WO2022179964A1

WO2022179964A1 - Laminate pane system

Info

Publication number: WO2022179964A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/054187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clément BOTTOIS; Valentin SCHULZ
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2021-02-25
Filing date: 2022-02-21
Publication date: 2022-09-01
Also published as: CN115243887A; DE202022002761U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a laminate pane system (10), preferably for a vehicle and in particular in the form of a roof pane, at least comprising: • a laminate pane (100); • at least one radar sensor (S1, S2, S3); • at least one functional element (F1, F2, F3); and • at least one set of control electronics (ECU), which is connected to the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and the functional element (F1, F2, F3) via at least one signal line (C1); wherein • the at least one radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and the at least one functional element (F1, F2, F3) are connected to the laminate pane (100).

Description

compound pane system

The invention relates to a composite pane system, in particular for a vehicle, with an integrated radar sensor and functional element, as well as a method for their operation and their use.

Modern vehicles often have a large number of functional elements, for example lighting elements or functional elements with which the optical properties such as transparency or clouding of a glazing can be controlled electrically. Such functional element can be controlled via switches in the dashboard or the center console. The functional elements are often integrated on or in the vehicle glazing.

To increase ease of use and simplify interaction, touch-sensitive areas (single and multi-touch, sliding films) are used on the user interface (Human Machine Interface (HMI)). The functional elements can be controlled by the user touching the area. This often leads to difficulties, for example if the driver wants to trigger a function while driving and can only feel the correct position but not see it.

With other sensors such as camera systems and especially infrared-based systems, direct contact is not necessary. However, the detection of movements is limited due to poor 3D vision of such systems and their functionality is reduced by covers and housings. In the case of infrared-based systems in particular, the susceptibility to errors, for example in the event of extreme solar radiation, is very high.

Other systems for monitoring the external environment of vehicles, for example using optical sensors, are known from US 2012/116632 A1 or using radar sensors from US 2020/361370 A1.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a composite pane system with improved user comfort, in particular for people located in the vehicle interior, which is also inexpensive and easy to produce and easy to handle.

According to the proposal of the invention, these and other objects are achieved by a composite pane system according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims. The composite pane system according to the invention comprises at least:

• a composite pane,

• at least one radar sensor,

• at least one functional element, and

• at least one electronic control unit which is connected to the at least one radar sensor and to the at least one functional element via at least one signal line, wherein

• the at least one radar sensor and the at least one functional element are connected to the laminated pane.

This means that the composite pane system according to the invention is an integrated system (in short, integrated composite pane system) which has at least one radar sensor and at least one functional element, which are connected to one another via at least one electronic control unit.

The control electronics are also referred to as an electronic control unit, an electronic control unit (ECU) or an electronic control module (ECM). The control electronics preferably contain a microcontroller. The electronic control system preferably has at least one evaluation unit that is designed to receive signals from the radar sensors (or other sensors of a different type) and to output suitable control signals to the functional elements of the composite pane system or to other functional elements. The electronic control system preferably has at least one and preferably one function trigger (function trigger) per functional element, which contains or consists of a power driver, for example. It goes without saying that the functional elements themselves can have (additional) power drivers.

The present invention thus preferably relates to a composite pane system that has at least one high-frequency sensor in the form of a radar sensor that is able to create a 3D image of a defined area and to control at least one additional functional element. For example, movements, gestures or approaches can be recognized from the 3D image and used to trigger other functions in the glazing. Both the radar sensor and the functional element are integrated components of the laminated pane. In combination with control electronics, the glazing represents an autonomous system that completely handles signal interpretation of the radar sensor and triggering the function. This means that the radar sensor according to the invention, which is integrated directly on and/or in the laminated pane, and which triggers the corresponding functions through the associated control electronics, generally acts independently of the on-board electronics of a vehicle. It goes without saying that the functions and the radar sensor can also be controlled and preferably activated and/or blocked by signals from the on-board electronics. In an advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, control electronics, radar sensors and/or functional elements are therefore connected to on-board electronics, for example to vehicle on-board electronics.

