Glass window assembly for motor vehicle and associated manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a glazing assembly (100, 200, 300) comprising:-a glazing unit (110, 310) for a motor vehicle, the glazing unit comprising a glass sheet having a first main face and a second main face,-light injection means (120, 121, 220, 221, 222, 223) for injecting light into the glass sheet, at least a portion of the generated light is injected into the glass sheet for propagation by reflection between the first and second major faces until reaching the light extraction device (140). The glazing assembly further includes an opaque material (150, 250, 330) in continuous direct contact with the first major face and positioned between the light injection device and the light extraction device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of manufacturing illuminated glazings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a glazing assembly comprising a glazing for a motor vehicle and configured to illuminate said glazing. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method for such a glazing assembly. The present invention finds particularly advantageous (although by no means limiting) application in the case where the motor vehicle glazing to be illuminated is a glazing roof. Background Art

[0002] It is now common to use a light source to illuminate (brighten) a motor vehicle glazing. As is well known, this can be applied to any type of glazing on such a vehicle, whether single glazing or laminated (i.e., windshield, rear window, side windows or glazing roof).

[0003] When illuminated, this type of glazing is basically used for ambient lighting or light identification. Typically, the light source used to implement this lighting or identification function includes one or more lighting modules, each lighting module including one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0004] The general principle underlying the creation of an illuminated glazing is to position a light source in such a way that at least a portion of the light generated thereby is injected into a glass sheet in the glazing. More specifically, the light is injected so as to propagate by reflection between two faces of the glass sheet, a first main face (e.g., facing the vehicle interior) and an opposite second main face, until it reaches a light extraction device (also referred to as a "diffusing device / element").

[0005] In other words, the light source is optically coupled to the glass sheet in question, which then forms a light guide (ie the light propagation is by total internal reflection between the first and second main faces) and emerges from this guide at a predetermined point by means of light extraction means.

[0006] In practice, various alternatives are conventionally used to implement this light injection principle.

[0007] Thus, according to a first example, one or more LED modules are incorporated at the edge of a glass sheet of a glazing, so that light emitted by the LEDs enters through the edge of said glass sheet and is guided thereby to the light extraction device.

[0008] According to a second example, one or more LED modules are arranged opposite the first main face, wherein at least a portion of the light thus generated is incident on said first main face in order to pass through the glass sheet in order to leave the glass sheet at the second main face. In addition, a light redirecting element is arranged on the second main face in order to reflect light contacting said redirecting element into the glass sheet.

[0009] While these alternatives often produce satisfactory results in terms of the desired lighting function (ambience or signage), they are problematic because they produce undesirable optical effects.

[0010] In fact, some of the light generated by the light source may not be injected into the glass sheet, so that it appears in the immediate vicinity of the glass surface. This light (which is not injected into the glass sheet and is called "grazing light") is therefore directly visible from a viewing direction substantially parallel to the glazing, thereby creating not only light "pollution" but also the problem of illuminating any roughness (such as dust) on the glass surface.

[0011] This problem of glancing light can be alleviated by positioning an element near the light source, which is configured to block the light that is not injected into the glazing. More specifically, the blocking element is placed at one of the main faces in contact with the surface of the glazing so as to hide the light source along a viewing direction substantially parallel to the glazing. However, a disadvantage of this solution is that the blocking element is attached to the glazing by means of a translucent adhesive device. As a result, the light injected into the glazing in contact with the face where the blocking element is positioned is extracted by the blocking element. The result is an optical effect known as "halo", which is positioned at the point of contact between the blocking element and the glazing and is also a source of light pollution. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to remedy some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to inject light into a sheet of glass in an automobile glazing while avoiding undesirable optical effects such as glancing light or haloing.

[0013] Therefore, and according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a glazing assembly comprising:

[0014] - a glazing for a motor vehicle, the glazing comprising an organic or inorganic glass sheet having a first main face and an opposite second main face,

[0015] - means for injecting light into the glass sheet, said injection means comprising a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source being injected into the glass sheet to propagate by reflection between said first and second main faces to reach light extraction means.

[0016] The glazing assembly further comprises an opaque material continuous with and in direct contact with the first major face and positioned between the light injection device and the light extraction device.

