Dead front for a display including a touch panel on a glass and related methods

Abstract

Embodiments of a dead front article are provided. The dead front article includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The dead front article also includes a translucent layer disposed onto the second surface of the substrate. The translucent layer has a region of a solid color or a region of a design of two or more colors, and the translucent layer has a first optical density. Further, the dead front article includes a contrast layer disposed onto the region. The contrast layer is configured to enhance visibility of the color of the translucent layer.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese National Phase Application No. 201880072944.6, filed on September 12, 2018, entitled "Dead Front End of Display Including Touch Panel on Decorative Glass and Related Method". Technical Field

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 729,695, filed September 1, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 679,278, filed June 1, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 557,502, filed September 12, 2017, pursuant to 35 U.S. SC § 119, the contents of which form the basis of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] This disclosure relates to dead front articles for displays, and more specifically to vehicle interior systems including dead front articles for displays and methods of forming the same. Background Technology

[0004] In various applications involving displays, a dead-front appearance for the display surface or menu surface is desirable. Generally, a dead-front appearance is a way of concealing the display or functional surface, creating a seamless transition between the display and non-display areas, or between non-dead-front areas or other surfaces in a workpiece. For example, in a typical display with a glass or plastic overlay, the edges of the display (or the transition from the display area to the non-display area) are visible even when the display is off. However, from an aesthetic or design perspective, a dead-front appearance is generally desired, so that when the display is off, the display and non-display areas appear indistinguishable from each other, and the overlay surface presents a uniform appearance. One application where a dead-front appearance is desired is in automotive interiors, including in-vehicle displays or touch interfaces, and in other applications in consumer mobile or home electronics (including mobile devices and home appliances). However, achieving a good dead-front appearance is difficult, and achieving high-quality display is challenging when the display is on. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a dead-end article. The dead-end article includes a substrate, a translucent layer, and a contrast layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The translucent layer is disposed on at least a first portion of the second surface of the substrate. Furthermore, the translucent layer has areas of a solid color or areas of a design of two or more colors. The contrast layer is disposed on at least a portion of the areas. The contrast layer is configured to enhance the visibility of the colors in the areas, or to enhance the contrast between the colors of the design in the areas on the portion above which the contrast layer is disposed.

[0006] In another aspect, an embodiment of a device including a dead-end article is provided. The device includes a dead-end article having a substrate, a translucent layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate layer, a contrast layer disposed on at least a portion of the translucent layer, and a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer. The high optical density layer at least partially defines at least one icon. The device further includes a touch panel located behind the at least one icon.

[0007] Another embodiment of this disclosure relates to a method of forming a curved dead-end article for a display. The method includes: bending the dead-end article comprising a glass layer on a support having a curved surface; and securing the curved dead-end article to the support such that the dead-end article conforms to the curved shape of the curved surface of the support. During bending and securing the dead-end article, the maximum temperature of the dead-end article is below the glass transition temperature of the glass layer. Furthermore, the dead-end article includes a translucent layer and a contrast layer disposed on a first surface of the glass layer. The translucent layer has a solid-color area or an area with a design of two or more colors, while the contrast layer is disposed on at least a portion of the area. The contrast layer is configured to enhance the visibility of the colors in the area, or to enhance the contrast between the colors of the design in the area on the portion above which the contrast layer is disposed.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and those skilled in the art will understand in part from the description, or by practicing the embodiments described herein (including the following detailed description, claims and drawings).

[0009] It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claims. Drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, illustrate the principles and operation of various embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1It is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle having a vehicle interior system utilizing a dead-end article, one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0011] Figure 2 The illustration shows a display with a solid-color dead front end when the display is off, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 The illustration shows a display with [something] when the display is turned on, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 The display of the dead front end product.

[0013] Figure 4 The illustration shows a display with a patterned dead front-end article when the display is off, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 The illustration shows a display with [something] when the display is turned on, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 The display of the dead front end product.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of a dead front end article for a display having a translucent layer and a contrast layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another side of a dead front-end article for a display having a menu surface layer and an opaque layer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of an LED display including a dead-end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of a DLP MEMS chip including a dead front-end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of a dead front-end display with touch screen functionality according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a leather texture dead front-end display for vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 It is a wood-textured dead front-end display for vehicle interiors according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figures 13A-13B The illustration shows the front and back of a glass layer with a semi-transparent layer printed on it.

[0023] Figures 14A-14BThe illustration shows the front and back of a glass layer having a translucent layer and a contrast layer printed thereon, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 The illustration shows contrast layers of different whiteness printed on a glass plate according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a transmittance curve diagram of a contrast layer with different transmittance according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 17 The illustration shows four different patterned translucent layers for a dead end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 The illustration shows a dead front end article with a semi-transparent layer that transitions from a leather texture to pure black, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 The illustration shows a semi-transparent layer with a woven pattern used for dead-end products.

[0029] Figure 20 The illustration shows a woven patterned translucent layer for printing a contrast layer onto a dead front end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The illustration shows the front and back of a dead-end article with a marble-patterned translucent layer according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein a window is provided in the contrast layer.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a side view of a curved glass dead-end article used with a display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 24 This is according to an exemplary embodiment for use before bending formation. Figure 6 A front perspective view of the glass layer of a glass-dead front-end product.

[0033] Figure 25 The illustration shows a curved dead-end article comprising a glass layer shaped to fit a curved display frame, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 26 The illustration shows a process for cold forming a dead-end article including a glass layer into a curved shape according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 27 The illustration shows a process for forming a curved dead-end article including a curved glass layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 28This is an exploded view of the layers of a dead front-end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 29 The illustration shows a wood-textured dead-end article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 30 The illustration shows a wood-textured dead-end article with a luminescent back surface according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 31 The illustration shows a dead front end article with an luminous back and icons of different colors in wood texture, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 32 The icon features a carbon fiber pattern on the front end of a dead-end product, where the opacity is too high.

[0041] Figure 33 The illustration shows a back with light emission. Figure 32 The dead front-end artifact, while displaying a high level of opacity for the masked icon.

[0042] Figure 34 The illustration shows a dead-end article with a carbon fiber pattern of opacity within the disclosed range, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 35 The illustration shows a back with light emission. Figure 34 The dead front-end artifacts, while display icons have better visibility.

[0044] Figure 36 The illustration shows a dead front-end article with a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Referring generally to the drawings, vehicle interior systems may include a variety of curved surfaces designed to be transparent (e.g., curved display surfaces), and this disclosure provides articles and methods for forming such curved surfaces. In one or more embodiments, such surfaces are formed from glass or plastic materials. Forming curved vehicle surfaces from glass materials can offer many advantages compared to typical curved plastic panels commonly found in vehicle interiors. For example, glass is generally considered to provide enhanced functionality and user experience for many curved overlay applications (e.g., display applications and touchscreen applications) compared to plastic overlay materials.

[0046] Furthermore, in many applications, it is desirable to equip displays with a dead-end appearance (more specifically, displays for vehicle interior systems). Generally, when the display is off, the dead-end appearance obstructs the visibility of the underlying display components, icons, graphics, etc., but allows easy viewing of the display components when the display is on or activated (in the case of a touch-enabled display). Additionally, articles that provide a dead-end effect (i.e., dead-end articles) can be used to match the color or pattern of the article with adjacent components to eliminate the visibility of the transition from the dead-end article to the surrounding components. This is particularly useful when the dead-end article is made of a different material than the surrounding components (e.g., the dead-end article is made of glass but surrounded by a leather-covered center console). For example, dead-end articles with wood grain or leather patterns can be used to match the appearance of the display to the surrounding wood or leather components of the vehicle interior system on which the display is installed (e.g., a wood or leather dashboard).

[0047] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to forming dead-end articles of curved glass substrates using cold forming or cold bending processes. As described herein, dead-end articles of curved glass substrates and their manufacturing processes are provided to avoid the drawbacks of typical hot forming processes for glass. For example, hot forming processes are energy-intensive and increase the cost of forming curved glass components compared to the cold bending processes described herein. Furthermore, hot forming processes typically make the application of glass coatings (e.g., dead-end ink or pigment layers) more difficult. For example, many ink or pigment materials cannot be applied to flat glass materials prior to hot forming because they typically cannot persist at the high temperatures of the hot forming process. Moreover, applying ink or pigment materials to the surface of a curved glass article after hot bending is substantially more difficult than applying them to a flat glass article.

[0048] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a vehicle interior 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, and includes three different vehicle interior systems 100, 200, and 300. Vehicle interior system 100 includes a center console base 110 having a curved surface 120 including a display (illustrated as a curved display 130). Vehicle interior system 200 includes an instrument panel base 210 having a curved surface 220 including a display (illustrated as a curved display 230). The instrument panel base 210 typically includes an instrument cluster 215, which may also include a curved display. Vehicle interior system 300 includes an instrument cluster steering wheel base 310 having a curved surface 320 and a display (illustrated as a curved display 330). In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a base that is an armrest, pillar, seat back, floor, headrest, door panel, or any portion of the vehicle interior that includes a curved surface.

[0049] The embodiments of the dead-end article described herein can be used in any of or owned by vehicle interior systems 100, 200, and 300. Although Figure 1 The illustration depicts the interior of a car, but various implementations of vehicle interior systems can be incorporated into any type of vehicle, such as trains, motor vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, and the like), marine vehicles (boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles, airplanes, jets, helicopters, and the like), and include manually driven vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, and fully autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, although this description primarily relates to dead-front-end implementations used in vehicle displays, it should be understood that the various dead-front-end implementations described herein can be used in any type of display application.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram illustrates and describes a dead front end article 400 for a vehicle display (e.g., display 130, 230 and / or 330). Figure 2 The illustration shows the appearance of the dead front-end article 400 when the light source of the associated display is inactive. Figure 3 The illustration shows the appearance of the dead front-end article 400 when the light source of the associated display is in an active state. Figure 3 As shown, when the light source is activated, graphic 410 and / or multiple icons can be seen through the dead-end article. When the light source is not activated, graphic 410 disappears, and the surface of the dead-end article 400 exhibits the desired surface finish that is not disrupted by graphic 410 (e.g., Figure 2 (The black surface in the image). In this implementation, the power button 420 is used to activate the light source. (e.g., the black surface in the image). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment, the power button 420 is illuminated and changes from red to green when activated. In the exemplary embodiment, the power button 420 is selected to conform to one of IEC 60417-5007, IEC 60417-5008, IEC 60417-5009, and IEC 60417-5010.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration shows another embodiment of a dead-end article 400 for a vehicle display (e.g., displays 130, 230, and / or 330). Compared to... Figure 2 Solid color dead front end products 400, Figure 4 Depicting patterned dead front-end artifacts 400. When the light source of the associated display is such as Figure 4 When inactive, only the image of the dead front-end product 400 is visible. Figure 3In this case, the light source of the associated display is active, and the icon 430 can be seen through the dead-end article 400. Therefore, when the light source is not active, the icon 430 disappears, and the surface of the dead-end article 400 displays the desired pattern that has not been destroyed by the icon 430 (e.g., Figure 4 (Leather texture pattern in the image).