Advantageously, the operation of the radar sensor or the determination of the radar data is also possible reliably in the dark or in strong sunlight and heat.

In addition to motion, gesture or approach detection, the radar sensor can also monitor the entire detection area for the presence of people or animals, for example to ensure that no people or animals remain in a parked vehicle. This increases the safety of the vehicle.

Radar sensors have the additional advantage that people and animals covered or covered with textiles or other objects and their movements can be easily detected and monitored without any problems. Advantageously, the radar signals can penetrate glass and plastics and are also insensitive to vibration.

The signal lines between control electronics, radar sensors, functional elements and possibly the on-board electronics are usually electrical line connections such as metal wires, metal wires or electrically conductive coatings, which produce a preferably galvanic connection between the different areas. Alternatively, the signal lines can also represent optical connections and transmit signals, for example, as light pulses via glass fibers.

In an advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the radar sensor(s) and the functional element(s) are permanently and/or directly connected to the composite pane. This makes the handling and storage of the composite pane system particularly easy and efficient.

In this context, fixed means that it cannot be removed non-destructively or only by using great forces. Directly means here that the components are connected to one another via the composite pane or holders or add-on parts arranged directly on it and, for example, not via the body of a vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the control electronics according to the invention are arranged on the composite pane, in the composite pane or in the vicinity of the composite pane, and are preferably permanently and/or directly connected to the composite pane. This makes handling and storing the composite pane system even easier and more efficient. In the vicinity of the laminated pane means here that the control electronics are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the laminated pane, preferably in a frame or direct add-on part, when the laminated pane is installed at the place of use. The maximum distance between control electronics and laminated pane is preferably less than 50 cm, particularly preferably less than 30 cm and in particular less than 10 cm.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the radar sensor and the functional element and preferably also the control electronics are arranged on or within the composite pane, particularly preferably by a) gluing to a surface of the composite pane, and/or b) snapping into a clip connection, attached to the surface of the composite pane, and/or c) embedding within the composite pane, in particular in a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and/or d) arrangement in a recess of one of the panes of the composite pane, particularly in a recess of an inner pane.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the radar sensor is designed and arranged in such a way that the radar sensor can or does emit radar beams into a detection area and can record or records reflected radar beams and the radar sensor is connected to an evaluation unit for determining movement and/or the presence of body parts of people or animals.

The composite pane system according to the invention is suitable in particular for use in vehicles for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular for motor vehicles, in particular as a roof pane or windshield.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the composite pane is provided for separating a vehicle interior for occupants from the outside environment and the radar sensor can radiate radar beams into the vehicle interior and record reflected radar radiation from the vehicle interior.

In an advantageous embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention, the functional element contains

• a light source or a display, preferably an OLED display,

• an electrically controllable optical functional element, preferably an electrochromic functional element or a PDCL functional element, or

• a loudspeaker or sounder or consists of it.

In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element according to the invention contains or consists of one or more lighting elements such as light sources, preferably LED (LED, English light emitting diode; light emitting diode) or OLED light sources (OLED, English organic light emitting diode; organic light emitting diode) or displays, for example in the form of adhesively bonded or laminated display films, particularly preferably OLED displays and very particularly preferably transparent OLED displays.

In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element according to the invention contains or consists of electrochromic layer structures or suspended particle device (SPD) films. Other possible functional elements are so-called PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal). Their active layer contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. Transparent surface electrodes are arranged on both sides of the active layer, so that an electric field can be applied in the active layer. If no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are aligned in a disorderly manner, resulting in a strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. If a voltage is applied to the surface electrodes, the liquid crystals align in a common direction and the transmission of light through the active layer is increased. The PDLC functional element works less by reducing the overall transmission than by increasing the scatter in order to ensure anti-glare protection. US 2017/090224 A1 and JP 2013 072895 A describe such PDLC functional elements by way of example.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the functional element according to the invention contains at least one liquid crystal dye cell (so-called guest-host cell).