[0017] "Continuous contact" here means uniform contact between the glass window and the opaque material, without differences (ie, without gaps). The advantage of such continuous contact is that it prevents any leakage of stray light (grazing light) from the light source.

[0018] Furthermore, by "direct contact", we mean that the contact in question between the glazing and the opaque material is achieved without adhesive means, in particular without translucent adhesive means. This arrangement is particularly advantageous since it prevents any local light absorption from occurring at the contact point between the glazing and the opaque material and thus fortiori prevents the appearance of halo effects.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the glazing assembly may further comprise several of the following features, which may be considered individually or in any technically feasible combination.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the glazing assembly further comprises means for holding the opaque material against the first main face by pressing.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the retaining means comprises:

[0022] a supporting element, such as a plate, comprising a first face and an opposite second face, the light source being attached to the first face, the opaque material being attached to the first face of the supporting element,

[0023] - a retaining element comprising a first "retaining" arm and a second "retaining" arm connected together by a "connecting" arm, the first retaining arm being attached so as to abut against a first main face of the glass sheet on the side opposite to the opaque material relative to the light source, and the second retaining arm being attached so as to abut against a second face of the supporting element.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the retaining device comprises a retaining element having a first “retaining” arm and a second “retaining” arm interconnected by a “connecting” arm, the first retaining arm being attached to abut against a first main face of the glass sheet on the side opposite to the opaque material relative to the light source, the light source and the opaque material being attached to the second retaining arm.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the light source is arranged opposite to, in contact with, or at a distance from the first main surface, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source is incident on the first main surface so as to pass through the glass sheet and thus leave the glass sheet at the second main surface, and the light injection device also includes a light redirecting element, which is arranged at the second main surface and is configured so that the light leaving the second main surface and contacting the redirecting element is reflected into the glass sheet.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the light redirecting element is a reflective structure provided with a plurality of reflective surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces configured such that light leaving the second main face and contacting the reflective surfaces is reflected into the glass sheet.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the light source is at least partially arranged in a through hole in the glass sheet, said light source:

[0028] - in contact with a wall of the aperture positioned between the light source and the light extraction means, or

[0029] - at a distance from the wall of the hole.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the glazing is a monolithic glazing, said first main face being face F1 .

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the glazing is a laminated glazing comprising two sheets of glass, an outer sheet and an inner sheet, separated by an interlaminar film, said first main face being face F4 .

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the through holes are made in the inner sheet.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the glazing includes a functional layer, such as an infrared radiation reflecting layer.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, at least in sections, the outer sheets are dyed and / or the interlayer film is dyed.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the light source includes one or more lighting modules, each lighting module including one or more light emitting diodes.

[0036] In a specific embodiment:

[0037] - light injection is achieved by direct optical coupling between the light source and the glazing, or

[0038] The light injection is achieved by means of an optical system, for example a collimating optical system, which is configured to perform an optical function based on the light generated by the light source.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the opaque material is an elastic material, such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a foam.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the opaque material is not arranged opposite the light extraction device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the glazing.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, a light extraction zone is defined, which includes the projections of all light extraction devices and the light extraction zone in a projection plane perpendicular to the glass window, and the projections of the opaque elements in said projection plane are located outside the projections of the light extraction zone.

[0042] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass window assembly. The method comprises the following steps:

[0043] - providing a glazing for a motor vehicle, the glazing comprising an organic or inorganic glass sheet having a first main face and an opposite second main face,

[0044] - means for injecting light into the glass sheet are arranged, said injection means comprising a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source being injected into the glass sheet to propagate by reflection between said first and second main faces until it reaches light extraction means,

[0045] - An opaque material is positioned between the light injection device and the light extraction device, the opaque material being continuous and in direct contact with the first main face.

[0046] In a particular mode of implementation, the method further comprises the step of arranging means for holding the opaque material against the first main face by pressing.

