FR2706724A1 - Electrical connection of glazing. - 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.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF A GLASS

  The invention relates to monolithic or laminated glazing requiring an electrical connection in order to connect it to non-glazed equipment, for example to an electrical power source, to sensors, to a

radio...

  There are several types of glazing requiring an electrical connection. These are, for example, glazing

  heated, defrosting glazing, pro-glazing

  electro-controlled optical properties or glazing

  dant a function requiring this connection like, for example, sensors, an antenna ...

  The remainder of the description relates more specifically to glazing used in the automotive field.

  bile. It can also be a glazing used, for example, in the building.

  Whatever this type of glazing, the electrical connection to a source of electrical signals is, in general,

  provided by a cable electrically connected to the elements requiring this supply.

  - 2 - For reasons of space, the cable conducting the electrical signals is usually located outside the glazing within the bodywork bay, for example. By

  elsewhere, the electrical connection between the conductive strip

  the cable 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 body bay.

  The imposed position of the connection can correspond to a curvature of the glazing, it can then be difficult to make the electrical connection. Furthermore, 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

  full. This conductive strip is not very aesthetic. In addition,

  the material used is generally expensive.

  Furthermore, the electrical power which can

  undermining a conductive strip depends in particular on its width.

  For a given width, the electric power cannot exceed a certain value. This limitation can be

  troublesome when the width allowed for the conductive strip

  does not correspond to the desired power for the

glazing.

  The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

  The invention relates to glazing which can be supplied with any electrical power for a width

as small as 2mm.

  The invention further relates to glazing ready for

the climb.

  The present invention relates to a monolithic or laminated glazing requiring an electrical connection provided with at least one electrical connection electrically connecting the elements requiring this connection to a power source, via a cable consisting of at least one part.

  conductive capable of transmitting electrical signals, at least part of the cable being, according to the invention, fixed to the glazing.

  -3- We call cable, a conductive part capable of transmitting electrical signals, possibly

coated with at least one sheath.

  According to the invention, the position of the electrical connection of the cable to the elements requiring this connection can be anywhere in the glazing, whatever the

  vehicle structure. It is preferably in peri

  glazing hole and, preferably, at the edge of the peri

  dream. It is advantageously located in the part of the glazing intended to be hidden. Preferably, the

  electrical connection is close to the necessary elements

  locating an electrical connection. It is, for example, located, for a heated rear window, on the side of the

  glazing intended to be mounted in an upright, before-

  in the center of this side. Therefore, the length of the conductive strip, based on silver paste for example, is thus limited. Its presence can advantageously be eliminated. The cable of the invention can be fixed on the surface or on the edge of the glazing. It can be located within an area protected from external stresses, for example within the so-called sealing area, delimited by a seal. It can also be located outside

  this sealing area. It is then subject to the stresses

  external tations, such as air, water, detergent solutions as well as shock. It can be fixed on the glass

  or on the enamel covering part of the glass. It may be a conductive enamel, for example the enamel constituting a conductive strip and / or an enamel, for example black, camouflaging certain parts of the glazing.

  The cable of the invention is fixed to the glazing by welding or using an adhesive tape. It can also be fixed with clips. It is advantageously fixed by gluing, especially when exposed to view. It is preferably glued using a tape comprising, on each of its faces, an adhesive layer. Any risk

  overflow, due in particular to the creep of an adhesive, is thus eliminated. Furthermore, the bonding operation is particularly easy to implement.

  -4- In order to better match the variations in flatness and / or curvature of the glazing, the adhesive tape is preferably a foam comprising on each of its faces an adhesive layer. It is, for example, a foam of the acrylic type or of the polyurethane type. Advantageously, after cleaning the surface to be bonded, a primer is applied to both the glazing and the cable. The primer applied to the cable can

  be of the chlorinated polypropylene type comprising groups-

esters.

  The primer applied to the glass can be a mixture of isopropanol, mercaptosilanes and diaminosilanes. A second coat of isocyanate-based primer can optionally be applied. It can also be

  a resin based on a vinyl-polyurethane mixture.

  The adhesion of the cable to the glazing may have a resistance greater than or equal to 5 N / cm measured according to the

  so-called 90 peel test. The resistance value is satisfactory when, in particular, the cable is subjected to external stresses.

