DE202022106921U1 - Glazing element with a light-conducting transparent layer - Google Patents

Abstract

Glazing element comprising a transparent layer (2) with a first surface (III) and a second surface (IV) and a laser diode (5) for generating laser radiation (L), which is arranged such that the laser radiation (L) via the second surface (IV) is radiated into the transparent layer (2),
wherein a first microprism film (10) is arranged opposite the laser diode (5) on the first surface (III) and is configured such that the laser radiation (L) radiated into the transparent layer (2) is reflected by the first microprism film (10) and is at least partially coupled back into the transparent layer (2) with a coupling angle that is suitable for the coupled laser radiation (L) to propagate in the transparent layer (2), in particular by total reflection on the first surface (III) and the second surface (IV),
wherein the laser radiation (L) is coupled out of the transparent layer (2) again via the second surface (IV) through the first microprism film (10) or a second microprism film (11) arranged on the first surface (III),
the glazing element having a photodiode (4) opposite the decoupling microprism film (10, 11), which is arranged such that at least part of the decoupled laser radiation (L, R) impinges on the photodiode (4).

Description

The invention relates to a glazing element.

Illuminated glazing elements are known. For illumination, a light source, typically a light-emitting diode, can be arranged on the side edge surface or in a recess of a glass pane of the glazing element, so that light is coupled into the glass pane via the side edge surface or the edge surface of the recess and propagates there as a result of total reflection. The light is often decoupled from the glass pane again by light-scattering structures, whereby the lighting is realized. The shape of the light-scattering structures can be freely selected, so that illuminated surfaces of any shape, for example as a pattern, can be generated. Illuminated glazing elements of this type are, for example, off WO2014/060409A1 or WO2014/167291A1 known.

Glazing elements are often equipped with detectors. Examples are detectors for driver assistance systems that are integrated into vehicle windshields, such as cameras, light or rain sensors. In order to read out the data from the detectors, they are typically provided with cables for data transmission, which have to be laboriously concealed so that the observer does not notice them in a disturbing manner.

It is also possible to integrate switches into glazing elements with which a user can, for example, switch lighting on and off or control the optical properties of the glazing element if the glazing element is equipped with a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties. Cables are also typically required for such a switch.

There is a need for glazing elements with integrated detectors or switches, which can be implemented without electrical cables in a central area of the glazing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such an improved glazing element.

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

In the context of the invention, the glazing element is a pane-like or plate-like object which comprises at least one pane of glass and is in particular structurally formed from at least one pane of glass. The glazing element may be a single pane, structurally consisting of only said pane. The glass element may alternatively be a laminated pane or double glazing containing said glass pane. In the case of a composite pane, the glass pane is connected to another pane via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. In the case of insulating glazing, the glass pane is connected to another pane via a circumferential spacer in the edge region, as a result of which a space between the panes that is typically filled with inert gas or is evacuated is formed. The glazing element can be used as a window pane, for example as a window pane of vehicles, buildings or interiors. However, the glazing element can also be used as a component of furniture or electrical equipment, for example as a door pane of a cupboard or shelf or as a pane of an oven door. The glazing element can also be used as such as a piece of furniture, for example as a wall panel.

The glazing element according to the invention comprises or contains at least one transparent layer and a laser diode, which is provided and suitable for generating laser radiation. The transparent layer has a first surface (main surface), a second surface (main surface), and a side edge surface extending therebetween. The laser diode is arranged in such a way that the laser radiation is radiated (at least partially) into the transparent layer via the second surface. The laser radiation passes through the transparent layer and exits the transparent layer again via the first surface.

A first microprism film is disposed on the first surface. The first microprism film is positioned opposite the laser diode with respect to the viewing direction through the glazing element. The microprism film has a reflective surface, namely the surface of the microprism film remote from the transparent layer. The reflective surface has a plurality of portions inclined toward the second surface. The microprism film is configured such that the laser radiation radiated into the transparent layer and passed through the transparent layer is reflected by the first microprism film (on the reflective surface) and is at least partially coupled back into the transparent layer. In this case, the laser radiation is reflected by the reflecting surface with a coupling angle into the transparent layer and coupled into it Pelt, which is suitable for the coupled-in laser radiation to propagate at least partially (at least part of the coupled-in laser radiation) in the transparent layer, in particular by total reflection on the first surface and the second surface of the transparent layer.

