CN114982068A - Prefabricated connecting element for contacting a conductive layer on a glass pane - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a prefabricated connecting element (100) suitable for electrically contacting a conductive layer (121) of a glass pane (101), said prefabricated connecting element (100) having, before electrically contacting the conductive layer (121): -at least one electric flat conductor (103) having a front side (122) and a back side (124); -on the front side (122) of the flat conductor (103), an electrically insulating front side layer (107) having at least one recess (109); -an electrically conductive adhesive (105) arranged at least partially in the recess (109) and in electrical contact with the flat conductor (103) for gluing the connection element to the glass plate (101) and for electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121).

Description

Prefabricated connecting element for contacting a conductive layer on a glass pane

The invention belongs to the technical field of glass plate production, and relates to a prefabricated electric connection element for contacting a conductive layer on a glass plate, a glass plate with the electric connection element, and a method for electrically contacting the conductive layer of the glass plate with the connection element.

Glazing in buildings and vehicles is increasingly provided with large-area, electrically conductive and visible-light-transparent layers, which have a wide range of uses. For example, electrical heating layers are known which, by applying an electrical voltage, heat the vehicle glazing in a targeted manner in order to keep the vehicle glazing free of ice and condensed moisture from the field of view (see, for example, WO 2010/043598 a 1). In another exemplary application, the conductive layer is used as a planar antenna in a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to the coupling electrode and an antenna signal is provided in the edge region of the glass pane. The antenna signal decoupled from the planar antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier connected to the metal body in the motor vehicle, whereby a reference potential effective for high-frequency technology is predetermined 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 19843338C 2.

The electrical contacting of the conductive layers is usually performed by means of soldered connection elements. One known problem is the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials used here, which is responsible for the mechanical stresses that occur during production and operation, which can load and cause breakage of the glass sheets. The solder containing lead has high ductility and can well compensate mechanical stress between the electrical connection element and the glass plate due to plastic deformation. However, in many countries, lead-containing solders must be replaced with lead-free solders due to legal regulations. However, lead-free solders generally have a significantly low ductility and therefore cannot compensate for mechanical stresses to the same extent as lead-containing solders. Therefore, efforts are made to avoid mechanical stresses, in particular when soldering with lead-free solder materials, which is achieved, for example, by a suitable choice of the material of the connecting element. Furthermore, the welding of the connecting elements disadvantageously requires a relatively large number of process steps and is associated with relatively high costs. From an ecological point of view, there is also a need for improvement.

EP 0849823 a1 and EP 0780927 a2 show electrical connection elements in which the electrically conductive structure is electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer by means of a conductive adhesive.

In general, it is desirable to have an electrical connection element which can be mounted with relatively few process steps and at low cost, which achieves a stable electrical connection to the conductive layer, and which is advantageous from an ecological point of view.

On the contrary, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connection element for electrically contacting electrically conductive layers of glass panes, with which the disadvantages mentioned can be avoided. In particular, the connecting element should be able to be fixed to the glass pane with high mechanical strength. The connecting element should be able to be installed easily and inexpensively in the industrial mass production of glass panes.

These and other objects are achieved according to the proposal of the present invention by an electrical connection element according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an electrical connection element for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer of a glass plate, preferably a vitreous glass plate, is shown. The connecting element comprises at least one, in particular exactly one, electrical conductor and an electrically conductive adhesive for fixing the electrical conductor to the glass pane, and an electrically insulating layer having at least one, in particular exactly one, recess laterally surrounding the electrically conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is at least partially, in particular completely, accommodated in the recess.

The electrical connection element is a prefabricated (pre-constructed) connection element for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer of a glass plate, preferably a vitreous glass plate. Before the connection element is fixed to the glass pane and before the electrically conductive layer of the glass pane is electrically contacted by the connection element according to the invention, the prefabricated connection element comprises at least one electrically flat conductor having a first side or front face and an opposite second side or rear face. On the front side of the flat conductor is arranged a (first) electrically insulating layer with at least one recess, hereinafter referred to as "front layer" for ease of reference. Furthermore, a conductive adhesive is provided which is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, in the recess and is in galvanic contact with the flat conductor. The conductive adhesive is used to adhere the connecting element to the glass plate and to electrically contact the conductive front layer of the glass plate. In the mounted state, an electrical connection is produced between the flat conductor and the conductive front layer by means of the conductive adhesive.