The composite pane according to the invention, in particular for a vehicle, comprises at least one outer pane and one inner pane, which are connected to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer.

In principle, all electrically insulating substrates that are thermally and chemically stable and dimensionally stable under the conditions of production and use of the composite pane according to the invention are suitable as the outer pane and inner pane.

The terms "outer pane" and "inner pane" are only chosen to distinguish between the two panes in a composite pane according to the invention. No statement about the geometric arrangement is connected with the terms. If the composite pane according to the invention is intended, for example, to separate the interior from the outside environment in an opening, for example in a vehicle or a building, the outer pane generally faces the outside environment, whereas the inner pane faces the interior.

The panes preferably contain or consist of glass, particularly preferably flat glass, very particularly preferably float glass, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass or quartz glass. Alternatively, the discs may contain or consist of clear plastics, preferably rigid clear plastics, particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and/or mixtures thereof. The panes are preferably transparent, particularly for use of the panes as windshields or rear windows of a vehicle or other uses where high light transmission is desired. A pane that has a transmission in the visible spectral range of more than 70% is then understood to be transparent within the meaning of the invention. For panes that are not in the driver's field of vision relevant to traffic, for roof panes, for example, the transmission can also be much lower, for example greater than 5%.

The thickness of the panes can vary widely and can thus be adapted to the requirements of the individual case. Standard thicknesses of the individual panes of 1.0 mm to 25 mm, for example from 1.1 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, for example 1.6 mm or 2.1 mm, are preferably used for vehicle glass . The size of the discs can vary widely and depends on the size of the use according to the invention. The first pane and second pane have areas of 200 cm ² up to 20 m ² , which are common in vehicle construction, for example.

In one embodiment of the laminated pane according to the invention, the thermoplastic intermediate layer is formed from one or more thermoplastic films. The thermoplastic intermediate layer preferably contains or consists of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acoustic PVB, infrared radiation (IR)-reflecting PVB, polyethylene and/or polyurethane. The materials mentioned have proven to be particularly suitable for the production of composite panes. The thickness of each thermoplastic film 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 0.9 mm, for example 0.38 mm, 0.51 mm, 0.78mm, 0.81mm or 0.86mm. Such thermoplastic films are commercially available.

In another embodiment of the invention, the radar sensor and/or the functional element and/or the control electronics are embedded in the thermoplastic intermediate layer. According to the invention, the term “embedded” means that the material of the intermediate layer surrounds the radar sensor, the functional element and/or the control electronics on all sides and surfaces. In other words, in this embodiment, the radar sensor, the functional element and/or the control electronics are also sandwiched between the thermoplastic material of the intermediate layer. As a result, the radar sensor, the functional element and/or the control electronics can be protected against environmental influences, such as moisture, but also against vibrations. Furthermore, the radar sensor, the functional element and/or the control electronics in this embodiment are also connected and securely fixed to the inner and outer panes via the material of the intermediate layer. The visual appearance of the laminated pane can also be improved if necessary by this configuration. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the radar sensor, the functional element and/or the control electronics are optically masked completely or in sections in the laminated pane according to the invention by means of color, black or white printing and/or stickers on the outer pane and/or on the inner pane is. The masking can be applied to the outside surface of the outer pane I, to the inside surface of the outer pane II, to the inside surface of the inner pane III and/or to the outside surface of the inner pane IV. As a result, the optical appearance of the laminated pane can be improved. In this case, the masking can take place or be implemented in the same way as is usual, for example, when providing a conventional edge covering by means of a black or white imprint which covers the connection lines led out of the laminated pane. The masking can be applied to the inner pane and/or the outer pane by screen printing, for example. The function of the radar sensor and/or the functional element is advantageously not impaired or influenced, or only slightly, by such a masking.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the radar sensor is for recording radar data with a frequency bandwidth of at least 2 GHz; for example from 4 GHz, 6 GHz, 8 GHz or 10 GHz, and/or a frequency band from 76 to 150 GHz. For example, the radar sensor can be operated in a frequency band of 76 GHz to 140 GHz, 76 GHz to 120 GHz. In an exemplary embodiment, the radar sensor may be operable over a frequency bandwidth of 10 GHz around 140 GHz.

