WO2022136107A1

WO2022136107A1 - Glazing having a light source

Info

Publication number: WO2022136107A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/086187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jefferson DO ROSARIO
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2021-12-16
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: CN114981078A; DE202021004291U1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing (100), comprising - at least one pane (103-2), in particular a glass pane, - at least one light source (101) arranged at the pane (103-2) for coupling light into the pane (103-2), the pane (103-2) having at least one light-decoupling region (105) for decoupling light from the pane (103-2), which has been totally reflected by the pane (103-2), wherein the glazing (100) and preferably the pane (103-2) comprises at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3) and/or at least one electrooptical functional element (111) for electrically switching optical properties.

Description

Glazing with light source

The present invention is in the technical field of pane production and relates to glazing with at least one pane and a light source for coupling light into the pane, as well as a method for producing the glazing. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the glazing according to the invention.

Glazing in buildings and vehicles is increasingly being provided with large, electrically conductive layers that are transparent to visible light and that have to fulfill certain functions. These layers are usually metal-based, i.e. have at least one layer made of a metallic material, and are commonly referred to as functional layers.

For example, high demands are placed on glazing with regard to its heat-insulating properties for reasons of energy saving and comfort. So it is desirable to avoid a high heat input through solar radiation, which leads to excessive heating of the interior and in turn results in high energy costs for the necessary air conditioning.

The use of layers that reflect thermal radiation (low-E layers) is also known. A low-E layer reflects a significant part of the incoming solar radiation, especially in the infrared range, which leads to reduced heating of the interior in summer. The Low-E layer also reduces the emission of long-wave thermal radiation from a heated pane into the interior when the Low-E layer is applied to the surface of a pane facing the interior. In winter, when outside temperatures are low, the heat from the interior is prevented from radiating to the outside environment. Low-E layers, for example based on niobium, tantalum, nickel, chromium, zirconium or alloys thereof, are well known to the person skilled in the art, for example from US7592068 B2, US7923131 B2 and WO2004076174 A1.

Another application of metal-based functional layers aims to keep the field of vision of a vehicle window free of ice and fog. Electrical heating layers are known which cause targeted heating of the vehicle window by applying an electrical voltage (see, for example, WO 2010/043598 A1). In a further application, the metal-based functional layer is used as a planar antenna in motor vehicles. For this purpose, the metal-based functional layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to a coupling electrode and the antenna signal is made available in the edge area of the pane. The antenna signal decoupled from the planar antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier, which is connected to the metal bodywork in motor vehicles, as a result of which a reference potential that is effective for high-frequency technology is specified for the antenna signal. Such planar antennas are known, for example, from DE 10106125 A1, DE 10319606 A1, EP 0720249 A2, US 2003/0112190 A1 and DE 19843338 C2.

The use of electro-optical functional elements is also known. These are planar structures with electrically controllable optical properties of an active layer. This means that the optical properties of the active layer and in particular its transparency, scattering behavior or luminosity can be controlled by an electrical voltage. Examples of electro-optical functional elements are SPD functional elements (SPD=Suspended Particle Device), which are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1, and PDLC functional elements (PDLC=Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), which are known for example from DE 102008026339 A1 .

Electro-optical functional elements, such as SPD or PDLC functional elements, are commercially available as a multilayer film, with the active layer being arranged between two surface electrodes which are used to apply a voltage to control the active layer. As a rule, the two surface electrodes are arranged between two carrier foils, typically made of PET. Commercially available multilayer films are also covered on both sides with a protective film made of polypropylene or polyethylene, which serves to protect the carrier films from dirt or scratches. Particularly when producing a laminated pane, the electro-optical functional element is cut out of the multilayer film in the desired size and shape and placed between the films of an intermediate layer, by means of which two glass panes are laminated together to form the laminated pane. A typical application is windshields with electrically controllable sun visors, which are known, for example, from DE 102013001334 A1, DE 102005049081 B3, DE 102005007427 A1 and DE 102007027296 A1. Devices for coupling light into a pane are known, for example, from WO 2015/101744 A1, WO 2015/118279 A1, WO 2016/102799 A1, WO 2016/102800 A1, WO 2019/105855 A1 or CN 109 606 251 A.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide improved glazing with a metal-based functional layer and/or an electro-optical functional element, the visibility of coupled-out light on an inside of the glazing preferably being improved. The glazing should be simple and inexpensive to produce in industrial series production. In addition, the method for producing the glazing should be easy and inexpensive to use in common production methods for panes.

