阅读说明：本技术 车辆玻璃的遮蔽带中的功能照明 (Functional lighting in a shade strip for vehicle glazing ) 是由 T·范多尔维尔德 于 2021-06-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种分层的窗面板包括透明材料的第一层和透明材料的第二层。所述窗面板设置有遮蔽区域,所述遮蔽区域为不透明的。所述窗面板进一步包括被构造成用于功能照明的照明装置。所述照明装置在所述遮蔽区域中布置于所述第一层与第二层之间。(A layered window panel includes a first layer of transparent material and a second layer of transparent material. The window panel is provided with a shielding area which is opaque. The window panel further includes an illumination device configured for functional illumination. The illumination device is arranged between the first and second layers in the obscured region.)

1. A layered window panel comprising a first layer of transparent material and a second layer of transparent material,

wherein the window panel is provided with a shielded area, the shielded area being opaque, an

Wherein the window panel further comprises an illumination device configured for functional illumination, the illumination device being arranged between the first layer and the second layer in the obscured area.

2. The laminated window panel of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first layer and said second layer is a glass sheet.

3. The layered window panel of claim 1, wherein the illumination device comprises a substrate and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate.

4. The layered window panel of claim 3, wherein at least one of the light sources is an LED.

5. The layered window panel of claim 1,

the first layer provides a first outer surface and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface;

the second layer provides a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface;

the second inner surface is opposite the first inner surface; and

the lighting device is arranged between the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

6. The layered window panel of claim 5, wherein a shade layer is disposed on at least one of the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the first outer surface, the second outer surface in the shade region, and a shade opening is provided in the shade layer, the light source of the illumination device being disposed adjacent to the shade opening to enable light to pass through the shade layer.

7. The layered window panel of claim 6, wherein the obscuring layer is disposed on one of the first and second exterior surfaces.

8. The layered window panel of claim 7, wherein a first obscuring layer is disposed on the second exterior surface and a second obscuring layer is disposed on the first interior surface, the obscuring opening being disposed in the first obscuring layer.

9. The layered window panel of claim 6, wherein the illumination device comprises a camouflage layer, wherein the camouflage layer is configured to reduce visibility of the illumination device.

10. The layered window panel of claim 9, wherein the camouflage layer has a surface area that exceeds a surface area of the blind opening, and wherein the camouflage layer is disposed at a side of the lighting device opposite the blind opening.

11. The laminated window panel of claim 9, wherein said substrate of said illumination device is provided with a layer having a color corresponding to the color of said obscuring layer.

12. A roof assembly for a vehicle roof, the roof assembly comprising the layered window panel of claim 1.

13. A method of providing a layered window panel, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first layer of transparent material and a second layer of transparent material;

b. providing an opaque region on at least one of the first and second layers of transparent region;

c. providing an illumination device configured for functional illumination;

d. arranging the illumination device between the first and second layers of transparent material in the obscured area; and

e. combining the first layer, the lighting device and the second layer in the arrangement of step d.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein step b comprises providing a blind opening in the blind layer, and wherein in step d a light source of the illumination device is arranged adjacent to the blind opening to enable light to pass through the blind layer.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein step d comprises providing the lighting device with a camouflage layer, wherein the camouflage layer is configured to reduce visibility of the lighting device.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a layered window panel comprising a functional lighting arrangement, and a method for providing such a layered window panel.

Background

Open roof assemblies are well known in the art. Known open roof assemblies are arranged on the roof of a vehicle, wherein an opening is provided in the roof. The movable closure member is selectively in either an open position or a closed position. In the open position, the interior of the vehicle is in open contact with the exterior of the vehicle, for example for providing fresh air in the interior. In the closed position, the interior of the vehicle is closed and protected, for example, from rain and other external influences. In known open roof assemblies, the closure member may be (semi-) transparent to allow sunlight to enter the interior when the closure member is in the closed position.

