Vehicle composite glazing unit with projection area

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle composite glazing unit (2) having a first region (4) and a second region (6), comprising: a first pane (10) having a first surface (I) and a second surface (II), a second pane (12) having a third surface (III) and a fourth surface (IV), a first interlayer (14, 14a) made of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the first interlayer (14, 14a) is arranged between the second surface (II) of the first pane (10) and the third surface (III) of the second pane (12), and a heatable layer (16) or coating arranged on the second surface (II) of the first pane (10) or the second pane (12). At the third surface of the pane (12), the heatable layer (16) or coating is provided with two or more electrical contacts, in particular bus bars (8), the vehicle composite glazing unit (2) further comprising a diffusely reflective structure (20) in the second region (6) which diffusely reflects incident light directed from the interior of the vehicle (2) towards the glazing unit and has a maximum gain in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6, and an intrinsic viewing angle #imgabs0# of a real image element generated in the glazing surface which is greater than 60° in a first direction and greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The invention further relates to a vehicle composite glazing system (1) comprising the vehicle composite glazing unit (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of displaying information on vehicle glazing elements or cover units. More particularly, the invention relates to the automotive field, but is not limited thereto and can be implemented in buses, railway vehicles, ships, aircraft, or other vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a heatable vehicle composite glazing unit and a heatable vehicle glazing and display system comprising the vehicle composite glazing unit and a projector for projecting an image onto the glazing unit.

[0002] Background technology / prior art

[0003] In this technical field, there are many patents or patent applications that are, to some extent, background art for the present invention.

[0004] US 7 157 133 discloses the basic concept of diffuse reflection with an embedded diffusing surface.

[0005] EP 2 185 966 ​​discloses an element having a diffusing surface onto which a reflective layer is deposited, the entire element being situated within an envelope having the same refractive index as the diffusing element. The assembly is specified as a numerical aperture beam expander operating in reflection (functionally close to a diffuser) and a transparent element in transmission. The patent mentions integrating such an element into a head-up display (HUD) projection system for generating virtual images.

[0006] US Pat. No. 8,519,362 B2 describes a HUD system incorporated into a car. It is based on a laminated windshield, where the HUD functionality comes from a layer of luminescent material. US Pat. No. 7,230,767 B2 describes a display system in a car's glass pane that uses luminescent material to project an image toward the driver. This image is virtual and focused several meters away from the driver's eyes and the windshield.

[0007] EP 2 883 693 describes a process for producing a HUD system integrated into a laminated glass pane. The laminated glass pane comprises an interlayer having a wedge shape for avoiding ghosting. The interlayer is made of a thermoplastic foil.

[0008] US 2012 / 0224062 A1 discloses a head-up display comprising a laser-based virtual image providing system and a system for sensing lateral road position.

[0009] Regarding the general concept of transparent glazing units with a certain degree of diffuse reflection, there are several patent publications, such as EP 2 670 594, EP 2 856 256, EP 2 856 533, EP 2 872 328, EP 3 063 002, WO 2012104 547, WO 2018 015 702, and FR 3 054 17. These patent documents disclose, inter alia, that such diffusely reflecting glazing units can include a roughened inner surface and a coating provided thereon, and that such glazing units can be used for OLED display solutions or for projection-based display solutions.

[0010] WO 2019 / 229381 A1 discloses a method for producing a transparent layered element with diffusely reflecting properties, wherein a central layer is deposited by screen printing.

[0011] WO 2020 / 020774 A1 discloses an enameled substrate for a projection screen.

[0012] WO 2018 / 224766 A1 discloses an article for use as a dark or black projection screen, comprising two separate diffusely reflective diffusing elements in the form of parallel planes or parallel plates, wherein the first diffusing element is translucent or transparent and the second diffusing element is dark.

[0013] In US 2015 / 0138628 A1 a reflective projection screen comprising a variable light scattering system is disclosed.

[0014] EP 3 396 454 A1 discloses a reflective transparent screen that is capable of displaying image light projected from a projector as an image to an observer located on the same side as the projector.

[0015] EP 3 395 908 A1 discloses a transmissive screen as a head-up display for automotive applications, wherein the screen is particle-based.

[0016] In EP 3 151 062 A1 a video projection structure is presented for integration into a car window, wherein the window comprises a reflective film applied to a surface having random irregularities.

[0017] JP 2016 9271 A discloses a video display system equipped with detection means for detecting movements of an observer, wherein the display system can be operated by the movements of the observer.

