CN113767010A

CN113767010A - Method for manufacturing composite glass plate with electrically controllable optical properties

Info

Publication number: CN113767010A
Application number: CN202180001709.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·施潘杰; F·埃尔芒热; B·罗伊尔
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Priority date: 2020-04-01
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2021-12-07
Also published as: WO2021197949A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a composite glass pane (1) having electrically controllable optical properties, wherein at least a first thermoplastic layer (7.1) having a flat conductor (4) is provided, wherein the flat conductor (4) has a plurality of connection regions, the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) is pre-wired with a conductor (8), a first glass pane (5) and a first thermoplastic layer (7.1) are provided, a functional element (2) having electrically controllable optical properties is provided, wherein the functional element is divided by a separating line into a plurality of individually electrically controllable segments (3), a second glass pane (6) and a second thermoplastic layer (7.2) are provided, the first glass pane (5), the first thermoplastic layer (7.1), the functional element (2), the second thermoplastic layer (7.2) and the second glass pane (6) are arranged one above the other in this order, wherein two lines (8) are arranged in an electrically connectable manner with a section, the first glass pane (5) and the second glass pane (6) are connected by lamination, wherein the intermediate layer (7) with the embedded functional element (2) is formed by the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) and the second thermoplastic layer (7.2), and wherein the two lines (8) are electrically conductively connected with the section.

Description

Method for manufacturing composite glass plate with electrically controllable optical properties

The invention relates to a method for producing a composite glass pane having electrically controllable optical properties, to a composite glass pane and to the use of the composite glass pane.

The composite glass pane consists of at least one outer glass pane, one inner glass pane and an adhesive interlayer which connects the outer glass pane to the inner glass pane in a planar manner. The typical interlayer is a polyvinyl butyral film which, in addition to its adhesive properties, has high toughness and high acoustic damping. The interlayer prevents the composite vitreous glass sheet from collapsing when damaged. The composite glass sheet shows only cracks but remains dimensionally stable.

Composite glass sheets having electrically controllable optical properties are known from the prior art. Such composite glass sheets contain a functional element, which typically comprises an active layer between two planar electrodes. The optical properties of the active layer can be changed by a voltage applied to the planar electrode. An example of this is an electrochromic functional element, which is known, for example, from US 20120026573 a1 and WO 2012007334 a 1. Another example is an SPD function (suspended particle device) or a PDLC function (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), which are known for example from EP 0876608B 1 and WO 2011033313 a 1. The transmission of visible light through the electrochromic or SPD/PDLC functional element can be controlled by the applied voltage. Another example is a PNLC functional element (polymer network liquid crystal). A composite glass pane having such a functional element can electrically change its optical properties in a comfortable manner and is usually installed as a roof pane in a vehicle.

A possible adjustable functional element for realizing an adjustable sun visor is known from WO 2017/157626 a 1. The functional element is divided into sections by isolation lines. The isolation line is introduced in particular into the planar electrodes of the functional elements, so that the segments of the planar electrodes are electrically isolated from one another.

WO2018/188844 a1 also discloses a composite glass pane with a functional element, which is divided by isolating lines into a plurality of segments, which are connected independently of one another to a voltage source. Between the functional element and the intermediate layer a barrier film is arranged, which has a protruding distance beyond the functional element on all sides.

Electrical contacting is a difficult step in the production of composite glass sheets having functional elements divided into a plurality of sections, since each section must be electrically contacted individually. This is usually achieved by suitable connecting cables, for example, film conductors, which are connected to the planar electrodes by so-called busbars, for example, strips of conductive material or conductive prints, for example, formed by screen printing with silver. The contacting is performed manually step by step and comprises a number of working steps. This process takes a significant amount of time.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved method which makes it possible to reduce the time required for producing a composite glass pane having electrically controllable properties and having functional elements divided into a plurality of sections.

According to the invention, the object of the invention is achieved by a method according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are to be found in the dependent claims.

