EP0630170A2 - Electrical connection for window - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a window equipped with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals. It is fitted with at least one electrical connection device comprising conducting elements and at least one cable comprising conducting filaments, at least part of the cable being fixed on the substrate involved in the construction of the window. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to equipment intended to electrically connect at least one accessory supported by a glazing unit to non-glazing equipment, for example to an electrical power source, to sensors, to a radio, etc. The invention relates to also the actual electrical connection. The invention also relates to glazing provided with such a connection.

There are different types of glazing that require an electrical connection. These are, for example, heated, de-icing glazing, with electrically controlled optical properties or glazing fitted with sensors, an antenna, a signaling light, etc.

These glazings can be used in the field of transport vehicles, for example automobile, rail, aeronautics or in the building field.

Usually, the electrical connection, supported by a substrate, forming part of the glazing consists of a foil or a conductive layer, for example based on silver paste deposited in particular by screen printing. This electrical connection is connected, at the edge of the glazing, to a cable located outside the glazing, connected to equipment other than glazing. A seal usually protects the connection from external stresses and in particular from humidity.

The substrate used in the constitution of the glazing is at least partly transparent, it can be a glass sheet, it can be made of organic or mineral glass optionally coated with one or more mineral and / or organic layers. It may be an enamelled layer (s), metal layers based on metal oxides, in particular zinc oxides, ITO, SnO₂, SiO₂, Ag deposited (s), for example, by pyrolysis or under vacuum. an organic coating, for example based on an organosilane and / or an optionally fluorinated organosiloxane (s).

For reasons of space, the cable conducting the electrical signals is usually located outside the glazing within the bodywork bay, for example. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the conductive strip and the cable is generally placed so that the length of the cable is reduced. Thus for a given vehicle, for example, the position of the connection on the glazing is imposed by the location of the cable in the bodywork bay.

The imposed position of the connection can correspond to a curvature of the glazing, it can then be difficult to make the electrical connection. Furthermore, the imposed position of the connection does not always correspond to that of the elements requiring this electrical connection. It is then necessary to connect these two positions with a conductive strip, based on silver paste, for example. This conductive strip is not very aesthetic. In addition, the material used is generally expensive.

Furthermore, the electrical power which can convey a conductive strip depends in particular on its width. For a given width, the electric power cannot exceed a certain value. This limitation can be troublesome when the width allocated for the conductive strip does not correspond to the desired power for the glazing.

The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

The invention relates to glazing which can be supplied with any electrical power for a width as small as 2 mm.

The invention further relates to glazing ready for fitting.

The present invention relates to a glazing unit fitted with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals using at least one device for electrical connection comprising conductive elements, said device consisting of at least one cable, at least part of the cable being, according to the invention, fixed to the substrate forming part of the glazing.

Cable is called conductive filaments capable of transmitting electrical signals, possibly coated with at least one sheath, for example a standard polyvinylchloride sheath.

According to the invention, the position of the electrical connection of the cable to the accessories supplied with electrical signals can be anywhere on the substrate, whatever the structure of the vehicle. It is preferably at the periphery of the substrate and, preferably, at the periphery edge. It is advantageously located in the part of the substrate intended to be hidden. Preferably, the electrical connection is near accessories supplied with electrical signals. It is, for example, located, for a heated rear window, on the side of the glazing intended to be mounted in an upright, advantageously in the center of this side. Therefore, the length of the conductive strip, based on silver paste for example, is thus limited. Its presence can advantageously be eliminated.

The cable of the invention can be fixed on the surface or on the edge of the substrate. It can be located within an area protected from external stresses, for example within the so-called sealing area, delimited by a seal. It can also be located outside this sealing zone. This is particularly the case when it is an opening glazing, that is to say a glazing which opens independently of the opening of a door. It is then subjected to external stresses, such as air, water, detergent solutions as well as to shocks. It can also cross, at its exit from the glazing, the boundary between two zones, the so-called sealing zone and the so-called non-sealing zone.

The glazing of the invention may include several accessories supplied with electrical signals. Advantageously, these electrical accessories are connected to the same cable. The same cable electrically connecting several accessories, the number of cable outlets is thus limited. The glazing unit of the invention advantageously comprises a single cable outlet.