[0052] As will be discussed in more detail below, the dead-end article 400 provides this different icon display by utilizing one or more color layers disposed between the outer substrate and the light source. The optical properties of the color layers are designed such that when the light source is turned off, the boundaries of the icons or other display structures beneath the color layers are invisible, but when the light source is on, the graphics 410 and / or icons 430 are visible. In various embodiments, the dead-end articles described herein are designed to provide a high-quality dead-end appearance (including high-contrast icons when the light source is on) and a uniform dead-end appearance when the light is off. Furthermore, as described below, the applicant provides these various dead-end articles using materials suitable for cold forming into curved shapes (including complex curved shapes).

[0053] Now refer to Figure 6 This document provides an embodiment of the structure of a dead-end article 400. More specifically, the dead-end article 400 includes at least a substrate 450, a translucent layer 460, and a contrast layer 470. The substrate 450 has an outer surface 480 facing an observer and an inner surface 490 having the translucent layer 460 and / or the contrast layer 470 at least partially disposed thereon. As used herein, the term "disposed" includes coating, depositing, and / or forming a material on a surface using any method known in the art. The disposed material may constitute a layer as defined herein. As used herein, the phrase "disposed on" includes forming a material onto a surface such that the material is in direct contact with the surface, and also includes forming a material on a surface such that one or more intermediate materials are located between the disposed material and the surface. One or more intermediate materials may constitute a layer as defined herein. The term "layer" may include a single layer or may include one or more sublayers. Such sublayers may be in direct contact with each other. Sublayers may be formed of the same material or two or more different materials. In one or more alternative embodiments, these sublayers may have an intermediate layer of different materials disposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, a layer may include one or more connected and uninterrupted layers, and / or one or more discontinuous and discontinuous layers (i.e., layers of different materials formed adjacent to each other). Layers or sublayers may be formed by any method known in the art, including discrete deposition or continuous deposition processes. In one or more embodiments, layers may be formed using only continuous deposition processes, or alternatively, only discrete deposition processes.

[0054] Although details of the substrate 450 will be discussed in more detail below, in this embodiment, the thickness of the substrate 450 is 0.05 to 2.0 mm. In one or more embodiments, the substrate may be a transparent plastic (e.g., PMMA, polycarbonate, and the like), or may include a glass material (which may optionally be reinforced). As will be discussed more fully below, in this embodiment, a translucent layer 460 is printed onto at least a portion of the inner surface 490 of the substrate 450. In other embodiments, non-conductive vacuum metallization is used to deposit the translucent layer 460. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a contrast layer 470 is printed onto at least a portion of the inner surface 490 of the substrate 450 and / or at least a portion of the translucent layer 460.

[0055] In some implementations, for example Figure 7 As shown, the dead-end article 400 also includes a menu surface layer 500 and / or an opaque layer 510 (also referred to as a "high optical density layer"). The menu surface layer 500 can be configured to provide one or more of a variety of functions. In another exemplary embodiment, the menu surface layer 500 is an optical coating configured to provide easy-to-clean properties, anti-glare properties, anti-reflective properties, and / or a semi-mirror coating. Such an optical coating can be produced using a single layer or multiple layers. In the case of an anti-reflective menu surface layer, such a layer can be formed using multiple layers having alternating high and low refractive indices. Non-limiting examples of low refractive index materials include SiO2, MgF2, and Al2O3, while non-limiting examples of high refractive index materials include Nb2O5, TiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, and Y2O3. In embodiments, the total thickness of such an optical coating (which can be disposed above an anti-glare surface or a smooth substrate surface) is from 5 nm to 750 nm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the menu layer 500, which provides easy-to-clean properties, offers enhanced tactile feedback for touchscreens and / or coatings / treatments to reduce fingerprints. In some embodiments, the menu layer 500 is integrated with a first surface of the substrate. For example, such a menu layer may include an etched surface in the first surface of the substrate 450 to provide an anti-glare surface (or a haze of, for example, 2% to 20%). The menu layer 500 (if provided), together with the substrate 450, the translucent layer 460, and the contrast layer 470, constitutes the translucent structure 520 of the dead-end article 400.

[0056] As will be discussed more fully below, the opaque layer 510 has a high optical density to block light transmission. As used herein, "opaque layer" may be used interchangeably with "high optical density layer." In embodiments, the opaque layer 510 is used to block light from penetrating certain areas of the dead-end article 400. In some embodiments, the opaque layer 510 shields functional or non-decorative components provided for the operation of the dead-end article 400. In other embodiments, the opaque layer 510 is provided to depict backlit icons and / or other graphics (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The graphic 410 and / or power button 420 shown, and Figure 5 The outline of the icon 430 (shown) is used to increase the contrast at the edges of these icons and / or graphics. Therefore, in this embodiment, the opaque layer 510 has interruptions within the layer to define windows for the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430. That is, in this embodiment, the opaque layer 510 extends continuously until it reaches the periphery of the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430. At such periphery edges, the opaque layer 510 terminates, or in some embodiments, its optical density is substantially reduced (e.g., the material thickness is thinned, the material density is reduced, etc.). In this embodiment, the opaque layer 510 continues intermittently in the areas of the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430 to define features of the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430, to define, for example, the "|" and "O" of some power buttons 420. Therefore, in the embodiment, the opaque layer 510 defines the negative image of the graphic 410, the power button 420 and / or the icon 430, since the portion of the graphic 410, the power button 420 and / or the icon 430 that can be seen by the user through the outer surface 480 of the substrate 450 is the blank area of ​​the opaque layer 510.

[0057] The opaque layer 510 can be any color, but in certain embodiments, it is black or gray. In some embodiments, the opaque layer 510 is applied over the translucent layer 460 and / or the inner surface 490 of the substrate 450 via screen printing or inkjet printing. Generally, the thickness of the inkjet-printed opaque layer 510 is 1 μm to 5 μm, while the thickness of the screen-printed opaque layer 510 is 5 μm to 20 μm. Therefore, the thickness of the printed opaque layer 510 can range from 1 μm to 20 μm. However, in other embodiments, the opaque layer 510 is a metallic layer deposited via physical vapor deposition and / or an optical stack produced using the high / low refractive index stacks discussed above for color matching.

[0058] Figure 28An exploded view of the layers including the dead-end article 400 in the embodiment is provided. It can be seen that these layers include a substrate 450, a translucent layer 460, a contrast layer 470, an opaque layer 510, and a color layer 650. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different view.) Figure 28 As can be seen, the semi-transparent layer 460 has a wood grain pattern, while the opaque layer 510 provides a negative image of, for example, icons 430 used in entertainment consoles (e.g., power button 420, tuning controls, volume controls, default values, etc.). The combination of the semi-transparent layer 460, the contrast layer 470, and the opaque layer 510 provides, for example, a wood grain pattern. Figure 29 and Figure 30 The dead end product 400 is shown. Figure 29 In the image, when the dead front-end product 400 is not backlit, the wood texture of the translucent layer 460 is visible; however, when the dead front-end product 400 is backlit, the icon 430 is visible through the outer surface 480 of the dead front-end product 400. (Refer to the image again.) Figure 28 When color layer 650 is set on opaque layer 510 (at least in the area of ​​icon 430), it can be as follows: Figure 31 The color of icon 430 is changed as shown. Furthermore, although in Figure 28 Depicts a solid color layer 650, but color layer 650 may include, for example: Figure 31 The multiple colors shown span the layers, and / or specific colors in areas of a particular icon 430 or a portion of icon 430. In this way, in some embodiments, the color layer 650 is a continuous layer, while in other embodiments, the color layer 650 is discontinuous (i.e., color is provided only at certain locations above the opaque layer 510 and / or contrast layer 470 in the area defining icon 430).

[0059] In embodiments, the optical density of these layers is adjusted to enhance the visibility of the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430 when the dead-end article 400 is backlit. In a particular embodiment, the combined optical density of the translucent layer 460 and the contrast layer 470 in the illuminated area (i.e., the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430) is 1.0 to 2.1. In other embodiments, the combined optical density is 1.2 to 1.6, and in other embodiments, it is about 1.4. When providing the optical density of the illuminated area, the optical density of the contrast layer 470 is 0.9 to 2.0 in embodiments, while the optical density of the translucent layer 460 is 0.1 to 0.5 in embodiments. In the non-illuminated area (i.e., the area surrounding the graphic 410, power button 420, and / or icon 430), the combined optical density of the translucent layer 460, the contrast layer 470, and the opaque layer 510 is at least 3.4. When providing optical density in the non-illuminated areas, the optical density of the contrast layer 470 is 0.9 to 2.0 in the embodiment, the optical density of the translucent layer 460 is 0.1 to 0.5 in the embodiment, and the optical density of the opaque layer 510 is at least 2.4 in the embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical density of the color layer 650 is 0.3 to 0.7. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the optical density of a particular layer can be varied across the entire layer to provide enhanced contrast or to save ink or material including that layer. For example, the optical density of the contrast layer 470 in the illuminated areas may be lower than that in the non-illuminated areas. Furthermore, the optical density of the color layer 650 in the non-illuminated areas may be lower than (or zero) that in the illuminated areas.