[0018] DE 10 2004 051 607 A1 discloses a device and method for displaying a digital image onto a geometrically and photometrically non-trivial surface. Specifically, the document discloses projecting an image onto a non-flat surface using one or more projectors. The projection method includes, in particular, calibration using a camera connected to a control system adapted to control the one or more projectors to adjust the projection of the image for each displayed pixel of the image.

[0019] WO 03 / 095251 A1 discloses a heatable vehicle windshield having a busbar comprising a woven portion and a printed portion. A heatable coating is applied to the substrate. The coating may be silver-based. Electrical contacts are supplied via the busbar. The busbars are located at the top and bottom of the windshield. The connection between the windshield and the coating may be via several solder bridges.

[0020] DE 10 2004 050 158 B3 discloses a transparent window pane with a heatable coating. The coating is applied to the window pane. The coating comprises a metallic layer, which may be made of silver, and an optional antireflective coating. Busbars are preferably arranged along the top and bottom edges of the windshield. Conductor elements or busbars may be present extending from the busbars toward the centerline of the windshield.

[0021] One object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle glazing and display system, as well as a corresponding vehicle composite glazing unit, that is adaptable for a wide range of applications in future mobility solutions. More specifically, the object is to provide a heatable glazing unit with a projection area for a vehicle, in particular as a windshield, and a system that makes it possible to display rich content to essentially all persons using the vehicle, or at least to all those sitting in the vicinity of the respective glazing unit. Furthermore, there is a need for a solution that can be implemented largely based on existing technology and that is safe, reliable, and cost-effective.

[0022] These and further objects are solved by a vehicle composite glazing unit and a vehicle glazing and display system according to the independent claims.Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0023] According to a first aspect of the invention, a vehicle composite glazing unit having a first region and a second region comprises:

[0024] a first pane having a first surface and a second surface, a second pane having a third surface and a fourth surface,

[0025] a first interlayer made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular PVB, wherein the first interlayer is arranged between the second surface of the first pane and the third surface of the second pane, and

[0026] a heatable layer or coating arranged at the second surface of the first pane or at the third surface of the second pane, the heatable layer or coating being provided with two or more electrical contacts, in particular bus bars,

[0027] The vehicle composite glazing unit further comprises:

[0028] a diffusely reflecting structure in the second region that diffusely reflects incident light directed toward the glazing unit from the interior of the vehicle and has a maximum gain in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6, and an intrinsic viewing angle of a real image element generated in the glazing surface , which is greater than 60° in the first direction and greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second area is suitable for projecting a real image using a projector.

[0029] The heatable layer is a conductive layer, particularly a metal layer. In particular, the heatable layer and electrical contacts can be arranged as disclosed in WO 03 / 095251 A1 or DE 10 2004 050 158 B3. WO 03 / 095251 A1 discloses a heatable vehicle windshield having a busbar comprising a woven portion and a printed portion. A heatable coating is provided on the substrate. The coating may be silver-based. Electrical contacts are powered via the busbar. The busbars are arranged at the top and bottom of the windshield. The connection between the windshield and the coating may be achieved via several solder bridges. DE 10 2004 050 158 B3 discloses a transparent window pane having a heatable coating. The coating is applied to the window pane. The coating comprises a metal layer, which may be made of silver. The busbars are preferably arranged along the top and bottom edges of the windshield. Conductor elements or busbars may be present extending from the busbar toward the centerline of the windshield. There may be an optional anti-reflective coating on the fourth surface to minimize ghosting.

[0030] Intrinsic viewing angle of the real image element generated in the glazing plane of the second region Greater than 40°, preferably greater than 60°, and more preferably greater than 70° or more in a first direction, and greater than 20°, preferably greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. When these inherent viewing angles are used within actual applications under standard environmental conditions, actual viewing angles of greater than 60°, preferably greater than 90°, and more preferably greater than 120° or more in the first direction, and greater than 30°, preferably greater than 45° in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction can be achieved. The actual viewing angle depends on both the lighting environment and the projector used. However, the actual viewing angle is a common feature of screen specifications and can be determined for selected environmental conditions related to a specific use case. For standard environmental conditions and projector specifications, the following values ​​can be used:

[0031] External illuminance 2200 Lux (outside the car); internal illuminance 100 Lux (inside the car); flux from the projector is 3500 lumens; projection surface: 16:9 screen with a diagonal of 9 inches (20 cm wide); the actual viewing angle can then be extracted from the gain curve via a mathematical formula.

[0032] The actual viewing angle is studied based on the screen's contrast ratio. Screen contrast is typically defined as the luminance ratio between white and black, with a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 (white to black) considered necessary for information readability. Based on this, the actual viewing angle can be derived as the observation angle θ within a setting that achieves at least a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1.

