Electromagnetic radiation-permeable glass piece

Abstract

A glass article comprising: at least one transparent substrate comprising a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, wherein the first major surface is coated with a conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer is absent in one or more regions of the first major surface, wherein i) the one or more regions of the first major surface, and / or ii) at least a portion of a corresponding region of the opposing second major surface, are coated with a low emissivity material, and wherein the one or more regions allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a glass component with a conductive layer, which is permeable to electromagnetic radiation and exhibits low emissivity in the permeability region. The invention also relates to methods for preparing and using the glass component. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the prior art to provide conductive layers to glass components to reduce IR transmission through windows. It is also well known that these conductive coatings significantly attenuate the propagation of radio waves and microwaves. Attenuation of radio and microwave communication signals is often an undesirable side effect of these conductive layers. Radio and microwave communication can be restored by removing certain selected portions of these conductive layers. For example, US 5867129 mentions a window with a conductive layer that allows microwaves to pass through while shielding long-wave electromagnetic radiation and reflecting infrared radiation. This is achieved by a conductive layer containing at least one slit, the length of which is a function of the microwave radiation wavelength. Preferably, in this example, the slits are invisible to the naked eye because they would distract a vehicle driver. These conductive coatings do interact with visible light and are practically impossible to remove in a way that is imperceptible to the human eye. Removal is noticeable because of changes in light transmission or color change in the glass component.

[0003] As is well known, many glass coatings are produced by multiple layers of varying compositions. Typically, each layer has a precisely calculated thickness and refractive index, so for practical purposes, the entire conductive coating is obviously transparent and neutrally tinted. The effect of removing or omitting a portion of the conductive coating is that the boundary between coated and uncoated areas can become particularly noticeable to the eye, because these precise layer thicknesses become locally disturbed at the boundaries of the coating's etching or selective deposition.

[0004] US 5620799 describes a glass element that has good transmittance in a specific area of ​​the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing data transmission. Above the rest of the surface, the same radiation can be prevented from passing through by reflection and / or absorption. The glass element may have a metallic coating and has a transmitter and / or receiver in the area. To mitigate the effect of this area being visually distinguishable from the rest of the glass element and to give the glass element a uniform appearance, the glass element can be selectively tinted with a darker optical shadow. In automotive glass design, it is common practice to tint the glass element across the upper edge of the windshield to reduce solar glare to vehicle occupants. US 5620799 notes that the area created for data transmission is less visually noticeable when within the tinted glass element area. It also emphasizes that the tinted shadow can vary and is particularly strong in the data transmission area.

[0005] EP 0717459 describes a glass component with a metallic layer having a pattern of spacing in the form of a grid within the layer to allow electromagnetic radiation of microwaves and longer waves to pass through. A planar antenna for microwave reception can be arranged behind the grid. The width of the grid lines cut into the conductive coating by laser is described as 0.1 mm to 0.05 mm, making them optically difficult to visually inspect.

[0006] Modern society expects easy access to mobile phones and other devices, especially when users are standing near a window that provides a visible view of the outside world. If this window is a solar IR control window, then such a location is generally poor for radio and microwave transmission and reception. However, omitting or removing the conductive coating in at least some areas of these glass components, resulting in IR heat loss or gain, is unacceptable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide glass components with conductive layers that allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through without significantly sacrificing their low emissivity characteristics.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a glass component is provided, comprising:

[0009] At least one transparent substrate, comprising a first main surface and an opposing second main surface.

[0010] The first main surface is coated with a conductive layer.

[0011] In one or more regions of the first main surface, there is no conductive layer.

[0012] in

[0013] i) One or more areas of the first main surface, and / or

[0014] ii) The corresponding area of ​​the opposite second primary surface

[0015] At least a portion of it contains low emissivity material, and

[0016] The one or more regions described herein allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass element.

[0017] Therefore, the glass element of the present invention provides the advantage of allowing electromagnetic radiation (e.g., mobile or cellular telephone signals) to pass through the glass element while retaining excellent low emissivity characteristics.

