Glass for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such a glass

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminescent laminated glazing (100) for a vehicle, having a variable coloration and comprising an optical isolation layer (21) between a liquid crystal cell (2) and a light guide (1 ').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a glazing for a vehicle, in particular to a glazing for a road vehicle.

[0002] The object is to provide automotive glazing with multifunctional electrical control without compromising the performance of each function and without overly complicating the manufacturing and / or construction.

[0003] In particular, the present invention seeks to develop vehicle glazing that is both luminous and has variable tinting.

[0004] For this purpose, the invention relates to a luminous (or illuminable) glazing with variable tinting for vehicles, in particular for road vehicles (cars, trucks, public transport: buses, coaches, etc.) or rail vehicles (trains, subways, trams), preferably curved, in particular windshields, rear windows, side windows, roofs, comprising a (curved) laminated glazing - transparent at least in the clear glass area - comprising:

[0005] a first transparent sheet (curved, bent), made of mineral glass, optionally tempered, optionally tinted and even overtinted, in particular grey or green, having a first main face and a second main face, which are bare or coated with a functional (transparent) coating, said coating having in particular a refractive index of at most 200 nm (in particular the first face is towards the outside of the vehicle and is even the outer surface, usually referred to as face F1, and the second face is face F2), or a first sheet intended as an interior sheet, for example a first sheet having a refractive index nv of at least 1.5 in the visible range

[0006] a second transparent sheet (curved, bent), in particular made of inorganic or organic glass, optionally a thermoplastic polymer sheet, preferably transparent or very transparent (colorless), having a third main face that is bare or coated with a functional (transparent) coating of at most 200 nm, and a fourth main face that is bare or coated with a functional (transparent) coating of at most 200 nm, a second sheet, in particular intended as an interior sheet (in particular the third face facing the interior, usually called face F3 of the vehicle, and the fourth face facing the passenger compartment, called face F4), or a second sheet intended as an exterior sheet, said second sheet having a refractive index n'v in the visible range, in particular at least 1.5 and at most 1.54 (in particular if glass)

[0007] Preferably, at least one of the first and second panes intended for exterior glazing is made of inorganic glass.

[0008] a multilayer (transparent) polymer laminate interlayer (in particular 2, 3 or 4 adhesive layers and even 2, 3, 4 adhesive films) between the first sheet and the second sheet, comprising (in the upper part) a first upper adhesive layer on the side of the second face (bare or coated) (or even preferably in adhesive contact therewith), and (in the lower part) a first lower adhesive layer on the side of the third face (bare or coated) (or even in adhesive contact therewith), at least one of said upper first adhesive layer and said lower first adhesive layer being an adhesive layer of a crosslinked polymer material (preferably a film, or even a deposit on a flexible support, in particular a first conductive support or an outer surface of a polarizer bonded to the first support), in particular the first lower adhesive layer (film or layer) having a thickness of at most 500 μm and even at most 300 μm,

[0009] - a liquid crystal cell between the first upper and lower adhesive layers (and in contact with their outer major faces), comprising an electroactive layer comprising a liquid crystal solution (with transparent spacers),

[0010] an electroactive layer between a first upper so-called conductive support (curved, flexible) with an upper electrode (the upper support is preferably coated with an upper transparent electrode layer) and a first lower so-called conductive support (curved, flexible) with a lower electrode (the lower support is preferably coated with a lower transparent electrode layer), said electroactive layer being between the lower electrode and said upper electrode (between the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer),

[0011] - and in particular between the upper electrode (layer) and the electroactive layer (contact), an upper alignment layer, between said lower electrode (layer) and the electroactive layer (contact), a lower alignment layer (orientation layer for fixing the orientation of the liquid crystal in the OFF state),

[0012] a light-guiding layer, preferably transparent or particularly transparent (multilayer or single layer, in particular one or more films), having a refractive index n0 in the visible range, suitable for guiding (visible) light by total internal reflection, formed by a second sheet and / or a transparent layer on a third face, called internal light-guiding layer (in particular F3), or on a fourth face, called external light-guiding layer (in particular F4)

[0013] - an optical isolation layer between the liquid crystal unit and the photoconductive layer, which optically isolates the liquid crystal unit from the photoconductive layer, has a refractive index n1 in the visible light range, and has an n0-n1 of at least 0.04 and even at least 0.1 in the visible light range, and has a thickness of preferably at least 500nm and even 800nm ​​(and preferably sub-millimeter).

