DE202021105089U1 - Glazing with segmented PDLC functional element and electrically controllable optical properties - Google Patents

Abstract

Glazing unit with electrically controllable optical properties with several independent switching areas (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7), comprising
- A composite pane (100), comprising
- An outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3) and
- A PDLC functional element (4) with electrically controllable optical properties, which is arranged between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2), and
- A control unit (5) which is suitable for controlling the optical properties of the PDLC functional element (4), the electrically controllable PDLC functional element (4) being divided into at least two separate functional element segments,
each PDLC functional element segment being electrically connected to the control unit (5) so that an electrical voltage can be applied to each functional element segment independently of one another in order to control the optical properties of the individual functional element segments.

Description

The invention relates to glazing with electrically controllable optical properties.

Glazing units with electrically controllable optical properties are known as such. They include composite panes, which are equipped with functional elements whose optical properties can be changed by an applied electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is applied via a control unit which is connected to two surface electrodes of the functional element, between which the active layer of the functional element is located. An example of such functional elements are SPD functional elements (suspended particle device), which for example consist of EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1 are known. The applied voltage can be used to control the transmission of visible light through SPD functional elements. Another example are PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), which for example consist of DE 102008026339 A1 are known. The active layer contains liquid crystals which are embedded in a polymer matrix. If no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are disordered, which leads to a strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align themselves in a common direction and the transmission of light through the active layer is increased. The PDLC functional element has less of an effect by reducing the overall transmission than by increasing the scattering, as a result of which the unobstructed view can be prevented or glare protection can be ensured. In addition, electrochromic functional elements are known, for example from US 20120026573 A1 , WO 2010147494 A1 and EP 1862849 A1 and WO 2012007334 A1 in which a change in transmission occurs through electrochemical processes, which is induced by the applied electrical voltage.

Electrically controllable functional elements are often provided as multilayer films. The actual functional element is arranged between two polymeric carrier films. Such multilayer films allow a simplified production of electrically controllable glazing. The multilayer film is typically laminated between two panes of glass using conventional methods, a composite pane with electrically controllable optical properties being produced. In particular, the multilayer films can be purchased commercially, so that the manufacturer of the glazing does not have to produce the controllable functional element itself.

It is often desirable that the surface electrodes of a functional element with controllable optical properties have a structure. Such a structuring is in particular at least one interruption of the first surface electrode by a linear, electrically non-conductive area. For example, functional elements can be implemented with partial areas that can be controlled independently of one another. Furthermore, locally limited subregions of the functional element can be implemented that are transparent to electromagnetic radiation (so-called communication windows).

The structures are typically introduced into the first surface electrode by laser processing. The surface electrodes cannot be selected with regard to optimum electrical conductivity, since they have to be transparent in order to ensure that they can be seen through the composite pane. Typically, electrically conductive oxides, for example tin indium oxide layers (ITO layers), are used as surface electrodes, which have a comparatively low conductivity or a comparatively high electrical resistance. This results in a problem which can occur at elevated temperatures of approx. 50 ° C and higher. The electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive oxides increases with higher temperatures, which means that a lower electrical voltage is required to change from an opaque state to a transparent state. As a result, a “parasitic effect” occurs. As soon as individual segments of the functional element are switched on, electron migration occurs via the non-segmented, second surface electrode, thereby generating an electric field in the vicinity of the first, segmented surface electrode. The first, segmented flat electrode is connected to earth with its individual segments when it is switched off. The more individual segments of the first surface electrode are switched on, the stronger the electric field becomes in the vicinity of the switched off segments. At room temperature, this undesirable electric field does not play a role, since it changes the opacity in an undetectable way (visible to the naked eye). But at elevated temperatures greater than or equal to 50 ° C, this small voltage already creates a visible change in turbidity. The deactivated segments lose their cloudiness even if they are not switched.

In principle, it would be possible to avoid the “parasitic effect” by also segmenting the second surface electrode by isolating lines in accordance with the switching areas. As a result, there is no electron migration on the second, non-segmented one Surface electrode and consequently not to generate an electric field in the switched-off segments of the functional element. In this case, however, the normally invisible segmentation lines with a whitish seam become visually noticeable. This seam is easily recognizable and leads to a less aesthetic appearance of the glazing than would be the case without such a whitish seam.