[0018] In the context of this invention, the “corresponding region” of the opposing second primary surface refers to the region of the opposing second primary surface that completely overlaps with one or more regions of the first primary surface when viewed perpendicularly to the first primary surface.

[0019] In the context of this invention, electromagnetic radiation “through the glass” means electromagnetic radiation passing from a position outside the first primary surface to a position outside the opposite second primary surface, or vice versa.

[0020] In the context of this invention, when a layer is referred to as "based on" one or more specific materials or "based on" one or more specific materials, it means that the layer is primarily composed of the corresponding one or more materials, which generally means that it contains at least about 50 at% of the one or more materials.

[0021] In the following discussion of the invention, the disclosure of alternative values ​​for the upper or lower limits of the permissible range of a parameter, along with an indication that one value is more highly preferred than another, should be interpreted as implying that each intermediate value of the parameter (between the more preferred and less preferred alternative values) is itself preferred to the less preferred value and to each value between the less preferred value and the intermediate value, unless otherwise stated.

[0022] Throughout this specification, the terms "comprising" or "including" mean that the specified components are included, but do not exclude the presence of other components. The terms "consistently made of" or "consistently made of" mean that the specified components are included, excluding other components, except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present due to the process used to provide the components, and components added for purposes other than achieving the technical effects of the invention. Generally, when referring to a composition, a composition consisting essentially of one set of components will contain less than 5% by weight, typically less than 3% by weight, and more typically less than 1% by weight of unspecified components.

[0023] The terms "composed of" or "consisting of" mean that the specified components are included, but other components are excluded.

[0024] In any appropriate context, the word “comprising” or “including” may also be used to include the meaning of “consistent with” or “made up of”, or to be regarded as including the meaning of “composed of” or “made up of”.

[0025] The phrase “within the range of x to y” mentioned in this article is intended to include the interpretation of “from x to y”, and therefore includes the values ​​of x and y.

[0026] In the context of this invention, a transparent material is a material that can transmit visible light, so that objects or images located outside or behind the material can be clearly seen through the material.

[0027] In the context of this invention, the thickness of a layer is expressed as, for any given location at the layer surface, the distance through the layer in the minimum dimensional direction from said location at the layer surface to said location at the opposite surface of the layer.

[0028] Preferably, at least a portion of each of the one or more regions of the first main surface without a conductive layer is loaded with a low-emissivity material. Preferably, substantially all, more preferably all, of each of the one or more regions of the first main surface without a conductive layer is loaded with a low-emissivity material.

[0029] Preferably, the low emissivity material exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.3, more preferably less than 0.2, even more preferably less than 0.1, and most preferably less than 0.05. Preferably, the glass exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.4, more preferably less than 0.3, even more preferably less than 0.2, and most preferably less than 0.1. According to EN 12898:2019, the emissivity can be conveniently measured using a commercially available spectrometer. Preferably, the glass exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.4, more preferably less than 0.3, even more preferably less than 0.2, and most preferably less than 0.1. Preferably, the emissivity is an average emissivity calculated by measuring and considering the emissivity of the following relative surface areas:

[0030] 1) The region on the first main surface of the transparent substrate where a conductive layer exists.

[0031] 2) Areas on the surface of a transparent substrate carrying low-emissivity material, and

[0032] 3) The first main surface of the transparent substrate does not contain a conductive layer and a low emissivity material in the corresponding area of ​​the transparent substrate relative to the second main surface, and the corresponding area of ​​the transparent substrate does not contain a low emissivity material either.

[0033] Preferably, the surface region carrying the low emissivity material exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.4, even more preferably less than 0.3, and most preferably less than 0.2.

[0034] Low emissivity materials may include one or more of coated glass, coated microbeads, dielectric multilayer coatings, metals and / or metal oxides.