Providing such an open roof assembly or a fixed transparent panel in a vehicle roof limits the available interior roof surface area for providing functional elements such as overhead lighting (e.g., reading lights).

In the prior art, LEDs have been incorporated into laminated glazing panels, where the LED is disposed between two layers of glass. Further, according to the prior art, it is known to provide a plurality of LEDs in a roof glass panel, suitably arranged to provide functional light.

While such integration of light sources in the roof glass panel may be used for reading or for providing illumination for entering or exiting the vehicle, such integrated LEDs, although small, are still visible. In particular in moving vehicles, small dots in or on the window can be annoying and disconcerting during driving and, in any case, aesthetically undesirable.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window panel comprising a functional lighting device, wherein the lighting device does not obstruct the view through the window panel.

In a first aspect, the object is achieved in a layered window panel according to claim 1. The layered window panel according to the present invention comprises a first layer of transparent material and a second layer of transparent material, wherein the window panel is provided with an opaque obscuration zone. The window panel further includes an illumination device configured for functional illumination, and the illumination device is disposed between the first layer and the second layer in the obscured area.

Many window panels, in particular vehicle window panels, have opaque obscuration regions, usually at least obscuration bands, in their peripheral regions. For example, the shaded region may be configured for mounting the window panel without affecting the visual appearance at the side of the window panel opposite the side to which the window panel is adhered. However, in general, the shaded area exceeds the area for adhesion, with the result that a part of such shaded area can also be seen from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. According to the invention, functional lighting means are arranged between the layers of the layered window panel in the screening area. Since the obscured area is already substantially opaque, the illumination device cannot block any view through the transparent area of the window panel. Furthermore, the obscured area may be designed for visually hiding elements such as the functional lighting device.

As used herein, transparent means that a significant amount of visible light can pass through. For example, typically, the roof window panel is dimmed and thus has a reduced transmittance for visible light. However, the external environment, in particular the light changes in the external environment, are distinguishable and therefore it is believed that a significant amount of light can pass through the roof hatch panel. Similarly, opaque is used herein to indicate that no significant amount of light can pass, particularly as compared to any transparent region adjacent to an opaque region. Thus, a small, measurable but in fact insignificant amount of light may be able to pass through the opaque region.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first layer and the second layer is a glass sheet. Typically, at least one of the layers of transparent material is formed from glass. However, the one or both layers of transparent material may be formed from another material, such as a plastics material.

In one embodiment of the layered window panel, the lighting device includes a substrate and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate. Since the light sources, in particular the LEDs, arranged between the layers of the layered window panel need to be small, the light output of each light source is typically relatively low. Therefore, especially for functional lighting, a plurality of light sources (e.g. LEDs) may be provided on the substrate and the substrate with the light sources is arranged between the layers. The light sources may be a switchable group, but may also be individually addressable or a predetermined subset. The substrate may be any kind of suitable substrate. However, in view of the location in the shaded area, there is no need to provide a transparent substrate with transparent or very thin conductive leads, thereby reducing costs and improving manufacturability and reliability, as commonly available materials and techniques may be suitable for providing light sources for such substrates.

In one embodiment, the first layer of transparent material provides a first outer surface and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface, and the second layer of transparent material provides a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface. Further, the second inner surface is opposite the first inner surface, and the illumination device is arranged between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. Thus, the layered window panel is provided with at least four surfaces at which elements, such as lighting devices, may be arranged. In a particular embodiment thereof, a shielding layer is arranged on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces in the shielding region, and wherein shielding openings are provided in the shielding layer. The light source of the lighting device is arranged adjacent to the shielding opening to enable light to pass through the shielding layer. In this embodiment, the illumination device is arranged behind the shielding layer and the shielding opening is arranged to enable light output by the illumination device to pass through.

In yet another embodiment thereof, the obscuring layer is disposed on one of the outer surfaces. The shielding layer at the outer surface is provided with shielding openings at the positions of light sources of a lighting device arranged at the inner surface.

