Light-guiding glass window

Abstract

A vehicle glazing (10) in which a light guide stack (22) is located between a portion of an inner transparency (26) and an outer transparency (28). The light guide stack comprises a polycarbonate film (32) joined to the transparency by PET layers (38, 40), which are secured to the polycarbonate film on one side by silicone (34, 36) and to the transparency on the other side by PVB (42, 44). The terminal ends of the extended tabs of the polycarbonate film form an edge connected to a light rod (14) so ​​that visible light propagates through the light rod and enters the polycarbonate film through the edge. The visible light propagates through etchings in the smooth surface of the polycarbonate film to form an image. When the glazing is installed in a vehicle entrance, the extension of one of the transparencies protects the polycarbonate tab and supports the light rod.

Description

[0001] (Related Applications)

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 894,037, filed on August 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The presently disclosed invention relates to glazing suitable for use in vehicle windows and methods for making such glazing. Background Art

[0004] The automotive trend is toward electric and even self-driving vehicles. Furthermore, there's a need for communication from the vehicle to people outside the vehicle, such as pedestrians and other vehicle operators. For these and other reasons, there's growing interest in vehicle windows that work with various sensors to communicate with the vehicle operator and others through designs and alphanumeric codes displayed in the window. This combination also enables "heads-up" displays, which are sometimes considered safer and more reliable than alternative information systems and methods.

[0005] In this regard, attention has been drawn to systems that utilize LED headlamp technology. LEDs are favored in high-performance light guide designs because they have relatively high coupling efficiencies. In these systems, the preferred materials used to introduce light into the light guide have both a high refractive index and a high reflectivity. Inside the light guide, light is repeatedly reflected back and forth from surfaces as it passes through the light guide in a direction of net internal reflection to the end of the light guide. In particular, LED headlamps have been found to have lower power requirements than conventional backlighting technologies. In LED headlamp systems, the light guide displays a fixed image in response to illumination from a light-emitting diode in the "on" state. When the LED is in the "off" state, the image is not visible.

[0006] A light guide is an optically transparent material capable of conducting and distributing visible light. Light guides utilize the principle of reflection caused by two materials with different refractive indices. Light guides are used to evenly distribute light over a given area. Examples of light guide applications include LCD backlighting, information displays, mood lighting, and designer light effects.

[0007] In a headlamp, all the power is used to create the light pattern (as opposed to creating the outline of the illuminated panel). For example, FLEx Illumination offers LED headlamp products that use ultra-thin, flexible light guides in film or sheet form. The light guide film, thinner than a sheet of paper, is illuminated from a light stick or rod through the edge of the film. Typically, LEDs are too large to interface directly with the edge of the film. Instead, a light stick is attached to the edge of the film, and the LED is focused on the end of the light stick to transmit visible light into the film.

[0008] Ultra-thin light-guiding film can conform to many contours, making it compatible with a wide range of glazing shapes. Ultra-thin light-guiding film radiates visible light from the film surface based on surface etching. Therefore, the film can convey messages based on the designs and alphanumeric sequences etched into the surface of the light-guiding film. For example, such messages could be conventional road signs and / or written instructions.

[0009] A typical thin film light guide may have a thickness of between about 25 and 75 microns. Light rods are used to propagate light in the visible wavelength range into the edges of the film. Light transmitted into the light guide film is generally confined between the smooth surfaces of the film, except in those areas where the smooth surfaces are interrupted by etching or other surface discontinuities. It has been found that this configuration requires relatively low power and provides relatively high uniformity, good contrast, good color range, and a full viewing angle.

[0010] According to the invention disclosed herein, an ultra-thin light guide is a film of polycarbonate ("PC") material that serves as both a light guide and a light-transmitting film. Vehicle glazing typically utilizes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as an intermediate layer. PC does not adhere to PVB, but it does adhere to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and also to polyurethane (PU), allowing the PU layer of EVA to be used in a light guide stack on opposing sides of the PC film to adhere the light guide to an adjacent transparency.

[0011] Additionally, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) does adhere to PVB, and polyurethane and silicone can be used as adhesives with PC. Thus, the PC layer or film in a light guide stack can include transparent layers of PET facing opposite sides of the PC film. A PVB layer is added to one side of the PET layer to adhere to the adjacent transparency. Since PET is not laminated to PC, the PET layer is bonded to the PC layer with an adhesive such as silicone. However, in order to make this light guide stack suitable for use in vehicle glazing, it has been found that further modifications are required. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to the disclosed invention, a glazing that projects light in the form of an image includes a glazing laminate having at least one transparent body and a light guide laminate stack including a PC film. The surface of the PC film is etched with a design or a symbol designed to convey a message. When visible light propagates through the sides of the film, light is emitted from the etched portion of the surface according to the etched pattern and the shape of the symbol.

