WO2025114229A1

WO2025114229A1 - A window glazing having an electrically conductive connector

Info

Publication number: WO2025114229A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/083496
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank BEKAERT
Original assignee: AGC Glass Europe SA
Current assignee: AGC Glass Europe SA
Priority date: 2023-11-29
Filing date: 2024-11-25
Publication date: 2025-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing (1) comprising at least one glass pane (11), a conductive element (12) provided at least partially on the inner surface of the glass pane (11), at least one feed contact (121) adjacent to the conductive element (12) and in electrical communication with the conductive element (12), a bracket (13) fixed on the glass pane (11) to be next to the feed contact (121), a connector (14) configured to be electrically connected to the feed contact (121), comprising a body (141) attached to the bracket (13).

Description

A WINDOW GLAZING HAVING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE CONNECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector for glass applications especially relevant in electrical assemblies on the surface of glass. More specifically the present invention relates to an electrical connector used for carrying electrical current to a glazing comprising an electrically conductive element comprising a metallic layer or wire. Electrical connector is used to provide energy/power to the conductive element. Even more the present invention relates specifically to an electrical connector for a glazing of a vehicle. Furthermore specifically, the subjectmatter of the invention relates to an electrical connector that is useful to transfer electrical energy to an electrical device of a vehicle, such as but not limited to defogger, defroster, heating grid, antenna, camera, sensors and etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electrical connectors are known in the art for use on glass surfaces, especially in vehicles. The connectors are assembled to and in electrical communication with an electrically conductive layer or wire provided on the glass surface for transferring electrical energy to the electrical device. More specifically, the conductive elements, which generally include silver, are screen printed or deposited on a substrate that is formed from glass, such as a backlite, sidelite, roof or windshield of a vehicle but not limited to such examples. The conductive elements typically extend horizontally across the window panes. The conductive elements can also form electrical devices such as in general defoggers, defrosters, heating grids and antennas and etc.

[0003] The electrical assemblies in vehicles generally experiences harsh conditions on the road. Automotive electronics commonly are exposed to rapid temperature changes as low as - 50 °C to as high as + 120 °C depending on the seasons or continents. The differences in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between different components of the electrical assembly result in residual stresses built up during the temperature fluctuations. Such stresses cause cracking or other damage to the glass substrates or malfunctioning of the electrical devices such as defoggers, defrosters, and antennas because of the connector disconnecting from the conductive element. The residual stresses may also arise from other source such as fatigue or vibrational loads in the service of a vehicle.

[0004] With the ban of lead in soldering applications, different lead-free soldering techniques/materials are arising. However, lead-free soldering still has many issues to be solved in replacement of conventional lead soldering, like requirement of preheating, integration into existing production lines without Capex pressure, time loss in offline application, difficulty of soldering close to other elements.

[0005] However, with rapid growth in the demand for vehicle electronics, more and more connections needed for connections to vehicle glazing and the said requirements from the regulations limit manufacturers. Since the lead-free soldering as mentioned not applicable nor feasible in some cases, solutions without any soldering process are investigated thoroughly. Those defined in the art involve a housing or a box-like structure and spring contacts for the electrical connection, the housing or the box-like structure enables the spring contacts to squeeze and press over the conductive element to ensure a stable electrical connection.

[0006] However, such alternatives also require design changes in the production, mainly all parts of the connector and its counterpart, i.e., the means which the connector is fixed on the glazing, like the bracket used for optical device mounting. Thus, such alternative solution cannot be applied without major design changes.

[0007] Although various solutions proposed as connector replacement to conventional lead soldered connectors for use in the window glazings of vehicles to comply with the regulations, such developments have little applicability without design changes as mentioned. For example, United States Patent Application No. US20190356063 also discloses a connector without soldering. The electrical connection element includes a cover which holds the elastically biasing member in position.

[0008] For example, United States Patent Application No. US20160204524 and US20210043997 also disclose similar solutions for an electrical connector provided on the glass panes. The electrical connectors require a means to cover the connector from the top.