An electrically insulating front layer with recesses for electrically conductive adhesive is present in the prefabricated connecting element. This means that the electrically insulating front layer is different from the thermoplastic interlayer used to join the two single glass sheets of the composite glass sheet. The electrically insulating front layer is also different from the electrically insulating layer (i.e., sealant) used to cover the connecting elements that have been electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer for sealing.

On the one hand, by mechanically fixing the connection element to the glass plate by means of an electrically conductive adhesive, the connection element can be fixed to the glass plate in a simple, quick and cost-effective manner. The connection thus achieved can withstand the mechanical stresses that occur during handling and use of the glass sheets. On the other hand, sufficient current flow can be generated by the electrical connection. The electrical and mechanical requirements for the connection are therefore advantageously met by the connecting element. Furthermore, it is an advantage that gluing can be used instead of welding. Conductive adhesives have a decisive technical advantage over conventional soldering methods. For example, environmental problems are less caused by conductive adhesives than by lead-containing or lead-free solders, and more efficient processing conditions can be achieved. Due to the relatively low processing temperature, heat sensitive elements/components may be used. Furthermore, the number of process steps in creating the electrical contacts can be reduced. The electrical connection element can be fixed (i.e. glued) to the glass plate in a simple manner, wherein the connection element is simultaneously mechanically and electrically connected. These are important advantages of the invention in the industrial mass production of glass panels with electrical connection elements.

An electrical flat conductor (also called a foil conductor or a flat strip conductor) is an electrical conductor whose width is significantly greater than its thickness. For example, the flat conductor can be designed so thin (i.e., so small in thickness) that it is flexible and bendable. The flat conductor preferably comprises or consists of a metal foil, particularly preferably a metal foil in strip or strip form, for example a copper foil, an aluminum foil, a stainless steel foil, a tin foil, a gold foil or a silver foil. The metal foil may also comprise or consist of an alloy with said metal.

In the case of a flat conductor, the direction of the length defines the direction of extension. The length and width directions span a first side and a second side opposite the first side. For example, the first side is referred to as the front side of the flat conductor, and the second side is referred to as the back side of the flat conductor. The electrically insulating front layer is arranged on a first side of the flat conductors, for example in direct contact with the flat conductors (i.e. without an intermediate layer).

The conductive adhesive electrically contacts the flat conductors in a planar manner on the front side. For example, the conductive adhesive is placed in touching contact with the flat conductor (i.e., without an intermediate layer). The electrical contact regions, in which the electrically conductive adhesive is in contact with the flat conductors and can in particular also be touched, can also be referred to as electrical connection regions.

For example, the flat conductor has a thickness of 10 μm to 300 μm, 30 μm to 250 μm, and particularly 50 μm to 150 μm. Such thin flat conductors are particularly flexible and can be laminated into and lead out of a composite glass sheet, for example, well. For example, the flat conductor has a width of 0.5mm to 100mm, 1mm to 50mm, in particular 10mm to 30 mm. Such a width is particularly suitable for achieving a sufficient current-carrying capacity in combination with the above-mentioned thickness. The width of the flat conductor may be constant or vary widely. For example, the flat conductor has a length of 5cm to 150cm, 10cm to 100cm, and particularly 50cm to 90 cm. It goes without saying that the length, width and thickness of the flat conductors can be adapted to the requirements of the respective specific case.