[0013] In some cases, the light source is added to the glazing before it is delivered to the location of the vehicle assembly. In other cases, the light source is added when the glazing is installed in the vehicle entrance for the glazing.

[0014] Glazing laminates can include films with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cover layers on one or both sides of a PC film. The PET layer can be secured to the PC with an adhesive such as silicone.

[0015] In vehicle glazings that include more than one transparency sheet, the transparency sheets are typically separated by interlayers, such as PVB or other suitable materials. To match the thickness of the lightguide laminate stack to the thickness of those portions of the glazing that include the interlayers, the lightguide laminate stack sometimes includes one or more spacer layers. In preferred embodiments, the spacer layers may include EVA, PU, ​​PVB, and combinations thereof.

[0016] To aid in the lamination process, a partial vacuum is applied to the lightguide laminate stack to remove air trapped between the stack's layers. In some cases, the glazing can include a transparent body sheet with a peripheral side edge that, in combination with the lightguide laminate stack having a PC film terminating in a film edge, defines the outer perimeter of the transparent body sheet. The film edge is located within the perimeter of the transparent body sheet, allowing it to be connected to a light source that can be connected to the transparent body sheet. In this way, the transparency extends beyond the PC film and protects the PC film from accidental bending, crushing, or other impacts. This protection is particularly important when the lightguide glazing is installed in a vehicle entryway. At this point, the glazing assembly has been heat-treated to bond with the laminated layers of the glazing process. The heat-treating process tends to embrittle the polycarbonate tabs and make them more susceptible to damage from impact with the vehicle body. Glazings with film edges located within the perimeter of the transparent body sheet can be degassed using a vacuum bag. In some cases of glazing manufactured in this manner, the light source may be added prior to heat treating the light guiding glazing, allowing the assembly to reach the assembly position without the need to connect the light source to the glazing laminate during the vehicle assembly process.

[0017] In other cases, the glazing can include a transparent body sheet having a peripheral side edge that, in combination with a lightguide laminate stack having a PC film terminating in a film edge located outside the perimeter of the transparent body sheet, defines the outer perimeter of the transparent body sheet. In this manner, the polycarbonate film of the lightguide stack is extended to form a lightguide tab. By using a vacuum ring surrounding the transparent body sheet and the lightguide stack adjacent to its peripheral edge, the glazing can be degassed before the light source is attached to the PC film. Because degassing with a vacuum ring is faster than with a vacuum bag, glazing manufactured in this manner can be manufactured more quickly.

[0018] Preferably, the disclosed glazing includes a first transparent body, a second transparent body, and a lightguide stack disposed between portions of the first and second transparent bodies. The lightguide stack includes a polycarbonate film defining opposing major surfaces. The opposing major surfaces define portions of a smooth, continuous surface, but at least a portion of at least one of the major surfaces defines a discontinuity in the smooth, continuous surface of the major surface. Light in the visible spectrum propagates through the polycarbonate film between the smooth, continuous portions of the major surfaces of the polycarbonate film, but light passes from the polycarbonate film through the discontinuity in the smooth, continuous surface. An interlayer is disposed between portions of the first and second transparent bodies where the lightguide stack is absent. The interlayer has a nominal thickness that is substantially the same as the nominal thickness of the lightguide stack to limit the formation of bubbles and deformation in the glazing area where the lightguide stack abuts the interlayer during glazing manufacturing. A light rod is attached to an edge of the polycarbonate film such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light rod, through the edge of the polycarbonate film, and into the polycarbonate film.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the disclosed invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the detailed description of several currently preferred embodiments proceeds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Several presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention are shown and described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light-guiding glass window according to the invention of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a light guide glazing showing further details of the light guide, including an extended light guide tab that can be used to connect to a light source such as a light bar;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged portion of the light guide glass window is shown, showing Figure 2 Further details of the glazing in;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another enlarged portion of the light-guiding glazing shown, illustrating further details of the glazing, including extensions of the PC film; and

[0025] Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of the disclosed light-guiding glazing in which a protective glass layer extends from the main body of the glazing.