According to the proposal of the invention, these and other objects are achieved by a glazing and its production according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a glazing is shown. The glazing comprises at least one pane, preferably a glass pane. The glazing also has at least one light source arranged on the pane for coupling light into the pane, the pane having at least one light decoupling region for decoupling light that is totally reflected in the pane out of the pane. In addition, the glazing and preferably the pane has at least one metal-based functional layer and/or at least one electro-optical functional element for electrically switching optical properties of the pane.

The metal-based functional layer is advantageously arranged directly on the pane or is connected to the pane via one or more, preferably polymeric, carrier and/or adhesive layers. The electro-optical functional element is advantageously connected to the pane directly or via one or more, preferably polymeric, carrier and/or adhesive layers. The adhesive layers can also contain or consist of optically transparent adhesives (so-called OCA, optically clear adhesive).

Advantageously, the contrast of the decoupled light through the at least one metal-based functional layer and / or the at least one electro-optical functional element for electrical switching of optical properties of the glazing and prefer the Disc can be improved in order to increase in particular the optical recognizability of information conveyed by the coupled-out light.

The light from the at least one light source is coupled into the pane, with the light source being arranged in a suitable manner relative to the pane for this purpose. The at least one light source is preferably arranged to the side of the pane, i.e. at its edge, which enables good coupling of light into the pane. Equally preferred is the arrangement of the at least one light source in a recess or opening in the pane, which also enables good coupling of light into the pane. The light coupled into the pane is totally reflected in the pane until it is coupled out of the pane at the at least one light decoupling region.

The at least one light decoupling region is designed to be suitable for decoupling light that is totally reflected in the pane. For this purpose, the light decoupling area preferably has a higher roughness than areas of the pane that are not used for decoupling light that is totally reflected in the pane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the at least one light decoupling region has a non-opaque paste that is printed and baked onto the surface of the pane. The paste is at least semi-transparent or transparent for the light totally reflected in the pane. The printed and burned-in paste increases the roughness of the pane so that light that is totally reflected in the pane can be effectively decoupled.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the at least one light decoupling region is formed by mechanically roughening the pane surface itself, for example by means of a laser. This measure can also be used to ensure that light that is totally reflected in the pane can be effectively decoupled.

The light can be coupled out on one or both sides of the pane. The light is advantageously coupled out on a side of the pane which faces an interior space in the installed position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the at least one electro-optical functional element is for the electrical switching of optical properties a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) or a Suspended Particle Device (SPD) functional element), which is provided in particular in film form. As already explained at the beginning, such electro-optical functional elements are well known to the person skilled in the art, so that they do not have to be discussed in more detail here. In practice, it has been found that electro-optical functional elements for electrical switching of optical properties give the pane a "milky" appearance, which, however, advantageously improves the contrast with respect to the light coupled out of the pane, so that the light coupled out by the the information conveyed becomes more recognizable.

Another example of electro-optical functional elements are PNLC functional elements (PNLC=polymer network liquid crystal). The active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer network, with the functionality being otherwise analogous to that of the PDLC functional elements. Further examples are electrochromic functional elements or functional elements with liquid crystal dye cells (so-called guest-host cells).

SPD, PDLC and PNLC functional elements, electrochromic functional elements and functional elements with liquid crystal dye cells are commercially available as functional elements.

