EP0671864A2 - Seal for an electrical connection to a window panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrical conductors used for de-icing, demisting or indicating lights which pass from inside to outside of a watertight zone on a vehicle window may make the transition through a watertight joint. The watertight joints which are moulded to the window may be of rectangular or semicircular section and may in addition have protecting lips at each side. The joints may alternatively consist of a conductor (40) carrying base (22) adjacent to the window which has a protective cap (42).

Description

The invention relates to glazing requiring supply of electrical signals. The invention also relates to the use of such glazing, especially on vehicles.

In an automobile, several types of glazing require an electrical connection. These are heated, de-icing glazing, with remote-controlled optical properties or glazing having an element requiring this connection such as, for example, an antenna, sensors, etc.

The electrical connection usually consists of a collecting strip in electrical contact with the elements requiring this supply. It is connected at the edge of the glazing to a cable connected to a power source, as described for example in patent DE-36 04 437.

The electrical source or the control member is, in general, located in a zone protected from external stresses so, in the case of heated glazing, the switch which controls the defrosting is inside the passenger compartment , the same applies in the case of a brake light installed on the glazing. Symmetrically, if, for example, the electrical source is a screen-printed antenna on the glazing, on its internal face, it is also in the zone protected from external stresses.

Conversely, the device which exploits energy or electrical signals is also located in a protected area, inside the vehicle. This is the case with the screen-printed heating network of a defrosting window, this is the case with the brake light integrated into the glazing, but also, symmetrically, this is the case with the radio receiver in the passenger compartment.

Thus in the field of the invention, that where on the one hand the current consuming device, or that which exploits electrical signals or, on the other hand, the electrical source, are installed on a glazing, inside of the vehicle, the electrical connection leads from the interior of the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle. A problem arises when, between its two ends, the link must pass outside the zone protected from external stresses. More particularly, the invention relates to the case where one of these two transitions, interior-exterior, is located in the vicinity of the glazing, the problem is particularly sensitive when the glazing is an opening glazing such as a tailgate.

The task of the invention is to provide glazing, the electrical supply of which will be ensured by electrical connections situated both outside and within the zone delimited by a seal, known as the sealing zone.

The invention must allow the transition of the electrical connection between the interior and the exterior to be carried out without allowing the penetration of water. This transition must also not interfere with the operation of the usual sealing means (seals).

The invention provides glazing comprising on its surface an electrical conductor in which a complementary element covers part of the conductor and imparts an absolute seal to said part of the conductor covered by this element, preferably the part of the electrical conductor is chosen from among the elements following, taken alone or in combination: conductive layer, for example deposited by screen printing, foil, flexible conductive plate, conductive filaments in the form of wires or braids, electrical connection of solder type.

The preferred mode for producing the element conferring an absolute seal is the overmolding of the glazing. The electrical connections are temporarily kept in position for the time necessary for overmolding by any suitable means: glue, jumpers, rivets, adhesive layer, etc.

The complementary element with the characteristics which have just been stated thus makes it possible to have a "sealed outlet" of the glazing. It can be used, all other things being equal, as the watertight outlet of the power cable of any electrical device in contact with water, such as a submerged pump.

In a variant of the glazing unit of the invention, provision is made for the element giving absolute tightness to be produced by the association of a base on which a cover is grafted.

The glazing of the invention is particularly suitable for the automobile. The invention provides for its use on a motor vehicle, a seal being in contact with said glazing, at least when the latter is in the closed position, and then the seal covers, at least partially, the electrical conductor and the complementary element conferring an absolute seal. In this case, preferably, said part of the electrical conductor is connected, on the one hand, to a cable connected to a source of current or electrical signals and, on the other hand, to a cable connected to a device using the current or signals such as defrost, brake light, radio, the two cables running on either side of the location of the seal.

In a variant, provision is made for one of the cables, placed outside the vehicle, to be incorporated in a profile glued to the edge of the glazing.

Mounted on the glazing of an automobile, in particular on an opening glazing which comes to press on a gasket linked to the body and consisting of an elastomer, the complementary element of the invention allows, thanks to the shape suitable for those skilled in the art, to keep the same seals as when there are no electrical conductors passing through the joint while retaining an excellent seal.

• · la figure 1 représente différentes trajectoires de liaisons électriques selon l'invention,
• · la figure 2 représente une vue plus en détail du passage de la zone d'étanchéité à la zone hors étanchéité,
• · la figure 3 représente des variantes de l'élément complémentaire en coupe,
• · la figure 4 représente des pièces profilées selon l'invention, les conducteurs étant supportés par des embases, elles-mêmes recouvertes d'un couvercle,
• · la figure 5 représente deux vues de face d'une connexion selon l'invention,
• · la figure 6 représente une coupe d'une variante de l'invention,
• · la figure 7 représente une vue de face d'un vitrage de l'invention.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear in the following description with reference to the appended figures in which:

• FIG. 1 represents different trajectories of electrical connections according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents a more detailed view of the passage from the sealing zone to the non-sealing zone,
• FIG. 3 represents variants of the complementary element in section,
• FIG. 4 represents profiled parts according to the invention, the conductors being supported by bases, themselves covered with a cover,
• FIG. 5 represents two front views of a connection according to the invention,
• FIG. 6 represents a section of a variant of the invention,
• · Figure 7 shows a front view of a glazing unit of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates different paths that the electrical conductors 1 can follow, on a glazing 2 of the invention. Of course, these trajectories are given without limitation. The conductor can consist of the following elements, taken independently or in combination: a metallic foil, a conductive layer, at least one conductive filament, a conductive plate, a copper strip or an electrical connection of the solder type, etc.