  The shape of the cable can be semi-cylindrical or cylindrical. It is advantageously flat in order to

  limit the overall height. The conductive part of the cable is preferably made up of a multiplicity of 25 conductive filaments. They can form a flat braid or at least one wire.

  The electrical connection between the cable and the elements is ensured by an electrical connection between the end of the conductive part of the cable and a conductive part 30 electrically connected to the elements. This connection can be ensured by welding, advantageously by ultrasound, the insertion of two terminals or any other suitable means. 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 from view. It also protects, in a way, the conductive element from any possible shock. It is, for example, a conductive element located on one of the faces of the glazing or on the edge of the glazing, for example a strip -5-

  conductive, the conductive part of the cable or a con-

  electrical connection. It can also ensure before-

  the sealing of the conductive element, in particular

  when it is located outside the sealing zone.

  Preferably, at least part of the conductive part of the cable is covered by 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, before

wisely, overmolded.

  The material constituting the cable sheath must be an electrical insulator and have sufficient mechanical resistance so as not to be damaged by any possible impact. Furthermore, it must be impermeable to water and to a saline atmosphere, in particular when it is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. It is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide or a rubber, for example

  example of the EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) type.

  It is, for example, a polyurethane. In order to improve its fixing to the glazing, in particular when the sheath is advantageously glued, the latter has according to the invention a flat base. In order to obtain a satisfactory fixing, 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 good adhesion and, on the other hand a reduced bulk. The height of the sheath can also be

  small than 5 mm or even 2 mm. Two sheaths can optionally-

  be superimposed on each other. The inner sheath

  is, for example, a standard sheath, generally

  sold with the conductive part of the cable.

  The cable according to the invention may have changes in direction. When the sheath is extruded, a foam-type material is preferably used according to the invention in order to obtain good adhesion at the level of the curvature, in particular 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 surface of - 6 -

  bonding was the same in terms of direction changes

  tion at the level of the straight segments. Another solution,

  according to the inventors, is to use a cable whose

  The filling 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 superimposed sheaths also makes it possible to fix the cable in areas where the size of the cable needs to be reduced, by partially undressing the cable while retaining

its insulating characteristics.

  The profile of the sheath of the invention may preferably include at least one lip which is applied to the glazing. The aesthetic aspect is all the more improved. A coating can also cover an electrical connection and / or a conductive strip. In a way, it oversees the conductive element. The latter is, by

  example, located on a flat or curved part 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 any clearance between the conductive part of the cable and its sheath. It can also

  ment cover at least part of the conductive strip, thus masking it from 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 coating may have the form

  a parallelepiped, a semi-cylinder or, advantageously, a trapezoid: for the same base surface, ensuring its fixing, its size is reduced. Any other form can also be envisaged.

  The material constituting the coating of the electrical connection and / or of a conductive strip may be identical to that constituting the sheath of the cable. It may also be another material. It is, for example, this polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polysulfide or polyamide, preferably reinforced. The coating of the connection and / or of a conductive strip and of the cable can only form a single part, in particular if this coating is overmolded. They can also form several separate pieces, preferably when it is several

  machined or molded parts, glued to the glazing.

  According to an advantageous variant, the coating of the element

  the conductor seals. It can, for example-

  ple, be located outside the sealing zone, delimited by

  a seal and thus be subject to stresses

external tions.

  An adhesive is then advantageously injected into the

  inside of the cavity formed by the coating, in order to ensure its sealing. It also advantageously ensures its adhesion. A primer can be applied to the glazing before gluing. It is, for example, an adhesive of the hot-melt type, preferably of the polyamide type. The coating may possibly serve as a

mold, being removed thereafter.

  The glazing of the invention can comprise several electrical connections. Advantageously, these electrical connections are connected to the same cable. A single cable electrically connecting several connections, the number of

  cable outlets is thus limited. The glazing of the invention

  tion advantageously comprises a single cable outlet.

  In order to correctly position the cable outlet and to facilitate, if necessary, the connection of the wiring of the invention with the wiring in the bodywork bay, the end of the cable of the invention may be held at the edge of the glazing. . It can be held in place by a rivet, jumper or tape or any other suitable means. Furthermore, the cable being held at its two ends, this means may suffice to fix the cable to the glazing. Any fixing operation in the middle part of the cable can thus be reduced, for example,

  a few fasteners or a few points of glue, or even eliminated. This means is preferably a connection element straddling the faces of the glazing.