The method according to the invention for manufacturing a composite glass sheet having electrically controllable optical properties comprises at least the following steps:

providing a first thermoplastic layer with flat conductors, wherein the flat conductors have a plurality of connection areas,

pre-wiring the first thermoplastic layer with a wire,

-providing a first glass sheet and a first thermoplastic layer,

-providing a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, wherein the functional element is divided by isolation lines into individually electrically controllable segments,

-providing a second glass sheet and a second thermoplastic layer,

arranging the first glass pane, the first thermoplastic layer, the functional element, the second thermoplastic layer and the second glass pane one on top of the other in this order, wherein each two lines are arranged in electrical connection with one segment,

the first glass pane and the second glass pane are connected by lamination, wherein the intermediate layer with the embedded functional element is formed by the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer, and wherein each of the two lines is electrically conductively connected to a section.

In the method according to the invention, the first thermoplastic layer is pre-wired with a wire before forming the stacked arrangement for lamination.

In other words, the inventive concept is based on a pre-routing of the conductors in or on the first thermoplastic layer according to the first aspect. The pre-wiring by the thermoplastic layer reduces the amount of work in making the electrical connections in the composite glass pane and thus saves valuable work time in making the composite glass pane.

The pre-wiring of the first thermoplastic layer can be automated by the apparatus for drawing the wire. In this case, the conductor wires are automatically introduced into or onto the first thermoplastic layer, wherein one conductor wire is electrically conductively connected to each connection region of the flat conductor. Furthermore, the electrically conductive connection between the respective conductor and the connection region can be reinforced by a soldered connection. The automatic routing (assembly) of the thermoplastic layers minimizes the soldering process at manufacture. At the same time, the error rate of the incorrect assembly of the thermoplastic layer with the conductor is minimized.

Furthermore, a plurality of wires can be automatically introduced into or automatically applied onto the first thermoplastic layer during the pre-wiring, so that the wires can be electrically connected to the functional elements. In this case, automatically may mean that the conductor is introduced into or applied to the first thermoplastic layer without additional manual assistance.

By pre-wiring of the first thermoplastic layer, on the one hand, a reduction in weight and space can be achieved, which results from the omission of electrical connections printed by silver paste. In addition, the automatic drawing by means of wires saves effort and valuable work time in the manufacture of composite glass panels.

In the case of pre-wiring, the conductor lines can be introduced, in particular drawn onto or into the first thermoplastic layer, under the local action of the heater. Here, heat is applied to the first thermoplastic layer point by point on its surface. The surface of the first thermoplastic layer is melted, so that the conductor can penetrate into the first thermoplastic layer and form a firmly adhering connection with the first thermoplastic layer.

In this case, after the application of the conductor lines, the respective conductor line can be soldered to the connection region of the respective flat strip conductor. The wires may run parallel to one another and be spaced apart from one another in order to avoid electrical contact. Additional space savings are achieved by the parallel extension of the wires.

The pre-wiring can be carried out with wires having a diameter of at most 150 μm, in particular about 10 μm. All wires can have the same diameter. The conductive lines may also comprise copper or copper-containing alloys. Such thin wires can be well processed by the means for drawing and are virtually imperceptible to the human eye visually. Thereby creating a particularly appealing appearance of the composite glass sheet without adversely affecting the aesthetics of the composite glass sheet.

Such functional elements may be so-called PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), SPD functional elements, touch control or transparent displays, OLED displays. The functional element may have electrically controllable properties, in particular an electrically controllable light transmission.

Functional elements with electrically controllable light transmission typically comprise an active layer arranged between two planar electrodes. The active layer has electrically controllable properties which can be controlled by a voltage applied to the planar electrode. The planar electrodes and the active layer are typically arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the first or second glass plate. The planar electrode may be electrically connected to an external voltage source. The electrical contacting of the planar electrodes takes place via so-called bus bars (busbars).