[0014] The optical isolation layer is an adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material, forming part of the laminate interlayer (lower part), and is an additional layer below (and even in contact with) the first lower adhesive layer or an additional layer formed by the first lower adhesive layer. And the optical isolation layer is preferably on the third face, especially F3, and even in contact with the third face, especially F3, or in contact with the internal light-guiding layer, especially itself on a lower low-refractive index layer with a refractive index n′1 in the visible range, preferably on the third face and even in contact with the third face, especially F3. The lower low-index layer will be described in detail later.

[0015] The glazing also preferably includes a light source (peripheral, preferably offset from the clear glass, preferably a diode) optically coupled to the light-guiding layer. The light source may be removable, added, sold separately or sold in a kit.

[0016] The glazing also preferably comprises a light extraction device (light extraction device on or in the light guide layer) for extracting the light guided in the light guide layer. The extraction device may be temporary (detachable sticker etc.) and thus added or replaced, in particular on the fourth side, or may be permanent, in particular on the third side.

[0017] Of course, once the light source and extraction means have been mounted, the lightguide layer (second sheet, lightguide layer, inner or outer) is an effective lightguide.

[0018] The light-guiding layer, in particular the inner light-guiding layer, preferably has a thickness E0 of at most 2 mm (and even at most 1 mm) and at least 200 μm or even 400 μm. The thickness of the light-guiding layer may be adjusted (increased) for the mechanical contribution.

[0019] The light-guiding layer, in particular the inner light-guiding layer, can be, for example, a polymer layer, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive film, a thermoplastic film (polyester, in particular PET, or PC), a non-adhesive film or a (ultra-thin) glass film.

[0020] n0 can be chosen as a function of n1 and vice versa.

[0021] The invention consists in using a transparent, optionally tinted, optically isolating layer:

[0022] - Allows for combined use of light and variable coloring features

[0023] - Adhesion to the first and second sheets, and even to other layers (and to the interlayer if necessary), depending on their mechanical properties.

[0024] The optical isolation layer may optically isolate the lightguide from any elements that are colored or absorptive, or that would interfere with or disrupt the lightguide.

[0025] The optical isolation layer may be combined with one or more other cross-linked thermoplastic and / or polymer adhesive layers while, if desired, maintaining an interlayer that is as compact, mechanically efficient and transparent as possible.

[0026] The optical isolation layer is an optical adhesive (OCA, for optically clear adhesive, LOCA, if liquid) selected to have a sufficiently low n1.

[0027] The optical isolation layer may be a single layer, a self-supporting film or a coating on a support (eg thermoplastic, higher refractive index, in particular non-stick). This may be a multilayer (multiple deposits or films and deposits).

[0028] For simplicity, the optical isolation layer is preferably a single layer, or even a multilayer of a cross-linked polymer (all low refractive index).

[0029] Preferably, the second glass sheet and / or any underlying layers between the extraction means and the observer of the extracted light are transparent and colorless (inside the passenger compartment or outside the vehicle) and not tinted (or even over-tinted). Any layers that significantly absorb the extracted light (monochromatic or polychromatic) are preferably avoided.

[0030] In the present invention, the expression "crosslinked polymer" relates in a broad sense to the family of thermosetting polymers (any type of crosslinking).

[0031] Preferably, the refractive index of any layer according to the present invention is defined as a reference value within the range extending from 550 nm to 600 nm.

[0032] Preferably, the optical isolation layer is in contact with the light-guiding layer as the internal light-guiding layer or the second glass sheet, and even the optical isolation layer is in contact with the light-guiding layer.