In yet another embodiment thereof, a first masking layer is disposed on the second outer surface and a second masking layer is disposed on the first inner surface, the masking openings being disposed in the first masking layer. The second obscuring layer may act as an obscuring background layer for the illumination device.

In one embodiment, the lighting device comprises a camouflage layer, wherein the camouflage layer is configured to reduce the visibility of the lighting device. In particular, the camouflage layer is intended to provide a desired appearance to the lighting device, which is visible through the screening opening. For example, the substrate of the lighting device may be provided with an opaque layer or coating, wherein the layer or coating has a color corresponding to the color of the obscuring layer to further reduce the visibility of the lighting device.

In an embodiment, the camouflage layer has a surface area exceeding a surface area of the shading opening and is arranged at a side of the lighting device opposite to the shading opening. Thus, the camouflage layer is arranged between the blind opening and the lighting device. In case the surface area of the camouflage layer exceeds the surface area of the screening opening, the lighting device with the camouflage layer can easily be positioned with a significant tolerance range during manufacturing, while the camouflage layer and the screening layer overlap to reduce the visibility of the lighting device.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a roof assembly for a vehicle roof, wherein the roof assembly comprises the above-described layered window panel.

In one aspect, the invention further provides a method for providing a layered window panel according to claim 13. The method comprises the following steps: providing a first transparent material layer and a second transparent material layer; providing an opaque region on at least one of the first and second transparent regional layers; providing an illumination device configured for functional illumination; arranging the illumination device between the first layer of transparent material and the second layer of transparent material in the obscured area; and combining the first layer, the lighting device and the second layer in an arrangement as provided in the previous step.

In one embodiment, the method step of providing an opaque blackout region comprises providing a blackout opening, and in the step of arranging the lighting device between the first layer and the second layer, a light source of the lighting device is arranged adjacent to the blackout opening to enable light to pass through the blackout layer.

In an embodiment of the above method, the step of arranging the lighting device between the first layer and the second layer comprises providing the lighting device with a camouflage layer, wherein the camouflage layer is configured to reduce the visibility of the lighting device.

Drawings

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle roof having an open roof assembly;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the open roof assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a window panel for use in a vehicle roof assembly;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle having a window panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a window panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a window panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of a window panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a first embodiment of a lighting device for use in a window panel according to the present invention;

fig. 4B shows a cross-section of the first embodiment of the lighting device according to fig. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a lighting device for use in a window panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a third embodiment of a lighting device for use in a window panel according to the present invention;

fig. 5B shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of the lighting device according to fig. 5A; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a window panel for use in a vehicle roof assembly.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar elements throughout the several views.

Fig. 1A shows a vehicle roof 1, said vehicle roof 1 having an open roof assembly arranged therein. The open roof assembly comprises a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2 b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing member, since the movable panel 2a is movable over the first roof opening 3a so as to be able to open and close the first roof opening 3 a. The wind deflector 4 is arranged at the front side of the first roof opening 3 a.

In the embodiment shown, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, which is a position in which: in this position, the movable panel 2a is arranged above the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening 3a and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the vehicle roof 1. Further, the movable panel 2a may be in a tilted position, which is a position in which: in this position, the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Further, the movable panel 2a may be in an open position, which is a position in which: in this position, the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

It should be noted that the vehicle roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other type of vehicle that may be provided with a movable panel is also contemplated.

Fig. 1B shows the same vehicle roof as shown in fig. 1A with panels 2a and 2B. In particular, while fig. 1A shows the open roof assembly in an open position, fig. 1B is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in a closed position. Further, in this exploded view of fig. 1B, the presence of a second roof opening 3B is shown. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in the frame 5 of the open roof assembly. The edge 5a of the frame 5 defines a first roof opening 3 a.

