Patent Grant
9370048
The present application is the US national stage of International Application PCT/EP2010/068804 filed on Dec. 3, 2010, which, in turn, claims priority to European Patent Application 09180346.0 filed on Dec. 22, 2009.
The present invention relates to a pane with an electrical connection element, a method for its production and its use.
Electrical connection elements on panes with electrically conductive structures are known, for example, from WO 2007/116088 A1.
DE 10 2007 059 818 B3 discloses a flat-conductor connection element with an electrically conductive layer that is attached on an outer surface of a pane and at least one electrically insulating buffer layer is provided between one section of the electrically conductive layer with a freely exposed soldering surface, on the one hand, and the surface of the glass pane, on the other.
From DE 103 92 500 T5, methods and articles for application and retention of solder masses for the mechanical and electrical connection of electrical connection elements are known. A body with a plurality of holes formed therein supports a solder mass, wherein the solder mass is arranged over the holes.
The known solutions have the disadvantage that mechanical stresses arise between an electrical connection element and the glass pane that can lead to damage up to and including breakage of the glass panes.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanical connection of electrical connection elements with panes that is durably stable electrically.
A further object of the invention is to find a new method for the production of panes with electrical connection elements as well as a new use thereof.
The objects are accomplished through the characteristics set forth in the independent claims 1, 11, and 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated through the characteristics of the subclaims. The invention comprises a pane wherein an electrically conductive structure is applied on a glass pane, at least one intermediate layer is applied on the electrically conductive structure, at least one electrical connection element is applied on the intermediate layer, and wherein the intermediate layer, electrical connection element, and electrically conductive structure form at least one hollow space, and the hollow space includes an electrically conductive mass.
Advantages of the pane according to the invention reside, among other things, in that critical mechanical stresses are minimized on the glass pane by means of the intermediate layer between the electrical connection element and the electrically conductive structure.
Critical mechanical stresses result from the amount and direction of point, line, and area forces, shear forces, as well as torsional forces that can lead, due to loads during production or use of the panes, to damage or breakage on the panes.
Temperature-change induced mechanical stresses are increased in particular with differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion and the viscosity of the materials used.
The mechanical stresses are particularly critical when the connection of glass panes to electrical connection elements occurs at temperatures >60° C., particularly at >120° C. and very particularly >158° C.
It is advantageous according to the invention for the hollow space to be completely surrounded by the intermediate layer. The hollow space then forms at least one gap within the intermediate layer. The gap is delimited by the electrically conductive structure, the electrical connection element, and the intermediate layer.
Hollow spaces are advantageous according to the invention since support cavities are provided for an electrically conductive mass. The shaping of the electrically conductive mass is established by the shape of the hollow spaces, the wetting of the electrically conductive mass inside the hollow spaces, and the viscosity of the electrically conductive mass during production and during use. Critical mechanical stresses are prevented.
The shape and the volume of the hollow spaces are determined in particular by the shape and volume of the intermediate layer, as well by the shape of the electrical connection element.
Inside the hollow spaces, the electrically conductive mass is held in a defined geometry in all three spatial directions, and a durable, electrical connection is obtained between an electrical connection element and an electrically conductive structure.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive mass is arranged inside the hollow space. No electrically conductive mass is found in the regions outside the hollow spaces. The regions outside the hollow spaces are formed by the outside edges of the hollow spaces and/or projections of the outside edges. No electrically conductive mass is discernible upon observation of the pane from above. The electrically conductive mass ends, preferably, flush with the outside edges of the hollow spaces because of its shape, wetting characteristics, and viscosity.
In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer according to the invention has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 1 mm, preferably 1 μm to 500 μm, and particularly preferably 10 μm to 300 μm.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow spaces have a diameter or area equivalent of 0.1 mm to 2 mm and preferably of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.
In an alternative embodiment, the hollow spaces have a diameter or area equivalent of 2 mm to 25 mm and preferably of 3 mm to 10 mm and very particularly preferably of 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm.
The hollow spaces preferably have round, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal shapes that form, according to the invention, a shape of the electrically conductive mass that effects an improved mechanical connection of electrical connection elements with panes that is durably stable electrically.
The area equivalents of the hollow spaces are calculated from the diameter based on a round shape of the hollow spaces and can be carried over to areas with elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal, or all shapes that effect an improved mechanical connection of electrical connection elements with panes that is durably stable electrically.
Particularly advantageous according to the invention are intermediate layers that effect as many points of applied force as possible between an electrically conductive mass and an electrically conductive layer.