The at least one metal-based functional layer can in principle be formed in any way. According to a preferred embodiment of the glazing according to the invention, the at least one metal-based functional layer is designed to reflect thermal radiation at room temperature and in particular infrared radiation, which has longer wavelengths than the infrared component of solar radiation (so-called coating of low emissivity (Low-E coating)) and/or or to reflect or absorb incident infrared light, in particular the infrared portion of solar radiation. It is advantageously an electrically conductive coating that is transparent to visible light.

The metal-based functional layer can consist of an individual layer or layer made of the same material, it being equally possible for it to consist of several individual layers or layers made of at least two different materials. The functional layer can thus consist of an individual layer or ply made of the same material. Alternatively, the functional layer can consist of a number of individual layers or plies made of at least two different materials. As explained at the outset, it is common practice to form a metal-based functional layer in the form of a layer system made up of individual layers that are different from one another. The metal-based functional layer is preferably applied to the pane over a large area. The metal-based functional layer is arranged on a surface of the pane and covers or covers the surface of the pane completely or partially, but preferably over a large area. The term “large area” means that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75% or preferably at least 90% of the surface of the pane is covered by the metal-based functional layer. However, the metal-based functional layer can also extend over smaller portions of the surface of the pane.

The metal-based functional layer is an individual layer or a layer structure made up of several individual layers with a total thickness of, for example, less than or equal to 2 μm, preferably less than or equal to 1 μm. The metal-based functional layer advantageously has a thickness of 80 nm to 1000 nm, in particular 80 nm to 600 nm, preferably 140 nm to 400 nm.

In the context of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total transmission of the pane and in particular the glazing corresponds to the legal provisions for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a transmittance of more than 70% and in particular more than 75% for visible light. For rear side windows and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmission. Correspondingly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, in particular 0%.

For example, a transparent, electrically conductive functional layer contains at least one metal, for example silver, nickel, chromium, niobium, tin, titanium, copper, palladium, zinc, gold, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, tungsten or alloys thereof, and/or at least one metal oxide layer , preferably tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F) or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb). Such functional layers are known, for example, from DE 20 2008 017 611 U1 and EP 0 847 965 B1. They consist, for example, of a metal layer such as a silver layer or a layer of a metal alloy containing silver. Typical silver layers preferably have thicknesses of 5 nm to 15 nm, more preferably 8 nm to 12 nm. The metal layer may be sandwiched between at least two layers of metal oxide type dielectric material. The metal oxide preferably includes zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like, and combinations of one or more thereof. That dielectric material may also include silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and combinations of one or more of these.

Transparent, electrically conductive functional layers have, for example, a surface resistance of 0.1 ohms/square to 200 ohms/square, particularly preferably from 1 ohms/square to 50 ohms/square and very particularly preferably from 1 ohms/square to 10 ohms/square.

For example, the transparent, electrically conductive functional layer serves as an antenna layer (surface antenna).

The metal-based functional layer is preferably a functional layer with a sun protection effect. Such a layer with a sun protection effect has reflective properties in the infrared range and thus in the range of solar radiation, which advantageously reduces the heating of the interior of a building or motor vehicle as a result of solar radiation. The TTS value of a composite vehicle pane provided with the coating is preferably less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 45%, very particularly preferably less than 40%. The TTS value is the total transmitted solar energy, measured according to ISO 13837 - it is a measure of thermal comfort. The coating can also be used as a heating coating if it is electrically contacted so that a current flows through it which heats the coating. Functional layers with a sun protection effect are well known to the person skilled in the art and typically contain at least one metal, in particular silver or a silver-containing alloy. The layer with a sun protection effect can comprise a sequence of several individual layers, in particular at least one metallic layer and dielectric layers, which contain at least one metal oxide, for example. The metal oxide preferably includes zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like, and combinations of one or more thereof. The dielectric material contains silicon nitride, silicon carbide or aluminum nitride, for example. Layers with a sun protection effect are known, for example, from DE 102009006062 A1, WO 2007/101964 A1, EP 0 912 455 B1, DE 199 27 683 C1, EP 1 218 307 B1 and EP 1 917 222 B1.