[0047] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a glazing unit according to the invention in a motor vehicle, for example as a windscreen, rear window, side windows or glazing roof.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a glazing assembly according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the non-limiting description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0050] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A particular embodiment of a glazing assembly according to the invention is schematically depicted;

[0051] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Schematically represents another specific embodiment of the glazing assembly according to the present invention;

[0052] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes[ Figure 2 ] is a schematic three-quarter side view of a retaining device of a glazing assembly of FIG. 1 to which an opaque material is attached;

[0053] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Another specific embodiment of a glazing assembly according to the invention is schematically depicted;

[0054] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Another specific embodiment of a glazing assembly according to the invention is schematically depicted;

[0055] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 The main steps of the method for manufacturing a glazing unit according to the invention are depicted in the form of a flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The invention relates to the illumination of one or more glass windows of a motor vehicle.

[0057] More particularly, the remainder of the description is directed to motor vehicles of the automobile type, such as electric cars and / or autonomous cars. An "electric car" is here understood to mean a car that includes at least one electric motor and that uses, for locomotion (i.e. for operating the at least one electric motor), only on-board electrical energy from one or several batteries with which the car is equipped.

[0058] However, it is important to note that the invention is not limited to the case of electric and / or autonomous vehicles and may equally relate to hybrid vehicles or vehicles (autonomous or otherwise) equipped only with an internal combustion engine.

[0059] Even more generally, the fact that motor vehicles of the automobile type are considered does not constitute a limitation of the invention, since the invention remains applicable to any type of motor vehicle, such as trucks, buses, etc.

[0060] For the remainder of this description, we also consider that the lighting involves a single glass window in a car, in this case the car roof (thus, the roof in question is the glass window).

[0061] However, this arrangement is only one variation of the present invention, as the number and type of glazing that can be illuminated is not a limiting factor. For example, whether it is a windshield, rear window, side windows or a glazed roof, there is no reason why all or part of the glazing should not be illuminated.

[0062] [ Figure 1 ] schematically depicts a specific embodiment of a glass window assembly 100 according to the present invention.

[0063] The glass window assembly 100 includes a glass window roof 110, wherein [ Figure 1 ] corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the glass window roof 110. In the present embodiment, the glass window roof 110 is a laminated glass window, which includes two glass sheets separated by an interlayer film 113, namely an outer sheet 111 and an inner sheet 112.

[0064] The inner glass sheet 112 (respectively, the outer glass sheet 111 ) is intended to be arranged on the inside of the vehicle, ie in contact with the interior of the vehicle (respectively, on the outside of the vehicle, ie in direct contact with the atmosphere outside the vehicle).

[0065] Each glass sheet 111, 112 comprises a first main face 111_1 intended to face the interior of the car, and an opposite second main face 111_2, 112_2, the first main face and the second main face being connected to each other by a peripheral edge. Conventionally, the first main face 111_1 and the second main face 111_2 of the outer sheet 111 (correspondingly, the first main face 112_1 and the second main face 112_2 of the inner sheet 112) are also respectively referred to as face F2 and face F1 (correspondingly, face F4 and face F3).

[0066] There is no restriction on the type of glass used to form the glass sheets 111, 112. It can be either organic glass or inorganic glass. The glass sheets 111, 112 can also be untempered, partially tempered or tempered glass.

[0067] For example, the outer glass sheet 111 and / or the inner glass sheet 112 are made of soda-lime glass, quartz glass, borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass. In other examples, the outer glass sheet 111 and / or the inner glass sheet 112 are made of rigid, transparent plastic, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0068] For the inner sheet 112, use will preferably be made of a colorless soda-lime inorganic glass, such as that sold by the applicant. Glass. The thickness of the inner sheet 112 is generally between 1.4 and 3.2 mm, preferably between 1.4 and 2.1 mm (in the case of a single-glazed window, ie monolithic and non-laminated, this thickness can vary between 2.5 and 6 mm).

[0069] Of course, the outer sheet 111 can be transparent and colorless like the inner sheet 112. In some exemplary embodiments, the laminated glazing according to the present invention will consist of two colorless Sheet composition.

[0070] Unlike the inner pane 112, the outer pane 111 is advantageously made of tinted glass, such as also sold by the applicant. TSA3+ or TSA4+ glass. The thickness of the outer sheet 111 typically ranges between 1.4 and 2.1 mm.