[0060] Figure 32 and Figure 33 as well as Figure 34 and Figure 35 The icons represent different dead-end artifacts with varying levels of optical density; therefore, these symbols indicate that the optical density in the illuminated area is too high. Figure 32 and Figure 33 ) and the optical density of the irradiated area is within the above range ( Figure 34 and Figure 35 The different appearances of the dead-end products (400 in total) can be seen from... Figure 32 It can be seen that the optical density of the translucent layer in the dead-end product with carbon fiber pattern is too high. Therefore, it can be seen from... Figure 33 It can be seen that the illuminated area is blocked. In comparison, Figure 34 The dead-end article 400 has a carbon fiber pattern, a translucent layer 460, a contrast layer 470, and an opaque layer 510, and has an optical density within the aforementioned range. Therefore, as... Figure 35 As shown, icon 430 is more clearly defined and readily visible. Also, Figure 35As shown, the central icon 430 uses a color layer 650 to provide a red power button 420.

[0061] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the dead-end article 400 is positioned above or in front of the display 530. In one or more embodiments, the display may include a touch-enabled display (including a display and a touchpad). Exemplary displays include LED displays ( Figure 8 DLP MEMS chip Figure 9 LCD, OLED, transmissive displays, reflective displays, and the like. In an embodiment, the display 530 is secured or mounted to the dead front article 400 using, for example, an optically transparent adhesive 540. The dead front article 400 has a transmittance of about 5% to 30% along the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths from about 400 nm to 700 nm). In other words, the dead front article 400 exhibits an average light transmittance ranging from about 5% to about 30% over the entire wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 700 nm. As used herein, the term "transmittance" is defined as the percentage of incident light power transmitted through a material (e.g., the dead front article, substrate, or a layer thereof) over a given wavelength range. In an embodiment, the dead front article 400 is a low-transmittance dead front article, wherein the light transmittance over the entire visible spectrum is 10% or less. In this case, the opaque layer 510 may not need to shield the edges of the display 530 (i.e., non-display areas (e.g., display boundaries, and / or wiring, connectors, etc.)). In other embodiments, the dead-end article 400 is a high-transmittance dead-end article, exhibiting an average transmittance of about 10% to about 30%. In this embodiment, an opaque layer 510 may be required to block the non-display area from being seen.

[0062] In some implementations, such as Figure 10 As shown, the dead-end product 400 has touch functionality. Figure 10 In the process, the dead-end article 400 includes a substrate 450, a black translucent layer 460, and a contrast layer 470, with the contrast layer 470 disposed on a portion of the substrate 450 and the translucent layer 460. In this manner, the contrast layer 470 and the translucent layer 460 define an icon or graphic (e.g., a power button 420). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As shown). In some embodiments, touch functionality is provided via capacitive sensing. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor is generated by a transparent conductive film or coating 550. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent conductive film 550 is a polyester (e.g., PET) film coated with a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)).

[0063] The light source 570 is activated or deactivated when the toggle switch is activated (e.g., by touching the dead-end article 400 in the area of ​​the transparent conductive film 550). Figure 10 In this embodiment, the light source 570 includes a red LED 580 and a green LED 590. In certain settings (e.g., vehicles), the red LED 580 and green LED 590 indicate the state of the dead-end article 400. For example, as Figure 10 As shown at the bottom of the illustration of the power button 420's state on the left, the red LED 580 and green LED 590 are off before the vehicle is turned on. When the vehicle is turned on and before the power button 420 is touched, the red LED 580 is on, while the green LED 590 is off (at the top of the illustration of the power button 420's state), indicating that the display 530 is inactive. When the power button 420 is touched, the toggle switch 560 turns off the red LED 580, turns on the green LED 590, and activates the display 530. If the user wishes to deactivate the display 530 while the vehicle is still on, the user can touch the power button 420 again, and the toggle switch 560 will turn off the green LED 590, turn on the red LED 580, and turn off the display 530. In some embodiments, a vibration motor 600 is provided to provide tactile feedback each time the toggle switch 560 is activated.

[0064] While an exemplary implementation of the power button 420 for the display 530 is provided, touch functionality can be adapted for other functions. Continuing with the vehicle example, touch functionality can be applied to control various vehicle systems (e.g., climate control (i.e., heating and air conditioning) systems, radio / entertainment systems, instrument panel displays (e.g., for speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, tachometer, vehicle warning lights, etc.) and central control panel displays (e.g., for GPS display, vehicle information, etc.)). Figure 11 In the image, the icon features a dead front end product 400 with a speedometer 610 and a climate controller 620. The dead front end product 400 includes a leather-textured pattern. Figure 12 A similar dead front end product 400 is provided, featuring a speedometer 610 and a climate controller 620, but the dead front end 400 includes a wood grain pattern.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the substrate 450 is processed (e.g., via sandblasting, etching, engraving, etc.) in the area of ​​the button to provide tactile feedback to the user's fingers. In this way, the user can feel the dead-end article 400 of the button without having to take his or her eyes off the road (in a highway vehicle). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the toggle switch 560 has, for example, a delay of up to three seconds to avoid accidental activation of the toggle switch 560.

[0066] Figure 36 Another embodiment of the dead end article 400 with touch functionality is provided. More specifically, the dead end article 400 includes a touch panel 660. The touch panel 660 can be any of a variety of suitable touch panels (e.g., resistive touch panel, capacitive (e.g., surface or projected) touch panel, surface acoustic wave touch panel, infrared touch panel, optical imaging touch panel, dispersive signal touch panel, or acoustic pulse recognition touch panel). In one embodiment, the touch panel 660 is laminated to the dead end article 400 using an optically transparent adhesive 540. In other embodiments, the touch panel 660 is printed onto the dead end article 400, eliminating the need for an optically transparent adhesive 540. Advantageously, the touch panel 660 is cold-bendable to provide a three-dimensional shape. The cold bending of the dead end article 400 (including the touch panel 660) will be described in more detail below.

[0067] The structure of the dead-end article 400 has been generally described, and attention will now turn to the translucent layer 460 and the contrast layer 470. As described above, the translucent layer 460 and the contrast layer 470 are disposed on the substrate 450. In an embodiment, the translucent layer 460 is printed onto the substrate using a CMYK color model. In embodiments where the contrast layer is not white (e.g., gray), the CMYK color model can also be used to print the contrast layer 470. In other embodiments where the contrast layer 470 is white, a color model including white ink can be used to print the contrast layer 470. Each of the printed translucent layer 460 and the printed contrast layer 470 has a thickness of 1 μm to 6 μm. In an embodiment, the color layer 650 also has a thickness of 1 μm to 6 μm. In an embodiment, the contrast layer 470 has a thickness of 1 μm to 14 μm. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the color layer 650 is printed onto the opaque layer 510 and / or the contrast layer 470. In some implementations, the color layer 650 is printed onto the opaque layer 510 and / or the contrast layer 470 using a CMYK color model.

[0068] The ink used for printing the translucent layer 460, the contrast layer 470, and / or the color layer 650 can be a thermosetting or UV-curable ink. More specifically, the ink consists of at least one or more colorants and a carrier. The colorant may or may not be soluble in the carrier. In one embodiment, the colorant is a dry colorant in the form of a fine powder. In another embodiment, this fine powder has particles with a size of 10 nm to 500 nm. Using the CMYK color model, the colorant provides cyan, magenta, yellow, and / or key colors (black). For white inks, the colorant can be any of a variety of suitable pigments (e.g., TiO2, Sb2O3, BaSO4, BaSO4:ZnS, ZnO, and (PbCO3)2:Pb(OH)2). The colorant is dissolved or suspended in the carrier.

[0069] The carrier can act as a binder to create adhesion to the surface to which the ink is applied. Furthermore, in embodiments, additives are included in the carrier, more specifically to improve adhesion to glass / plastic surfaces. Non-limiting examples of carriers for colorants include propylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethylacetamide, and toluene. Generally, such carriers are cured at temperatures from 80°C to 200°C. In embodiments, the ink comprises 0.5% to 6% by volume of colorant and 94% to 99.5% by volume of carrier.

[0070] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, a leather-textured translucent layer 460 is printed on a substrate 450, more specifically using an inkjet printer based on a CMYK color model (but other printer types and / or printing models are used in other embodiments). Figure 14A and Figure 14B In the middle, the white contrast layer 470 is printed behind the translucent layer 460. Figure 13B and Figure 14B Depict the back side of these printed layers. This can be seen from... Figure 13A and Figure 14A The comparison shows that, through Figure 14A The white contrast layer 470 enhances the contrast of the leather texture pattern on the translucent layer 460. In fact, by using the contrast layer 470, the overall appearance of the pattern or design in the translucent layer 460 is brighter, and the contrast between colors in the pattern or design is enhanced.

[0071] The thickness and composition of the contrast layer 470 are tunable to exhibit specific transmittance in the visible and infrared wavelength ranges. Figure 15 A contrast layer 470 is depicted printed above a glass background. The contrast layer 470 has varying whiteness (W). As used herein, "whiteness" refers to CIE whiteness, or ISO 11475:2004 (a measure of the amount of light reflected by a white surface in the visible spectrum (wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm)). Figure 15 The bottom left corner shows a 100W contrast layer. The whiteness of contrast layer 470 decreases from 100W to 60W along the bottom column from left to right, while along the top column, the whiteness decreases from 50W to 10W from left to right. It can be seen that the relatively low whiteness contrast layer 470 transmits more light compared to the relatively high whiteness contrast layer 470. This is also shown in... Figure 16 The transmittance (T) curve is shown in the figure. As whiteness increases, the percentage of transmittance (%T) in the visible spectrum decreases. After printing white ink with diethylene glycol diethyl ether solvent using a 128 nozzle and a 40 μL printhead, the parameters used to produce... Figure 16The data is obtained from the graph. Transmittance (T) is controlled by manipulating the printing resolution and layer thickness. In one embodiment, the dead-end article 400 is provided with a contrast layer 470, which has a whiteness between 10W and 60W. In other embodiments, the contrast layer 470 has a whiteness between 20W and 50W. In a particular embodiment, the contrast layer 470 has a whiteness between 20W and 30W.

[0072] Figure 17 Four glass substrates 450 are depicted, each having a translucent layer 460 and a contrast layer 470 printed thereon. Figure 17 As can be seen, the translucent layer 460 features designs with woven fabric patterns, leather texture patterns, and two types of wood texture patterns. Figure 18 A semi-transparent layer 460 depicts the transition from a leather-textured pattern to a pure black pattern. Figure 18 In the middle, the green power button is also printed in the lower left corner. Figure 19 and Figure 20 A comparison between translucent layers 460 that offer the same knitted fabric pattern. However, in Figure 20 In the middle, a contrast layer 470 is printed behind the translucent layer 460. Figure 20 In the case of the dead front end product 400, the transmittance is between 5% and 10% in the visible spectrum (wavelength from 400 nm to 700 nm). Figure 21 and Figure 22 Depicting 400 marble dead-end artifacts. More specifically, Figure 21 It is the viewer side of the 400 dead front-end products, and Figure 22 It's the rear side of the dead-end product 400. It can be seen from... Figure 22 It can be seen that the section of the translucent layer 460 is not covered by the contrast layer 470. In an embodiment, the display can be mounted on the section not covered by the contrast layer 470.