The planar electrode is preferably designed as a transparent, electrically conductive layer. The planar electrode preferably comprises at least one metal, metal alloy or transparent conductive oxide(s) ((s))transparent conducting oxideTCO). The planar electrode may comprise, for example, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), gallium-or aluminium-doped zinc oxide and/or fluorine-or antimony-doped tin oxide. The planar electrode preferably has a thickness of from 10nm (nanometers) to 2 μm (micrometers), particularly preferably from 20nm to 1 μm, very particularly preferably from 30nm to 500 nm.

The functional element with electrically controllable light transmission may have, in addition to the active layer and the planar electrode, further layers known per se, such as barrier layers, antireflection layers, protective layers and/or smoothing layers.

The functional element is preferably present as a multilayer film having two outer carrier films. In the case of such a multilayer film, the planar electrodes and the active layer are arranged between two carrier films. Here, the outer carrier films mean that the carrier films form both surfaces of the multilayer film. The functional element can thus be provided as a laminate film which can be advantageously processed. The functional elements are advantageously protected against damage by the carrier film.

The multilayer foil comprises, in the order given, at least one carrier foil, one planar electrode, one active layer, one further planar electrode and one further carrier foil. The carrier film preferably comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Typically, the carrier films each have a conductive coating which serves as a planar electrode and preferably faces the active layer.

The thickness of each support film is preferably from 0.03mm to 1mm, particularly preferably from 0.04mm to 0.2 mm.

Functional elements as multilayer films are commercially available. In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element has a bus bar in the edge region of the planar electrode, which bus bar is in electrical contact with the multilayer foil.

The functional element is arranged between the first and second thermoplastic layers. After lamination, the functional element is connected to the first glass pane by the first thermoplastic layer and to the second glass pane by the second thermoplastic layer. The intermediate layer is formed by a first and a second thermoplastic layer, which are arranged planar above one another and laminated to one another, wherein the functional element is interposed between the two layers.

The first and second thermoplastic layers and optionally also the third thermoplastic layer preferably comprise at least polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and/or Polyurethane (PU), particularly preferably PVB.

The thickness of each thermoplastic layer is preferably from 0.2mm to 2mm, particularly preferably from 0.3mm to 1mm, in particular from 0.3mm to 0.5mm, for example 0.38 mm.

The thermoplastic layer may be formed, for example, from a single thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic layer can also be formed from segments of different thermoplastic films, the lateral edges of which abut against one another.

The functional element is preferably positioned such that it does not extend to one of the lateral edges of the layer stack. The edges of the functional elements are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the edges of the first and second glass panes.

The functional elements are preferably arranged over the entire width of the first and second glass plates, minus the edge regions on both sides of the width of, for example, 2mm to 20 mm.

In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element is a PDLC functional element. In the voltage-free state, the PDLC functional elements have a milky appearance, since they contain an active layer with liquid crystals. The liquid crystal is embedded in a polymer matrix. If no voltage is applied to the planar electrodes of the PDLC functional element, the liquid crystal is disorderly aligned, which results in strong scattering of light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the planar electrodes, the liquid crystals are aligned in a common direction and the transmittance of light passing through the active layer is improved.

The thickness of the functional element may be, for example, 0.09mm to 0.8mm, for example 0.11mm to 0.41 mm.

The functional elements are divided into sections by isolation lines. The isolation line is introduced in particular into the planar electrode such that sections of the planar electrode are electrically isolated from one another. The individual segments can be connected independently of one another to an external voltage source via connection regions, lines and flat conductors on the bus bar, so that they can be controlled individually in the operating state. In this case, a section of the functional element has two connection regions, one of which is connected to a line. In this way, for example, different regions of the functional element, for example as a sun visor, can be switched independently.

A flat conductor (also referred to as a flat ribbon conductor or a film conductor) is understood to mean an electrical conductor whose width is significantly greater than its thickness. Such flat conductors are, for example, strips or ribbons comprising or consisting of copper, tin-plated copper, aluminum, silver, gold or alloys thereof. The flat or thin-film conductor has, for example, a width of 2mm to 16mm and a thickness of 0.03mm to 0.1 mm. The flat conductors or film conductors can have an isolating, preferably polymeric, sheath, for example based on polyimide. Flat conductors suitable for contacting functional elements in a glass plate have a total thickness of only, for example, 0.3 mm. Such a thin film conductor can be easily and aesthetically arranged and e.g. glued on the surface of the first thermoplastic layer. A plurality of electrically conductive layers electrically isolated from each other may be located in one flat conductor strip.

