WO2022136164A1

WO2022136164A1 - Prefabricated connection element for contacting a conductive layer on a plate

Info

Publication number: WO2022136164A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/086472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sara BORHANI HAGHIGHI; Bernhard Reul; Léa Kerbellec; Katja Werner
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2021-12-17
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: DE202021004223U1; CN114982068A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a prefabricated connection element (100) which is adapted for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer (121) of a plate (101) and, before electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121), comprises: - at least one flat electrical conductor (103) with a front side (122) and a rear side (124); - an electrically insulating front-side layer (107), which has at least one cutout (109), on the front side (122) of the flat conductor (103); - an electrically conductive adhesive (105), which is arranged at least partially in the cutout (109) and electrically contacts the flat conductor (103), for adhesively bonding the connection element to the plate (101) and for electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121).

Description

Prefabricated connection element for contacting a conductive layer on a pane

The present invention is in the technical field of pane production and relates to a prefabricated electrical connection element for contacting an electrically conductive layer on a pane, a pane with the electrical connection element, and a method for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer of a pane with the connection element.

Glazing in buildings and vehicles is increasingly being provided with large-area, electrically conductive layers that are transparent to visible light and have a wide range of applications. Electrical heating layers are known, for example, which cause targeted heating of a vehicle window by applying an electrical voltage in order to keep the field of vision of the vehicle window free of ice and fog (see, for example, WO 2010/043598 A1). In a further exemplary application, the electrically conductive layer is used as a planar antenna in motor vehicles. For this purpose, the layer is galvanically or capacitively coupled to a coupling electrode and the antenna signal is made available in the edge area of the pane. The antenna signal decoupled from the planar antenna is fed to an antenna amplifier, which is connected to the metal body of motor vehicles, whereby a reference potential effective for high-frequency technology is specified for the antenna signal. Such planar antennas are known, for example, from DE 10106125 A1, DE 10319606 A1, EP 0720249 A2, US 2003/0112190 A1 and DE 19843338 C2.

Electrical contacting of the electrically conductive layer is typically made by soldered connection elements. A well-known problem is the different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials used here, which are the cause of mechanical stresses during production and operation, which stress the panes and can cause the panes to break. Lead-containing solders have a high level of ductility, which can compensate well for mechanical stresses that occur between the electrical connection element and the pane through plastic deformation. However, in many countries, due to legal requirements, lead-containing solders must be replaced with lead-free solders. However, lead-free solders typically have a significantly low ductility and are therefore not able to compensate for mechanical stresses to the same extent as solders containing lead. Efforts are therefore made, particularly when soldering with lead-free solder masses, to avoid mechanical stresses, which is possible, for example, by a suitable choice of the material of the connection element. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the soldering of connection elements requires a relatively large number of process steps and is associated with comparatively high costs. There is also room for improvement from an ecological point of view.

EP 0849823 A1 and EP 0780927 A2 show an electrical connection element in which an electrically conductive structure is electrically connected to a conductive layer via an electrically conductive adhesive.

In general, it would be desirable to have an electrical connection element that can be installed with relatively few process steps and at lower cost, creates a stable electrical connection to the electrically conductive layer and is advantageous from an ecological point of view.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connection element for making electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane, with which these disadvantages can be avoided. In particular, the connection element should be capable of being fastened to the pane with high mechanical strength. The connection element should be easy and inexpensive to install in the industrial series production of discs.

According to the proposal of the invention, these and other objects are achieved by an electrical connection element according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an electrical connection element for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer of a pane, preferably a glass pane, is shown. The connecting element comprises at least one, in particular precisely one, electrical conductor and an electrically conductive adhesive for attaching the electrical conductor to the pane, as well as an electrically insulating layer with at least one, in particular precisely one recess which laterally surrounds the electrically conductive adhesive. The electrically conductive adhesive is at least partially, in particular completely, accommodated in the recess. The electrical connection element is a prefabricated (prefabricated) connection element for making electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane, preferably a glass pane. The prefabricated connection element comprises at least one electrical flat conductor with a first side or front side and an opposite second side or back side before the connection element is fastened to the pane and before the electrically conductive layer of the pane is electrically contacted by the connection element according to the invention. A (first) electrically insulating layer, hereinafter referred to as “front side layer” for easier reference, with at least one recess is arranged on the front side of the flat conductor. Furthermore, an electrically conductive adhesive is provided which is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, in the recess and which makes electrical-galvanic contact with the flat conductor. The electrically conductive adhesive is used to adhere the connection element to the pane and to electrically contact the electrically conductive front layer of the pane. When installed, the electrically conductive adhesive creates an electrical-galvanic connection between the flat conductor and the electrically conductive front layer.

