WO2024017641A1

WO2024017641A1 - Connection arrangement with flat-conductor connection element, and an electrical circuit connection

Info

Publication number: WO2024017641A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/068529
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Reul; Francois HERMANGE; Volker Lammerts; Peter Thomas KRABS
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France; Few Fahrzeugelektrik Werk Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-07-20
Filing date: 2023-07-05
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (104), comprising a glazing unit (100) having an electrical component (6) and a flat-conductor connection element (1), wherein a second connection region (1.7) of the flat-conductor connection element (1), extends out of the glazing unit (100) between the two panes (101, 102) • wherein an electric conducting path (1.1) of the flat-conductor connection element (1) is provided for electrically contacting the electrical component, • wherein a sealing means (4, 4.1) is located at the first end (1.4) and/or at the second end (1.7) of the flat-conductor connection element (1), and • wherein the flat-conductor connection element (1) has, in the region of an outer edge (1.3), at least one recess (4.2), and the recess is filled with an adhesive layer, an adhesive tape (4.1) or a thermoplastic layer.

Description

Connection arrangement with flat conductor connection element and an electrical cable connection

The invention relates to a connection arrangement with a flat conductor connection element and an electrical line connection.

In the case of composite disks that have at least two rigid disks and an intermediate layer connecting them flatly as well as electrical components, such line connections usually include a transition from a flat conductor connection element to a round cable. The electrical components installed in a composite pane can be heating components, antenna elements and flatly installed functional elements that can be electrically contacted via so-called bus conductors. Composite panes equipped in this way are used as glazing units in automobiles as windshields, rear windows and side windows or in the construction sector.

The functional element is embedded in the composite pane. When producing the composite pane, the functional element is cut to the desired size and shape and inserted between films of the intermediate layer. Typical intermediate layers are polyvinyl butyral films, which, in addition to their adhesive properties, have high toughness and high acoustic attenuation. The intermediate layer prevents the composite pane from disintegrating if damaged. The composite pane only gets cracks, but remains dimensionally stable.

Such composite panes as glazing elements contain the functional element, which typically comprises an active layer between two surface electrodes. The optical properties of the active layer can be changed by a voltage applied to the surface electrodes. An example of this are electrochromic functional elements, which are known, for example, from US 20120026573 A1. Another example are SPD functional elements (Suspended Particle Device) or PDLC functional elements (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), which are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1.

In order to lead a flexible cable connection as an external connection from the interior of the composite pane, flat cables are usually used, which consist of at least one thin carrier substrate and at least one metallic conductor track (conductor strip). In addition, a cover layer can be provided so that the Flat conductor forms a three-layer laminate overall. The flat conductors are soldered to connection surfaces close to the edge of the composite disk and are only led out over this edge, where they are connected to a round cable at a distance from the edge.

In practice, flat conductor connection elements which have a plurality of electrical conductor tracks are used for contacting. The electrical conductor tracks are very thin with thicknesses, for example, in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm and are made, for example, of copper, which has proven itself because it has good electrical conductivity and good processability. At the same time, the material costs are relatively low.

Such flat conductor connection elements have a first connection area for contacting an electrical component, for example a functional element, within the composite pane. At the other end, the flat conductor connection element is led out of the composite disk. Since it is unavoidable that moisture penetrates into the composite pane along the flat cable, problems can occur at the contact point as a result of sealing errors. A second connection area is located at the end of the flat conductor connection element that leads out of the composite disk. The second connection area is intended for contacting with a connection cable (round cable). The connection cable typically has pre-assembled connectors such as plugs or sockets on one side, with which the round cable can be connected to external electrical devices.

However, the transition area from the flat conductor connection element to the round cable is sensitive to dust, dirt and moisture and is therefore embedded in a plastic jacket, housing or encapsulation. Since it is unavoidable that moisture penetrates into the encapsulation, faults at the connection point can also occur here as a result of sealing errors.

JP 2003257597 A (English abstract) discloses a flat heating element arranged via a conductive tape on an end part of a wire connected to a power supply.

GB 2 539 834 A describes an electrical connection that electrically connects a flat cable and a cable, the electrical connection comprising a first seal, an optional second seal and a sheath. The casing encloses at least the first seal and the electrical contact. Even with this design it is not possible Avoid disruptions occurring at the connection point to the round cable or within a composite disc.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical line connection which ensures a secure and permanently watertight seal at the contact point in the composite pane and/or at the transition area from the flat conductor connection element to the connection cable.