The cable of the invention is fixed to the substrate directly or indirectly. It can be housed, for example, in a coating itself fixed on the substrate. This fixing can be by welding, using an adhesive tape or fasteners. It is advantageously fixed by gluing, especially when exposed to view. It is preferably glued using a tape comprising, on each of its faces, an adhesive layer. Any risk of overflow, due in particular to the creep of an adhesive, is thus eliminated. Furthermore, the bonding operation is particularly easy to implement.

In order to better match the variations in flatness and / or possible curvature of the glazing, the adhesive tape is preferably a foam comprising on each of its faces an adhesive layer. It is, for example, a foam of the acrylic type or of the polyurethane type.

Advantageously, after cleaning the surface to be bonded, a primer is applied to both the glazing and the cable. The primer applied to the cable can be of the chlorinated polypropylene type comprising ester groups.

The primer applied to the glass can be a mixture of isopropanol, mercaptosilanes and diaminosilanes. A second coat of isocyanate-based primer can optionally be applied. It can also be a resin based on a vinyl-polyurethane mixture.

The adhesion of the cable or, possibly of its coating, to the glazing may have a resistance greater than or equal to 5 N / cm measured according to the so-called 90 ° peel test. The resistance value is satisfactory when, in particular, the cable is subjected to external stresses.

The shape of the cable can be semi-cylindrical or cylindrical. It is advantageously flat in order to limit its overall height. The shape of the cable can be a function of the shape of the conductive filaments: they can form a flat braid or at least one wire.

The electrical connection between the cable and the accessories supplied with electrical signals is ensured by an electrical contact between the end of the conductive part of the cable and a conductive part electrically connected to the elements. This contact can be ensured by welding, advantageously by ultrasound, the insertion of two lugs or any other suitable means. According to a embodiment of the invention, the conductive filaments of the cable are in direct electrical contact with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals.

According to an advantageous variant, at least one conductive element of the glazing is covered by a coating. This coating can hide the conductive element from view. It also protects, in a way, the conductive element from any possible shock. It is, for example, a conductive element located on one of the faces of the substrate or on the edge of the substrate, for example a conductive strip, the conductive filaments of the cable or an electrical connection. It can also advantageously seal the conductive element when it is located outside the sealing zone.

The material constituting the coating is chosen from the following materials: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), polysulfide, polyamide or a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide.

Preferably, at least a portion of the conductive filaments of the cable is embedded in a coating. This coating, called sheath in the following description, can be extruded in order to limit the size on the glazing. It can also be molded or, advantageously, molded.

The material constituting the cable sheath must be an electrical insulator and have sufficient mechanical resistance so as not to be damaged by any possible impact. Furthermore, it must be impermeable to water and to a saline atmosphere, in particular when it is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. It is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide or a rubber, for example of the EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) type. It is, for example, a polyurethane. In order to improve its fixing to the glazing, in particular when the sheath is advantageously glued, the latter has, according to the invention, a flat base. In order to obtain a satisfactory fixing, the width of its base is advantageously greater than or equal to 2 mm. The dimensions of the base of the sheath are obviously a compromise between, on the one hand obtaining good adhesion and, on the other hand a reduced bulk. The height of the sheath can also be small than 5 mm or even 2 mm. Two sheaths can optionally be superimposed on each other. The inner sheath is, for example, a standard sheath, generally marketed with the conductive part of the cable.

The cable according to the invention may have changes in direction. When the sheath is extruded, a foam-type material is preferably used according to the invention in order to obtain good adhesion at the level of the curvature, in particular when the radius of curvature is short or when there is a sharp angle. . The inventors have thus shown that with this type of material, the bonding surface was the same at the level of the changes of direction as at the level of the straight segments. Another solution, according to the inventors, is to use a cable whose sheath is coextruded so as to be able, at the level of changes of direction, to expose the inner sheath of smaller volume. The use of a coating with two superimposed sheaths also makes it possible to fix the cable in areas where the size of the cable needs to be reduced, by partially undressing the cable while retaining its insulating characteristics.

The profile of the sheath of the invention may preferably include at least one lip which is applied to the glazing. The aesthetic aspect is all the more improved.