In another embodiment of the composite pane system according to the invention, the radar sensor has a maximum detection range of 5 cm to 10 m, preferably 5 cm to 2 m. The short range provided according to the invention, which is intended to include the vehicle interior, makes it possible for the transmission power and also the structural size of the radar sensors, including antennas, to also be kept small. On the one hand, this facilitates the integration of the radar sensor into the laminated pane according to the invention and, on the other hand, it also enables energy-efficient operation of the radar sensors.

In a further embodiment of the composite pane system according to the invention, the radar sensor has a thickness of preferably less than 1 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm. In other words, thickness means the height of the radar sensor. The height of the radar sensor is expediently chosen so that that it can be easily integrated into the intermediate layer of the laminated glass pane. For example, the dimensions of the radar sensor could be 5 cm x 5 cm x 0.75 mm (length x width x thickness). The overall size with regard to the sensor area, that is to say the length and width of the radar sensor used, is in principle not critical, although miniaturization is always striven for, if only for purely aesthetic reasons. The integration of the radar sensors into the laminated pane can succeed without any problems due to the already possible small dimensions of radar sensors and radar sensor systems that are already available. Advantageously, the radar signals can penetrate glass and plastics and are insensitive to vibration.

In another embodiment, the radar sensor has a semiconductor chip that implements at least one radar transceiver. Examples of such radar sensors are single-chip systems implemented using FMCW radar technology, for example 77 GHz or 140 GHz single-chip radar sensors. With such radar sensors, it is particularly easy to detect not only large movements, such as gestures, but also vital signs, such as heartbeat or breathing of people and their presence in the vehicle interior. The dimensions of such sensor systems are advantageously particularly compact and small, which Integration into the intermediate layer of a laminated pane is even easier.

According to the invention, the semiconductor chip can also additionally implement a digital signal processing component and/or control electronics of the radar sensor. As an alternative or in addition to this, the semiconductor chip and an antenna arrangement of the radar sensor can be implemented as a package and integrated in the intermediate layer. Advantageously, very compact CMOS radar sensors on semiconductor chips, so-called radar-on-chip systems with on-chip memories, signal processing components, microcontrollers, for processing the radar signals, and/or integrated antennas are already available, which are particularly compact and suitable for the short-range application according to the invention Vehicle interior is particularly suitable. The additional integration of the antennas ensures short signal paths and a lower signal-to-noise ratio and is suitable for high frequencies and larger and variable frequency bandwidths.

In another embodiment, the radar sensor and/or the control electronics are connected to the on-board electronics and/or a warning system of the vehicle or an external output device for outputting a warning signal. So can for example emit an acoustic and/or visual signal when the presence of a child is detected in a parked and otherwise unoccupied vehicle by an alarm system of the vehicle. Another or additional possibility would be to connect to an automatic emergency call system eCall. This ensures timely intervention.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the laminated pane, in particular the intermediate layer, comprises at least one further sensor. On the one hand, additional functions such as burglary protection, vehicle monitoring or driver assistance can be enabled as a result. In addition, for example, one or more cameras or other sensors with additional functions can be integrated into the laminated pane. In particular, however, further sensors or functional elements can also be provided which additionally support the safety function of the radar sensor and/or are functionally connected to it or interact with it.