[0033] Advantageously, for greater simplicity and compactness, the first lower adhesive layer comprises and even forms an optical isolation layer, preferably having a thickness of at least 300 μm and even 500 μm. The lower part of the laminated interlayer may comprise only an optical isolation layer, or may further comprise a second lower adhesive layer, in particular in the form of a film.

[0034] In particular, the optical isolation layer is a film, preferably at least 30 μm thick, or a coating, preferably at least 1 μm thick. If the optical isolation layer corresponds to the first lower adhesive layer, its thickness may even be at least 300 μm, and even at least 500 μm, and preferably at most 800 μm.

[0035] The glazing according to the invention may be curved, typically in two directions. Although the liquid crystal cell is flexible, it must be deformed locally in two directions to follow the curved shape, which is difficult to achieve.

[0036] In order to protect the liquid crystal cell, at least one of the upper and lower first adhesive layers is a cross-linked polymer adhesive layer, thereby facilitating deformation of the liquid crystal cell. In particular, a single adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material is used, having a thickness of at least 300 μm, and even at least 500 μm, and preferably at most 800 μm.

[0037] Can have:

[0038] - The first upper adhesive layer is a thermoplastic film (PVB, in particular UV filter, etc.), and the first lower adhesive layer is a cross-linked polymer adhesive film (or coating), preferably forming the optical isolation layer.

[0039] -Or the first upper adhesive layer is a cross-linked polymer, the cross-linked polymer material is preferably selected from polymers based on acrylates, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, silicone and epoxy resins, and the first lower adhesive layer is a cross-linked polymer adhesive film (or coating), preferably forming an optical isolation layer.

[0040] There may be one or even several adjacent or non-identical liquid crystal cells (two GH or TN cells etc.) or no such liquid crystal cells.

[0041] Advantageously, the optical isolation layer is in bonding contact with the light-guiding layer, specifically:

[0042] - in bonding contact with a third side (bare or coated with, for example, a transparent low-refractive index layer or bonding primer), the second sheet is a light-guiding layer

[0043] - In bonding contact with the inner light guiding layer.

[0044] Alternatively, in particular for mechanical and / or adhesive reinforcement, the optical isolation layer is in adhesive contact with a second lower (transparent) adhesive layer of a thermoplastic material or a cross-linked polymer, the second lower adhesive layer being in adhesive contact with a third surface (in particular F3), in particular having a refractive index n2 in the visible range such that n2>n1, the second lower adhesive layer being in contact with a light-guiding layer, which is preferably a second sheet (in particular an inner sheet).

[0045] In particular, the second lower adhesive layer (single or multi-layer, preferably film or foil) can guide part of the light from the light source. In order to avoid absorbing these rays, it is preferably colorless, especially particularly transparent.

[0046] In particular, the second, lower adhesive layer is in adhesive contact with the third side (bare or coated) and preferably has a thickness of no more than 0.4 mm (to achieve compactness), in particular a layer based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) (preferably with plasticizer) or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA) (thermoplastic or thermosetting) or based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0047] A first upper adhesive layer (single or multiple layers, preferably at least one film or sheet) can be in adhesive contact with the second face (especially F2) and preferably has a thickness of at most 0.4 mm (in order to obtain compactness), especially a layer based on PVB (preferably with plasticizers and even UV filters) or EVA (thermoplastic or thermosetting).

[0048] Preferably, any PVB-based layer (in sheet form) contains 70% to 75% PVB, 20% or 25% to 30% plasticizer and less than 1% additive. There are also PVB sheets that contain almost no or no plasticizer (especially less than 10% or 5% or even less than 1%), such as the "MOWITAL LP BF" film from KURARAY.

[0049] The cross-linked polymer adhesive layer (optical isolation layer, first and / or second lower and / or upper adhesive layer, etc.) according to the present invention may contain at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% by weight of one or more polymers, and even up to 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, 1% of additives.