And leading out the flat conductor from the composite glass plate. The composite glass pane can then be connected particularly easily to a voltage source and to signal lines which transmit the switching signals to the functional elements at the site of use. The electrical connection of the functional element to the external voltage source is established, for example, during a further process, i.e. during the mounting of the composite glass pane in its predetermined mounting position.

Particularly preferably, the isolation lines and the segments are arranged parallel to each other. The separation line does not necessarily have to be straight but may also be slightly curved, preferably adapted to the possible curvature of the edges of the composite glass pane.

The isolation lines have a width of, for example, 5 μm to 500 μm, particularly 20 μm to 200 μm. The width of the segments, i.e. the spacing of adjacent isolation lines, may be appropriately selected by the skilled person according to the requirements of the individual case.

During the manufacture of the functional elements, the isolation lines can be introduced by laser ablation/structuring, mechanical cutting or etching. The functional element has at least two segments. The number N of segments is, for example, from 2 to 50, preferably from 2 to 30. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the functional element has nine segments.

The lamination is performed under the action of heat, vacuum and/or pressure.

The invention also includes a composite glass sheet manufactured by the method according to the invention, wherein the wires are arranged on the outer edges of the composite glass sheet. The distance of the at least one conductor from the outer edge is preferably less than 10cm, particularly preferably less than 0.5 cm. This allows electrical contact of the connection areas under an optically inconspicuous black print or under a mask.

According to the invention, the composite glass pane has a thermoplastic intermediate layer, which may in particular have a different thermoplastic material based on a plurality of thermoplastic material monolayers. The term "interlayer" relates to the entire layer produced by joining a plurality of different individual layers, which is arranged between the first and second glass sheets.

Another aspect of the invention comprises the use of the composite glass pane produced by the method according to the invention in means of transport in land, air or water traffic, in particular in motor vehicles, for example as windshield, rear window, side window and/or roof window, as well as functional singlets, and as components in furniture, appliances and buildings.

The first glass plate and the second glass plate preferably comprise or consist of glass, particularly preferably flat glass, very particularly preferably float glass, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass or quartz glass. Alternatively, the glass plate may comprise or consist of a transparent plastic, preferably a rigid transparent plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof. The glass sheets are preferably transparent, particularly for applications where the composite glass sheet is to be used as a windshield or backlight for a vehicle or other applications where high light transmission is desired. Transparent in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean a glass plate having a transmission of more than 70% in the visible spectral range. However, for glazing that is not in the driver's view of the traffic, for example roof glazings, the transmission may also be much lower, for example greater than 5%.

The first glass plate, the second glass plate and/or the intermediate layer may have other suitable coatings known per se, such as an anti-reflection coating, an anti-adhesion coating, an anti-scratch coating or a sun protection coating or a low E coating.

The composite glass sheet may have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the glass plate is planar or slightly or strongly curved in one or more directions in space. In particular using flat glass plates. The glass plate may be colorless or colored.

The thickness of the glass plate can vary widely, thus matching the requirements of the individual case. The standard thickness of the individual glass sheets is preferably 1.0mm to 25mm, for example 1.1mm to 2.0mm, preferably 1.4mm to 2.5mm, for example 1.6mm or 2.1mm, for vehicle glazing, and preferably 4mm to 25mm for furniture, appliances and buildings. The size of the glass sheet can vary widely and depends on the size of the use according to the invention. First glass plate and second glass plate have had area of 200 cm up to 20m as is typical, for example in the field of vehicle manufacturing and building.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and examples. The figures are schematic representations and are not drawn to scale. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Wherein:

figure 1 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention,

figure 2 shows one embodiment of a composite glass sheet having electrically controllable optical properties according to the present invention,

figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the first thermoplastic layer with functional elements after pre-wiring,

figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the composite glass sheet of figure 1,

figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the process in pre-wiring,

figure 6 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the functional elements divided into segments,

FIG. 7a shows a schematic view of a functional element divided into a plurality of sections, an

Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view along section line a-a' through the first thermoplastic layer with conductive wires.

