A trim glass, a pillar assembly and a vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a trim glass, a column assembly and an automobile, relates to the technical field of glass products, and the trim glass comprises a diffusion layer and a glass body, the diffusion layer has a set roughness and is arranged on one side of the glass body, the thickness of the glass body is 2.1 mm to 3.5 mm, the total iron content of the glass body is 0.00005% to 0.12%, the contents of cobalt, chromium and selenium are substantially zero, and the difference between the millimeter wave loss rates when the trim glass is placed and when the trim glass is not placed is 3.15 db to 5.47 db. The application reduces the metal shielding effect, so that the millimeter wave loss rate when passing through the trim glass is reduced, meanwhile, by adding a certain amount of TiO2, the problem that the coloring effect of the trim glass is deteriorated due to the reduction of metal content and the ultraviolet transmittance is improved is solved. The trim glass can better adapt to the millimeter wave radar and improve the detection performance of the millimeter wave radar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of glass product technology, specifically to a decorative glass panel, a pillar assembly, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] The biggest difference between millimeter-wave radar and lidar is that millimeter-wave electromagnetic waves are unaffected by common environmental factors such as rain, fog, and dust, allowing them to operate smoothly in these conditions. Therefore, millimeter-wave radar is a crucial guarantee for the stable operation of autonomous driving. Currently, millimeter-wave radar is typically installed in the lower trim panel of the door to prevent collisions when the door is opened. During installation, mounting holes are drilled in the trim panel, and the millimeter-wave radar is placed within these holes. However, while exposed millimeter-wave radar offers better detection, it is also more susceptible to damage. Therefore, it needs to be sealed within the trim panel using glass. However, there is currently no trim glass specifically designed for millimeter-wave radar, and ordinary glass significantly impacts its detection performance, hindering its ability to adequately support autonomous driving and also affecting its blind-spot detection capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a decorative glass panel, a pillar assembly, and an automobile to solve the problem that existing ordinary glass can affect the detection performance of millimeter-wave radar.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following approach:

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a decorative glass panel is provided, the decorative glass panel comprising a diffuser layer and a glass body, the diffuser layer having a predetermined roughness and disposed on one side of the glass body, the glass body having a thickness of 2.1 mm to 3.5 mm, the total iron content of the glass body being 0.00005% to 0.12%, the content of cobalt, chromium, and selenium being essentially zero, the TiO2 content being 0.0001% to 0.05%, the ultraviolet transmittance of the decorative glass panel being 70.10% to 75.90%, and the difference in millimeter wave loss rate between placing the decorative glass panel and not placing the decorative glass panel being 3.15 dB to 5.47 dB.

[0006] As an embodiment of this application, the TiO2 content of the glass body is 0.0001% to 0.05%, and the ultraviolet transmittance of the decorative glass is 70.10% to 75.90%.

[0007] As an embodiment of this application, the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile of the diffuse layer Ra is less than 1.0, and the height of the ten micro-irregularities Rz is less than 1.0.

[0008] As an embodiment of this application, the thickness of the decorative glass is 3.0 mm to 3.2 mm, and the difference in millimeter wave loss rate between placing the decorative glass and not placing the decorative glass is 5.02 dB to 5.22 dB.

[0009] As one embodiment of this application, the other side surface of the aforementioned decorative glass is covered with a coating that increases resistance to ultraviolet light.

[0010] According to a second aspect of this application, a column assembly is provided, comprising: a millimeter-wave radar, a bracket, and a decorative glass panel as described above, wherein the bracket is connected to the decorative glass panel, and the millimeter-wave radar is disposed on the bracket.

[0011] As one embodiment of this application, the bracket and the decorative glass panel are integrally injection molded or bonded.

[0012] As one embodiment of this application, the bracket is connected to the vehicle body sheet metal via a connector.

[0013] As an embodiment of this application, the millimeter-wave radar described above is a 24GHz, 77GHz, or 79GHz millimeter-wave radar.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this application, an automobile is provided, including the trim glass as described above or the pillar assembly as described above.

