EP3661743A1

EP3661743A1 - Functional element having electrically controllable optical properties

Info

Publication number: EP3661743A1
Application number: EP18740603.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcel Klein; Alicia DRÖGE
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Priority date: 2017-08-01
Filing date: 2018-07-17
Publication date: 2020-06-10
Also published as: CN109641424B; CA3071728A1; WO2019025178A1; US11364709B2; BR112020001446A2; KR102380743B1; RU2745873C1; MA49739A; CN109641424A; JP7093403B2; US20210101370A1; MX2020001183A; JP2020529046A; KR20200035082A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a functional element (5) having electrically controllable optical properties, which comprises a stack of components in the following order: at least - a first carrier film (15), - an active layer (11), and - a second carrier film (14), at least part of at least one exit surface (8) of the active layer (11) on at least one lateral face (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) of the stack of components of the functional element (5) being sealed with a barrier material (4).

Description

Functional element with electrically controllable optical properties

The invention relates to a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, a composite pane with functional element and in particular a windshield or a roof window of a vehicle with electrically controllable sun visor.

In the vehicle sector and in the construction sector, composite panels with electrically controllable functional elements are often used for sun protection or for visual protection. For example, windshields are known in which a sun visor is integrated in the form of a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties. In particular, the transmission or the scattering behavior of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range is electrically controllable. The functional elements are usually film-like and are laminated or glued to a composite pane. In the case of windshields, for example, the driver can control the transmission behavior of the pane itself with respect to solar radiation. So can be dispensed with a conventional mechanical sun visor. As a result, the weight of the vehicle can be reduced and space is gained in the roof area. In addition, the electric control of the sun visor for the driver is more comfortable than the manual folding down the mechanical sun visor.

Windshields with such electrically controllable sun visors are known, for example, from DE 102013001334 A1, DE 102005049081 B3, DE 102005007427 A1 and DE 102007027296 A1.

Typical electrically controllable functional elements are variously described in the prior art, for example in EP 3 085 530 A1, WO 2014/086555 A1, WO 2007/122429 A1, WO 2007/122428 A1, WO 201 1/033313 A1, WO 2014/023475 A1 WO 2007/122427 A1, WO 2012/009399 A1, WO 2010/032068 A1 and WO 2014/072137 A1 and contain, for example, electrochromic layer structures or single particle device (SPD) films. Further possible functional elements for the realization of an electrically controllable sunscreen are so-called PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal). Their active layer contains liquid crystals which are incorporated in a polymer matrix. If no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are aligned disorderly, resulting in a strong scattering of the active layer passing light leads. 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 PDLC functional element acts less by reducing the overall transmission, but by increasing the dispersion to ensure glare protection.

Conventional, laminated-in functional elements and in particular PDLC functional elements often show undesired signs of aging, such as whitening and changes in shading, in the edge area.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, which is improved in particular with regard to its aging resistance. The object of the present invention is achieved by a functional element according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

A functional element according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties comprises at least one stacking sequence of at least one first carrier foil, an active layer and a second carrier foil, wherein at least one exit surface of the active layer is sealed to at least one side surface of the functional element at least in sections with a barrier material. The stacking sequence according to the invention preferably comprises at least: a first carrier foil, a first area electrode, an active layer, a second area electrode and a second carrier foil, which are arranged one above the other in this order. The stacking sequence is, for example, a prefabricated film which has a suitable size and shape.

Inventive stacking sequences of films typically have a large area but only a small total thickness. Hereinafter, the large areas of the stacking sequence will be referred to as the area of the top surface and the bottom surface, and the orthogonal surfaces having only a small width (corresponding to the direction of the small total thickness) will be referred to as side surfaces. The active layer is bounded on both of its large surfaces by a respective carrier foil and optionally by a respective surface electrode. On the side surfaces of the stacking sequence of the first carrier foil, the first area electrode, the active layer, the second area electrode and the second carrier foil, the side surfaces of the carrier foils, the area electrodes and the active layer are respectively arranged. Since the active layer is covered at its large areas by surface electrodes and carrier foils, it is accessible only on the side surfaces of the stacking sequence of an external environment. The respective sections of the active layer on the side surfaces of the stacking sequence are referred to as exit surfaces of the active layer in the sense of the invention.

The invention is based on the knowledge of the inventors that an aging of an electrically controllable optical functional element substantially by penetration of harmful substances on the exit surface of the active layer or the exit surfaces of the surface electrodes in the interior of the functional element takes place and the optical properties of the functional element in an undesirable manner changed, for example, by a brightening or change in the transmission of the functional element, starting at its side edges. By sealing the functional element with a suitable barrier material, the diffusion of harmful substances is inhibited or prevented in the functional element on the side surface. The above-mentioned aging phenomena are significantly reduced or completely prevented.

In an advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention, the exit surfaces of the active layer on all side surfaces are completely sealed with the barrier material. As a result, a particularly secure sealing of the active layer of the functional element and a particular good aging resistance of the functional element is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention at least one of the side surfaces are complete and preferably all side surfaces are completely sealed with the barrier material. This achieves an even better sealing of the active layer of the functional element and an even better aging resistance of the functional element. Sealed means in the sense of this invention that the corresponding portion of a surface is completely covered with the barrier material as a protective layer and thereby made more resistant and durable, in particular against the diffusion of harmful substances such as moisture, but in particular also plasticizers from the environment into the interior of the Functional element and in particular in the active layer.

In an advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention, the barrier material is extruded onto the side surface of the stacking sequence and in particular onto the exit surface or is sprayed onto the side surface and in particular onto the exit surface. It is particularly advantageous if the barrier material enters into a fusion bond or an adhesive bond such as an adhesive bond with at least some layers of the layer stack of the functional element.