[0050] The cross-linked polymer adhesive layer according to the present invention may contain at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% by weight of the primary polymer (or base polymer) of the one or more polymers.

[0051] The cross-linked polymer adhesive layer according to the invention may contain other additives (preferably less than 10% or 5% or 1% by weight of the layer), such as at least one of the following:

[0052] - crosslinking agents, such as photoinitiators (residues),

[0053] -Plasticizers (for greater flexibility)

[0054] - Adhesion promoter

[0055] -Durability additives.

[0056] The degree of polymerization or even crosslinking of the crosslinked polymer adhesive layer according to the invention need not be 100%; therefore, the material according to the invention may contain residual prepolymers, monomers, oligomers. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) can be used to analyze the crosslinked layer to determine the degree of polymerization.

[0057] Preferably, n1 is at most 1.48 or 1.46 (or n0 is at most 1.52 or even 1.5), and even n0-n1 is at least 0.1 and even 0.15.

[0058] According to one feature, the inner light-guiding layer, in particular a polymer, thermoplastic or glass film or an adhesive layer (film or coating) is in contact with a lower low-refractive index layer (coating or film), the lower low-refractive index layer being an adhesive (thermoplastic or cross-linked polymer) and preferably on the third face and even in contact with the third face (in particular F3), or the lower low-refractive index layer being a coating, in particular porous, in particular silica, in particular porous, on the third face (in particular F3) and even directly on the third face (in particular F3). The lower low-refractive index layer has a refractive index n′1 in the visible range, and n0-n′1 is at least 0.04 in the visible range, and preferably has a thickness of at least 100 nm, and even at least 400 nm, 800 nm or 1 μm. Preferably, n′1 is at most 1.48 or 1.46 (or n0 is at most 1.52 or even 1.5), and even n0-n′1 is at least 0.1 and even 0.15. Preferably, the absolute value of n1-n1' is at most 0.04 or even zero. Preferably, a low refractive index lower adhesive cross-linked polymer layer of the same nature as the optical isolation layer (possibly thinner) is used.

[0059] The glazing may be free of a thermoplastic adhesive layer between the optical isolation layer and the third face (in particular F3).

[0060] The glazing may be free of an adhesive layer, a thermoplastic layer or a layer of cross-linked material between the lower low refractive index layer and the third face.

[0061] In one embodiment, the optical isolation layer and / or the lower adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer, for example, has a refractive index n1 of at most 1.46 or 1.4 or 1.35 or 1.3, and / or the lower low refractive index layer is a cross-linked polymer adhesive, for example, having a refractive index n′1 of at most 1.46 or 1.4 or 1.35 or 1.3.

[0062] The cross-linked polymer material of the optical isolation layer and / or the low refractive index lower adhesive layer between the optical isolation layer and the third surface (and preferably in contact with the third surface, in particular F3) may preferably be selected from based on (or essentially composed of) polyacrylates (for example having a refractive index n1 or n′1 of up to 1.46 or 1.4), in particular fluorourethane acrylates (having the lowest possible refractive index n1 or n′1) or polyurethane acrylates or fluorosilicone acrylates, polysiloxanes or silicones (for example having a refractive index n1 or n′1 of up to 1.4 or 1.3), in particular polydimethylsiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates, polyesters or even epoxy polymers, polyepoxides.

[0063] The cross-linked polymer material of the optical isolation layer and / or the low refractive index lower adhesive layer is preferably selected from acrylate-based polymers, especially polyurethane acrylate or silicone-based, and the polymer also has a fluorinated function.

[0064] The cross-linked polymer adhesive layer according to the present invention may contain at least 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 90 wt%, 95 wt% of one or more polymers, and even up to 20 wt%, 10 wt%, 5 wt%, 2 wt%, 1 wt% of additives.

[0065] Regarding optical properties, the optical isolation layer or even any cross-linked or thermoplastic polymer bonding layer (lower bonding layer and / or upper bonding layer) may have a transmittance of at least 85% or 90% and / or a haze of less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%.