This object is achieved by the invention specified in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises a glazing unit with an electrical component and a flat conductor connection element, which has at least one electrical conductor track and a cover film for electrically insulating the at least one conductor track. The flat conductor connection element further has a first connection area at a first end and a second connection area at a second end. The first connection area is arranged between two panes of the glazing unit. Furthermore, the flat conductor connection element is led out of the glazing unit with the second connection area between the two panes. The electrical conductor track is intended for electrical contacting of the electrical component of the glazing unit. A sealant is arranged at the first end and/or at the second end of the flat conductor connection element, the sealant being provided for blocking water capillaries forming on the flat conductor connection element. Particularly when installed, water capillaries can form along the cover films, which are prevented by the sealant arranged on the flat conductor connection element. Such an arrangement of the sealant (seals) ensures that the penetration of water and moisture into a glazing unit or an encapsulation is prevented.

The sealant can be an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer, which is provided for connecting the flat conductor connection element to the glazing unit or a plastic component, so that a high-tight and durable connection can be created between the flat conductor connection element and a glazing unit or an encapsulation at the respective end of the flat conductor connection element in the connection area .

In an advantageous embodiment, the sealant is designed as a double-sided adhesive tape. In particular, the adhesive tape can be an acrylic adhesive tape. In addition, the adhesive tape can be transparent. The material thickness of the adhesive tape can have a thickness of 25 pm up to 2 mm, preferably 100 pm up to 150 pm, particularly preferably 130 pm [micrometers]. The adhesive tape can be arranged on two sides of the flat conductor connection element. The adhesive tape can be connected over the surface to the cover film of the flat conductor connection element via the one adhesive layer. The adhesion through the adhesive tape advantageously supports the adhesion of the encapsulation to the flat conductor connection element, so that the connection between the encapsulation and the flat conductor connection element is very tight and stable.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the adhesive tape provides that the adhesive tape protrudes beyond an outer edge of the flat conductor connection element. For this purpose, the adhesive tape can be wider than the flat conductor connection element. The adhesive tape extends beyond an outer edge of the cover film of the flat conductor connection element. The adhesive tape thus acts as a capillary barrier. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it is easy to manufacture.

In other words, the adhesive tape has, at least in sections, an edge region which is located between a lateral edge of the adhesive tape at a distance perpendicular to an outer edge of the flat conductor connection element. The edge region of the adhesive tape is preferably formed along the circumferential edge of the cover film, with the width of the edge region either being constant or being able to vary. The width of the edge area can be up to 1.5 mm [millimeters]. The adhesive tape thus acts as an edge seal on the flat conductor connection element.

The flat conductor connection element has at least one recess in the area of the outer edge, in particular in the cover film, whereby the recess can be open to the outer edge. The recesses are preferably arranged on an insulating edge region of the flat conductor connection element. The recess can be punched out of the cover film of the flat conductor connection element. Furthermore, the at least one recess can be curved or rectangular. Such a recess can taper from the outer edge towards the conductor track. The recess can be filled with the adhesive layer, the adhesive tape and/or a thermoplastic layer, in particular an intermediate layer, so that penetration of water is prevented by a capillary effect along the outer edge. The at least one recess thus acts as an additional capillary barrier. The cover film has a material thickness of 25 pm to 50 pm. Such thicknesses are particularly suitable for achieving sufficient insulation of the at least one conductor track when using the flat conductor connection element. Such thin flat conductor connection elements are particularly flexible and can, for example, be easily laminated into a glazing unit designed as a composite pane and led out of it.

The first cover film preferably contains or consists of polyimide (PI) or polyester, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The cover film can also consist of an electrically insulating lacquer, preferably a polymer lacquer. The cover films can also contain or consist of thermoplastics and elastomers such as polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Alternatively, potting materials such as acrylate or epoxy resin systems can be used as cover films. Such cover films are inexpensive and simplify the manufacturing process.

The flat conductor connection element (also called ribbon cable or flat conductor) comprises at least one electrical conductor track applied to the cover film as a plastic carrier substrate, which is also covered with the cover film as a cover layer. The cover film forms an insulating sleeve that envelops the electrical conductor track. The particularly flexible and/or flexible flat conductor connection element is used for electrical connection to an electrical component, for example a functional element or a surface electrode. The flexible flat conductor connection element is a flat body with two opposite sides that can be given either a flat or curved shape. In the flat (ie non-curved) state, the flat conductor connection element is arranged in a plane. The flat conductor connection element is generally elongated and has two ends along its direction of extension. The flat conductor connection element can also be provided with a plurality of, in particular parallel, electrical conductor tracks. Preferably, the flat conductor connection element can have up to 32, particularly preferably 8 to 10, conductor tracks. The conductor tracks are arranged in a common plane. Each conductor track can have a rectangular cross section. The flat conductor connection element is an elongated electrical component with several electrical conductor tracks, the width of which is significantly larger than the thickness. The flat conductor connection element is designed to be so thin (ie the thickness is so small) that it is flexible and bendable. Its width can be 0.1 mm to 100 mm. Furthermore, the flat conductor connection element comprises at least two connection areas with contact points of the conductor tracks at the two ends of the flat conductor connection element which are opposite in the extension direction. The two connection areas of the flat conductor connection element serve to electrically contact the conductor tracks, for which purpose the cover film, ie carrier layer and/or insulation layer, is not present or is removed, at least at the contact points, so that the conductor tracks are accessible.