A further advantageous embodiment of the composite pane system according to the invention has at least one radar sensor, preferably exactly one radar sensor, which has a large detection area and, for example, essentially encompasses the entire vehicle interior. It goes without saying that the large detection area can be monitored with a corresponding evaluation unit or a corresponding evaluation algorithm and several independent functional elements can be controlled by different positions or movements within the large detection area. This means that a radar sensor can cover several functionally assigned volume areas in a large detection area. With the appropriate resolution and positioning of the radar sensor, a radar sensor, for example, whose detection range essentially covers the entire vehicle interior, is sufficient to control all the necessary functional elements. In this way, the number of radar sensors and their electrical connections and signal lines can be reduced in an economically and technically advantageous manner.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an evaluation unit of an electronic control system of a composite pane system according to the invention, wherein at least: a) a signal from at least one radar sensor is received in the evaluation unit, and b) a signal is output by the evaluation unit to a functional element for controlling a switching or operating state of the functional element.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the composite pane system according to the invention in means of transport for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular as a composite pane in motor vehicles, in particular as a roof pane or windshield.

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 replaced not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Unless exemplary embodiments and/or their features are explicitly mentioned only as alternatives or are mutually exclusive.

In the following the invention will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that different aspects are described, which can be used individually or in combination. That is, each aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention, unless explicitly presented as purely alternative.

The drawings are simplified, schematic representations and are not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

Show it

FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of an example according to the invention

composite pane system,

FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation of a further exemplary composite pane system according to the invention,

FIG. 2A shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention

Composite pane system using the example of a roof pane,

FIG. 2B shows a simplified plan view of the composite pane system from FIG. 2A with detection areas, FIG. 2C shows a simplified side view of the composite pane system from FIG. 2A,

Figure 3A is a simplified side view of the laminated glazing system of Figures 2A-C as a roof panel installed in a vehicle;

FIG. 3B shows a simplified side view of the composite pane system from FIG. 3A in a first switching state,

FIG. 3C shows a simplified side view of the composite pane system from FIG. 3A in a further switching state,

FIG. 4A shows a top view of a further exemplary embodiment of a composite pane system according to the invention using the example of a roof pane,

FIG. 4B shows a simplified side view of the composite pane system from FIG. 4A as a roof pane installed in a vehicle,

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, only one entity is generally referred to below. Unless explicitly noted, however, the invention can also have several of the entities concerned. In this respect, the use of the words “a”, “an” and “an” is only to be understood as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of an exemplary composite pane system 10 according to the invention. The composite pane system 10 comprises a composite pane 100 in which, for example, a radar sensor S1 and two functional elements F1, F2 are integrated. Furthermore, the composite pane system 10 has an electronic control unit ECU, which is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the composite pane 100 and is connected to it. The electronic control unit ECU has, for example, an evaluation unit A and two function triggers FT1, FT2. The function triggers F1, F2 are, for example, power drivers that are suitable for operating the functional elements F1, F2. The control electronics ECU, the radar sensor S1 and the functional elements F1, F2 are supplied with the necessary operating voltage via voltage supply lines PS (power supply).

Furthermore, the evaluation electronics A, the radar sensor S1 and the functional elements F1, F2 are connected to the on-board electronics BCM via signal lines C2. This makes it possible to control the evaluation electronics A, the radar sensor S1 and the functional elements F1, F2 via the on-board electronics BCM and, for example, the function of the functional elements F1, F2 from other places, such as switches in the center console, or to enable or disable a function.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation of another exemplary composite pane system 10 according to the invention, which is essentially based on the elements of the example from FIG. 1A, so that only the differences are discussed here and otherwise reference is made to the description of FIG. 1A.

In the example according to FIG. 1B, the control electronics ECU, like the radar sensor S1 and the functional elements F1, F2, are integrated into the laminated pane 100 and arranged directly thereon. Furthermore, the signal lines C2 from the onboard electronics BCM are only connected to the evaluation electronics A, with the evaluation electronics A taking over the control of the functional elements F1, F2 and, where appropriate, the radar sensor S1 with control signals from the onboard electronics BCM.