It is particularly advantageous if the barrier material consists of a similar or the same material as the carrier film. Advantageously, both the barrier material and the carrier film of polymers and preferably thermoplastic polymers. Particularly preferably, the barrier material and carrier film consist essentially of the same thermoplastic polymer and in particular substantially of polyethylene ether hepthalate (PET). In this case, a particularly good fusion allows a particularly good sealing of the side surface.

The barrier material is preferably heated prior to application to the side surfaces of the stacking sequence of the functional element and cools after application to the functional element, so that the barrier material has unstretched polymer chains. This distinguishes the extruded or sprayed barrier material from e.g. Sheets of the same material that are stretched or stretched during manufacture.

The barrier material is advantageously arranged bead-shaped on the side surface. The barrier material advantageously does not consist of a barrier film. In particular, the barrier material does not consist of a barrier film which is glued to the side surface, laid on or and the side surface is folded around.

It is particularly advantageous if the blocking material still comes into contact with the carrier foils of the functional element in the heated state, so that a particularly good fusion bond by local melting of the in contact with the barrier material passing surface of the carrier film and the barrier material is formed. This results in a particularly good adhesion of the barrier material to the functional element and a particularly good sealing of the side surfaces of the functional element. The barrier material is preferably in direct and immediate contact with the functional element. There is, for example, no separate adhesive or other intermediate layer between barrier material and the stacking sequence of the functional element. As a result, the barrier material is arranged, inter alia, directly on the exit surface, whereby a particularly good sealing takes place.

In an advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention, the barrier material has over the exit surface of the active layer a thickness d (also called material thickness) of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably at least 0.5 mm. The thickness d is determined orthogonal to the side surface above the exit surface of the active layer.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention, the barrier material has a thickness d (also called material thickness) of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably at least 0.5 mm, over the side surface of the stacking sequence of the functional element. The thickness d is determined orthogonal to the side surface.

A composite pane according to the invention comprises at least one second stacking sequence of an outer pane, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer and an inner pane, wherein the intermediate layers contain at least one thermoplastic polymeric film with at least one plasticizer and at least in sections between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer Functional element is arranged with electrically controllable optical properties.

If the functional element is laminated into a composite pane, in particular the diffusion of plasticizers from the intermediate layers into the interior of the functional element on aging leads to brightening or alteration of the transmission, which impairs the transparency, functionality and aesthetics of the entire composite pane. By sealing the functional element with a suitable barrier material, which inhibits the diffusion of plasticizers from the intermediate layer in the functional element and in particular in the side surface of the functional element or prevents such aging phenomena significantly reduced or completely prevented.

The composite pane can be, for example, the windshield or the roof panel of a vehicle or another vehicle glazing, for example a separating disk in a vehicle, preferably in a rail vehicle or a bus. Alternatively, the composite pane may be architectural glazing, for example in an exterior facade of a building or a partition inside a building. The terms outer pane and inner pane describe arbitrarily two different slices. In particular, the outer pane may be referred to as a first pane and the inner pane as a second pane.

If the composite pane is intended to separate an interior space from the outside environment in a window opening of a vehicle or a building, then the interior pane (vehicle interior) facing the pane (second pane) is referred to as interior pane in the sense of the invention. With outer pane, the outer environment facing disc (first disc) is called. The invention is not limited thereto.

The composite pane according to the invention contains a functional element according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties, which is arranged at least in sections between a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer. The first and second intermediate layers usually have the same dimensions as the outer pane and the inner pane. The functional element is preferably foil-like.

In an advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the intermediate layer contains a polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the intermediate layer contains at least 3 wt .-%, preferably at least 5 wt .-%, more preferably at least 20 wt .-%, even more preferably at least 30 wt .-% and in particular at least 40 wt. -% of a plasticizer. The plasticizer preferably contains or consists of triethylene glycol bis (2-ethylhexanoate). Plasticizers are chemicals that make plastics softer, more flexible, smoother and / or more elastic. They shift the thermo-elastic range of plastics to lower temperatures, so that the plastics have the desired elastic properties in the range of the application temperature. Further preferred plasticizers are carboxylic acid esters, especially low-volatility carboxylic acid esters, fats, oils, soft resins and camphor. Other plasticizers are preferably aliphatic diesters of tri- or tetraethylene glycol. Particularly preferred plasticizers used are 3G7, 3G8 or 4G7, where the first number denotes the number of ethylene glycol units and the last number denotes the number of carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid portion of the compound. So stands for 3G8 triethylene glycol bis (2- ethylhexanoate), ie a compound of formula C4H9CH (CH2CH3) CO (OCH ₂ CH ₂₎ 302CCH (CH2CH3) C4H9.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the intermediate layer contains at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight and in particular at least 97% by weight polyvinyl butyral.

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

In an advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention, the barrier material is designed such that it prevents the diffusion of plasticizers from the intermediate layer through the barrier material.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a functional element according to the invention the barrier material is low in plasticizer, preferably with a plasticizer content of less than 3 wt .-%, more preferably of less than 1 wt .-% and in particular of less than 0.5 wt .-% , Most preferably, the barrier material is plasticizer-free, that is without targeted addition of a plasticizer. The barrier material advantageously contains or consists of a polymer, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl fluoride (PVF). The barrier material may also contain low plasticizer polyvinyl butyral (PVB) having a plasticizer content of less than 3% by weight. The controllable functional element typically comprises a thin, active layer between two surface electrodes. The active layer has the controllable optical properties that can be controlled via the voltage applied to the surface electrodes.