According to the invention, the laser radiation is coupled out of the transparent layer again via the second surface through the first microprism film or a second microprism film arranged on the first surface. The glazing element has a photodiode opposite the decoupling microprism film, which is arranged in such a way that at least part of the decoupled laser radiation impinges on the photodiode and is or can be detected by it in particular.

The transparent layer of the glazing element can also be referred to as a transparent layer, a light-conducting layer or a light-conducting layer. In particular, it is a transparent glass or polymer layer. The transparent layer is preferably a rigid layer. It can be designed, for example, as a glass pane or plate or as a plastic pane or plate. The glass pane or plastic pane can form an outer pane of the glazing element that is exposed to the environment or can be embedded in the glazing element as a light guide plate. A flexible light guide film can also be embedded in the glazing element and function as a transparent layer, for example a PET film with a thickness of 30 μm to 200 μm. The transparent layer has the task of distributing the light radiated in by the light source over the surface of the glazing element in the manner of a light guide.

The eponymous transparency of the transparent layer relates in particular to the emission wavelength of the light source. The transparent layer preferably has a light transmission relative to the laser radiation of at least 70°, particularly preferably at least 80°, very particularly preferably at least 90°.

The first surface of the transparent layer faces away from the laser diode, and the second surface of the transparent layer faces the laser diode. The first and the second surface of the transparent layer are in particular smooth (planar or curved) and parallel to one another. The laser diode irradiates the transparent layer, the laser radiation entering the transparent layer via the second surface, passing through the transparent layer, exiting the transparent layer via the first surface and impinging on the first microprism film.

The first microprism film is used to couple light into the transparent layer. It is arranged opposite the laser diode on the first surface of the transparent layer, in particular fixed to the first surface of the transparent layer, so that the laser radiation that has passed through the transparent layer impinges on the first microprism film and from its reflective surface (at least partially) back in the direction of the transparent layer is reflected. Typically, not the entire first surface of the transparent layer is provided with the first microprism film, but only a portion of the first surface that is irradiated by the laser diode.

The reflective surface of the first microprism film structure faces away from the transparent layer. The microprism film is transparent to the laser radiation. The laser radiation re-emerges from the transparent layer via the first surface, passes through the first microprism film and strikes its reflective surface where it is reflected and again passes through the first microprism film and re-enters the transparent layer via the first surface.

A microprism film is a flexible, in particular foil-like, polymeric film which has a smooth surface which faces the transparent layer and is in particular arranged on this, and a structured surface which faces away from the transparent layer. The structured surface is in the form of a planar arrangement of a plurality of prisms with dimensions in the micrometer range, the prism surfaces forming inclined sections of the reflective surface. The microprisms act in particular as reflection prisms and reflect the laser radiation that strikes them in a direction that depends on the angle of inclination of the prism surfaces and the angle of incidence of the laser radiation. Microprism films are commercially available and may be purchased or custom made in the manufacture of the glazing element of the present invention. The edge length of the individual microprisms is preferably from 10 μm to 250 μm, particularly preferably from 20 μm to 100 μm, for example about 30 μm.

The microprism film can be multilayered. Thus, microprism films are common which have a substrate layer, for example based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), on which the microprisms are formed from a UV-curing polyacrylate.

The microprism film is transparent and preferentially exhibits light transmission the light of the light source of at least 70°, particularly preferably at least 80°, very particularly preferably at least 90°. It is advantageous if the difference between the refractive indices of the transparent layer and the microprism film is as small as possible in order to avoid reflection losses at the interface between the transparent layer and the microprism film. Said difference in the refractive indices is preferably at most 0.02 (relative to a wavelength of 550 nm), particularly preferably at most 0.01. If the transparent layer and the microprism film differ in the refractive index, the microprism film preferably has a higher refractive index than the transparent layer, which is advantageous for light coupling with a high yield.