The thickness of a functional layer with a sun protection effect can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case, with a layer thickness of 10 nm to 5 μm and in particular from 30 nm to 1 μm being preferred. The surface resistance of a Functional layer with sun protection effect is preferably from 0.35 ohms/square to 200 ohms/square, preferably from 0.5 ohms/square to 200 ohms/square, very particularly preferably from 0.6 ohms/square to 30 ohms/square, and in particular from 2 ohms/square to 20 ohms/square. The metal-based functional layer with a sun protection effect has, for example, good infrared-reflecting properties and/or particularly low emissivities (Low-E).

The metal-based functional layer can also be an electrically heatable layer, for example, which provides the pane with a heating function. Such heatable layers are known per se to those skilled in the art. They typically contain one or more, for example two, three or four, electrically conductive layers. These layers preferably contain or consist of at least one metal, for example silver, gold, copper, nickel and/or chromium, or a metal alloy and preferably contain at least 90% by weight of the metal, in particular at least 99.9% by weight of the metal . Such layers have a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity combined with high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of an individual layer is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 8 nm to 25 nm. With such a thickness, an advantageously high transmission in the visible spectral range and a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity are achieved.

The metal-based functional layer is deposited by methods known per se, for example by cathode sputtering supported by a magnetic field, which is particularly advantageous with regard to a simple, fast, inexpensive and uniform coating of the pane. The cathode sputtering takes place in a protective gas atmosphere, for example argon, or in a reactive gas atmosphere, for example by adding oxygen, a hydrocarbon (for example methane) or nitrogen. However, the metal-based functional layer can also be applied by other methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by atomic layer deposition (ALD), by plasma-enhanced vapor deposition (PECVD) or by wet-chemical methods .

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one pane contains or consists of non-tempered, partially tempered or tempered glass, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass. Alternatively, the disc includes or consists of clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof. Suitable glasses are known, for example, from EP 0847965 B1.

The thickness of the at least one pane can vary widely and can be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. For example, a disk with a standard thickness of 1.0 mm to 25 mm is used. For example, the thickness is from 0.5 mm to 15 mm, in particular from 1 mm to 5 mm. The size of the disc can vary widely and depends on the use.

The at least one pane can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably the disk is planar or slightly or greatly curved in one or more directions of space.

In a bending process, the pane is bent in one or more directions in space while it is heated. The temperature to which the disk is heated is preferably from 500°C to 700°C. It goes without saying that further thermal treatment steps of the pane can take place before or after the bending process.

The disc can be colorless or colored.

The glazing according to the invention preferably serves to separate an interior space from an exterior environment. The glazing comprises at least one pane. The glazing can in principle be of any design, in particular as insulating glazing, in which at least two panes are arranged at a distance from one another by at least one spacer, or as thermally toughened single-pane safety glass or as a laminated pane.

The glazing is preferably designed as a composite pane and comprises a first pane with an outside and inside and a second pane with an inside and outside, which are firmly connected to one another by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (adhesive layer). The first pane can also be referred to as an outer pane or inner pane, and the second pane accordingly as an inner pane or outer pane. The surfaces or sides of the two individual panes usually turn from the outside inwards referred to as Page I, Page II, Page III and Page IV. The two inner sides of the panes are firmly connected to one another by the at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, cast resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and/or ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by one or more thermoplastic films arranged one on top of the other, the thickness of a thermoplastic film being, for example, from 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

The at least one light decoupling region for decoupling from the pane light that is totally reflected in the pane is formed on the outside of the first pane and/or on the outside of the second pane. The at least one light coupling-out area is preferably formed on the outside of that pane (i.e. inner pane) which faces an interior space (e.g. second pane).