[0026] Figure 6 is another alternative embodiment of the disclosed light-conducting glazing in which a protective glass layer extends from the main body of the glazing and in which the light conductor contacts an edge of another glass layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the disclosed invention, a glazing laminate comprising at least one transparency sheet in combination with a lightguide laminate stack can be used in vehicle applications. In many vehicles, the sidelights include only a single transparency sheet, while the front-facing glazing (such as a windshield) includes two or more transparencies separated by an interlayer. Although the presently preferred embodiments are described in conjunction with windshields, the disclosed invention is also applicable to glazings that typically employ a single transparency sheet in accordance with the claimed invention.

[0028] according to Figure 1 In the presently preferred embodiment shown, a vehicle glazing 10 is used as a windshield, wherein a light guide stack is applied across the daylight opening ("DLO") of the windshield within the DLO. For reasons explained in detail below, the glazing 10 incorporates a light guide stack 12 comprising a PC film. The glazing 10 includes a first transparency sheet 12a and a second transparency sheet 12b disposed on an opposite side of the light guide stack 12. The transparency sheet 12a defines a peripheral side edge 12c that defines the perimeter of the transparency sheet 12a, while the transparency sheet 12b defines a peripheral side edge 12d that defines the perimeter of the transparency sheet 12b. The light guide stack 12 also defines a tab 13, wherein the PC film 12e of the light guide stack 12 extends beyond the perimeter of the transparency sheet 12a and beyond the perimeter of the transparency sheet 12b. Throughout the light guide stack 12, the PC film 12e defines a surface 13a facing the transparent body sheet 12a and a surface 13b facing the transparent body sheet 12b. Surface 13a and surface 13b are disposed on the PC film 12e opposite each other, with a film edge 13c located between surfaces 13a and 13b. Portions of film surface 13a and portions of surface 13b each define a smooth, continuous surface. Light in the visible spectrum that illuminates film edge 13c propagates through the PC film 12e between the smooth, continuous portions of film surface 13a and film surface 13b.

[0029] When the glazing 10 is installed on a vehicle, a light source such as a light bar 14 may illuminate the film edge 13c to cause light to propagate through the PC film 12e. In some cases, the light source such as the light guide 14 may be adhered to a portion of the film edge 13c on the PC tab 13. In other cases, the light source such as the light guide 14 may be adhered to a portion of the film edge 13c located at the perimeter defined by the peripheral side edge 12c of the transparency sheet 12a, or at the perimeter defined by the peripheral side edge 12d of the transparency sheet 12b, or at the perimeters of both transparency sheets 12a and 12b.

[0030] When the end 16 of the light rod 14 is illuminated by visible light, such as from an LED 16a, the light from the LED propagates through the light rod 14 and the adjacent film edge 13c of the PC film 12e. Inside the PC film 12e, the light propagates between the smooth surfaces 13a and 13b of the PC film 12e. Portions of the surface 13a or 13b of the PC film 12c may define an irregular pattern, such that the surface is discontinuous. Such a pattern may be created by etching or a similar process, thereby creating a pattern in the shape of alphanumeric characters, a design, or other image. Light that passes through the PC film 12e between the surfaces 13a and 13b passes out of the PC film 12e through the irregularities or discontinuities formed by the etching, such that the light forms a visible pattern based on the pattern of the discontinuities in the surface 13a or 13b. In this way, the surface 13a or 13b may be scored or etched with a design or alphanumeric sequence to form readable information or indicative images. Figure 1 In the example of FIG, a visual message is designed to warn of a road bend.

[0031] exist Figure 2 Further details of a vehicle glazing according to the disclosed invention are shown in FIG. Figure 2 The light guide stack 22 is shown extending over only a portion of the daylight opening (DLO) of the vehicle glazing 24. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Details of the glazing transparency, the interlayer separating the transparency, and the light guide stack 22 are shown and described.

[0032] Figure 3 Shown are the remainder of the light guide stack 22 and the glazing laminate 24. In the glazing 24, an inner transparency 26 and an outer transparency 28 are separated by an intervening layer of PVB 30. During the lamination process, the transparency layers 26 and 28 are bonded to the PVB layer 30 so that if either transparency 26 or 28 breaks, they are sufficiently bonded to the PVB layer 30 that the fragments of the transparency 26 or 28 generally remain attached to the PVB layer 30.