In principle, instead of a flexible microprism film, a rigid microprism plate can also be used, ie a rigid plastic plate with a planar arrangement of microprisms.

In particular, the reflective surface of the first microprism film has portions inclined to the surfaces of the transparent layer. This means that the sections are not arranged parallel to the second surface, but rather at an angle of greater than 0° to the second surface. Said sections are arranged at an angle to the second surface of between 0° and 90°, preferably from 30° to 60°, particularly preferably from 40° to 50°, for example about 45°. What is meant is the absolute value of the respective angle. The sections can be inclined in different directions.

The sections are preferably also inclined towards one another. This means that mutually adjacent sections are inclined to one another, ie are not arranged in parallel but at an angle of between 0° and 180° to one another. Said portions of the reflective surface are preferably substantially planar. The inclination of the sections of the reflective surface to the surfaces of the transparent layer determines the angle at which the reflected laser radiation is reflected back into the transparent layer.

wobei n₁ der Brechungsindex der transparenten Schicht und n₂ der Brechungsindex des angrenzenden Mediums ist.The first and second surfaces of the transparent layer represent interfaces with the adjacent medium, either with the surrounding atmosphere or with another layer or layer of the glazing element. Typically, the adjacent medium has a different refractive index than the transparent layer. In the event that the adjacent medium has a higher refractive index than the transparent layer, this results in a critical angle of total reflection, which is determined as $$a_T=\text{arcsin}\left(\frac{n_2}{n_1}\right),$$

where n ₁ is the refractive index of the transparent layer and n ₂ is the refractive index of the adjacent medium.

The sections of the reflecting surface are in particular inclined in such a way that at least part of the laser radiation is reflected back into the transparent layer with such a coupling angle that it strikes the second surface at an angle (angle of incidence) which is greater than the critical angle of total reflection . The laser radiation is totally reflected at the second surface with an angle of emergence that corresponds to the angle of incidence. The laser radiation hits the first surface with precisely this angle of incidence, where it is again totally reflected. The laser radiation does not enter the environment and, as a result of repeated total reflection, propagates essentially loss-free in the transparent layer, being reflected back and forth, so to speak, between the two surfaces of the transparent layer. As is usual in ray optics, the angle of incidence is the angle at which the light beam incident on the surface has to the surface normal at the point of incidence. The angle of reflection is also determined analogously to the surface normal, as is the critical angle of total reflection.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the medium adjacent to the first surface of the transparent layer differs from the medium adjacent to the second surface. This is the case, for example, with composite panes, which consist of two laminated panes of glass, with one of the panes of glass being used as a transparent layer. Then, one of the surfaces of said glass pane abuts the surrounding atmosphere and the other surface abuts the thermoplastic interlayer of the laminated pane. Therefore, different critical angles of total reflection occur on the two surfaces. In this case, the reflective surface is designed in such a way that at least part of the laser radiation is reflected back into the transparent layer with such a coupling angle that it strikes the second surface at an angle (angle of incidence) that is greater than the larger critical angle of the total reflection. These lights propagate as a result of repeated total reflection at both surfaces in the transparent layer.

The laser radiation propagates in the transparent layer until it either hits the side edge surface of the transparent layer and is coupled out there or hits a second microprism film that is spatially spaced apart from the first microprism film on the first surface of the transparent layer. The second microprism film is formed in the same manner as the first microprism film. ER interrupts the total reflection of the laser radiation in the transparent layer and couples the laser radiation out of the transparent layer again via its second surface. The laser radiation is reflected and deflected at the reflective surface of the second microprism film so that it strikes the second surface at an angle of incidence that is less than the critical angle of total internal reflection. The laser radiation therefore emerges from the transparent layer via the second surface (apart from minor reflection losses) and then hits another element - depending on the embodiment of the invention, in particular either the photodiode or a mirror, which couples the laser radiation back into the transparent layer.