In an advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the recess in the electrically insulating front layer is cylindrically formed. In addition to the ease of production, this measure also achieves the technical advantage of, for example, laterally uniformly insulating the adhesive.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the electrically insulating front layer is formed from an acrylate or an epoxy. The electrically insulating layer has a thickness of 50 to 250 μm, for example. For example, it is also possible to use standard adhesive tapes, which are shaped or stamped accordingly. By this measure, technical advantages such as achieving a good insulation effect can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, an electrically insulating adhesive layer is arranged around the recess on the electrically insulating front layer. By this measure, the technical advantage is achieved that the connecting element can be fixed beforehand without conductive adhesive, for example. In summary, the mechanical fixing of the connection element to the glass plate can be further improved by gluing (gluing of the connection element to the glass plate by means of an electrically conductive adhesive and additionally by means of an electrically insulating adhesive layer).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the removable protective layer is arranged on the electrically insulating adhesive layer. By this measure, technical advantages such as protection of the electrically insulating adhesive layer or the electrically conductive adhesive in the recess from environmental influences can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the removable protective layer covers the recess or comprises an opening at least corresponding to the recess, in particular exactly corresponding to the recess. By this measure, technical advantages are achieved, for example, that the conductive adhesive can be filled after the adhesive layer has been applied. It is often advantageous if the electrically conductive adhesive fills the recesses of the electrically insulating front layer from the outside.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrically conductive adhesive protrudes from the recess. By this measure, it is possible to achieve the technical advantage that, for example, a mechanical pressure can be exerted on the adhesive, resulting in a better electrical and mechanical connection. Alternatively, the recess protrudes beyond the conductive adhesive, which has the advantage that the conductive adhesive is accommodated in the recess in a better protected manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the paste-like electrically insulating adhesive is arranged around the recess of the electrically insulating front layer. The technical advantage that can be achieved by this measure is that, for example, when the connecting element is pressed, the pasty adhesive is dispensed and a high sealing effect can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the electrically insulating front layer itself consists of such a pasty electrically insulating adhesive.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the electrically insulating front layer comprises a plurality of recesses with an electrically conductive adhesive. A technical advantage that can be achieved by this measure is that, for example, a plurality of electrical contacts to the conductive layer can be produced simultaneously by means of the connecting element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrical flat conductor is covered on a second side or back side opposite the electrically conductive adhesive with a (second) electrically insulating layer, hereinafter referred to for ease of reference as "back side layer", in particular with an electrically insulating film. A technical advantage that can be achieved by this measure is that, for example, back insulation and damage prevention can be achieved. The electrically insulating back layer, in particular the insulating film, is advantageously firmly connected to the flat conductor and is, for example, adhesively bonded. The back layer, in particular the insulating film, preferably comprises or consists of polyimide or polyester, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Instead of an insulating film, an electrically insulating lacquer, preferably a polymer lacquer, may be used. The electrically insulating varnish can be prepared, for example, by spraying or dipping the flat conductor into the varnish. The insulating film may also comprise or consist of, for example, thermoplastics and elastomers, such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Alternatively, potting materials such as acrylate systems or epoxy systems may be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrically conductive adhesive is isotropically or anisotropically electrically conductive. By this measure, for example, technical advantages of using a particularly suitable adhesive can be achieved.

The invention also extends to a glass plate with an electrically conductive layer on which a prefabricated connecting element according to the invention is mounted. The connecting element is bonded to the glass plate by a conductive adhesive. The galvanic connection between the flat conductor and the conductive layer is realized by means of a conductive adhesive, wherein the conductive adhesive is in galvanic contact (e.g. directly) with the conductive layer.

The conductive layer of the glass plate can be formed in any manner. In principle, this is the layer that requires electrical contact, which is done by the electrical connection elements.

For example, it is an electrically conductive and visible light-transparent coating which is applied over a large area, for example, on a glass plate. The electrically conductive layer is arranged on the surface of the glass plate and covers or covers the surface of the glass plate partially, but preferably over a large area. The expression "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 glass sheet is covered by the electrically conductive layer. However, the conductive layer may also extend over a smaller portion of the surface of the glass plate. The conductive layer is a single layer or a layer structure composed of a plurality of single layers, and the total thickness is 2 μm or less, particularly preferably 1 μm or less. The conductive layer advantageously has a thickness of 80nm to 1000nm, preferably 140nm to 400nm or preferably 700nm to 900 nm.