[0033] To limit weight, reduce material costs, and other factors, the overall thickness of the glazing 24 is minimized. However, it has been found that the practical effects of certain performance requirements for glazing, such as wind load resistance, impact resistance, chip resistance, shatter resistance, and other factors, dictate a minimum thickness for vehicle glazing. The minimum thickness for vehicle glazing varies depending on the application and orientation of the glazing in the vehicle, but commercial factors generally dictate the minimum thickness for conventional transparency layers and conventional laminates. For PVB used in windshields, the nominal thickness of a conventional PVB layer is 0.76 mm. In some cases, a thinner PVB layer of 0.38 mm can be used in vehicle windshields.

[0034] It has been found that for Figure 2 and Figure 3In the glazing shown with the light guide stack 22 interfaced with the ends of the PVB interlayer 30, the total thickness of the light guide stack must closely approximate the total thickness of the PVB layer 30. The total thickness of the light guide stack 22 must closely approximate the total thickness of the PVB interlayer 30 to avoid visible distortion, bubbles, and other undesirable effects that may occur during the lamination process. Thus, in a motor vehicle glazing intended for use as a windshield having a nominal PVB interlayer thickness of a standard 0.76 mm, the light guide stack must also be approximately 0.76 mm thick to avoid noticeable distortion of the glazing after lamination.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In an example embodiment, the light guide stack 22 includes a PC film 32 having PET cover layers 38 and 40 bonded to opposing sides of the PC film 32 by respective layers 34 and 36 of silicone. In other examples, cover layers other than PET bonded by silicone may also be used. The thickness of the PC film 32, cover layers 38 and 40, and silicone layers 34 and 36 are substantially less than the thickness of the 0.76 mm (30 mils) PVB interlayer 30. For example, the PC film thickness is approximately 0.127 mm (5 mils), the PET cover layers thickness (respectively) is approximately 0.076 mm (3 mils), and the silicone layers thickness (respectively) is approximately 0.041 mm (1.6 mils). To approximate the thickness of the light guide stack to the thickness of the PVB interlayer 30, two spacer layers 42 and 44 are included. The spacer layers 42 and 44 enable bonding of the PET layers 38 and 40 to the respective transparencies 26 and 28. exist Figure 3 40. In the example shown, spacer layers 42 and 44 are made of PVB. Other compositions such as EVA and PU may also be used for spacer layers 42 and 44. In some cases, the lightguide stack can be composed of a layer of PC film 32 and a layer of EVA or PU joined to the PC film 32 and transparencies 38 and 40, and the need for PET, PVB layers or other layers is avoided. PVB, PU and EVA are commercially available with a thickness of approximately 0.38 mm (15 mils). By selecting spacer layers 42 and 44 with a nominal thickness of 0.38 mm (15 mils), the total thickness of the lightguide laminate stack is sufficiently close to the total thickness of the PVB interlayer 30 to avoid thickness differences from being a source of visible distortion, bubbles and other undesirable effects during the lamination process.

[0036] According to the disclosed invention, the light guide stack 22 forms an intermediate layer between an inner transparent body 26 and an outer transparent body 28. In the disclosed invention, the transparent bodies 26 and 28 can be glass. Since PET is not bonded to glass, the PET layers in the light guide stack 22 are covered by corresponding PVB layers 42 and 44. The thickness of the entire stack 22 includes both the PVB layers 42 and 44 covering the PET layers 38 and 40. The light guide stack 22 must be approximately equal to the nominal thickness of the PVB layer 30. Figure 3In the illustration of FIG, the thickness of the PC film 32, silicone layers 34 and 36, PET layers 38 and 40, and PVB layers 42 and 44 must be approximately equal to the thickness of the PVB interlayer 30, which is 0.76 mm.

[0037] It has been discovered that the selection of the individual thicknesses of PC film 32, silicone layers 34 and 36, PET layers 38 and 40, and PVB layers 42 and 44, while achieving an overall thickness of light guide stack 22 that matches the thickness of PVB layer 30, is not simply a matter of selecting or modifying commercially available products to achieve the necessary overall thickness through routine experimentation. Other factors and limitations must also be considered that result in variables that are not obvious to those skilled in the art. In fact, the identification and selection of preferred thicknesses for the various layers in light guide stack 22 occurs in a manner that is counterintuitive and contrary to previously known selections and methods.