[0033] The inherent viewing angle of the projection screen It is measured at the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the peak near the gain maximum and is independent of the value of the observation angle θ at the center of the peak. The gain curve is measured with a θ = 0° reference corresponding to the specular reflection direction. Therefore, the intrinsic viewing angle is a property of the screen and does not depend on the ambient brightness or the projector specifications. Therefore, since the maximum value of the gain curve often occurs at θ = 0°, in this case, the intrinsic viewing angle can also be defined as twice the observation angle θ at the location in the gain curve where the half-maximum width of the gain curve is achieved.

[0034] Viewing angles (both intrinsic and actual) should be maximized because they are needed to ensure that all vehicle occupants can clearly see the projected content simultaneously, regardless of the seat they occupy. However, for a given total screen reflectivity, a compromise must be found between high peak gain and large viewing angles. The vehicle glazing according to the present invention provides such a good compromise between peak gain and viewing angle.

[0035] Combined with the orientation of the vehicle coordinate system, the first direction and the second direction define a horizontal plane and a vertical plane spanning the eyes of two viewers (eg, a driver and a front passenger).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transparent screen of the vehicle glazing has a maximum gain of between 0.1 and 0.8, and a practical viewing angle exceeding 60° in one direction and greater than 30° in the other. Typically, values ​​between 120° and 150° in the horizontal plane and between 30° and 180° in the vertical plane are derived for the practical viewing angle. Within the definition of the intrinsic angle, intrinsic viewing angles of better than 40°, more preferably better than 60°, even more preferably between 70° and 150° in the horizontal plane, and between 20° and 180°, preferably between 30° and 180°, are derived in the vertical plane. The vertical and horizontal planes are defined for the vehicle glazing installed in the vehicle body.

[0037] Given the actual and inherent viewing angles mentioned, when the projector is on, all occupants in the vehicle can see the display. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the displayed image is a real image. This differs from a virtual image with respect to its focal plane. For a virtual image, the focal plane is a certain distance from the projection screen, for example, one meter or up to several meters. In contrast, for a real image, the focal plane is closer to the screen. Preferably, the maximum distance between the focal plane of a real image and the projection screen according to the present invention is 30 cm.

[0038] When the projector is off, the glazing is optically similar to a conventional glazing, maintaining transparency with slightly higher haze values. Typical haze values ​​for such glazing, measured according to ASTM D 1003, are between 1% and 6%, preferably between 2.5% and 4.5%. Haze measures the fraction of transmitted light that deviates from a straight path at an angle greater than 2.5°. High haze values ​​correspond to a loss of contrast in the image projected on the screen. Within a given low haze value range, good screen transparency is achieved.

[0039] According to a further preferred aspect, the diffusely reflective structures in the glazing unit have a visible light transmission higher than 60%, preferably 70% or higher, for example 80% or higher. These transmission values ​​(also referred to as global light transmission T L ) quantifies the ability of a diffusely reflecting structure to transmit light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 800 nm, the wavelength range visible to the human eye. For those measurements, there is no need to distinguish between diffusely reflected and non-diffusely reflected light. However, the technology according to the present invention is also suitable for glass windows that require lower light transmission. The screen of the present invention can also be used as a whole for the side windows, rear window or glass roof of a vehicle, which may include tinted glass or plastic components and have an overall visible light transmission of less than 30%. Such applications are particularly interesting in combination with autonomous driving technology. In this case, the roof can, for example, be used as an entertainment screen.

[0040] To measure gain and determine the appropriate viewing angle for a transparent screen, one must measure the screen's luminance as a function of viewing angle, with the projector illuminating the screen at normal incidence (0°). The luminance of an ideal screen (a Lambertian reference known as Spectralon) is measured under the same conditions. A perfect screen is defined as one whose luminance does not depend on the projection or viewing angle and whose reflectivity is 100%. A Lambertian reference screen is a surface that perfectly obeys Lambert's cosine law, which states that the luminous intensity observed from a perfectly diffuse surface is proportional to the cosine of the angle between the incident light direction and the surface normal. The human eye perceives only luminance, which is a measure of the luminous intensity per unit area for light traveling in a given direction and describes the amount of light reflected from a specific area. Therefore, a Lambertian surface with perfect diffuse reflection appears to the human eye to have the same brightness and luminosity regardless of the viewing angle at which it is viewed. Experimentally, an ideal Lambertian diffuser can be achieved using a commercially available reference material called "Spectralon," which is made of sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). To retrieve the screen's gain at each viewing angle, the ratio of the screen's luminance to the ideal screen's luminance is calculated. A screen's peak gain is the maximum achievable gain value. Maximum gain (also known as peak gain) is often measured at 0°, but some specially designed screens may have maximum gain at other viewing angles. Note that for transparent screens, the 0° value may not be measurable due to hot spots (specular reflections of projector light on the exterior flat glass window surface), and therefore is extrapolated from the gain at smaller angles.