A coating may also be a profiled part covering a conductive element, in particular an electrical connection and / or the conductive filaments of the cable. In a way, it oversees the conductive element. The latter is, for example, located on a flat or curved part of the glazing. Its dimensions are a function of the dimensions of the conductive element. For an electrical connection, they can be calculated so as to cover a possible clearance between the conductive part of the cable and its sheath. It can also cover at least part of the conductive strip, thus masking it from view and / or ensuring its sealing. As an indication, its width is, for example, between 20 and 25 mm, its length between 30 and 40 mm and its height between 3 and 5 mm. The profiled part can have the shape of a parallelepiped, a semi-cylinder or, advantageously, a trapezoid: for the same base surface, ensuring its fixing, its size is reduced. Any other form can also be considered; advantageously, the conductive element, in particular the conductive filaments of the cable, are supported by a base in order to obtain both precise positioning of the cable and to overcome any possible deviation in geometry of the glazing.

The material constituting the coating of the electrical connection, a conductive strip and / or the conductive filaments of the cable may be identical to that constituting the sheath of the cable. It may also be another material. It is, for example, this polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polysulfide or polyamide, preferably reinforced. The coating of the connection and / or of a conductive strip and of the cable can only form a single part, in particular if this coating is overmolded. They can also form several separate parts, preferably in the case of several machined or molded parts, glued to the glazing.

According to an advantageous variant, the coating of the conductive element ensures its sealing. It can, for example, be located outside the sealing zone, delimited by a seal and thus be subjected to external stresses.

An adhesive is then advantageously injected inside the cavity formed by the profiled part, in order to ensure its sealing. It also advantageously ensures its adhesion. A primer can be applied to the glazing before gluing. It is, for example, an adhesive of the hot-melt type, preferably of the polyamide type. The coating may possibly serve as a mold, being removed thereafter.

The invention also relates to a means for preventing any infiltration of moisture into the sealing zone when, in particular, the cable crosses, at its exit from the glazing, the boundary between the so-called out of sealing zone and the sealing zone. This is particularly the case when the cable is outside the zone delimited by a seal, the source of supply of electrical signals being, for its part, in a zone protected from external stresses by a seal. . This configuration is found, for example, when the glazing and opening, that is to say that it is capable of opening independently of the opening of a door. The cable can then lead to moisture penetration into the so-called sealing zone. However, the equipment in this area is not necessarily covered with waterproof protection.

According to an advantageous variant, the part of the cable passing at its exit from the glazing the boundary between the sealing zone and the non-sealing zone is embedded in an attached part comprising a fixing means intended to fix it on the substrate.

The fixing means may be a part or a tab integral with the insert, this part or this tab being intended to be fixed to the substrate in particular by bonding. They can also be fixed using an adhesive tape optionally comprising on each of its faces an adhesive layer, a fastener such as a jumper or any other suitable means. According to an advantageous variant, the fixing means is a mechanical anchoring between the insert and an auxiliary part, itself fixed on the substrate. The part may thus not be in contact with the glazing, thus avoiding any excess thickness. According to a particularly advantageous variant, this auxiliary part constitutes the coating of a conductive element, in particular of a part of the cable situated outside the sealing zone. She can then hide the electrical connection from view. It can also possibly ensure, or at least improve, its sealing. On the other hand, its presence makes it possible to overcome any possible deviation relating to the dimension of the electrical connection. The insert of the invention can also be fixed to the substrate using a mechanical anchoring and, partly or a tab, fixed to the glazing.

The mechanical anchoring is ensured, preferably, by a bulge on one of the parts, the insert or the auxiliary part, the other part comprising the complementary part.

The insert of the invention may include other functions than those inherent in the sealing of the cable embedded therein. It may, for example, include fixing means for a rear-view mirror, means for supplying air or water or any other function insofar as this function is necessary at the location of the glazing where the electrical connection exits the glazing. The insert of the invention advantageously comprises a lip intended to ensure the continuity of a lip integral, moreover, with a mounting joint facilitating the mounting of the glazing in a bay.

The insert can be prefabricated, attached and fixed to the substrate used to make up the glazing. It is, for example, molded around part of an electrical connection, attached and fixed to the substrate. It can also be molded directly on the substrate provided with said electrical connection.

The molding technique makes it possible, in particular, to obtain relatively small dimensions while being precise, which makes it possible to limit the size of the insert on the glazing. The dimensions of the insert depend on the intended use. The height of the part depends, in particular, on the nature of the overmolded connection. It can be as small as 2mm. Its width also depends on the width of the link and, optionally, on the number of wires present. It is, for example, between 4 and 100 mm. Its length is, for example, between 4 and 100 mm.