The electrical conductor tracks are arranged at least in sections next to one another and/or one above the other. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two electrical conductor tracks are arranged one above the other in at least two, preferably in exactly two or exactly three or exactly four levels. “One above the other” here means with respect to the extension plane of the flat conductor connection element, i.e. with respect to the plane that is spanned by the two larger dimensions (length and width) of the flat conductor connection element. Advantageously, at least two conductor tracks are arranged congruently in the projection orthogonal to the plane of extension. Alternatively, the conductor track can also be made larger in one plane and essentially partially or completely occupy the plane within the flat conductor connection element, preferably minus an insulating edge region. This increases the current carrying capacity of this conductor track.

Each electrical conductor track can be electrically contacted at two contact points spaced apart along the conductor track. The contact points are areas of the conductor tracks where electrical contact is possible. In the simplest embodiment, these are accessible areas of the electrical conductor tracks. It may be necessary and useful to provide a separate line connection for each pole, so that a conductor track of the flat conductor connection element is provided for connection to a conductor of a cable.

The conductor tracks are applied using a printing process. Alternatively, the electrical conductor tracks are prefabricated as metal strips made of metal foil and laminated on both sides with a plastic material. In both cases, the electrical conductor tracks are mechanically stabilized and embedded in an insulating sleeve consisting of the cover film, so that they are electrically insulated from the external environment.

The metal foil may contain or consist of a copper foil, an aluminum foil, a stainless steel foil, a tin foil, a gold foil or a silver foil. The metal foil can also contain or consist of alloys with the metals mentioned. The metal foil can advantageously be tinned in sections or completely. This is particularly advantageous in order to achieve good solderability while simultaneously protecting against corrosion.

In an advantageous embodiment of the flat conductor connection element according to the invention, the at least one conductor track has a thickness of 35 pm to 100 pm, preferably 50 pm to 75 pm. According to one embodiment, the electrical conductor tracks have a width of 0.05 mm to 40 mm, preferably 1 mm to 20 mm and in particular 2 mm to 5 mm. Such widths are particularly suitable for achieving sufficient current-carrying capacity in conjunction with the thicknesses mentioned above.

The invention further relates to a connection arrangement, comprising a glazing unit with an electrical component, in particular a functional element, and a flat conductor connection element according to the invention. The functional element can be a PDLC functional element.

In a further embodiment of the connection arrangement according to the invention, the at least one conductor track of the flat conductor connection element can be electrically conductively connected to the electrical component via a soldered connection. Alternatively, the electrical connection can be made via an adhesive connection using an electrically conductive adhesive.

The glazing unit comprises a first pane and a second pane as well as two intermediate layers between the first pane and the second pane. The functional element is arranged between the two intermediate layers, with the flat conductor connection element being electrically conductively connected at one end to a surface electrode of the functional element.

The glazing unit as a composite pane comprises a first pane and a second pane, which are preferably made of glass, particularly preferably of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. However, the panes can also be made from other types of glass, for example quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosililate glass, or from rigid, clear plastics, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The windows can be clear or tinted or colored. If the glazing unit is used as a windshield, it should have sufficient light transmission in the central viewing area, preferably at least 70% in the main viewing area A according to ECE-R43. The first pane and the second pane can also be referred to as the outer and inner panes. The first pane, the second pane and/or the intermediate layer can have further suitable, known coatings, for example anti-reflective coatings, non-stick coatings, anti-scratch coatings, photocatalytic coatings or sun protection coatings or low-E coatings.

The thickness of the first pane and the second pane can vary widely and can thus be adapted to the requirements in individual cases. The first pane and the second pane advantageously have standard thicknesses of 0.7 mm to 25 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm for vehicle glass and preferably 4 mm to 25 mm for furniture, devices and buildings, especially electrical ones Radiator, on. The size of the disks can vary widely and depends on the size of the use according to the invention. The first and second panes have areas of 200 cm ² up to 20 m ² that are common in vehicle construction and architecture, for example.

The functional element has electrically controllable optical properties and comprises, arranged one above the other, a first carrier film, a first surface electrode, an active layer, a second surface electrode and a second carrier film. The carrier films and the surface electrodes are preferably designed to be transparent. According to one embodiment of the glazing unit according to the invention, the functional element is a so-called PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) functional element.