In the sense of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total transmission of the glass panes corresponds to the legal requirements of the windshield and the front side window and preferably has a transmission of more than 70%, in particular more than 75%, for visible light. For the rear side window and the rear window, "transparent" may also mean a light transmittance of 10% to 70%. Accordingly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, especially 0%.

For example, the conductive layer comprises at least one metal, such as 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 layers are known, for example, from DE 202008017611U 1 and EP 0847965B 1. They consist, for example, of a metal layer, such as a silver layer or a silver-containing metal alloy layer. Typical silver layers preferably have a thickness of from 5nm to 15nm, particularly preferably from 8nm to 12 nm. The metal layer may be embedded between at least two layers of metal oxide type dielectric material. The metal oxide preferably comprises zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, and the like, and combinations of one or more thereof. The dielectric material may also include silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and combinations of one or more thereof.

The transparent conductive layer has, for example, a surface resistance of 0.1 to 200 ohm/square, particularly preferably 1 to 50 ohm/square, very particularly preferably 1 to 10 ohm/square.

The electrically conductive layer can be, for example, an electrical heating layer, by means of which the glass plate is provided with a heating function. Electrical heating layers are well known to those skilled in the art. They typically comprise one or more, for example two, three or four, electrically conductive layers. These layers preferably comprise or consist of at least one metal, for example silver, gold, copper, nickel and/or chromium, or a metal alloy, and preferably comprise at least 90% by weight of the metal, in particular at least 99.9% by weight of the metal. Such a layer has a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity, while having a high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of the monolayer is preferably from 5nm to 50nm, particularly preferably from 8nm to 25 nm. At such thicknesses, a favorable high transmission in the visible spectral range and a particularly favorable conductivity are achieved.

The conductive layer is preferably used as a heating layer or an antenna layer (planar antenna).

The conductive layer is deposited by methods known per se, for example by magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering, which is particularly advantageous for simple, rapid, inexpensive and uniform coating of glass plates. The cathode sputtering is carried out 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 conductive layer can also be applied by other methods known to the person skilled in the art, for example by vapor diffusion or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), by plasma-assisted vapor deposition (PECVD) or by wet chemical methods.

In principle, the electrically conductive layer can be arranged on any surface of the glass plate.

The electrically conductive layer can also be, in particular, an electrical busbar (bus bar) which is applied to a further electrically conductive layer (functional layer) and serves to conduct current to and from the latter layer.

The glass plate preferably comprises or consists of non-tempered, partially tempered or tempered glass, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass. Alternatively, the glass plate comprises or consists 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. Suitable glasses are known, for example, from EP 0847965B 1.

The thickness of the glass plate can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. For example, glass plates with a standard thickness of 1.0 mm to 25mm are used. For example, the thickness is 0.5mm to 15mm, particularly 1mm to 5 mm. The size of the glass sheet can vary widely and depends on the application.

The 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 the bending process, the glass sheet is bent in one or more directions in space in a heated state. The heating temperature of the glass plate is preferably 500 to 700 ℃.

The glass plate may be colorless or colored.

In principle, the glass panes can be used as desired, in particular as components for insulating glazing, at least two glass panes being arranged at a distance from one another by means of at least one spacer, or as thermally tempered single-pane safety glass or as components of composite glass panes. Preferably, the glass plate or glazing is used to separate an interior space from an exterior environment.

For example, the glass pane is a component of a composite glass pane, which comprises a first glass pane having an outer side and an inner side and a second glass pane having an inner side and an outer side, which are firmly connected to one another by at least one thermoplastic interlayer (adhesive layer). The thermoplastic interlayer comprises or consists of at least one thermoplastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic interlayer may also comprise, for example, Polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, Polyethylene (PE), Polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resins, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and/or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic intermediate layer may be formed from one or more thermoplastic films arranged one on top of the other, wherein the thickness of the thermoplastic films is for example 0.25mm to 1 mm.