• · la figure 1 représente une vue partielle de dessus de deux côtés d'un vitrage de l'art antérieur,
• · la figure 2 représente une vue partielle de dessus de deux côtés d'un vitrage selon l'invention,
• · la figure 3 représente une deuxième variante d'un vitrage selon l'invention, vue de dessus,
• · la figure 4 représente une troisième variante d'un vitrage selon l'invention, vue de dessus,
• · la figure 5 représente une quatrième variante d'un vitrage selon l'invention, vue de dessus,
• · la figure 6 comporte quatre schémas représentant le câble selon l'invention, vu de dessus,
• · la figure 7 comporte deux schémas de profils de la gaine du câble, selon une coupe longitudinale,
• · la figure 8 représente, plus en détail, une sortie de câble selon l'invention, en perspective,
• · la figure 9 représente une deuxième sortie de câble selon l'invention, selon une coupe schématique longitudinale,
• · la figure 10 représente un schéma en perspective de l'enrobage d'une connexion électrique,
• · la figure 11 représente une coupe schématique longitudinale de l'enrobage d'une connexion électrique fixée sur le vitrage
• · la figure 12 représente, en coupe, des enrobages, du type pièces profilées, les filaments conducteurs du câble étant supportés par des embases,
• · la figure 13 représente un vitrage dont le câble traverse, à sa sortie, la limite entre la zone d'étanchéité et la zone hors étanchéité,
• · la figure 14 représente une coupe selon la ligne I-I de la pièce rapportée décrite sur la figure 13,
• · la figure 15 représente une coupe selon la ligne II-II de la pièce rapportée décrite sur la figure 13,
• · la figure 16 représente cinq schémas 16a à 16d, en coupe, d'une pièce rapportée de l'invention,
• · la figure 17 représente, en coupe, une pièce rapportée munie d'une lèvre.

The following description relates, in more detail, to the glazing according to the invention with reference to the figures in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a partial top view of two sides of a glazing unit of the prior art,
• FIG. 2 represents a partial top view of two sides of a glazing according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 represents a second variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above,
• FIG. 4 represents a third variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above,
• FIG. 5 represents a fourth variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above,
• FIG. 6 comprises four diagrams representing the cable according to the invention, seen from above,
• FIG. 7 comprises two diagrams of profiles of the cable sheath, in a longitudinal section,
• FIG. 8 represents, in more detail, a cable outlet according to the invention, in perspective,
• FIG. 9 represents a second cable outlet according to the invention, in a longitudinal schematic section,
• FIG. 10 represents a perspective diagram of the coating of an electrical connection,
• · Figure 11 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the coating of an electrical connection fixed to the glazing
• FIG. 12 represents, in section, coatings, of the profiled parts type, the conductive filaments of the cable being supported by bases,
• FIG. 13 represents a glazing whose cable crosses, at its exit, the boundary between the sealing zone and the non-sealing zone,
• FIG. 14 represents a section along line II of the insert described in FIG. 13,
• FIG. 15 represents a section along line II-II of the insert described in FIG. 13,
• FIG. 16 represents five diagrams 16a to 16d, in section, of an added part of the invention,
• · Figure 17 shows, in section, an insert with a lip.

Figure 1 shows two sides of a glazing according to the prior art.

The glazing 1 has in this figure two electrical connections 2 and 3. It is, in this figure, a monolithic glazing comprising a network of thin wires of electric heating resistance 4. Each heating wire 4 is electrically connected to two strips collectors 5 and 6. They are, for example, made of silver paste deposited by screen printing. Their width depends on the electrical power of the glazing. The electrical connections 2 or 3 are, in general, constituted by a metal strip 7 or 8 welded to the ends of the collecting strips 5 and 6 respectively. The connections as well as the collector strips are located in the sealing zone delimited by the seal shown in 9.

Element 2 is shown in the unconnected position, while element 3 is shown in the connected position.

The end of the conductive part of a cable 10, housed in the bodywork bay, is for example plugged into the metal strip 8.

This figure illustrates the relatively large area of the collecting strip in order to connect each heating wire 4 to the electrical connection 2 or 3.

Figure 2 is a view from two possible sides of a glazing according to the invention. It is the same type of glazing as that illustrated in FIG. 1. The electrical connections 11 and 12 according to the invention are located near the heating wires 4 for the same position of the wiring 10 of the bodywork bay vis-à-vis glazing screw. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the length of the collecting strips 5 and 6. Advantageously, their width also decreases, as illustrated in the figure, thus reducing the amount of silver paste used while improving the aesthetics of the glazing. The connection 11 is shown coated while the connection 12 is shown uncoated according to the position of the seal 9 and 15, shown in dotted lines in the figure.

