GLAZING HAVING AN RFID TRANSPONDER

Abstract

A glazing includes a frame made of a metallic first frame element, a metallic second frame element, and a polymeric third frame element connecting the frame elements at least in some sections, a glazing unit arranged in the frame, and a RFID transponder having a dipole antenna or a slot antenna and an operating frequency f, wherein the frame surrounds the end faces of the glazing unit and, at the same time, covers the RFID transponder in the viewing direction through the glazing unit, a distance D between the center of the dipole antenna or the center of the slot antenna and the nearest adjacent corner of the glazing unit is from 40% to 100% of a vacuum wavelength lambda corresponding to the operating frequency f, and the RFID transponder is arranged on an interior-side surface of the frame.

Claims

1. A glazing, comprising: a frame made of a metallic first frame element, a metallic second frame element, and a polymeric third frame element connecting the metallic first and second frame elements at least in some sections, a glazing unit arranged in the frame, and at least one RFID transponder having a dipole antenna or a slot antenna and an operating frequency f, wherein the frame surrounds end faces of the glazing unit and, at the same time, covers the at least one RFID transponder in a viewing direction through the glazing unit, a distance D between a center of the dipole antenna or a center of the slot antenna and a nearest adjacent corner of the glazing unit is from 40% to 100% of a vacuum wavelength lambda corresponding to the operating frequency f, and the at least one RFID transponder is arranged on an interior-side surface of the frame.

2. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one RFID transponder is a UHF RFID transponder.

3. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the distance D is from 60% to 100% of the vacuum wavelength lambda.

4. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the dipole antenna or the slot antenna is arranged on a dielectric carrier element.

5. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the glazing unit includes or consists of a single pane, a composite pane, a fire-resistant glazing unit, or an insulating glazing unit and the insulating glazing unit comprises at least one spacer, which is formed perimetrally into a spacer frame and delimits an inner region, a first glass pane, which is arranged on a pane contact surface of the spacer frame and a second glass pane, which is arranged on a second pane contact surface of the spacer frame, and the first and second glass panes protrude beyond the spacer frame, and an outer region is formed, which is filled, at least in some sections, with a sealing element.

6. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one RFID transponder is arranged on an interior-side end face of the frame or an interior-side surface of the first or the second frame element that is arranged parallel to large surfaces of the glazing unit.

7. The glazing according to claim 6, wherein the at least one RFID transponder is arranged on the polymeric third frame element.

8. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the slot antenna has a main body that is a sheet or foil main body.

9. The glazing according to claim 8, wherein the main body has a width BG of 10 mm to 80 mm and/or a length LG of 25 mm to 200 mm and/or a thickness DG of 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm.

10. The glazing according to claim 8, wherein the main body contains or consists of a metallized polymer film or a self-supporting metal foil.

11. The glazing according to claim 10, wherein the metallization of the polymer film has a thickness of 10 μm to 200 μm and the metal foil has a thickness of 0.02 mm.

12. The glazing according to claim 7, wherein the main body has at least one slot.

13. The glazing according to claim 12, wherein the slot has a width BS of 0.2 mm to 20 mm and/or a length LS of 20 mm to 180 mm.

14. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein RFID electronics are galvanically connected and/or electromagnetically coupled to the slot antenna.

15. The glazing according to claim 14, wherein the RFID electronics are galvanically connected and/or electromagnetically coupled to the slot antenna centrally or in an end region or therebetween relative to a direction of extension of the slot.

16. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the glazing unit has a rectangular shape and has at least four RFID transponders and in each case at least one RFID transponder is arranged at a distance D from a respective corner of the glazing unit.

17. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the glazing unit has a rectangular shape and has exactly two RFID transponders, which are arranged at a distance D from two corners diagonally opposite relative to the glazing unit.

18. A method comprising providing an RFID transponder as an identification element in a glazing according to claim 1.

19. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the glazing is a façade glazing, a window, a door, or an interior partition.

20. The glazing according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric third frame element connects the metallic first and second frame elements completely perimetrally.