However, the glass sheet may also be a single glass sheet safety glass.

The invention also extends to a method for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer of a glass pane, having the following steps:

-providing a glass plate having an electrically conductive layer,

-pressing the connecting element according to the invention against the conductive layer.

The method according to the invention enables a simple and inexpensive production of the glass plate with the connecting element, wherein a reliable contacting of the conductive layer and a mechanically stable fixing of the connecting element can be achieved.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the electrically conductive adhesive is heated during the compacting. This enables particularly good electrical contacting and stable fixing of the connecting element to the glass plate.

The glass pane according to the invention or the glazing comprising it is preferably used in buildings, in particular in the entry-or window area, as a built-in part in furniture and appliances, or in means of transport for land, air or water traffic, in particular in trains, ships and motor vehicles, for example as windshield, rear window, side window and/or roof window.

The various embodiments of the invention may 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 combinations given, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of examples, wherein reference is made to the appended figures. They are shown in simplified illustrations, not to scale:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a connecting element for making electrical contact with a conductive layer of a glass plate;

fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through another connecting element for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer of the glass plate;

fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through another connecting element for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer of the glass plate;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through another connecting element for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer of the glass plate; and

fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further connection element for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer of the glass plate.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one prefabricated electrical connection element 100 for making electrical contact with a conductive layer 121 of a glass plate 101. The prefabricated connecting element 100 is shown before being mounted on a glass plate 101. The connection element 100 forms a solid object for electrically contacting the conductive layer 121 of the glass plate 101. The connecting element 100 comprises an electrical flat conductor 103, via which flat conductor 103 electrical contact is to be made to the glass plate, for example a copper flat strip conductor. The flat conductor 103 has a (flat) first side or front face 122 and an opposite (flat) second side or back face 124.

For this purpose, the conductive adhesive 105 is located on the front side 122 of the electrical flat conductor 103, here for example in direct touch contact. The conductive adhesive 105 produces an electrically conductive connection between the electrical flat conductors 103 and the conductive layer 121 on the glass pane 101, on which the prefabricated connecting elements 100 are arranged.

The conductive adhesive 105 is located in the recess 109 of the electrically insulating front layer 107. The recess 109 accommodates the conductive adhesive 105 in the interior and laterally surrounds it. An electrically insulating front layer 107 is arranged on the electrical flat conductor 103 (here, for example, in direct touch contact) and is connected galvanically thereto. The electrically insulating front layer 107 is formed, for example, of acrylate or epoxy, and has a thickness of 50 to 250 μm. The recess 109 is formed in a circular manner in the insulating layer 107 and has a diameter of, for example, 2 to 12mm, preferably 5 to 10mm and in particular 8 mm. In general, the recess 109 may also have another geometry. The electrically insulating front layer 107 may also generally be formed of another suitable material.

The conductive adhesive 105 is introduced into the recess 109, for example by means of an injection device during the manufacture of the connection element 100. The conductive adhesive 105 produces an electrical and mechanical connection of the connecting element 100 to the glass plate 101. Here, the entire surface of the recess 109 is used for contact, so that a high current flow and at the same time a stable fastening can be achieved. In the illustrated structure, the conductive adhesive 105 has a larger layer thickness than the electrically insulating front layer 107 and thus spatially protrudes from the recess 109. Thereby enabling reliable contact.

The conductive adhesive 105 includes a polymer component, such as a polymer resin, and a metal component, such as a metal filler. The polymer component may be thermosetting, such as epoxy or silicone, or thermoplastic, such as polyimide or polyamide. The polymer component is used to create the physical and mechanical adhesive properties, mechanical load-bearing capacity, and impact resistance of the connection by means of the connecting element 100. The conductive adhesive 105 may be isotropically conductive, i.e., uniformly conductive in all current directions, or anisotropically conductive, i.e., primarily conductive in one current direction.