The electrical connection consists, for example, of a metal strip 13 capable of being plugged into the end of the conductive filaments 14 of the cable. It can also be a connection by welding or any other means. Advantageously, it is an ultrasonic welding. The conductive filaments 14 of the cable are in the form of wire (s) or flat braid (s). The metal strip 13 and the conductive filaments 14 can be left bare as illustrated in the figure by the position of the seal 9.

By the position of the seal 15, the connection 11 and the conductive filaments 16 of the cable are coated. The cable attached to the substrate here consists of conductive filaments 16 and a sheath 17. The latter follows the shape of the conductive filaments 16 in order, at the same time, to ensure a seal, to reduce the bulk and to avoid any dirt infiltrating between the conductive part 16 and the sheath. The sheath 17 preferably has a flat base to facilitate its fixing. It is preferably semi-cylindrical or flat depending on the shape of the conductive part of the cable. In order to ensure satisfactory sealing outside the sealing zone, as shown in the figure, it is preferably a polyurethane sheath.

The coating 18 of the connection 11 is here shown in a trapezoidal shape in order to increase its surface in contact with the glazing. This coating also makes it possible to camouflage, while ensuring sealing, any play existing between the conductive filaments 16 of the cable and the sheath 17.

Furthermore, the collecting strip 6 is here represented in the sealing zone delimited by the seal 15. It can, according to the invention, be situated outside this sealing zone. It is then covered with the same type of coating as the coating 18 of the connection 11. It may possibly be the same part.

FIG. 3 represents an advantageous variant of the invention. Only part of the glazing is shown. The two header strips 5 and 6 are connected to the same cable 19. The cable 19 can also electrically connect one or more other accessories requiring an electrical supply. As an illustration, it connects a stop light 20 to an electrical power source. It can also connect an antenna, optical devices, etc. The glazing then only has one cable outlet, referenced at 21. The cable outlet 21 can, of course, be located anywhere on the glazing. It is here represented in the upper part of the glazing. An added piece 22 can optionally provide the junction between the various conductive parts coming from either side of the glazing.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a bottom of the windshield, outside the sealing area, represented by hatching and delimited by the seal 23. Thin wires of electric heating resistance 24 allow, for example , defrost the windshield area near the windscreen wipers. Two connections 25 electrically connect these wires 24 to an electrical power source via a cable 26 fixed on the substrate.

FIG. 5 represents an advantageous variant according to which the surface of a collecting strip is reduced or eliminated. The conductive filaments of the cable form a metallic braid in direct electrical contact with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals, for example the wires heating 4. A coating 28 of the electrical connections may possibly be provided. It can cover all or part of the connections, as shown in the figure, depending on the position of the seal, not shown.

In order to avoid an electrical connection for each heating wire 4 to the braid 27, a collecting strip 29 can, for example, electrically connect all these heating wires. The cable of the invention then consists of conductive filaments 30 partially or totally covering the strip 29. A single connection between the strip 29 and the conductive filaments 30 is then necessary. The conductive filaments 30 may possibly be covered with a coating, not shown.

FIG. 6 comprises four diagrams representing the cable fixed to the glazing according to the invention. In diagram 6a, the cable comes along the edge of the glazing at 31. It can be maintained by an adhesive tape 32, by fasteners or any other means. It can advantageously be embedded in the seal and, preferably, molded together. An attachment means advantageously maintains the cable at its curvature. This is, for example, a jumper as illustrated schematically in 33. This means also makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of the glazing and the tightness of the cable. In diagram 6b, the cable describes a radius of curvature on the peripheral part of the glazing. The radii of curvature here illustrated are sufficiently large for the adhesion of the cable to the glazing to be satisfactory at the level of the radius of curvature. The radii of curvature can also be smaller or the cable can describe sharp angles. The cable sheath is then advantageously molded or overmolded in the desired directions. It can also be extruded. In this case, the material used is preferably a foam.