Description

[0114] Advantages and functionalities of the invention are also evident from the following description of exemplary embodiments and aspects of the invention with reference to the figures. The drawings are purely schematic representations and not to scale. They in no way restrict the invention. They depict:

[0115] FIG. 1A a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

[0116] FIG. 1B a detailed view (plan view) of a detail of the glazing with an insulating glazing unit of FIG. 1A,

[0117] FIG. 1C a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of the glazing in a sectional plane parallel to the end face of the insulating glazing unit of FIG. 1A,

[0118] FIG. 2 a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0119] FIG. 3 a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0120] FIG. 4 a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0121] FIG. 5 a greatly simplified representation of a plan view of a glazing according to the invention.

[0122] FIG. 6 measurement results of the turn-on power as a function of the irradiated frequency of a glazing according to the invention compared to a prior art glazing,

[0123] FIG. 7A a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0124] FIG. 7B a detailed view (plan view) of a detail of the glazing with an insulating glazing unit of FIG. 7A,

[0125] FIG. 7C a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of the glazing in a sectional plane parallel to the end face of the insulating glazing unit of FIG. 7A,

[0126] FIG. 8A a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0127] FIG. 8B a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of a glazing in a sectional plane parallel to the end face of the insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment,

[0128] FIG. 9 a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of a glazing in a sectional plane parallel to the end face of the insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment,

[0129] FIG. 10 a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing with an insulating glazing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0130] FIG. 11A a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

[0131] FIG. 11B a plan view of a detail of the edge region of a glazing in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 11A, and

[0132] FIG. 11C a detailed view (perspective representation) of a slot antenna according to the invention.

[0133] In the figures as well as the following description, the glazing units as well as the glazings and the individual components are in each case identified with the same or similar reference numbers, regardless of the fact that the specific embodiments differ.

[0134] FIG. 1A depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 according to the invention with an insulating glazing unit 1.

[0135] It goes without saying that the glazing 2 can also have one or a plurality of glazing units comprising a single pane, a composite pane, or a fire-resistant glazing unit, in particular with an intumescent layer. All embodiments shown here apply in isolation and in combination to all types of glazing units.

[0136] FIG. 1B depicts a detailed view (plan view) of a detail of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 1A with a viewing direction in accordance with the arrow A of FIG. 1A.

[0137] FIG. 1C depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of the glazing 2 in a sectional plane parallel to the end face 14 of the insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 1A with a viewing direction along the arrow B of FIG. 1A.

[0138] The insulating glazing unit 1 comprises, in this embodiment, two glass panes 4a and 4b. These are held at a predetermined distance by a spacer 5 placed between the glass panes 4a, 4b near the end face 14 of the insulating glazing unit 1. The main body of the spacer 5 is made, for example, of glass-fiber-reinforced styrene acrylonitrile (SAN).

[0139] FIG. 1B depicts a schematic plan view of the insulating glazing unit 1 in a viewing direction indicated by the arrow A. FIG. 1B therefore depicts the second glass pane 4b lying on top.

[0140] Multiple spacers 5 (here, for example, four) are routed along the side edges of the glass panes 4a, 4b and form a spacer frame 5′. The pane contact surfaces of the spacers 5, i.e., the contact surfaces of the spacers 5 with the glass panes 4a, 4b, are bonded in each case to the glass panes 4a or 4b and thus mechanically fixed and sealed. The adhesive bond is made, for example, of polyisobutylene or butyl rubber. The inner surface of the spacer frame 5′ delimits, together with the glass panes 4a, 4b, an inner region 12.

[0141] The spacer 5 is usually hollow (not shown) and filled with a desiccant (not shown), which binds, via small interior-side openings (likewise not shown), any moisture that has penetrated into the inner region 12. The desiccant contains, for example, molecular sieves such as natural and/or synthetic zeolites. The inner region 12 between the glass panes 4a and 4b is filled, for example, with a noble gas, such as argon.

[0142] The glass panes 4a, 4b usually protrude beyond the spacer frame 5′ on all sides such that the outer surface of the spacer 5 and the outer sections of the glass panes 4a, 4b form an outer region 13. A sealing element (sealing profile) 6 is introduced into this outer region 13 of the insulating glazing unit 1 between the glass panes 4a and 4b and outside the spacer 5. This is shown here in simplified form as a single piece. In practice, it usually comprises two components, one of which seals the contact surface between the spacer 5 and the glass panes 4a, 4b and protects against penetrating moisture and external influences. The second component of the sealing element 6 additionally seals and mechanically stabilizes the insulating glazing unit 1. The sealing element 6 is, for example, formed from an organic polysulfide.