In a composite pane according to the invention, the area electrodes and the active layer are typically arranged substantially parallel to the surfaces of the outer pane and the inner pane.

The surface electrodes are electrically connected to an external voltage source in a manner known per se. The electrical contacting is realized by means of suitable connection cables, for example foil conductors, which are optionally connected to the surface electrodes via so-called bus bars, for example strips of an electrically conductive material or electrically conductive imprints.

The surface electrodes are preferably designed as transparent, electrically conductive layers. The surface electrodes preferably contain at least one metal, a metal alloy or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The surface electrodes may contain, for example, 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. The surface electrodes preferably have a thickness of 10 nm to 2 μηι, more preferably from 20 nm to 1 μηι, most preferably from 30 nm to 500 nm.

In addition to the active layer and the surface electrodes, the functional element may comprise further layers known per se, for example barrier layers, blocking layers, antireflection layers, protective layers and / or smoothing layers. The functional element is preferably present as a multilayer film with two outer carrier films. In such a multilayer film, the surface electrodes and the active layer are arranged between the two carrier films. With outer carrier film is meant here that the carrier films form the two surfaces of the multilayer film. The functional element can thereby be provided as a laminated film, which can be advantageously processed. The functional element is advantageously present through the carrier foils Damage, especially corrosion protected. The multilayer film contains in the order given at least one carrier film, a surface electrode, an active layer, another surface electrode and another carrier film. In particular, the carrier foil carries the surface electrodes and gives the necessary mechanical stability to a liquid or soft active layer.

The carrier films preferably contain at least one thermoplastic polymer, particularly preferably low-plasticizer or plasticizer-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is particularly advantageous with regard to the stability of the multilayer film. However, the carrier films may also contain or consist of other low-plasticizer or plasticizer-free polymers, for example ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene-propylenes, polyvinyl fluoride and / or ETFE. The thickness of each carrier film is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

Typically, the carrier films each have an electrically conductive coating, which faces the active layer and acts as a surface electrode. The functional element according to the invention is preferably a PDLC functional element (polymer dispersed liquid crystal). The active layer of a PDLC functional element contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. If no voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals are aligned disorderly, resulting in a strong scattering of passing through the active layer light. 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. Alternatively, functional elements and in particular PDLC functional elements may be used which are transparent when no voltage is applied (zero volts) and scatter strongly when a voltage is applied.

In principle, however, it is also possible to use other types of controllable functional elements, for example electrochromic functional elements or SPD functional elements (suspended particle device). The aforementioned controllable functional elements and their operation are known per se to those skilled in the art, so that a detailed description can be dispensed with at this point. Functional elements as multilayer films are commercially available. The functional element is typically cut out of a multilayer film of larger dimensions in the desired shape and size. This can be done mechanically, for example with a knife. In an advantageous embodiment, the cutting is done by means of a laser. It has been found that the side surface is more stable in this case than in mechanical cutting. With mechanically cut side surfaces there may be the risk that the material retreats, which is visually striking and adversely affects the aesthetics of the disc.

In a composite pane according to the invention, the functional element is connected to the outer pane via a region of the first intermediate layer and to the inner pane via a region of the second intermediate layer. The intermediate layers are preferably arranged flat on each other and laminated together, wherein the functional element between the two layers is inserted. The overlapping with the functional element areas of the intermediate layers then form the areas which connect the functional element with the discs. In other areas of the pane, where the intermediate layers are in direct contact with each other, they can fuse together during lamination in such a way that the two original layers may no longer be recognizable and instead a homogeneous intermediate layer is present. The functional element according to the invention with the barrier material is preferably arranged completely within the composite pane and surrounded by intermediate layers fused together, preferably on one side, on three sides or on all sides. An intermediate layer can be formed for example by a single thermoplastic film. An intermediate layer may also be formed as a two-layer, three-layer or multi-layer film stack, the individual films having the same or different properties. An intermediate layer can also be formed from sections of different thermoplastic films whose side surfaces adjoin one another.

In an advantageous development of a composite pane according to the invention, the area of the first or the second intermediate layer via which the functional element is connected to the outer pane or the inner pane is tinted or colored. The transmission of this area in the visible spectral range is thus reduced opposite a non-toned or colored layer. The tinted / colored area of the intermediate layer thus reduces the transmission of the windscreen in the region of the sun visor. In particular, the aesthetic impression of the functional element is improved because the tinting leads to a more neutral appearance, which is more pleasant to the viewer.

For the purposes of the invention, electrically controllable optical properties are to be understood as meaning those properties which are infinitely variable, but equally also those which can be switched between two or more discrete states.

The electrical control of the sun visor, for example, by means of switches, rotary or sliders, which are integrated in the fittings of the vehicle. But it can also be a button for controlling the sun visor integrated into the windshield, such as a capacitive button. Alternatively or additionally, the sun visor can be controlled by non-contact methods, for example by detecting gestures, or depending on the state of the pupil or eyelid detected by a camera and suitable evaluation electronics. Alternatively or additionally, the sun visor can be controlled by sensors which detect a light incident on the pane.

The tinted or colored area of the intermediate layer preferably has a transmission in the visible spectral range of from 10% to 50%, particularly preferably from 20% to 40%. This achieves particularly good results with regard to glare protection and visual appearance.

The intermediate layer can be formed by a single thermoplastic film in which the tinted or colored area is produced by local tinting or dyeing. Such films are available, for example, by coextrusion. Alternatively, an untoned film portion and a tinted or colored film portion may be assembled to the thermoplastic layer.