[0071] In a more specific exemplary embodiment (not shown in the figures), the laminated glazing may comprise a functional layer. There is no restriction on the nature of the functional layer. For example, it may be a layer that reflects infrared radiation. In general, a person skilled in the art knows which functional layers can be envisaged for laminated glazings of motor vehicles, and also where such functional layers are to be positioned (i.e. on which face of the glazing). Therefore, these aspects are not described further here.

[0072] At the same time, the intermediate film 113 is in adhesive contact with the two glass sheets 111, 112, and more specifically with the first main face 111_1 of the outer sheet 111 and the second main face 112_2 of the inner sheet 111. It can be made of any transparent polymer material commonly used for this purpose, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The thickness of the intermediate layer is generally in the range between 0.2 and 1.1 mm, and can be colorless or sectionally colored or completely colored.

[0073] The glazing assembly 100 also includes a device for injecting light into the glazing roof. More particularly, reference is made herein to [ Figure 1 ] In the described embodiment, the injection device is configured to inject light into the inner glass sheet 112 and includes a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source is injected into the inner glass sheet 112 to propagate by reflection between the first main surface 112_1 and the second main surface 112_2.

[0074] The light source may, for example, comprise one or more lighting modules, each lighting module comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).The LEDs can be front emitting or side emitting.

[0075] [ Figure 1 ] shows such a lighting module comprising an LED 121, which is by no means limiting, and comprises a support 120, for example a rectangular support, with conductive tracks (such as a printed circuit board), on which the LED 121 is mounted.

[0076] exist[ Figure 1], the light source is arranged opposite to the first main face 112_1 of the inner sheet 112. More particularly, the LED 121 is in contact with the first main face 112_1. In this configuration, at least some of the light generated by the light source is incident on the first main face 112_1 so as to pass through the inner sheet 112 and leave the inner sheet at the second main face 112_2 of the inner sheet. In addition, the light injection device further comprises a light redirecting element 130, which is arranged at the second main face 112_2 and is configured such that light leaving the second main face 112_2 and in contact with the redirecting element 130 is reflected into the inner sheet 112.

[0077] According to a more particular exemplary embodiment, the light redirecting element 130 is a reflective structure provided with a plurality of reflective surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces (i.e., these inclined surfaces are coated with a reflective layer). The reflective surfaces are configured so that light leaving the second main face 112_2 and contacting it is reflected into the inner sheet 112. Such a reflective structure is described as a prismatic film, for example, in document WO2022096365.

[0078] It should be noted that other embodiments are not excluded from consideration in which the LED 121 and thus the final light source are at a distance from the first main face 112_1 of the inner sheet 112 .

[0079] Additionally, LED-based lighting is only one variant of the present invention. This does not exclude the use of other types of light sources, such as one or more organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), one or more laser diodes, electroluminescent materials, etc. In general, there is no restriction on the nature of the light source, as long as it is suitable for injecting light into the glass sheet.

[0080] As mentioned above, the light injected into the inner sheet 112 is intended to propagate by reflection between the first main face 112_1 and the second main face 112_2. This light propagation is carried out until the light reaches the light extraction device, which in this embodiment is configured to extract and diffuse the light injected into the inner sheet 112 towards the interior of the car.

[0081] More specifically, and as [ Figure 1 ] is shown in no way limiting terms, the extraction device is preferably a diffuse coating 140 located at the second main face 112_2 of the inner sheet 112, such as an opaque white or transparent coating.

[0082] The scattering coating 140 may, for example, include a matrix (organic or inorganic) and scattering particles, such as metal oxides (TiO 2 , etc.).

[0083] Such a diffusive coating 140 made of an inorganic material is described as a transparent glaze, for example, in document FR 3 084 355. Alternatively, such a diffusive coating 140 made of an inorganic material is described as a transparent layer, for example, in document WO 2022023638.

[0084] It should be noted that due to simplified description and [ Figure 1 ], a single diffuse coating 140 is considered here. However, there is no limit to the number of diffuse coatings that can be used to extract light. This lack of limitation also applies to the nature of these diffuse coatings, and their respective positions relative to the glass sheets 111, 112, depending on whether it is desired to extract light towards the interior and / or the exterior of the car. In general, these aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not further described here.