The reflective surface of the first and the second microprism film are preferably provided with a reflective coating in order to make the reflection of the laser radiation efficient. The reflective coating can, for example, comprise a layer based on silver or aluminum or consist of such a layer.

The laser diode emits monochromatic radiation and the photodiode (or the evaluation electronics connected to it) is configured for just that monochromatic radiation. In this way, disruptive influences from ambient light, in particular solar radiation, can be avoided. The emission wavelength can be chosen freely by a person skilled in the art.

In principle, the glazing element can be a monolithic pane, in particular a single pane of glass. Structurally, the glazing element is formed exclusively by a single pane of glass, which also functions as a transparent layer within the meaning of the invention. The glass pane has a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, for example, and is preferably made of soda-lime glass. The pane of glass is preferably made of clear glass without tints or coloring. The single pane is typically intended as a window pane to separate an interior space from an exterior environment. It has an interior surface that faces the interior in the installed position and an outside surface that faces the outside environment in the installed position. The interior-side surface is preferably the second surface within the meaning of the invention and the laser diode is attached to it. The outside surface is the first surface within the meaning of the invention and is provided with the first and second microprism films. In principle, instead of a single pane of glass, a single polymer pane made of a clear, transparent plastic can also be used.

In an advantageous embodiment, however, the glazing element according to the invention is designed as a laminated pane. The composite pane comprises an outer pane and an inner pane, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. The outer pane and the inner pane each have an interior-side surface that faces the interior in the installed position and an outside surface that faces the outside environment in the installed position. The outside and inside surfaces are typically provided for see-through, with a side edge surface extending between them. The interior surface of the outer pane and the outside surface of the inner pane face each other and are connected to one another by the at least one intermediate layer. The outer pane and the inner pane are preferably made of glass, in particular soda-lime glass, and each have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, for example, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. The intermediate layer preferably comprises at least one thermoplastic film, for example based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU), with a thickness of, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. In principle, instead of glass panes, polymer panes made of a clear, transparent plastic can also be used as the outer pane and/or inner pane. The laser diode is preferably attached to the surface of the inner pane on the interior side.

If a polymeric film or layer is based on a material, this means within the meaning of the invention that the film or layer consists mainly of the material, i.e. the proportion of the material is more than 50% by weight, preferably more than 60% by weight %.

The film or layer can also contain other components, for example plasticizers, stabilizers, UV or IR blockers.

The inner pane is preferably formed from clear glass in order to make the incidence of light efficient. The outer pane and the intermediate layer between the transparent layer and the outer pane can be tinted or colored.

In a preferred variant of the laminated pane, the inner pane is the transparent one Layer according to the invention. The interior surface of the inner pane is in particular the second surface within the meaning of the invention, the outside surface is the first surface which is provided with the microprism films. The microprism films can be glued to the surface or fixed there by the contact pressure of the one intermediate layer.

Alternatively, the laminated pane can have a light guide plate that is arranged between two films of the intermediate layers. The light guide plate is the transparent layer in the sense of the invention, the first surface in the sense of the invention preferably being the outside surface of the light guide plate and the second surface being the interior surface. In one embodiment, the light guide plate is a glass pane, in particular a comparatively thin glass pane with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2.1 mm. In a further embodiment, the light guide plate may be a polymeric light guide plate, preferably made of a clear, rigid plastic such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), for example with a thickness in the ranges specified above for the glass light guide plate. Instead of the light guide plate, the laminated pane can also have a flexible light guide film (light guide foil) as a transparent layer.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment, the laser diode is assigned to the first microprism film and is arranged opposite it. The photodiode is associated with and opposed to the first microprism film. The laser radiation is coupled into the transparent layer through the first microprism film. There it spreads out in the manner of a light guide and part of the coupled-in light hits the second microprism film, through which the laser radiation is coupled out again from the transparent layer via the second surface. The laser radiation that is coupled out is at least partially directed onto the photodiode and is in particular detected by the photodiode.