The tinted or colored area can be homogeneously colored or tinted, that is to say have a location-independent transmission. The tinting or coloring can also be inhomogeneous, in particular, a transmission profile can be realized. In one embodiment, the transmittance in the toned or colored area at least sections with increasing distance from the top edge. Thus, sharp edges of the tinted or colored area can be avoided, so that the transition from the sun visor to the transparent area of the windshield is gradual, which looks more aesthetically pleasing.

In an advantageous embodiment, the area of the first intermediate layer, ie the area between the functional element and the outer pane, is tinted. This causes a particularly aesthetic impression on top view of the outer pane. The region of the second intermediate layer between the functional element and the inner pane can optionally also be dyed or tinted.

The composite pane with electrically controllable functional element can be advantageously designed as a windscreen with electrically controllable sun visor. Such a windshield has an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges extending between the upper edge and the lower edge. With the upper edge that edge is referred to, which is intended to point in the installed position upwards. The lower edge is the edge which is intended to point downwards in the installed position. The upper edge is often referred to as the roof edge and the lower edge as the engine edge.

Windshields have a central field of view, on the optical quality of which are made high demands. The central field of view must have a high light transmission (typically greater than 70%). The said central field of view is in particular that field of view which is designated by the person skilled in the art as field of view B, field of view B or zone B. Field of View B and its technical requirements are set out in United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN / ECE) Control No 43 (ECE-R43, "Uniform Conditions for the Approval of Safety Glazing Materials and their Installation in Vehicles") Field of view B is defined in Annex 18.

The functional element is then advantageously arranged above the central field of vision (field of view B). This means that the functional element is arranged in the region between the central field of vision and the upper edge of the windshield. The functional element does not have to cover the entire area, but is completely positioned within this area and does not protrude into the central field of view. Different In other words, the functional element has a smaller distance to the upper edge of the windscreen than the central viewing area. Thus, the transmission of the central field of view is not affected by the functional element, which is positioned in a similar position as a classic mechanical sun visor in the folded down state.

The windshield is preferably provided for a motor vehicle, particularly preferably for a passenger car. In a preferred embodiment, the functional element, more precisely the side surfaces of the functional element with the barrier material circumferentially surrounded by a third intermediate layer. The third intermediate layer is formed like a frame with a recess into which the functional element is inserted. The third intermediate layer can also be formed by a thermoplastic film into which the recess has been cut by cutting. Alternatively, the third intermediate layer can also be composed of several film sections around the functional element. The intermediate layer is preferably formed from a total of at least three thermoplastic layers arranged on top of each other, wherein the middle layer identifies a recess in which the functional element is arranged. In the production, the third intermediate layer is arranged between the first and the second intermediate layer, wherein the side surfaces of all intermediate layers are preferably arranged in cover. The third intermediate layer preferably has approximately the same thickness as the functional element. Thereby, the local thickness difference of the windshield, which is introduced by the localized functional element, compensated, so that glass breakage during lamination can be avoided.

The visible in view through the windshield side surfaces of the functional element are preferably arranged flush with the third intermediate layer, so that there is no gap between the side surface of the functional element and the associated side surface of the intermediate layer. This is especially true for the lower surface of the functional element, which is typically visible. Thus, the boundary between the third intermediate layer and functional element is optically less noticeable.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower edges of the functional element and the tinted region of the intermediate layer (s) to the shape of the upper edge of the Windscreen adapted, which causes a visually pleasing appearance. Since the upper edge of a windshield is typically bent, in particular bent concavely, the lower edge of the functional element and of the tinted region is preferably bent. Particularly preferably, the lower edges of the functional element are formed substantially parallel to the upper edge of the windshield. But it is also possible to build the sun visor from two straight halves, which are arranged at an angle to each other and the shape of the upper edge are approximated v-shaped. In one embodiment of the invention, the functional element is divided into segments by insulation lines. The insulation lines are in particular incorporated in the surface electrodes, so that the segments of the surface electrode are electrically isolated from each other. The individual segments are independently connected to the voltage source, so that they can be controlled separately. This allows different areas of the sun visor to be switched independently. Particularly preferably, the insulation lines and the segments are arranged horizontally in the installed position. Thus, the height of the sun visor can be controlled by the user. As used herein, the term "horizontal" is to be broadly interpreted to mean a direction of propagation that extends between the side edges of the windshield of a windshield.The insulator lines may not necessarily be straight, but may also be slightly curved, preferably adapted to eventual bending of the top of the windshield Of course, vertical insulation lines are also conceivable.The insulation lines have, for example, a width of 5 μm to 500 μm, in particular 20 μm to 200 μm The width of the segments, that is to say the distance between adjacent insulation lines, can be from The insulation lines can be introduced by laser ablation, mechanical cutting or etching during the production of the functional element can still be segmented by means of laser ablation.

The upper edge and the adjacent side surface or all side surfaces of the functional element are preferably viewed from one in view through the composite pane opaque masking or obscured by an outer frame. Windshields typically have peripheral peripheral masking pressure from an opaque enamel, which is particularly useful for protecting and visually obscuring the adhesive used to install the windshield from UV radiation. This peripheral covering pressure is preferably used to conceal the upper edge and the side surface of the functional element, as well as the required electrical connections. The sun visor is then advantageously integrated into the appearance of the windshield and only the lower edge is potentially visible to the viewer. Preferably, both the outer pane and the inner pane have a covering pressure, so that the view is prevented from both sides.