[0035] The coated glass and / or coated microspheres are preferably coated with a low-emissivity coating. The low-emissivity coating may comprise at least one layer based on an IR-reflective metal or an IR-reflective metal oxide. The IR-reflective metal may be any suitable metal, such as silver, gold, or aluminum. The IR-reflective metal oxide may be any suitable oxide, such as titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, or a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). The TCO may be any suitable TCO, such as fluorine-doped tin oxide, antimony-doped tin oxide, or indium-doped tin oxide, preferably fluorine-doped tin oxide. The coated microspheres may be coated polymers or coated ceramic microspheres.

[0036] The dielectric multilayer coating may include layers based on non-conductive metal oxides and / or non-conductive metal nitrides. The multilayer coating may comprise: a first layer, which is a dielectric film of a metal compound that is transparent and has a refractive index in the range of 1.8 to 2.1, and the dielectric film is deposited on the first major surface of a transparent substrate; a second layer, which is a dielectric film of a metal compound that is transparent and has a refractive index in the range of 2.2 to 2.5, and the dielectric film is deposited on the first layer; and a third layer, which is a dielectric film of a metal compound that is transparent and has a refractive index in the range of 1.8 to 2.1, and the dielectric film is deposited on the second layer. SnO x (0 < x ≤ 2), TaO x (0 < x ≤ 2.5), ZrO x (0 < x ≤ 2) or AlN x (0 < x ≤ 1) is useful as a dielectric metal compound having a refractive index in the range of 1.8 to 2.1, and TiO x (0 < x ≤ 2) is suitable as a dielectric metal compound having a dielectric index in the range of 2.2 to 2.5. It should be noted that the refractive index values described herein are reported as the average across the 400 - 78 nm electromagnetic spectrum. The dielectric multilayer coating may further comprise metal particles or metal oxide particles. Such particles can improve the low emissivity performance while allowing the passage of electromagnetic radiation.

[0037] The metal can be any suitable metal, such as silver, gold or aluminum, preferably silver. The metal oxide can be any suitable metal oxide, such as titanium dioxide or aluminum oxide or TCO, such as fluorine-doped tin oxide, antimony-doped tin oxide or indium-doped tin oxide, preferably fluorine-doped tin oxide.

[0038] The low emissivity material can be in the form of coated glass, coated microspheres, sheets and / or particles of metals and / or metal oxides. An example of a sheet of coated glass is Metashine available from NGF Europe Limited, St Helens, UK. The metal sheet can be an aluminum sheet.

[0039] The sheets of coated glass, metal and / or metal oxide preferably have an average thickness of from 0.1 - 10 μm, more preferably from 1 - 8 μm, even more preferably from 4 - 6 μm. Preferably, the sheets of coated glass, metal and / or metal oxide have an average diameter of from 5 - 4000 μm, more preferably from 10 - 1700 μm, even more preferably from 20 - 500 μm, most preferably from 25 - 150 μm. Preferably, the sheets of coated glass, metal and / or metal oxide have an aspect ratio (average diameter divided by average thickness) greater than or equal to 10, more preferably 15, most preferably 20.

[0040] The coated glass, coated microspheres, metal and / or metal oxide particles preferably have an average diameter of 1-1000 μm, more preferably 10-500 μm, and even more preferably 20-300 μm. The coated glass particles may include glass microspheres, which may be solid or hollow. Preferably, the glass microspheres are solid.

[0041] The low-emissivity material may preferably be formed in at least a portion of a coating and / or film attached to a first primary surface of the substrate. Preferably, the low-emissivity material is dispersed in the coating and / or film. Alternatively or supplementarily, the low-emissivity material may be formed in at least a portion of a layer that is in contact with glass, in the coating and / or film, or on an exposed surface of the coating and / or film. Preferably, the layer is discontinuous.

[0042] The coating may further include a binder, such as an epoxy-based resin or asphalt medium. The coating is preferably applied in the form of a paint. Alternatively, another suitable technique, such as chemical vapor deposition or a sol-gel method, can be used to apply the coating.

[0043] The film is preferably a polymer-based film, such as a polyester-based film. It is preferably attached to the glass component by an adhesive.