[0015] As described above, this application provides a decorative glass panel, a pillar assembly, and an automobile. The decorative glass panel can be installed on the automobile pillar. This decorative glass panel reduces the total iron content of the glass and removes the content of cobalt, chromium, and selenium, thereby reducing the metal shielding effect and lowering the loss rate of millimeter waves passing through the decorative glass panel. Simultaneously, this application solves the problems of poor coloring effect and increased ultraviolet transmittance caused by the reduced metal content of the decorative glass panel by adding a certain amount of TiO2. This decorative glass panel can be better adapted to millimeter-wave radar, improving the detection performance of millimeter-wave radar. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the decorative glass in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of different amounts of TiO2 on ultraviolet light transmittance in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of diffuse reflection and specular reflection in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the equipment layout when no test samples are placed in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the equipment layout for placing test samples in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a trend diagram showing the difference in loss rate between decorative glass of different thicknesses and millimeter-wave radar in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a trend chart of ultraviolet transmittance for decorative glass of different thicknesses in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a trend diagram of millimeter-wave loss and ultraviolet transmittance of decorative glass of different thicknesses in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the illustrative embodiments and their descriptions are used to explain this application, but are not intended to limit this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Because there is no specific type of trim glass in the automotive industry that is compatible with millimeter-wave radar, and ordinary glass would greatly affect the detection performance of millimeter-wave radar, making it unable to provide adequate protection for autonomous driving, and ordinary glass would also affect the blind spot detection performance of millimeter-wave radar.

[0027] Based on the above-mentioned technical pain points, this application provides a decorative glass panel adapted to millimeter-wave radar, which can better adapt to millimeter-wave radar and improve the detection performance of millimeter-wave radar.

[0028] The decorative glass of this application includes a glass body and a diffuser layer disposed on one side of the glass body.

[0029] Millimeter wave propagation occurs through several mechanisms: direct propagation, reflection, and diffraction. This application aims for maximum direct propagation, minimum reflection, and maximum diffraction. Therefore, in one embodiment, a roughening treatment is applied to one surface of the trim glass. When the trim glass is mounted on a pillar or vehicle, this roughened surface is the inner surface, i.e., the surface of the trim glass facing the interior of the vehicle. Through the roughening treatment, a diffuse layer with a predetermined roughness is formed on the inner surface of the trim glass. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, millimeter waves undergo specular reflection when passing through the unroughened surface of the trim glass. However, when passing through the diffuser layer of this embodiment, diffuse reflection occurs. Diffuse reflection helps millimeter waves to bypass obstacles (i.e., the trim glass) more effectively, transmitting energy in many different directions. Therefore, the trim glass of this embodiment includes a glass body 201 and a diffuser layer 202. The diffuser layer 202 is formed on the surface of the glass body 201 and is installed with the diffuser layer 202 facing inwards during installation.

[0030] Preferably, in this embodiment, the roughness treatment refers to covering the inner surface of the decorative glass with a layer of printed black edge, and then using heat treatment technology to sinter the printed black edge onto the inner surface. Since the printed black edge has a certain roughness, the outward emission efficiency of millimeter waves is improved.

[0031] In one embodiment, the roughening treatment involves coating the inner surface of the decorative glass with organic ink and drying it to allow the printed black edge to adhere to the inner surface. Since the printed black edge has a certain roughness, the outward emission efficiency of the millimeter wave is improved.

[0032] Further preferably, after the inner surface of the decorative glass in this application is roughened, the arithmetic mean deviation of the diffuse layer of the inner surface of the decorative glass is Ra<1.0, and the height of the ten micro-unevenness points Rz<1.0. Experiments have shown that this index can more effectively reduce the loss of millimeter waves.

[0033] In this embodiment, the thickness of the glass body is between 2.1 mm and 3.5 mm. A thicker glass body results in greater attenuation of millimeter waves, but simultaneously lower transmittance of ultraviolet (UV) light. Lower UV transmittance effectively protects internal components and prevents UV aging. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the glass body is between 2.1 mm and 3.5 mm, a choice that balances millimeter wave attenuation with UV transmittance.