The active layer has the variable optical properties that can be controlled by an electrical voltage applied to the active layer. For the purposes of the invention, electrically controllable optical properties are understood to mean properties that can be continuously controlled, but also those that can be switched between two or more discrete states. The optical properties relate in particular to the light transmission and/or the scattering behavior.

The first and second carrier films are in particular polymeric or thermoplastic films. The carrier films in particular contain or consist of a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be a thermoplastic polymer or a blend of two or more thermoplastic polymers. In addition to the thermoplastic material, the carrier film can also contain additives, such as plasticizers. The thermoplastic material of the carrier films is preferred Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as is common in commercially available functional elements.

The thermoplastic material of the carrier film can also contain or consist of mixtures of PET with other thermoplastic polymers and/or copolymers of PET. The thermoplastic material of the carrier film can, for example, also contain or consist of PU, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and/or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene. The thickness of each carrier film is preferably in the range from 0.03 mm to 0.4 mm, more preferably from 0.04 mm to 0.2 mm.

The surface electrodes of the functional element include an electrically conductive coating on the carrier film. The side of the carrier film with the electrically conductive coating then faces the active layer.

In a further preferred embodiment, the functional element is a PNLC or SPD functional element. In an SPD functional element, the active layer contains suspended particles, whereby the absorption of light by the active layer can be changed by applying a voltage to the surface electrodes. PNLC functional elements (PNLC = polymer network liquid crystal) contain an active layer in which the liquid crystals are embedded in a polymer network, whereby the functionality is otherwise analogous to the PDLC functional elements (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

The surface electrodes are intended to be electrically connected to an external voltage source. The surface electrode is preferably contacted using (ultrasonic) soldering, crimping or gluing. For this purpose, a conductive material, in particular a paste, or a solder contact is applied to at least one of the surface electrodes. The paste contains silver or an alloy containing silver. The conductive material is connected to the surface electrodes as so-called bus bars, for example strips of the electrically conductive material or electrically conductive prints. The surface electrodes can each be contacted electrically using a bus conductor.

In an alternative embodiment of the busbars, thin and narrow metal foil strips or metal wires are used, which preferably contain copper and/or aluminum; in particular, copper foil strips with a thickness of approximately 50 μm are used. The width of the copper foil strips is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm. The Metal foil strips or metal wires are placed on the surface electrode in a composite of thermoplastic layers during further processing of the functional element. In the later autoclave process, reliable electrical contact between the busbars and the coating is achieved through the action of heat and pressure. The electrical contact between the surface electrode and the busbar can alternatively be made by soldering, laying on or gluing with an electrically conductive adhesive.

The bus conductors are attached to the surface electrodes by leaving out the carrier film, a surface electrode and the active layer so that the other surface electrode protrudes with the associated carrier film. This can preferably be carried out along an edge region of the respective side of the functional element. A bus conductor can then be attached to the protruding surface electrode or the flat conductor connection element can be contacted directly with the surface electrode. On the opposite side of the respective functional element, another busbar is attached to the other surface electrode in a corresponding manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the functional element is a PDLC functional element, in particular one that switches at least one area of a glazing unit from a transparent to an opaque state and vice versa. The active layer of a PDLC functional element contains liquid crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. The thickness of the functional element is, for example, from 0.09 mm to 1 mm.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical line connection with a cross-sectional transition region from the flat conductor connection element comprising a conductor track of the connection arrangement according to the invention to a cable comprising at least one electrical conductor, in particular a round cable. In the cross-sectional transition area, an electrical connection is provided between the conductor track of the flat conductor connection element and the conductor of the cable, as well as an encapsulation that serves as a plastic component for electrical insulation of the electrical connection. An adhesive tape as a sealant is preferably applied to the flat conductor connection element in the area of the encapsulation. The electrical line connection according to the invention provides long-term, effective protection against moisture in a simple manner.

In a further embodiment of the electrical line connection according to the invention, the conductor track of the flat conductor connection element can be connected to the conductor of the (Round) cable must be electrically connected. Alternatively, the electrical connection can be made via an adhesive connection using an electrically conductive adhesive. The electrically conductive adhesive contains at least one electrically conductive material, preferably metallic material, for example silver, gold or aluminum. It is also possible that the electrically conductive adhesive contains a non-metallic electrical material, for example graphite or carbon. The at least one electrically conductive material is introduced into an electrically non-conductive adhesive matrix, for example epoxy resin. The at least one electrically conductive material is contained in the adhesive in such an amount that a desired current carrying capacity is achieved. Preferably, the at least one electrically conductive material is contained in the adhesive with a mass fraction of at least 70%.