[0041] The preferred intrinsic viewing angle is defined by the gain within the full width at half maximum of the gain curve (see Figure 5 ). This definition is inherent. Gain specifies the brightness of a projection screen relative to the brightness of an ideal screen, which is a perfect Lambertian diffuser.

[0042] An alternative, more practical definition of viewing angle is to define the actual viewing angle as the viewing angle at which the contrast ratio falls below 4.5:1, but such a definition depends on viewing and lighting conditions, as well as the projector. Therefore, an intrinsic definition of viewing angle that lies within the full width at half maximum of the gain curve is preferred. The gain curve can be determined as already described and may have the shape of, for example, a Gaussian curve.

[0043] The inventors have discovered that not only viewing angles less than half the intrinsic viewing angle (i.e., within the full width at half maximum of the gain curve) are suitable for practical applications of transparent screens, but also that adequate viewing results can be achieved at viewing angles less than half the practical viewing angles in the range of 120° to 180° in the horizontal plane, preferably 120° to 150° in the horizontal plane, and 30° to 180° in the vertical plane.

[0044] To achieve adequate contrast, the projector's light output should be above 1000 lumens, preferably above 3000 lumens, and ideally between 2000 and 10,000 lumens. The optimal projector output value must be selected depending on the ambient conditions.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first region is located in the middle of the glazing unit, and the second region is located in an outer region of the vehicle composite glazing unit, partially or completely surrounding the first region, in particular wherein the second region is located along opposite edges of the vehicle composite glazing unit. The electrical contacts or bus bars may be arranged in the second region along the opposite edges of the glazing unit, or in the first region along the opposite edges.

[0046] In particular, the first area comprises a type A viewing area of ​​the windshield according to ECE R43, wherein the second area is located exclusively in a type B viewing area of ​​the windshield according to ECE R43.

[0047] In the embodiment, it is assumed that the first pane is arranged as an outer pane, and the second pane is assumed to be arranged as an inner pane, wherein each of the first pane and the second pane is made of glass or plastic.

[0048] In an embodiment, the diffusely reflective structure is a roughened surface area of ​​the third surface having a reflective coating.

[0049] The reflective coating may completely cover the third surface or only cover the roughened surface area of ​​the third surface.

[0050] In another embodiment, the diffusely reflective structure is a roughened surface area of ​​the second surface having a reflective coating.

[0051] The reflective coating may completely cover the second surface or only cover the roughened surface area of ​​the second surface.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the heatable layer or coating and the reflective coating are realized as a single heatable reflective coating instead of as two separate layers or coatings.

[0053] Suitable heatable reflective coatings are known to the skilled person. Suitable heatable reflective coatings are disclosed, for example, in DE 39 24 276 A1.

[0054] The present invention therefore also relates to a vehicle composite glazing unit having a first region and a second region, comprising:

[0055] a first pane having a first surface and a second surface, a second pane having a third surface and a fourth surface,

[0056] a first interlayer made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular PVB, wherein the first interlayer is arranged between the second surface of the first pane and the third surface of the second pane, and

[0057] A diffusely reflective structure at the second surface of the first pane or the third surface of the second pane in the second region, which diffusely reflects incident light directed toward the glazing unit from the interior of the vehicle and has a maximum gain in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6, and an intrinsic viewing angle of a real image element generated in the glass surface , which is greater than 60° in a first direction and greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,

[0058] wherein the diffuse reflective structure is a rough surface area of ​​the second surface or the third surface having a heatable reflective coating, the heatable reflective coating being provided with two or more electrical contacts, in particular bus bars,

[0059] The second area is suitable for projecting a real image using a projector.

[0060] In an embodiment, the vehicle composite glazing unit further comprises: a second interlayer and a third interlayer. The second interlayer comprises a diffusely reflective structure and a transparent region. The third interlayer is made of a thermoplastic polymer. The second interlayer is sandwiched between the first interlayer and the third interlayer.

[0061] The second interlayer may include polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a polycarbonate sheet.

[0062] Such sheets are generally commercially available or can be manufactured on request by the manufacturer of the vehicle composite glazing unit, tailored to the specific optical requirements of the invention.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, a rough glass sheet can be used instead of the rough plastic film. This has the advantage that the glass sheet can be integrated in a standard lamination process.

[0064] The diffuse reflective structures may comprise nanoparticles or microparticles, or random nanostructures or random microstructures.