Such a configuration can be used in particular for wireless data transmission between the laser diode and the photodiode. For example, it is possible for the laser diode to be connected to a detector integrated in the glazing element and to transmit the signal detected by this detector to the photodiode as a series of laser pulses. There the data can be read out by a control unit. The photodiode is preferably arranged in the edge area of the glazing element, where the electrical connection can be made comparatively inconspicuous by cables. The particular advantage is that your data transmission cables have to be connected to the detector, which are more difficult to conceal since such detectors are typically spaced relatively far from the edge region of the glazing element. Examples of detectors are light sensors, rain sensors, optical cameras or IR cameras in vehicle windshields, which provide data for a driver assistance system. The signals received by an antenna integrated in the glazing element can also be wirelessly transmitted to the photodiode and read out by a control unit. The signals detected by a detector or received by an antenna can be provided as pure information after wireless data transmission or used for automatic control of other elements of the glazing element by a control unit. For example, it is conceivable that the data from a light sensor can be used to regulate the optical properties of the glazing element if the glazing element is equipped with a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, or to adjust the color and frequency of diffuse lighting to create an aesthetic mood to control.

In a second particularly preferred embodiment, both the laser diode and the photodiode are associated with the first microprism film and arranged opposite it. The glazing element includes a tiltable mirror associated with and opposed to the second microprism film. The laser radiation is coupled into the transparent layer through the first microprism film. There it spreads out in the manner of a light guide and part of the coupled-in light hits the second microprism film, through which the laser radiation is coupled out again from the transparent layer via the second surface. The laser radiation that is coupled out is at least partially directed onto the mirror and impinges on it.

The tilting mirror has a first and a second tilting position. It can be moved between the first and second tilting positions by a user, for example by pressing a button. In the first tilting position, the laser radiation is reflected in such a way that it is radiated back into the transparent layer (in particular through the transparent layer) and hits the second microprism film at such an angle that it is reflected by the second microprism film and is at least partially coupled back into the transparent layer with a coupling angle which is suitable for the coupled laser radiation to propagate in the transparent layer, in particular by total reflection at the first surface and the second surface. Part of the laser radiation coupled in by the second microprism film impinges on the first microprism film and is decoupled from it again via the second surface of the transparent layer, with at least part of the decoupled laser radiation hitting the photodiode and being detected in particular by the photodiode.

The second tilting position differs from the first in the angle of inclination of the mirror to the transparent layer. In the second tilting position, the laser radiation is not coupled into the light-conducting layer: the laser radiation reflected on the mirror either does not hit the second microprism film at all or at such an angle that it is reflected by the microprism film in a way that does not lead to propagation of the radiation in the transparent layer leads through total internal reflection.

The laser diode and the photodiode are arranged sufficiently close together that the laser radiation radiated by the laser diode onto the first microprism film and coupled into the transparent layer by this does not impinge on the photodiode. The photodiode can therefore only detect the laser radiation reflected by the mirror and coupled into the transparent layer by the second microprism film - and only when the mirror is in the first tilted position.

Such a configuration can be used in particular to implement a switch. A first switching situation occurs when the tiltable mirror is in the first tilted position and the photodiode consequently detects a signal. A second switching situation occurs when the tiltable mirror is in the second tilted position and the photodiode consequently does not detect a signal. The user can determine the switching situation. The switch can be used for various purposes. One example is turning on and off lighting that may be integrated into the glazing element, such as a reading light or diffused lighting to create an aesthetic mood. Another example is controlling the optical properties of the glazing element. If the glazing element is provided with a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, its switching state can be set with the switch. Such functional elements are, for example, electrochromic functional elements, SPD (suspended particle device) functional elements or PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional elements.

The laser diode, the photodiode, optionally the tiltable mirror and the first and the second microprism film are preferably arranged in an opaque masking area of the laminated pane. The opaque masking area is formed in particular by an opaque element that is arranged between the outer pane and the microprism films. The masking area can be formed by an opaque cover print, which is particularly preferably applied to the interior-side surface of the outer pane. Alternatively, a tinted interlayer (or a tinted portion of an interlayer) may form said opaque element.