[0073] Reference Figures 23-27 This illustration and description depicts various sizes, shapes, curvatures, glass materials, etc., of dead-end articles for glass substrates, as well as various treatments for forming dead ends of curved glass substrates. It should be understood that, although described in a simplified context of a curved dead-end article 2000 for ease of explanation... Figures 23-27 However, the dead front-end artifact 2000 can be any of the dead front-end implementations described herein.

[0074] like Figure 23As shown, in one or more embodiments, the dead-end article 2000 includes a curved outer glass substrate 2010 having at least a first radius of curvature R1, while in various embodiments, the curved outer glass substrate 2010 is a sheet of complex curved glass material having at least one additional radius of curvature. In various embodiments, R1 is in the range of about 60 mm to about 1500 mm.

[0075] The curved dead-end article 2000 includes a dead-end color layer 2020 (e.g., an ink / pigment layer as described above) positioned along the inner main surface of the curved outer glass substrate 2010. Generally, the dead-end color layer 2020 is printed, colored, molded, etc., to provide wood grain designs, leather grain designs, fabric designs, brushed metal designs, graphic designs, solid colors, and / or logos. However, embodiments of this invention are not limited to these designs or patterns. The curved dead-end article 2000 may also include any of the additional layers 2030 (e.g., high optical density layers, light guide layers, reflector layers, display modules, display stack layers, light sources, touch panels, etc.) as described above or that may be associated with the display or vehicle interior system described herein.

[0076] As will be discussed in more detail below, in various implementation methods, such as Figure 23 As shown, the curved dead-end article 2000, including the glass substrate 2010 and the color layer 2020, can be cold-formed together into a curved shape. In some embodiments, the curved dead-end article 2000, including the glass substrate 2010, the color layer 2020, and the additional layer 2030, can be cold-formed together into a curved shape (e.g., Figure 23 (As shown). In other embodiments, the glass substrate 2010 may be formed into a curved shape, and then layers 2020 and 2030 may be applied after the curve is formed.

[0077] Reference Figure 24 The diagram is formed Figure 24 The outer glass substrate 2010 before the bending shape is shown. Generally, the applicant believes that the articles and methods described herein provide high-quality dead-end articles with previously unseen glass sizes, shapes, compositions, strengths, etc.

[0078] like Figure 24As shown, the outer glass substrate 2010 includes a first main surface 2050 and a second main surface 2060 opposite to the first main surface 2050. An edge surface or subsurface 2070 connects the first main surface 2050 and the second main surface 2060. The outer glass substrate 2010 has a substantially constant thickness (t) defined as the distance between the first main surface 2050 and the second main surface 2060. In some embodiments, the thickness (t) used herein refers to the maximum thickness of the outer glass substrate 2010. The outer glass substrate 2010 includes a width (W) defined as a first maximum dimension orthogonal to one of the first or second main surfaces, and a length (L) defined as a second maximum dimension orthogonal to both the thickness and the width. In other embodiments, the dimensions described herein are average dimensions.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the thickness (t) of the outer glass substrate 2010 is in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. In various embodiments, the outer glass substrate 2010 has a thickness (t) of about 1.5 mm or less. For example, the thickness range can be about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.15 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.25 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.45 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.55 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.6 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.65 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1.4 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1.3 mm, about 0.1mm to about 1.2mm, about 0.1mm to about 1.1mm, about 0.1mm to about 1.05mm, about 0.1mm to about 1mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.95mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.9mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.85mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.8mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.75mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.7mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.65mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.6mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.55mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.5mm, about 0.1mm to about 0.4mm, or about 0.3mm to about 0.7mm.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the width (W) of the outer glass substrate 2010 ranges from about 5 cm to about 250 cm, about 10 cm to about 250 cm, about 15 cm to about 250 cm, about 20 cm to about 250 cm, about 25 cm to about 250 cm, about 30 cm to about 250 cm, about 35 cm to about 250 cm, about 40 cm to about 250 cm, about 45 cm to about 250 cm, about 50 cm to about 250 cm, about 55 cm to about 250 cm, about 60 cm to about 250 cm, about 65 cm to about 250 cm, about 70 cm to about 250 cm, about 75 cm to about 250 cm, about 80 cm to about 250 cm, about 85 cm to about 250 cm, about 90 cm to about 250 cm, about 95 cm to about 250 cm, about 100 cm to about 250 cm. 0cm, about 110cm to about 250cm, about 120cm to about 250cm, about 130cm to about 250cm, about 140cm to about 250cm, about 150cm to about 250cm, about 5cm to about 240cm, about 5cm to about 230cm, about 5cm to about 220cm, about 5cm to about 210cm, about 5cm to about 200cm, about 5cm to about 190cm, about 5cm to about 180cm, about 5cm to about 170cm, about 5cm to about 160cm, about 5cm to about 150cm, about 5cm to about 140cm, about 5cm to about 130cm, about 5cm to about 120cm, about 5cm to about 110cm, about 5cm to about 100cm, about 5cm to about 90cm, about 5cm to about 80cm, or about 5cm to about 75cm.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the length (L) of the outer glass substrate 2010 ranges from about 5 cm to about 250 cm, about 10 cm to about 250 cm, about 15 cm to about 250 cm, about 20 cm to about 250 cm, about 25 cm to about 250 cm, about 30 cm to about 250 cm, about 35 cm to about 250 cm, about 40 cm to about 250 cm, about 45 cm to about 250 cm, about 50 cm to about 250 cm, about 55 cm to about 250 cm, about 60 cm to about 250 cm, about 65 cm to about 250 cm, about 70 cm to about 250 cm, about 75 cm to about 250 cm, about 80 cm to about 250 cm, about 85 cm to about 250 cm, about 90 cm to about 250 cm, about 95 cm to about 250 cm, about 100 cm to about 250 cm. 0cm, about 110cm to about 250cm, about 120cm to about 250cm, about 130cm to about 250cm, about 140cm to about 250cm, about 150cm to about 250cm, about 5cm to about 240cm, about 5cm to about 230cm, about 5cm to about 220cm, about 5cm to about 210cm, about 5cm to about 200cm, about 5cm to about 190cm, about 5cm to about 180cm, about 5cm to about 170cm, about 5cm to about 160cm, about 5cm to about 150cm, about 5cm to about 140cm, about 5cm to about 130cm, about 5cm to about 120cm, about 5cm to about 110cm, about 5cm to about 100cm, about 5cm to about 90cm, about 5cm to about 80cm, or about 5cm to about 75cm.

[0082] like Figure 23 As shown, the outer glass substrate 2010 is formed into a curved shape having at least one radius of curvature as indicated by R1. In various embodiments, the outer glass substrate 2010 can be formed into a curved shape via any suitable process (including cold forming and hot forming).

[0083] In a particular embodiment, the outer glass substrate 2010 is formed by cold forming process, either alone or after the attachment of layers 2020 and 2030. Figure 23 The bending shape is shown. As used herein, the terms "cold-bent," "cold-formed," or "cold-forming" refer to bending a glass substrate at a cold-forming temperature below the softening point of the glass (as described herein). A cold-formed glass substrate is characterized by asymmetric surface compression between a first main surface 2050 and a second main surface 2060. In some embodiments, the individual compressive stresses in the first main surface 2050 and the second main surface 2060 are substantially equal before the cold-forming process or before being cold-formed.

[0084] In some embodiments where the outer glass substrate 2010 is not strengthened, the first main surface 2050 and the second main surface 2060 do not exhibit perceptible compressive stress before cold forming. In some embodiments where the outer glass substrate 2010 is strengthened (as described herein), the first main surface 2050 and the second main surface 2060 exhibit substantially equal compressive stress relative to each other before cold forming. In one or more embodiments, after cold forming (e.g., Figure 23 As shown), the compressive stress on the second main surface 2060 (e.g., the concave surface after bending) increases (i.e., the compressive stress on the second main surface 2050 after cold forming is greater than the compressive stress before cold forming).

[0085] Unbound by theory, cold forming increases the compressive stress of the formed glass substrate to compensate for the tensile stress applied during bending and / or forming operations. In one or more embodiments, cold forming subjectes the second primary surface 2060 to compressive stress, while the first primary surface 2050 (e.g., a convex surface after bending) experiences tensile stress. The tensile stress experienced by the bent surface 2050 results in a net reduction in surface compressive stress, such that the compressive stress on the surface 2050 of the bent reinforced glass sheet is less than the compressive stress on the surface 2050 when the glass sheet is flat.

[0086] Furthermore, when the tempered glass substrate is used for the outer glass substrate 2010, the first main surface and the second main surface (2050, 2060) are already under compressive stress. Therefore, the first main surface 2050 can experience greater tensile stress during bending without the risk of breakage. This allows the tempered implementation of the outer glass substrate 2010 to fit more closely to the curved surface (e.g., shaped to have a smaller R1 value).

[0087] In various embodiments, the thickness of the outer glass substrate 2010 is trimmed to allow for greater flexibility in order to achieve the desired radius of curvature. Furthermore, a thinner outer glass substrate 2010 may be more easily deformable, potentially compensating for shape mismatches and gaps that may arise from the shape of the support or frame (described below). In one or more embodiments, the thin, reinforced outer glass substrate 2010 exhibits greater flexibility, particularly during cold forming. This greater flexibility of the glass substrate described herein can allow for the formation of substantial bends without heating.

[0088] In various embodiments, the outer glass substrate 2010 (and therefore the dead-end article 2000) can have a composite curve including a principal radius and a cross curvature. The complexly curved cold-formed outer glass substrate 2010 can have different radii of curvature in two independent directions. According to one or more embodiments, the complexly curved cold-formed outer glass substrate 2010 can therefore be characterized by having a “cross curvature,” wherein the cold-formed outer glass substrate 2010 is curved along an axis parallel to a given dimension (i.e., a first axis) and also along an axis perpendicular to the same dimension (i.e., a second axis). The curvature of the cold-formed outer glass substrate 2010 can be even more complex when a significant minimum radius is combined with a significant cross curvature and / or bending depth.