[0034] The materials used for the glass body can be diverse. According to one or more embodiments, the materials used for the glass body can be the same or different materials. In exemplary embodiments, the glass body can be various glasses (e.g., soda-lime glass, alkaline aluminosilicate glass, alkali borosilicate glass, and / or alkaline aluminoborosilicate glass) or glass ceramics. Examples of suitable glass ceramics include Li₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ system (i.e., LAS system) glass ceramics; MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ system (i.e., MAS system) glass ceramics; and glass ceramics comprising a crystalline phase, said crystalline phase being any one or more of the following substances: aluminum-rich andalusite, spinel, α-quartz, β-quartz solid solution, litharge, lithium disilicate, β-spodumene, nepheline, and alumina. Additionally, the decorative glass can be chemically strengthened, thermally strengthened, mechanically strengthened, or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the decorative glass is unstrengthened (meaning it has not been strengthened by chemical, thermal, or mechanical strengthening processes, but may include an annealed substrate). In one or more specific embodiments, the veneer glass is heat-strengthened.

[0035] Methods for bending and / or shaping decorative glass can include gravity bending, press bending, roll bending, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a combination of gravity bending, press bending, and roll bending can be used to bend the decorative glass.

[0036] In related technologies, the total iron content (denoted as Fe2O3) in the decorative glass is between 0.8% and 2.0%, and it also contains certain amounts of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se). Specifically, the content of Cr2O3 is between 0.001% and 0.5%, the content of Co is between 0.0001% and 0.5%, and the content of Se is between 0.0003% and 0.5%. However, these metals can affect electromagnetic signals. Therefore, this application makes the following improvements to the decorative glass to make it more suitable for millimeter-wave radar:

[0037] First, this application reduces the total iron content of Fe2O3 in the decorative glass to 0.00005% to 0.12%.

[0038] Secondly, this application removes or reduces the content of cobalt, chromium, and selenium in the decorative glass, so that the content of cobalt, chromium, and selenium in the decorative glass is zero or close to zero.

[0039] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, a certain amount of TiO2 is added to the decorative glass. The TiO2 plays a role in coloring and regulating the ultraviolet light transmittance in the decorative glass. By adding TiO2, the ultraviolet light transmittance can be effectively reduced. For example... Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the effect of different TiO2 contents on ultraviolet light transmittance according to embodiments of this application. Figure 3 It is evident that in the ultraviolet light wavelength range of 300–400 nm, the higher the TiO2 content, the lower the ultraviolet transmittance of the glass. Therefore, the TiO2 content added in this application is 0.0001% to 0.05%.

[0040] After the above improvements, the ultraviolet transmittance of the decorative glass in this application is 70.10% to 75.90%, and the difference in millimeter wave loss rate between placing the decorative glass and not placing it is 3.15 dB to 5.47 dB. The decorative glass in this application reduces the content of various metals, thus reducing the metal shielding effect and lowering the loss of millimeter waves passing through it. However, the reduction in total iron content and the adjustment of cobalt, chromium, and selenium content cause the coloring function of these metal elements to disappear. This loss of coloring function would make the glass whiter and more transparent, increasing its ultraviolet transmittance. However, because this application incorporates an appropriate amount of TiO2, it can simultaneously perform the functions of coloring and adjusting ultraviolet transmittance. Therefore, even with a reduced metal content, the coloring and ultraviolet transmittance requirements of the glass can be guaranteed. Thus, this application not only reduces the metal shielding effect and improves the emission efficiency of millimeter wave signals but also further reduces ultraviolet light transmittance.

[0041] The effect is described below using the example in Table 1. In this example, the decorative glass is soda-lime glass. Table 1 shows the test results of the decorative glass sample (soda-lime glass material) based on a thickness of 3.2 mm. In the table, total iron (%) refers to the content of Fe2O3 in the glass composition, Tuv (%) refers to ultraviolet transmittance, and TL (%) refers to visible light transmittance. As can be seen from Table 1, after the above modifications, even with a reduction in total iron content and the removal of cobalt, chromium, and selenium, the ultraviolet transmittance and visible light transmittance still meet the relevant performance indicators.