The functional element can also have recesses or holes, for example in the area of so-called sensor windows or camera windows. These areas are intended to be equipped with sensors or cameras whose function would be affected by a controllable functional element in the beam path, such as rain sensors. It is also possible to realize the sun visor with at least two separate functional elements, wherein there is a distance between the functional elements, which provides a space for sensor or camera windows. The functional element (or the entirety of the functional elements in the above-described case of a plurality of functional elements) is preferably arranged over the entire width of the composite pane or windshield, minus a double-sided edge region having a width of, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. Also at the top, the functional element preferably has a spacing of, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. The functional element is thus encapsulated within the intermediate layer and protected from contact with the surrounding atmosphere and corrosion.

The outer pane and the inner pane are preferably made of glass, more preferably of soda-lime glass, as is customary for window panes. However, the panes can also be made of other types of glass, for example quartz glass, borosilicate glass or alumino-sililate glass, or of rigid clear plastics, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The panes can be clear or tinted or colored. Windscreens must have sufficient light transmission in the central viewing area, preferably at least 70% in the main viewing area A according to ECE-R43. The outer pane, the inner pane and / or the intermediate layer may have further suitable coatings known per se, for example antireflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings or sunscreen coatings or low-E coatings).

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

The invention further comprises a method for producing a functional element according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties, wherein at least

a) a stacking sequence of at least a first carrier foil, an active layer and a second carrier foil is provided, and

b) an exit surface of the active layer on at least one side surface of the functional element is at least partially and preferably completely sealed with a barrier material, wherein preferably the barrier material is extruded onto the exit surface or sprayed onto the exit surface.

A stacking sequence of at least one first carrier foil, a first area electrode, an active layer, a second area electrode and a second carrier foil is preferably provided.

The stacking sequence is, for example, a prefabricated film which is brought to a suitable size and shape. During extrusion, the barrier material, which essentially comprises, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or consists thereof, is continuously melted or softened, applied through a shaping nozzle and onto the functional element. Subsequently, the barrier material cools down on the functional element. A suitable barrier material is preferably an adhesive bond or a fusion bond with the functional element. Suitable barrier materials are mentioned above. Typical temperatures for applying a barrier material are known to the person skilled in the art or can be determined by simple experiments. PET barrier material is typically heated to temperatures between 70 ° C and 300 ° C. The PET does not have to be completely liquid for extrusion, but merely softens. Too high extrusion temperatures can lead to degradation of the PET molecules and degraded properties of the barrier material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the stacking sequence of at least one first carrier foil, a first area electrode, an active layer, a second area electrode and a second carrier foil is arranged completely on a work surface during extrusion, i. For example, the stacking sequence rests on the work surface via the surface of the first carrier film facing away from the stacking sequence.

Alternatively, the stacking sequence can project beyond the working surface on one side or on all sides, so that the blocking material can be extruded particularly uniformly on the side surfaces.

During extrusion, the stacking sequence of the functional element is moved relative to the extrusion die. This can be achieved by a fixed extrusion die and a moving stacking sequence, by a fixed stacking sequence and a moving extrusion die or a combination of moving stacking and moving extrusion die.

The thickness d of the barrier material over the exit surface can be adjusted in a simple manner for the skilled person by suitable choice of the extruder speed, the extrusion temperature and the speed with which the extrusion die is guided relative to the functional element.

In spraying the barrier material according to the invention, the heated and liquefied barrier material is advantageously atomized in a spray head by a compressed air flow. The resulting spray mist is reflected as re-solidified barrier material on the side surfaces of the functional element and seals the side surfaces, for example, completely. During the spraying, the stacking sequence can be arranged completely on a work surface, ie the stacking sequence lies, for example, over the first carrier film on the work surface. Alternatively, the functional element can project beyond the work surface on all sides, so that the barrier material can be sprayed onto the side surfaces of the stacking sequence particularly evenly.

During spraying, the functional element is advantageously moved relative to the spray head. This can be achieved by a fixed spray head and a moving functional element, by a stationary functional element and a moving spray head or a combination of moving spray head and moving functional element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the barrier material is sprayed onto all side surfaces of the functional element. In a further development of the method according to the invention, the barrier material is also sprayed onto the surface of the upper side or the surface of the lower side or both, in sections or completely.

The compressed air stream contains or preferably consists of air, nitrogen, argon or another inert gas. The barrier material is softened prior to spraying by heating above the softening point, in the example of PET, by heating to 200 ° C to 300 ° C and, for example, 250 ° C.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a composite pane according to the invention, wherein in an ensuing process step c) an outer pane, a first intermediate layer, the functional element according to the invention with electrically controllable optical properties, a second intermediate layer and an inner pane are arranged one above another in this sequence, and

d) the outer pane and the inner pane are connected by lamination, wherein an intermediate layer with interposed functional element is formed from the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer. In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, a third intermediate layer is arranged in method step c) between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, which edges surround the functional element. The electrical contacting of the surface electrodes of the functional element preferably takes place before the lamination of the composite pane.

Any existing prints, such as opaque cover printing or printed bus bars for electrical contacting of the functional element are preferably applied by screen printing.

The lamination preferably takes place under the action of heat, vacuum and / or pressure. Lamination methods known per se can be used, for example autoclave methods, vacuum bag methods, vacuum ring methods, calendering methods, vacuum laminators or combinations thereof.

The invention further comprises the use of a composite pane according to the invention with an electrically controllable functional element as interior glazing or exterior glazing in a vehicle or a building, wherein the electrically controllable functional element is used as a sunscreen or as a privacy screen.

The invention further comprises the use of a functional element according to the invention in a windscreen or roof panel of a vehicle, wherein the functional element is used as a sun visor.

The invention further comprises the use of a functional element according to the invention in an interior glazing or exterior glazing in a vehicle or a building, wherein the electrically controllable functional element is used as a sunscreen or as a privacy screen.