There is therefore a need for improved glazing units with electrically controllable optical properties with several independent switching areas in which the “parasitic effect” between switched-on and switched-off switching areas is avoided or at least significantly reduced. The present invention is based on the object of providing such an improved glazing unit and a method for controlling it.

The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a glazing unit according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The glazing unit according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties and several independent switching areas comprises a composite pane and a control unit. The composite pane in turn comprises an outer pane and an inner pane, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and a PDLC functional element with electrically controllable optical properties arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane. The control unit is suitable for controlling the optical properties of the PDLC functional element.

The PDLC functional element is divided into at least two separate ones, each PDLC functional element segment being electrically connected to the control unit, so that an electrical voltage can be applied to each functional element segment independently of one another in order to control the optical properties of the individual functional element segments.

In glazing units of the generic type, only one area, usually a flat electrode, of the PDLC functional element is often segmented. The problem of the "parasitic effect" often occurs due to the segmentation of the PDLC functional element only in certain areas in the case of a surface electrode connected to the control unit. The PDLC functional element is divided into different segments, which can be electrically controlled independently of one another, but at higher temperatures of 50 ° C or more, an electrical field is created based on partially segmented PDLC functional element segments to which an electrical voltage is applied , and across the board on stress-free PDLC functional element segments. As a result, the PDLC functional element segment, which is actually de-energized, also changes its optical properties.

By completely segmenting the PDLC functional element by means of laser beams, for example, into at least two PDLC functional element segments, a “parasitic effect” can be counteracted and this can be reduced or even completely prevented. This complete segmentation, i.e. separation, of the PDLC functional element into at least two functional element segments represents an improvement over the generic glazing unit.

• - eine erste Flächenelektrode,
• - eine aktive Schicht und
• - eine zweite Flächenelektrode.

Preferably, each of the at least two PDLC functional element segments of the glazing unit according to the invention comprises arranged flat one above the other in the specified order

• - a first surface electrode,
• - an active layer and
• - a second surface electrode.

The first surface electrode, the second surface electrode and the active layer can be divided into at least two PDLC functional element segments by means of laser beams, for example.

By segmenting not only the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode, but also the active layer of the PDLC functional element, another great advantage of the invention can be achieved. Generic PDLC functional elements, which are divided into several functional element segments by the segmentation of the first surface electrode and the congruent segmentation of the second surface electrode, often have the problem of the so-called “line broadening effect”. The normally invisible segmentation lines become clearly visible and have a whitish border. In the area of the segmentation of the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode, there is a change in the optical properties compared to the optical properties of the multiple PDLC functional element segments. This effect also occurs above all at higher temperatures from 50 ° C. and when a voltage is applied to at least one PDLC functional element segment while the remaining other PDLC functional element segments are voltage-free. After a few minutes under such conditions, the change in optical properties along the segmentation lines, for example a white seam. This “line broadening effect” is largely or entirely prevented in the present invention in that, in addition to segmenting the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode, the active layer is also segmented, for example by means of laser beams. One possible explanation is that the divided active layers can no longer bridge the distance between the at least two functional element segments and a special electric field condition is generated between two functional element segments, which largely reduces or completely prevents the effect. The segmentation of the active layer together with the first and the second surface electrode thus completely separates the at least two functional element segments from one another and largely or completely prevents an overlapping effect (“line broadening effect”).

In a preferred embodiment, the active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. These liquid crystals change their alignment as a function of the electrical voltage that is applied to the active layer. If no voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals are aligned in a disordered manner, which leads to a strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align in a common direction and the transmission of light through the active layer is increased.

The surface electrodes are preferably transparent, which in the context of the invention means that they have a light transmission in the visible spectral range of at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 80%. The surface electrodes preferably contain at least one metal, a metal alloy or a transparent conductive oxide (transparent conducting oxide, TCO). The surface electrodes can for example be based on silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, indium tin oxide (ITO), gallium-doped or aluminum-doped zinc oxide and / or fluorine-doped or antimony-doped tin oxide, preferably based on Silver or ITO. The flat electrodes preferably have a thickness of 10 nm to 2 μm, particularly preferably from 20 nm to 1 μm, very particularly preferably from 30 nm to 500 nm.