[0066] The glazing may have a transparency suitable for its use, and even a haze of less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%.

[0067] N m is the average refractive index of the optical isolation layer in the wavelength range A from 380 nm to 750 nm, x is the change in the refractive index of the optical isolation layer in the range A, and x is the gap n0-n0 at most 30%. m , and even up to 20% or up to 10% to control the color of the extracted light. This allows in particular to limit the chromaticity variations between the color of the injected light (if it is multi-colored, white, etc.) and the extracted light, and even to allow better color uniformity between different extraction patterns at various distances from the light source.

[0068] Preferably, the optical isolation layer or even more broadly any other crosslinked polymer bonding layer according to the invention (lower bonding layer or upper bonding layer etc.) is preferably crosslinkable by UV light, eg comprises a polymer matrix crosslinked by UV light.

[0069] Polyacrylates as described herein refer to any polymer containing repeating units derived from acrylates. Within the allowed valence range, the repeating units can be substituted or unsubstituted. Acrylate polymers can be homopolymers and / or copolymers. In this article, polyacrylates include one or more polymethyl acrylate, polyvinyl acrylate, polypropyl methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polypropyl methacrylate.

[0070] The epoxy polymer described herein refers to a polymer obtained after polymerization of a substance containing an epoxy bond. The epoxy polymer includes one or more of epoxy bisphenol A resin, bisphenol A epoxy resin, halogenated novolac epoxy resin, novolac epoxy resin, alicyclic epoxy resin, and bisphenol S epoxy resin.

[0071] The cross-linked polymer material (of the optical isolation layer or even any other cross-linked polymer adhesive layer, in particular the lower layer and / or the upper layer) may preferably be based on (or essentially consist of) a polymer associated with one or more functionalities, such as acrylate functionalities for photo-crosslinking (cross-linked polymer materials based on polyurethane acrylate or silicone acrylate) and / or fluorinated functionality to induce a decrease in the refractive index, in particular for the optical isolation layer (cross-linked polymer materials based on fluorourethane acrylate or fluorosilicone acrylate). Therefore, it is preferred that the cross-linked polymer material of the optical isolation layer is a polymer, preferably based on acrylate, polyurethane acrylate, silicone, silicone acrylate, which also has a fluorinated functionality.

[0072] Depending on the desired properties, the acrylate functional groups can be used for photocrosslinking (for polyurethane acrylates or silicone acrylates). The acrylate functional groups allow photocrosslinking of polymers whose backbone consists of other functional groups such as urethane.

[0073] In particular, the optical isolation layer (or even any other crosslinked polymer adhesive layer, in particular the lower layer and / or the upper layer) can be a coating obtained by a liquid process and obtained from a formulation crosslinked by a chemical reaction, preferably a formulation crosslinkable by UV (UVA) or even two-component light. UV (A) crosslinking is preferred because crosslinking is faster than chemical reactions and the equipment is cheaper / more compact.

[0074] The optical isolation layer (and / or low-refractive index lower bonding layer) may be a cross-linked polymer coating (deposited on the third face, in particular F3 or on the support), which may preferably be based on polyurethane acrylate or fluorourethane acrylate.

[0075] In a first example of an optical isolation layer (and / or low refractive index lower bonding layer) in coating form, an acrylate-based crosslinkable UV resin is deposited on a second sheet (inorganic or organic glass) or on a polymer or glass (UTG) support.

[0076] In a second example of an optical isolation layer (and / or an optical isolation layer in the form of a coating), a one-component cross-linkable UV resin based on acrylate (polyurethane acrylate) is deposited on a second glass sheet (inorganic or organic), in particular an inner sheet, or on a polymer or glass (UTG) support.

[0077] In a third example of an optical isolation layer (and / or low refractive index lower bonding layer) in coating form, a silicone based crosslinkable UV resin is deposited on a second glass sheet (inorganic or organic), in particular the inner sheet, or on a polymer support.