[0085] The glass window assembly 100 further includes:

[0086] an opaque material 150 (ie, obstructing the passage of light) which is continuous and in direct contact with the main face of the glazing 110 and is positioned between the light injection means and the light extraction means,

[0087] - Means for holding the opaque material against the glazing 110 by pressing.

[0088] By "continuous contact", we mean uniform contact with no differences (ie, no gaps) between the glass window 110 and the opaque material 150. This continuous contact, along with the compression retention in this embodiment, advantageously prevents any leakage of stray light (grazing light) from the light source.

[0089] Furthermore, by "direct contact", we mean the fact that the contact in question between the glass window 110 and the opaque material 150 is achieved without adhesive means, in particular without translucent adhesive means. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it prevents any local light absorption from occurring at the contact point between the glass window 110 and the opaque material 150, and thus naturally prevents the appearance of halo effects.

[0090] More specifically, in [ Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the opaque material 150 is in continuous and direct contact with the first main surface 112_1 of the inner sheet 112, and the retaining device is configured to hold the opaque material 150 against the first main surface 112_1 by pressing.

[0091] It should be noted that if the glazing 110 has a functional layer on the F4 face (as mentioned previously with reference to certain embodiments of the invention), the opaque material 150 is then arranged in continuity with and in direct contact with said functional layer.

[0092] The opaque material 150 is, for example, an elastic material, such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer or a foam. However, other examples not described in detail herein do not exclude that the opaque material 150 is inelastic, as long as it can be arranged in continuous, direct contact with the first main face 112_1 of the inner sheet 112. For example, a non-extrudable opaque material can be used, the shape of which is adapted to any curvature of the glass window 110 before assembling the glass window assembly 100.

[0093] The opaque material 150 is not arranged opposite the light extraction device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the glass window.

[0094] A light extraction zone is defined, which includes all light extraction devices and the projection of the light extraction zone in a projection plane perpendicular to the glazing. The projection of the opaque element 250 in said projection plane is outside the projection of the light extraction zone.

[0095] exist[ Figure 1 ], the retaining device comprises a support element 160, such as a plate, having a first side facing the first side 112_1 of the inner sheet 112. It should be noted that such a support element is also referred to as a "bracket" in Anglo-Saxon literature. The light source (more specifically, here the PCB support 120) is attached to this first side of the support element 160, and this attachment is achieved by any known means, such as by bonding. The support element also has an opposite second side. The opaque material 150 is also attached to the first side of the support element 160. Here again, this attachment can be achieved by any known means, such as using as [ Figure 1 ] as shown in the suitable adhesive 151.

[0096] In addition to the support element 160, in this embodiment, the retaining device also includes a retaining element 170, which includes a first "retaining" arm 171 and a second "retaining" arm 172 connected together by a "connecting" arm 173. According to this configuration, and as Figure 1 As shown in , the cross section of the holding element has a substantially "Z" shaped profile. A first holding arm 171 is attached against the first main face 112_1 of the inner sheet 112 on the side opposite to the opaque material 150 relative to the light source. A second holding arm 172 is attached against the second face of the supporting element 160.

[0097] Attaching the first retaining arm 171 to the first main surface 112_1 of the inner sheet 112 (and correspondingly, attaching the second retaining arm 172 to the second surface of the support element 160) can be achieved by any known means, for example using a suitable adhesive 174 (and correspondingly, a suitable adhesive 175) as shown in FIG. [1] or by encapsulating the retaining arm 171 on glass.

[0098] refer to[ Figure 1 ] The holding device described represents only one variant of the present invention. Other variants are possible, such as a variant in which the light source and the opaque material 150 are attached to the second holding arm 172 of the holding element 170. In other words, in this alternative variant, [ Figure 1 ]'s support element 160 is not present and is replaced by said second retaining arm 172, the length of which is adapted accordingly.

[0099] In addition, the present invention has been described so far on the basis that the light source is arranged opposite to the first main face 112_1 of the inner sheet 112. This arrangement does not limit the present invention, as other light source arrangements can be conceived.

[0100] Thus, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the light source can be arranged at least partially in a through hole of the glazing, for example in a through hole of the inner pane when the glazing is of the laminated type, said light source:

[0101] - in contact with a wall of the aperture positioned between the light source and the light extraction means, or

[0102] - at a distance from the wall of the hole.