Another solution is illustrated in diagrams 6c and 6d according to which the cable describes a sharp angle or a small radius of curvature, although the material used for its sheathing is not a foam. The cable consists, in addition to conductive filaments not shown, of two sheaths 34 and 35 superimposed on each other. The sheath 34 can be a standard, cylindrical, PVC sheath. The sheath 35 is exposed at the radius of curvature and reveals the sheath 34. The cable can then run on the glazing, as illustrated in diagram 6c or along the edge of the glazing, as illustrated in diagram 6d. It is advantageously glued to the surface of the substrate, according to diagram 6c and held by an adhesive tape or a fastener 32 according to diagram 6d. The sheath 35 may not be present when the cable extends along the glazing, as illustrated in diagram 6d. The size of the cable, in particular the height, is thus reduced. It is obvious that when the sheath 35 is exposed, the sheath 34 must have the appropriate properties, in particular sufficient sealing, in particular when the cable is located outside the sealing zone.

Figure 7 shows a schematic section of a sheath 36 fixed to the glazing. It preferably comprises lips 37 making it possible both to improve its fixing to the glazing and to camouflage the bonding of the sheath. Two lips can be provided on either side of the sheath body, as illustrated. It is also possible to provide a single lip. This sheath 36 can coat the conductive filaments 38 of the cable. These conductive filaments can optionally be coated with a second sheath, not shown.

These conductive filaments 38 can form several wires, as illustrated in diagram 7a. Each wire is made up of a multitude of conductive filaments. They can also form a single thread. The conductive filaments can be flat, as illustrated in diagram 7b. In diagram 7b, the sheath has a recess 39 capable of being filled with glue. The tightness of the conductive filaments of the cable is all the more improved. This glue may possibly overflow into the cavities 40 formed by the lips 37.

Figure 8 shows a cable outlet on the glazing. It is a jumper 41, the shape of which makes it possible to overlap each of the faces of the glazing. It comprises a channel 42 into which a part of the cable according to the invention is inserted. The cable is thus securely held in the desired position at the exit of the glazing. The two wings 43 and 44 of the rider are shown here of unequal length. It goes without saying that they can be of identical length or that the wing 43 can be smaller than the wing 44. The dimensions of the cavity 45 formed by these two wings depend on the dimensions of the glazing. They may be such that they provide mechanical retention of the rider on the glazing. Glue can possibly be applied to improve this support. The material constituting this fixing means is preferably rigid.

FIG. 9 represents another variant of cable outlet according to the invention. It is a connection element comprising a female lug into which the end 46 of the conductive filaments of the cable 47 of the invention can be inserted. A coating 48 allows, by its shape, both to maintain the cable in position and to improve the tightness of this electrical connection. A glue tank 49 is provided in order to seal the connection. The cable 50 is the cable which is intended to run in the bodywork bay.

Figure 10 shows a section of the coating of the connection. A collar 51 makes it possible to provide the junction with a cable 52 and the connection. The cable 52 consists of conductive filaments 53 and two sheaths 54 and 55. Part of the sheath 54 is covered by the coating 56. Any possible play between the conductive part 53 and the sheath 54 is thus covered by the coating 56. The cable 52 can obviously only consist of a conductive part and a sheath or only of a bare conductive part. The cable 52 may possibly not be fixed to the substrate. The conductive part 53 is electrically connected to a metal strip 57 electrically connected to the accessories supplied with electrical signals. Once the connection with the two conductive parts 53 and 56 is ensured, the coating 55 is held in position by any means. Glue is injected through the injection hole 58 ensuring the tightness of the connection and, if necessary, the adhesion of the coating 56 on the glazing. The coating may have a semi-cylindrical, parallelepipedic or trapezoidal shape. Its base is adapted to the profile of the glazing. Advantageously, it deforms slightly under the effect of the injection of the glue, at high temperature, thus adapting perfectly to the profile of the glazing, in particular when it is curved. The width of its base is, for example, between 20 and 25 mm and its length is between 30 and 40 mm. These dimensions are obviously a compromise between a good bonding surface and a reduced bulk. In order to clearly define its size, this coating is advantageously molded and glued to the glazing. It can also be overmolded, possibly together with other functional elements and / or at least one seal.

FIG. 11 represents a longitudinal section of a glazing according to the invention. The glass 59 is covered, on at least part of its periphery, with an enamel 60. This enamel hides from view the conductive part 61, generally of white color. On this conductive part 61, a metal lug 62 is fixed in order to ensure an electrical connection. The coating 63 according to the invention makes it possible to camouflage both the conductive part 61 and the terminal 62.