The electrically insulating front layer, which has a recess for the electrically conductive adhesive, is present in the prefabricated connection element. This means that the electrically insulating front layer is different from a thermoplastic intermediate layer for connecting the two individual panes of a composite pane. The electrically insulating face layer is also distinct from an electrically insulating layer (i.e., sealant) used to cover a terminal already electrically connected to an electrically conductive layer for the purpose of sealing.

On the one hand, the connecting element can be fastened to the pane in a simple, quick and cost-effective manner by mechanically fastening the connecting element to the pane by means of the electrically conductive adhesive. The connection thus created can withstand mechanical stress arising during handling and use of the disc. On the other hand, a sufficient electrical current flow can take place through the electrical connection. Both electrical and mechanical requirements for the connection are therefore advantageously met by the connecting element. In addition, there is the advantage that gluing can be used instead of soldering. The electrically conductive adhesive has decisive technical advantages over a conventional soldering process. For example, by the electrically conductive adhesive causes fewer environmental problems than a leaded or lead-free solder, and more efficient processing conditions can be realized. Due to relatively low processing temperatures, heat-sensitive components can be used. In addition, the number of process steps involved in producing the electrical contact can be reduced. The electrical connection element can be fastened (ie glued) to the pane in a simple manner, the connection element being mechanically and electrically connected at the same time. These are important advantages of the present invention in the industrial series production of discs with electrical connection elements.

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

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

The electrically conductive adhesive makes electrical-galvanic contact with the flat conductor on the front in a planar manner. For example, the electrically conductive adhesive is arranged in physical contact with the flat conductor (i.e. without an intermediate layer). The electrical contact area, in which the electrically conductive adhesive makes contact with the flat conductor and in particular can also touch it, can also be referred to as the electrical connection area.

For example, the flat conductor has a thickness of 10 μm to 300 μm, 30 μm to 250 μm and in particular 50 μm to 150 μm. Such thin flat conductors are particularly flexible and can, for example, be easily laminated into laminated panes and led out of them. For example, the flat conductor has a width of 0.5 mm to 100 mm, 1 mm to 50 mm and in particular from 10 mm to 30 mm. Widths of this type are particularly suitable for achieving sufficient current-carrying capacity in conjunction with the thicknesses mentioned above. The width of the flat conductor can be constant or can vary in width. For example, the flat conductor has a length of 5 cm to 150 cm, 10 cm to 100 cm and in particular 50 cm to 90 cm. It goes without saying that the length, width and thickness of the flat conductor can be adapted to the requirements of the respective individual case.

In an advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the recess in the electrically insulating front-side layer is cylindrical. As a result of this measure, in addition to simple production, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the adhesive is laterally surrounded in a uniformly insulating manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrically insulating front layer is made of acrylate or epoxy. The electrically insulating layer has a thickness of 50 to 250 μm, for example. For example, standard adhesive tapes can also be used, which are shaped or punched accordingly. This measure can achieve the technical advantage, for example, that a good insulating effect is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, an electrically insulating adhesive layer is arranged around the recess on the electrically insulating front side layer. This measure can achieve the technical advantage, for example, that the connection element can be pre-fixed without the electrically conductive adhesive. Overall, the mechanical attachment of the connecting element to the pane can be further improved by gluing (adhering the connecting element to the pane using the electrically conductive adhesive and additionally using the electrically insulating adhesive layer).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, a removable protective layer is arranged on the electrically insulating adhesive layer. This measure can achieve the technical advantage, for example, that the electrically insulating adhesive layer or the electrically conductive adhesive in the recess is protected from environmental influences. In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the removable protective layer covers the cutout or includes an opening which corresponds at least to the cutout, in particular exactly to the cutout. This measure can achieve the technical advantage, for example, that the electrically conductive adhesive can be filled in after the adhesive layer has been applied. It is generally advantageous if the electrically conductive adhesive is filled from the outside into the recess in the electrically insulating front side layer.