[0044] The coating and / or film can be transparent, opaque, or optically diffuse. The coating and / or film may further contain pigments. In some applications, it is aesthetically desirable for the coating and / or film to be opaque and / or exhibit a non-neutral color.

[0045] Preferably, the density of the low emissivity material is less than 5 g / cm³. 3 More preferably less than 3g / cm 3 Even better, less than 2g / cm 3 However, it is preferable to have a concentration exceeding 0.1 g / cm³. 3 More preferably, exceeding 0.5 g / cm³ 3 Even better, exceeding 1g / cm 3 Preferably, the density is the density of the low-emissivity material forming at least a portion of the coating and / or film attached to the first main surface of the substrate.

[0046] Preferably, the coating and / or film contains at least 0.5 wt% of a low emissivity material, preferably at least 1 wt%, even more preferably at least 2 wt%, but preferably at most 15 wt%, preferably at most 10 wt%, even more preferably at most 5 wt%.

[0047] Preferably, the physical thickness of the coating is at least 10 nm, more preferably at least 50 nm, even more preferably at least 100 nm, but preferably at most 1000 nm, most preferably at most 500 nm, and even more preferably at most 400 nm.

[0048] Preferably, the physical thickness of the membrane is at least 1 micrometer, more preferably at least 10 micrometers, even more preferably at least 50 micrometers, but preferably at most 1000 micrometers, more preferably at most 500 micrometers, even more preferably at most 200 micrometers.

[0049] Preferably, one or more regions of the first main surface without a conductive layer are configured to allow electromagnetic radiation corresponding to very high frequencies (30-300MHz, 10m-1m), ultra-high frequencies (300-3000MHz, 1m-100mm), and / or very high frequencies (3-30GHz, 100mm-10mm) to pass through. More preferably, one or more regions of the first main surface without a conductive layer are configured to allow only electromagnetic radiation corresponding to very high frequencies (30-300MHz, 10m-1m), ultra-high frequencies (300-3000MHz, 1m-100mm), and / or very high frequencies (3-30GHz, 100mm-10mm) to pass through. Preferably, the regions without a conductive layer are configured to allow only electromagnetic radiation corresponding to ultra-high frequencies and / or very high frequencies to pass through, and more preferably, to allow electromagnetic radiation corresponding to frequencies used only by mobile phones or cellular phones and / or devices capable of wirelessly connecting to the Internet to pass through.

[0050] One or more areas of the first main surface that do not have a conductive layer and / or carry a low emissivity material may be located within 100 mm of the perimeter of the first main surface, preferably within 75 mm, more preferably within 50 mm, or even more preferably within 30 mm, but preferably at least 5 mm away from the perimeter, more preferably at least 15 mm away from the perimeter, or even more preferably at least 20 mm away from the perimeter.

[0051] The absence of a conductive layer and / or the presence of one or more regions on the first primary surface carrying a low-emissivity material can be of any suitable shape. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the one or more regions are shaped as strips. Preferably, each strip has a width of at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, even more preferably at least 40 mm, but preferably at most 200 mm, most preferably at most 100 mm, even more preferably at most 70 mm. Preferably, each strip has a length of at least 100 mm, more preferably at least 300 mm, even more preferably at least 400 mm.

[0052] Preferably, each strip is substantially parallel, and more preferably parallel to the nearest peripheral edge of the first main surface. Preferably, the length of each strip is at least 70% of the length of the nearest peripheral edge of the first main surface, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, and most preferably substantially the same.

[0053] Preferably, the conductive layer is transparent. This arrangement allows the observer a clear view through the entire glass element. In some embodiments, the light transmitted through the glass element at the one or more regions on the first main surface carrying the low-emissivity material may differ from the light transmitted through the glass element at regions on the first main surface without the low-emissivity material. In some embodiments, the light reflected through the glass element at the one or more regions on the first main surface carrying the low-emissivity material may differ from the light reflected through the glass element at regions on the first main surface without the low-emissivity material. This arrangement provides the observer with a unique view through the entire glass element and a clearly visible distinction between areas carrying the low-emissivity material and areas without it. This visible distinction can be noticeable under normal lighting conditions such as sunlight and / or artificial light sources. The distinction between areas carrying the low-emissivity material and areas without it can have a watermark-like appearance that is both unobtrusive and easily visible. In some embodiments, the regions carrying the one or more low-emissivity material may form at least one symbol.