[0009] For example, European Patent No. EP2585291 also discloses a laminated glazing for a vehicle including an electrical connection element provided on the glass panes by using spring-type feed line presses over a conductive layer. The electrical connection element includes a housing is adhesively bonded or clamped on the outer side of at least one of the glass panes.

[0010] For example, United States Patent Application No. US20220295603 also discloses an electrical connector for to be used without solder, which is bonded over the conductive element by adhesives and also covered with a housing from above.

[0011] Although the problem of establishing an electrical connection between the conductive element and the connector has been partially solved in cited prior art, there is still a need for a connector itself for a better utilization of the already used parts which also enables an easy and simple electrical connection.

[0012] Thus, there remains a clear need of finding an appropriate replacement/alternative to conventional connectors for a more affordable, steady and simple. Underlying motivation is to find a connector solution without any design change or with a minimal design change, and further operate without degradation for a long- lasting operation, and further ability to provide stable connections to the glass substrate, and further facilitate more applications for vehicles by improving utilization efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides an electrical connector for a glazing. The glazing includes at least one glass pane. The present invention also provides the glazing including the electrical connector and a vehicle including the glazing. The present invention relates, in another aspect, to usage of a such connector in glass applications. The present invention also relates, in another aspect, to utilization of a such glazing in automotive industry. An electrical connector and an electrically conductive element such as a layer or a wire provided on the substrate may form an electrical device or at least some part of the electrical device. The connector is operatively connected to and in electrical communication with the conductive element for transferring electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0014] The connector of the present invention is suitable for a glazing comprising at least one glass pane and an electrically conductive element provided on at least a portion of the glass pane and the connector is to be attached or connected to the conductive element to be in electrical communication, and the connector comprises at least a leg portion which is to be pressed to the conductive element on glass surface and enabling the current passing through from cables to conductive element, and a body fixed to a means for mounting optical devices like the camera bracket. Depending on the dimensions in the intended applications, the leg portion may have different properties.

[0015] The glazing of the present invention comprises at least one glass pane, an electrically conductive element, feed contacts for providing energy to the conductive element, a bracket fixed next to the feed contacts and the said connector pressing over the feed contact. Connection cables may be attached to the connector body, even the conventional body used in existing applications may be used thanks to the present invention. The leg portion then extends from the body and presses firmly over the feed contacts without any part that squeezing the leg portion above. That also allows the better utilization of the glass surfaces by enabling stable connections in a predetermined area/volume. However, as will be detailed later on, the connector of the present invention can also be used where an electrical connection is needed on the glass surface.

[0016] The present invention also relates to the structural and electrical properties of a connector, more specifically materials that made of the leg portion of the connector and even more shape of the leg portion. The present invention relates, in another aspect, to usage of such electrical connectors on glass panes. The present invention provides a connector which can withstand to high mechanical stress and large thermal fluctuations. The proposed connectors are superior in structural properties such as strength and stability and enabling elimination of the said difficulties. As a result of the leg portion provides itself the electrical connection to the feed contact, a considerable reduction of the required design changes and also ability to use of existing parts like the body of the connector and bracket, are realized. Furthermore, the present invention provides a connector more stable in wide range of conditions, more rigidity and more flexural strength to the joint assembly of the substrate with electrically conductive element and the connector. The connector of the present invention finds itself a wide range of applications like heating grids, antennas or glass break sensors used in vehicles or camera heating applications which require more than one contact to the glass substrate. In addition to all above, the present invention provides a connector with said properties in a cost-efficient way.

[0017] The present invention further concerns providing a unique (tailor-made) solution for glass substrates in automotive industry such as vehicle comprising such an assembly comprising the pane, electrical device and the connector not to mechanically fail abruptly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will now be described further, byway of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples.

[0019] Fig.1 illustrates a glazing according to present invention, while Fig.2 illustrates the connector attached over the bracket.

Fig.3 illustrates the top view of the connector and the bracket, and Fig.4 illustrates a cross section view of the glazing of the present invention.