Such a coating, placed and fixed on the surface of a glazing, can also provide sealing while camouflaging any conductive element, for example a conductive strip. It has the advantage of improving the aesthetics of the glazing while ensuring a perfect seal, in particular when glue is injected into its cavity. The conductive elements thus coated can be placed, for example outside the sealing zone.

Figure 12 shows different types of profiled parts covering the conductive filaments 64 of the cable. The profiled part 65 is fixed on a base 66 supporting the conductive filaments 64. This base may include lugs 67 intended to cooperate with the lugs 68 of the part 65. The base is here shown glued using a adhesive layer 95.

FIG. 13 represents a glazing whose cable crosses, at its exit from the glazing, the boundary between a sealing zone and an out of sealing zone.

In this figure, the cables 69 and 70 are respectively connected to two collecting strips 5, 6 made, for example, of silver-based paste deposited by screen printing. Each strip is connected to fine wires of electrical resistance 4 constituting a heating network.

The cables 71 and 72 are, for their part, connected to a signaling light 20, for example a stop light. The coating 65, of the profiled part type, advantageously covers the cables situated outside the sealing zone delimited by the joint 73. In this figure, the heating network and the collector strips 5 and 6 are located in the zone of watertightness referenced A.

The cables, for their part, are located outside the sealing zone, in the so-called out of sealing zone, referenced B, for example outside the vehicle. The part 74 ensures the passage of the cables from the outside of the vehicle, that is to say from the non-sealing area referenced B to the sealing area referenced C, here inside a bellows 75 in communication with the interior of the bodywork bay, area protected from external stresses and, in particular, from humidity.

The references A, B and C respectively denote the interior of the vehicle, for example the passenger compartment, the exterior of the vehicle and the hidden space inside the body, in which all the cables circulate. The joint 73 delimits zones A and B in this figure, while zones B and C are delimited by the limit 76 of the bodywork opening.

The passage from the interior to the exterior of the vehicle, that is to say from zone A to zone B, is preferably carried out thanks to the presence of a coating of the organic type described, for example , in the unpublished French patent application FR 93/09595, deposited on a conductive layer, for example a part 77, 78 of the collector strips 5 and 6 respectively.

The tightness of the electrical connection passage from zone B to zone C is ensured by the presence of the part 74 according to the invention. A bellows 75 can also be provided in order to guide the cable (s) in zone C at the desired location, in general towards a source of supply of electrical signals. In this figure, the part 74 is fixed to the substrate by a mechanical anchoring between the part 74 and the coating 65.

Figure 14 shows a section along line II of the insert 74 described in Figure 13. The electrical connections are shown here in the form of four cables 69, 70, 71 and 72. These four cables consist of a conductive wire 79, itself made up of conductive filaments, not shown, each wire 79 being coated with a sheath 80. It is, for example, a standard sheath marketed with the conductive wire. Of course, several insulated wires can be coated with the same sheath 80. A part of these cables 69, 70, 71 and 72 is embedded in an insert 74. This part 74 is made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material having a tightness to water, even a satisfactory saline atmosphere. He can, if necessary, have electrical insulation and sufficient mechanical resistance so as not to be damaged by any possible impact. The material is a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer chosen, for example, from the following group: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, mixture of polyurethane and polyamide, rubber, in particular of the EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) type. This part is, for example, molded around a part of the cables 69, 70, 71 and 72. The presence of moisture between the cables and the material constituting the part 74 is thus avoided.

In this figure, the part includes a bulge, here represented in the form of a flange 81 in order to ensure its fixing to a glazing by a mechanical anchoring. Mechanical anchoring can also be ensured by a recess, a projection, a recess, a stop, etc. and their complementary part respectively.

The cables are shown here coated with a sheath. It may be a standard sheath, for example made of polyvinyl chloride, or a sheath 17, 35, 36 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7. They may also be, at less partially, devoid of this sheath depending on the intended use. The four cables can also be assembled in the same sheath, not shown, at their exit from the insert 74.

FIG. 15 represents a sectional view, along line II-II, of FIG. 13. The coating 65 is hooked to a flange 81 secured to the part 74. The cables 69, 72 are here shown covered with a part 65, while the cables 70 and 71, connected to a signaling light 20, are not covered with such a part. They can possibly be coated with a sheath 17, 35, 36. It can be clearly seen in this diagram that the part 74 is not in contact with the substrate 83, avoiding the presence of an additional thickness on the latter. Furthermore, the auxiliary part 65 has a constriction 82 intended to hang on the flange 81. The part 65 is fixed to the substrate using, for example, an adhesive layer or an adhesive tape, not shown ( e).