[0143] An insulation film (not shown here), which reduces the heat transfer through the polymeric spacer 5 into the inner region 12, is applied, for example, on the outer surface of the spacer 5, i.e., on the side of the spacer 5 facing the outer region 13. The insulation film can, for example, be attached to the polymeric spacer 5 with a polyurethane hot-melt adhesive. The insulation film includes, for example, three polymeric layers of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness of 12 μm and three metallic layers made of aluminum with a thickness of 50 nm. The metallic layers and the polymeric layers are attached alternatingly in each case, with the two outer plies formed by polymeric layers. In other words, the layer sequence consists of a polymeric layer, followed by a metallic layer, followed by an adhesive layer, followed by a polymeric layer, followed by a metallic layer, followed by an adhesive layer, followed by a metallic layer, followed by a polymeric layer.

[0144] As already mentioned, the main body of the spacer 5 is made, for example, of glass-fiber-reinforced styrene acrylonitrile (SAN). By means of the selection of the glass fiber content in the spacer main body, its coefficient of thermal expansion can be varied and adjusted. By adjusting the coefficient of thermal expansion of the spacer main body and of the insulation film, temperature-induced stresses between the different materials and flaking of the insulation film can be avoided. The spacer main body has, for example, a glass fiber content of 35%. The glass fiber content in the spacer main body simultaneously improves strength and stability.

[0145] The first glass pane 4a and the second glass pane 4b are made, for example, of soda lime glass with a thickness of 3 mm and have, for example, dimensions of 1000 mm×1200 mm. It goes without saying that each insulating glazing unit 1 depicted in this and the following exemplary embodiments can also have three or more glass panes.

[0146] The glazing 2 further comprises a frame 3 that is, for example, U-shaped. In this example, the frame 3 comprises a first metallic frame element 3.1 that is connected to a second metallic frame element 3.2 via a polymeric, electrically insulating third frame element 3.3. In this example, the first and second frame elements 3.1, 3.2 are L-shaped. Consequently, the frame 3 surrounds the end face 14 of the insulating glazing unit 1 in the shape of a U. The sections of the first and second frame elements extending parallel to the large surfaces of the glass panes 4a, 4b are implemented such that they completely cover at least the outer region 13 with the sealing element 6 and the spacer frames 5′ in the viewing direction (arrow A) through the insulating glazing unit 1.

[0147] The frame 3 surrounds all end faces 14 of the insulating glazing 1 and forms a closed border. The distance A between the end face 14 of the insulating glazing unit 1 and the interior-side end face of the frame 3 is, for example, approx. 4 mm. The insulating glazing unit 1 is arranged on carriers (not shown here), in particular on plastic carriers or carrier elements electrically insulated by plastics. Furthermore, an elastomer profile 7 is arranged in each case between the metallic frame elements 3.1, 3.2 and the glass panes 4a, 4b such that the insulating glazing unit 1 is firmly held within the frame 3. The elastomer profile 7 has, for example, a thickness of 6.5 mm and fixes the distance between the respective frame elements 3.1, 3.2 and the glass panes 4a, 4b.

[0148] The glazing of FIG. 1A to 1C is, by way of example, provided with an RFID transponder 9 that is arranged on the second frame element 3.2. The RFID transponder 9 is arranged within the frame 3 and there on the inner surface of the second frame element 3.2, which runs parallel to the large surfaces of the glass panes 4a and 4b. It goes without saying that the RFID transponder 9 can also be arranged at other positions within the frame 3, for example, at one of the inner end faces of the frame elements 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 or at the inner surface of the first frame element 3.1, which extends parallel to the large surfaces of the glass panes 4a and 4b. In this case, the arrangement of the RFID transponder 9 on one of the metallic frame elements 3.1, 3.2 is preferable due to better signal coupling and decoupling.

[0149] The operating frequency f of the RFID transponder is in the UHF range and is, for example, around 866.6 MHz, which corresponds to a vacuum wavelength lambda of 34.6 cm.

[0150] Distances D according to the invention between the center 17 of the dipole antenna 9.1 and the nearest adjacent corner 20 of the glazing unit are in the range from 40% to 100% of the vacuum wavelength lambda, i.e., for a vacuum wavelength lambda of 34.6 cm in the range from 13.8 cm (=40% of 34.6 cm) to 34.6 cm (=100% of 34.6 cm). For example, the distance D is 80% of the vacuum wavelength lambda and thus 27.7 cm (=80% of 34.6 cm).