The invention further comprises the use of a composite pane according to the invention as a windshield or roof panel of a vehicle, wherein the electrically controllable functional element is used as a sun visor. A major advantage of the invention in composite windshield windshield is that can be dispensed with a classic mounted on the vehicle roof, mechanically folding sun visor. The invention therefore also encompasses a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which has no such conventional sun visor.

The invention also encompasses the use of a tinted or colored region of an intermediate layer for connecting a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties to an outer pane or inner pane of a windshield, wherein an electrically controllable sun visor is realized by the tinted or colored region of the intermediate layer and the functional element.

The invention will be explained in more detail 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. Show it:

Figure 1A is a plan view of a first embodiment of an inventive

Composite pane with functional element according to the invention,

Figure 1 B is a cross section through the composite pane of Figure 1A along the section line

Χ-Χ '

FIG. 1C shows an enlarged representation of the region Z from FIG. 1B,

Figure 2A is an enlarged view of a detail of an inventive

Functional element during the anextrusion of the barrier material,

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a section of a further example of a functional element according to the invention during the anextrusion of the

Barrier material,

FIG. 2C shows an enlarged view of a section of a further example of a functional element according to the invention during the extrusion of the barrier material,

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a section of another

Embodiment of a functional element according to the invention during the spraying of the barrier material,

Figure 4A is a plan view of a further embodiment of an inventive

Composite pane using the example of a windscreen with sun visor, FIG. 4B shows a cross section through the composite pane from FIG. 4A along the section line X-X '.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C each show a detail of a composite pane 100 according to the invention. The composite pane 100 comprises an outer pane 1 and an inner pane 2, which are interconnected via a first intermediate layer 3a and a second intermediate layer 3b. The outer pane 1 has a thickness of 2.1 mm and consists for example of a clear soda-lime glass. The inner pane 2 has a thickness of 1, 6 mm and, for example, also consists of a clear soda-lime glass. The composite disk 100 has a first edge designated D, which is referred to as upper edge in the following. The composite pane 100 has a second edge designated M, which is arranged opposite the upper edge D and is referred to below as the lower edge. The composite pane 100 can be arranged, for example, as architectural glazing in the frame of a window with additional panes for insulating glazing.

Between the first intermediate layer 3a and the second intermediate layer 3b, a functional element 5 according to the invention is arranged, which can be controlled by an electrical voltage in its optical properties. The electrical leads are not shown for simplicity.

The controllable functional element 5 is, for example, a PDLC multilayer film consisting of a stacking sequence with an active layer 11 between two surface electrodes 12, 13 and two carrier foils 14, 15. The active layer 11 contains a polymer matrix with liquid crystals dispersed therein Align the voltage applied to the surface electrodes voltage, whereby the optical properties can be controlled. The carrier films 14, 15 are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a thickness of, for example, 0.125 mm. The carrier foils 14, 15 are provided with a coating of ITO having a thickness of approximately 100 nm facing the active layer 11, which form the area electrodes 12, 13. The surface electrodes 12, 13 are connectable via not shown bus bars (for example, formed by a silver-containing screen printing) and not shown connection cable with the on-board electrical system. The intermediate layers 3a, 3b each comprise a thermoplastic film having a thickness of 0.38 mm. The intermediate layers 3a, 3b consist for example of 78% by weight of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and 20% by weight of triethylene glycol bis (2-ethylhexanoate) as plasticizer.

The functional element 5 has on all side surfaces 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 a barrier material 4, for example, the entire side surface 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 covered. The barrier material 4 contains a plasticizer-poor PET and in particular seals the entire exit surface 8 of the active layer 11.

For example, the barrier material 4 consists essentially of PET, ie at least 97% by weight. The barrier film 4a, 4b contains less than 0.5% by weight of plasticizer and is suitable for reducing or increasing the diffusion of plasticizer from the intermediate layers 3a, 3b into the functional layer 5 via the side surfaces 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 prevention.

The barrier material 4 reduces or prevents diffusion of plasticizer into the active layer 1 1, which increases the life of the functional element 5. The thickness (or in other words, the material thickness) d of the barrier material 4 over (i.e., orthogonal to) the exit surface 8 is at least 0.3 mm.

Such composite discs 100 show in aging tests a significantly reduced brightening in the edge region of the functional element 5, since diffusion of the plasticizer from the intermediate layers 3a, 3b in the functional element 5 and a concomitant degradation of the functional element 5 is avoided.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show enlarged views of sections of functional elements 5 according to the invention during the extrusion of the barrier material 4. In the extrusion, the barrier material 24 by softening over the softening point, in the example of PET by heating to 250 ° C, softened or liquefied. Subsequently, the liquefied or softened barrier material 24 is pressed through an extrusion die 20 and the extrudate is brought into contact with the side surface 5.1 of the functional element 5. There, the barrier material 4 cools and seals the side surface 5.1 with the various layers of the functional element 5 and in particular the active layer 11. The blocking material 4 can be extruded such that it projects beyond the side surface 5.1 and covers an edge region of the upper side of the second carrier film 14 and the underside of the first carrier film 15, as shown for example in FIG. 2B.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2C, the functional element 5 can be arranged completely on a work surface 25 during the extrusion process, ie. For example, the functional element 5 rests on the working surface 25 via the first carrier foil 15.

Alternatively, the functional element 5 can project beyond the working surface on one side or on all sides (see, for example, FIG. 2A or 2B), so that the blocking material 4 can be extruded particularly uniformly on the side surfaces.