[0042] Table 1

[0043]

[0044]

[0045] The following experiment will further illustrate the effect of the aforementioned decorative glass panels in detail. This experiment follows... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The equipment setup was conducted with the transmitter and receiver positioned 20mm from both ends of the test sample location, using a 24GHz horn antenna. The test sample was a decorative glass panel with a diffuser layer added. Figure 4 The setup shown illustrates the millimeter-wave radar loss values ​​when no test sample (decorative glass) is placed. (Further details are needed.) Figure 5The setup shown illustrates the millimeter-wave radar loss values ​​after placing the test sample, and then the difference between the two values ​​is calculated. Based on the calculated difference, the following is obtained: Figure 6 The graph shows the trend of the difference in loss rate between decorative glass of different thicknesses and millimeter-wave radar.

[0046] Secondly, the UV transmittance index after adding different amounts of TiO2 in this application can be expressed by the following formula:

[0047]

[0048] In the above formula, T UV T represents ultraviolet light transmittance. λ E' represents the transmittance percentage of the solar spectrum, meaning the transmittance (T) at wavelengths from λ300 to λ400. λ (n) represents the relative spectral distribution coefficient of solar radiation at wavelength λ. Table 1 records the relationship between λ and E'. λ For the correspondence of (n), please refer to the standard ISO13837.

[0049] By statistically analyzing the ultraviolet transmittance of decorative glass panels (without a diffuser layer) of different thicknesses and with the same composition, the following results were obtained: Figure 7 The graph shows the trend of UV transmittance for decorative glass of different thicknesses.

[0050] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The corresponding experimental data are shown in Table 2 below:

[0051] Table 2

[0052]

[0053] Will Figure 6 and Figure 7 By combining Figure 8 It can be seen that when the thickness of the decorative glass is between 2.1mm and 3.5mm, a balance can be struck between millimeter-wave radar loss and ultraviolet light transmittance. At this thickness, the ultraviolet transmittance of the decorative glass is 70.10% to 75.90%, and the loss rate difference between having the decorative glass and not having it is 3.15dB to 5.47dB. More preferably, when the thickness of the decorative glass is between 3.0mm and 3.2mm, a better balance between millimeter-wave radar loss and ultraviolet light transmittance can be achieved. At this thickness, the millimeter-wave radar loss rate difference is 5.02dB to 5.22dB, and the ultraviolet light transmittance is 71.10% to 72.1%.

[0054] In another embodiment of this application, a column assembly is also provided, which includes a millimeter-wave radar, a bracket, and a decorative glass panel as described above. The bracket is connected to the decorative glass panel, and the millimeter-wave radar is mounted on the bracket. Specifically, the millimeter-wave radar can be mounted on the front or back of the bracket, as long as the millimeter-wave radar emits millimeter waves toward the outside of the decorative glass panel and the bracket does not affect the emission of the millimeter waves.

[0055] Preferably, the connection between the bracket and the decorative glass panel can be an integral injection molding structure or an adhesive structure.

[0056] Preferably, the bracket can be connected to the vehicle body sheet metal via a connector, such as a stud structure or other connecting structure.

[0057] The pillar assembly in this embodiment includes an A-pillar assembly, a B-pillar assembly, a C-pillar assembly, or a D-pillar assembly. When the pillar assembly is installed on the vehicle, the trim glass is located on the outside of the vehicle, while the millimeter-wave radar and bracket structure are located on the inside of the vehicle.

[0058] Currently, automotive intelligent A, B, C, and D pillar assemblies can incorporate functions such as surround view, facial recognition, assisted driving, and sentry mode. However, these systems utilize automotive-grade cameras for encapsulation. The camera system visually identifies the surrounding environment to assist the driver in safe driving. However, these cameras become ineffective in rain, fog, or darkness, and also malfunction in strong or low light conditions. Furthermore, blind spots exist around the vehicle; the combined area of ​​all blind spots can reach twice the vehicle's footprint. For blind spots on the sides of the vehicle, especially for smaller objects, even with cameras mounted on the A, B, C, and D pillars, detection is difficult, potentially leading to unnecessary traffic accidents.