[0054] Glass may have transparent and opaque areas, such as opaque areas. Preferably, the glass is substantially completely transparent. When viewed through the main surface of the glass, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably at least 95% of the glass is transparent, wherein for the purposes of these values, the entire surface area of ​​the main surface is considered to represent 100% of the glass. Most preferably, the glass is completely transparent.

[0055] One or more regions lacking a conductive layer and / or containing a low-emissivity material can be arranged in a repeating pattern. Such an arrangement can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the glass component.

[0056] The illumination effect can be used to enhance the visibility and / or aesthetic appeal of one or more areas where the conductive layer is absent. The glass element may further include one or more lamps, such as electric lamps. The one or more lamps are preferably located around the periphery of the glass element. The lamps can be attached directly or indirectly to the outer surface of the glass element, or the lamps can be located inside the glass element, for example, the lamps can be stacked within the glass element. The lamp may include LED components or LED devices, which may be deposited on or stacked between substrates such as a plastic film or glass surface. Alternatively, the lamp may include one or more electroluminescent materials formed on the substrate. If the lamp is an electric lamp, one or more conductors may be formed by a conductive layer, wherein the layer does not completely block electromagnetic radiation from passing through the glass element in the symbol area.

[0057] Preferably, at least one conductive layer comprises a metal, a conductive organic polymer, a conductive carbon form, and / or a metal oxide that is substantially conductive through doping. Particularly important examples of conductive layer materials for solar control include silver, copper, gold, aluminum, tin oxide, indium oxide, and zinc oxide. The conductive layer can achieve thermal insulation properties by reducing the emissivity of the glass element by reflecting infrared radiation emitted from, for example, the interior of a building (“low-e coating”), and / or shielding the interior room from excessive solar energy (heat) by reducing its solar transmission (“solar control coating”). The conductive layer can be a layer system with at least one transparent silver substrate, following the structure: laminated glass / lower antireflective layer / silver substrate / outer antireflective layer. In this type of layer system, the silver layer primarily serves as an infrared reflective layer, while an antireflective (“AR”) layer can be employed by appropriate selection of material and thickness to influence the transmission and reflection characteristics, emissivity, and solar transmittance in the visible spectral region, depending on the application.

[0058] Preferably, at least one transparent substrate is at least one transparent glass substrate. The transparent glass substrate may be clear or tinted. Preferably, the transparent glass substrate is a clear transparent glass substrate. The transparent glass substrate may be a glass pane based on a metal oxide. The glass pane may be a clear or tinted float glass pane. Preferably, the glass pane is a clear glass pane. A typical soda-lime silicate glass composition (by weight) is: SiO2 69-74%; Al2O3 0-3%; Na2O 10-16%; K2O 0-5%; MgO 0-6%; CaO 5-14%; SO3 0-2% and Fe2O3 0.005-2%. The glass composition may also contain other additives, such as clarifying agents, which are typically present in an amount of up to 2%. Clear float glass refers to glass having a composition as defined in BS EN 572-1 and BS EN 572-2 (2004). For clear float glass, the Fe2O3 content is typically 0.11% by weight. Float glass with an Fe2O3 content of less than about 0.05% by weight is generally referred to as low-iron float glass. Such glass typically has a basic composition of other component oxides; that is, low-iron float glass is also a soda-lime silicate glass, just like clear float glass. Typically, tinted float glass has at least 0.5% by weight of Fe2O3, for example, 1.0% by weight of Fe2O3. Alternatively, the glass panes may be borosilicate-based, alkaline aluminosilicate-based, or alumina-based crystalline glass panes.

[0059] The preferred glass component comprises at least two transparent substrates separated by a gap, and / or at least one intermediate material sheet is laminated between the substrates. A conductive layer is preferably located between the at least two transparent substrates. The intermediate layer material may be selected from polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers.