[0089] Reference Figure 25 The illustration shows a display assembly 2100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the display assembly 2100 includes a frame 2110 that supports a (direct or indirect) light source (icondicated as display module 2120) and a dead-end article 2000. Figure 25 As shown, the dead-end article 2000 is coupled to the display module 2120 to the frame 2110. The display module 2120 is positioned to allow a user to view the light, images, etc., generated by the display module 2120 through the dead-end article 2000. In various embodiments, the frame 2110 can be formed from various materials (e.g., plastics (PC / ABS, etc.), metals (Al alloys, Mg alloys, Fe alloys, etc.)). Various processes (e.g., casting, machining, stamping, injection molding, etc.) can be used to form the curved shape of the frame 2110. Although Figure 25 The icon displays a light source in the form of a module; however, it should be understood that the display component 2100 may include any light source described herein for generating graphics, icons, images, displays, etc., passing through the dead front end of any embodiment described herein. Furthermore, although the frame 2110 icon is a frame associated with the display component, the frame 2110 may be any support or frame article associated with a vehicle interior system.

[0090] In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein allow for the formation of the dead-end article 2000 to conform to a variety of bending shapes that the frame 2110 may have. Figure 25 As shown, frame 2110 has a support surface 2130 with a curved shape, and dead-end article 2000 is shaped to match the curved shape of support surface 2130. It will be understood that, as described herein, dead-end structure 2000 can be shaped into various forms to fit the desired frame shape of display component 2100, and can be shaped to fit a portion of a vehicle interior system.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the dead front structure 2000 (and specifically the outer glass substrate 2010) is shaped to have a first radius of curvature R1 of about 60 mm or greater. For example, the range of R1 can be about 60 mm to about 1500 mm, about 70 mm to about 1500 mm, about 80 mm to about 1500 mm, about 90 mm to about 1500 mm, about 100 mm to about 1500 mm, about 120 mm to about 1500 mm, about 140 mm to about 1500 mm, about 150 mm to about 1500 mm, about 160 mm to about 1500 mm, about 180 mm to about 1500 mm, about 200 mm to about 1500 mm, about 220 mm to about 1500 mm, about 24 ...40 mm to about 1500 mm, about 240 mm to about 1500 mm, about 240 mm to about 1500 mm, about 240 mm to about 1500 mm, about 240 mm to about 1500 mm, about 240 mm to about 1500 mm, about 2 mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 250mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 260mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 270mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 280mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 290mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 300mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 350mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 400mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 450mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 500mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 550mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 600mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 6 50mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 700mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 750mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 800mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 900mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 9500mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 1000mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 1250mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1400mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1300mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1200mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1100mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1000mm, approximately 6 0mm to about 950mm, about 60mm to about 900mm, about 60mm to about 850mm, about 60mm to about 800mm, about 60mm to about 750mm, about 60mm to about 700mm, about 60mm to about 650mm, about 60mm to about 600mm, about 60mm to about 550mm, about 60mm to about 500mm, about 60mm to about 450mm, about 60mm to about 400mm, about 60mm to about 350mm, about 60mm to about 300mm, or about 60mm to about 250mm.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the support surface 2130 has a second radius of curvature of about 60 mm or greater. For example, the range of the second radius of curvature of the support surface 2130 may be about 60 mm to about 1500 mm, about 70 mm to about 1500 mm, about 80 mm to about 1500 mm, about 90 mm to about 1500 mm, about 100 mm to about 1500 mm, about 120 mm to about 1500 mm, about 140 mm to about 1500 mm, about 150 mm to about 1500 mm, about 160 mm to about 1500 mm, about 180 mm to about 1500 mm, about 200 mm to about 1500 mm, about 220 mm to about 1500 mm. 00mm, approximately 240mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 250mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 260mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 270mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 280mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 290mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 300mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 350mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 400mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 450mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 500mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 550mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 600mm to approximately 1500mm 0mm, approximately 650mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 700mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 750mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 800mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 900mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 9500mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 1000mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 1250mm to approximately 1500mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1400mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1300mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1200mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1100mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 1000mm Approximately 60mm to approximately 950mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 900mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 850mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 800mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 750mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 700mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 650mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 600mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 550mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 500mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 450mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 400mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 350mm, approximately 60mm to approximately 300mm, or approximately 60mm to approximately 250mm.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the dead end structure 2000 is cold-formed to present a first radius of curvature R1, which is within 10% of a second radius of curvature of the support surface 2130 of the frame 2110 (e.g., about 10% or less, about 9% or less, about 8% or less, about 7% or less, about 6% or less, or about 5% or less). For example, the support surface 2130 of the frame 2110 presents a radius of curvature of 1000 mm, and the dead end article 2000 is cold-formed to have a radius of curvature in the range of about 900 mm to about 1100 mm.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the first main surface 2050 and / or the second main surface 2060 of the glass substrate 2010 include a functional coating layer as described herein. The functional coating layer may cover at least a portion of the first main surface 2050 and / or the second main surface 2060. Exemplary functional coating layers include at least one of a glare reduction coating or surface, an anti-glare coating or surface, a scratch-resistant coating, an anti-reflective coating, a semi-mirror coating, or an easy-clean coating.

[0095] Reference Figure 26 The illustration shows a method 2200 for forming a display assembly including a cold-formed dead-end article (e.g., dead-end article 2000). At step 2210, the method includes bending the dead-end article (e.g., dead-end article 2000) to conform to a curved surface of a support member. Generally, the support member may be a frame of a display (e.g., a frame 2110 defining the periphery and curved shape of a vehicle display). Generally, the frame includes a curved support surface, and one of the main surfaces 2050 and 2060 of the dead-end article 2000 is positioned to contact the curved support surface.

[0096] In step 2220, the method includes the step of securing the bent dead-end product to the support, thereby causing the dead-end product to bend to (or conform to) the curved surface of the support. In this manner, as... Figure 23 As shown, the bent dead-end article 2000 is formed from a generally flat dead-end article into a bent dead-end article. In this arrangement, the flat dead-end article is bent to form a curved shape on the main surface facing the support, while also forming a corresponding (but complementary) curve in the main surface opposite the frame. The applicant believes that by bending the dead-end article directly on the bent frame, the need for a separate bending die or mold (which is typically required in other glass bending processes) is eliminated. Furthermore, the applicant believes that by forming the dead end directly onto the bent frame, a wide range of bending radii can be achieved in a low-complexity manufacturing process.

[0097] In some embodiments, the force applied in steps 2210 and / or 2220 may be air pressure applied via a vacuum fixture. In some other embodiments, a pressure differential is created by applying a vacuum to an airtight shell surrounding the frame and the dead-end article. In specific embodiments, the airtight shell is a flexible polymer shell, such as a plastic bag or pouch. In other embodiments, a pressure differential is created by using an overpressure device (e.g., an autoclave) to generate increased air pressure surrounding the dead-end article and the frame. The applicant has further found that air pressure provides consistent and highly uniform bending forces (compared to bending methods based on contact), which further results in robust manufacturing processes. In various embodiments, the pressure differential is between 0.5 and 1.5 atmospheres (atm), specifically between 0.7 and 1.1 atm, and more specifically between 0.8 and 1 atm.

[0098] At step 2230, the temperature of the dead-end article is maintained below the glass transition temperature of the outer glass layer material during steps 2210 and 2220. Therefore, method 2200 is a cold forming or cold bending process. In a particular embodiment, the temperature of the dead-end article is maintained below 500°C, 400°C, 300°C, 200°C, or 100°C. In a particular embodiment, the dead-end article is maintained at or below room temperature during bending. In a particular embodiment, the dead-end article is not actively heated during bending by heating components, furnaces, ovens, etc., whereas active heating occurs when the glass is heat-formed into a bent shape.

[0099] As stated above, in addition to providing processing advantages (e.g., eliminating expensive and / or slow heating steps), the cold forming process described herein is considered to produce curved dead-end articles with various properties that are considered superior to those achievable via hot forming processes. For example, the applicant believes that, for at least some glass materials, heating during hot forming processes reduces the optical properties of curved glass substrates, and therefore, dead-end articles of curved glass substrates formed using the cold bending process / system described herein provide curved glass shapes and improved optical quality that cannot be achieved using hot bending processes.

[0100] Furthermore, many materials used for various coatings and layers (e.g., easy-to-clean coatings, anti-reflective coatings, etc.) are applied via deposition processes (e.g., sputtering processes, which are generally unsuitable for application to curved surfaces). Additionally, many coating materials (e.g., dead-front ink / pigment materials) cannot withstand the high temperatures associated with hot bending processes. Therefore, in the specific embodiments described herein, layer 2020 is applied to the outer glass substrate 2010 prior to cold bending. Thus, the applicant believes that the process and system described herein allow for bending of the glass after one or more coating materials have been applied to it, compared to typical thermal forming processes.

[0101] At step 2220, the bent dead-end article is attached or secured to the bent support. In various embodiments, the attachment between the bent dead-end article and the bent support can be achieved via an adhesive material. Such adhesive can include any suitable optically transparent adhesive for bonding the dead-end article to a display assembly (e.g., the frame of a display). In one example, the adhesive can include an optically transparent adhesive available from 3M under the trade name 8215. The thickness of the adhesive can range from about 200 μm to about 500 μm.

[0102] Adhesive materials can be applied using various methods. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied using a coating gun and then uniformly applied using a roller or draw-down die. In various embodiments, the adhesive described herein is a structural adhesive. In certain embodiments, the structural adhesive may include one or more adhesives selected from the following categories: (a) toughened epoxy resins (Masterbond EP21TDCHT-LO, 3M Scotch Weld Epoxy DP460 Off-white); (b) flexible epoxy resins (Masterbond EP21TDC-2LO, 3M Scotch Weld Epoxy 2216B / AGrey); (c) acrylic resins (LORD Adhesive 410 / Accelerator 19w / LORD AP 134primer, LORDS Adhesive 852 / LORD Accelerator 25GB, Loctite HF8000, Loctite AA4800); (d) urethane esters (3M Scotch Weld Urethane DP640 Brown); and (e) silicone resins (Dow Corning 995). In some cases, structural adhesives obtained in sheet form (e.g., B-stage epoxy adhesives) may be used. Alternatively, pressure-sensitive structural adhesives (such as 3M VHB tape) can be used. In such embodiments, the use of pressure-sensitive adhesives allows the bent dead-end article to bond to the frame without requiring a curing step.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the method includes step 2240 of securing a bent dead end to a display. In one or more embodiments, the method may include steps of securing the display to the dead end article prior to step 2210, and bending the display and the dead end article in step 2210. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of setting or assembling the bent dead end and the display in a vehicle interior system 100, 200, 300.