[0103] [ Figure 2 ] schematically depicts another specific embodiment of a glass window assembly 200 according to the present invention.

[0104] exist[ Figure 2 ] and as shown in the embodiment of [ Figure 1 ] described, the glazing is of the laminated type and corresponds to a glazed roof. Figure 2 ] shows a cross-sectional view of a glass window roof. For simplicity, only the inner sheet 212 is shown.

[0105] like[ Figure 2 ], the LED module light source 220 is partially arranged in the through hole 230 in the inner sheet 212. More specifically, the LED module includes:

[0106] - LEDs 221 arranged to inject light into the inner sheet 212 via the walls of the aperture 230,

[0107] - a light guide 222 for the light generated by the LED 221,

[0108] -Protective cover 223.

[0109] The LED module 220 is held against the first main face 212_1 of the inner sheet 212 by fixing or reversible cooperation with a support plate 240 (also called bracket), of a type known per se (for example of the clip-on type).

[0110] like[ Figure 2 ], the support plate 240 has side walls 241, 242 that rise substantially orthogonally to the inner glass sheet 212. The support plate 240 also has a strip 243 that projects in a direction in which light is intended to propagate through the inner sheet 212 (i.e., toward the light extraction device ( Figure 2 For example, the strip 243 is manufactured so as to be integral with the side wall 241 , or can be designed as an additional type part attached to the side wall 241 .

[0111] Furthermore, the strip 243 is arranged at a distance from the first main face 212_1 of the inner sheet 212 so as to present a gap with the glass window. This gap is filled by an opaque material 250 having the same properties as those described above. In particular, the opaque material 250 is attached to the strip 243, for example by adhesive means of a type known per se. On the other hand, the contact between the opaque material 250 and the glass window is continuous and direct.

[0112] Therefore, it should be understood that Figure 2 ] In this embodiment of the invention, the means for holding the opaque material 250 against the first main face 212_1 by pressing comprises said support plate 240, in particular via said strip 243.

[0113] The positioning of the LED module 220, and more particularly the LED diode 221, enables the illumination of the inner sheet 212 through the wall of the hole 230. Figure 2 ], some of the generated light is injected into the inner sheet 212 (arrow FL1). However, another portion of the generated light tends to escape from between the support plate 240 and the first main face 212_1 (arrow FL2), and thus represents stray glancing light intended to be blocked by the opaque material 250 placed opposite.

[0114] For more details on the general principle of injecting light into a glass sheet via holes in the sheet, see for example WO2018178591.

[0115] Furthermore, it should be considered that the LED module 220 is held against the first main face 212_1 of the inner sheet 212 by cooperating with the support plate 240 is only one variant embodiment of the present invention. Other variants are also possible, such as the LED module 220 being directly attached to the first main face 212_1 of the inner sheet 212, wherein the strip 243 can be made to match the cover 223, or made as an accessory attached to the cover 223.

[0116] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 2Schematic three-quarter side view of a retaining device 240 of a glass window assembly 200, to which the opaque material 250 is attached.

[0117] [ Figure 4 ] schematically shows yet another specific embodiment of a glass window assembly according to the present invention. More particularly, [ Figure 4 ] is shown here as Figure 2 and Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the embodiment of , no extrusion type retaining device is used here.

[0118] To this end, the opaque material 250 is manufactured, for example, by direct deposition or injection (ie, reaction injection molding) of a PU (polyurethane) type adhesive onto the first main face 212_1 of the inner sheet 212, or by PU or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) encapsulation, or by injecting thermoplastics.

[0119] It should be noted that, via the above-described deposition / injection / encapsulation method, the absence of extrusion type retaining means can ultimately be applied in any technically operable combination to all the modes envisaged in this description.

[0120] [ Figure 5 ] schematically shows yet another specific embodiment of the glass window assembly 300 according to the present invention.

[0121] exist[ Figure 5 ] in the embodiment, and with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the manner described, the glazing is of a laminated type and corresponds to a glazing roof 310 comprising an inner sheet 312, an outer sheet 311 and an interlayer film 311. Figure 5 ] shows a three-quarter side view of the glass assembly 300.

