EP0630170B2 - Electrical connection for window - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

An example of a glazing according to the preamble of claim 1 is described in EP-A-0 153 806 .

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

There are different types of glazing that require an electrical connection. This is, for example, heating windows, de-icing, electrically controlled optical properties or glazing equipped with sensors, an antenna, a traffic light, etc ...

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

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

The substrate forming part of the glazing is at least partly transparent, it may be a glass sheet, it may be made of organic or inorganic glass optionally coated with one or more mineral and / or organic layers. It may be enamelled layer (s), metal layers based on metal oxides, especially zinc oxides, ITO, SnO ₂ , SiO ₂ , Ag deposited (s), for example, by pyrolysis or under vacuum of an organic coating, for example based on an organosilane and / or an optionally fluorinated organosiloxane (s).

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

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

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

The present invention obviates these disadvantages.

The invention relates to a glazing unit that can be powered with any electric power for a width as small as 2 mm.

The invention also relates to glazing ready for mounting.

The present invention relates to glazing according to claim 1.

Conducting filaments capable of transmitting electrical signals coated with at least one sheath, for example a standard polyvinyl chloride sheath, are called cables.

The position of the electrical connection of the cable to the accessories supplied with electrical signals may be, according to the invention, at any point on the substrate, whatever the structure of the vehicle. It is preferably at the periphery of the substrate and, preferably, at the periphery edge. It is advantageously located in the part of the substrate intended to be hidden. Preferably, the electrical connection is close to the accessories supplied with electrical signals. It is, for example, located for a heated rear window, on the side of the glazing to be mounted in a post, preferably in the center of this side. As a result, the length of the conductive strip, based on silver paste for example, is thus limited. Its presence can be advantageously suppressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The material constituting the sheath of the cable must be an electrical insulator and have sufficient mechanical strength to not be damaged by any possible collision. In addition, it must be waterproof to a saline atmosphere, especially when exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. This is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide or a rubber, for example of the EPDM type (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). This is, for example, a polyurethane. In order to improve its attachment to the glazing, especially when the sheath is advantageously bonded, the sheath according to the invention has a flat base. In order to obtain a satisfactory fixation, the width of its base is advantageously greater than or equal to 2 mm. The dimensions of the base of the sheath are obviously a compromise between, on the one hand, obtaining a good adhesion and, on the other hand, a reduced bulk. The height of the sheath can be as small as 5 mm or even 2 mm. Two sheaths can be superimposed on one another. The inner sheath is, for example, a standard sheath, generally marketed with the conductive portion of the cable.

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

The profile of the sheath of the invention may comprise, preferably, at least one lip that is applied to the glazing. The aesthetic aspect is all improved.

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

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

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

An adhesive is then advantageously injected into the cavity formed by the profiled piece, to ensure its sealing. It also ensures its adhesion. A primer can be applied to the glazing prior to gluing. This is, for example, a glue of the hot melt type, preferably of the polyamide type. The coating may optionally serve as a mold, being subsequently removed.

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

According to an advantageous variant, the portion of the cable passing through its exit out of the glazing the boundary between the sealing zone and the off-tight zone is embedded in an insert having a fixing means for fixing it on the substrate.

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

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

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

The insert can be prefabricated, attached and fixed on the substrate forming part of the glazing. It is, for example, molded around a portion of an electrical connection, attached and fixed on the substrate. It can also be molded directly onto the substrate provided with said electrical connection.

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

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

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

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

The figure 1 represents two sides of a glazing according to the prior art.

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

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

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

This figure illustrates the relatively large surface area of the manifold for connecting each heating wire 4 to the electrical connection 2 or 3.

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

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

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

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

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

The figure 3 represents an advantageous variant of the invention. Only a part of the glazing is represented. The two collector strips 5 and 6 are connected to the same cable 19. The cable 19 can also electrically connect one or more other accessories requiring a power supply. As an illustration, it connects a stop lamp 20 to a power source. It can also connect an antenna, optical devices ... The glazing then has only one cable outlet, referenced 21. The cable outlet 21 can, of course, be located anywhere on the glazing. It is here represented in the upper part of the glazing. An insert 22 may, optionally, ensure the junction between the different conductive parts from both sides of the glazing.

The figure 4 is a schematic view of a windshield bottom, out of the sealing zone, represented by hatching and delimited by the gasket 23. Thin electric heating resistance wires 24 allow, for example, to defrost the area of the windshield near the wipers. Two connections 25 electrically connect these wires 24 to a power source via a cable 26 fixed to the substrate.

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

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

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

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

The figure 7 represents a schematic section of a sheath 36 attached to the glazing. It preferably comprises lips 37 making it possible at the same time to improve its fixing on the glazing and to camouflage the gluing of the sheath. Two lips may be provided on both sides of the body of the sheath, as illustrated. It is also possible to provide a single lip. This sheath 36 can coat the conductive filaments 38 of the cable. These conductive filaments are themselves coated with a second sheath, not shown.