In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element comprises, in addition to the active layer and the surface electrodes, a first and a second carrier film, the PDLC functional element preferably being arranged between the first carrier film and the second carrier film. The first and second carrier films are preferably made of thermoplastic material, for example based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorinated ethylene-propylenes, polyvinyl fluoride or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, particularly preferably based on PET. The thickness of the first and the second carrier film is preferably from 10 μm to 700 μm, in particular from 100 μm to 500 μm. Such PDLC functional elements can advantageously be provided as multilayer films, in particular can be purchased, cut to the desired size and shape and then laminated into the composite pane, preferably via a thermoplastic connecting layer each with the outer pane and the inner pane. It is advantageous to segment the PDLC functional element, for example by means of laser radiation, before it is stored between two carrier foils.

The side edges of the PDLC functional element can be sealed, for example by fusing the carrier layers or by a (preferably polymeric) tape. In this way, the active layer can be protected, in particular from constituents of the intermediate layer (in particular plasticizers) diffusing into the active layer, which can lead to degradation of the functional element.

For electrical contacting of the flat electrodes or PDLC functional element segments, these are preferably connected with so-called flat or foil conductors, which extend from the thermoplastic intermediate layer over a side edge of the composite pane. Flat conductors have a strip-like metallic layer as the conductive core, which, with the exception of the contact surfaces, is typically surrounded by a polymeric insulation sheath. Optionally, so-called bus bars, for example strips of an electrically conductive foil (for example copper foil) or electrically conductive imprints, can be arranged on the flat electrodes, the flat or foil conductors being connected to these busbars. The flat or foil conductors are connected to the control unit directly or via additional conductors.

The distance between the at least two separate PDLC functional element segments is preferably less than or equal to 500 μm, preferably from 10 μm to 150 μm, particularly preferably from 20 μm to 100 μm. This distance has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The outer pane has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the outer pane facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer and the inner surface facing away from the Outer pane facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The inner pane has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the inner pane facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer and the outer surface of the inner pane facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The inner pane is intended to face an interior space, for example a vehicle interior, whereas the outer pane is intended to face an external environment.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is attached to the inner surface of the inner pane. The control unit can for example be glued directly to the inner surface of the inner pane. In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is inserted into a fastening element, which in turn is fastened to the inner surface of the inner pane, preferably via a layer of an adhesive. Such fastening elements are also known as “brackets” in the vehicle sector and are typically made of plastic. Attaching the control unit directly to the laminated pane makes it easier to connect it electrically. In particular, no long cables are required between the control unit and the functional element.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the control unit is not attached to the composite pane, but is integrated, for example, in the electrical system of the vehicle or is attached to the vehicle body if the composite pane is a vehicle pane. The control unit is preferably arranged in the interior of the vehicle in such a way that it is not visible, for example in the dashboard or behind a wall covering.

The composite pane can be equipped with an opaque cover print, in particular in a circumferential edge area, as is customary in the vehicle sector, in particular for windshields, rear windows and roof windows. The cover print is typically formed from an enamel containing glass frits and a pigment, in particular black pigment. The printing ink is typically applied by screen printing and baked. Such a cover print is applied to at least one of the pane surfaces, preferably the inner surface of the outer pane and / or the inner pane. The cover print preferably surrounds a central see-through area like a frame and serves in particular to protect the adhesive, by which the composite pane is connected to the vehicle body, from UV radiation. If the control unit is attached to the inner surface of the inner pane, then preferably in the opaque area of the cover print.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer is used to connect the inner pane and the outer pane, as is customary with composite panes. Typically, thermoplastic films are used and the thermoplastic intermediate layer is formed from these. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic intermediate layer is formed from at least a first thermoplastic layer and a second thermoplastic layer, between which the PDLC functional element is arranged. The PDLC functional element is then connected to the outer pane via an area of the first thermoplastic layer and to the inner pane via an area of the second thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layers preferably protrude circumferentially beyond the functional element. Where the thermoplastic layers are in direct contact with one another and are not separated from one another by the functional element, they can fuse during lamination in such a way that the original layers may no longer be recognizable and instead a homogeneous intermediate layer is present.