[0104] Reference Figure 27 The diagram illustrates and describes a method 2300 for forming a display using a bent dead-end article. In some embodiments, at step 2310, the substrate of the dead-end article (e.g., outer glass layer 2010) is formed into a bent shape. The forming in step 2310 can be cold-formed or hot-formed. At step 2320, a dead-end ink / pigment layer (e.g., layer 2020) is applied to the substrate after forming to provide the bent dead-end article. Then, at step 2330, the bent dead-end article is attached to a frame (e.g., frame 2110 of display assembly 2100), or to another frame that can be associated with a vehicle interior system.

[0105] Substrate material

[0106] The various substrates of the dead-end articles described herein can be formed from any transparent material (e.g., polymers (e.g., PMMA, polycarbonate, and the like) or glass). Suitable glass compositions include soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, alkali borosilicate glass, and alkali borosilicate glass.

[0107] Unless otherwise stated, the glass compositions disclosed herein are described as molar percentages (mol%) based on oxide analysis.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include SiO2 in amounts ranging from about 66 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 67 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 68 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 69 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 70 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 72 mol% to about 80 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 78 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 76 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 74 mol%, about 65 mol% to about 72 mol%, or about 65 mol% to about 70 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Al2O3 in an amount greater than about 4 mol% or greater than about 5 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Al2O3 in the range of greater than about 7 mol% to about 15 mol%, greater than about 7 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 13 mol%, about 4 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 7 mol% to about 11 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 15 mol%, 9 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 15 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 15 mol%, or about 12 mol% to about 15 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof. In one or more embodiments, the upper limit of Al2O3 may be about 14 mol%, 14.2 mol%, 14.4 mol%, 14.6 mol%, or 14.8 mol%.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the glass layer herein is described as an aluminosilicate glass article or comprising an aluminosilicate glass composition. In such embodiments, the glass composition or article formed therefrom comprises SiO2 and Al2O3, rather than soda-lime silicate glass. In this respect, the glass composition or article formed thereby comprises about 2 mol% or more, 2.25 mol% or more, 2.5 mol% or more, about 2.75 mol% or more, or about 3 mol% or more of Al2O3.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises B2O3 (e.g., about 0.01 mol% or more). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises B2O3 in amounts ranging from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of B2O3.

[0112] As used herein, “substantially free” with respect to a component of a composition means that the component was not actively or intentionally added to the composition during the initial batch processing, but may be present as an impurity in an amount of less than about 0.001 mol%.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition optionally includes P2O5 (e.g., about 0.01 mol% or more). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes up to (and includes) 2 mol%, 1.5 mol%, 1 mol%, or 0.5 mol% of non-zero P2O5. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of P2O5.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include R2O in a total amount (which is the total amount of alkali metal oxides (e.g., Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, and Cs2O)) greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes R2O in a total amount ranging from about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 13 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of Rb₂O, Cs₂O, or both Rb₂O and Cs₂O. In one or more embodiments, R₂O may comprise only the total amount of Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include at least one alkali metal oxide selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O, wherein the alkali metal oxide is present in an amount greater than about 8 mol% or more.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises an amount of Na₂O greater than or equal to about 8 mol%, greater than or equal to about 10 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the composition comprises Na₂O in the range of about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 18 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 16 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, about 8 mol% to about 12 mol%, about 9 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 11 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 12 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 13 mol% to about 20 mol%, about 10 mol% to about 14 mol%, or 11 mol% to about 16 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes less than about 4 mol% K2O, less than about 3 mol% K2O, or less than about 1 mol% K2O. In some cases, the glass composition may include amounts of K2O ranging from about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 0.1 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 3.5 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 3 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 2.5 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 2 mol%, about 0.5 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, or about 0.5 mol% to about 1 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of K2O.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Li2O. In one or more embodiments, the amount of Na2O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Li2O. In some cases, the amount of Na2O may be greater than the combined amount of Li2O and K2O. In one or more alternative embodiments, the amount of Li2O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Na2O or the combined amount of Na2O and K2O.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a total amount (which is the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxides (e.g., CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO, and SrO)) ranging from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% of RO. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes a non-zero amount of RO up to about 2 mol% of RO. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes amounts of RO ranging from about 0 mol% to about 1.8 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.6 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.5 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.4 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1.2 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.8 mol%, from about 0 mol% to about 0.5 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof.

[0119] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes less than about 1 mol%, less than about 0.8 mol%, or less than about 0.5 mol% of CaO. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of CaO.

[0120] In some embodiments, the glass composition includes amounts of MgO in the ranges of about 0 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 6 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 6 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 5 mol%, about 0.1 mol% to about 4 mol%, about 1 mol% to about 7 mol%, about 2 mol% to about 6 mol%, or about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, and all ranges and subranges thereof.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises ZrO2 in amounts equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises ZrO2 in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises SnO2 in amounts equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises SnO2 in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include oxides that impart color or hue to the glass article. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes oxides that prevent the glass article from discoloring when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of such oxides include, but are not limited to, the following oxides: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe, expressed as Fe₂O₃, wherein Fe is present in an amount of up to (and including) about 1 mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Fe. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe₂O₃ in amounts equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%, less than about 0.18 mol%, less than about 0.16 mol%, less than about 0.15 mol%, less than about 0.14 mol%, or less than about 0.12 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe₂O₃ in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.18 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.16 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.15 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.14 mol%, about 0.01 mol% to about 0.12 mol%, or about 0.01 mol% to about 0.10 mol%, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0125] When the glass composition includes TiO2, the amount of TiO2 present may be about 5 mol% or less, about 2.5 mol% or less, about 2 mol% or less, or about 1 mol% or less. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of TiO2.

[0126] An exemplary glass composition includes SiO2 in amounts ranging from about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, Al2O3 in amounts ranging from about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, Na2O in amounts ranging from about 12 mol% to about 17 mol%, K2O in amounts ranging from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, and MgO in amounts ranging from about 1.5 mol% to about 6 mol%. Optionally, SnO2 may be included in amounts otherwise disclosed herein.

[0127] Reinforced substrate

[0128] In one or more embodiments, the substrate comprises the glass material of any of the dead-end article embodiments described herein (e.g., outer glass substrate 2010 or other glass substrates). In one or more embodiments, these glass substrates may be strengthened. In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be strengthened to include compressive stress extending from the surface to the depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress region is balanced by a central portion exhibiting tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress transitions from positive (compressive) stress to negative (tensile) stress.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used in the dead-end article described herein can be mechanically strengthened by utilizing the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion between portions of the glass to create regions of compressive stress and a central region exhibiting tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass substrate can be thermally strengthened by heating the glass to a temperature above its glass transition point and then rapidly quenching it.

[0130] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used for the dead-end article described herein can be chemically strengthened by ion exchange. In the ion exchange process, ions at or near the surface of the glass substrate are replaced or exchanged by larger ions having the same valence or oxidation state. In those embodiments where the glass substrate comprises alkali metal aluminosilicate glass or soda-lime silicate glass, the ions in the surface layer of the article, along with the larger ions, are monovalent alkali metal cations (e.g., Li). + Na + K + 、Rb + and Cs + Alternatively, the monovalent cations in the surface layer can be monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations (e.g., Ag). + Alternatively, a similar alternative may be used. In such an embodiment, monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass substrate generate stress.

[0131] Ion exchange treatment is typically performed by immersing the glass substrate in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing larger ions, thereby exchanging them with smaller ions in the glass substrate. It should be noted that aqueous salt baths can also be used. Furthermore, the composition of the bath can include more than one type of larger ion (e.g., Na+). + With K + (or a single larger ion.) Those skilled in the art will understand that the parameters used for ion exchange treatment include, but are not limited to, bath composition and temperature, immersion time, number of times the glass substrate is immersed in the salt bath (or bath), multiple use of the salt bath, additional steps (such as annealing, cleaning, and the like), and are generally determined by the composition of the glass substrate (including the structure of the substrate and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the substrate resulting from the strengthening process.

[0132] Exemplary molten salt bath compositions may include nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides containing large alkali metal ions. Typical nitrates include KNO3, NaNO3, LiNO3, NaSO4, and combinations thereof. Depending on the glass thickness, bath temperature, and glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity, the temperature of the molten salt bath is typically in the range of about 380°C to about 450°C, while the immersion time ranges from about 15 minutes to about 100 hours. However, different temperatures and immersion times may also be used.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate for the dead end article can be immersed in a molten salt bath of 100% NaNO3, 100% KNO3, or a combination of NaNO3 and KNO3 at a temperature of about 370°C to about 480°C. In some embodiments, the glass substrate for the dead end article can be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath comprising about 5% to about 90% KNO3 and about 10% to about 95% NaNO3. In one or more embodiments, after immersion in a first bath, the glass substrate can be immersed in a second bath. The first bath and the second bath can have different compositions and / or temperatures. The immersion times in the first bath and the second bath can be different. For example, the immersion time in the first bath can be longer than the immersion time in the second bath.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the dead front article may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath comprising NaNO3 and KNO3 (e.g., 49% / 51%, 50% / 50%, 51% / 49%) at a temperature of less than about 420°C (e.g., about 400°C or about 380°C) for less than about 5 hours, or even about 4 hours or less.

[0135] Ion exchange conditions can be modified to provide a “spiking” or increase the slope of the stress distribution at or near the surface of the glass substrate of the resulting dead-end article. Spiking may result in a larger surface CS value. Due to the unique properties of the glass composition used in the glass substrate of the dead-end article described herein, this spike can be achieved through single-bath or multi-bath processes, wherein these baths have a single composition or a mixture of compositions.