It goes without saying that the composite pane systems 10 according to the invention according to FIGS. 1A or 1B can also have further radar sensors or a greater or lesser number of functional elements.

FIG. 2A shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a composite pane system 10 according to the invention using the example of a composite pane 100 which is designed as a roof pane of a vehicle. The plan view points to the inside, i.e. to the side of the laminated pane 100 facing the vehicle interior.

The composite pane system 10 shown has, for example, three radar sensors S1 , S2 , S3 , which are arranged in an area of the composite pane 100 facing the front side 20 . A first radar sensor S1 is arranged on the left, a second radar sensor S2 on the right and a third radar sensor S3 in the middle of the pane width. The radar sensors S1, S2, S3 are, for example, radar sensors glued to the laminated pane 10. During operation, the radar sensors S1, S2, S3 emit radar beams into the vehicle interior and absorb reflected radar beams.

Furthermore, a functional element F1, F2 in the form of a lighting element, for example an LED light source, is arranged on composite pane 100 and between radar sensors S1 and S3 or between S3 and S2. As a third functional element F3, for example, a PDLC element is flat within the Composite pane 100 laminated. The optical properties of the PDLC element can be controlled by a suitable voltage. For example, a turbidity of the PDLC element can be switched on and off, which protects the vehicle occupants from excessive direct sunlight and glare.

Furthermore, an electronic control unit ECU is arranged on the composite pane 100 in the center on the front edge and is firmly connected to the composite pane 100 .

Radar sensors S1, S2, S3 and functional elements F1, F2, F3 are connected to control electronics ECU via signal lines C1, C2 (not shown here) and can be connected to signal lines C2 and a voltage supply line PS and to onboard electronics.

According to the invention, the radar sensors S1, S2, S3 are connected to an evaluation unit A (not shown) within the electronic control unit ECU for determining the movement and/or presence of persons or animals in the vehicle interior. The radar data from the various radar sensors S1, S2, S3 can then be processed and evaluated together, which further increases the accuracy and reliability of the resulting measurement data and the safety function. Alternatively, each individual radar sensor S1, S2, S3 can be evaluated and, for example, the different functional elements F1, F2, F3 can be controlled together or separately.

The composite pane 100 has, for example, an outer pane, an inner pane and a number of thermoplastic intermediate layers which firmly connect the outer pane, the inner pane and the PDLC functional element F3 to one another. The laminated pane 100 simultaneously has a covering print 22 on the peripheral edge. The application of a covering print 22 is now common and is mainly used to cover connections and joints in and on the laminated pane 100 . A black print to implement the cover print 22 can be applied, for example by means of screen printing, to the inside surface of the inner pane III or to the outside surface IV of the inner pane. The aesthetic impression is significantly increased by the covering print 22 or other masking.

The functional elements F1 and F2 are, for example, lighting elements that are snapped into clip connections, the clip connections being firmly connected to the surface of the composite pane 100, for example by gluing. FIG. 2B shows a simplified plan view of the compound pane system 10 from FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows a simplified side view of the composite pane system 10 from FIG. 2A.

The detection areas D1, D2, D3 of the radar sensors S1, S2, S3 are also drawn in in FIGS. 2B and 2C, each of which monitors an approximately cuboid volume area. In this case, for example, the detection area D3 in the center of the laminated pane 100 is enlarged.

By approaching or moving a human body part and in particular a finger or a hand in or within the detection area D1, D2, D3, a signal and possibly also a particular movement can be detected. This is in each case fed via a signal line C1 to the evaluation unit A, for example an appropriately programmed microcontroller. This can then send corresponding control signals to the function triggers FT1, FT2, FT3 via further signal lines C1 and thereby control the functional elements F1, F2, F3.

FIG. 3A shows a simplified representation of the composite pane system 10 from FIG. 2A as a roof pane installed in a vehicle. The detection areas D2 and D3 can be easily reached by the hand 50 of a driver.