The glazing element can be flat or curved in one or more directions of space.

If the glazing element is designed as a laminated pane, known lamination methods can be used to produce it, for example autoclave methods, vacuum bag methods, vacuum ring methods, calendering methods, vacuum laminators or combinations thereof. The outer pane and inner pane are usually connected under the action of heat, vacuum and/or pressure.

The glazing element according to the invention is particularly preferably used as a window pane of a vehicle, for example as a windshield, roof pane, side window or rear window. In principle, the vehicle can be any land vehicle, watercraft or aircraft, and is preferably a passenger car, truck or rail vehicle. The glazing element can also be used in buildings, for example as a window pane, glass facade or glass door in the exterior or interior area, in particular as a window pane of a building or an interior space. The glazing element can also be used as a component of furniture, electrical equipment, as a component of furnishings or as an item of furniture.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way.

• 1 einen Querschnitt durch eine Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verglasungselements,
• 2 einen Querschnitt durch eine weitere Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verglasungselements.

Show it:

• 1 a cross section through an embodiment of the glazing element according to the invention,
• 2 a cross section through a further embodiment of the glazing element according to the invention.

1 shows a cross section through a first embodiment of the glazing element according to the invention.

The glazing element is designed as a composite pane. The laminated pane is structurally formed from an outer pane 1 and an inner pane 2 which are connected to one another by means of a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 . The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made of soda-lime glass and each have a thickness of 2.1 mm, for example. The intermediate layer 3 is formed from a PVB film with a thickness of 0.76 mm, for example.

The composite pane is a vehicle pane, for example. It is shown in plan for the sake of simplicity, although vehicle windows are typically curved. In the installed position, the outer pane 1 faces the outer surroundings of the vehicle. It has an outside surface I facing the outside environment and an inside surface II facing the vehicle interior. In the installed position, the inner pane 2 faces the vehicle interior. It has an outside surface III facing the outside environment and an inside surface IV facing the vehicle interior.

A laser diode 5 is attached to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 . A microprism film 10 is attached to the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 opposite the laser diode 5 . The laser diode 5 emits laser radiation L. The laser radiation L is transmitted through the inner pane 2 and strikes the microprism film 10.

The surface of the microprism film 10 facing away from the inner pane 2 forms a reflective surface. It is designed in the form of a planar arrangement of microprisms and therefore has a plurality of sections which are inclined in different directions with respect to the inner pane 2 (and its surfaces III, IV), for example at an angle of approximately 45°.

The laser radiation L is reflected back in the direction of the inner pane 2 by the reflecting surface of the microprism film 10 . The angle of incidence of the laser diode 5 and the inclination of the sections of the reflective surface of the microprism film 10 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the laser radiation from the microprism film 10 is coupled into the inner pane 2 in such a way that it is reflected by total reflection on the surfaces III, IV in the inner pane spreads. The inner pane 2 thus functions as a two-dimensional light guide for the laser radiation L.

Another microprism film 11 is attached to the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 in another area of the laminated pane. A photodiode 4 is attached to the interior-side surface IV of the inner pane 2 opposite the further microprism film 11 . The total reflection on the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 is interrupted by the additional microprism film 11 . Instead, the laser radiation L is reflected by the reflecting surface of the further microprism film 11 and deflected in such a way that it impinges on the photodiode 4 . The photodiode 4 detects the laser radiation L striking it and converts it into an electrical signal.

The laminated pane can be used, for example, for wireless data transmission. In an exemplary application, such a composite pane can be used as a windshield that is equipped with a camera for a driver assistance system. The data recorded by the camera can be transmitted by a signal sequence of the laser radiation L to the photodiode 4, which is arranged, for example, in an edge area of the laminated pane. The camera therefore does not have to be connected to data transmission cables.