The at least one electro-optical functional element is advantageously arranged between the first pane and the second pane, so that it is well protected from external influences. Equally advantageously, the at least one metal-based functional layer, which is designed to reflect or absorb incident infrared light, is arranged between the first pane and the second pane, which also means that it is well protected from external influences. The at least one metal-based functional layer, which is designed to reflect thermal radiation at room temperature, is advantageously arranged on the outside of the second pane, which faces an interior space. This enables this functional layer to function particularly well.

The invention also extends to a method for producing the glazing according to the invention. The above statements in connection with the glazing apply equally to the method according to the invention.

The method includes providing at least one pane and arranging at least one metal-based functional layer and/or at least one electro-optical one Functional element for electrical switching of optical properties. The method also includes generating at least one light decoupling region for decoupling light that is totally reflected in the pane out of the pane.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, at least one opening or cutout for receiving at least one light source is produced in the pane.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one light decoupling region is produced by removing the metal-based functional layer from the pane using a laser. This measure not only allows the metal-based functional layer to be removed in the light decoupling area, but also the surface of the pane to be roughened at the same time.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, a first pane with the outside and inside and a second pane with the inside and outside, with the insides of the two panes facing each other, are firmly connected to one another by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer.

Accordingly, the method according to the invention for producing a glazing preferably serves to produce a laminated pane. To produce a composite pane, at least two panes are connected (laminated) to one another, preferably under the action of heat, vacuum and/or pressure, by at least one thermoplastic adhesive layer. Methods known per se can be used to produce a laminated pane. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an increased pressure of about 10 bar to 15 bar and temperatures of 130° C. to 145° C. for about 2 hours. Known vacuum bag or vacuum ring methods work, for example, at about 200 mbar and 130°C to 145°C. The two panes and the thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be pressed in a calender between at least one pair of rollers to form a composite pane. Plants of this type are known for the production of laminated panes and normally have at least one heating tunnel in front of a pressing plant. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, from 40°C to 150°C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly useful in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heatable and evacuable chambers in which the first pane and the second pane within for example about 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80°C to 170°C.

The glazing according to the invention is preferably used in buildings, in particular in the access or window area, as a built-in part in furniture and appliances, or in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as a windscreen, rear window, Side window and/or roof window used.

The various configurations of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the attached figures. They show in a simplified representation that is not true to scale:

1 shows a schematic representation of a glazing;

2 shows a further schematic representation of a glazing;

3 shows a further schematic representation of a glazing;

4 shows an illustration of a pane with light decoupling areas.

1 shows a schematic representation of a glazing 100. The glazing 100 comprises a light source 101 arranged on the side for coupling light into a pane 103-2. The light source 101 can be formed, for example, by a light-emitting diode (LED), which is arranged in the area next to the pane 103-2. Alternatively, the light source 101 can be arranged in a recess or opening in the pane 103-2. The radiation from the light source 101 can be coupled directly into the pane 103-2 or also via a reflection element 115, so that the light source 101 can also be arranged outside the plane of the pane 103-2. In order to couple in the light, the disk 103-2 comprises a lateral light coupling region 117, which is formed by the lateral edge of the disk 103-2.

Total reflection of the coupled-in light takes place within the pane 103 - 2 until the light strikes a light coupling-out region 105 . In this case, the light is coupled out of the pane 103-2 at this point and scattered to the outside. Visible light patterns can be generated on pane 103-2 by light decoupling region 105. The light decoupling area 105 is, for example, a light-diffusing coating, e.g. in the form of a paste applied in a screen printing process and burned in, which is applied to the pane 103-2 in this area or is integrated in the surface of the pane 103-2.

The disc 103-2 has an outside 109-1 and an inside 109-2. In addition, the glazing 100 includes a further pane 103-1, which also has an outside 109-4 and an inside 109-3. Disk 103-1 is bonded to disk 103-2 via an intervening polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer, for example. A composite pane is created by connecting and laminating the two panes 103-1, 103-2. In general, the light extraction can take place on both sides of the disk 103-2. An opaque cover layer 119 is additionally formed between the two panes 103 - 1 and 103 - 2 in the area of the light source 101 . This covering layer 119 prevents the light from the light source 101 from radiating directly to the outside.