[0151] The example shown is an RFID transponder 9, in which the dipole antenna 9.1 is arranged on a dielectric carrier body 9.2. This is necessary because the second frame element 3.2 is electrically conductive. Without a dielectric carrier body 9.2, the dipole antenna 9.1 would be arranged directly on an electrically conductive surface and thus “short circuited”. By using an RFID transponder 9 with a dielectric carrier body 9.2 (a so-called “on-metal” RFID transponder), the short-circuit can be avoided.

[0152] FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0153] FIG. 2 depicts a modified design that largely has the elements and the structure of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 1A-C. Thus, the same reference numbers are used as there and the structure is not described again here.

[0154] The insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 2 differs from FIGS. 1A and 1C in that, here, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged directly on the inner end face of the third frame element 3.3. It goes without saying that it can also be arranged on the inner end face of the first frame element 3.1 or of the second frame element 3.2.

[0155] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0156] FIG. 3 depicts a modified design that largely has the elements and the structure of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 1A-C. Thus, the same reference numbers are used as there and the structure is not described again here.

[0157] In the embodiment shown here, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged in the sealing element 6 within the outer region 13 of the insulating glazing unit 1 and directly on the outer side of the spacer frame 5.

[0158] FIG. 4 depicts another modified design that likewise largely has the elements and structure of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 1A-C. Thus, the same reference numbers are used as there and the structure is not described again here.

[0159] In the embodiment shown here, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged directly on the outer surface of the glass pane 4A [sic].

[0160] FIG. 5 depicts a greatly simplified schematic plan view of a glazing according to the invention, wherein only the glazing unit using the example of an insulating glazing unit 1 and two RFID transponders 9 are shown, and the frame 3 has been blanked out. The glazing has a first corner 20.1 and a second corner 20.2, which are situated diagonally opposite one another relative to the glass panes 4a,4b of the insulating glazing unit 1.

[0161] The insulating glazing 1 is, for example, rectangular in shape, with the horizontal, i.e., the top and bottom, sides longer than the vertical sides. The RFID transponders 9 are arranged, for example, corresponding to FIG. 4, directly on the insulating glazing 1.

[0162] One of the RFID transponders 9 is arranged at the lower edge of the insulating glazing 1, with the distance D1 between the center 17 of the dipole antenna 9.1 of the RFID transponder 9 arranged at the lower edge and the first corner 20.1 being 30 cm in this example.

[0163] A second RFID transponder 9 is arranged at the upper edge of the insulating glazing 1, with the distance D2 between the center 17 of the dipole antenna 9.1 arranged at the upper edge and the second corner 20.2 likewise being 30 cm in this example. It goes without saying that the distances D1 and D2 of the RFID transponders 9 within the region according to the invention can be selected independently of each other and need not be identical.

[0164] Modern insulating glazings 1 often have coatings that reduce the transmittance of thermal radiation, particularly in one direction. Such insulating glazings 1 have a front and a back side that must be arranged in a particular installation position relative to the radiation source (for example, the sun). The arrangement of two RFID transponders 9 at diagonally opposite corners 20.1,20.2 shown in FIG. 5 has the particular advantage that the correct installation relative to the front and back side of the insulating glazing 1 can be verified simply by checking whether the RFID transponders 9 are situated in the region of the specified corners 20.1, 20.2. The correct installation is independent of a rotation by 180° about an axis perpendicular to the large surfaces of the insulating glazing unit, i.e., of interchanging the upper and lower edge. Thus, for example, with correct installation of the RFID transponders 9 in the respective lower right corner 20.1 and the upper left corner 20.2 and with an insulation in which the front and back side of the glazing are reversed, the RFID transponders 9 are in the respective lower left corner and the upper right corner.

[0165] FIG. 6 depicts measurement results on a glazing 2 according to the invention and a prior art glazing with a passive UHF RFID transponder 9 in each case. The glazing has, for example, an area of 1.8 m×0.5 m. The RFID transponders 9 were arranged on the longer side in each case.