[0020] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

I . Glazing

I I . Glass pane

12. Conductive element

121. Feed contact

13. Bracket

14. Connector

141. Body

142. Leg portion

15. Opening

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0022] While some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0023] As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression “substantially” mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0024] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1 , and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0025] Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g., "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeably used in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0027] “connector” and “electrical connector” and “electrically conductive connector” are used interchangeably throughout the text, “pane” and “window pane” and “glass pane” and “glazing” and “laminated glazing” are used interchangeably throughout the text, “in electrical communication” or “in an electrically communicated manner” throughout the text is to be understood as electrical current can flow between the mentioned two elements regardless of having an actual physical contact.

[0028] Referring the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a glazing (1 ) is generally shown per se, and it can be utilized on a vehicle or alike. The glazing (1 ) comprises at least one glass pane (11 ). The glass pane (11 ) is further defined as an automotive glass but not limited to. In a preferred embodiment, the automotive glass is further defined as soda lime silica glass, which is well known for use in window glazing (1 ) of vehicles. However, it is to be appreciated that the glass may be any type of glass composition or in any shape that is known in the art like the borosilicate, quartz, flat or curved or float or etc.

[0029] In different embodiments of the present invention, the glass pane (11 ) is glass which can be made of (mineral) glass, more specifically a silica-based glass, such as soda-lime-silica, alumino-silicate or boro-silicate type glass or other material or shape types like quartz, flat or curved or float or etc.

[0030] The present invention proposes an alternative electrical connection to a glazing (1 ) formed from glass to be utilized in a vehicle and more preferably on a laminated glazing but not limited to. A vehicle should be understood as any conveyor that transfers anything from point a to point b which includes any land, air or sea vehicles like car, van, lorry, motorbike, bus, tram, train, drone, airplane, helicopter and the like.

[0031] In another embodiment, the glazing (1) may be a laminated glazing. A laminated glazing refers to at least two sheets of glass (11 ) being laminated with an interlayer. The sheets of glass can be made of (mineral) glass, more specifically a silica-based glass, such as soda-lime-silica, alumino-silicate or boro-silicate type glass. The interlayer is usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). However, as mentioned above the present invention is not limited to laminated glazings.

[0032] An electrically conductive element (12) is applied across a region of the glass pane (11 ) such that the conductive element (12) is on at least a portion of the glass pane (11 ). The conductive element (12) is on the inner face of the glazing (1 ), by inner face, it should be understood as the P4 for laminated glazings or the P2 for single glazings as used in the nomenclature of vehicle glazings. The conductive element (12) may be like conductive thin wires (1 D) applied over the glass pane (11 ) or like conductive layers (2D) over the glass pane (11 ). Preferably, the conductive element (12) includes silver, however, it is to be appreciated that other conductive metals like copper may also be suitable for the conductive element (12). The conductive element (12) may be formed on a surface of the glass sheet (11 ) by sintering a silver paste containing a silver powder and a glass frit and which can also be deposited or painted or printed on the glazing (1 ) surface or by any method as long as providing an electrically conductive element (12) on the surface of the glass pane (11 ). The electrically conductive element (12) may be visible on the window glazing (1) and typically comprises lines that extend horizontally across the window glazing (1 ) but also it can be transparent electrically conductive element (12). The conductive element (12) is preferably part of an electrical device like a defogger, defroster, antenna, heating grid, sensors, camera heating elements, glass break sensors or combination thereof. However, the conductive element (12) may serve any function known in the art for such conductive elements (12).

[0033] In different embodiments, the conductive element (12) on the glass pane (11 ) may be equipped with conductive wires and/or two-dimensional conductive layers depending on the intended applications. The conductive wires are placed vertically, but they can also be placed horizontally or along any other orientation over the glass pane (11 ).

[0034] In other embodiments the conductive element (12) in the present invention may be screen printed or deposited by physical or chemical vapor deposition techniques or simply painted on the surface(s) of the glass pane (11 ). In some other embodiments, the conductive element (12) may comprise one or more of the following materials such as but not limited to C, Graphene, Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, or W.