FIG. 3B shows a simplified representation of the composite pane system 100 from FIG. 3A in a first switching state. The hand 50 of the driver is in the detection area D3 of the radar sensor S3, which is arranged in the middle on the front side 20 of the laminated pane 100. The evaluation unit A of the electronic control unit ECU is programmed, for example, in such a way that the PDLC functional element F3 is switched from “clear” to “opaque” (symbolized in FIG. 3B by a darkening of the laminated pane 100). It goes without saying that the switching process can be reversed or any other switching state can be set by repeatedly moving the hand 50 into the detection area D3. For example, the degree of transparency can be adjusted, for example steplessly, by a different dwell time of the hand 50 in the detection area D3.

FIG. 3C shows a simplified representation of the composite pane system 100 from FIG. 3A in a further switching state. The hand 50 of the driver is in the detection area D2 of the radar sensor S2, which is arranged on the driver's side on the front side 20 of the laminated pane 100. The evaluation unit A of the electronic control unit ECU is, for example, of this type programmed so that a switching operation is effected at the functional element F2, for example switching on the lighting element. It goes without saying that the switching process can be reversed or any other switching state can be set by repeatedly moving the hand 50 into the detection area D2. For example, the brightness of the illumination source can be adjusted, for example steplessly, by a different dwell time of the hand 50 in the detection area D2.

The composite pane system 10 in Figures 3A-C is connected to on-board electronics BCM. For example, the switching state of the functional elements F1, F2, F3 can also be changed by the on-board electronics BCM. For example, the functional elements F1 and F2 can be switched on when the door is opened, i.e. the lighting elements start to light up or remain lit.

FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a further exemplary embodiment of a composite pane system 100 according to the invention using the example of a roof pane. The illustration shows the inside, ie the side facing the vehicle interior. Figure 4B shows a simplified side view of the laminated glazing system 100 of Figure 4A as a roof panel installed in a vehicle.

In this example, composite window system 10 has a single radar sensor S3 with a detection area D3 and a functional element F3 in the form of a PDLC functional element. The PDLC element here has, for example, five lamellae 40 which can be controlled independently of one another and whose optical properties can be changed.

The evaluation unit A of the control electronics ECU is programmed here, for example, in such a way that when a movement of the hand 50 is detected in the detection area D3 in the direction of the arrow 30, i.e. from the front side 20 in the direction of the rear side 21, a clouding or darkening of the individual slats 40 in Direction of arrow 31 as the movement of the hand 50 progresses. That is to say, the slat 40 arranged closest to the front side 20 is switched first, followed by the directly adjacent slat 40, etc. It goes without saying that the switching process can be reversed again by moving the hand 50 in the opposite direction. Furthermore, a different switching sequence can be triggered by a different movement, for example orthogonal to the direction of movement according to arrow 30, for example a simultaneous control of all slats 40 from clear to cloudy or vice versa. In the example shown, a movement in the detection area D3 is used to control a functional element F1. It goes without saying that with a corresponding evaluation unit A or a corresponding evaluation algorithm, for example, a large detection area can be monitored and several independent functional elements can be controlled by different positions or movements within the large detection area. This means that a radar sensor can cover several volume areas assigned to a function in a large detection area. With the appropriate resolution and positioning of the radar sensor, for example, a radar sensor is sufficient whose detection range essentially encompasses the entire vehicle interior. In this way, the number of radar sensors and their electrical connections and signal lines can be reduced in an economically and technically advantageous manner.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating an evaluation unit A of an electronic control unit ECU of a composite pane system 10 according to the invention, wherein at least in a first step V1 a signal from at least one radar sensor S1, S2, S3 is received and in a subsequent step V2 a signal is output to a functional element F1, F2, F3 for controlling a switching or operating state of the functional element F1, F2, F3.