[0166] In the glazing 2 according to the invention, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged in a first position Pos1. Here, the distance D according to the invention from the center 17 of the dipole antenna 9.1 to the nearest corner 20 is 30 cm.

[0167] In the prior art comparative example, an RFID transponder 9 in a second position Pos2 in the center of the pane has a distance of 90 cm from the two nearest corners.

[0168] The turn-on power P, i.e., the necessary power irradiated in from the outside that is required for the operation of the passive RFID transponder 9, minus the typical distance-dependent attenuation of the signal in a vacuum, was measured. The turn-on power P was measured as a function of the irradiated frequency f.sub.ein. The vertical dashed line depicts the frequency range permitted in the European Union for UHF RFID applications from 865 Hz to 869 MHz.

[0169] The measurement results are to be interpreted to mean that the lower the required turn-on power, the greater the range for reading the RFID transponder with a commercially available and practical RFID reader.

[0170] The required power radiated in is, in the case of an RFID transponder that is situated at the position Pos1 according to the invention, as much as 9 times less than in the case of an RFID transponder at position Pos2 according to the prior art.

[0171] For example, the turn-on power at a frequency of of 866 MHz with an RFID transponder at position Pos1 is: −6 dBm (≈0.25 mW) and at position Pos2: 2.7 dBm (z 1.86 mW).

[0172] The measurement clearly shows that positioning the RFID transponder 9 at a distance D according to the invention is advantageous compared to positioning according to the prior art.

[0173] FIG. 7A depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of another glazing 2 according to the invention with an insulating glazing unit 1.

[0174] FIG. 7B depicts a detailed view (plan view) of a detail of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 7A with a viewing direction according to the arrow A of FIG. 7A.

[0175] FIG. 7C depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of the glazing 2 in a sectional plane parallel to the end face 14 of the insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 7A with a viewing direction along the arrow B of FIG. 7A.

[0176] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C correspond substantially in their structure to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, such that only the differences will be discussed in the following. In particular. the reference characters correspond.

[0177] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, a coupling element 10, made, for example, of a 0.1-mm-thick electrically conductive foil, for example, of an aluminum foil, is arranged on the inner end face 14 of the frame. Here, the coupling element 10 extends, for example, from the inner end face 14 of the first frame element 3.1 over the inner end face 14 of the third frame element 3.3, and over the inner end face 14 of the second frame element 3.2.

[0178] Here, the coupling element 10 can be arranged directly on the frame elements 3.1,3.2,3.3 (not shown in the figures here). This configuration is particularly simple and economical to produce.

[0179] Alternatively, an insulation layer 8 made, for example, of a polymeric film is arranged between the coupling element 10 and the respective sections of the frame elements 3.1,3.2,3.3. The polymeric film consists, for example, of a 0.16-mm-thick polyimide film. It goes without saying that the insulation layer 8 can also be part of an electrically insulating coating on one or both sides of the coupling element 10.

[0180] Moreover, the coupling element 10 is guided around the inner corner of the second frame element 3.2 on the inside relative to the frame 3 and formed in a region 10.1 of the coupling element 10 along the inner surface of the second frame element 3.2, which runs parallel to the large surfaces of the glass panes 4a and 4b. The coupling element 10 is arranged in this region 10.1K between the RFID transponder 9 and the second frame element 3.2. Moreover, the coupling element 10 is electromagnetically coupled to the RFID transponder 10 in this region 10.1K.

[0181] Additionally, the coupling element 10 is, for example, galvanically coupled to the second frame element 3.2 in this region 10.1K. It goes without saying that, in this region 10.1K, the coupling element 10 can also be coupled only electromagnetically to the second frame element 3.2, for example, via an insulation film and, in particular, via a continuation of the insulation film 8. The width of the region 10.1K is, for example, 9 mm.

[0182] One edge of the coupling element 10 is arranged roughly congruently over one of the two antenna poles of the dipole antenna 9.1. In other words, the edge of the coupling element 10 is arranged essentially in the center of the dipole antenna 9.1.

[0183] Here, “congruently arranged” means that the coupling element 10 is arranged within the orthogonal projection of the antenna pole of the dipole antenna 9.1 on the coupling element 10 and at least completely covers it. In other words, the coupling element 10 is arranged, with respect to a plan view, on the RFID transponder 9 and completely covers one antenna pole of the dipole antenna 9.1.