The metal component is used to create the conductivity of the adhesive compound. The metal filler for this purpose may contain particles or platelets (flakes) made of silver, gold, nickel, copper or carbon in a sufficient amount to produce good electrical conductivity. The use of silver fillers is advantageous because they are conductive even in the oxidized state and can be used effectively.

The electrical connections 123 for connecting the cables are located on the side of the connection element 100. On the back side 124 of the flat conductors 103 or the connection elements 100 opposite the conductive adhesive 105, the electrical flat conductors 103 are covered with an electrically insulating film 125, which electrically insulating film 125 may be formed of a heat-resistant plastic.

Typically, the electrically insulating front layer 107 or the connection element 100 may comprise a plurality of such recesses 109, in which the electrically conductive adhesive 105 is accommodated.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further connecting element 100, only the differences with respect to the embodiment of fig. 1 being described in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, otherwise see the above description. In this embodiment, a ring made of insulating adhesive 117 in paste form is placed on the electrically insulating front layer 107 around the recess 109. When the connecting element 100 is pressed against the glass pane 101, the insulating adhesive 117 in the form of a paste is spread around the contact points between the conductive adhesive 105 and the conductive layer 121, so that a completely circumferential insulation and sealing is achieved even in the case of uneven contact surfaces. The insulating adhesive 117 in paste form is formed, for example, by a hot melt adhesive with polyurethane and polyamide.

In a method for electrically contacting the conductive layer 121 of the glass pane 101, the glass pane 101 with the conductive layer 121 is first provided and then the connecting element 100 is pressed onto the conductive layer 121 of the glass pane 101. Here, the conductive adhesive 105 may be heated during the compression. The connecting element 100 is pressed, for example, by means of a heatable, movable press mold 119, which press mold 119 presses the connecting element 100 from the rear onto the electrically conductive layer 121 of the glass pane 101 and simultaneously heats it. Thereby, the connection member 100 is bonded to the glass plate 101 and fixed thereto.

The electrically conductive adhesive 105 produces an electrically conductive connection between the electrical flat conductor 103 and the electrically conductive layer 121 of the glass pane 101. However, after curing, the conductive adhesive 105 also produces a stable mechanical connection of the connection element 100 to the glass plate 101. The conductive layer 121 of the glass plate 101 is, for example, a silver coating.

The glass plate 101 may be, for example, non-tempered, partially tempered or tempered glass, preferably comprising flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass or transparent plastic, preferably rigid transparent plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof, and preferably has a thickness of 0.5mm to 15mm, particularly preferably 1mm to 5 mm.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connecting element 100, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, only the differences with respect to the embodiment of fig. 1 are described, otherwise reference is made to the above description. The connection element 100 comprises an insulating adhesive layer 111, which insulating adhesive layer 111 is arranged on the electrically insulating front layer 107 around the recess 109 and the electrically conductive adhesive 105. The self-adhesive insulating adhesive layer 111 is covered by a removable protective layer 113, such as a paper-or plastic layer. For example, this arrangement may be achieved by an insulating double-sided tape adhered to the upper side of the electrically insulating layer 107.

The protective layer 113 covers the recess 109 and the conductive adhesive 105. In this way it is achieved that the adhesive layer 111 or the conductive adhesive 105 in the recess 109 is protected from environmental influences. Prior to compressing the connection element 100, the protective layer 113 is removed, thereby exposing the adhesive layer 111 and the conductive adhesive 105.