The detection system with the photodiode 4 is tuned to the monochromatic laser radiation L so that it is not disturbed by external light influences, for example sunlight.

The laser diode 4 with its associated microprism film 10 and/or the photodiode 4 with its associated microprism film 11 can be placed in an opaque area of the laminated pane in order to conceal them. The opaque area can be formed, for example, by a black masking print (not shown) on the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 2 .

The reflective surface of the microprism films 10, 11 can be provided with a reflective coating for efficient reflection of the laser radiation L. Such a reflective coating comprises, for example, at least one reflective layer based on silver or aluminum.

2 shows a cross section through a second embodiment of the glazing element according to the invention.

The glazing element is again designed as a composite pane, with the outer pane 1, the inner pane 2 and the thermoplastic intermediate layer 3. Outer pane 1, inner pane 2 and thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 are designed in the same way as in FIG 1 .

A laser diode 5 is again attached to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 2 and opposite it to the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 is a microprism film 10 which is irradiated by the laser diode 5 through the inner pane 2 . The laser radiation L is coupled into the inner pane 2 by reflection on the microprism film 10 and propagates in the inner pane 2 in the manner of a light guide by total reflection on its surfaces III, IV.

Another microprism film 11 is attached to the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 in another area of the laminated pane. Opposite the further microprism film 11, the switch arrangement is attached to the interior-side surface IV of the inner pane 2, which has a tiltable mirror 6. The total reflection on the outside surface III of the inner pane 2 is interrupted by the additional microprism film 11 . Instead, the laser radiation L is reflected by the reflecting surface of the further microprism film 11 and deflected in such a way that it impinges on the mirror 6 .

The mirror 6 can be tilted by a user, for example by pressing a push button. The tiltable mirror 6 has in particular two possible positions (tilt positions) between which it can be tilted back and forth by the user. The two positions differ in the angle at which the mirror 6 is arranged relative to the inner pane 2 and its surface III, IV (angle of inclination).

In a first position, which is shown in the figure, the mirror 6 has such an angle of inclination that the laser radiation L is reflected in such a way that the reflected laser radiation R impinges through the inner pane 2 onto the further microprism film 11 and from there back into the inner pane 2 is coupled and spreads out in this by total flexion on its surface III, IV.

In addition to the laser diode 5 , a photodiode 4 is also arranged opposite the first microprism film 10 . The total reflection of the reflected laser radiation R is interrupted by the microprism film 10 . Instead, the reflected laser radiation R is reflected by the reflective surface of the microprism film 10 and is deflected in such a way that it strikes the photodiode 4 and is detected by it. Laser diode 5 and photodiode 4 can be arranged in a common housing, for example. The photodiode 4 is arranged too closely adjacent to the laser diode 5 for the laser radiation L emitted by the laser diode 5 and coupled comparatively flatly into the inner pane 2 by the microprism film 10 to be detected by the photodiode 4 .

In the second position of the mirror 6, the laser radiation is reflected at a different angle. The reflected laser radiation R hits the other microprism film 11 in such a way that it is not coupled into the inner pane 2 by it—there is no total reflection on either surface III, IV.

When the laser diode 5 is switched on, the photodiode 4 only detects the laser radiation R reflected on the mirror 6 when the mirror is in the first position. As a result, a switch can be implemented, for example.

In an exemplary application, such a composite pane can be used as a vehicle roof pane. With the switch (ie by tilting the mirror 6), the user can switch lighting on or off, for example. In an alternative application, the user can, for example, change the status of a functional element that is embedded in the roof pane and has optical properties that can be switched electrically. With such a functional element, for example, the degree of darkening of the roof pane can be controlled electrically (SPD functional element, electrochromic functional element) or the roof pane can be switched between a transparent and a highly scattering, translucent state (PDLC functional element).

Here, too, it is advantageous if the light-emitting diode 4, the photodiode 4, the switch arrangement with the mirror 6 and the microprism films 10, 11 are arranged in an opaque area of the laminated pane, which can be covered, for example, by a black masking print (not shown) on the interior surface II of the Outer pane 2 is formed. It is also advantageous if the reflective surface of the microprism films 10, 11 is provided with a reflective coating for efficient reflection of the laser radiation L and the reflected laser radiation R.