[0184] The length L of the coupling element 10 in its direction of extension parallel to the direction of extension of the dipole antenna 9.1 and thus parallel to the direction of extension of the long side of the frame 3, is, for example, 15 cm. Thus, the coupling element 10 is roughly as long as the dipole antenna 9.1 and thus protrudes beyond its end by approx. 50% on one side.

[0185] The example shown is an RFID transponder 9 in which the dipole antenna 9.1 is arranged on a dielectric carrier body 9.2. This is necessary, since both the coupling element 10 and the second frame element 3.2 are electrically conductive. Without the dielectric carrier body 9.2, the dipole antenna 9.1 would be arranged directly on an electrically conductive surface and thus “short-circuited”. Through the use of an RFID transponder 9 with a dielectric carrier body 9.2 (a so-called “on-metal” RFID transponder), the short-circuit can be avoided.

[0186] In the example here, half of the RFID transponder 9 is glued or clamped on the coupling element 10 above the metallic frame elements 3.2, and the other half is glued or clamped to the frame element 3.2 itself.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 7C, the dipole antenna 9.1 consists of a first antenna pole 9.1.1 and a second antenna pole 9.1.2, both of which are connected, in the center of the RFID transponder 9, to electronics. The coupling element 10 is arranged such that it completely covers the first antenna pole 9.1.1 and protrudes beyond the first antenna pole 9.1.1 on the side facing away from the second antenna pole 9.1.2.

[0188] Electromagnetic coupling occurs as a result of this covering and the small distance between the first antenna pole 9.1.1 and the coupling element 10.

[0189] As shown in detail in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the coupling element 10 is coupled to the metallic second frame 3.2 in a coupling region 15. For this purpose, the conductive foil of the coupling element 10 rests, for example, over its entire length, against the second frame element 3.2 and is galvanically connected thereto. It goes without saying that a capacitive coupling also suffices for coupling high-frequency signals in the operating range of the RFID transponder 9.

[0190] As investigations by the inventors surprisingly revealed, by coupling the coupling element 10 to the frame 3 of the glazing 2, the signal of the dipole antenna 9.1 of the RFID transponder 9 can be conducted to the outside in an improved manner; and, conversely, a signal can be supplied to the RFID transponder 9 from the outside in an improved manner. Surprisingly, the range of the RFID signal is again increased significantly compared to glazings 2 according to the invention with insulating glazing units 1 without a coupling element 10.

[0191] FIG. 8A depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0192] FIG. 8B depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of the glazing in a sectional plane parallel to the end face 14 of the glazing 2 of FIG. 8A in the viewing direction of the arrow B of FIG. 8A.

[0193] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a modified design that has largely the elements and the structure of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 7A-C. Thus, the same reference numbers are used as there and the structure is not described again here. The viewing direction in FIG. 8B points from the side of the insulating glazing unit 1 into the frame 3, i.e., counter to the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 8A.

[0194] The insulating glazing unit 1 of FIGS. 8A and 8B differs from FIGS. 7A and 7C in the design of the coupling element 10, which, here, protrudes beyond the inner end face of the frame 3 by a region 10.1K, 10.1′K on both sides. This results in two coupling regions 15, 15′, in which the coupling element 10 couples to the first and second frame elements 3.1, 3.2. Overall, this leads to symmetrization of the above-described properties for improving the readout ranges of the RFID signal such that the same signal strengths can be achieved on both sides of the glazing 2.

[0195] Furthermore, here, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged, for example, relative to the frame 3 and with the interposition of the coupling element 10 and the insulation layer 8, on the inner end face of the second frame element 3.2. It goes without saying that it can also be arranged on the inner end face of the first frame element 3.1 or the frame element 3.3.

[0196] FIG. 9 depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of a glazing 2 in a sectional plane parallel to the end face 14 according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, the viewing direction is from the side of the insulating glazing unit 1 into the frame 3, i.e., counter to the direction of the arrow B of FIG. 8A.