Diagram 1a represents a glazing 2 whose electrical conductors 1 pass outside the zone delimited by a seal 3. This seal located either on the bodywork or on the glazing itself is in contact with it. (at least when the glazing is closed if the seal is placed on the bodywork) over an area of a certain width shown in the figure. Diagram 1a represents, for example, the supply of electrical signals to an element 4 by means of a power source shown diagrammatically at 5. This element can be a brake light, a sensor, a wiper motor, etc. ...

Diagram 1b illustrates a heated windshield. The heating network consists of thin wires of electrical heating resistance 6. Each heating wire is electrically connected to two busbars 7 and 8. The busbars are, for example, made of copper foil strips coated with solder to the low melting tin. According to this diagram, the collector strips are located in the sealing zone. Connections 9 seal the passage from the sealing zone to the non-sealing zone. These connections 9 constitute the electrical conductors 1 of the heating network which connect it to a source of electrical power, not shown.

Diagrams 1c and 1d illustrate the passage of the electrical connections from the sealing zone to the non-sealing zone.

Diagram 1c represents the supply of an element 10 located in the sealing zone to a power source 11, also located in the sealing zone. For reasons of space, the electrical conductor 1 is located for the most part outside the sealing zone while ensuring the passage from one zone to the other. Element 10 can be a signal light, such as a brake light, an antenna, a sensor, and the "power source" of electrical signals, for example, a lithium chemical battery or a radio signal preamplifier.

Diagram 1d illustrates, for its part, a heated rear window consisting of conductors made of a screen-printed silver paste 12 electrically connected to two collector strips. Cables 15 and 16 constitute the electrical conductors 1 between the heating network and an external power source, not shown. According to this diagram, the collector strips consist of a silver paste 12, deposited by screen printing, and the electrical connection provided by conductive filaments in the form of flat braids or wires 15, 16 respectively.

In this FIG. 1, the complementary element parts according to the invention are not shown.

FIG. 2 shows, in more detail, the passage from the sealing zone to the non-sealing zone delimited by the zone of the sealing joint 3. A profiled part 17, which constitutes the complementary element of the invention, ensures the tightness of this passage. The profiled part 17 is advantageously obtained by molding or, preferably, by overmolding.

In the figure, we see at 18 the representation of a profiled sheath which is located in the non-sealing area and where the electrical conductors are housed. This profiled sheath 18 is connected to the profiled piece 17 but, the pieces 17 and 18 can constitute a single piece, as shown.

FIG. 3 illustrates different profiled parts which constitute complementary elements according to the invention; they are here in the form of a hat, without limitation. This “soft” shape which gradually connects to the surface of the glazing makes it possible to easily ensure the seal between, on the one hand, the glazing and the part and an elastic seal on the other.

The profiled part 19 can cover a rectangular, elliptical surface or have lips 20 as illustrated in diagrams 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d respectively. The conductor parts are here represented in the form of wires 40 (diagrams 3a, 3b and 3c) or flat conductors 21 (diagrams 3g, 3h). Here the conductors 40, 21 are embedded in the material of the profiled part 19 and, insofar as the latter is electrically insulating, it is not necessary that, in this zone, the conductors be provided with a sheath. Such an absence of sheath prevents the (minimal) space between the sheath and the metallic core of the conductor from forming a path for moisture. According to these diagrams, the profiled parts are overmolded. We can also use prefabricated parts with housings in which the electrical conductors are located, as shown in diagrams 3d, 3e, 3f, 3i and 3j. In this case, it is essential that the housing where the conductor is located is closed at its ends, so as to prevent water from passing through the channel that constitutes the housing.

Instead of being made of wires, the electrical connections can also be conductive layers 21, as illustrated in the diagrams 3g, 3h, 3i and 3j. These layers can be a silver paste deposited by screen printing or a conductive coating. According to diagrams 3i and 3j, the conductive layers 21 are housed in housings of prefabricated parts and glued to the glazing.

In addition to the wires, sheathed or not, and layered conductors deposited on the surface of the glazing, it is also possible to use braids 41 (diagram 3d).

In FIG. 4, the profiled parts 19 which constitute the complementary element of the invention are in two parts, a base 22 and a cover 42. The base can include lugs 23 intended to cooperate with the complementary forms 24 of the cover 42. The base is fixed here by gluing to the glazing using the adhesive film 25.

The electric conductor part 40 included in the profiled part 19 must here also be isolated from the interior and exterior spaces (or at least from one of the two), this is why at the ends (or at one of them) , the space where the conductor is located is closed.