In a further preferred embodiment of the electrical line connection according to the invention, the encapsulation has a plastic as an insulating material. The encapsulation can consist of a correspondingly strong plastic, for example polyimide (PI) or PA66 in combination with glass fibers. The encapsulation can be produced, for example, by injection molding, with the encapsulation being designed as a rectangular or round housing.

The cable has a connecting element at its end facing away from the encapsulation, in particular a socket or plug. In addition to an electrically conductive conductor (inner conductor or also called core, wire or core), the cable can comprise an insulating, preferably polymeric cable sheath, the insulating cable sheath preferably being removed in the end region of the cable in order to create an electrically conductive connection between the conductor of the cable and the flat conductor connection element or a connecting element. The electrically conductive conductor of the cable can contain, for example, copper, aluminum and/or silver or alloys or mixtures thereof. The cable has a preferably round or oval cross section, which is, for example, 0.3 mm ² to 6 mm ² .

The invention further extends to a vehicle having the connection arrangement according to the invention.

Furthermore, the invention extends to the use of the connection arrangement according to the invention in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for traffic on land, on water or in the air. The various embodiments 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 figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures are a schematic representation and not to scale. The figures do not limit the invention in any way.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of the line connection according to the invention with a flat conductor connection element,

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the line connection according to the invention,

3 shows a top view of a first embodiment of one end of the flat conductor connection element according to the invention,

4A and 4B show a second embodiment of one end of the flat conductor connection element according to the invention,

Figure 5 is a schematic top view of an inventive

Flat conductor connection element with recesses,

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inventive

connection arrangement,

Figures 7A and 7B show a first embodiment of the invention

Connection arrangement, and

Figures 8A and 8B show a second embodiment of the invention

Connection arrangement.

Information with numerical values is generally not to be understood as exact values, but also includes a tolerance of +/- 1% up to +/- 10%.

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of the line connection according to the invention with a flat conductor connection element 1. The flat conductor connection element 1 comprises a conductor track 1.1, a cover film 1.2 and a sealant 4 (Figure 2). At its two ends 1 .4, which are opposite in the direction of extension and 1.7, the flat conductor connection element 1 each has a first connection area 1.5 and a second connection area 1.8. The longest dimension (length) of the flat conductor connection element 1 defines its direction of extension. The connection areas 1.5 and 1.8 of the flat conductor connection element 1 are used to electrically contact the conductor tracks 1.1. The cover film 1.2 is at least partially removed at the contact points so that the conductor track 1.1 is accessible.

At a first end 1.4, the flat conductor connection element 1 has the first connection area 1.5. At a second end 1.7, the flat conductor connection element 1 has the second connection area 1.8, which is used for an external connection of the conductor track 1.1, here for example for soldering the conductor track 1.1 to a cable 2 designed as a round cable. The second connection area 1.8 is located within an encapsulation 12 trained plastic component into which one end of the cable 2 is inserted. The encapsulation 12 encloses a cross-sectional transition region 11, which serves as a transition from the flat conductor connection element 1 according to the invention to the cable 2 comprising an electrical conductor 2.1. At the other end of the cable 2 there is a plug or socket 17 which can be connected to external electronics (e.g. control electronics).

The encapsulation 12 can be produced, for example, using injection molding or 3D printing. The encapsulation 12 consists, for example, of a solid plastic, for example polyamide (PA) and/or polyimide (PI), PBT, PA611, PA12, PA6 or PA66 in conjunction with glass fibers (up to 50%). The encapsulation 12 also serves to mechanically protect the electrical contact between the flat conductor connection element 1 and the cable 2.

The conductor track 1.1 has a rectangular cross section. The conductor track 1.1 is covered by an insulation sleeve consisting of the cover film 1.2. The cover film 1.2 is glued to the conductor track 1.1. The flat conductor connection element 1 can include several conductor tracks 1.1. The conductor tracks 1.1 are then arranged next to one another and/or one above the other. The electrical conductor tracks 1.1 consist, for example, of a thin copper, silver, tin or gold foil. The foils can also be coated, for example silver-plated, gold-plated or tin-plated. The thickness of the films is, for example, 35 pm, 50 pm, 75 pm or 100 pm. The width of the conductor track can also be 1 mm up to 22 mm.

For the material of the cover film 1.2, films made of polyimide, preferably black or yellow polyimide films (eg PI-MTB/MBC), for example with a thickness of 25 pm, are particularly suitable suitable. Alternatively, polymer films made of PEN, preferably white PEN, for example with a thickness of 25 μm, can be used.