A thermoplastic layer can be formed, for example, by a single thermoplastic film. A thermoplastic layer can also be formed from sections of different thermoplastic films, the side edges of which are placed against one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the PDLC functional element, more precisely the side edges of the PDLC functional element, is surrounded circumferentially by a third thermoplastic layer. The third thermoplastic layer is designed like a frame with a recess into which the PDLC functional element is inserted. The third thermoplastic layer can be formed by a thermoplastic film into which the recess has been made by cutting out. Alternatively, the third thermoplastic layer can also be composed of several film sections around the PDLC functional element. The thermoplastic intermediate layer is then formed from a total of at least three thermoplastic layers arranged flat on top of one another, the middle layer having a recess in which the PDLC functional element is arranged. During production, the third thermoplastic layer is arranged between the first and the second thermoplastic layer, the side edges of all thermoplastic layers preferably being in congruence. The third thermoplastic layer preferably has approximately the same thickness as the PDLC functional element. This compensates for the local difference in thickness that is introduced by the locally limited PDLC functional element, so that glass breakage during lamination is avoided can be and an improved visual appearance is created.

The layers of the thermoplastic intermediate layer are preferably formed from the same material, but can in principle also be formed from different materials. The layers or films of the thermoplastic intermediate layer are preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU). This means that the majority of the layer or film contains the said material (proportion greater than 50% by weight) and can optionally also contain further components, for example plasticizers, stabilizers, UV or IR absorbers. The thickness of each thermoplastic layer is preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm. For example, foils with the standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used.

The outer pane and the inner pane are preferably made from glass, particularly preferably from soda-lime glass, as is customary for window panes. The panes can also be made from other types of glass, for example quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass, or from rigid, clear plastics, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The panes can be clear, tinted or colored. Depending on the application, there may be limits to the degree of tinting or coloring: sometimes a prescribed light transmission must be guaranteed, for example a light transmission of at least 70% in the main transparent area A in accordance with Regulation No. 43 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN / ECE) (ECE-R43, "Uniform conditions for the approval of safety glazing materials and their installation in vehicles").

The outer pane, the inner pane and / or the intermediate layer can have suitable coatings known per se, for example anti-reflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings, UV-absorbing or reflective coatings or IR-absorbing or reflective coatings such as sun protection coatings or low-E coatings.

The thickness of the outer pane and the inner pane can vary widely and thus be adapted to the requirements in the individual case. The outer pane and the inner pane preferably have thicknesses of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Verglasungseinheit, enthaltend ein PDLC-Funktionselement,
• 2 einen Querschnitt entlang X-X' durch die Verglasungseinheit nach 1,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf das PDLC-Funktionselement vor der Herstellung der Verglasungseinheit nach 1,
• 4 einen Querschnitt entlang Y-Y' durch das PDLC-Funktionselement aus 3 und
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Verglasungseinheit, enthaltend ein PDLC-Funktionselement,

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and is not true to scale. The drawing does not restrict the invention in any way. Show it:

• 1 a plan view of an embodiment of a glazing unit according to the invention, containing a PDLC functional element,
• 2 a cross-section along XX 'through the glazing unit 1 ,
• 3 a plan view of the PDLC functional element before the manufacture of the glazing unit according to 1 ,
• 4th a cross section along YY 'through the PDLC functional element 3 and
• 5 a plan view of a further embodiment of a glazing unit according to the invention, containing a PDLC functional element,

1 and 2 each show a detail of a glazing unit according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties. The glazing unit comprises a composite pane 100 . The composite pane 100 is provided, for example, as a roof window of a passenger car, the light transmission of which can be electrically controlled in certain areas. The composite pane 100 includes an outer pane 1 and an inner pane 2 that have a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 are connected to each other. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 consist of soda-lime glass, which can optionally be tinted. The outer pane 1 has, for example, a thickness of 2.1 mm, the inner pane 2 a thickness of 1.6 mm.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 comprises a total of three thermoplastic layers 3a , 3b , 3c each formed by a thermoplastic film with a thickness of 0.38 mm made of PVB. The first thermoplastic layer 3a is with the outer pane 1 connected, the second thermoplastic layer 3b with the inner pane 2 . The intermediate third thermoplastic layer 3c has a section in which a PDLC functional element 4th with electrically controllable optical properties essentially precisely fitting, that is to say approximately flush on all sides. The third thermoplastic layer 3c thus forms a kind of passe-partout or frame for the approximately 0.3 mm thick PDLC functional element 4th , which is thickened in the edge area by the busbars used for electrical contact to about 0.4 mm. The PDLC functional element 4th is thus completely encapsulated in thermoplastic material and thus protected. The PDLC functional element 4th can be switched from a transparent to a light-scattering state. The PDLC functional element 4th is in four divided into separate functional element segments (as in 4th shown).