The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior passenger compartment through the fixed panel 2b, provided that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or similar transparent panel, for example made of plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b and the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b are optional and may be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

The wind deflector 4 is typically a flexible material, such as a woven or nonwoven fabric having through holes arranged therein, or a mesh or net. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (e.g., a rod or tube-like structure) that is directly or indirectly hingedly coupled to the frame 5 at a hinge 4 b.

The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts to the airflow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the windscreen 4 reduces the inconvenient noise caused by the air flow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or in the tilted position, the windshield 4 is held downward below the front end FE of the movable panel 2 a.

Typically, when the movable panel 2a slides into the open position, the windscreen 4 is raised by the spring force, and when the movable panel 2a slides back into its closed position, the windscreen 4 is pushed downwards by the movable panel 2 a. In fig. 1A, the movable panel 2a is shown in an open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in a raised position. In fig. 1B, the movable panel 2a is shown in the closed position and the windscreen 4 is correspondingly shown in a position in which it is held down.

Fig. 1B further shows a drive assembly with a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6B, a first drive cable 7 and a second drive cable 8. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b are arranged on respective lateral ends SE of the movable panel 2a and may each comprise a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism comprises a movable part and is slidably movable in the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are arranged between the mechanism of the respective guide assembly 6a, 6b and the electric motor 9.

The drive cables 7, 8 couple the electric motor 9 to the mechanism of the respective guide assembly 6a, 6b, so that upon operation of the electric motor 9, the mechanism starts to move. In particular, the core of the drive cables 7, 8 is moved by an electric motor 9 to push or pull the mechanism of the respective guide 6a, 6 b. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and, therefore, are not further elucidated herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the electric motors may be operatively arranged between the respective guides of the guide assemblies 6a, 6b and the respective mechanisms, and in such embodiments, the drive assembly may be omitted entirely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b may be set into motion by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby bringing the movable panel 2a into a tilted position. Then, from the tilted position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start sliding to bring the movable panel 2a in the open position. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a may be moved to a tilted position by raising the rear end RE, while the open position is reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a under the fixed panel 2b or under any other structure or element disposed behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2 a. In further exemplary embodiments, the movable panel 2a may be movable only between the closed position and the tilted position or between the closed position and the open position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the electric motor 9 may be positioned at any other suitable location or orientation. For example, the electric motor 9 may be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2 b.

The control unit 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to the electric motor 9. The control unit 11 may be any kind of processing unit well known to the person skilled in the art: a software controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit such as an ASIC. The control unit 11 may be a stand-alone control unit or it may be operatively connected to another control unit, such as a multipurpose general vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 may be embedded in or part of such a general vehicle control unit. The control unit 11 may be implemented by essentially any control unit suitable, capable and configured to perform the operation of the electric motor 9 and therefore of the movable roof assembly.

Fig. 2A shows a view of a layered window panel 2 having a transparent region 21 and a shaded region 22, and a window panel specifically configured for use in a vehicle roof assembly, for example, as a closure member 2A or a fixed panel 2B in an open roof assembly as shown in fig. 1A and 1B. In the embodiment of fig. 2A, functional lighting elements 23 are provided in the layered window panel 2 in the obscured area 22. As a result, the view through the transparent area 21 is not obstructed in any way by the functional lighting element 23.

Fig. 2B shows a perspective view of the passenger compartment 100 of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a window panel 2 according to fig. 2A, said window panel 2 comprising a transparent area 21, a sheltered area 22 surrounding the transparent area 21 and a functional lighting element 23 arranged in the sheltered area 22. The functional lighting element 23 shown can be used as general room lighting, for example for entering and exiting a vehicle, or as a passenger reading light or any other functional lighting purpose. The functional lighting element 23 may be turned on and off by opening and closing of a door, by a switch disposed in the passenger compartment, or by a switch disposed in the window panel 2 (e.g., by providing a capacitive touch function), or the like. The skilled person is able to select any suitable method and means for operating the functional lighting element 23, and it should be noted that the present invention is not in any way limited to such method and means for operating the functional lighting element 23.