[0035] In other embodiments of the present invention, the glazing (1) further comprising an optically transparent opening (15) covering at least a portion of the conductive layer (12). Such transparent openings (15) are used for optical devices like camera or rain sensor and so on since such optical devices requires a transparent substrate/medium for reliable operation. In a version of this embodiment, the conductive element (12) may be used as heating/defrosting of the opening area (15), independent from rest of the glazing (1 ).

[0036] In other embodiments of the present invention, the glazing (1 ) comprises at least one feed contact (121) adjacent to the conductive element (12) and in electrical communication with the conductive element (12). The feed contact (121 ) is used for providing electricity to the conductive element (12), in different embodiments, the feed contacts (121 ) may be called busbars. The feed contact (121 ) is located next to the conductive element (12), providing in electrical communication with the conductive element (12), therefore the term “adjacent” or “next to” should be understood as in electrical communication with the conductive element (12) in this context. The conventional use of feed contacts (121 ) is with soldering the connector (14) to the feed contacts (121 ). In a version of this embodiment, the feed contact (121 ) may be a part of the conductive element (12).

[0037] The shape of the feed contacts (121) can be round-shaped or rectangularshaped or oval-shaped depending on the intended applications in different embodiments. In some other embodiments, the shape of the feed contact (121) is independent from the conductive element (12), i.e., shape/design/pattern of the conductive element (12) relates to the intended function and the shape/design/pattern of the feed contact (121 ) relates to ease of electrical connection. For the sake of the nature of the invention, the shape of the feed contact (121 ) is not utmost important.

[0038] Referring to figures 2 to 4, an electrical connector (14) is operatively connected to and in electrical communication with the conductive element (12), specifically in Fig.2 the connector (14) is connected to two different feed contact (121 ). Together, the conductive element (12) and the connector (14) may form an electrical device or some part of it as mentioned above. The connector (14) is aimed to transfer electric current or a signal between the electrical device and the conductive element (12) provided on the glass pane (11). The current or signal is carried over electrically conductive cables (not shown) which are in electrical communication with the connector (14) of the present invention.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (1 ) comprising a bracket (13) fixed on the glass pane (11 ) to be next to the feed contact (121 ). The bracket (13) in various embodiments may be used for mounting optical elements onto the glazing (1 ). Conventionally, the bracket (13) is also called as camera bracket or sensor bracket in the art since the bracket (13) may serve mounting purposes of the optical devices and mostly it is made of plastic or alike materials. The bracket (13) may overlap with the conductive element (12), for the sake of invention, that is not utmost important, however, the bracket (13) and the feed contact (121 ) should be next to each other, the distance inbetween is preferably less than 10 cm, logically the feed contact (121 ) should be achievable to provide electrical connection. In the present invention, the bracket (13) is used at least for the mounting of the connector (14), which will be described below.

[0040] The connector (14) of the present invention is for a glazing (1 ) comprising at least one glass pane (11 ) and a conductive element (12) provided on at least a portion of the glass pane (11 ) and the connector (14) is to be connected to the conductive element (12) in electrical communication, i.e. , configured to be electrically connected to the feed contact (121 ) and wherein the connector (14) comprises a body (141) attached to the bracket (13) and at least one leg portion (142) to be in electrical communication with the feed contact (121 ). The connector (14) of the present invention, therefore, is a connector (14) mounted over the bracket (13) and the leg portions (142) are providing electrical communication to at least one feed contact (121 ) and indirectly to conductive element (12). In a version of this embodiment, the connector (14) is comprising a socket/plug for the cables to be plugged, thus the connector (14) provides electrical connection to the conductive element (12) by being fixed to the bracket (13), the bracket (13) functions as a support for the connector (14) and the cables are then plugged to the connector (14) through the plug/socket.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector (14) comprises the leg portion (142) pressing upon the feed contact (121 ) in a pretensioned way to facilitate a stable connection between the feed contact (121 ) and the connector (14) as exemplified in Fig. 2 - 4. Since the body (141 ) of the connector (14) is fixed to the bracket (13), the leg portion (142) is like a cantilever extending from the body (141) and pressing upon the feed contact (121 ). The leg portion (142) is pretensioned, i.e. , when the body (141 ) of the connector (14) is fixed to the bracket (13), the leg portion (142) provides an unbreakable electrical connection with the feed contact (121 ). The leg portion (142) extends from the body (141 ), and is pivoted by the body (141 ) therefore, the leg portion (142) does not require a support from the top, i.e., a force application means from above. In another embodiment, the leg portion (142) has a foot (not shown) to provide a larger surface area for the electrical connection with the feed contact (121 ). Thus, the leg portion (142) is part of the connector (14).