[0136] In one or more embodiments, when more than one monovalent ion is exchanged into a glass substrate for a dead-end article, different monovalent ions can be exchanged into different depths within the glass substrate (and generate stresses of different magnitudes at different depths within the glass substrate). The resulting relative depths of the stress-generating ions can be determined and lead to different characteristics of the stress distribution.

[0137] CS is measured using methods known in the art, such as by using a surface stress meter (FSM) with commercially available instruments, such as the FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan). Surface stress measurement depends on the accurate measurement of the stress optical coefficient (SOC) associated with the birefringence of the glass. The SOC is then measured using methods known in the art, such as fiber and four-point bend methods (described in ASTM standard C770-98 (2013) entitled “Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), and the bulk cylinder method. As used herein, CS can be the “maximum compressive stress” as the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass substrate. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, thus giving a compressive distribution with a “buried peak” morphology.

[0138] Depending on the strengthening method and conditions, DOC can be measured by FSM or by a Scattered Light Polarizer (SCALP) (e.g., the SCALP-04 Scattered Light Polarizer available from Glassstress Ltd., Tallinn, Estonia). When the glass substrate is chemically strengthened by ion exchange treatment, either FSM or SCALP can be used, depending on which ions are exchanged into the glass substrate. In cases where stress is generated in the glass substrate due to the exchange of potassium ions, FSM is used to measure DOC. In cases where stress is generated due to the exchange of sodium ions, SCALP is used to measure DOC. In cases where stress is generated in the glass substrate due to the exchange of both potassium and sodium ions, since the exchange depth of sodium is considered to indicate DOC, while the exchange depth of potassium ions indicates the magnitude of the compressive stress change (but not the stress change from compression to tension), DOC is therefore measured by SCALP; the exchange depth of potassium ions in such glass substrates is measured by FSM. Center tension, or CT, is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by SCALP.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the dead end article may be strengthened to exhibit a DOC (as described herein) that is a portion of the thickness t of the glass substrate. For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC may be equal to or greater than about 0.05t, equal to or greater than about 0.1t, equal to or greater than about 0.11t, equal to or greater than about 0.12t, equal to or greater than about 0.13t, equal to or greater than about 0.14t, equal to or greater than about 0.15t, equal to or greater than about 0.16t, equal to or greater than about 0.17t, equal to or greater than about 0.18t, equal to or greater than about 0.19t, equal to or greater than about 0.2t, or equal to or greater than about 0.21t. In some implementations, the range of DOC can be about 0.08t to about 0.25t, about 0.09t to about 0.25t, about 0.18t to about 0.25t, about 0.11t to about 0.25t, about 0.12t to about 0.25t, about 0.13t to about 0.25t, about 0.14t to about 0.25t, about 0.15t to about 0.25t, about 0.08t to about 0.24t, about 0.08t to about 0.23t, about 0.08t to about 0.22t, about 0.08t to about 0.21t, about 0.08t to about 0.2t, about 0.08t to about 0.19t, about 0.08t to about 0.18t, about 0.08t to about 0.17t, about 0.08t to about 0.16t, or about 0.08t to about 0.15t. In some cases, the DOC can be about 20 μm or smaller. In one or more embodiments, the DOC can be about 40 μm or larger (e.g., about 40 μm to about 300 μm, about 50 μm to about 300 μm, about 60 μm to about 300 μm, about 70 μm to about 300 μm, about 80 μm to about 300 μm, about 90 μm to about 300 μm, about 100 μm to about 300 μm, about 110 μm to about 300 μm, about 120 μm to about 300 μm, about 140 μm to about 300 μm, about 150 μm to about 300 μm, about 40 μm to about 290 μm, about 40 μm to about 290 μm, about 20 μm to about 200 μm). 80μm, about 40μm to about 260μm, about 40μm to about 250μm, about 40μm to about 240μm, about 40μm to about 230μm, about 40μm to about 220μm, about 40μm to about 210μm, about 40μm to about 200μm, about 40μm to about 180μm, about 40μm to about 160μm, about 40μm to about 150μm, about 40μm to about 140μm, about 40μm to about 130μm, about 40μm to about 120μm, about 40μm to about 110μm, or about 40μm to about 100μm.

[0140] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the dead end article may have a CS of about 200 MPa or greater, 300 MPa or greater, 400 MPa or greater, about 500 MPa or greater, about 600 MPa or greater, about 700 MPa or greater, about 800 MPa or greater, about 900 MPa or greater, about 930 MPa or greater, about 1000 MPa or greater, or about 1050 MPa or greater (which may be found at the surface or depth within the glass article).

[0141] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the dead end article may have a maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) of about 20 MPa or greater, about 30 MPa or greater, about 40 MPa or greater, about 45 MPa or greater, about 50 MPa or greater, about 60 MPa or greater, about 70 MPa or greater, about 75 MPa or greater, about 80 MPa or greater, or about 85 MPa or greater. In some embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) may be in the range of about 40 MPa to about 100 MPa.

[0142] Aspect (1) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article comprising: a substrate including: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a translucent layer disposed on at least a first portion of the second surface of the substrate, the translucent layer having a solid color area or an area of ​​a design of two or more colors; and a contrast layer disposed on at least a portion of the area, the contrast layer being configured to enhance the visibility of the color in the area, or to enhance the contrast between the colors of the design in the area on the portion above which the contrast layer is disposed.

[0143] Aspect (2) of this disclosure relates to the dead front end article of aspect (1), wherein the area has a design of two or more colors, the design being at least one of a leather texture pattern, a wood texture pattern, a fabric pattern, a brushed metal finish pattern, a graphic, or a logo.

[0144] Aspect (3) of this disclosure relates to the dead front end article of aspect (1) or (2), wherein the translucent layer comprises a printed translucent layer.

[0145] Aspect (4) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (3), wherein the translucent layer has an average thickness of up to 6 μm.

[0146] Aspect (5) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (4), wherein the translucent layer has an average thickness of at least 1 μm.

[0147] Aspect (6) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (5), wherein the translucent layer is printed onto the second surface of the glass layer using an inkjet printer with a CMYK color model.

[0148] Aspect (7) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (6), wherein the color of the contrast layer is white or gray.

[0149] Aspect (8) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (7), wherein the contrast layer has an average thickness of up to 6 μm.

[0150] Aspect (9) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), wherein the contrast layer has an average thickness of at least 1 μm.

[0151] Aspect (10) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (9), wherein the second surface of the substrate has a second portion on which the contrast layer is disposed.

[0152] Aspect (11) of this disclosure relates to a dead front article according to any one of aspects (1) to (10), wherein the contrast layer is white and has a whiteness of 20W or greater as measured according to ISO 11475:2004.

[0153] Aspect (12) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (11), wherein the translucent layer is located between the second surface and the contrast layer.

[0154] Aspect (13) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (12), wherein the combination of the translucent layer and the contrast layer comprises an average light transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 30% along a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.

[0155] Aspect (14) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (12), including an average light transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 10% along a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.

[0156] Aspect (15) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (14), further comprising a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer such that the contrast layer is located between the high optical density layer and the translucent layer.

[0157] Aspect (16) of this disclosure relates to a dead front end article according to aspect (15), wherein the high optical density layer is arranged on the contrast layer in such a way as to define at least a portion of a graphic or logo.

[0158] Aspect (17) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (16), which further includes a color layer disposed in the area of ​​the graphic or the logo, such that in the at least portion of the graphic or the logo defined by the high optical density layer, the contrast layer is located between the translucent layer and the color layer.

[0159] Aspect (18) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (15) to (17), wherein the contrast layer has a first optical density of 0.9 to 2.0.

[0160] Aspect (19) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (18), wherein the high optical density layer has a second optical density, wherein the translucent layer has a third optical density, and wherein the first optical density, the second optical density and the third optical density together are at least 3.4.

[0161] Aspect (20) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (19), wherein the second optical density is at least 2.4.

[0162] Aspect (21) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (20), wherein the second optical density is at least 3.

[0163] Aspect (22) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (19) to (21), wherein the color layer has a fourth optical density of 0.3 to 0.7.

[0164] Aspect (23) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (19) to (22), wherein in at least one region, the first optical density and the third optical density total 1.0 to 2.1.

[0165] Aspect (24) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (23), wherein in at least one region, the first optical density and the third optical density total 1.2 to 1.6.

[0166] Aspect (25) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (24), wherein the substrate comprises a glass substrate and includes an average thickness between the first surface and the second surface in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0167] Aspect (26) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (25), wherein the first surface of the substrate includes an anti-glare surface.

[0168] Aspect (27) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (26), which further includes a functional layer located on the first surface of the substrate.

[0169] Aspect (28) of this disclosure relates to a dead front end article according to aspect (27), wherein the functional layer has an average thickness of 5 nm to 600 nm.

[0170] Aspect (29) of this disclosure relates to the dead front end article of aspect (27) or (28), wherein the functional layer is an anti-glare layer, an anti-scratch layer, an anti-reflective layer, a semi-reflective layer, or an easy-to-clean layer.

[0171] Aspect (30) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (29), wherein the substrate is formed of a reinforced glass material.

[0172] Aspect (31) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (30), wherein the substrate is bent to include a first radius of curvature.

[0173] Aspect (32) of this disclosure relates to a dead front end article according to aspect (31), wherein the first radius of curvature is in the range of about 60 mm to about 1500 mm.

[0174] Aspect (33) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to aspect (31) or (32), wherein the substrate layer includes a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

[0175] Aspect (34) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (31) to (33), wherein the substrate layer is cold-formed into a curved shape.

[0176] Aspect (35) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (34), wherein the maximum thickness of the substrate measured between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0177] Aspect (36) of this disclosure relates to a dead-end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (35), wherein the maximum thickness of the substrate measured between the first surface and the second surface is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0178] Aspect (37) of this disclosure relates to a dead end article according to any one of aspects (1) to (36), wherein the substrate has a width and a length, wherein the width is in the range of about 5 cm to about 250 cm, and the length is about 5 cm to about 250 cm.

[0179] Aspect (38) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising: a dead-end article comprising: a substrate; a translucent layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate layer; a contrast layer disposed on at least a portion of the translucent layer; a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer, the high optical density layer at least partially defining at least one icon; and a touch panel located behind the at least one icon, the touch panel being configured to respond to a touch performed by a user.

[0180] Aspect (39) of this disclosure relates to the apparatus of aspect (38), wherein the touch panel is laminated behind the at least one icon using an optically transparent adhesive.