The pane 103-2 includes a metal-based functional layer 107-1, which is arranged on the outside 109-1 of the pane 103-2. The metal-based functional layer 107-1 is, for example, a LowE coating that is suitable for reflecting thermal radiation at room temperature. The LowE coating is, for example, a multilayer with layers based on indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO).

The thermal comfort of the glazing 100 is increased by this metal-based functional layer 107-1. The use of mechanical shutter technologies within the glazing 100 can be dispensed with. This achieves a simpler structure that does not require complicated mechanical devices. The headroom in vehicles is increasing and there is more freedom to use the glass as a design element. The two panes 103-1 and 103-2 can, for example, be non-tempered, partially tempered or tempered glass, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass or clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate , Polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof and preferably have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

FIG. 2 shows another schematic representation of a glazing 100. The structure of the glazing 100 corresponds to that shown in FIG. However, the glazing 100 on the inside 109-2 of the pane 103-2 or on the inside 109-3 of the pane 103-1 includes a metal-based functional layer 107-2 or 107-3 for reflecting or absorbing infrared radiation (IRR - Infrared Reflective) . The metal-based functional layer 107-2 or 107-3 comprises, for example, one or more metal layers, in particular silver layers. These metal-based functional layers 107-2 or 107-3 have increased reflection in the visible spectrum and serve to ensure that the light coupled out is less visible on the outside 109-4 of the pane 103-1, since the coatings 107-2 and 107 -3 have a higher reflection than the glass in the visible range. The metal-based functional layer 107-1, 107-2, or 107-3 can have a thickness of 80 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 140 nm to 400 nm or preferably 700 nm to 900 nm.

FIG. 3 shows a further schematic representation of a glazing 100. The structure of the glazing 100 corresponds to that shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the glazing 100 comprises a functional element 111 with electrically switchable optical properties, such as a switchable film. The functional element 111 comprises, for example, a PDLC element or an SPD element or a combination of these.

The functional element 111 is arranged between the two discs 103-1 and 103-2. The functional element 111 changes a light transmission (Light Transmission - TL) of the glazing 100, a color in the transmission (a*, b*) or a contrast between an extracted light pattern and the glaze. This makes the light pattern more visible, so that a contrast between the light pattern and the background is higher during the day. With the functional element 111, shutter technologies can be avoided and light patterns can be darkened towards the outside and become more visible towards the inside. 4 shows an illustration of a pane 103-2 with light decoupling regions 105. A light-diffusing coating (light diffusing enamel) can be used to form the light decoupling regions 105 in order to scatter the light from the pane 103-2 to the outside.

However, a metal-based functional layer 107-1, such as a LowE coating, on the outside 109-1 of the pane 103-2 or a metal-based functional layer 107-2, such as an IRR coating, on the inside 109-2 of the pane 103-2 may be present. In these cases, a laser 113 can be used to create a light extraction region 105 . The light decoupling region 105 produced in this way also ensures transparency in the high-frequency range (HF—High Frequency), so that mobile phone radiation can penetrate through the glazing 100 .

In one embodiment, a LowE coating on the outside 109-1 of an extra-clear pane 103-2 can be removed in certain areas by means of the laser 113 in order to produce the light decoupling area 105 for the light pattern. In this case, the disk 103-2 becomes transparent and transmissive to high-frequency electrical vibrations at the same time. However, if an IRR coating 107-3 is also used on the inside 109-3 of the pane 103-1, there is no transmission of high-frequency radiation.

In another embodiment, the inside 109-2 of the extra-clear pane 103-2 can be provided with an IRR coating 107-2. In this case, the IRR coating 107-2 is removed in regions by means of the laser 113 in order to produce the light decoupling region 105 for the light pattern. Here, too, the pane 103-2 is simultaneously transparent and permeable to high-frequency electrical vibrations.