The fact that the part 19 is in two parts makes it possible to separate the functions, the base maintains in place the part of electrical conductor which passes through it, the cover with an adapted external shape, allows a connection with the peripheral seal of the elastomer glazing. which is perfectly waterproof.

FIG. 5 represents, in more detail, a type of electrical connection at the level of the passage from the sealing zone to the non-sealing zone.

When the electrical connections are conductive cables, the latter are not suitable for passing from one zone to another. Indeed, they generally have a relatively large thickness. Furthermore, their relatively narrow contact surface with the glazing leads to a risk of incorrect positioning which may in particular affect the tightness of the passage from one zone to the other.

This is why, it is preferable that the connection at the level of said passage is thin. It is, for example, a conductive layer, a foil, a copper strip or a plate of conductive material.

Diagram 5a represents a part of the electrical conductor 26 consisting of a silver-based paste deposited, for example, by screen printing. The cables 27 are, for example, connected by welding with silver paste.

Diagram 5b represents a part of electrical conductor 28 consisting of a silver-based paste onto which metallic foils 29 are welded, the cables 27 being electrically connected to this assembly. This device makes it possible, in particular, to increase the electric power at the level of the link ensuring the passage from one zone to the other.

FIG. 6 represents an advantageous variant of the invention. 30 shows an elastomer seal which is fixed to the periphery of the glazing. It has a lip 31 which can have several functions. One of them is to plug the gap between the glazing 2 and the bodywork 32. Advantageously, this seal is a self-adhesive elastomer profile which is designed so as to incorporate conductive cables 43. The fixing of the profile to the glazing is done on the edge and one and / or the other face at the edge of the glazing, spaces being provided inside this profile for housing these connections. The cables 43 are connected to the conductor part 35 consisting of a plate of flexible conductive material via an electrical connector 34. The electrical wires connected to the user element of the connection, as a source (antenna for example ) or as a current consumer (stop light for example) are not shown in the figure, they are welded to the plate of flexible conductive material 35. This plate is electrically insulated and the assembly is sealed thanks to the localized part 37 of the joint, this profiled part is advantageously obtained by means of an organized leak of the plastic material constituting the profile 30.

In FIG. 6, we see at 44 a fitting putty which is glued both to the elastomer seal 30 and to the bodywork 32. It seals between the exterior and the interior of the vehicle. This seal is maintained at the electrical connection, thanks to the technique of the invention.

FIG. 7 represents another variant of the invention according to which the electrical conductor 1 consists solely of a collecting strip based on silver paste deposited by screen printing. This strip ensures the electrical supply of the element 38 by connecting it to a power source not shown. The collecting strip is located both outside and inside the sealing zone delimited by the joint 3, while ensuring the passage of electricity from one zone to the other. A profiled part 39 provides part of the sealing of this strip. It preferably has a means for facilitating mounting of the glazing in the bodywork bay, in particular a lip 31, as shown in FIG. 5. The collector strip can be completely protected from external stresses by the part 39. It can also, as shown, overflowing from the room. The protruding part can then be covered with a coating ensuring its sealing. It is an essentially organic coating, based on a polymer or a copolymer based on a resin of the polyurethane, acrylic or cationic type. This coating is, for example, that described in patent application FR 93/09595 not yet published.

The glazing which has just been described has many advantages. The technique for carrying it out is very industrial, it makes it possible both to fix the cables at the level of the connection and to ensure the latter in a perfectly watertight manner, and this, that the glazing-bodywork sealing is obtained by gluing (FIG. 6) or using an elastomer gasket plated on the glazing or on the bodywork while it is glued on the other.

Claims (7)

Glazing (2) comprising on its surface an electrical conductor (1, 27), characterized in that an additional element (17, 19) covers part of the conductor (1, 27) and imparts an absolute seal to said part of the conductor covered by this element. Glazing according to claim 1, characterized in that the part of the electrical conductor is chosen from the following elements, taken alone or in combination: conductive layer (21, 26, 28), for example deposited by screen printing, foil (29), plate flexible conductive (35), conductive filaments in the form of wires (40) or braids (41), electrical connection of the solder type. Glazing according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the element giving absolute tightness is produced by overmolding the glazing. Glazing according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the element conferring an absolute seal is produced by the association of a base (22) on which is grafted a "cover" (42). Use of a glazing unit according to one of claims 1 to 4 on a motor vehicle, a seal being in contact with said glazing, at least when the latter is in the closed position, characterized in that the seal covers, at least partially, the electrical conductor (40, 41, 21, 26, 28, 29, 35) and the complementary element (17, 19) giving an absolute seal. Use of a glazing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that said part of the electrical conductor is connected, on the one hand, to a cable connected to a source of electric current or signals and, on the other hand, to a cable connected to a device using current or signals such as defrosting, brake light, radio, the two cables running on either side of the location of the seal. Use of a glazing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the cables is placed outside the vehicle and in that this cable (43) is incorporated in a profile (30) glued to the edge of the glazing unit.

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