[0065] More specifically, the nanoparticles or microparticles are silicon dioxide or polymer or liquid crystal particles. Metal or metal oxide particles may also be used. More specifically, the nanoparticles or microparticles may have a spherical shape and / or be transparent or translucent.

[0066] Having titanium oxide TiO x Plastic sheets with diffusely reflective coatings of particles or silver particles and plastic sheets with organic diffusely reflective coatings containing cholesteric liquid crystals have proven particularly suitable for screen applications according to the invention. Most preferably, the diffusely reflective plastic sheet contains liquid crystal particles oriented in a matrix.

[0067] With these kinds of coated plastic sheets, a target maximum gain in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 and an intrinsic viewing angle greater than 60° in the first direction and greater than 30° in the second direction can be achieved.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diffusely reflective structure comprises a roughened surface region of the second interlayer having a heatable reflective coating.

[0069] The vehicle composite glazing unit is preferably one of a glass roof, a windscreen, side windows or a rear window.

[0070] According to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle composite glazing system comprises a vehicle composite glazing unit as described above and at least one projector for projecting an image in a second region of the vehicle composite glazing unit to generate a real image in the plane of the glazing unit.

[0071] The projector may be suitable for being arranged in the dashboard of the vehicle and / or at the roof of the vehicle.

[0072] In an embodiment, a vehicle composite glazing system comprises at least two projectors and a projector control unit connected to the at least two projectors and adapted to calibrate projection of an image on a pixel substrate.

[0073] Since the usable distance between the projector and the glass window in a direction perpendicular to the glass surface (projection distance) is typically between 2 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 7 cm and 40 cm, a short-throw projector is a preferred option. Short-throw projectors typically have a larger throw ratio (image size / distance between projector and screen). Short-throw projectors often have folded optical elements that allow the projector image to be displayed on a plane perpendicular to the output lens. The projector can be a conventional lamp, LED, or laser as the lighting component.

[0074] The system may include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more projectors. The projectors are preferably connected to a projector control unit that controls the projectors so that a combined image is displayed for the two or more projectors. In particular, the projector control unit includes a camera for calibrating the combined image so that a single image appears to be projected.

[0075] In further embodiments, the vehicle composite glazing system may further include a HUD display and projector.

[0076] The generation of hot spots in the aforementioned glazing units can be suppressed to a certain extent by suitable arrangement of the respective (inner and outer) surfaces of the glazing units, in particular, by suitable arrangement of a diffusely reflective sheet coating or surface. In a preferred embodiment, the projector is arranged so that the potential hot spot is located above the frame in which the projector is arranged. This arrangement makes the potential hot spot invisible from a seated position within the vehicle interior. As an additional component for suppressing hot spots, at least one partial blind plate can be arranged at a suitable predefined location near the output lens of the projector.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, if the incident light at the glazing unit is polarized, in particular p-polarized, it may be suppressed when the angle of incidence is close to the Brewster angle.

[0078] The image projected on the transparent screen is due to diffuse reflection. Diffuse reflection occurs when radiation incident on the glass window at a given angle of incidence is reflected in multiple directions. Specular reflection occurs when radiation incident on the glass window at a given angle of incidence is reflected at a reflection angle equal to the angle of incidence. Similarly, specular reflection occurs when radiation incident at a given angle of incidence is transmitted at a transmission angle equal to the angle of incidence. However, to maintain overall transparency of the glass window, the inner and outer surfaces of the glass window are flat, thus causing specular reflection of the projector beam. To achieve this experience, the light reaching the vehicle occupants' eyes should be provided by "diffuse reflection" of the projected image on the glass. Specular reflection on the inner and outer surfaces of the glass window should be avoided. Specular reflection, also known as a "hot spot," can glare the viewer when directed toward them. The direction of the hot spot can be determined using the law of reflection, which states that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. In order to avoid that the viewer is dazzled by the hotspot, the hotspot and the viewing directions of all passengers of the vehicle preferably show an angular separation of at least 5°, more preferably at least 10°, most preferably at least 20°.

[0079] The projector may be suitable for being arranged in the dashboard of the vehicle or at the roof of the vehicle.

[0080] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments and aspects of the present invention are illustrated.

[0081] Figure 1a , b is a schematic diagram of a vehicle glass window and a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0082] Figure 2a -i is based on Figure 1a Alternative schematic cross-section of a vehicle glazing and a display unit of an embodiment of

[0083] Figure 3a -c is a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of vehicle glass windows and display systems,

[0084] Figure 4a , b are some configuration examples of windshields with projector arrangements, and

[0085] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the definition of the term "gain" in the context of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 1a An exemplary vehicle window and display unit 2 is shown. The vehicle window and display unit 2 may be a windshield of an automobile. The vehicle window and display unit 2 includes a first region 4 and a second region 6. The first region 4 is located in the middle of the vehicle window and display unit 2, and the second region 6 is located in the upper region (labeled 6a) and the lower region (labeled 6b) of the vehicle window and display unit 2. The second region 6 is provided with a diffuse reflective structure. Bus bars 8 may be provided in the second region 6.