These conductive filaments 38 can form several wires, as shown in FIG. 7a. Each wire consists of a multitude of conductive filaments. They can also form only one thread. The conductive filaments may be flat as shown in Figure 7b. In Figure 7b, the sheath has a recess 39 that can be filled with glue. The sealing of the conductive filaments of the cable is all the better. This glue may, possibly, overflow into the cavities 40 formed by the lips 37.

The figure 8 represents a cable outlet on the glazing. It is a jumper 41 whose shape allows to overlap each face of the glazing. It comprises a channel 42 in which is inserted a portion of the cable according to the invention. The cable is thus firmly held in the desired position at the glazing outlet. The two wings 43 and 44 of the rider are here represented of unequal length. It goes without saying that they may be of identical length or that the wing 43 may be smaller than the wing 44. The dimensions of the cavity 45 formed by these two wings are a function of the dimensions of the glazing. They can be such as to ensure a mechanical support of the rider on the glazing. Glue may optionally be applied to improve this maintenance. The material constituting this fixing means is preferably rigid.

The figure 9 represents another variant of the cable outlet according to the invention. It is a connection element comprising a female lug in which can be plugged the end 46 of the conductive filaments of the cable 47 of the invention. A coating 48 allows, by its form, both to maintain the cable in position and improve the sealing of this electrical connection. An adhesive reservoir 49 is provided to seal the connection. The cable 50 is the cable that is intended to run in the bodywork bay.

The figure 10 represents a section of the coating of the connection. A flange 51 makes it possible to join a cable 52 and the connection. The cable 52 consists of conductive filaments 53 and two sheaths 54 and 55. Part of the sheath 54 is covered by the coating 56. Any play between the conductive portion 53 and the sheath 54 is thus covered by the coating. 56. The conductive portion 53 is electrically connected to a metal strip 57 electrically connected to the accessories supplied with electrical signals. Once the connection with the two conductive parts 53 and 56 is ensured, the coating 55 is held in position by any means. Glue is injected through the injection hole 58 ensuring the sealing of the connection and, where appropriate, the adhesion of the coating 56 to the glazing. The coating may have a semi-cylindrical, parallelepipedic or trapezoidal shape. Its base is adapted to the profile of the glazing. Advantageously, it deforms slightly under the effect of the injection of the glue, at high temperature, thus adapting perfectly to the profile of the glazing, especially when it is curved. The width of its base is, for example, between 20 and 25 mm and its length is between 30 and 40 mm. These dimensions are obviously a compromise between a good bonding surface and a small footprint. In order to clearly define its bulk, this coating is advantageously molded and glued on the glazing. It can also be overmoulded, possibly in conjunction with other functional elements and / or at least one seal.

The figure 11 represents a longitudinal section of a glazing unit according to the invention. The glass 59 is covered on at least a portion of its periphery with an enamel 60. This glaze hides the conductive portion 61, which is generally white in color. On this conductive part 61, is fixed a metal lug 62 to provide an electrical connection. The coating 63 according to the invention makes it possible to conceal both the conductive portion 61 and the lug 62.

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

The figure 12 represents different types of profiled parts covering the conductive filaments 64 of the cable. The profiled piece 65 is fixed on a base 66 supporting the conductive filaments 64. This base may comprise pins 67 intended to cooperate with the lugs 68 of the part 65. The base is here shown glued with the aid of a adhesive layer 95.

The figure 13 represents a glazing whose cable crosses, at the exit of the glazing, the boundary between a sealing zone and a non-sealing zone.

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

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

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

The references A, B and C respectively designate the inside of the vehicle, for example the passenger compartment, the outside of the vehicle and the concealed space inside the body, in which all the cables circulate. The seal 73 delimits in this figure the zones A and B, while the zones B and C are delimited by the limit 76 of the bodywork bay.

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

The sealing of the electrical connection passage from zone B to zone C is ensured by the presence of the piece 74 according to the invention. A bellows 75 may also be provided to guide the cable (s) in the area C to the desired location, generally to a power source of electrical signals. In this figure, the piece 74 is fixed to the substrate by mechanical anchoring between the piece 74 and the coating 65.

The figure 14 represents a section along the line II of the insert 74 described in FIG. figure 13 . The electrical connections are here represented in the form of four cables 69, 70, 71 and 72. These four cables consist of a conductor wire 79, itself made of conductive filaments, not shown, each wire 79 being coated with a sheath 80. This is, for example, a standard sheath marketed with the thread. Of course, several insulated wires may be coated with the same sheath 80. A portion of these cables 69, 70, 71 and 72 is embedded in an insert 74. This part 74 is made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material with a watertight seal. water, or even a saline atmosphere, satisfactory. It may, possibly, have electrical insulation and sufficient mechanical strength to not be damaged by any collision. The material is a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer chosen, for example, from the following group: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyurethane and polyamide mixture, rubber, especially of the EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) type. This piece is, for example, overmolded around a portion of the cables 69, 70, 71 and 72. The presence of moisture between the cables and the material constituting the part 74 is thus avoided.