During extrusion, the functional element 5 is moved relative to the extrusion die 20. This can be achieved by a stationary extrusion die 20 and a moving functional element 5, by a stationary functional element 5 and a moving extrusion die 20 or a combination of both.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a section of a functional element 5 according to the invention during the spraying of the barrier material 4. For this purpose, the heated and liquefied barrier material 4 is atomized in a spray head 30 by a compressed air flow 32. The resulting spray mist 31 is reflected as resolidified barrier material 4 on the side surface 5.1 of the functional element 5 and sealed in the example shown here, the side surface 5.1 completely.

During spraying, the functional element 5 can be arranged completely on a working surface, ie the functional element 5 lies over the first carrier foil 15 on the working surface. Alternatively, the functional element 5 can project beyond the work surface on all sides, so that the barrier material 4 can be sprayed onto the side surfaces particularly uniformly. During spraying, the functional element 5 is moved relative to the spray head 30. This can be achieved by a fixed spray head 30 and a moving functional element 5, by a stationary functional element 5 and a moving spray head 30, or a combination of both. The compressed air stream 32 preferably contains or consists of air, nitrogen or another inert gas. The barrier material 34 is softened by heating above the softening point, in the example of PET by heating to 250 ° C.

FIGS. 4A and 4B each show a detail of an exemplary composite pane 100 according to the invention as a windshield with an electrically controllable sun visor. The composite disk 100 from FIGS. 4A and 4B essentially corresponds to the composite disk 100 from FIGS. 1A-C, so that only the differences are discussed below.

The windshield comprises a trapezoidal composite disk 100 with an outer disk 1 and an inner disk 2, which are interconnected via two intermediate layers 3a, 3b. The outer pane 1 has a thickness of 2.1 mm and consists of a green-colored soda-lime glass. The inner pane 2 has a thickness of 1, 6 mm and consists of a clear soda-lime glass. The windshield has an upper edge D facing the roof in the installed position and a lower edge M facing the engine compartment in the installed position. The windscreen is equipped with an electrically controllable functional element 5 according to the invention as a sun visor, which is arranged in an area above the central viewing area B (as defined in ECE-R43). The sun visor is formed by a commercially available PDLC multilayer film as a functional element 5 incorporated in the intermediate layers 3a, 3b. The height of the sun visor is for example 21 cm. The first intermediate layer 3 a is connected to the outer pane 1, the second intermediate layer 3 b is connected to the inner pane 2. An intervening third intermediate layer 3c has a cutout in which the cut PDLC multilayer film is inserted accurately, that is flush on all sides. The third intermediate layer 3c layer thus forms, as it were, a kind of passe-partout for the functional element 5, which is thus encapsulated all round in thermoplastic material and thus protected.

The first intermediate layer 3a has a tinted region 6, which is arranged between the functional element 5 and the outer pane 1. The light transmission of the windshield is thereby additionally in the region of the functional element 5 lowered and mitigated the milky appearance of the PDLC functional element 5 in the diffuse state. The aesthetics of the windshield are thus made much more appealing. The first intermediate layer 3a has an average light transmission of 30% in the region 6, for example, with which good results are achieved.

The area 6 can be homogeneously tinted. Often, however, it is more visually appealing when the tint in the direction of the lower edge of the functional element 5 is lower, so that the tinted and untoned area merge smoothly into one another. In the illustrated case, the lower edges of the tinted region 6 and the lower edge of the PDLC functional element 5 (here the lateral surface 5.1 thereof) are arranged flush with the barrier material 4. This is not necessarily the case. It is also possible that the tinted region 6 protrudes beyond the functional element 5 or conversely that the functional element 5 projects beyond the tinted region 6. In the latter case, the entire functional element 5 would not be connected to the outer pane 1 via the tinted area 6.

The windshield has, as usual, a peripheral peripheral covering pressure 9, which is formed by an opaque enamel on the inside surfaces (facing the interior of the vehicle in the installed position) of the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2. The distance of the functional element 5 to the upper edge D and the side edges of the windshield is smaller than the width of the cover pressure 9, so that the side surfaces of the functional element 5 - with the exception of the central field of view B facing side edge - are covered by the cover pressure 9. The electrical connections, not shown, are expediently mounted in the region of the covering pressure 9 and thus hidden.

The controllable functional element 5 is a multilayer film consisting of an active layer 11 between two surface electrodes 12, 13 and two carrier foils 14, 15. The active layer 11 contains a polymer matrix with liquid crystals dispersed therein, which are applied as a function of the surface electrodes align electrical voltage, whereby the optical properties can be controlled. The carrier films 14, 15 are made of PET and have a thickness of, for example, 0.125 mm. The carrier foils 14, 15 are provided with a coating of ITO having a thickness of approximately 100 nm facing the active layer 11, which form the electrodes 12, 13. The Electrodes 12, 13 are connected via bus bars, not shown (for example, formed by a silver-containing screen printing) and not shown connection cable with the on-board electrical system. To the side surfaces 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 of the functional element 5, for example, a barrier material 4 is extruded, analogous to Figure 2C. In the example shown, all side surfaces 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 are completely sealed with a barrier material 4 made of low-plasticizer PET. As a result, the functional element 5 is particularly well protected against aging.

For the intermediate layers 3a, 3b, 3c, a so-called "high-flow PVB" may be used, which has a greater flow behavior than standard PVB films, so that the layers will become more fluid around the barrier material 4 and the functional element 5 a more homogeneous visual impression is created and the transition from functional element 5 to intermediate layer 3c is less noticeable The "high flow PVB" can be used for all or even only one or more of the intermediate layers 3a, 3b, 3c.