  The following description relates, in more detail, to the glazing according to the invention with reference to

  figures in which: * figure 1 represents a partial top view of two sides of a glazing of the prior art, -8 - * figure 2 represents a partial top view of two sides of a glazing according to invention, * FIG. 3 represents a second variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above, * FIG. 4 represents a third variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above, * FIG. 5 represents a fourth variant of a glazing according to the invention, seen from above, * FIG. 6 comprises four diagrams representing the cable according to the invention, seen from above, * FIG. 7 comprises two diagrams of profiles of the cable sheath, according to a longitudinal section, * Figure 8 shows, in more detail, a cable outlet according to the invention, in perspective, * Figure 9 shows a second target outlet

  according to the invention, according to a schematic longitudi-

  nale, * Figure 10 represents a perspective diagram of the coating of an electrical connection, * Figure 11 represents a schematic longitudinal section of the coating of an electrical connection

fixed on the glazing.

  Figure 1 shows two sides of a glazing according to

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 fine wires of electric heating resistance 4. Each heating wire 4 is electrically connected to two strips collectors 5 and 6. 30 They are, for example, made of silver paste deposited by screen printing. Their width depends on the electrical power of the glazing. The electrical connections 2 or 3 are, in general, constituted by a metal strip 7 or 8 welded to the ends of the collecting strips 5 and 6 respectively. The connections as well as the conductive strips are located in the defined sealing area

  by the seal shown in 9. The element 2 is shown in the unconnected position, while the element 3 is shown in the connected position.

  -9 - The end of the conductive part of a cable 10, housed in the body bay, is for example inserted

to the metal strip 8.

  This figure illustrates the relatively large area

  aunt of the header strip in order to connect each wire

  heating 4 to electrical connection 2 or 3.

  Figure 2 is a view from two possible sides of a glazing according to the invention. This is the same type of

  glazing than that illustrated in figure 1. The electrical connections

  Triques 11 and 12 according to the invention, are located near the heating wires 4 for the same position of the wiring of the bodywork bay with respect to the glazing. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the length of the conductive strips 5 and 6. Advantageously, their width also decreases, as illustrated in the figure, thus reducing the quantity 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, 20 shown in dotted lines in the figure.

  The electrical connection according to the invention consists, for example, of a metal strip 13 capable of being plugged into the end of the conductive part 14 of the cable. It can also be a connection by welding or any other means. Advantageously, it is an ultrasonic welding. The conductive part 14 of the cable can be of any shape. It is preferably a flat or semi-cylindrical shape, in order to facilitate its bonding to the glazing. It can also be fixed30 by welding or by an adhesive tape, in particular when it is of cylindrical section. The conductive parts 13 and

  14 can be left bare as illustrated in the figure by the position of the seal 9.

  At least one or both of the conductive parts may possibly be coated in order in particular to hide them from view and / or to protect them from any shock.

  possible. The conductive part 14 is preferably coated with an electrical insulating sheath, not shown.

  Due to the position of the seal 15, the

- 10 -

  connection 11 as well as the conductive part 16 of the cable are coated. The cable fixed to the glazing here consists of a conductive part 16 and a sheath 17. The latter follows the shape of the conductive part 16 so as to both provide a seal and reduce the bulk. and to avoid any infiltration of dirt between the conductive part 16 and the sheath. The sheath 17 preferably has a flat base to facilitate its fixing. It is preferably semi-cylindrical or flat depending on the shape of the conductive part of the cable. In order to ensure satisfactory sealing outside the sealing zone, as shown in the figure, it is preferably

a polyurethane sheath.

  The coating 18 of the connection 11 is here shown in a trapezoidal shape in order to increase its surface in contact with the glazing. This coating also makes it possible to camouflage, while ensuring sealing, any play existing between the conductive part 16 of the cable and the

sheath 17.

  Furthermore, the conductive strip 6 is here represented in the sealing zone delimited by the seal 15.

  According to the invention, it can 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 possibly be the same part.

  FIG. 3 represents an advantageous variant of the invention. Only part of the glazing is shown.