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

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

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

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

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrical flat conductor is provided with a (second) electrically insulating layer on the second side or rear side, which is opposite the electrically conductive adhesive, hereinafter referred to as the “rear side layer” for easier reference, in particular with a electric insulating foil, covered. This measure can achieve the technical advantage, for example, that rear insulation and protection against damage can be implemented. The electrically insulating rear layer, in particular the insulating film, is advantageously firmly connected to the flat conductor and glued, for example. The back layer, in particular insulation film, preferably contains or consists of polyimide or polyester, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene napthalate (PEN). Instead of an insulating film, an electrically insulating lacquer, preferably a polymer lacquer, can be used. The electrically insulating lacquer can be produced, for example, by spraying on or dipping the flat conductor into the lacquer. The insulating film can, for example, also contain or consist of thermoplastics and elastomers such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Alternatively, casting materials such as acrylate or epoxy resin systems can be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection element according to the invention, the electrically conductive adhesive is electrically isotropically or anisotropically conductive. Through this measure, for example, the technical advantage can be achieved that particularly suitable adhesives are used.

The invention also extends to a pane with an electrically conductive layer to which a prefabricated connection element according to the invention is attached. The connection element is glued to the pane via the electrically conductive adhesive. An electrical-galvanic connection between the flat conductor and the electrically conductive layer is realized by the electrically conductive adhesive, with the electrically conductive adhesive making galvanic contact with the electrically conductive layer (e.g. directly).

The electrically conductive layer of the pane can be formed in any way. Basically, this is a layer that requires electrical contacting, which is provided by the electrical connection element.

For example, it is an electrically conductive coating that is transparent to visible light and is applied to the pane over a large area, for example. The electrically conductive layer is arranged on a surface of the pane and covers or covers the surface of the pane partially, but preferably over a large area. The term "extensive" means that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75% or preferably at least 90% of the surface of the pane are covered by the electrically conductive layer. However, the electrically conductive layer can also extend over smaller portions of the surface of the pane. The electrically conductive layer is an individual layer or a layer structure made up of several individual layers with a total thickness of less than or equal to 2 μm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 μm. The electrically conductive layer advantageously has a thickness of 80 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 140 nm to 400 nm or preferably 700 nm to 900 nm.

In the context of the present invention, "transparent" means that the total transmission of the pane corresponds to the legal provisions for windshields and front side windows and preferably has a permeability of more than 70% and in particular more than 75% for visible light. For rear side windows and rear windows, "transparent" can also mean 10% to 70% light transmission. Correspondingly, "opaque" means a light transmission of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, in particular 0%.

For example, the electrically conductive layer contains at least one metal, such as silver, nickel, chromium, niobium, tin, titanium, copper, palladium, zinc, gold, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, tungsten or alloys thereof, and/or at least one metal oxide layer, preferably Tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F) or antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, SnO2:Sb). Such layers are known, for example, from DE 20 2008 017 611 U1 and EP 0 847 965 B1. They consist, for example, of a metal layer such as a silver layer or a layer of a metal alloy containing silver. Typical silver layers preferably have thicknesses of 5 nm to 15 nm, more preferably 8 nm to 12 nm. The metal layer may be sandwiched between at least two layers of metal oxide type dielectric material. The metal oxide preferably includes zinc oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like, and combinations of one or more thereof. The dielectric material may also include silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and combinations of one or more thereof.

Transparent, electrically conductive layers have, for example, a surface resistance of 0.1 ohms/square to 200 ohms/square, more preferably from 1 ohms/square to 50 ohms/square and most preferably from 1 ohms/square to 10 ohms/square. The electrically conductive layer can be, for example, an electrical heating layer, which provides the pane with a heating function. Electrical heating layers are well known to those skilled in the art. They typically contain one or more, for example two, three or four, electrically conductive layers. These layers preferably contain or consist of at least one metal, for example silver, gold, copper, nickel and/or chromium, or a metal alloy and preferably contain at least 90% by weight of the metal, in particular at least 99.9% by weight of the metal. Such layers have a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity combined with high transmission in the visible spectral range. The thickness of an individual layer is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably from 8 nm to 25 nm. With such a thickness, an advantageously high transmission in the visible spectral range and a particularly advantageous electrical conductivity are achieved.