[0042] In other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) extending from the body (141 ) almost parallel to the glass pane (11 ). As mentioned in the above embodiment, the leg portion (142) is extending from the body (141) parallelly to the glass pane (11 ) to provide a pressurized physical contact over the feed contact (121 ), the required support/force is provided by the fixed body (141 ) and pretensioned leg portion (142). The leg portion (142) being parallel to the glass pane (11 ) provides that the electrical connection realized within a minimized thickness/height as in the conventional connectors, therefore no need to change already used brackets (13) and so on.

[0043] In other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) may extend from the body (141 ) in a direction perpendicular to the glass pane (11 ). In this embodiment, the glazing (1 ) may be a roof of a vehicle and the feed contacts (121) may be provided on the edge of the glass pane (11 ). The bracket (13) in this case may have an elongated shape, i.e., having a certain thickness that allowing the leg portion (142) to extend perpendicular to the glass pane (11 ). Such configuration allows to provide electrical connection without soldering to the glazings aligned horizontally. [0044] In other embodiments of the present invention, the body (141 ) of the connector (14) is clipped/attached/fixed to the bracket (13) by sliding parallel to the glass pane (11 ). Such fixation of the body (141 ) is quite advantageous that reduces tolerances of the positioning of the connector (14) in the direction perpendicular to the glazing (1 ). In other words, since the required fixation force of the body (141 ) is parallel to the glazing (1 ) and the leg portion (142) presses to the feed contacts (121 ) in a direction perpendicular to the glazing (1 ), that allows simple fixation of the connector (14) without bearing the robustness/durability of the electrical connection of the leg portion (142) to the feed contacts (121 ), i.e. the way of fixing the connector (14) to the bracket (13) also reduces pressure tolerances of the leg portion (142) and ensures permanent contact inbetween the leg portion (142) and the feed contacts (121 ).

[0045] In other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) is shaped to bias against the feed contact (121 ). In one version of the current embodiment, the leg portion (142) is shaped like a leg of a cricket, meaning extending parallelly from the body (141 ) and then having a wide angle bent to press over the feed contact (121 ). With the shape of the leg portion (142), when the connector (14) is fixed on the bracket (13), a reliable electrical connection is de facto provided.

[0046] In other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) is made of conductive material having enough rigidity and flexibility. To provide a reliable electrical connection which is not affected by the vibrations and so on, a substantially rigid and also flexible material is chosen for the leg portion (142). The leg portion (142) should be flexible enough to ensure permanent electrical connection and also rigid enough to ensure required pressure applied over the feed contacts (121 ). In different embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of the leg portion (142) is in the range of 100 to 200 GPa, more preferably in the range of 110 to 150 GPa. In other versions of this embodiment, the material of the leg portion (142) can be any conductive material having higher tensile strength/rigidity to enable stability of the electrical connection.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, the leg portion (142) is made of an alloy material comprising copper, nickel and silicon, such alloy provides the required flexibility and strength for the leg portion (142) and also being electrically conductive. In different versions of this embodiment, the leg portion (142) may also comprise silver. [0048] In the other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) is magnetic. The strength of the electrical connection is improved by the leg portion (142) being magnetic. Apart from the pressure force induced contact, with this embodiment, magnetic force induced contact is introduced to the electrical connection inbetween the feed contact (121 ) and the leg portion (142). The leg portion (142) may be converted to being magnetic by the conventional methods in the art, such as coating with a magnetic material.