Reference List

10 compound pane system

20 front

21 stern side

22 cover print

30 direction of movement of the hand

31 direction of movement of the blackout 40 slat 50 hand 100 compound pane

I Outside surface of the outer pane

II inside surface of the outer pane

III inside surface of the inner pane

IV outside surface of inner pane

S1 , S2, S3 radar sensor

A Evaluation unit

C1 Signal line between radar sensor S1, S2, S3 or functional element F1, F2, F3 and electronic control unit ECU

C2 Signal line between on-board electronics BCM and radar sensor S1, S2, S3, functional element F1, F2, F3 and/or control electronics ECU

PS power supply lines

D1 , D2, D3 Detection area F1 , F2, F3 (integrated) function element FT1 , FT2 Function trigger ECU control electronics (Electronic Control Unit) BCM on-board electronics (Body Car Module)

V1, V2 method step

Claims

patent claims

1. Composite pane system (10), in particular for a vehicle, at least comprising:

• a compound pane (100),

• at least one radar sensor (S1, S2, S3),

• at least one functional element (F1, F2, F3), and

• at least one electronic control unit (ECU) which is connected to the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and to the functional element (F1, F2, F3) via at least one signal line (C1), wherein

• the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and the functional element (F1, F2, F3) are connected to the laminated pane (100) and

• the laminated pane (100) is provided for separating a vehicle interior for occupants from the outside environment and the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) can emit radar beams into the vehicle interior and can absorb reflected radar radiation from the vehicle interior.

2. Composite pane system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and the functional element (F1, F2, F3) are permanently and/or directly connected to the composite pane (100).

3. Composite pane system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is arranged on the composite pane (100), in the composite pane (100) or in the vicinity of the composite pane (100), and preferably fixed and/or is directly connected to the laminated pane (100).

4. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3), the functional element (F1, F2, F3) and/or the control electronics (ECU) are on or within the composite pane (100 ) is arranged, preferably by a) gluing to a surface of the composite pane (100), and / or b) snapping into a clip connection, which is attached to the surface of the composite pane (100), and / or c) embedding within the laminated pane (100), in particular in a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and/or d) arrangement in a recess in one of the panes of the laminated pane (100), in particular in a recess in an inner pane.

5. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) is designed and arranged in such a way that the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) projects radar beams into a detection area (D1, D2 , D3) can radiate and can absorb reflected radar beams and the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) is connected to an evaluation unit A for determining movement and/or the presence of body parts of people or animals.

6. Laminated pane (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radar sensor (S 1, S2, S3), the functional element (F1, F2, F3) and / or the control electronics (ECU) in sections and preferably completely, by a Color, black or white printing on or in the laminated pane (100), preferably on the outer pane (1) and/or on the inner pane (2), is optically masked.

7. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) can be operated to record radar data with a frequency bandwidth of at least 2 GHz and/or a frequency band of 76 to 150 GHz.

8. Composite pane system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) has a maximum detection range of 5 cm to 10 m.

9. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) has a maximum detection range of 5 cm to 2 m.

10. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional element (F1, F2, F3)

• a light source or a display, preferably an OLED display, • an electrically controllable optical functional element, preferably an electrochromic functional element, a functional element with a liquid crystal dye cell or a PDCL functional element, or

• Contains or consists of a speaker or sounder.

11. Composite pane system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the radar sensor (S 1, S2, S3) has a semiconductor chip which implements at least one radar transceiver

12. Composite pane system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 11, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU), the radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and/or the

Functional element (F1, F2, F3) is connected to on-board electronics (BCM).

13. Method for operating an evaluation unit (A) of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a composite pane system (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein at least: a) a signal is received from at least one radar sensor (S1, S2, S3) and b) a signal to a functional element (F1, F2, F3) for controlling a

Switching or operating state of the functional element (F1, F2, F3) is output.

14. Use of a composite pane system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in vehicles for traffic on land, in the air or on water, in particular for motor vehicles, in particular as a roof pane or windshield.