[0087] Figure 1b An alternative vehicle window and display unit 2 is shown. The vehicle window and display unit 2 can also be a windshield of an automobile. The second region 6 is located in the outer regions of the vehicle window and display unit 2, designated by 6d on the right and 6c on the left of the first region 4. Busbars 8 are located on the top and bottom sides of region 4, so that the busbars and the second region are arranged along the edges of the vehicle window and display unit 2 facing in different directions.

[0088] Figure 2a -i shows the above-mentioned vehicle glass window and the display unit 2 along Figure 1a Different embodiments of the cross section of AA', AA' represents passing through the windshield from bottom to top. Figure 2a , c, d, e, g, h, i also apply to Figure 1b The horizontal cutout in the middle is BB'. The vehicle glazing and display unit 2 comprises a first pane 10 having a first surface I and a second surface II and a second pane 12 having a third surface III and a fourth surface IV. The first pane 10 and the second pane 12 are glass or plastic panes and can be, for example, 2.1 mm thick. Between the second surface II of the first pane 10 and the third surface III of the second pane 12, there is a first interlayer 14, which is a foil made of a thermoplastic polymer. This first interlayer 14 is Figure 2a 、 2c , 2d, 2e, 2g, 2h and 2i have a flat shape with a thickness of, for example, 0.76 mm, while Figure 2b and 2f It has a wedge-like shape, where it is designated as 14a. lie in Figure 1a The A-A' plane and the corresponding plane perpendicular to Figure 1bThe first interlayer 14 is located at the second surface II of the first pane 10, which is preferably the outer pane.

[0089] Figure 2a An embodiment is shown in which the third surface III of the second pane 12 is provided with a diffusely reflective structure 20 in the second region 6 and with a flat surface in the first region 4. The diffusely reflective structure 20 is a surface structuring of the glass or plastic pane with a reflective coating 18. The third surface III is partially or completely coated with the reflective coating 18, which can be, for example, a visible and IR reflective coating. Thus, the third surface is completely coated with the reflective coating 18, or only the structured areas of the third surface III are coated with the reflective coating 18. Sandwiched between the reflective coating 18 and the first interlayer 14 is a heatable layer 16, in particular a metal layer, for example, a silver-based layer.

[0090] Figure 2b and Figure 2a The difference lies in the wedge-shaped first interlayer 14a.

[0091] Figure 2c An embodiment is shown in which a heatable layer 16 is sandwiched between the second surface II of the first pane 10 and the first interlayer 14. The reflective coating 18 is thus adjacent to the interlayer 14.

[0092] Figure 2d An embodiment is shown that includes a second interlayer 19 and a third interlayer 15. Second interlayer 19 is sandwiched between first and third interlayers 14, 15, and wherein a heatable layer 16 is sandwiched between second surface II of first pane 10 and first interlayer 14. Third interlayer 15 is a thermoplastic layer that can be made of the same material as first interlayer 14. Second interlayer 19 includes a diffuse reflective structure 20 only in the second region. The diffuse reflective structure is depicted as having a rough surface. However, the reflective structure may additionally or alternatively include nanoparticles or microparticles. Second interlayer 19 may comprise a sheet of PE, PET, TAC, PVB, PMMA, or polycarbonate.

[0093] Figure 2e An embodiment is shown in which the third surface III of the second pane 12 is provided with a diffuse reflection structure 20 in the second region 6. In the first region 4, the third surface III of the second pane 12 is flat. Figure 2e In the embodiment shown, the diffusely reflective structure 20 comprises a surface structuring of the second pane 12 and a heatable reflective coating 22. The third surface III is completely coated with the heatable reflective coating 22.

[0094] Figure 2f and Figure 2e The only difference is the wedge-shaped first interlayer 14a.

[0095] Figure 2g An embodiment is shown in which the third surface III of the second pane 12 is provided with a diffuse reflection structure 20 in the second region 6. In the first region 4, the third surface II of the second pane 12 is flat. Figure 2g In the embodiment shown, the diffuse reflective structure 20 comprises a surface structuring of the second pane 12 and a heatable reflective coating 22. The third surface III is coated with the heatable reflective coating 22 only in the structured region of the third surface III, ie only in the second region 6.