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, the leg portion (142) comprises anti-scratch coating. The anti-scratch coating prevents the leg portion (142) to scratch the conductive element (12) due to vibrations and so on. Such anti-scratch coating may be applied by silver coating onto the leg portion (142).

[0050] In other embodiments of the present invention, cables from an electrical source such as the control unit or alike, are plugged to the connector (14), especially to the plug/socket of the body (141 ) but not limited to, the said connection can also be done via any other conventional methods like spot welding, ultrasonic bonding or regular soldering or gluing conductively or any other method, i.e., at least one electrical contact element is realized to the connector (14) from an electrical source.

[0051] The present invention also proposes a vehicle comprising at least one glazing (1 ) as described previously. In a preferred embodiment, the glazing (1 ) is a windshield or a sidelite or a backlite or a roof of a vehicle or any surface where glass is utilized.

[0052] The present invention also proposes the usage of an electrical connector (14) with a pre-tensioned leg portion (142) as described above in detail as current/signal carrier to any electrically conductive element (12) provided on a glass pane (11 ) for glazings (1). As described above in detail that usage of a such connector (14) on glass surfaces provides a solution for the electrical connection without the requirement of a design change for the used brackets (13), sockets and the manufacturing methods.

[0053] The present invention also proposes the usage of a such glazing (1 ) described above in detail in and/or for automotive applications. Applications of such a glazing (1) is not limited to just automotive industry, the glazing (1) can be used for internal and external windows of buildings and so on.

[0054] With the glazing (1 ) of the present invention, a simple solution for an electrical connector (14) is achieved on the surface of a glazing (1 ) comprising at least one glass pane (11 ), a conductive element (12) over at least part of the glazing (1 ), therefore the connector (14) may be equipped with a conventional body (141 ) used for such connectors (14) and the leg portion(142) is adapted to press over the feed contact (121 ). The connector (14) of the present invention provides better utilization of the limited volume and a stable electrical connection without use of solder, that makes compatibility for a wide range of applications on glass surfaces. In general, the connector (14) of the present invention is suitable to be used in applications on glass where mainly the conventional solutions are impractical to use due to limited space, more specifically to be integrated into existing production lines. [0055] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1 . A glazing (1 ) comprising at least one glass pane (11 ), a conductive element (12) provided at least partially on the inner surface of the glass pane (11 ), at least one feed contact (121) adjacent to the conductive element (12) and in electrical communication with the conductive element (12), a bracket (13) fixed on the glass pane (11 ) to be next to the feed contact (121 ), a connector (14) configured to be electrically connected to the feed contact (121 ), comprising a body (141) attached to the bracket (13), characterized in that the connector (14) further comprises at least one leg portion (142) presses upon the feed contact (121 ) in a pretensioned way.

2. A glazing (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the leg portion (142) extending from the body (141 ) almost parallel to the glass pane (11 ).

3. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the leg portion (142) is shaped to bias against the feed contact (121 ).

4. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the leg portion (142) is in the range of 100 to 200 GPa, more preferably in the range of 110 to 150 GPa.

5. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the leg portion (142) is made of an alloy material comprising copper, nickel and silicon.

6. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the leg portion (142) is magnetic.

7. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the leg portion (142) comprises anti-scratch coating.

8. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the bracket (13) is used for mounting optical devices to the glazing (1 ).

9. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the body (141 ) is attached to the bracket (13) by sliding parallelly to the glazing (1 ).

10. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the conductive element (12) is used for heating/defogging of at least part of the glazing (1 ).

11. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the glazing (1) further comprising an optically transparent opening (15) covering at least a portion of the conductive element (12).

12. A glazing (1 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein the body (141) comprising a plug/socket for the cabling means.

13. Use of an electrical connector (14) according to any of claims 1 to 12 as a current carrier to at least one electrically conductive element (12) provided on a glazing