The PDLC functional element 4th is with electrical cables 13 with a control unit 5 tied together. This control unit 5 is an example of the inner surface, i.e. of the thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 facing away from the surface, the inner pane 2 appropriate. For this purpose, for example, a fastening element (not shown) is attached to the inner pane 2 glued into which the control unit 5 is used. The control unit 5 but does not necessarily have to be directly on the laminated pane 100 to be appropriate. Alternatively, it can be attached, for example, to the dashboard or the vehicle body, or it can be integrated into the vehicle's on-board electrical system.

The composite pane 100 has a circumferential edge area, which is covered with an opaque cover print 6th is provided. This masking print 6th is typically made of black enamel. It is printed as a printing ink with a black pigment and glass frit using a screen printing process and burned into the surface of the pane. The masking print 6th is exemplified on the inner surface of the outer pane 1 and also on the inner surface of the inner pane 2 upset. The side edges of the functional element 4th are through this masking print 6th covered. The control unit 5 is arranged in this opaque edge area, i.e. on the cover print 6th the inner pane 2 glued. The control unit is disturbing there 5 the view through the laminated pane 100 not and is optically inconspicuous. In addition, it is at a small distance from the side edge of the composite pane 100 so that only advantageously short cables 13 for the electrical connection of the PDLC functional element 4th are necessary.

The control unit 5 is, on the other hand, connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical system, which is in the 1 and 2 is not shown for the sake of simplicity. The control unit 5 is suitable, depending on a switching signal, which the driver specifies, for example by pressing a button, to apply the voltage or voltages to the functional element segments that are required for the desired optical state of the PDLC functional element 4th (Switching state) are required.

The composite pane 100 has four independent switching ranges as an example S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 in which the switching state of the PDLC functional element 4th independently of each other by the control unit 5 can be adjusted. The switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 are arranged one behind the other in the direction from the front edge to the rear edge of the roof window, the terms front edge and rear edge referring to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Through the switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 the driver of the vehicle can choose (depending on the position of the sun, for example) instead of the entire composite pane 100 to provide only one area thereof with the diffuse state, while the other areas remain transparent.

3 and 4th each show a detail of the PDLC functional element 4th before this into the composite pane 100 according to 1 was laminated. The PDLC functional element 4th is between a first carrier film 8th and a second carrier film 9 arranged. The first and the second carrier film 8th , 9 consist of PET and have a thickness of 0.125 mm, for example. The first and the second carrier film 8th , 9 are provided with a coating of ITO with a thickness of about 100 nm, which has a first surface electrode 10 and a second area electrode 11 form. Between the first and the second surface electrode 10 , 11 is an active layer 12th arranged. The active layer 12th is a PDLC layer and contains liquid crystals in a polymer matrix, which are attached to the first and second surface electrodes by one 10 , 11 applied AC voltage can be aligned. The active layer 12th is then transparent. In the absence of voltage, the liquid crystals are misaligned, resulting in a state of strong light scattering. Both surface electrodes are segmented 10 , 11 and the active layer 12th divided into four functional element segments, the independent switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 form.

The PDLC functional element 4th has three segmentation lines 7th which extend parallel to one another from one side edge to the opposite side edge. The segmentation lines 7th separate the first area electrodes 10 , the second surface electrode 11 and the active layer 12th in functional element segments that are electrically isolated from one another. These functional element segments form the four independent switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 of the PDLC functional element 4th or later the glazing unit. The individual segments of the first and second surface electrodes 10 , 11 are electrically contacted independently of each other and with a control unit 5 connected so that the optical properties of the switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 can be controlled independently of each other.