The cover film 1.2 is glued to the conductor track 1.1 via an adhesive layer and to the cover film 1.2 on the opposite side at the protruding edges. The adhesive layers of the cover film 1.2 can contain or consist of, for example, epoxy adhesives or thermoplastic adhesives. Typical thicknesses of the adhesive films are from 25 pm to 35 pm. The adhesives can be transparent or colored, for example black. Only the first connection area 1.5 and the second connection area 1.8 are designed without a cover film. This can be achieved, for example, by using a window technology during production or by subsequently removing the cover film 1.2, for example by laser ablation.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an electrical line connection 10 according to the invention with the cross-sectional transition region 11 in a cross-sectional view. The flat conductor connection element 1 includes the conductor track 1.1, the first cover film 1.2 and the sealant 4. The sealant 4 is arranged at the second end 1.7 on the cover film 1.2 within the encapsulation 12.

The cross-sectional transition region 11 comprises an electrical connection between the conductor track 1.1 of the flat conductor connection element 1 and the conductor 2.1 of the (round) cable 2. The cross-sectional transition region 11 has an encapsulation 12. The encapsulation 12 serves to insulate the electrical contact (for example soldering) between the flat conductor connection element 1 and cable 2.

In addition to an electrically conductive conductor 2.1, the cable 2 also includes an insulating, polymeric cable jacket 2.2, the insulating cable jacket 2.2 being removed in the end region of the cable in order to create an electrically conductive connection between the conductor 2.1 of the (round) cable 2 and the conductor track 1.1 to enable. The electrically conductive conductor 2.1 of the (round) cable 2 contains copper. The cable 2 has a round or oval cross-section, the cross-sectional area of which is, for example, 5 mm ² .

The cable 2 can in principle be any connecting cable that is known to those skilled in the art for electrically contacting a functional element and is suitable for being connected to a connecting element (also called a crimp contact) by crimping or clamping. The conductor 2.1 of the round cable 2 is connected to the flat conductor connecting element 1 the pointing end is stripped and firmly connected to the conductor track 1.1 via a solder connection 5.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a first embodiment of the second end 1.7 of the flat conductor connection element 1 according to the invention. The second end 1.7 has a sealant 4 designed as an adhesive tape 4.1. The adhesive tape 4.1 forms, at least in sections, an edge region B, which is located between a lateral edge R of the adhesive tape 4.1 at a distance perpendicular to an outer edge 1.3 of the flat conductor connection element 1. The edge region B of the adhesive tape 4.1 is formed along the circumferential edge of the cover film 1.2, the width of the edge region B being constant. The adhesive tape 4.1 projects beyond the outer edge 1.3 of the flat conductor connection element 1. For this purpose, the adhesive tape 4.1 has a greater width than the width of the flat conductor connection element 1. The second longest dimension of the flat conductor connection element 1 defines its width.

In particular, the adhesive tape 4.1 extends beyond the outer edge 1.3 of the cover film 1.2 of the flat conductor connection element 1, which is covered by the encapsulation 12. The adhesive tape 4.1 thus acts as a capillary barrier. The adhesive tape 4.1 can be arranged on two opposite sides of the flat conductor connection element 1.

Figure 4A shows a second embodiment of the second end 1.7 of the flat conductor connection element 1 according to the invention. In contrast to Figure 3, the adhesive tape 4.1 does not protrude beyond the outer edge 1.3, but is largely flush with it. Unlike in Figure 3, the cover film 1.2 has two recesses 4.2. The recesses 4.2 are each covered by the adhesive tape 4.1.

The recesses 4.2 are located in the area of the outer edge 1.3, in particular in the cover film 1.2. They are formed at right angles. Alternatively, the recesses can be arcuate. The recesses 4.2 extend from the outer edge 1.3 in the direction of the conductor track. The two recesses 4.2 are at least partially filled with the adhesive layer of the adhesive tape 4.1, so that penetration of water is effectively prevented by a capillary effect along the outer edge 1.3. The recesses 4.2 thus act as a further capillary barrier.

In Figure 4B, the second embodiment of the second end 1.7 is shown free of the adhesive tape 4.1. The second end 1.7 of the flat conductor connection element 1 is shown without the adhesive tape 4.1, so the recess 4.2 can be clearly seen. The recesses 4.2 are available Outer edge open. The recesses are arranged on an insulating edge region of the flat conductor connection element 1. The recesses 4.2 extend from the outer edge 1.3 in the direction of the conductor track. At the second end 1.7, the flat conductor connection element 1 has the second connection area 1.8.

Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the flat conductor connection element 1 according to the invention with recesses 4.2. The recesses 4.2 have different shapes. The recesses 4.2 have a rectangular, arcuate or triangular shape. The recesses 4.2 are located in the area of the outer edge 1.3 of the cover film 1.2. They are in the edge area of the cover film 1.2, in which the cover film 1.2 is glued to the cover film 1.2 on the opposite side on the protruding edges. The recesses 4.2 are open to the outer edge. Each recess 4.2 acts as a sealant 4. The flat conductor connection element 1 can be used with a disk 102 having an electrical component 6.

6 shows a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement 104 according to the invention. The connection arrangement 104 comprises a glazing unit 100 with an electrical component 6, in particular a so-called PDLC functional element, and a flat conductor connection element 1 according to the invention.

The glazing unit 100 is designed as a composite pane. In this case, the composite pane is designed as a roof pane of a motor vehicle. The glazing unit 100 comprises a first pane 101 and a second pane 102. In the installed position, the first pane 101 serves as an outer pane and the second pane 102 as an inner pane. The inner pane is the pane facing the vehicle interior, while the outer pane faces the vehicle surroundings. The surface of the outer pane facing the vehicle's surroundings is referred to as surface I, as is common in vehicle glazing technology, and the surface of the inner pane facing the vehicle interior is referred to as surface IV. The two panes 101 and 102 consist, for example, of soda-lime glass. The two disks 101 and 102 are firmly connected to one another by two thermoplastic intermediate layers 103, for example made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU).

The glazing unit 100 is provided with an electrical functional element 6, which is located between the two panes 101 and 102. The electrical functional element 6 can be, for example, a PDLC functional element that serves, for example, as an electrically controllable sun or privacy screen. The PDLC functional element is provided by a commercially available PDLC multilayer film is formed, which is embedded in the intermediate layer 103. For this purpose, the intermediate layer 103 comprises, for example, a total of three thermoplastic films (not shown) with a thickness of, for example, 0.38 mm made of PVB, a first thermoplastic film being connected to the first pane 101, and a second thermoplastic film being connected to the second pane 02 is connected. The PDLC functional element generally includes an active layer between two surface electrodes and two carrier films. The active layer contains a polymer matrix with liquid crystals dispersed therein, which align depending on the electrical voltage applied to the surface electrodes, whereby the optical properties can be controlled. The surface electrodes can be electrically contacted via busbars. The flat conductor connection element 1 is used to apply a voltage to the busbar of the functional element 6.

The connection arrangement 104 also has the flat conductor connection element 1. The bus conductors of the functional element 6 are connected to the flat conductor connection element 1 in an electrically conductive manner. A secure electrically conductive connection is preferably achieved by soldering the connection 5.

It goes without saying that the flat conductor connection element 1 can be adapted to the respective circumstances of actual use and can, for example, extend over two, three or four levels. Alternatively or in combination, more or fewer conductor tracks can be arranged next to each other per level.

The flat conductor connection element 1 is partially laminated with its first end 1.4 into the glazing unit 100 and is led out of the composite pane 2 in the exit region 18 between the two panes 101 and 102. The first end 1.4 has the sealant 4 designed as an adhesive tape 4.1. The flat conductor connection element 1 is guided around a side surface of the first disk 101 and is arranged on the surface IV of the first disk 101. For this purpose, the first disk 101 can have a recess in the exit area 18, for example through a ground area (not shown here).

Figures 7A and 7B show an embodiment of the connection arrangement 104 according to the invention, in which the adhesive tape 4.1 protrudes beyond the outer edge 1.3 of the flat conductor connection element 1. The adhesive tape 4.1 is wider than the flat conductor connection element 1. The flat conductor connection element 1 is partially laminated into the glazing unit 100 with its first end 1.4 and is in the exit area from the glazing unit 100 18 brought out. Figure 7A shows a top view of the connection arrangement 104. A cross-sectional view (A - A') of the glazing unit 100 from Figure 7A is shown in Figure 7B. The adhesive tape 4.1 can be arranged on only one side of the flat conductor connection element 1 or can be located on the two opposite sides of the flat conductor connection element 1, as shown in FIG. 7B.

Figures 8A and 8B show a further embodiment of the connection arrangement 104 according to the invention, in which the flat conductor connection element 1 has two recesses 4.2. The adhesive tape 4.1 is narrower than the flat conductor connection element 1. The flat conductor connection element 1 is partially laminated into the glazing unit 100 with its first end 1.4 and is led out of the glazing unit 100 in the exit area 18. 8B shows a cross-sectional view (A" - A"') of the glazing unit 100 from FIG. 8A. The adhesive tape 4.1 can be arranged on only one side of the flat conductor connection element 1 or can be located on the two opposite sides of the flat conductor connection element 1, as shown in FIG. 8B.