[0122] With reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Unlike the described mode, light is injected through the edge of the glass window ( Figure 5 The light injection device is not shown).

[0123] In addition, and as [ Figure 5 ], the glass window assembly 300 includes a retaining element 320, which includes a first retaining arm 321 and a second retaining arm 322 connected together so that the retaining element 320 has a substantially "V"-shaped profile in cross section.

[0124] The first retaining arm 321 is fixedly arranged in abutment against a first main face 311_1 of an outer sheet 311 , the periphery of which extends substantially beyond the periphery of the inner sheet 312 .

[0125] At the same time, the second retaining arm 322 extends substantially parallel to the first main face 312_2 of the inner sheet 312 and at a distance therefrom so as to present a gap with the glass window. The gap is filled with an opaque material 330 having the same properties as those described above. In particular, the opaque material 330 is attached to the second retaining arm 322 (e.g., by fitting into a groove in the second retaining arm 322, as shown in FIG. [5]), for example, by adhesive means of a type known per se. On the other hand, the contact between the opaque material 330 and the glass window is continuous and direct.

[0126] In order to ensure that the retaining element 320 is optimally supported against the glass window, an adhesive means 340 can be used between the second retaining arm 322 and the first main face 312_1 of the inner sheet 312, such as [ Figure 5 These adhesive devices 340 are placed between the light source and the opaque material 330 so that if it produces a halo effect, the opaque material 350 will cover the halo effect.

[0127] Therefore, it should be understood that Figure 4 ] In this embodiment of the invention, the means for holding the opaque material 330 against the first main face 312_1 by pressing comprises the retaining element 320, in particular via the second arm 322.

[0128] Regarding the injection of light into the glass sheet via its edge (as in [ Figure 5 For more details on the general principle of the invention (this is the case in the embodiment shown in ), see, for example, document WO2010049638.

[0129] So far, the invention has been described on the basis of light injection into the inner pane of a laminated glazing. However, the invention is also applicable in the case where such light injection is carried out in the outer pane of a laminated glazing.

[0130] Until now, it has been assumed that the glazing into which the light is injected is a laminated glazing. However, this arrangement does not limit the invention and does not exclude the possibility of considering monolithic glazings, for example, the face F1 of which is a face of continuous and direct contact of opaque material.

[0131] According to still other considerations, and regardless of whether the glazing is monolithic or laminated, or regardless of whether the light injection is produced in the inner or outer sheet, the invention also covers embodiments in which the light injection is produced with the aid of an optical system configured to perform an optical function based on the light produced by the light source. There are no restrictions on the nature of the optical system, which may correspond, for example, to a collimating optical system. The use of such an optical system therefore refers here to the injection of light by indirect coupling between the light source and the glazing. On the contrary, the optical coupling in question can be direct, as described above in Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments described above do not use an optical system.

[0132] In yet other aspects, the glazing assembly has so far been described as being integrated into a motor vehicle, i.e. as being functionally operable within said vehicle. However, the invention also covers the case of a glazing assembly provided in the form of a kit. For this purpose, the glazing, the light injection means, the opaque material and the retaining means can be preassembled together in whole or in part in any technically feasible combination. It is possible for all components to be provided separately in a kit. It is also possible to provide such a kit with assembly instructions for the various components.

[0133] Another aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a glazing assembly as described above. Figure 6 ] shows a flow chart of the main steps involved in this manufacturing method, which includes:

[0134] - providing E10 a glazing for a motor vehicle, the glazing comprising a glass sheet having a first main face and an opposite second main face,

[0135] - arrangement E20 means for injecting light into the glass sheet, said injection means comprising a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source being injected into the glass sheet to propagate by reflection between said first main face and the second main face until it reaches light extraction means,

[0136] - positioning an E30 opaque material between the light injection device and the light extraction device, the opaque material being continuous and in direct contact with the first main face,

[0137] Arrangement E40 means for holding the opaque material against the first main face by pressing.

[0138] It should be noted that for the purposes of the present invention, step E40 is optional since, as already mentioned, the present invention also covers embodiments in which no extrusion type retaining means are used (see as an example [ Figure 4 ]).