In this figure, the piece comprises a bulge, here shown in the form of a collar 81 to ensure its attachment to a glazing by a mechanical anchor. The mechanical anchoring may also be provided by a recess, a projection, a recess, a stop, etc ... and their complementary part respectively.

The cables are shown here coated with a sheath. It may be a standard sheath, for example polyvinyl chloride, or a sheath 17, 35, 36 as shown, for example, on figures 2 , 6 and 7 . The four cables can also be assembled in the same sheath, not shown, at their output from the insert 74.

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

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

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

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

In the following diagrams 16b, 16c at least a part of the part 74 is fixed on the substrate 83.

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

The figure 17 is a profiled insert 74 having a lip 92 to ensure the continuity of a lip, not shown, further secured to a mounting gasket. This not shown lip ensures the protection, centering and maintenance of the glazing during the time required to take the glue bead 93 fixing the glazing to the body 94 bay. The adhesive bead 93 may, optionally, ensure the glazing / bay sealing.

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

Claims (20)

1. Glazing pane equipped with at least one accessory (4, 20, 24) supplied with electrical signals from electrical equipment situated outside the glazing pane, the electrical connection being implemented by means of at least one electrical connection device comprising conductive elements (5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 25, 27, 29, 57, 62) disposed on the glazing pane substrate forming part of the glazing pane, the said device consisting of at least one cable (10, 19, 26, 47, 52, 69, 70, 71, 72) situated outside the glazing pane and comprising conductive filaments (14, 16, 38, 53, 61) covered with a sheath (17, 34, 35, 36, 54, 55, 80), the accessory being connected to the conductive elements which are themselves connected to the cable, the cable also passing in the area of the glazing pane beyond the area at which the cable arrives at the edge of the glazing pane, characterised in that the cable is fixed indirectly to the substrate by being located in a coating itself fixed to the substrate.
2. Glazing pane according to Claim 1, characterised in that one and the same cable electrically connects several accessories (4, 20) supplied with electrical signals.
3. Glazing pane according to Claim 2, characterised in that the glazing pane comprises only one cable outlet (21).
4. Glazing pane according to Claim 1, characterised in that the cable is fixed indirectly to the substrate by means of a foam comprising an adhesive layer on each of its faces.
5. Glazing pane according to Claim 1, characterised in that at least one conductive element of the electrical connection is covered with a coating (18, 28, 48, 56, 65).
6. Glazing pane according to Claim 5, characterised in that the material constituting the coating is chosen from amongst the following materials: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), polysulphide, polyamide or a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide.
7. Glazing pane according to Claim 5, characterised in that the coating is a profiled piece (65) covering a conductive element, in particular the conductive filaments of the cable and/or an electrical connection.
8. Glazing pane according to Claim 7, characterised in that the profiled piece comprises a cavity within which a hot-melt glue is injected.
9. Glazing pane according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, characterised in that the conductive element is supported by a base (66).
10. Glazing pane according to Claim 4, characterised in that the coating is a sheath (36) within which the conductive filaments of the cable are embedded, the said sheath being fixed to the substrate by adhesive bonding.
11. Glazing pane according to Claim 10, characterised in that the profile of the sheath comprises at least one lip (37) applied against the glazing pane.
12. Glazing pane according to Claim 10, characterised in that the sheath is extruded.
13. Glazing pane according to Claim 10, characterised in that the cable is composed of two superimposed sheaths.
14. Glazing pane according to Claim 10, characterised in that the sheaths are coextruded.
15. Glazing pane according to Claim 1, characterised in that the conductive filaments of the cable are in direct electrical contact with at least one accessory supplied with electrical signals.
16. Glazing pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cable, at its exit from the glazing pane, passes across the boundary between two areas, the area (C) referred to as the sealing area and the area (B) referred to as the non-sealing area, the part of the connection intended to cross the boundary between these two areas being embedded in an attached piece (74) comprising a fixing means intended to fix it to the substrate.
17. Glazing pane according to Claim 16, characterised in that the fixing means is a part or a lug (87) fixed to the attached piece, the said lug or part being intended to be fixed to the substrate, in particular by adhesive bonding.
18. Glazing pane according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, characterised in that the fixing means is a mechanical anchoring between the attached piece and an auxiliary piece intended to be fixed to the substrate.
19. Glazing pane according to Claim 18, characterised in that the mechanical anchoring is provided by a bulge (81) situated on a piece, attached or auxiliary, the other piece comprising the complementary part.
20. Glazing pane according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attached piece (74) comprises a lip (92) intended to provide the continuity of a lip, attached moreover to a mounting joint in order to facilitate the mounting of the glazing pane in an opening.

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