[0181] Aspect (40) of this disclosure relates to the apparatus of aspect (38), wherein the touch panel is printed behind the at least one icon.

[0182] Aspect (41) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (40), wherein the substrate layer includes a second surface opposite to the first surface such that the first surface and the second surface define the thickness of the substrate layer, and wherein a region of the second surface is modified to provide a tactile or visual indication of the at least one icon.

[0183] Aspect (42) of this disclosure relates to the apparatus of aspect (41), wherein the region has a higher surface roughness than the surrounding region of the second surface.

[0184] Aspect (43) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (41), wherein the thickness of the substrate layer is greater in the region.

[0185] Aspect (44) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (41), wherein the thickness of the substrate layer is smaller in the region.

[0186] Aspect (45) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus of aspect (41), wherein the region has an anti-glare treatment different from that of the surrounding region of the second surface.

[0187] Aspect (46) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (45), wherein the translucent layer has a solid color area or an area of ​​a design of two or more colors.

[0188] Aspect (47) of this disclosure relates to the apparatus of aspect (46), wherein the area has a design of two or more colors, the design being at least one of a leather texture pattern, a wood texture pattern, a fabric pattern, a brushed metal finish pattern, a graphic, or a logo.

[0189] Aspect (48) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (47), wherein the contrast layer is white or gray.

[0190] Aspect (49) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (48), wherein the contrast layer has a first optical density of 0.9 to 2.0.

[0191] Aspect (50) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (49), wherein the high optical density layer has a second optical density, the second optical density being at least 2.4.

[0192] Aspect (51) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (50), wherein the second optical density is at least 3.

[0193] Aspect (52) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (51), which further includes a color layer disposed in the region of the icon such that, in at least a portion of the icon defined by the high optical density layer, the contrast layer is located between the translucent layer and the color layer.

[0194] Aspect (53) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (52), wherein the color layer has a third optical density of 0.3 to 0.7.

[0195] Aspect (54) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (53), wherein the contrast layer has a first optical density of 0.9 to 2.0, wherein the translucent layer has a fourth optical density, and wherein in the region of the at least one icon, the first optical density and the fourth optical density together are 1.0 to 2.1.

[0196] Aspect (55) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (54), wherein the first optical density and the fourth optical density in the region of the at least one icon are a total of 1.2 to 1.6.

[0197] Aspect (56) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (55), which further includes a vibration motor configured to provide tactile feedback when activated.

[0198] Aspect (57) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (56), wherein the vibration motor provides tactile feedback when the user touches the substrate.

[0199] Aspect (58) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (57), which further includes a dynamic display positioned on the same side of the substrate as the first surface.

[0200] Aspect (59) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (58), wherein the dynamic display includes at least one of an OLED display, an LCD display, an LED display, or a DLP MEMS chip.

[0201] Aspect (60) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (59), wherein the icon in the at least one icon is an electrical symbol according to one of IEC 60417-5007, IEC 60417-5008, IEC 60417-5009 and IEC 60417-5010.

[0202] Aspect (61) of this disclosure relates to a device according to any one of aspects (38) to (60), wherein the device is disposed on a vehicle dashboard, vehicle center console, vehicle climate or radio control panel, or vehicle passenger entertainment panel.

[0203] Aspect (62) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (61), wherein the substrate comprises a reinforced glass material and includes an average thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm between the first surface and the second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0204] Aspect (63) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (62), wherein the substrate includes a radius of curvature between 60 mm and 1500 mm along at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0205] Aspect (64) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to any one of aspects (38) to (63), further comprising a light source, wherein the dead-end article is disposed above the light source.

[0206] Aspect (65) of this disclosure relates to an apparatus according to aspect (64), wherein, in response to the user’s touch, the light source changes the color of the icon.

[0207] Aspect (66) of this disclosure relates to a method of forming a curved dead end, comprising: bending a dead end article on a support having a curved surface, wherein the dead end includes: a glass layer; a translucent layer disposed on a first surface of the glass layer, the translucent layer having a solid color area or an area of ​​a design of two or more colors; and a contrast layer disposed on at least a portion of the area, the contrast layer being configured to enhance the visibility of the colors in the area, or to enhance the contrast between the colors of the design in the area on the portion above which the contrast layer is disposed; securing the curved dead end article to the support such that the dead end article conforms to the curved shape of the curved surface of the support; wherein during bending and securing the dead end article, the maximum temperature of the dead end article is below the glass transition temperature of the glass layer.

[0208] Aspect (67) of this disclosure relates to a method of aspect (66), wherein securing the bent dead end article comprises: applying an adhesive between the bent surface of the support and the surface of the dead end article; and using the adhesive to bond the dead end article to the support surface of the frame during the application of force.

[0209] Aspect (68) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (66) or (67), wherein the glass layer is strengthened.

[0210] Aspect (69) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (68), wherein the glass layer includes a second surface opposite to the first surface, and wherein the maximum thickness of the glass layer measured between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0211] Aspect (70) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (66) to (69), wherein the maximum temperature of the dead end article is below 200 degrees Celsius during bending and fixing of the dead end article.

[0212] Aspect (71) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (66) to (70), wherein the dead front end further comprises a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer.

[0213] Aspect (72) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (66) to (71), wherein the dead front end further includes a touch panel disposed on at least one of the contrast layer or the high optical density layer.

[0214] Aspect (73) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (66) to (72), wherein the contrast layer has a first optical density of 0.9 to 2.0.

[0215] Aspect (74) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (71) to (73), wherein the high optical density layer has a second optical density of at least 2.4.

[0216] Aspect (75) of this disclosure relates to the method according to aspect (74), wherein the second optical density is at least 3.

[0217] Aspect (76) of this disclosure relates to a method according to any one of aspects (71) to (75), wherein the high optical density layer and the contrast layer together define at least one icon.

[0218] Aspect (77) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (76), wherein the dead front end further includes a color layer disposed in the region of the at least one icon such that, in at least a portion of the at least one icon defined by the high optical density layer, the contrast layer is located between the translucent layer and the color layer.

[0219] Aspect (78) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (77), wherein the color layer has a third optical density of 0.3 to 0.7.

[0220] Aspect (79) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (73), wherein the translucent layer has a fourth optical density, and wherein the first optical density and the fourth optical density together are 1.0 to 2.1.

[0221] Aspect (80) of this disclosure relates to a method according to aspect (79), wherein the first optical density and the fourth optical density together are 1.2 to 1.6.

[0222] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any method described herein is never intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no particular order shall be inferred where a method claim does not actually state the order in which its steps are followed, or where the claims or description do not specifically state that the steps are to be limited to a particular order. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since those skilled in the art will conceive of modified combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments, the disclosed embodiments should be understood to include all contents within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dead-end product, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising: First surface; and A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A translucent layer is disposed on the second surface of the substrate and has an optical density of 0.1 to 0.5, the translucent layer forming a pattern of two or more colors, wherein the translucent layer is printed on the second surface of the substrate using a CMYK color model; A contrast layer, disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate and / or at least a portion of the translucent layer, wherein the contrast layer includes a reflective surface that reflects light in the visible spectrum and makes the pattern visible when the dead-end article is viewed from the first surface; and A color layer is disposed on the contrast layer, wherein the color layer includes multiple colors, and wherein the color layer is printed onto the contrast layer using a CMYK color model.

2. The dead end article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contrast layer is white or gray.

3. The dead front article as claimed in claim 2, wherein the contrast layer is white and has a whiteness of 20W or greater as measured according to ISO 11475:2004.

4. The dead-end article as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein: The translucent layer is disposed between the contrast layer and the substrate, and The contrast layer is disposed between the color layer and the translucent layer.

5. The dead front end article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the translucent layer is a first thermosetting or UV-curable ink.

6. The dead front end article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the contrast layer is a second thermosetting or UV-curable ink.

7. The dead front end article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the color layer is a third thermosetting or UV-curing ink.

8. The dead-end article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the pattern of the two or more colors is at least one of a leather texture pattern, a wood texture pattern, a fabric pattern, a brushed metal finish pattern, a graphic, or a logo.

9. The dead-end article as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein: The translucent layer has an average thickness of greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than or equal to 6 μm; The contrast layer has an average thickness greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than or equal to 14 μm; and The color layer has an average thickness of 1 μm or greater and 6 μm or less.

10. The dead-end article of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer such that the contrast layer is located between the high optical density layer and the translucent layer.

11. The dead front article of claim 10, wherein the high optical density layer is arranged on the contrast layer in a manner that defines at least a portion of a graphic or logo.

12. The dead end article of claim 10, wherein the optical density of the contrast layer is a first optical density, the high optical density layer has a second optical density, the optical density of the translucent layer is a third optical density, and wherein the total of the first optical density, the second optical density and the third optical density is at least 3.

4.

13. The dead-end article of claim 12, wherein the second optical density is at least 3.

14. The dead-end article of claim 12, wherein the color layer has a fourth optical density of 0.3 to 0.

7.

15. The dead end article of claim 12, wherein in at least one region of the dead end article, the first optical density and the third optical density together are 1.2 to 1.

6.

16. The dead-end article as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the optical density of the color layer is different in different regions of the dead-end article.

17. A display assembly, comprising: Dead end products; as well as The display, wherein: The dead-end article displays a multi-colored pattern when not backlit by the display. The pattern is formed by a first ink layer disposed on the surface of the substrate of the dead-end article. The first ink layer has an optical density greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.

5. The visibility of the pattern is enhanced by a contrast layer printed on the first ink layer, the contrast layer comprising a surface that reflects light in the visible spectrum. The appearance of the display assembly is at least partially determined by a second ink layer disposed on the contrast layer. The second ink layer is printed on the contrast layer. The second ink layer includes multiple colors. When the display is off, the boundary of the display is not visible through the dead-end artifact, and When the display is turned on, the graphics rendered by the display are visible through the dead front artifact.

18. The display assembly of claim 17, wherein: The contrast layer comprises an optical density greater than or equal to 0.9 and less than or equal to 2.0, and The second ink layer has an optical density of 0.3 or greater and 0.7 or less.

19. The display assembly of claim 18, wherein the second ink layer has a non-zero optical density only in the area of ​​the dead-end article illuminated by the display.

20. The display assembly of any one of claims 17-19, wherein both the first ink layer and the second ink layer are printed according to the CMYK color model.

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