[0060] Preferably, the glass element further includes a frame attached to its periphery. This frame may include any suitable periphery supporting the glass element, such as a window frame and / or a door.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the invention, a multilayer glass unit is provided, comprising:

[0062] At least two transparent substrates, each comprising a first primary surface and an opposing second primary surface.

[0063] At least one of the transparent substrates has a conductive layer coated on its first main surface.

[0064] In one or more regions of the first main surface, there is no conductive layer.

[0065] in

[0066] i) One or more areas of the first main surface, and / or

[0067] ii) Relevant areas of different main surfaces of at least two transparent substrates

[0068] At least a portion of it contains low emissivity material, and

[0069] The one or more of these regions allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass element.

[0070] In the context of this invention, the “corresponding region” of another primary surface refers to the region of the opposing secondary primary surface that completely overlaps with one or more regions of the first primary surface when viewed perpendicularly to the first primary surface.

[0071] In the context of this invention, electromagnetic radiation “through glass” means electromagnetic radiation passing from a position outside the first outward-facing transparent substrate to a position outside the second outward-facing transparent substrate, or vice versa.

[0072] Preferably, at least two adjacent transparent substrates are separated by a gap, and / or at least one intermediate layer material sheet is laminated between the substrates. Preferably, a conductive layer and / or a low-emissivity material is located between two transparent substrates. Preferably, both the conductive layer and the low-emissivity material are located between the same two transparent substrates.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a glass component according to the present invention is provided, comprising:

[0074] At least one transparent substrate is coated with a conductive layer.

[0075] In this process, either the conductive layer is deposited through a mask and / or partially removed after the conductive layer is deposited.

[0076] Apply low emissivity material to

[0077] i) One or more areas of the first main surface, and / or

[0078] ii) The corresponding area of ​​the opposite second primary surface

[0079] At least a part of it.

[0080] The conductive layer can be partially removed using chemical, laser, and / or sandblasting methods. Chemical methods may include removal with a concentrated hydrofluoric acid solution.

[0081] Any features listed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention may also be used in any other aspect of the invention.

[0082] With the necessary modifications, any invention described herein can be combined with the features of any other invention described herein.

[0083] It should be understood that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention may be used in any combination and in any quantity. Furthermore, they may also be used in any combination and in any quantity in any other aspect of the invention. This includes, but is not limited to, dependent claims of any claim that serve as dependent claims of any other claim in this application.

[0084] This directs the reader’s attention to all papers and documents submitted concurrently with or prior to this application that are relevant to this application and open to public access to this specification, and all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstracts and figures) and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except for combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0086] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims, abstract, and figures) can be used to replace features for the same, equivalent, or similar purposes, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly indicated, each disclosed feature is merely one instance of a general series of equivalent or similar features. Attached Figure Description

[0087] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example rather than limitation:

[0088] Figure 1 The glass part shown in the present invention utilizes a coated glass sheet dispersed within a coating along... Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of centerline A;

[0089] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a glass component utilizing a coated glass sheet dispersed within a polymer-based film, according to the present invention, is shown.

[0090] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a glass component utilizing metal particles according to the present invention is shown, the metal particles being dispersed within a polymer-based film located on opposing main surfaces;

[0091] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a double-layer glass element unit utilizing a coated glass sheet dispersed within a coating, according to the present invention, is shown; and

[0092] Figure 5 Showing Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic plan view of the glass component. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 1 The glass element 1 according to the invention is shown along... Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view along the dashed line A. Glass component 1 comprises a glass sheet layer 2, on which a conductive layer 3 is coated on its main surface. This conductive layer is a transparent multilayer stack containing at least one silver base layer. The conductive layer 3 is absent in two regions on the main surface adjacent to two opposite edges of the layer 3. These regions are coated with a coating 4, which consists of a coating dispersed in a transparent varnish. Metashine-coated glass sheets (available from NGF Europe Limited, St Helens, UK). While the presence of the silver-coated glass sheet causes these areas to exhibit a degree of haze, surprisingly, the glass retains both low emissivity and allows electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass sheet 1.