Fig. 3A shows a first embodiment of the integrated functional lighting element 23 in more detail in cross-section. A first structural layer 201 of transparent material having an outer surface 201o and an inner surface 201i is adhered to a second structural layer 203 of transparent material having an outer surface 203u and an inner surface 203i by a transparent adhesive layer 202. Such layered window panels are well known. For example, first layer 201 and second layer 203 may be glass and adhesive layer 202 may be PVB or EVA. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific selection of materials. Other suitable structures (i.e., having a sufficiently high stiffness for the intended application) and transparent materials such as certain plastic materials may also be used.

An illumination device 231 is disposed between the first layer 201 and the second layer 203. At least one electrically conductive lead 24 is provided for supplying electrical energy and optionally one or more control signals to the lighting device 231. The electrically conductive leads 24 may be electrically conductive wires, electrically conductive tracks on a substrate or electrically conductive layers on the respective inner surfaces 201i, 203i of e.g. the first or second layers 201, 203.

The shielding layer 221 is provided to form a shielding region, and the shielding opening 222 is provided to enable light originating from the illumination device 231 to pass through the shielding layer 221. The masking layer 221 may be any suitable material, such as a ceramic material. The skilled person is able to select a suitable material for the shielding layer 221.

A mounting bracket 204 is provided in the shield region 22 on the shield layer 221. A cover element 12, also commonly referred to as a canopy, is provided to cover the mounting bracket 204 and any other mounting elements present in the covered space 13 and the like. For example, a mechanism for tilting, sliding or otherwise moving the window panel may be arranged in the covering space 13. Further, the vehicle body component supporting the window panel 2 may be covered by the covering member 12.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the illumination means 231 in the shielded area enables the use of simple and cost effective materials and methods to provide integrated functional illumination, as no transparent material such as a transparent substrate is required. Similarly, in this embodiment, the conductive leads 24 need not be transparent, since the shielding layer 221 extends to the peripheral edge of the second layer 203, thereby hiding the leads 24 from view.

Fig. 3B shows a second embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment of fig. 3A, a second masking layer 223 is added next to the first masking layer 221. The illumination device 231 is arranged between the second shielding layer 223 and the shielding opening 222 in the first shielding layer 221. The second shield layer 223 assists the first shield layer 221 in providing the opaque shield area 22 and at least removes the lighting device 231 from view from the exterior of the vehicle.

The embodiment of the illumination device 231 shown in fig. 3C further comprises a camouflage layer 232. In the particular embodiment shown, the camouflage layer 232 is disposed at the periphery of the illumination device 231. The camouflage layer 232 preferably has an appearance, e.g. a color, similar to the first shielding layer 221, so that the alignment between the illumination device 231 and the shielding opening 222 has a tolerance range. In manufacturing the layered window panel 2, alignment of the illumination device 231 and the blind opening 222 is facilitated, thereby reducing cost and complexity without compromising appearance.

Fig. 4A shows a more detailed front view of the illumination device 231 integrated into a layered window panel. The shielding region 22 is provided with a shielding opening 222. The illumination device 231 includes a plurality of light sources 234 on a substrate 233. The illumination device 231 is opposed to the shielding opening 222. Further, the substrate 233 has a surface area exceeding that of the shielding opening 222, so that the substrate 233 covers the entire shielding opening 222 to provide a uniform appearance despite any possible inaccuracy in alignment with respect to the shielding opening 222.

Fig. 4B shows a cross-section of the embodiment of fig. 4A. As shown in fig. 4B, the illumination device 231 is arranged in the adhesive layer 202 between the first structural layer 201 and the second structural layer 203 of transparent material. The first shielding layer 221 is disposed on an outer surface of the second layer 203, and the second shielding layer 223 is disposed on an inner surface of the first layer 201. The substrate 233 of the illumination device 231 is disposed on the second shield layer 223. The light source 234 is opposite to the shielding opening 222 in the first shielding layer 221. Light beams 234a from light source 234 pass through second layer 203 and through shadow opening 222 to provide functional illumination.