In another preferred embodiment, the hollow spaces in the intermediate layer have a cross-section that is formed from a region facing the electrical connection element, an intermediate region, and a region facing away from the electrically conductive structure. The shapes of the hollow spaces viewed from above can be configured differently over the depth of the hollow spaces. The areas have, preferably, round, elliptical, or rectangular shapes. The electrically conductive mass can form a particularly advantageous shape in the hollow spaces in order to reduce the mechanical loads on the electrically conductive structure and the glass pane. This is particularly advantageous if the electrically conductive mass does not emerge from the hollow spaces.
In another preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive mass is held inside the hollow spaces by the wetting characteristics and viscosity of the electrically conductive mass. The wetting characteristics or capillary forces are established by the interfacial energies of the materials of the electrically conductive mass, the intermediate layer, the connection element, the electrically conductive structure, the glass pane, and/or the surrounding atmosphere.
It is particularly preferable according to the invention for the electrically conductive mass to form a concave meniscus inside the hollow space.
Very particularly preferably, the concave meniscus is established through a very small wetting angle of the electrically conductive mass inside the hollow space.
The viscosity of the electrically conductive mass depend on the material and the temperature. It is advantageous according to the invention to effect the shaping in the temperature range between the liquidus temperature and the solidus temperature when a major change in the viscosity of the electrically conductive mass is observed.
The intermediate layer according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the region of the gaps facing the electrical connection element has a smaller diameter or a smaller area than the region facing the electrically conductive structure.
In another embodiment of the intermediate layers according to the invention, the edge shapes on the gaps and the shape of the electrical connection element are adapted to the flow characteristics, the viscosity, and the wetting characteristics of the electrically conductive mass. Preferably, the edge regions are implemented right angled, rounded, or highly rounded.
Particularly preferably, the electrically conductive structure, the intermediate layer, and the electrical connection element form a hyperbolic funnel that tapers from the electrically conductive structure to the electrical connection element. Very particularly preferably, the gaps are filled with an electrically conductive mass only in the edge region of the hyperbolic funnel. The shape of the electrically conductive mass is predefined by the wetting characteristics and the viscosity of the electrically conductive mass on the intermediate layer and the electrical connection element.
This is particularly advantageous in order to purposefully discharge expanding gases from the hollow spaces during production.
The mechanical forces run, according to the invention, between the electrically conductive mass and the electrically conductive structure or the glass pane in a shallow attack angle.
According to the invention, electrically conductive masses are used that, because of their shape, viscosity, and their aggregate state, transmit no critical forces to the electrically conductive structure and/or glass pane.
Viscosity in the context of the invention is also an expression of ductility of the electrically conductive mass in the solid aggregate state.
It is particularly advantageous according to the invention for the mechanical connection between the connection element and the glass pane to be made via the intermediate layer and for the solidus temperature of the electrically conductive mass to be less than 158° C., preferably less than 120° C. and very particularly preferably less than 65° C.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is also particularly advantageous if the mechanical connection is made between the connection element and the glass pane via the electrically conductive mass and the solidus temperature of the electrically conductive mass is 159° C. to 220° C.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive mass includes a conductive liquid, metal alloy, and/or composite materials, preferably metal alloys with silver, tin, zinc, indium, bismuth, and/or gallium, and particularly preferably metal alloys with 60 wt.-% to roughly 98 wt.-% gallium, 15% wt.-% to 70% wt.-% indium, 50 wt.-% to 98 wt.-% tin, 10 wt.-% to 80 wt.-% zinc, 2 wt.-% to 10 wt.-% silver, and/or 30 wt.-% to 70 wt.-% bismuth.
The electrically conductive masses with a solidus temperature of <65° C. include preferably 60 wt.-% to roughly 98 wt.-% gallium.
The electrically conductive masses with a solidus temperature greater than/equal to 65° C. and less than 158° C. include very particularly preferably 15% wt.-% to 70% wt.-% indium and/or 30 wt.-% to 70 wt.-% bismuth.
The electrically conductive masses with a solidus temperature greater than/equal to 158° C. include very particularly preferably 50 wt.-% to 98 wt.-% tin.
The electrically conductive masses are, according to the invention, preferably lead-free.
According to the invention, conductive spongy, gridlike, or inorganic or organic composites or mixtures may also be included in the electrically conductive mass. Examples of this are wool-like shaped metals such as silver wool.
