crystal arrangement 20 and the edges of the polarizing layer 32 and being arranged between the glass body 16 and the glass inner body 18.

Fig. 2b shows a glazing arrangement 15, the glazing arrangement 15 substantially corresponding to the glazing arrangement of fig. 2a, but differing in that a polarizing layer 32 is arranged between the glass body 16 and the liquid crystal arrangement 20. The longitudinally expanding compensation layers 28, 30 and 34 are arranged between the glass body 16 and the polarizing layer 32, between the polarizing layer 32 and the liquid crystal arrangement 20 and between the liquid crystal arrangement 20 and the windowpane inner body 18.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative pane arrangement 15' for use in a cover element or a fixed roof element of the type shown in fig. 1. The glazing arrangement 15' has a glazing body 16, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 being connected to the inside of the glazing body 16 via a longitudinally expanding compensation layer 28 having adhesive properties. Consistent with the embodiment of fig. 2, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 comprises two films 22 and 24 of PET or polycarbonate, with a single liquid crystal cell 26 disposed between the films 22 and 24. Likewise, an electrically conductive layer is arranged on the inner side of the membranes 22 and 24, which electrically conductive layer is connectable to the on-board electrical system of said vehicle via respective contacts (not shown). Thus, the liquid crystal cell 26 can be switched back and forth between the transmissive state and the blocking state.

On the side facing away from the pane body 16 made of single pane safety glass, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 is provided with a barrier film 38, the barrier film 38 preventing moisture and oxygen from diffusing into the liquid crystal arrangement 20.

Via a further longitudinally extended compensation layer 34', a light guiding layer 40 is connected to the liquid crystal arrangement 20, the light guiding layer 40 being made of a thin plastic plate of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or the like, in which light guiding layer 40 nanoparticles are embedded in order to create scattering centers. On the inner side, i.e. the side facing the vehicle interior, the light guide layer 40 is additionally provided with a scratch-resistant coating (hardened coating) 42.

The light guiding layer 40 is connected to the light sources 41 via its peripheral edge in such a way that: light can be coupled into the light guiding layer 40 in the respective switched state of the light source 41, and the light guiding layer 40 can thus be used as a lighting fixture for the interior of the vehicle.

The longitudinally expanding compensation layers 28 and 34' are implemented in the same manner as the longitudinally expanding compensation layers of the embodiment of fig. 2.

Furthermore, similar to the embodiment of fig. 2, in the layer structure of fig. 3, a polarizing layer may additionally be arranged between the liquid crystal arrangement 20 and the light guiding layer 40.

As is clear from the above embodiments, the layer structure shown in fig. 3 integrates two functions, namely: on the one hand, a shading function in the form of a switchable liquid crystal arrangement 20 and possibly provided polarizing layers; on the other hand, an illumination function in the form of a light guiding layer 40. Both functions can be controlled separately.

The pane arrangement 15' shown in fig. 3 and forming a laminate structure is manufactured in the following manner as shown in fig. 4.

First, the light guiding layer 40, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 provided with the barrier film 38 and the longitudinal expansion compensation layers 28 and 34' are provided (fig. 4a), and then the light guiding layer 40, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 are arranged as a stacked structure in a frame 44 and placed on the glazing body 16. The frame 44 is made of PTFE. Furthermore, a press plate 46 is placed on the light guide layer 40 arranged on top and provided with the scratch-resistant coating 42, so that a tight connection is formed between the individual layers placed on the pane body 16 (fig. 4 b). The frame 44 is then introduced into a vacuum bag 48 (fig. 4c) together with the layer structure comprising the glazing body 16, the longitudinal expansion compensation layers 28 and 34', the liquid crystal arrangement 20, the light guide layer 40 and the press plate 46.

The vacuum bag 48 is evacuated and the vacuum bag 48 is subjected to a pressure increase P and a temperature increase T within the cavity such that the plies of the ply structure, i.e. the glazing body 16, the longitudinal expansion compensation ply 28, the liquid crystal arrangement 20, the longitudinal expansion compensation ply 34' and the light guiding ply 40, become bonded (fig. 4 d). Subsequently, the composite glazing arrangement 15 'may be removed from the vacuum bag 48 and the composite glazing arrangement 15' demolded from the frame 44 (fig. 4 e).