FIG. 16 represents different variants, in section, of the insert 74 according to the invention.

Part of the cable, here consisting of a wire, is embedded in a part 74 according to the invention.

In diagram 16a, this part comprises a collar 81 to which a coating 65 and a base 85 are attached. In this diagram, the two parts 65 and 85 are on the same face of the substrate 83. The substrate 83 can be, optionally coated with one or more layers, not shown. These parts can also be on the two opposite faces of the substrate 83. The base 85 is, for example, a base fixed on the substrate and supporting the connection 84. This base makes it possible, in particular, to overcome any deviations from glass sheet geometry. The part 74 is not in contact with the substrate 83.

In the following diagrams 16b, 16c and 16d, at least part of the part 74 is fixed to the substrate 83.

The part 74 can be fixed using a bulge 86 and by a tab 87 fixed to the glass sheet (diagram 16b). The bulge 86 and the tab 87 can be on the two opposite faces of the substrate 83 (diagram 16b) or on the same face (diagram 16c).

A part 88 of the part 74 can also be fixed on the substrate (diagram 16d). This part fixed to the substrate may possibly have a smaller thickness in order to ensure the passage of the connection under the seal 89. The connection ensuring this passage, 90, is then preferably a conductive layer, a strip of copper, a foil and / or a copper plate of the type used in printed circuits. A cable 91 can optionally provide the electrical connection in the area delimited by the gasket 89.

FIG. 17 represents a profiled insert 74 comprising a lip 92 making it possible to ensure the continuity of a lip, not shown, which is also secured to a mounting joint. This lip, not shown, provides protection, centering and maintenance of the glazing for the time necessary for the adhesive bead 93 fixing the glazing to the bay 94 of the bodywork. The bead of glue 93 may, if necessary, ensure the glazing / opening seal.

These figures are given as non-limiting examples of embodiments. Of course, only a marginal part of the cable can be located in a non-sealing area.

Claims (20)

Glazing fitted with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals using at least one electrical connection device comprising conductive elements, said device consisting of at least one cable comprising conductive filaments, possibly coated with a sheath, characterized in that at least part of the cable is fixed to the substrate forming part of the glazing. Glazing according to claim 1, characterized in that the same cable electrically connects several accessories supplied with electrical signals. Glazing according to claim 2, characterized in that the glazing only has one cable outlet. Glazing according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable is fixed, either directly or indirectly to the substrate, using a foam comprising, on each of its faces, an adhesive layer. Glazing according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one conductive element of the electrical connection is covered by a coating. Glazing according to claim 5, characterized in that the material constituting the coating is chosen from the following materials: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), polysulfide, polyamide or a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide. Glazing according to claim 5, characterized in that the coating is a profiled part covering a conductive element, in particular the conductive filaments of the cable and / or an electrical connection. Glazing according to claim 7, characterized in that the profiled part comprises a cavity into which is injected a hot-melt adhesive. Glazing according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the conductive element is supported by a base. Glazing according to claim 4, characterized in that the coating is a sheath within which the conductive filaments of the cable are embedded, said sheath being in particular fixed to the substrate by gluing. Glazing according to claim 10, characterized in that the profile of the sheath comprises at least one lip which is applied to the glazing. Glazing according to claim 10, characterized in that the sheath is extruded. Glazing according to claim 10, characterized in that the cable is composed of two superimposed sheaths. Glazing according to claim 10, characterized in that the sheaths are coextruded. Glazing according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive filaments of the cable are in direct electrical contact with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals. Glazing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable passes, at its exit from the glazing, the boundary between two zones, the zone known as the sealing zone and the zone known as the non-sealing zone, the part of the connection intended to cross the limit between these two zones being embedded in an insert comprising a fixing means intended to fix it to the substrate. Glazing according to claim 16, characterized in that the fixing means is a part or a tab integral with the insert, said tab or part being intended to be fixed to the substrate, in particular by gluing. Glazing according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that the fixing means is a mechanical anchoring between the insert and an auxiliary part intended to be fixed on the substrate. Glazing according to claim 18, characterized in that the mechanical anchoring is ensured by a bulge located on a part, attached or auxiliary, the other part comprising the complementary part. Glazing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert comprises a lip intended to ensure the continuity of a lip integral, moreover, with a mounting joint in order to facilitate the mounting of the glazing in a bay.

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