The electrically conductive layer preferably serves as a heating layer or antenna layer (surface antenna).

The electrically conductive layer is deposited by methods known per se, for example by cathode sputtering supported by a magnetic field, which is particularly advantageous with regard to a simple, fast, inexpensive and uniform coating of the pane. The cathode sputtering takes place in a protective gas atmosphere, for example argon, or in a reactive gas atmosphere, for example by adding oxygen, a hydrocarbon (for example methane) or nitrogen. However, the electrically conductive layer can also be applied by other methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by atomic layer deposition (ALD), by plasma-assisted vapor deposition (PECVD) or by wet chemical Procedure.

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

The electrically conductive layer can, in particular, also be an electrical busbar, which is applied to another electrically conductive layer (functional layer) and is used to conduct a current into or out of the latter layer.

The pane preferably contains or consists of non-prestressed, partially prestressed or prestressed glass, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime Glass. Alternatively, the disc contains or consists of clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof. Suitable glasses are known, for example, from EP 0 847 965 B1.

The thickness of the disk can vary widely and be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. For example, a disk with a standard thickness of 1.0 mm to 25 mm is used. For example, the thickness is from 0.5 mm to 15 mm, in particular from 1 mm to 5 mm. The size of the disc can vary widely and depends on the use.

The disc can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably the disk is planar or slightly or greatly curved in one or more directions of space. In a bending process, the pane is bent in one or more directions in space while it is heated. The temperature to which the disk is heated is preferably from 500°C to 700°C.

The disc can be colorless or colored.

In principle, the pane can be used as desired, in particular as part of insulating glazing in which at least two panes are arranged at a distance from one another by at least one spacer, or as thermally toughened single-pane safety glass or as part of a laminated pane. The pane or glazing preferably serves to separate an interior space from an external environment.

For example, the pane is a component of a composite pane, which comprises a first pane with an outside and inside and a second pane with an inside and outside, which are firmly connected to one another by at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer (adhesive layer). The thermoplastic intermediate layer contains or consists of at least one thermoplastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resin, acrylate, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and/or ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture thereof. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be arranged by one or more one above the other thermoplastic films are formed, the thickness of a thermoplastic film being, for example, from 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

However, the pane can also be single-pane safety glass.

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

providing a pane with an electrically conductive layer,

Pressing the connection element according to the invention onto the conductive layer.

The method according to the invention enables the pane with the connecting element to be produced simply and inexpensively, it being possible to achieve reliable contacting of the electrically conductive layer and a mechanically permanently stable attachment of the connecting element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the electrically conductive adhesive is heated while it is being pressed on. This enables a particularly good electrical contact and a stable attachment of the connection element to the pane.

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

The various configurations of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the attached figures. They show in a simplified representation that is not true to scale: 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a connection element for producing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connection element for producing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane; FIG.

3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connection element for producing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connection element for producing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane; FIG. and

5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connection element for producing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer of a pane.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a prefabricated electrical connection element 100 for establishing an electrical contact with an electrically conductive layer 121 of a pane 101. The prefabricated connection element 100 is shown before it is attached to the pane 101. The connecting element 100 forms a three-dimensional object which is used for electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer 121 of the pane 101 . The connecting element 100 comprises an electrical flat conductor 103, via which the electrical contact with the pane is to be made, such as a copper flat conductor. The flat conductor 103 has a (flat) first side or front side 122 and an opposite (flat) second side or rear side 124 .

For this purpose, there is an electrically conductive adhesive 105 on the front side 122 of the flat electrical conductor 103, here for example in direct physical contact. The electrically conductive adhesive 105 creates a conductive connection between the electrically conductive flat conductor 103 and the electrically conductive layer 121 on the pane 101 on which the prefabricated connection element 100 is arranged.