[0059] This application encapsulates the millimeter-wave radar within a pillar. Since millimeter-wave electromagnetic waves are unaffected by common environmental factors such as rain, fog, and dust, the millimeter-wave radar can operate normally in these weather conditions. Furthermore, the millimeter-wave radar works by emitting millimeter waves through an antenna, receiving reflected signals from targets, and then processing them to quickly and accurately acquire information about the physical environment surrounding the vehicle. Based on the detected object information, it performs target tracking and classification. Therefore, by encapsulating the millimeter-wave radar behind the pillar, and due to the compatibility between the decorative glass panel and the millimeter-wave radar, blind spots around the vehicle are eliminated. In this embodiment, the millimeter-wave radar and a traditional camera can be installed together within the pillar, or they can be installed separately; this application does not limit this choice.

[0060] Preferably, the millimeter-wave radar used in this application is a frequency-modulated continuous millimeter-wave radar, whose frequency bands are mainly concentrated in 24 GHz, 77 GHz and 79 GHz. Among them, 24 GHz is suitable for short-range detection and 77 GHz is suitable for long-range detection. Of course, this application is not limited to these three frequency bands for millimeter-wave radar.

[0061] As described above, the pillar assembly of this application, due to the use of the aforementioned decorative glass and the integration of millimeter-wave radar, benefits from the aforementioned characteristics of the decorative glass. This improves its compatibility with the millimeter-wave radar, ensuring its emission efficiency and enhancing its blind-spot detection capability. Simultaneously, it reduces ultraviolet light transmittance, protecting in-vehicle components and minimizing UV aging.

[0062] In another embodiment of this application, a vehicle is also provided having a trim glass as described above, or a pillar assembly as described above. Due to the aforementioned characteristics of the trim glass, the vehicle having the trim glass also possesses the aforementioned beneficial effects.

[0063] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0064] The terms "an embodiment," "a specific embodiment," "some embodiments," "for example," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. The order of steps involved in the various embodiments is used to illustrate the implementation of this application, and the order of steps is not limited and may be adjusted appropriately as needed.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the selection of numerical ranges includes the value of the range itself.

[0067] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A glazing panel characterised in that, The trim glass comprises a diffusing layer and a glass body, the diffusing layer has a set roughness and is arranged on one side of the glass body, the diffusing layer is a black ink layer, the diffusing layer is used for diffusing the millimeter wave emitted by the millimeter wave radar and passing through the trim glass, the profile arithmetic average deviation Ra of the diffusing layer is less than 1.0, and the micro-irregularity ten-point height Rz is less than 1.0, the thickness of the glass body is 2.1 mm to 3.5 mm, the total iron content of the glass body is 0.00005% to 0.12%, the contents of cobalt, chromium and selenium are substantially zero, and the difference in millimeter wave loss rate between when the trim glass is placed and when the trim glass is not placed is 3.15 db to 5.47 db.

2. The glazing panel of claim 1, wherein The content of TiO2 in the glass body is 0.0001% to 0.05%, and the ultraviolet transmittance of the trim glass is 70.10% to 75.90%.

3. The glazing panel of claim 1, wherein The thickness of the trim glass is 3.0 mm to 3.2 mm, and the difference in millimeter wave loss rate between when the trim glass is placed and when the trim glass is not placed is 5.02 db to 5.22 db.

4. The glazing panel of claim 2, wherein The other side surface of the trim glass is covered with an anti-ultraviolet coating.

5. A post assembly characterized by, Comprise: The millimeter wave radar, the bracket and the trim glass according to any one of claims 1-4, the bracket is connected with the trim glass, and the millimeter wave radar is arranged on the bracket.

6. The post assembly of claim 5, wherein, The bracket and the trim glass are in an integral injection molding structure or an adhesive structure.

7. The post assembly of claim 5, wherein, The bracket is connected with the vehicle body sheet metal through a connecting piece.

8. The post assembly of claim 5, wherein, The millimeter wave radar is a 24 GHz, 77 GHz or 79 GHz millimeter wave radar.

9. An automobile characterized by comprising: The automobile comprises the trim glass according to any one of claims 1-4 or the pillar assembly according to any one of claims 5-8.

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