Claims

1. A glass window assembly (100, 200, 300), comprising: - a glazing (110, 310) for a motor vehicle, comprising a sheet (112, 212, 312) of organic or inorganic glass, the sheet having a first main face (112_1, 212_1, 312_1) and an opposite second main face, - a light injection device (120, 121, 220, 221, 222, 223) in the glass sheet, the injection device comprising a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source being injected into the glass sheet to propagate by reflection between the first main face and the second main face until reaching a light extraction device (140), The glazing assembly is characterized in that it further comprises an opaque material (150, 250, 330) which is continuous with and in direct contact with the first main face and is positioned between the light injection device and the light extraction device.

2. The glass window assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The glazing assembly further comprises means (170, 240, 320) for holding the opaque material against the first main face by pressing.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The holding device comprises: a supporting element (160), such as a plate, comprising a first face and an opposite second face, the light source being attached to the first face, the opaque material being attached to the first face of the supporting element, - a retaining element (170), comprising a first "retaining" arm and a second "retaining" arm connected together by a "connecting" arm, the first retaining arm being attached to abut against the first main face of the glass sheet on the side opposite to the opaque material relative to the light source, and the second retaining arm being attached to abut against the second face of the supporting element.

4. The glass window assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The holding device comprises a holding element having a first “holding” arm and a second “holding” arm connected together by a “connecting” arm, the first holding arm being attached to abut against the first main face of the glass sheet on the side opposite to the opaque material relative to the light source, the light source and the opaque material being attached to the second holding arm.

5. The glass window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The light source is arranged opposite to the first main surface, in contact with the first main surface or at a distance from the first main surface, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source is incident on the first main surface so as to pass through the glass sheet and thus leave the glass sheet at the second main surface, and the light injection device also includes a light redirecting element, which is arranged at the second main surface and is configured so that the light leaving the second main surface and contacting the redirecting element is reflected into the glass sheet.

6. The glass window assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The light redirecting element is a reflective structure provided with a plurality of reflective surfaces in the form of inclined surfaces configured such that light leaving the second main face and coming into contact with the reflective surfaces is reflected into the glass sheet.

7. The glass window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The light source is at least partially arranged in a through hole in the glass sheet, the light source: - in contact with a wall of the aperture positioned between the light source and the light extraction means, or - at a distance from said wall of said hole.

8. The glass window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The glass window is an integral glass window, and the first main surface is surface F1.

9. The glass window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The glazing is a laminated glazing comprising two glass sheets separated by an interlayer film, namely an outer sheet and an inner sheet, and the first main face is face F4.

10. The glass window assembly according to claims 9 and 7, wherein: The through holes are made in the inner sheet.

11. The glass window assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The glazing comprises a functional layer, for example a layer reflecting infrared radiation.

12. The glazing assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: At least in sections, the outer sheet is colored and / or the interlayer film is colored.

13. The glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The light source includes one or more lighting modules, each lighting module includes one or more light emitting diodes.

14. A glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: - the light injection is achieved by direct optical coupling between the light source and the glazing, or The light injection is achieved by means of an optical system, for example a collimating optical system, which is configured to perform an optical function based on the light generated by the light source.

15. The glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The opaque material is an elastic material, such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer or a foam.

16. A method for manufacturing a glass window assembly, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a glazing (110, 310) for a motor vehicle, the glazing comprising an organic or inorganic glass sheet (112, 212, 312), the glass sheet having a first main face (112_1, 212_1, 312_1) and an opposite second main face, - arranging a light injection device (120, 121, 220, 221, 222, 223) in the glass sheet, the injection device comprising a light source, at least a portion of the light generated by the light source being injected into the glass sheet to propagate by reflection between the first main face and the second main face until reaching a light extraction device (140), - An opaque material (150, 250, 330) is positioned between the light injection device and the light extraction device, the opaque material being continuous and in direct contact with the first main face.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of arranging retaining means (170, 240, 320) by pressing the opaque material against the first main face.

18. Use of a glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in a motor vehicle, for example as a windscreen, rear window, side windows or glazing roof.

19. A motor vehicle comprising a glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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