[0096] Figure 2h An embodiment comprising a second interlayer 19 and a third interlayer 15 is shown. The second interlayer 19 is sandwiched between the first interlayer 14 and the third interlayer 15. The third interlayer 15 is a thermoplastic layer that can be made of the same material as the first interlayer 14. The second interlayer 19 comprises a diffuse reflective structure 20 only in the second region 6. Figure 2h In the embodiment shown, the diffuse reflective structure 20 comprises a surface structuring of the second interlayer 19 and a heatable reflective coating 22. The heatable reflective coating is located only in the second region 6. The second interlayer 19 may comprise a PE, PET, TAC, PVB, PMMA or polycarbonate sheet.

[0097] Figure 2i Shown with Figure 2h The only difference is that the heatable reflective coating 22 completely covers the surface of the second interlayer 19 facing the third interlayer 15.

[0098] Figures 3a to 3c A vehicle 100 is shown with a vehicle glazing and display system 1. The vehicle glazing and display system 1 comprises a vehicle glazing and display unit 2, which in the depicted case is a windshield 3. The vehicle glazing and display system 1 further comprises a projector 30. The projector 30 projects a real image into a second area 6. The projector 30 may be located, for example, Figure 3a The dashboard depicted and projecting a single image onto Figure 1b Alternatively, the two images may be projected onto the area 6c or 6d as shown. Figure 1a The depicted areas 6a and 6b. Figure 3b , the projector can be located at Figure 3c 34 of the roof depicted in FIG. Figure 3b and Figure 3cThe embodiment shown in can also be combined with one projector located in the roof 34 and one projector located in the dashboard. The image of the projector is visible to a first occupant 100, who can be the driver, and to a second occupant 201. Alternatively, there can be several projectors 30, which can be located both in the dashboard and on the roof of the vehicle. In the case of several projectors, the projector control unit is preferably connected to at least two projectors and is adapted to calibrate the projection of the image on the pixel substrate.

[0099] Figure 4a and 4b Two possible arrangements of the projector 30 relative to the windscreen 3 are shown, as already explained further above. Figure 4a In an arrangement where the projector is arranged below the windshield and emits light in a vertical direction, the hotspot direction can be within the viewing angle of the vehicle interior passengers, which is Figure 4b is almost excluded from the arrangement of Figure 4b In the arrangement, the projector is placed under the roof of the vehicle. Figure 4a For a specific arrangement, it may be necessary to provide specific components for "masking" the hotspot, as mentioned further above. If the projector's integration into the dashboard is geometrically unconstrained, such "masking" is not necessary, as the projector and screen geometry will be chosen so that the hotspot does not point toward the viewer. Masking can be avoided if the angle β is included between -110.6° and 0° across the entire image. The corresponding orientation and image size depend on the projector throw ratio and / or geometry. Figure 4a The arrangement is preferred because the viewing angle and gain are in accordance with Figure 5 The gain is within the specification (gain / 2=αx2), and therefore the contrast of the image is better. Figure 4b The embodiment operates in a region of smaller gain ( Figure 5 the flat part of the curve), which means that higher brightness is needed.

[0100] Figure 5A diagram is shown for explaining the important parameter "gain" with reference to the further explanation above regarding the screen (e.g. the windshield 3 in FIG1 ). The gain measurement is performed using a luminance meter and a video projector. For a given angle of incidence of the projected light, the luminance is measured at various viewing angles. The projection angle is set as close as possible to 0° (orthogonal to the screen). When the projection angle remains fixed, the gain depends only on the viewing angle θ. The positioning of the luminance meter is therefore adjusted so that when the viewing angle is set to 0° in the horizontal plane, the luminance meter is aligned with the specular reflection; the viewing angle is therefore effectively equal to 0° since the specular reflection direction is used as a reference for the viewing angle measurement. Luminance measurements are taken every five degrees from 5° to 75° (measured in the horizontal plane) in an unlit environment isolated from any light source other than the video projector. Spectralons measured under the same conditions are used to normalize the luminance measurements and extract the gain therefrom. Intrinsic viewing angle The full width at half maximum of the gain curve can be derived from these measurements and depicts the angular width over which the gain is better than half the peak gain.

[0101] The maximum gain is in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6, and the intrinsic viewing angle of the real image element generated in the glass window surface greater than 60° in a first direction and greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which can be obtained, for example, with a vehicle composite glazing unit comprising, as a diffusely reflecting structure, a 70 μm thick textured PMMA sheet coated with a 60 nm thick TiO x Base reflective coating and the following general stacking sequence:

[0102] Clear glass 2.1 mm

[0103] Transparent PVB 0.76 mm

[0104] Textured PMMA 70 µm

[0105] TiO x Coating 60 nm

[0106] Transparent PVB 0.76 mm

[0107] Clear glass 2.1mm.