Before connecting the connection element 100 with the glass plate 101, the protective layer 113 is removed and the conductive adhesive 105 is exposed. The connecting element 100 is then pressed onto the glass plate 101. The connection element 100 may be mechanically pre-fixed by an adhesive layer 111. Subsequently, the connection member 100 is heated from the back and further pressed by a stamper 119, so that the conductive adhesive 105 is connected to the glass plate. In this way, an electrically conductive connection is produced between the electrical conductor 103 and the electrically conductive layer 121 of the glass pane 101. The conductive connection is protected by an electrically insulating layer 107 around the conductive adhesive 105. The electrically insulating layer 107 also enhances the mechanical connection between the connecting element 100 and the glass plate 101.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view through a further connecting element 100. The structure of the connection element 100 corresponds to the structure in fig. 3, except that the protective layer 113 comprises an opening 115 corresponding to the recess 109. The retaining recesses 109 are thereby opened outwards so that the conductive adhesive 105 can also be filled after the adhesive layer 111 has been applied. Thus, the thickness of the filled conductive adhesive 105 may also be increased to the upper edge of the protective layer 113. If the protective layer 113 is removed, the conductive adhesive 105 protrudes in a cylindrical shape, for example, with respect to the adhesive layer 111.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view through a further connecting element 100. The structure of the connection element 100 corresponds to that in fig. 4, except that it does not comprise an adhesive layer 111 and the conductive adhesive 105 protruding from the recess 109 is directly covered by a removable protective layer 113. The protective layer 113 thus has a bulge in the region of the conductive adhesive 105. In this embodiment, the conductive adhesive 105 is in direct contact with the conductive layer 121 of the glass plate 101 due to the overhang.

From the above description of the invention it can be seen that a suitable and durable hybrid connection system based on conductive and non-conductive adhesives is achieved by the connection element 100 shown. By means of this construction, the electrical and mechanical requirements for connecting the connecting element to a glass plate, in particular a vitreous glass plate 101, can be met.

List of reference numerals

100 connecting element

101 glass plate

103 electrical flat conductor

105 conductive adhesive

107 electrically insulating front layer

109 recess

111 insulating adhesive layer

113 protective layer

115 opening

117 electrically insulating adhesive

119 pressing die

121 conductive layer

122 front side

123 connection

124 back side

125 electrically insulating back layer

Claims (15)

1. -a prefabricated connecting element (100) adapted to electrically contact the electrically conductive layer (121) of the glass plate (101), said prefabricated connecting element (100) having, before electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121):

-at least one electric flat conductor (103) having a front side (122) and a back side (124);

-on the front side (122) of the flat conductor (103), an electrically insulating front side layer (107) having at least one recess (109);

-an electrically conductive adhesive (105) arranged at least partially in the recess (109) and in electrical contact with the flat conductor (103) for gluing the connection element to the glass plate (101) and for electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121).

2. The connection element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (109) of the electrically insulating front layer (107) is cylindrical.

3. The connection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically insulating front layer (107) is formed of an acrylate.

4. The connection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the electrically insulating front layer (107) an electrically insulating adhesive layer (111) is arranged around the recess (109).

5. Connecting element (100) according to claim 4, wherein a removable protective layer (113) is arranged on the electrically insulating adhesive layer (111).

6. The connection element (100) according to claim 5, wherein the removable protective layer (113) covers the recess (109) or comprises an opening (115), the opening (115) corresponding at least to the recess (109).

7. The connection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive (105) protrudes from the recess (109) or wherein the recess (109) protrudes with respect to the electrically conductive adhesive (105).

8. The connecting element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a paste-like electrically insulating adhesive (117) is arranged on the electrically insulating front layer (107) around the recess (109).

9. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrically insulating front layer (107) consists of a paste-like electrically insulating adhesive (117).

10. The connection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically insulating front layer (107) comprises a plurality of recesses (109) with an electrically conductive adhesive (105).

11. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical flat conductor (103) is covered on the back side (124) with an electrically insulating back layer (125), in particular a back side film.

12. The connection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive (105) is isotropically or anisotropically electrically conductive.

13. Glass plate (101) with an electrically conductive layer (121) with a mounted prefabricated connecting element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Method for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer (121) of a glass plate (101), having the following steps:

-providing a glass plate (101) with an electrically conductive layer (121),

-pressing the prefabricated connecting element (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12 onto the electrically conductive layer (121) of the glass plate (101).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the conductive adhesive (105) is heated during compaction.

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