Data with numerical values are generally not considered to be exact values, but also include tolerances of +/-1% to +/-10%.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the production method according to the invention by means of a flow chart. The method comprises, for example, the steps of:

a. the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is provided with flat conductors 4, wherein the flat conductors 4 have a plurality of connection regions,

b. the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is pre-wired with wires 8,

c. a first glass plate 5 and a first thermoplastic layer 7.1 are provided,

d. a functional element 2 with electrically controllable optical properties is provided, wherein the functional element 2 is divided by an isolation line into a plurality of segments 3, which segments 3 are individually electrically controllable,

e. a second glass plate 6 and a second thermoplastic layer 7.2 are provided,

f. the first glass pane 5, the first thermoplastic layer 7.1, the functional element 2, the second thermoplastic layer 7.2 and the second glass pane 6 are arranged one above the other in this order, wherein each two lines 8 are arranged in electrical connection with one segment,

g. the first glass pane 5 and the second glass pane 6 are connected by lamination, wherein the intermediate layer 7 with the embedded functional element 2 is formed by the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 and the second thermoplastic layer 7.2, and wherein each of the two lines 8 is electrically conductively connected to a section 3.

In method step b), the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is wired with wires 8. The pre-wiring of the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is automated by the means for drawing. In this case, the conductor lines 8 are introduced into the first thermoplastic layer 7.1, wherein the conductor lines 8 are connected to a respective connection region of the flat conductors 4.

After the pre-wiring of the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 has been completed, the conductor wires 8 can be electrically connected to the connection regions of the flat conductors 4 by soldering.

The electrical contacting of the planar electrodes 10 (as shown in fig. 3) of the functional elements 2 is carried out before the lamination of the composite glass pane 1.

The lamination in process step g) is carried out under the action of heat, vacuum and/or pressure. For lamination, processes known per se can be used, such as autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calender processes, vacuum laminators or combinations thereof. During the lamination, a bonding layer is formed by the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 and the second thermoplastic layer 7.2 for the intermediate layer, said bonding layer providing a composite effect between the first glass pane 5 and the second glass pane 6.

Lamination typically involves venting or vacuuming to form a pre-composite, and final lamination of the pre-composite to form the composite glass sheet 1. The at least temporary application of negative pressure or vacuum to the arrangement can be carried out during venting and/or during final lamination, preferably while venting or vacuuming.

Venting may be performed according to known methods. The final lamination is preferably performed under heat and pressure or vacuum to obtain the finished composite glass sheet. The final lamination can, for example, preferably be carried out at a temperature of from 80 to 150 ℃, preferably from 105 to 145 ℃, and an autoclave pressure of from about 10 to 14 bar.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of a composite glass pane 1 according to the invention as a sun roof glass of a motor vehicle. The composite glass pane 1 here comprises, for example, functional elements 2. The functional element 2 as a PDLC functional element is embedded in the intermediate layer 7. The functional element 2 is divided into 9 sections 3 by isolation lines. The sections 3 are strip-shaped. The isolation lines between the segments 3 have a width of, for example, 40 μm (micrometer) to 50 μm. For example, they can be introduced into a prefabricated multilayer film by means of a laser.

In particular, the isolation lines divide the planar electrode 10 into strips isolated from each other, each having a separate electrical connection. Thus, the zones 3 can be switched independently of each other.

The composite glass pane 1 also has flat conductors 4. The segments 3 of the functional element 2 are each electrically conductively connected to the flat conductor 4 via an electrical line 8. In this case, a reliable electrically conductive connection is preferably achieved by soldering the connection.

The functional element 2 is a PDLC functional element that functions as a controllable sun visor. Depending on the position of the sun, the driver can operate the PDLC function via the touch element.