The electrically conductive adhesive 105 is located in a recess 109 in the electrically insulating front layer 107. The recess 109 accommodates the electrically conductive adhesive 105 on the inside and surrounds it laterally all around. The electrically insulating Front-side layer 107 is arranged on the electrical flat conductor 103 (here, for example, in direct physical contact) and is electrically and galvanically connected to it. The electrically insulating front layer 107 is formed from acrylate or epoxy, for example, and has a thickness of 50 to 250 μm. The cutout 109 is here, for example, circular in the insulating layer 107 and has, for example, a diameter of 2 to 12 mm, preferably 5 to 10 mm and in particular 8 mm. In general, the recess 109 can also have a different geometry. Also, the electrically insulating front layer 107 can generally be formed from other suitable materials.

The electrically conductive adhesive 105 is introduced into the recess 109 by an injection device, for example during the production of the connection element 100 . The electrically conductive adhesive 105 ensures both an electrical and a mechanical connection of the connection element 100 to the pane 101. The entire area of the recess 109 is used for contacting, so that a high current flow and at the same time a stable attachment can be achieved. In the structure shown, the electrically conductive adhesive 105 has a greater layer thickness than the electrically insulating front side layer 107 and therefore protrudes spatially from the cutout 109 . This enables reliable contacting to be achieved.

The electrically conductive adhesive 105 includes a polymer component such as a polymer resin and a metallic component such as metallic fillers. The polymer component can be thermosetting, such as epoxy or silicone, or thermoplastic, such as polyimide or polyamide. The polymer component is used to produce the physical and mechanical adhesive properties, the mechanical resilience and the impact resistance of the connection by means of the connecting element 100. The electrically conductive adhesive 105 can be electrically isotropic, i.e. uniformly conductive in all current directions, or anisotropically conductive, i.e. predominantly conductive in one current direction .

The metallic component is used to create the conductivity of the adhesive bond. The metallic fillers used for this purpose can comprise particles or flakes of silver, gold, nickel, copper or carbon in sufficient amounts to produce good electrical conductivity. The use of silver fillers is advantageous because they are conductive even in the oxidized state and can be used efficiently. On the side of the connection element 100 there is an electrical connection 123 for connecting an electrical cable. On the back 124 of the flat conductor 103 or connecting element 100, which is opposite the electrically conductive adhesive 105, the electrical flat conductor 103 is covered with an electrically insulating film 125, which can be formed from a heat-resistant plastic.

In general, the electrically insulating front layer 107 or the connection element 100 can comprise a plurality of such recesses 109 with an electrically conductive adhesive 105 accommodated therein.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connecting element 100. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, only the differences from the embodiment of FIG. 1 are described and otherwise reference is made to the above explanations. In this embodiment, a ring of a paste-like insulating adhesive 117 is placed around the recess 109 on the electrically insulating front layer 107 . When the connection element 100 is pressed onto the pane 101, the pasty, insulating adhesive 117 is distributed around the contact point between the electrically conductive adhesive 105 and the conductive layer 121, so that a completely circumferential insulation and seal is achieved even with an uneven contact surface. The paste-like insulating adhesive 117 is formed by, for example, a hot-melt adhesive containing polyurethane and polyamide.

In a method for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer 121 of a pane 101, a pane 101 with an electrically conductive layer 121 is first provided and then the connection element 100 is pressed onto the electrically conductive layer 121 of the pane 101. In this case, the electrically conductive adhesive 105 can be heated during the pressing on. The connection element 100 is pressed on, for example, by means of a heatable, movable stamp 119, which presses the connection element 100 from the back onto the conductive layer 121 of the pane 101 and heats it at the same time. As a result, the connection element 100 is glued to the pane 101 and fastened to it.

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

The pane 101 can, for example, be non-tempered, partially tempered or tempered glass, preferably flat glass, float glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass or clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, Polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof and preferably have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connecting element 100. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, only the differences from the embodiment of FIG. 1 are described and otherwise reference is made to the above explanations. The connection element 100 comprises an insulating adhesive layer 11 1 which is arranged on the electrically insulating front side layer 107 around the recess 109 and the electrically conductive adhesive 105 . The self-adhesive insulating adhesive layer 111 is covered by a removable protective layer 113, such as a paper or plastic layer. This arrangement can be achieved, for example, by means of a double-sided adhesive and insulating tape that is glued onto the upper side of the electrically insulating layer 107 .