  The two electrical connections 11 and 12 are connected to the same cable 19. The cable 19 can also electrically connect one or more other elements requiring electrical supply. As an illustration, it connects a stop light 20 to an electrical power source. It can also connect an antenna, optical devices, etc. The glazing then only has one cable outlet, referenced at 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 added piece 22 can optionally provide the junction between the various conductive parts coming from

- 11 -

on the other side of the glazing.

  Figure 4 is a schematic view of a bottom of the windshield, outside of the sealing zone, represented by hatching and delimited by the seal 23. Thin wires of electric heating resistance 24 allow, for example , defrost the windshield area at

  near the windshield wipers. Two connections 25, according to the invention, electrically connect these wires 24 to an electric power source via a cable 26 fixed on the glazing.

  FIG. 5 represents an advantageous variant according to which the surface of a conductive strip is reduced or eliminated. The conductive part 27 of the cable consists of a metal braid or a foil, consisting of a thin flat metal strip. This conductive part of the cable is in direct electrical contact with at least one element requiring an electrical connection, for example the heaters 4. A coating 28 of the electrical connections may possibly be provided. It can cover all or part of the connections, as shown in the figure,

  depending on the position of the seal, not shown.

  In order to avoid an electrical connection for each heating wire 4 to the conductive part 28, a conductive strip

  trice 29 can, for example, electrically connect all these heating wires. This strip is preferably the continuity of the heating wires. The cable of the invention is

  then consisting of a conductive part 30 partially or totally covering the strip 29. A single connection between the strip 29 and the conductive part 30 is then necessary. The conductive part 30 may optionally be covered with a coating, not shown.

  FIG. 6 comprises four diagrams representing the cable fixed to the glazing according to the invention. In diagram 6a, the cable comes along the edge of the glazing at 31. It can be maintained by an adhesive tape 32, by fasteners or any other means. It can advantageously be embedded in the seal and, preferably, molded together. A fixing means advantageously maintains the glazing at the level of the curvature of the cable. This is, by

- 12 -

  example, of 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 diagram 6b, the cable describes a radius of curvature within the peripheral part of the glazing. The radii of curvature shown here are sufficiently large for the adhesion of the cable to the glazing to be satisfactory at the level of the radius of curvature. The radii of curvature can also be smaller or the cable can 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 sheathing is not a foam. The cable consists, in addition to a conductive part not shown, of two sheaths 34 and 35 superimposed on each other. The 3420 sheath can be a standard, cylindrical, PVC sheath. The sheath is exposed at the radius of curvature and reveals the sheath 34. The cable can then run on the glazing, as illustrated in diagram 6c or along the edge of the glazing, as illustrated in diagram 6d. It is advantageously glued to the surface of the glazing, according to diagram 6c and held by an adhesive tape or a fastener 32 according to diagram 6d. The sheath 35 may not be present when the cable extends along the glazing, as

  illustrated in diagram 6d. The size of the cable, notably in height, is thus reduced. It is obvious that when the sheath 35 is exposed, the sheath 34 must pre-

  feel the adequate properties, in particular sufficient sealing, in particular when the cable is located outside the sealing area. FIG. 7 represents a schematic section of a sheath 36 fixed to the glazing. It includes, preferably

  rence, lips 37 making it possible both to improve its fixing to the glazing and to camouflage the bonding of the sheath. Two lips can be provided on either side

- 13 -

  of the sheath body, as shown. It is also possible to provide a single lip. This sheath 36 can coat the conductive part 38 of the cable. This conductive part can, optionally, be itself coated with a second sheath, not shown. The conductive part 38 may consist of several wires, as illustrated in diagram 7a. Each wire is made up of a multitude of conductive filaments. It can also consist of only one wire. The conductive part can also be flat, as illustrated in diagram 7b. In diagram 7b, the sheath has a

  recess 39 capable of being filled with glue. Etan-

  the conductive part of the cable is thereby improved. This glue may eventually overflow into

  the cavities 40 formed by the lips 37.