The flat conductor 4 is made of, for example, a 50 μm thick copper foil and is isolated, for example, with a polyimide layer. The flat conductor 4 is located in the edge region of the composite glass pane 1 and can be electrically conductively connected to a control module (ECU) outside the composite glass pane 1, for example.

The composite glass pane 1 comprises a first glass pane 5 and a second glass pane 6, which are connected to one another by an interlayer 7 made of a PVB film.

The first glass plate 5 and the second glass plate 6 are each made of soda lime glass, for example, and are manufactured by a float method.

The size of the composite glass plate 2 is, for example, 0.9m × 1.5 m. The composite glass pane 1 is provided, for example, for separating a vehicle interior from the outside environment in the installation position. That is, the inside surface of the second glass piece 6 is accessible from the interior space, while the outside surface of the second glass piece 6 is directed outwards with respect to the vehicle interior space. The thickness of the first glass plate 5 is, for example, 2.1 mm. In principle, the first glass plate 5 can also have other thicknesses. Thus, for example, the first glass plate 5 may have a thickness of 4 mm. The thickness of the second glass plate 6 is, for example, 1.6 mm.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the first thermoplastic film 7.1 with the functional elements 2 after pre-wiring.

The first thermoplastic layer 7.1 here comprises a PVB film having a thickness of 0.38 mm. The first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is connected to the first glass pane 5 (not shown here) and the second thermoplastic layer 7.2 is connected to the second glass pane 6 (not shown here). A third thermoplastic layer located therebetween may laterally surround the functional element 2.

The functional element 2 is a multilayer film which consists of an active layer 9, two planar electrodes 10 and two carrier films 11. The active layer 9 is arranged between two planar electrodes 10. The active layer 9 comprises a polymer matrix having liquid crystals dispersed therein, which are aligned depending on a voltage applied to the planar electrode 10, whereby optical properties can be controlled. The carrier film 11 consists of PET and has a thickness of about 0.125 mm. The carrier film 11 has an ITO coating of about 100nm thickness directed towards the active layer 9, which forms the planar electrode 10.

The planar electrode 10 can be connected to a voltage via a conductive bus bar 12. The bus bar 12 is here formed by silver-containing screen printing. Alternatively, the bus bar 12 may be formed of a conductive metal strip or a conductive coating. Here, the metal (copper) includes a metal alloy (copper alloy). The bus bar 12 is connected to the planar electrode 10, wherein the carrier film 11, the planar electrode 10 and the active layer are left free along the edge region of the respective side of the functional element 2, so that the other, opposite planar electrode 10 protrudes together with the associated carrier film 11. The respective bus bars 12 are arranged on the protruding planar electrodes 10.

The lead wire 8 connects the bus bar 12 to a voltage via the flat conductor 4. Each section 3 has two connection areas 13. Each connection region 13 is connected to a connection region 4.1 of the flat conductor 4 by a line 8. The conductor 8 is electrically conductively connected to a respective connection region 4.1 of the flat conductor 4. Furthermore, the electrically conductive connection between each conductor line 8 and a connection region 4.1 can be reinforced by a soldered connection.

Fig. 4 shows the composite glass pane 1 of fig. 1 in cross section and in a laminated state, i.e. as a finished composite glass pane 1. A first thermoplastic layer 7.1 and a second thermoplastic layer 7.2 forming an intermediate layer 7 are arranged between the first glass pane 5 and the second glass pane 6 and connect the two

glass panes

5 and 6. The functional element 2 is embedded in the intermediate layer 7.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the procedure during the pre-wiring in method step b). The means 14 for drawing the wires 8 draw the wires 8 on the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 or in the first thermoplastic layer 7.1. The first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is fixed here. The device 14 moves in two dimensions (X-Y directions). The roller 15 transfers the wire 8 under pressure into the first thermoplastic layer 7.1.

Under the effect of the localized heat, the wires 8 are introduced or drawn into the first thermoplastic layer 7.1. The first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is heated on its surface in a point-by-point manner. Thereby, the surface of the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 is melted. The conductor 8 can thus form a firmly adhering connection with the first thermoplastic layer. This process allows for a fast wiring (assembly) of the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 with the wires 8.