By segmenting the complete PDLC functional element 4th and not just the first surface electrode 10 and / or the second surface electrode 11 As is often the case with glazing units of the generic type, a further great advantage of the invention can be achieved. Generic PDLC functional elements, which are divided into several functional element segments by the segmentation of the first surface electrode and the congruent segmentation of the second surface electrode, often have this Problem of the so-called "line broadening effect" (generic PDLC functional element not in the 1 until 5 shown). The normally invisible segmentation lines become clearly visible and have a whitish border. In the area of the segmentation of the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode, there is a change in the optical properties compared to the optical properties of the multiple PDLC functional element segments. This effect occurs above all at higher temperatures from 50 ° C. and when a voltage is applied to at least one PDLC functional element segment while the remaining other PDLC functional element segments are free of voltage. After a few minutes under such conditions, the change in optical properties appears along the segmentation lines, for example a white seam. This “line broadening effect” is largely or entirely prevented in the present invention by, in addition to the segmentation of the first surface electrode 10 and the second surface electrode 11 also the active layer 12th is segmented for example by means of laser beams. One possible explanation is that the split active layers 12th can no longer bridge the distance between the at least two functional element segments and a special electric field condition is generated between two functional element segments, which largely reduces or completely prevents the effect. The segmentation of the active layer 12th together with the first and second surface electrodes 10 , 11 thus completely separates the at least two functional element segments from one another and largely or completely prevents an overlapping effect (“line broadening effect”).

5 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the glazing unit according to the invention. The glazing unit off 5 is like the glazing unit 1 and 2 constructed with the difference that the PDLC functional element 4th (not shown here) in seven switching ranges S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 , S6 , S7 instead of being divided into four switching areas. The switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 , S6 , S7 They also form a pattern, the switching areas S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 , S6 , S7 are also shaped differently in plan view. The configuration represents a further embodiment; in principle, further configurations or shapes and a different number of switching areas are also possible S1 , S2 , S3 , S4 , S5 , S6 , S7 possible.

List of reference symbols

1

Outer pane

2

Inner pane

3

thermoplastic intermediate layer

3a

first layer of the thermoplastic intermediate layer 3

3b

second layer of thermoplastic intermediate layer 3

3c

third layer of the thermoplastic intermediate layer 3

4th

PDLC functional element

5

Control unit

6th

Cover print

7th

Segmentation lines

8th

first carrier film

9

second carrier film

10

first surface electrode

11

second surface electrode

12th

active layer

S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7

Switching ranges

100

Composite pane

X-X '

Section line through the glazing unit in 1 and 2

Y-Y '

Section line through the PDLC functional element in 3 and 4th

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 0876608 B1 [0002]
• WO 2011033313 A1 [0002]
• DE 102008026339 A1 [0002]
• US 20120026573 A1 [0002]
• WO 2010147494 A1 [0002]
• EP 1862849 A1 [0002]
• WO 2012007334 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Glazing unit with electrically controllable optical properties with several independent switching areas (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7), comprising - A composite pane (100), comprising - An outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3) and - A PDLC functional element (4) with electrically controllable optical properties, which is arranged between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2), and - A control unit (5) which is suitable for controlling the optical properties of the PDLC functional element (4), the electrically controllable PDLC functional element (4) being divided into at least two separate functional element segments, each PDLC functional element segment being electrically connected to the control unit (5) so that an electrical voltage can be applied to each functional element segment independently of one another in order to control the optical properties of the individual functional element segments. Glazing unit after Claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two PDLC functional element segments arranged flat on top of one another in the specified order - comprises a first surface electrode (10), - an active layer (12) and - a second surface electrode (11). Glazing unit after Claim 2 , wherein liquid crystals are embedded in a polymer matrix in the active layer (12). Glazing unit after Claim 2 or Claim 3 , wherein the surface electrodes (10, 11) are based on silver or indium tin oxide (ITO) and have a thickness of 20 nm to 1 μm. Glazing unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , wherein the PDCL functional element (4) is arranged flat between - a first carrier film (8) and - a second carrier film (9). Glazing unit after Claim 4 , wherein the first and the second carrier film (8, 9) are based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Glazing unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , the distance between the at least two separate PDLC functional element segments being less than or equal to 500 μm, preferably from 10 μm to 150 μm, particularly preferably from 20 μm to 100 μm. Glazing unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th wherein the thermoplastic intermediate layer (3) is based on polyvinyl butyral. Glazing unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , the outer pane (1) and / or the inner pane (2) being made of soda-lime glass. Glazing unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the outer pane (1) and / or the inner pane (2) consist of borosilicate glass.

Images