[0038] For example, the minimum thickness of the PVB layers 42 and 44 must be sufficient to support adequate lamination with the corresponding glass layers 26 and 28. This is necessary for the portion of the glazing 24 containing the light guide stack 22 to meet various performance requirements for windshield impact, such as avoiding free glass fragments upon breakage and other factors. Furthermore, it has been found that the thickness of the PET layers 38 and 40 in the light guide stack 22 must be at least 0.0762 mm (3 mils). This is necessary to avoid certain adverse effects of the PET layers during lamination, namely, flow, wrinkling, and orange peel effects of the PET layers 42 and 44 during the autoclave step of lamination. The use of a PET layer (typically about 0.0508 mm) as a typical ordinary PET layer is surprising and unexpected because, in the prior art, it has been determined that PET layers exhibiting this effect must be thinner than 3 mils—not as thick as in the invention according to the present disclosure. As another example, it has been found that the PC film thickness must be 2 mils to avoid wrinkling of the PC film during the autoclave step of lamination. Preferably, the PC film has a thickness of up to 5 mils, more preferably in the range of 3 to 4 mils.

[0039] Figure 4 As shown, according to the invention of the present disclosure, it has been found that it is preferable to remove the PET layers 38 and 40 and the silicone layers 43 and 36 from the portion of the PC film 32 that extends beyond the perimeter of the transparencies 26 and 28 as the tab 13. In addition, it has been found that it is preferable to make the PC film 32 thinner than conventional thin film light guides. Preferably, the thickness of the PC film 32 is in the range of 0.0508 mm (2 mils) to 0.127 mm (5 mils). The reason for removing the PET and silicone layers from the extended tab portion of the PC layer 32 and limiting the thickness of the PC film 32 is to improve the manufacturing process. These modifications and limitations of the PC film provide the PC film with enhanced flexibility to adapt to the commercial process used to form automotive glazing.

[0040] In the commercial manufacture of automotive glazing, stacks of glazing windows undergo a vacuum treatment prior to the lamination autoclave step. The purpose of the vacuum treatment is to remove air trapped between the various layers of glazing prior to the lamination autoclave step. If excess air remains between the layers, the glazing may tend to exhibit visual defects such as bubbles. Other undesirable consequences, such as delamination, may also occur.

[0041] To remove excess air, a vacuum ring is placed around the perimeter of the glazing 24 prior to lamination. The vacuum ring is placed against the edge of the glazing 24 so that the vacuum conditions within the ring communicate with the interior of the glazing. In this way, air is drawn from between the layers of glazing and into the vacuum ring until a sufficient vacuum is established within the glazing stack.

[0042] In order for the vacuum ring to effectively communicate vacuum conditions to the interior of the glazing stack, the port on the vacuum ring must be close to the edge of the glazing stack. This means that the allowable gap between the peripheral edge of the glazing stack and the inward side of the vacuum ring must be small. Figure 1 As explained above, the tab portion 13 of the PC film 12e extends beyond the peripheral edges 12c and 12d of the transparent body sheets 12a and 12b of the glazing, allowing the light rod 14 to transmit light into the PC film 12e through the exposed edge 13a of the PC film 12e. However, because the tab 13 of the PC layer 12 extends beyond the perimeter of the transparent body sheets 12a and 12b, the vacuum ring will interfere with the tab 13 as it is positioned around the peripheral edge of the glazing stack.

[0043] Previously, it was believed that PC film 12e must have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand contact with the vacuum ring. This led to designs where the PET cover layers 38 and 40 on PC film 32 were maintained across the entire tab 32, and PC film 32 was even thicker to increase the mechanical strength of PC film 32 to withstand contact with the vacuum ring. However, surprisingly, the disclosed invention produced the opposite result.

[0044] First, according to the disclosed invention, the PET layers 38 and 40 and the silicone layers 34 and 36 are completely removed from the PC film 32. Second, the PC film 32 is thinner than previously known. In the disclosed invention, the PC film 32 is able to withstand interference with the vacuum ring due to its flexibility (rather than mechanical strength). In the disclosed invention, the PC film 32 is flexible enough to bend out of the path of the vacuum ring without damaging the PC film, while the vacuum ring still achieves a sufficient vacuum on the inside of the glass window. This is contrary to the requirement for higher mechanical strength resulting from a relatively thick PC film.

[0045] Combine Figures 2-4The embodiment shown and described may further incorporate a light source (such as a light guide) affixed to the tab portion of the PC film 32. The light source may be added before the glazing is delivered to the vehicle assembly location, or the light source may be added to the glazing as part of the larger process of vehicle assembly.