[0197] Here, one edge 16 of the coupling element 10 is not arranged centrally relative to the dipole antenna 9.1 (center of the dipole 17), but is shifted by an offset V of roughly 10 mm. The coupling element 10 thus also covers part of the second antenna pole 9.1.2. Nevertheless, it was possible to measure good RFID signals here. Overall, up to an offset V of 20% of the half vacuum wavelength lambda/2 of the operating frequency f of the RFID transponder 9, good and practically utilizable signals or sufficiently large maximum reading ranges can be obtained. It is irrelevant whether the offset V is in the direction of the first antenna pole 9.1.1 or in the direction of the second antenna pole 9.1.2. Investigations by the inventors revealed that such an arrangement also positively affects the reception/transmission characteristics and increases the achievable readout distance of the RFID transponder 9.

[0198] FIG. 10 depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0199] FIG. 10 depicts a modified design that largely has the elements and the structure of the glazing 2 with an insulating glazing unit 1 of FIG. 7A-C. Thus, the same reference numbers are used as there and the structure is not described again here.

[0200] In the embodiment shown here, the RFID transponder 9 is arranged in the sealing element 6 within the outer region 13 of the insulating glazing unit 1 and directly on the spacer frame 5. The coupling element 10, which has here, for example, on both sides, a projection 10.1, 10.1′ beyond the second glass pane 4b and the first glass pane 4a, is arranged on the end faces 14 of the glass panes 4a and 4b. This yields two coupling regions 15, 15′, in which the coupling element 10 couples to the first and second frame elements 3.1, 3.2. Overall, this leads to a symmetrization of the above-described properties for improving readout ranges of the RFID signal such that equal signal strengths can be achieved on both sides of the insulating glazing unit 1.

[0201] FIG. 11A depicts a detailed view (cross-sectional representation) of an edge region of a glazing 2 with an alternative RFID transponder 9 with a slot antenna 90.1. The insulating glazing unit 1 and the glazing 2 of FIG. 11A correspond substantially to the insulating glazing unit 1 and the glazing 2 of FIG. 1A such that only the differences will be discussed in the following.

[0202] In contrast to the glazing 2 of FIG. 1A, the RFID transponder 9 is implemented as a slot antenna 90.1. Details of the slot antenna 90.1 can be found in FIGS. 11B and 11C and in the associated description of the figures. Furthermore, the slot antenna 90.1 is arranged on the polymeric third frame element 3.3.

[0203] FIG. 11B depicts a schematic plan view through the edge region of the glazing 2 of FIG. 11A in a viewing direction indicated by the arrow B of FIG. 11A.

[0204] The operating frequency of the RFID transponder is in the UHF range and is, for example, 866.6 MHz.

[0205] The example shows an RFID transponder 9 according to the invention with a slot antenna 90.1 in which the RFID electronics 90.2 are arranged in the center of the slot 90.1.1, the main body 90.1.2 of the slot antenna 90.1 is attached to the adjacent regions and is electrically conductively connected thereto, for example, by two galvanic connections on both sides of the slot 90.1.1 (in FIG. 11B: once at the top and once at the bottom. It goes without saying that the RFID electronics 90.2 can also be arranged at a different location and can be connected to the slot antenna 90.1 via lines, galvanic connections, or electromagnetic coupling.

[0206] FIG. 11C depicts a perspective representation of the slot antenna 90.1 according to the invention. This consists of a metallic main body 90.1.2, for example, made of a rectangular copper foil with a length LG of 140 mm, a width BG of 10 mm, and a thickness DG of 0.1 mm. The main body 90.1.2 has, for example, in the center a slot 90.1.1 in the form of a complete cutout with a length LS of 120 mm and a width BS of 2 mm. The edge region of the main body 90.1.2 around the slot 90.1.1 is consequently approx. 10 mm in the longitudinal direction (LR) in each case and approx. 4 mm in the transverse direction (BR) in each case. It goes without saying that lengths, widths, position of the slot, material, etc. can be adapted to the respective conditions of the installation situation, the radiation characteristics, and the RFID frequency.

[0207] Two strip-shaped regions (also called strips 100.1, 100.2) are situated between the slot 90.1.1 and the edge of the main body 90.1.2 along the direction of extension. In the example of FIG. 11C, these strips 100.1,100.2 are the same width and the same length.

[0208] The main body 90.1.2 can also be made of a comparatively rigid, thin metal plate or of a very thin metal foil or metallization that can be arranged on a carrier element, preferably a dielectric carrier element, such as a polymer plate or polymer film.