The electrically conductive mass can, because of a low solidus temperature, be at times or permanently liquid at customary ambient temperatures. With a low viscosity of the electrically conductive mass, flow inside the hollow spaces is prevented by the shape and wetting characteristics. The electrical connection persists. The mechanical connection between the electrical connection element and the electrically conductive structure and/or the glass pane takes place at times or permanently, completely or partially via the intermediate layer.
A liquid or low-viscosity or high-ductility electrically conductive mass is particularly advantageous since no critical mechanical loads emerge between the electrically conductive mass and the electrically conductive structures and/or glass pane.
The glass panes are prestressed, partially prestressed, or non-prestressed monolithic glass panes or composite glass panes made of silica glass, and preferably non-prestressed or partially prestressed composite glass panes. The glass panes have a thickness of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably of 1.8 mm to 4 mm.
The glass panes can be completely or partially coated with a covering screenprint, preferably in the edge region, and particularly preferably in the region of the electrical connection elements.
The electrically conductive structures on panes are preferably conducting paths with heating conductors and/or antenna conductors. The electrically conductive structures are preferably connected in the edge region of the glass pane with electrical connection elements.
Electrical connection elements produce a durable mechanical coupling and electrical connection between electrical conductors of, for example, onboard electrical systems in motor vehicles and the electrical conductive structures on the pane. The electrical connection elements are preferably configured as flat conductors or so-called rigid connectors. Rigid connectors have high rigidity because of their material characteristics, material thickness, and shape.
In another embodiment of the invention, long unstable and aging electrically conductive masses are protected from environmental influences by corrosion protection. The corrosion protection is preferably liquid and/or electrically conductive.
In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate layer includes temperature-stable polymer layers, ceramic screen printing pastes, solder resists, and/or adhesive strips, preferably polyacrylate, cyanoacrylate, methyl methacrylate, silane and siloxane cross-linking polymers, epoxy resin, polyurethane, polychloroprene, polyamide, acetate, silicone adhesive, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyimides, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimides, polybenzimidazoles, polytetrafluoroethylene, thermally hardenable adhesives, their copolymer, and/or mixtures thereof, and particularly preferably polyimides or polytetrafluoroethylene.
According to the invention, preferably, materials are used in the intermediate layer that are not wetted by the electrically conductive mass. The materials have, preferably, a low interfacial energy. Particularly well-suited for this are polyimides, polytetrafluoroethylene, or solder resists, as well as composite materials with polyimides or solder resists.
In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate layer according the invention is constructed from a plurality of layers, wherein the intermediate layer and the surfaces of the electrical connection element and the electrically conductive structure are brought into positive contact via adhesive layers.
Particularly preferably, according to the invention, the intermediate layers include additional connection cavities, that connect the hollow spaces to each other or to the edge of the intermediate layer. This is particularly advantageous for the discharge of gaseous products during the mechanical and electrical connecting of the electrical connection element to the electrically conductive structure. The connection cavities are, according to the invention, either not or hardly filled or wetted with electrically conductive mass.
In the method of production of a pane according the invention, an electrically conductive structure is applied on a glass pane, an intermediate layer is applied on the electrically conductive structure and/or glass pane or an electrical connection element, an electrically conductive mass is applied on the electrical connection element or on the electrically conductive structure, the electrical connection element is mechanically connected via the intermediate layer to the electrically conductive structure and/or glass pane, wherein at least one hollow space is formed, and the electrically conductive mass is electrically connected inside at least one hollow space to the electrical connection element and the electrically conductive structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer is applied on the electrically conductive structure, and the electrically conductive mass is applied on the electrical connection element.
In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the intermediate layer is applied on the electrically conductive structure, electrical connection element, and/or glass pane by means of at least one of the methods screen printing, spraying, curtain coating, or roller coating, adhesion. With these methods, the intermediate layer with the gaps can be realized in a simple manner with the necessary precision.
In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mechanical connection takes place through mechanical clamping, soldering, and/or adhesion of the electrical connection element to the electrically conductive structure and/or glass pane, preferably to the glass pane. The temperatures at the time of connection are, according to the invention, preferably below 158° C., particularly preferably below 120° C. and very particularly preferably below 60° C.