Fig. 4C shows an embodiment of an illumination device 231 for use in the embodiments of fig. 4A and 4B. Although in fig. 4A and 4B, the substrate 233 can be seen through the shielding opening 222, the lighting device 231 of fig. 4C is provided with the camouflage layer 232 having an opening for each light source 234. The camouflage layer 232 covers the substrate 233 and has a surface area exceeding the surface area of the shielding opening 222, similar to the substrate 233 in the above-described embodiment. The camouflage layer 232 may be a film or foil, for example made of plastic, or may be a coating or paint on the substrate 233. Preferably, the camouflage layer 232 may be selected to have an appearance similar to that of the obscured area to visually conceal the lighting device 231. However, if desired, the camouflage layer 232 may be provided with a contrasting appearance to highlight the presence of the illumination device 231. Also, in such embodiments, the illumination device 231 does not affect the field of view through the transparent region of the window panel.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment, wherein the illumination device 231 includes an annular substrate 233 supporting a plurality of light sources 234 (e.g., LEDs). The substrate 233 is arranged on an inner surface of the second layer 203 and the light source 234 emits light towards the first layer 201. Reflective region 235 is disposed on an inner surface of first layer 201 such that emitted light is reflected toward shadow opening 222 disposed on an outer surface of second layer 203. Thus, the substrate 233 may be arranged behind the first shield layer 221 out of the line of sight.

The reflective region 235 may be provided by providing a second reflective masking layer 223 or by providing a reflective element. Optionally, reflective region 235 may be provided with beam shaping properties, for example to provide a parallel, diverging or converging beam. For example, the reflective regions may be specularly or diffusely reflective. Further, reflective region 235 may have a contoured surface, such as convex or concave. Of course, such characteristics may be appropriately combined to obtain a desired beam shape.

Optionally, further beam shaping elements may be provided. For example, a Fresnel lens 236 may be disposed on the second layer 203 at the shadow opening 222. If deemed appropriate, a plurality of beam shaping elements may be provided to obtain the desired beam. In this embodiment, the reflective region 235 may have suitable characteristics, and a beam shaping element such as a fresnel lens 236 may be disposed at the shadow opening 222.

Further, optionally, light blocking means 237 may be provided at the periphery of the lighting device 231 to prevent light from leaking into one or more of the layers 201, 202, 203 of the layered window panel. Since such layers 201, 202, 203 may act as light guides, light leakage may result in undesired light leakage from the peripheral edges of the shaded area 22. The light blocking means 237 may be formed as a housing of the illumination means 231, so that all elements related to the function of the illumination means 231 may be manufactured as a single unit and may then be arranged as a whole unit between the first layer 201 and the second layer 203. Such a unit may also include a camouflage layer as described above to reduce positioning accuracy requirements during manufacture of the laminated window panel.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a layered window panel 2 for use as a roof window panel. In this embodiment, the obscured area 22 is shaped as an integrated functional lighting element 23, such that the functional lighting element 23 is not arranged in the transparent area 21. Although it may be desirable to provide as large a transparent area 21 as possible, in practice it may be preferable to provide the functional lighting element 23 in the obscured area 22. Furthermore, the shape of the shielded area 22 may be adapted to cover the functional lighting element 23.

The functional lighting element 23 may of course be provided with further functions, for example being dimmable to provide mood lighting, without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, the shielding opening may also be used to contain other functional elements, such as a sensor or a camera. Also, such functional elements may be provided in combination with or without functional lighting elements.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination and any advantageous combination of such claims is therefore disclosed.

Further, it is contemplated that the structural elements may be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. Thus, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that direct a computer to create such a structural element via three-dimensional printing techniques or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Moreover, any such reference to structural elements is also intended to encompass a computer-readable medium carrying such computer-executable instructions.

Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.