Fig. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of a pane arrangement 15 ″ for use in a cover element or a fixed roof element of the type shown in fig. 1. The glazing arrangement 15 "also comprises a glazing body 16, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 being connected to the inside of the glazing body 16 via a longitudinally extending compensation layer 28 having adhesive properties, the liquid crystal arrangement 20 being configured according to the embodiment of figures 2 and 5. Furthermore, the side of the liquid crystal arrangement 20 facing away from the glazing body 16 is provided with a barrier film 38, the barrier film 38 preventing diffusion of moisture and/or oxygen in the direction of the liquid crystal arrangement 20, the barrier film 38 may be constituted by a vapour deposited oxide layer.

The light guiding layer 40 ' is connected to the liquid crystal arrangement 20 via a further longitudinally extended compensation layer 34 ', the light guiding layer 40 ', which can be considered as the inner body of the glazing, being constituted by a transparent glass panel. The light guiding layer 40' forms the inner visible surface of the glazing arrangement 15 ". On the side facing away from its inner visible surface, the light guiding layer 40 'is provided with a printed pattern 52, the printed pattern 52 supporting the effect of the light guiding layer 40' as an ambient lighting feature. When mounted, the light guiding layer 40 'is connected at its peripheral edge to at least one light source 41, by means of which at least one light source 41 light can be coupled into the light guiding layer 40'.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, two functions are integrated, namely: on the one hand, a shading function in the form of a switchable liquid crystal arrangement 20 with a possibly additionally provided polarizing layer; on the other hand, a lighting function in the form of a light guiding layer 40' connected or connectable to the switchable light source 41. Furthermore, both functions can be controlled independently.

The manufacture of the glazing arrangement 15 "shown in figure 5 and forming a laminated structure is substantially similar to the manufacture of the glazing arrangement of figure 3 (figure 4) and is shown in figure 6.

In a first step, a longitudinally expanding compensation layer 28, a liquid crystal arrangement 20 with a barrier film 38, a longitudinally expanding compensation layer 34 and a pre-cut light guiding layer 40' formed of a glass panel are provided (fig. 6 a). The plies forming the ply structure, once bonded to the windowpane body 16, are then placed as a stacked structure in the frame 44 on the windowpane body 16. The frame 44 maintains the relative position (6b) of the various layers of the layer structure. The glazing body 16 together with the frame 44 accommodating the layers is then introduced into a vacuum bag (fig. 6c), which is subsequently evacuated and subjected to pressurisation and warming. This causes the light guiding layer 40', the liquid crystal arrangement 20 and the glazing body 16 to become joined in one processing step (figure 6 d). The finished product, i.e. the glazing arrangement 15 ", can then be removed from the vacuum bag 48 and, after detachment from the frame 44, can be used for a skylight cover element, a fixed roof element, etc. (fig. 6e).

Fig. 7 shows a liquid crystal arrangement 20 'provided with additional matrix layers on both sides, each matrix layer being composed of PET or polycarbonate and providing additional stiffness to the liquid crystal arrangement 20'. The additional substrate layer 50 is connected to the films 22 and 24, respectively, of the liquid crystal arrangement 20' via an adhesive layer 54 of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, which adhesive layer 54 may be in the form of a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA).

As can be seen in fig. 8, the additional substrate layer 50 may be connected to the liquid crystal arrangement 20' in a roll lamination process using a reel or roll 56. The liquid crystal arrangement 20' may replace each of the liquid crystal arrangements in the embodiments of fig. 2, 3 and 5 with an additional matrix layer 50.

Reference numerals

10 vehicle roof

12 cover element

14 fixed roof element

15. 15 ', 15' glazing arrangement

16 glazing body

18 window glass inner body

20 liquid crystal arrangement

22 film

24 film

26 liquid crystal cell

28 longitudinal expansion compensation layer

30 longitudinally expanding compensation layer

32 polarizing layer

34. 34' longitudinal expansion compensation layer

36 edge seal

38 blocking membrane

40. 40' light guide layer

41 light source

42 scratch resistant coating

44 frame

46 pressing plate

48 vacuum bag

50 additional substrate layer

52 print

54 adhesive layer

56 reel