Very particularly preferably, the electrical connection element is simultaneously mechanically connected to the electrically conductive structure and/or glass pane during the electrical connection, preferably by means of thermal activation of the adhesive action of the intermediate layer. The activation of the adhesive action of the intermediate layer can occur, for example, with the soldering of the electrically conductive mass.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are schematically depicted in
They depict
In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the pane (I) included an electrical connection element (4) with a 0.8-mm-thick and 14×24 mm2 copper plate with silver coating. The 14×24 mm2 intermediate layer (3) had a thickness of 250 μm and comprised two square 6×6 mm2 gaps (5) with rounded corners. The intermediate layer (3) extended beyond the electrically conductive structure (2) frame-like with a width of 8 mm. The hollow spaces (5) formed, with the electrical connection element (4) and the electrically conductive structure (2), a hollow space (5) that were partially filled with an electrically conductive mass (7) with 68 wt.-% gallium and 22 wt.-% indium. The electrically conductive mass (7) was liquid above −19° C. and was prevented from flowing by the gap. The electrical connection element (4) was durably connected electrically via the electrically conductive mass (7) to the contact region of the electrically conductive structure (2). The electrical connection element (4) was adhered to the glass pane (1) and durably connected mechanically to the glass pane (1) via the part of the intermediate layer (3) extending beyond the electrically conductive structures (2). Because of the liquid state of the electrically conductive mass (7), the mechanical stresses were completely conducted through the intermediate layer (3) and critical forces between the electrical connection element (4) and the glass pane (1) were not observed.
The panes (I) according to the invention last longer compared to the prior art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09180346 | Dec 2009 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2010/068804 | 12/3/2010 | WO | 00 | 4/11/2012 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011/076540 | 6/30/2011 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2924540 | D'Andrea | Feb 1960 | A |
| 3052573 | Dumesnil | Sep 1962 | A |
| 3553833 | Jochim et al. | Jan 1971 | A |
| 3616122 | Orcutt | Oct 1971 | A |
| 4046933 | Stefanik | Sep 1977 | A |
| 4113474 | Okano | Sep 1978 | A |
| 4196338 | Edel | Apr 1980 | A |
| 4388522 | Boaz | Jun 1983 | A |
| 4618088 | Karla | Oct 1986 | A |
| 5391411 | Rowland et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
| 5436412 | Ahmad et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
| 5616173 | Okamoto et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
| 5879206 | Badgley et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
| 6019272 | Badgley et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6024904 | Nanri | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6096411 | Nakatani et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6207259 | Iino et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6261941 | Li et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6492599 | Sugihara | Dec 2002 | B1 |
| 6720499 | Bokisa et al. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
| 6953897 | Marroquin et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
| 6996902 | Suzuki et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
| 7265563 | Cram | Sep 2007 | B2 |
| 20050127895 | Rittmann | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20070278673 | Shih-Ping et al. | Dec 2007 | A1 |
| 20080230254 | Kobayashi et al. | Sep 2008 | A1 |
| 20090159318 | Ikeguchi et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20100294566 | Reul | Nov 2010 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1799285 | Jul 2006 | CN |
| 103 92 500 | May 2005 | DE |
| 10 2007 059 818 | Apr 2009 | DE |
| 2 519 477 | Jul 1983 | FR |
| 1 159 390 | Jul 1969 | GB |
| S60151980 | Aug 1985 | JP |
| H071179 | Jan 1995 | JP |
| 2006523917 | Oct 2006 | JP |
| 2008218399 | Sep 2008 | JP |
| 2009026500 | Feb 2009 | JP |
| 2009054550 | Mar 2009 | JP |
| 03085697 | Oct 2003 | WO |
| 2004068643 | Aug 2004 | WO |
| 2007116088 | Oct 2007 | WO |
| 2009074267 | Jun 2009 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| PCT Search Report for International Application PCT/EP2010/068804 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| PCT Written Opinion issued on Jul. 10, 2012 for International Application PCT/EP2010/068804 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France (English and German). |
| First Office Action issued on Aug. 27, 2013 for Chinese Application 201080058857.9 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| Second Office Action issued on Mar. 21, 2014 for Chinese Application 201080058857.9 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| Third Office Action issued on Aug. 26, 2014 for Chinese Application 201080058857.9 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| First Office Action mailed on Mar. 25, 2014 for Japanese Application 2012-545199 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| Second Office Action mailed on Nov. 11, 2014 for Japanese Application 2012-545199 filed on Dec. 3, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| Search Report for European Application EP 09 18 0346 filed on May 27, 2010 in the name of Saint-Gobain Glass France. |
| “General Guidelines for the use of FERRO Silver pastes” retrieved from the web (http://www.ferro.com/Our+Products/ColorsGlass/Automotive/) on Oct. 26, 2015, 11 pages (PDF file appears dated Oct. 2007). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120205152 A1 | Aug 2012 | US |