[0209] The slot antenna 90.1 is, for example, arranged directly on the polymeric third frame element 3.3. Since the material of the polymeric third frame element 3.3 is electrically insulating, the slot antenna 90.1 can, for example, be arranged directly on the polymeric third frame element 3.3, for example, bonded via a thin adhesive film or a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0210] The implementation of the invention is not limited to the above-described examples and highlighted aspects of the embodiments, but is also possible in a large number of modifications that are evident to the person skilled in the art from the dependent claims.

[0211] Another aspect of the invention relates to an RFID transponder 9 according to the invention, preferably at least one further RFID transponder 9 according to the invention 9, which is arranged [0212] on the glazing unit, preferably on an external surface or on one of the end faces 14 of the insulating glazing unit, or [0213] in the outer region 13 of the insulating glazing unit 1.

[0214] Another aspect of the invention relates to a glazing 2 according to the invention, wherein a strip-shaped coupling element 10 is electromagnetically coupled to the RFID transponder 9 and the coupling element 10 is galvanically or capacitively coupled in at least one coupling region 15 to one of the metallic frame elements 3.1,3.2 and preferably in two coupling regions 15,15′ to one of the metallic frame elements 3.1,3.2 in each case. This is particularly advantageous for RFID transponders 9 with dipole antennas 9.1.

[0215] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element 10 according to the invention includes or consists of a metalized polymer film or a self-supporting metal foil, preferably made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, silver, or stainless steel.

[0216] In another preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped coupling element 10 according to the invention is arranged between the RFID transponder 9 and at least one section of one of the frame elements 3.1,3.2, 3.3.

[0217] In another preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped coupling element 10 according to the invention is arranged in sections congruently above the RFID transponder 9.

[0218] In another preferred embodiment of a glazing according to the invention, no electrically conductive components and, in particular, no coupling elements 10 are arranged between RFID transponder 9 and the frame elements 3.1,3.2, 3.3.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0219] 1 insulating glazing unit [0220] 2 glazing, insulating glazing [0221] 3 frame [0222] 3.1, 3.2 metallic first or second frame element [0223] 3.3 polymeric third frame element [0224] 4a, 4b glass panes [0225] 5 spacer [0226] 5′ spacer frame [0227] 5.1, 5.2 pane contact surface [0228] 5.4 inner surface of the spacer 5 [0229] 6 sealing element [0230] 7 elastomer profile [0231] 8 insulation layer [0232] 9 RFID transponder [0233] 9.1 dipole antenna [0234] 9.1.1, 9.1.2 first or second antenna pole [0235] 9.2 dielectric carrier element [0236] 10 coupling element [0237] 10′ region of the coupling element 10 [0238] 10.1, 10.1′ projection [0239] 10.1K, 10.1K coupled region [0240] 12 inner region [0241] 13 outer region [0242] 14 end face of the insulating glazing unit 1 or of the glass panes 4a, 4b [0243] 15 coupling region [0244] 16 edge of the coupling element 10 [0245] 17 center of the dipole antenna 9.1 [0246] 18 outer surface of the glass pane 4a or 4b [0247] 19 inner surface of the glass pane 4a or 4b [0248] 20 corner of the glazing unit [0249] 20.1, 20.2 first or second corner [0250] 90.1 slot antenna [0251] 90.1.1 slot, slot-shaped cutout [0252] 90.1.2 main body, foil [0253] 90.2 RFID electronics [0254] 100.1, 100.2 strip-shaped region, strip [0255] arrow A plan view direction or viewing direction [0256] arrow B plan view direction [0257] Pos1 position according to the invention [0258] Pos2 position according to the prior art [0259] A distance [0260] c0 vacuum speed of light [0261] D distance [0262] D1, D2 first or second distance [0263] f.sub.ein irradiated frequency [0264] f operating frequency of the RFID transponder 9 [0265] L length [0266] BG width of the main body 90.1.2 of the slot antenna 90.1 [0267] BS width of the slot 90.1.1 [0268] BR width of the (edge) strip 100.1,100.2 [0269] DG thickness of the main body of the slot antenna 90.1 [0270] LG length of the main body of the slot antenna 90.1 [0271] LD thickness of the main body 90.1.2 [0272] LS length of the slot 90.1.1 [0273] LR length of the edge [0274] lambda vacuum wavelength [0275] P turn-on power [0276] U projection [0277] V offset