Fig. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a functional element 2 divided into a plurality of segments 3, the functional element 2 having one connection for the entire functional element 2 at the negative pole and one connection at the positive pole of each segment 3. The functional element 2 is divided into four parallel segments 3.

Fig. 7a shows a schematic illustration of a functional element 2 divided into a plurality of segments 3. In the case shown, each section 3 is routed separately. In other words, each segment 3 has two connection areas. Each connection region is connected to a connection region of the flat conductor 4 by a lead wire 8.

Fig. 7b shows a sectional illustration along the section line a-a' through the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 after pre-routing with the drawn conductor lines 8 (method step b).

A great advantage of the invention is that manual printing of conductor connections made of silver paste on the first thermoplastic layer 7.1 can be dispensed with. Thus, the amount of work and valuable working time are saved when manufacturing the composite glass sheet 1.

This result is unexpected and surprising to those skilled in the art.

List of reference numerals

1 composite glass plate

2 functional element

3 section(s)

4 Flat conductor

4.1 connection region of Flat conductors 4

5 first glass plate

6 second glass plate

7 intermediate layer

7.1 first thermoplastic film

7.2 second thermoplastic film

8 conducting wire

9 active layer

10 plane electrode

11 carrier film

12 bus bar

13 connection region of section 3

14 device for drawing

15 roller

Claims

1. Method for producing a composite glass pane (1) with electrically controllable optical properties, at least

-providing a first thermoplastic layer (7.1) with flat conductors (4), wherein the flat conductors (4) have a plurality of connection areas,

-the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) is pre-wired with wires (8),

-providing a first glass sheet (5) and a first thermoplastic layer (7.1),

-providing a functional element (2) with electrically controllable optical properties, wherein the functional element is divided by an isolation line into a plurality of individually electrically controllable segments (3),

-providing a second glass sheet (6) and a second thermoplastic layer (7.2),

-arranging the first glass pane (5), the first thermoplastic layer (7.1), the functional element (2), the second thermoplastic layer (7.2) and the second glass pane (6) one on top of the other in this order, wherein each two lines (8) are arranged in electrical connection with one segment,

-connecting the first glass pane (5) and the second glass pane (6) by lamination, wherein the intermediate layer (7) with the embedded functional element (2) is formed by the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) and the second thermoplastic layer (7.2), and wherein each of the two lines (8) is electrically conductively connected to a section.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, at the time of pre-wiring, a plurality of wires (8) are automatically introduced into the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) or applied onto the first thermoplastic layer (7.1), in particular drawn.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, at the time of pre-wiring, a plurality of wires (8) are automatically introduced into the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) or automatically applied onto the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) so that the wires (8) can be electrically connected with the functional element (2).

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wires (8) are introduced onto the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) or into the first thermoplastic layer (7.1) under the local action of a heater.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that after the application of the wires (8), one wire (8) each is soldered to one connection region of the flat ribbon conductor (4).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wires (8) extend parallel to each other.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one wire (8) has a diameter of at most 150 μm, in particular 10 μm.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that all wires (8) have the same diameter.

9. Method according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the separation lines on the functional elements (2) are introduced by laser structuring or by mechanical or chemical ablation of the conductive layer.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the section (3) of the functional element (2) has two connection regions (13), wherein one connection region (13) is connected to one conductor (8).

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in each case one conductor (8) is electrically conductively connected between a connection region (13) of the functional element (2) and the flat conductor (4).

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wire (8) has copper or a copper-containing alloy.

13. Method according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the functional element (2) is formed as a PDLC functional element.

14. Composite glass pane manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the wires (8) are arranged on the outer edge of the composite glass pane.

15. Use of a composite glass pane according to claim 14 in means of transport in land, air or water traffic, in particular in motor vehicles, for example as windshield, rear window, side window and/or roof window, as well as functional singlets, and as components in furniture, appliances and buildings.