The protective layer 113 covers the recess 109 and the electrically conductive adhesive 105. In this way, the adhesive layer 111 or the electrically conductive adhesive 105 in the recess 109 is protected from environmental influences. Before the connection element 100 is pressed on, the protective layer 113 is removed so that the adhesive layer 111 and the electrically conductive adhesive 105 are exposed.

Before the connecting element 100 is connected to the pane 101, the protective layer 113 is removed and the electrically conductive adhesive 105 is exposed. The connection element 100 is then pressed onto the pane 101 . The connecting element 100 can be mechanically pre-fixed by the adhesive layer 11 1 . Subsequently, the connection element 100 is heated from the back and pressed on further by the stamp 119, so that the electrically conductive adhesive 105 connects to the pane. In this way, an electrically conductive connection between the electrical conductor 103 and the electrically conductive layer 121 of the pane 101 is produced. The conductive connection is around the electrically conductive Adhesive 105 protected by the electrically insulating layer 107 around. The electrically insulating layer 107 also strengthens the mechanical connection between the connection element 100 and the pane 101 .

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a further connection element 100. The structure of the connection element 100 corresponds to the structure from FIG. As a result, the recess 109 remains open to the outside, so that the electrically conductive adhesive 105 can also be filled in after the adhesive layer 111 has been applied. As a result, the thickness of the electrically conductive adhesive 105 that has been filled in can also be increased up to the upper edge of the protective layer 113 . If the protective layer 113 is removed, the electrically conductive adhesive 105 protrudes from the adhesive layer 111, for example in the form of a cylinder.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through another connecting element 100. The structure of the connecting element 100 corresponds to the structure of Fig. 4, except that it does not include an adhesive layer 111 and the electrically conductive adhesive 105 protruding from the recess 109 directly from the removable Protective layer 1 13 is covered. The protective layer 113 therefore has an elevation in the area of the electrically conductive adhesive 105 . In this embodiment, the electrically conductive adhesive 105 comes into direct contact with the conductive layer 121 of the pane 101 due to the overhang.

As can be seen from the above description of the invention, the connection elements 100 shown create suitable and durable hybrid connection systems based on conductive and non-conductive adhesives. This structure allows both electrical and mechanical requirements for the connection of the connection element to the pane, in particular glass pane 101, to be met.

Reference List

100 connection element

101 disc 103 electric flat conductor

105 electrically conductive adhesive

107 electrically insulating face layer

109 recess

111 insulating adhesive layer 113 protective layer

115 opening

117 electrically insulating adhesive

119 stamps

121 conductive layer 122 front side

123 connection

124 back

125 electrically insulating backing layer

Claims

patent claims

1. Prefabricated connection element (100), adapted for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer (121) of a pane (101), which has before electrically contacting the electrically conductive layer (121): at least one electrical flat conductor (103) with a front side ( 122) and a back (124); on the front side (122) of the flat conductor (103) an electrically insulating front side layer (107) with at least one recess (109); an electrically conductive adhesive (105) which is at least partially arranged in the recess (109) and which makes electrical contact with the flat conductor (103), for adhering the connection element to the pane (101) and for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive layer (121).

2. Connection element (100) according to claim 1, in which the recess (109) of the electrically insulating front layer (107) is cylindrical.

3. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrically insulating front layer (107) is formed from acrylate.

4. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which an electrically insulating adhesive layer (111) is arranged around the recess (109) on the electrically insulating front side layer (107).

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

The connector (100) of claim 5, wherein the removable protective layer (113) covers the recess (109) or includes an opening (115) at least corresponding to the recess (109).

7. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrically conductive adhesive (105) protrudes from the recess (109) or in which the recess (109) protrudes in relation to the electrically conductive adhesive (105).

8. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a pasty, electrically insulating adhesive (117) is arranged on the electrically insulating front layer (107) around the recess (109).

9. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, in which the electrically insulating front layer (107) consists of a pasty, electrically insulating adhesive (117).

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

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

12. Connection element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrically conductive adhesive (105) is electrically isotropically or anisotropically conductive.

13. Pane (101) with an electrically conductive layer (121), with an attached prefabricated connection element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for electrically contacting an electrically conductive layer (121) of a pane (101), with the steps:

Providing the pane (101) with the electrically conductive layer (121),

Pressing the prefabricated connection element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to the electrically conductive layer (121) of the pane (101).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive (105) is heated during the pressing.