[0046] Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the disclosed invention is shown. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the PC film 12e includes a PC film protrusion 13 that terminates at an edge 13a. Figure 1 As described, the light rod 14 is connected to the edge 13a of the PC film 12e. Figure 1 As described above, when the end 16 of the light rod 14 is illuminated, light propagates from the light rod 14 through the edge 13a into the PC film 12. Figure 5 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the glass sheet 28 extends beyond the edge 13 a of the tab 13 and beyond at least a portion of the light rod 14. In this manner, the light rod 14 can be secured to the glass sheet 28 by adhesive or other suitable fastening methods, so that the glass sheet 28 mechanically supports the light guide 14 and provides greater stability to the light guide 14 and the PC film tab 13 located outside the perimeter of the peripheral side of the transparent body 26.

[0047] Figure 5 The illustrated structure provides increased durability during the manufacture and operation of the glazing 10, as well as when the glazing 10 is installed in a vehicle. It has been found that this structure tends to protect the PC film 12 from cracking or tearing during operation or during attachment of the light guide after autoclaving. The extended portion of the glass sheet 28 also serves as a guide to help position the glazing 10 during installation in the vehicle and to maintain the stability of the tab 13 and light guide 14 when the glazing is installed.

[0048] for Figure 5 In the embodiment of FIG, the vacuum channel is generally not suitable for degassing the glazing laminate stack because the allowable clearance of the vacuum channel does not accommodate the difference in the periphery of the transparent bodies 26 and 28. For example, a vacuum channel passing close to the edge of the transparent body 26 would interfere with the extended portion of the transparent body 28. Therefore, for Figure 5 In an embodiment, a vacuum bag or equivalent device may be used to degas the glazing prior to heating in an autoclave or other curing process.

[0049] It has been found that the extended portion of the glass sheet 28 can provide protection for the PVB, polyurethane or other interlayer material, especially after such material has been slightly embrittled by an autoclave or other heating or curing process. For example, when the glazing is installed in a vehicle opening, there is a risk that the extended tab will be damaged by contact with the vehicle body.

[0050] Figure 6 As further shown, the light rod 14 is in contact with the peripheral side edge 12c of the transparent body 26. When the light rod 14 is in contact with the peripheral side edge in this manner prior to autoclaving, the body of the light guide 14 forms a seal with the peripheral side edge of the transparent body 26 during the lamination autoclaving step. This seal helps maintain the stack of light guides and prevents air bubbles in the stack, particularly near the peripheral edge of the transparent body 26. To help form this seal, the disclosed invention utilizes a light guide having a body made of Delrin™ or a similar plastic material.

[0051] Figure 6 The embodiment of the present invention also shows that it is preferred that the thickness of the light guide is no greater than 3.0 mm (measured in a direction normal to the surface of the inner transparent body 28). More preferably, the thickness ("T") of the light guide 14 is 2.6 mm or less. Figures 1 to 4 The thickness of the light guide used in conjunction with the embodiment is typically 5 mm. However, for Figure 6 The lower profile (thickness) of the preferred light guide of the embodiment allows the light bar to butt against the peripheral edge of the inner transparency 26 with the maximum height of the assembled glazing (including the light bar) no higher than the outer surface of the outer transparency 26. In this way, the assembled glazing is compatible with standard size and shape openings for receiving glazing in many vehicles.

[0052] Other features, objects and advantages of the invention are set out hereinafter within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A glass window that projects light in a predetermined pattern in response to an illumination signal, the glass window comprising: a glazing laminate comprising at least one transparent body sheet defining a peripheral side edge; and a lightguide stack defining a first surface facing at least a portion of the at least one transparency sheet, the lightguide stack comprising: a polycarbonate film defining a first film surface, a second film surface, and a film edge between the first film surface and the second film surface, the second film surface being disposed on the film opposite the first film surface, portions of the first film surface and portions of the second film surface each defining a smooth continuous surface such that light in the visible spectrum propagates through the film between the smooth continuous surfaces of the first film surface and the second film surface, the first film surface further defining an irregular pattern in the smooth continuous surface such that light propagating through the film between the first film surface and the second film surface passes out of the first film surface through the irregular pattern in the first film surface; a second transparency sheet having a peripheral edge, the second transparency sheet defining a surface facing the at least one transparency sheet, wherein the film edge of the film extends beyond the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet to form an extended tab outside the periphery of the second transparency sheet, wherein the film edge of the film defines a distal end of the extended tab; at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the second transparency sheet; a spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the second transparent body sheet, wherein the material of the spacer layer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate and combinations thereof; and an intermediate layer positioned between the second transparency sheet and the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer defining a first surface opposite a surface of the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer further defining a second surface opposite a surface of the second transparency sheet facing the at least one transparency sheet, the separation between the first surface of the intermediate layer and the second surface of the intermediate layer defining a thickness of the intermediate layer; and A light source is defined that contacts the peripheral edge of the second transparent body sheet, the light source being connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first and second film surfaces.

2. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The at least one transparency sheet is connected to a light source, the film edge being located within a perimeter defined by a peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet.

3. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The light source includes a light emitting diode.

4. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The light guide stack further includes at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the at least one transparency sheet.

5. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The light guide laminate stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the film and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

6. The glass window according to claim 4, wherein The light guide stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane and combinations thereof.

7. The glass window according to claim 2, wherein: The thickness of the light source is less than 3 mm.

8. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The light guide stack has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer.

9. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The light guide laminate stack further includes a spacer layer between the film and the second transparent body sheet, wherein a material of the spacer layer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

10. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the film ranged from 2 mils to 5 mils.

11. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein The body of the light source forms a seal with the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet.

12. A glass window that projects light in a predetermined pattern in response to an illumination signal, the glass window comprising: a glazing laminate comprising at least one transparent body sheet defining a peripheral side edge; a lightguide stack defining a first surface facing at least a portion of the at least one transparency sheet, the transparency sheet having a peripheral side edge defining a perimeter, the lightguide stack comprising: a film defining a first film surface, a second film surface, and a film edge between the first film surface and the second film surface, the second film surface being disposed on the film opposite the first film surface, wherein the film edge is outside a perimeter defined by the peripheral side edge, portions of the first film surface and portions of the second film surface each defining a smooth continuous surface such that light in the visible spectrum propagates through the film between the smooth continuous surfaces of the first film surface and the second film surface, the first film surface further defining an irregular pattern in the smooth continuous surface such that light propagating through the film between the first film surface and the second film surface passes out of the first film surface through the irregular pattern in the first film surface; and a light source defining a body contacting a peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet, the light source being connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first film surface and the second film surface, wherein the light source contacts the peripheral side edge of only one transparency sheet.

13. A glass window that projects light in a predetermined pattern in response to an illumination signal, the glass window comprising: a glazing laminate comprising at least one transparent body sheet defining a peripheral side edge; a lightguide stack defining a first surface facing at least a portion of the at least one transparency sheet, the lightguide stack comprising: a film defining a first film surface, a second film surface, and a film edge between the first film surface and the second film surface, the second film surface being disposed on the film opposite the first film surface, portions of the first film surface and portions of the second film surface each defining a smooth continuous surface such that light in the visible spectrum propagates through the film between the smooth continuous surfaces of the first film surface and the second film surface, the first film surface further defining an irregular pattern in the smooth continuous surface such that light propagating through the film between the first film surface and the second film surface passes out of the first film surface through the irregular pattern in the first film surface; and A light source defining a body contacting the peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet, wherein the light source contacts the peripheral side edge of only one transparency sheet.

14. The glazing according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one transparency sheet is connected to the light source, wherein the film edge is located within a perimeter defined by a peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet.

15. The glazing according to claim 14, wherein: The light source is connected to the film edge of the film of the light guide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first and second film surfaces.

16. The glazing according to claim 15, wherein: The light source includes a light emitting diode.

17. The glazing according to claim 14, wherein: The film of the light guide stack comprises polycarbonate.

18. The glazing according to claim 17, wherein: The light guide stack further includes at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the at least one transparency sheet.

19. The glazing according to claim 17, wherein: The light guide laminate stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the film and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

20. The glazing according to claim 18, wherein The light guide stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane and combinations thereof.

21. The glazing according to claim 13, wherein: The film edge is located outside the perimeter defined by the peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet.

22. The glazing of claim 21 further comprising a light source connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first and second film surfaces.

23. The glazing according to claim 13, wherein: The thickness of the light source is less than 3 mm.

24. The glazing according to claim 13, wherein: The glazing laminate further comprises: a second transparency sheet defining a surface facing the at least one transparency sheet; and an intermediate layer positioned between the second transparency sheet and the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer defining a first surface opposite a surface of the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer further defining a second surface opposite a surface of the second transparency sheet facing the at least one transparency sheet, the separation between the first surface of the intermediate layer and the second surface of the intermediate layer defining a thickness of the intermediate layer.

25. The glazing according to claim 24, wherein The light guide stack has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer.