The technical advantage achieved by the glazing 100 is that the visibility of light patterns in one direction (inwards), which are generated by the decoupled light, is increased. In contrast, the visibility of light patterns in the other direction (outward) is reduced. The glazing 100 can be used, for example, as a laminated pane in an automobile or as a pane in a building. reference list

100 glazing

101 light source 103 disc

105 light decoupling area

107 metal-based functional layer

109 outside/inside

111 electro-optical functional element 113 laser

115 reflective element

117 light coupling area

119 cover layer

Claims

patent claims

1. Glazing (100), which comprises: at least one pane (103-2), in particular a glass pane, at least one light source (101) arranged on the pane (103-2) for coupling light into the pane (103-2) , wherein the pane (103-2) has at least one light decoupling region (105) for decoupling light that is totally reflected in the pane (103-2) out of the pane (103-2), wherein the glazing (100) and preferably the pane (103 -2) has at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3) and/or at least one electro-optical functional element (111) for electrically switching optical properties.

2. Glazing (100) according to claim 1, in which the at least one light source (101) is arranged on the side of the pane (103-2) or in a recess or opening in the pane (103-2).

3. Glazing (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the at least one light decoupling region (105) is formed by imprinting and firing a non-opaque paste.

4. Glazing (100) according to claim one of claims 1 to 3, in which the at least one light decoupling region (105) is formed by mechanically roughening the pane surface in the light decoupling region (105).

5. Glazing (100) according to claim one of claims 1 to 4, in which the at least one light decoupling region (105) is formed on a side of the pane which faces an interior space in the installed position.

6. Glazing (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the at least one electro-optical functional element (111) is a PDLC functional element, an SPD functional element, a PNLC functional element, an electrochromic functional element or a functional element with liquid crystal dye cells.

7. Glazing (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3) is designed to absorb thermal radiation To reflect room temperature and / or to reflect or absorb incident infrared light.

8. Glazing (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising a first pane (103-1) with an outer side and an inner side and a second pane (103-2) with an inner side and an outer side, the inner sides of the two panes (103 -1, 103-2) have to each other and the two panes (103-1, 103-2) are firmly connected to each other by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer, wherein in the installed position the outside of the first pane (103-1) an external environment and the Outside of the second pane (103-2) faces an interior, the at least one light decoupling region (105) for decoupling light totally reflected in the pane (103-2) from the pane (103-2) on the outside of the first pane (103-1) and/or on the outside of the second pane (103-2).

9. Glazing (100) according to claim 8, in which the at least one electro-optical functional element (111) is arranged between the first pane (103-1) and the second pane (103-2).

10. Glazing (100) according to claim 8 or 9, in which the at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3), which is designed to reflect or absorb incident infrared light, between the first pane (103-1) and the second disc (103-2) is arranged.

11. Glazing (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3), which is designed to reflect thermal radiation at room temperature, on the outside of the second disc (103-2) is arranged.

12. A method for producing a glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, with the steps:

Providing at least one pane (103-2) and arranging at least one metal-based functional layer (107-1, 107-2, 107-3), and/or at least one electro-optical functional element (111) for electrical switching of optical properties,

Generating at least one light decoupling region (105) for decoupling light totally reflected in the pane (103-2) out of the pane (103-2). 19

13. Method for producing a glazing (100) according to claim 12, in which at least one opening or recess for receiving at least one light source (101) is produced in the pane (103-2).

14. Method for producing a glazing (100) according to one of claims 12 or 13, in which a first pane (103-1) with outside and inside and a second pane (103-2) with inside and outside, the insides of the both discs (103-1, 103- 2) facing each other are firmly connected to each other by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer.

15. Use of the glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in buildings, in particular in the access or window area, as a built-in part in furniture and appliances, or in means of locomotion for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as a windshield, rear window, side window and/or roof window.