The recesses 4.2 have a rectangular shape. The recesses 4.2 are located in the area of the outer edge 1.3 of the cover film 1.2 on two opposite edges. They are in the edge area of the cover film 1.2, in which the cover film 1.2 is glued to the cover film 1.2 on the opposite side on the protruding edges. Each of the two recesses 4.2 reduces the width of the flat conductor connection element 1. The recesses 4.2 are open to the outer edge 1.3. The recesses 4.2 are at least partially covered by the adhesive tape 4.1. They are at least partially filled with the adhesive layer of the adhesive tape 4.1, the adhesive tape 4.1 and/or the intermediate layer 3, so that water penetration into the glazing unit 100 is prevented by a capillary effect along the outer edge 1.3 of the flat conductor connection element 1.

List of reference symbols:

1 flat conductor connection element

1.1 Conductor track

1.2 Cover film

1.3 Outer edge

1.4 first ending

1.5 first connection area

1.6

1.7 second ending

1.8 second connection area

1.9

2 cables

2.1 Conductor of the cable

2.2 Cable jacket

4 sealants

4.1 Adhesive tape

4.2 Recess

5 solder connection

6 functional element

10 line connection

1 1 Cross-sectional transition area

12 Encapsulation

17 socket or plug

18 exit area

100 glazing unit

101 first slice (substrate)

102 second disc

103 intermediate layer

105 connection arrangement I first surface (outside) of the first pane 101

IV second surface (inside) of the second disk 102

R side edge of the adhesive tape 4.1

B Edge area of the adhesive tape 4.1

Claims

Patent claims

1. Connection arrangement (104), comprising a glazing unit (100) with an electrical component (6) and a flat conductor connection element (1), which comprises at least one electrical conductor track (1.1) and a cover film (1.2) for electrically insulating the conductor track (1.1). ,

• wherein the flat conductor connection element (1) has a first connection area (1.5) at a first end (1.4) and a second connection area (1.8) at a second end (1.7),

• wherein the first connection area (1.5) is arranged between two panes (101, 102) of the glazing unit (100), and wherein the flat conductor connection element (1) is connected to the second connection area (1.7) between the two panes (101, 102) from the glazing unit (100) leads out,

• wherein the electrical conductor track (1.1) of the flat conductor connection element (1) is provided for electrical contacting of the electrical component,

• wherein a sealant (4, 4.1) is arranged at the first end (1.4) and/or at the second end (1.7) of the flat conductor connection element (1), and

• wherein the flat conductor connection element (1) has at least one recess (4.2) in the area of an outer edge (1.3), and the recess (4.2) is filled with an adhesive layer, an adhesive tape (4.1) or a thermoplastic layer.

2. Connection arrangement (104) according to claim 1, wherein the sealant (4) of the flat conductor connection element (1) is provided for blocking water capillaries.

3. Connection arrangement (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealant (4) is an adhesive tape (4.1).

4. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealant (4) is designed as a double-sided adhesive tape (4.1).

5. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the adhesive tape (4.1) is arranged on two opposite sides of the flat conductor connection element (1).

6. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the adhesive tape

(4.1) is connected flatly to the cover film (1.2) via an adhesive layer.

7. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the adhesive tape

(4.1) protrudes beyond an outer edge (1.3) of the flat conductor connection element (1).

8. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of the spray points 3 to 7, with the adhesive tape

(4.1) has, at least in sections, an edge region (B) which is located between a lateral edge (R) of the adhesive tape (4.1) at a distance perpendicular to an outer edge (1.3).

9. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flat conductor connection element (1) has at least one recess (4.2) in the area of an outer edge (1.3), in particular within the cover film (1.2), the recess (4.2) is open to the outer edge.

10. Connection arrangement (104) according to claim 9, wherein the recess (4.2) tapers from the outer edge (1.3) in the direction of the conductor track (1.1).

11. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flat conductor connection element (1) has at least one recess (4.2) in the area of an outer edge (1.3), which is arcuate or rectangular.

12. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the recess

(4.2) is filled with an adhesive layer and an adhesive tape (4.1).

13. Connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electrical component (6) is a functional element (6).

14. Connection arrangement (104) according to claim 13, wherein the functional element (6) is a PDLC functional element. Electrical line connection (10) with a cross-sectional transition region (11) from the flat conductor connection element (1) comprising the conductor track (1.1) of the connection arrangement (104) according to one of claims 1 to 14 to a cable (2) comprising at least one electrical conductor (2.1), in particular round cables, wherein in the cross-sectional transition region (11) an electrical connection is provided between the conductor track (1.1) of the flat conductor connection element (1) and the conductor (2.1) of the cable (2), and wherein the cross-sectional transition region (11) is an encapsulation (12). has a plastic component for electrical insulation.