26. The glazing according to claim 24, wherein: The film of the light guide stack comprises polycarbonate.

27. The glazing according to claim 26, wherein: The light guide laminate stack includes at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the second transparency sheet.

28. The glazing according to claim 27, wherein The light guide stack further includes a spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the second transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

29. The glazing according to claim 26, wherein: The light guide laminate stack further includes a spacer layer between the film and the second transparent body sheet, wherein a material of the spacer layer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

30. The glazing according to claim 28, wherein The film edge of the film extends beyond the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet to form an extended tab outside the periphery of the second transparency sheet, wherein the film edge of the film defines a distal end of the extended tab.

31. The glazing of claim 30 further comprising a light source connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first and second film surfaces.

32. The glazing according to claim 30, wherein: The thickness of the film ranged from 2 mils to 5 mils.

33. The glazing according to claim 24, wherein: The body of the light source forms a seal with the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet.

34. A glazing for projecting light in a predetermined pattern in response to an illumination signal, the glazing comprising: a glazing laminate comprising at least one transparent body sheet defining a peripheral side edge; a lightguide stack defining a first surface facing at least a portion of the at least one transparency sheet, the lightguide stack comprising: a film defining a first film surface, a second film surface, and a film edge between the first film surface and the second film surface, the second film surface being disposed on the film opposite the first film surface, portions of the first film surface and portions of the second film surface each defining a smooth continuous surface such that light in the visible spectrum propagates through the film between the smooth continuous surfaces of the first film surface and the second film surface, the first film surface further defining an irregular pattern in the smooth continuous surface such that light propagating through the film between the first film surface and the second film surface passes out of the first film surface through the irregular pattern in the first film surface; the lightguide laminate stack defining a peripheral edge located within a perimeter defined by a peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet; Wherein, the glass window laminate further comprises: a second transparency sheet defining a surface facing the at least one transparency sheet; and an intermediate layer positioned between the second transparency sheet and the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer defining a first surface opposite a surface of the at least one transparency sheet, the intermediate layer further defining a second surface opposite a surface of the second transparency sheet facing the at least one transparency sheet, the separation between the first surface of the intermediate layer and the second surface of the intermediate layer defining a thickness of the intermediate layer; wherein the light guide stack has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer; The end of the optical waveguide stack is interface-connected to the end of the intermediate layer.

35. The glazing of claim 34 further comprising a light source connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first and second film surfaces.

36. The glazing according to claim 35, wherein The light source includes a light emitting diode.

37. The glazing according to claim 34, wherein: The film of the light guide stack comprises polycarbonate.

38. The glazing according to claim 37, wherein: The light guide stack further includes at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the at least one transparency sheet.

39. The glazing according to claim 37, wherein: The light guide laminate stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the film and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

40. The glazing according to claim 38, wherein The light guide stack further comprises at least one spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the at least one transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane and combinations thereof.

41. The glazing according to claim 34, wherein: The film edge is located outside the perimeter defined by the peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet.

42. The glass window of claim 41 further comprising a light source connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first film surface and the second film surface.

43. The glazing according to claim 42, wherein: The light source defines a body that contacts a peripheral side edge of the at least one transparency sheet.

44. The glazing according to claim 35, wherein: The thickness of the light source is less than 3 mm.

45. The glazing according to claim 34, wherein The film of the light guide stack comprises polycarbonate.

46. ​​The glazing according to claim 45, wherein The light guide laminate stack includes at least one layer of polyethylene terephthalate between the film and the second transparency sheet.

47. The glazing according to claim 46, wherein The light guide stack further includes a spacer layer between the polyethylene terephthalate layer and the second transparent body sheet, the spacer layer being made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

48. The glazing according to claim 34, wherein The light guide laminate stack further includes a spacer layer between the film and the second transparent body sheet, wherein a material of the spacer layer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

49. The glazing according to claim 47, wherein The film edge of the film extends beyond the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet to form an extended tab outside the periphery of the second transparency sheet, wherein the film edge of the film defines a distal end of the extended tab.

50. The glazing of claim 49 further comprising a light source connected to the film edge of the film of the lightguide stack such that light in the visible spectrum propagates from the light source through the film edge into the film between the first film surface and the second film surface.

51. The glazing according to claim 34, wherein The thickness of the film ranged from 2 mils to 5 mils.

52. The glazing according to claim 50, wherein: The light source defines a body that contacts a peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet.

53. The glazing according to claim 43 or 52, wherein: The body of the light source forms a seal with the peripheral edge of the second transparency sheet.

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