[0108] Similar optical properties can be achieved in case a heatable reflective coating is applied to a rough surface area such as, for example, a textured PMMA sheet.

[0109] Reference symbol

[0110] 1 Automotive composite glazing systems, automotive glazing and display systems

[0111] 2 Vehicle composite glazing units

[0112] 4. First Area

[0113] 6, 6a, 6b 6c, 6d Second Area

[0114] 8 busbars

[0115] 10 First Pane

[0116] 12 Second Pane

[0117] 14 First Mezzanine

[0118] 15 Third Mezzanine

[0119] 16 Heatable layer, heatable coating

[0120] 18 Reflective coating

[0121] 19 Second Mezzanine

[0122] 20 Diffuse reflection structure

[0123] 22 Heatable reflective coating

[0124] 30 Projector

[0125] 32 Dashboard

[0126] 34 Roof

[0127] 100 vehicles

[0128] 200 First Crew

[0129] 201 Second Crew

Claims

1. A composite glazing unit (2) for a vehicle having a first region (4) and a second region (6), comprising: a first pane (10) having a first surface (I) and a second surface (II), a second pane (12) having a third surface (III) and a fourth surface (IV), a first interlayer (14, 14a) made of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the first interlayer (14, 14a) is arranged between the second surface (II) of the first window pane (10) and the third surface (III) of the second window pane (12), and a heatable layer (16) or coating, arranged at the second surface (II) of the first pane (10) or the third surface (III) of the second pane (12), said heatable layer (16) or coating being provided with two or more electrical contacts, in particular busbars (8), The vehicle composite glazing unit (2) further comprises a diffusely reflective structure (20) in the second region (6) that diffusely reflects incident light directed from the interior of the vehicle (100) toward the glazing unit and has a maximum gain in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, and an intrinsic viewing angle α of a real image element generated in the glazing surface that is greater than 60° in a first direction and greater than 30° in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction define a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, respectively, across the eyes of two viewers, where the intrinsic viewing angle α is the angular width measured at the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the peak near the gain maximum, and is independent of the value of the observation angle θ at the center of the peak; And wherein the θ=0° reference of the gain curve measurement corresponds to the specular reflection direction.

2. The vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein The diffuse reflection structure (20) has a maximum gain ranging from 0.3 to 0.

6.

3. The vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein The diffuse reflection structure (20) is a rough surface area of ​​the third surface (III) having the reflective coating (18).

4. The vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein The diffuse reflection structure (20) is a rough surface area of ​​the second surface (II) having the reflective coating (18).

5. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The reflective coating (18) completely covers the second surface (II) or the third surface (III).

6. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The heatable layer (16) or coating and the reflective coating (18) are realized as a single heatable reflective coating (22).

7. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 1, comprising a second interlayer (19) and a third interlayer (15), the second interlayer (19) comprising a diffuse reflective structure (20) and a transparent area, and the third interlayer (15) being made of a thermoplastic polymer, the second interlayer (19) being sandwiched between the first interlayer (14) and the third interlayer (15).

8. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 7, wherein The second interlayer (19) comprises PE, PET, TAC, PVB, PMMA or polycarbonate sheet.

9. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The diffuse reflection structure (20) comprises nanoparticles or microparticles, or random nanostructures or random microstructures.

10. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The diffuse reflective structure (20) comprises a rough surface region of a second interlayer (19) having a heatable reflective coating (22).

11. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first region (4) is located in the middle of the vehicle composite glazing unit (2), and the second region (6) is located in an outer region of the vehicle composite glazing unit (2), partially or completely surrounding the first region (4), in particular wherein the second region (6) is located along opposite edges of the vehicle composite glazing unit (2).

12. A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first pane (10) should be arranged as an outer pane, and the second pane (12) should be arranged as an inner pane, wherein each of the first pane (10) and the second pane (12) is made of glass or plastic.

13. The vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is one of a glass roof, a windshield, a side window or a rear window.

14. A composite glazing system for a vehicle (1), comprising: A vehicle composite glazing unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and at least one projector (30) for projecting an image in a second area (6) of the vehicle composite glazing unit (2) to generate a real image in the plane of the vehicle composite glazing unit (2).

15. The vehicle composite glazing system (1) according to claim 14, wherein The projector (30) is suitable for being arranged in a dashboard and / or on a roof of a vehicle.

16. A vehicle composite glazing system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising: At least two projectors (30) and a projector control unit connected to the at least two projectors (30) and adapted to calibrate the projection of an image on a pixel substrate.

Images