  Figure 8 shows a cable outlet on the glazing. It is a jumper 41, the shape of which makes it possible to overlap each of the faces of the glazing. It comprises a channel 42 into which a part of the cable according to the invention is inserted. The cable is thus securely held in the desired position at the exit of the glazing. The two wings 43 and 44 of the rider are shown here of unequal length. It goes without saying that they can be of identical length or that the wing 43 can be smaller than the wing 44. The dimensions of the cavity 45 formed by these two wings depend on the dimensions of the glazing. They can be

  such that they provide mechanical support for the rider on the glazing. Glue can possibly be applied to improve this support. The material constituting this fixing means is preferably rigid.

  Figure 9 shows an advantageous cable outlet according to the invention. It is a connection element comprising a female lug into which the end 46 of the conductive part of a cable 47 of the invention can be inserted. A coating 48 allows, by its shape, both to maintain the cable in position and to improve the tightness of this electrical connection. A glue tank 49 is provided in order to seal the connection. The cable 50 is the cable which is intended for

- 14 -

run in the body bay.

  Figure 10 shows a section of the coating of the connection. A collar 51 makes it possible to provide the junction with a cable 52 and the connection. The cable 52 consists of a conductive part 53 and two sheaths 54 and 55. A

  part of the sheath 54 is covered by the coating 56.

  Any possible play between the conductive part 53 and the sheath 54 is thus covered by the coating 56. The cable 52

  can obviously only consist of a conductive part

  trice and a sheath or that of a bare conductive part. The

  cable 52 may possibly not be fixed to the glazing.

  The conductive part 53 is electrically connected to a metal strip 57 electrically connected to the elements requiring an electrical connection. 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 tightness of the connection and, if necessary, the adhesion of the coating 56 on the glazing. The coating may have a

  semi-cylindrical, parallelepiped 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

  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 mm. These dimensions are obviously a compromise between

  a good bonding surface and a reduced bulk.

  In order to clearly delimit its size, this coating is advantageously molded and glued to the glazing. It can also be overmolded, possibly together with other functional elements and / or at least one seal. FIG. 11 represents a longitudinal section of a glazing according to the invention. The glass 59 is covered, on at least part of its periphery, with an enamel 60. This enamel hides from view the conductive part 61, generally of white color. On this conductive part 61, a metal lug 62 is fixed in order to ensure a connection

- 15 -

  electric. The coating 63 according to the invention makes it possible to camouflage both the conductive part 61 and the terminal 62. Such a coating, placed and fixed on the surface of a glazing, can also provide sealing while camouflaging any conductive element , for example a band

  conductive. It has the advantage of improving the aesthetics

  that glazing while ensuring a perfect seal, especially when glue is injected into its cavity. The conductive elements thus coated can be

  placed, for example outside the sealing area.

- 16 -

Claims (17)

  1. Monolithic or laminated glazing requiring   electrical connection, provided with at least one electrical connection   electrically connecting the elements requiring this connection to a power source, via a cable   at least one conductive part capable of trans-   put electrical signals, characterized in that at   at least part of the cable is fixed to the glazing.   2. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 1, characterized in that the same cable connects   electrically multiple connections.   3. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 2, characterized in that the glazing does not include than a cable outlet.   4. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 4, characterized in that at least one element   glazing conductor is covered by a coating.   5. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 4, characterized in that the cable consists   a conductive part and a sheath.   6. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 5, characterized in that the material constituting the sheath is chosen from the following materials: polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene   Monomer) or a mixture of polyurethane and polyamide.   7. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 5, characterized in that the sheath is fixed by gluing.   8. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 7, characterized in that the profile of the sheath comprises at least one lip which is applied to the glazing. 9. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheath is fixed to   using a foam comprising, on each of its faces, an adhesive layer.   10. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to claim 5, characterized in that the sheath is extruded goddess. - 17 -   11. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 5, characterized in that the cable is composed of two overlapping sheaths.   12. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 11, characterized in that the sheaths are coextruded.   13. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 1, characterized in that at least one connection   electric is covered by a coating.   14. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 13, characterized in that the material constituting the coating of the connection is chosen from the materials   polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, poly- sulfide, charged polyamide.   15. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 13, characterized in that a hot-melt adhesive   is injected into the coating cavity.   16. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 13, characterized in that the coating of the container   nexion also covers at least part of a conductive strip.   17. Monolithic or laminated glazing according to the resale   dication 1, characterized in that the conductive part of the cable is in direct electrical contact with at least one   element requiring an electrical connection.