In another example not shown here, the windscreen and the functional element 5 with blocking material 4 substantially correspond to the embodiment from FIGS. 4A and 4B. However, the PDLC functional element 5 is divided by horizontal insulation lines into, for example, six strip-like segments. The insulation lines have, for example, a width of 40 μm to 50 μm and a mutual distance of 3.5 cm. They have been introduced by means of a laser in the prefabricated multilayer film. In particular, the insulation lines separate the surface electrodes into strips insulated from one another, each of which has a separate electrical connection. Thus, the segments are independently switchable. The thinner the insulation lines are made, the less inconspicuous they are. By means of etching even thinner insulation lines can be realized.

By segmentation, the height of the darkened functional element 5 can be adjusted. Depending on the position of the sun, the driver can thus darken the entire sun visor or only a part of it. In a particularly convenient embodiment, the functional element 5 is controlled by a capacitive button arranged in the region of the functional element, the driver determining the degree of darkening by the location where he touches the pane. Alternatively, the functional element 5 can also be controlled by non-contact methods, for example by detecting gestures, or depending on the state of the pupil or eyelid detected by a camera and suitable evaluation electronics.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 outer pane

2 inner pane

3a first intermediate layer

3b second intermediate layer

3c third intermediate layer

4 barrier material

5 functional element with electrically controllable optical properties 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 3.5.4 side surface of the functional element 5

6 tinted area of the first intermediate layer 3a

8 exit surface of the active layer 1 1

9 cover printing

1 1 active layer of the functional element 5

12 surface electrode of the functional element 5

13 surface electrode of the functional element 5

14 carrier film

15 carrier film

20 extrusion nozzle

24.34 heated barrier material

30 spray nozzle

31 spray, spray mist

32 compressed air

100 composite disc

B central field of vision of the windshield

D top edge of the windshield, roof edge

M Lower edge of the windscreen, engine edge

d thickness, material thickness

X-X 'cutting line

Z enlarged area

Claims

claims

Functional element (5) with electrically controllable optical properties, comprising a stacking sequence of at least:

a first carrier foil (15),

- an active layer (1 1) and

a second carrier foil (14),

wherein at least one exit surface (8) of the active layer (1 1) at least one side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) of the functional element (5) at least partially sealed with a barrier material (4) and the barrier material (4) to the Exit surface (8) extruded or sprayed onto the exit surface (8).

A functional element (5) according to claim 1, wherein the barrier material (4) is in direct contact with the exit surface (8).

Functional element (5) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the exit surfaces (8) on all side surfaces (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) are completely sealed with the barrier material (4) or at least one of the side surfaces (5.1, 5.2, 5.3 , 5.4) and preferably all side surfaces (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) are completely sealed with the barrier material (4).

Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional element (5) is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film.

A functional element (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier material (4) is formed so as to prevent the diffusion of plasticizer through the barrier material (4).

Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the barrier material (4) is plasticizer-poor or plasticizer-free and preferably contains or consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).

Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the barrier material (4) over the exit surface (8) has a thickness d of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably at least 0.5 mm.

8. Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier material (4) with the stacking sequence of the functional element (5) and preferably with the carrier foils (14,15) has a fusion bond or an adhesive bond.

9. Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the barrier material (4) directly on the side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) of the stacking sequence of the functional element (5) and in particular directly on the exit surface (8) of active layer (1 1) and / or the side surfaces of the carrier films (14,15) is arranged.

10. Functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the barrier material (4) bead-like on the side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) is arranged and / or not formed as a film and in particular not as a film on the Glued on side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4), laid on or folded around the side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4).

1 1. Composite disc (100) with a functional element (5), comprising:

a second stacking sequence of an outer pane (1), a first intermediate layer (3a), a second intermediate layer (3b) and an inner pane (2), wherein the

Intermediate layers (3a, 3b) contain at least one thermoplastic polymeric film with at least one plasticizer,

wherein between the first intermediate layer (3a) and the second intermediate layer (3b) at least in sections a functional element (5) with electrically controllable optical properties according to one of claims 1 to 10 is arranged.

12. The composite pane (100) according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate layer (3a, 3b) at least 3 wt .-%, preferably at least 5 wt .-%, more preferably at least 20 wt .-%, even more preferably at least 30 wt. contains -% and in particular at least 40 wt .-% of a plasticizer and the

Plasticizer preferably aliphatic diesters of tri- or tetraethylene glycol, more preferably triethylene glycol bis (2-ethylhexanoate), contains or consists thereof. 13. Laminate (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the intermediate layer (3a, 3b) at least 60 wt .-%, preferably at least 70 wt .-%, particularly preferably at least 90 wt .-% and in particular at least 97 wt .-% polyvinyl butyral (PVB) contains.

Method for producing a functional element (5) with electrically controllable optical properties, wherein at least

a) a stacking sequence of at least

- A first carrier sheet

(15)

- an active layer (1 1) and

a second carrier foil (14)

is provided and

b) an exit surface (8) of the active layer (1 1) at least one side surface (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) of the functional element (5) is at least partially sealed with a barrier material (4), wherein the barrier material (4) directly extruded onto the exit surface or sprayed directly onto the exit surface.

The method of claim 14, wherein in a subsequent process step

c) an outer pane (1), a first intermediate layer (3a), the functional element (5) with electrically controllable optical properties, a second intermediate layer (3b) and an inner pane (2) are arranged one above the other in this order, and

d) the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2) are joined by lamination, wherein an intermediate layer with incorporated functional element (5) is formed from the first intermediate layer (3a) and the second intermediate layer (3b).

16. Use of a functional element (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in a windshield or roof glass of a vehicle, wherein the functional element (5) is used as a sun visor.

17. Use of a functional element (5) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in an interior glazing or exterior glazing in a vehicle or a building, wherein the electrically controllable functional element (5) is used as a sunscreen or as a screen.