[0094] Figure 5 Showing Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the same glass element 1 shown. Coating 4 is located adjacent to two opposite edges of layer 3 and extends along most of said edges.

[0095] Figure 2 This demonstrates the use of a material dispersed within a polyester-based film 7 according to the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional view of the glass component 5 coated with Metashine glass sheet. Glass component 5 has the same structure as glass component 1, but unlike 1, it lacks the coating 4; instead, a film 7 covers two areas 6 where the conductive layer 3 is absent. The film 7 is attached to the coating 3 and the sheet 2 by an adhesive (not shown).

[0096] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a glass element 8 utilizing metal particles according to the present invention is shown, the metal particles being dispersed within a polymer-based film 9 located on opposing main surfaces of a glass sheet layer 2. The glass element 8 has the same structure as the glass element 5, but differs in that the film 9 is attached to a corresponding region of the opposing second main surface and contains metal particles instead of a coated glass sheet.

[0097] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a double-layer glass element unit 10 utilizing a coated glass sheet dispersed within a coating, according to the present invention, is shown. The unit 10 has the same structure as the glass element 1, but differs in that it has an additional glass sheet layer 11, which is separated from the conductive layer 3 by two spacers 12.

[0098] This invention is not limited to the details of the described embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and figures), or to any novel step or combination of novel steps in any such disclosed method or process.

Claims

1. Glass components, including: At least one transparent substrate, comprising a first main surface and an opposing second main surface. The first main surface is coated with a conductive layer. In one or more regions of the first main surface, there is no conductive layer. in i) one or more regions of the first main surface, and / or ii) The corresponding area of ​​the opposite second primary surface At least a portion of it contains low-emissivity material. Low emissivity materials comprise coated glass and / or coated microspheres, which are in the form of sheets and / or particles. The one or more regions described above allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass element; and The low emissivity material forms at least a portion of a coating attached to a first primary surface and / or relative to a second primary surface of the substrate.

2. The glass component of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the one or more regions of the first main surface without a conductive layer is loaded with a low emissivity material.

3. The glass element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the glass element exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.

4.

4. The glass element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the glass element exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.

3.

5. The glass element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the glass element exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.

2.

6. The glass element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the glass element exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.

1.

7. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the low emissivity material comprises at least one of dielectric multilayer coating, metal and / or metal oxide.

8. The glass component of claim 1, wherein the coated glass and / or coated microspheres are coated with a low emissivity coating comprising at least one layer based on an IR-reflective metal or an IR-reflective metal oxide.

9. The glass component of claim 8, wherein the metal is silver, gold, or aluminum, and the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, or transparent conductive oxide (TCO).

10. The glass component of claim 1, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average thickness of 0.1-10 µm.

11. The glass component according to claim 1, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average thickness of 1-8 µm.

12. The glass component of claim 1, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average thickness of 4-6 µm.

13. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average diameter from 5 to 4000 µm.

14. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average diameter from 10 to 1700 µm.

15. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average diameter of 20-500 µm.

16. The glass piece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an average diameter of 25-150 µm.

17. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10, i.e., the average diameter divided by the average thickness.

18. The glass component of claim 17, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 15.

19. The glass component of claim 17, wherein the sheet of coated glass has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 20.

20. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coated glass and / or coated microspheres have an average diameter of 1-1000 µm.

21. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coated glass and / or coated microspheres have an average diameter of 10-500 µm.

22. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coated glass and / or coated microspheres have an average diameter of 20-300 µm.

23. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the particles coated with glass comprise glass microspheres, wherein the glass microspheres are solid or hollow.

24. The glass component of claim 1 or 2, wherein a low emissivity material forms at least a portion of a film attached to a first primary surface of the substrate and / or relative to a second primary surface.

25. The glass component of claim 1, wherein the low emissivity material is dispersed in the coating.

26. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the low emissivity material is formed or located in contact with the glass, within the coating, or on at least a portion of a layer on the exposed surface of the coating.

27. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the density of the low emissivity material is less than 5 g / cm³. 3 .

28. The glass component of claim 27, wherein the density of the low emissivity material is less than 3 g / cm³. 3 .

29. The glass component of claim 27, wherein the density of the low emissivity material is less than 2 g / cm³. 3 .

30. The glass component of claim 27, wherein the density of the low emissivity material exceeds 0.1 g / cm³. 3 .

31. The glass component of claim 27, wherein the density of the low emissivity material exceeds 0.5 g / cm³. 3 .

32. The glass component of claim 27, wherein the density of the low emissivity material exceeds 1 g / cm³. 3 .

33. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating comprises at least 0.5 wt% of a low emissivity material.

34. The glass component of claim 33, wherein the coating comprises at least 1 wt% of a low emissivity material.

35. The glass component of claim 33, wherein the coating comprises at least 2 wt% of a low emissivity material.

36. The glass component of claim 33, wherein the coating comprises up to 15 wt% of a low emissivity material.

37. The glass component of claim 33, wherein the coating comprises up to 10 wt% of a low emissivity material.

38. The glass component of claim 33, wherein the coating comprises up to 5 wt% of a low emissivity material.

39. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface where no conductive layer is present are configured to allow electromagnetic radiation corresponding to VHF 30-300MHz, 10m-1m, UHF 300-3000MHz, 1m-100mm and / or UHF 3-30GHz, 100mm-10mm to pass through.

40. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are located within a perimeter of the first main surface of 100 mm.

41. The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are located within a perimeter of the first main surface of 75 mm.

42. The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are located within a 50 mm perimeter of the first main surface.

43. The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are located within a perimeter of the first main surface of 30 mm.

44. The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more areas of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are at least 5 mm from the periphery.

45. The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more areas of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are at least 15 mm from the periphery.

46. ​​The glass component of claim 40, wherein one or more areas of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are at least 20 mm from the periphery.

47. The glass component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more regions of the first main surface lacking a conductive layer and / or carrying a low emissivity material are shaped into strips.

48. The glass component of claim 47, wherein each strip is substantially parallel to the nearest peripheral edge of the first main surface.

49. The glass element of claim 48, wherein each strip is parallel to the nearest peripheral edge of the first main surface.

50. Multi-layered glass unit, comprising: At least two transparent substrates, each comprising a first primary surface and an opposing second primary surface. At least one of the transparent substrates has a conductive layer coated on its first main surface. In one or more regions of the first main surface, there is no conductive layer. in: i) one or more regions of the first main surface, and / or ii) Relevant areas on different main surfaces of at least two transparent substrates At least a portion of it contains low emissivity material. Low emissivity materials comprise coated glass and / or coated microspheres, which are in the form of sheets and / or particles. The one or more regions described above allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass element; and The low emissivity material forms at least a portion of a coating attached to a first primary surface and / or relative to a second primary surface of the substrate.

51. The multilayer glass unit of claim 50, wherein adjacent transparent substrates of at least two transparent substrates are separated by a gap, and / or at least one intermediate layer material sheet is laminated between the substrates.

52. The multilayer glass unit of claim 50 or claim 51, wherein the conductive layer and / or low emissivity material is located between two transparent substrates.

53. The multilayer glass unit of claim 52, wherein the conductive layer and the low emissivity material are both located between the same two transparent substrates.

54. A method for preparing a glass article according to any one of claims 1-49, comprising: At least one transparent substrate is coated with a conductive layer. In this process, either the conductive layer is deposited using a mask and / or partially removed after deposition. Apply low emissivity material to i) One or more areas of the first main surface, and / or ii) The corresponding area of ​​the opposite second primary surface At least a part of, in Low emissivity materials comprise coated glass and / or coated microspheres, which are in the form of sheets and / or particles. The one or more regions described above allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the glass element; and The low emissivity material forms at least a portion of a coating attached to a first primary surface and / or relative to a second primary surface of the substrate.

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