It is not absolutely necessary for the inner pane 2 of the laminated pane to be used as a light guide. Alternatively, for example, a thin glass pane, plastic pane or plastic film can be laminated into the laminated pane as a light guide between two layers of the intermediate layer 3 . The microprism films 10, 11 are then arranged on the surface of the light guide facing away from the laser diode 5 and the photodiode 4 and couple the laser radiation into the light guide or out of the light guide.

Reference List

(1)

outer pane

(2)

inner pane

(3)

thermoplastic intermediate layer

(4)

photodiode

(5)

laser diode

(6)

tilting mirror

(10)

microprism film

(11)

microprism film

(L)

laser radiation

(r)

at the mirror 6 reflected laser radiation

(i)

first/outside surface of the outer pane 1

(ii)

second/interior side surface of the outer pane 1

(III)

first/outside surface of inner pane 2

(IV)

second/interior side surface of the inner pane 2

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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

• WO 2014060409 A1 [0002]
• WO 2014167291 A1 [0002]

Claims (5)

Glazing element comprising a transparent layer (2) with a first surface (III) and a second surface (IV) and a laser diode (5) for generating laser radiation (L), which is arranged such that the laser radiation (L) via the second surface (IV) is radiated into the transparent layer (2), wherein a first microprism film (10) is arranged opposite the laser diode (5) on the first surface (III) and is configured such that the laser radiation (L) radiated into the transparent layer (2) is reflected by the first microprism film (10) and is at least partially coupled back into the transparent layer (2) with a coupling angle that is suitable for the coupled laser radiation (L) to propagate in the transparent layer (2), in particular by total reflection on the first surface (III) and the second surface (IV), wherein the laser radiation (L) is coupled out of the transparent layer (2) again via the second surface (IV) through the first microprism film (10) or a second microprism film (11) arranged on the first surface (III), the glazing element having a photodiode (4) opposite the decoupling microprism film (10, 11), which is arranged such that at least part of the decoupled laser radiation (L, R) impinges on the photodiode (4). glazing element claim 1 , which is designed as a composite pane and comprises an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) which are connected to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (3), the inner pane (2) being the transparent layer. glazing element claim 1 or 2 , wherein the laser diode (5) is arranged opposite the first microprism film (10) and the photodiode (4) is arranged opposite a second microprism film (11) spatially spaced therefrom, so that the laser radiation (L) passes through the first microprism film (10) in the transparent layer (2) is coupled in and is coupled out again from the transparent layer (2) by the second microprism film (11) and is at least partially directed onto the photodiode (4). glazing element claim 1 or 2 , wherein the laser diode (5) and the photodiode (4) are arranged opposite the first microprism film (10), and wherein the glazing element has a tiltable mirror (6) which is spatially spaced from the first microprism film (10) second microprism film (11) is arranged opposite one another, so that - the laser radiation (L) is coupled through the first microprism film (10) into the transparent layer (2), from the second microprism film (11) again via the second surface (IV) of the transparent layer (2) is coupled out in such a way that it hits the tiltable mirror (6), which has a first tilting position in which the laser radiation (R) reflected on the mirror (6) is radiated into the transparent layer (2) in such a way that it second microprism film (11) is reflected and is at least partially coupled back into the transparent layer (2) with a coupling angle which is suitable for the coupled Laser radiation (R) propagates in the transparent layer (2), in particular by total reflection on the first surface (III) and the second surface (IV), and - the laser radiation (R) coupled in from the second microprism film (11) through the first microprism film ( 10) is decoupled again from the transparent layer (2) via the second surface (IV), at least part of the decoupled laser radiation (R) impinging on the photodiode (4). Glazing element according to one of Claims 1 until 3 wherein a reflective surface of the first microprism film (10) and the second microprism film (10, 11) is provided with a reflective coating (20).

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