[0078] As low-refractive index cross-linkable liquid adhesive (for the optical isolation layer (and / or the low-refractive index lower adhesive layer), the following resins may be mentioned:

[0079] - based on polyurethane acrylates, for example from Norland, in particular the product known as LOCA Norland NOA 1315 (n1=1.315), which is an aliphatic polyurethane acrylate,

[0080] - based on fluorinated polyurethane acrylates, for example from Shin-A, in particular the products known as SFA 335 (n1=1.335-1.339) or SFA 387 (n1=1.385-1.389),

[0081] Based on acrylates, for example, in particular, the product known as UZ181A (n1=1.47) from AK ChemTeck or the product known as UVEKOL S15 (n1=1.44) from Allnex.

[0082] Mention may be made of liquid COAs based on fluorourethane acrylates, for example from Shin-A, in particular the products known as LOCA Shin-A 335 (n1=1.335-1.339) or 387 (n1=1.385-1.389).

[0083] The optical isolation layer, or even more broadly any (other) cross-linked polymer adhesive layer according to the present invention (lower or upper adhesive layer, low refractive index lower adhesive layer, etc.), may include or even be a cross-linked polymer film, in particular a cross-linked polymer film of at least 30μm or 40μm or 50μm.

[0084] In particular, the optical isolation layer and / or the lower cross-linked polymer adhesive layer and / or the upper cross-linked polymer adhesive layer (and / or the low refractive index lower adhesive layer) is a cross-linked polymer-based film of at least 30 μm, especially:

[0085] - a pressure-sensitive film, and preferably selected from acrylate-based, urethane-acrylate-based, fluorourethane-acrylate-based or silicone-based polymers

[0086] - either partially photocrosslinked polymer post-adhesive films before assembly and completely (photo) crosslinked adhesive films after assembly, and preferably so-called photocrosslinked acrylate post-adhesive films.

[0087] The adhesive contact is produced by continued photocrosslinking.Before crosslinking, the assembled glazing is placed under vacuum for degassing and then placed in a pressurized autoclave with a positive pressure of, for example, 2 to 4 bar, and optionally at a temperature greater than ambient temperature.

[0088] In particular, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) bond by contact after application of mechanical pressure.

[0089] Pressure sensitive adhesive, abbreviated as PSA and commonly known as self-adhesive, is an adhesive that forms a bond when pressure is applied to it so that the adhesive becomes integral to the surface to be bonded. No solvent or water or heat is required to activate the adhesive.

[0090] As its name suggests, it is "pressure sensitive", and the degree of adhesion between a given surface and a self-adhesive adhesive is affected by the amount of pressure used to apply the adhesive to the target surface and the nature and density of the physical bond formed between the adhesive and the substrate (inorganic or organic glass sheet).

[0091] PSAs are generally designed to form a bond and maintain that bond at ambient temperature.

[0092] PSAs can be made from rubber, polyurethane, acrylate polymers, and polysiloxanes.

[0093] PSAs are generally based on elastomers coupled with a suitable additional adhesive or "tackifying" agent, such as an ester resin.

[0094] The elastomer may preferably be based on:

[0095] - Acrylates, which may be sufficiently tacky that no additional tackifiers are required.

[0096] - Silicones, which require special tackifiers such as "MQ" type silicate resins, composed of monofunctional ("M") trimethylsilane that has been reacted with tetrafunctional ("Q") silicon tetrachloride, - Silicone-based PSAs such as glues and resins of polydimethylsiloxane dispersed in xylene or in a mixture of xylene and toluene

[0097] or optionally:

[0098] - block copolymers based on styrene, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene / propylene (SEP) or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers,

[0099] - vinyl ether,

[0100] A nitrile.

[0101] PSA adhesives are sold in rolls of double-sided tape with a liner on each side to protect the PSA film.

[0102] As silicone-based PSA, mention may be made of Dow Adhesives such as 2013 adhesive, 7657 adhesive, Q2-7735 adhesive, Q2-7406 adhesive, Q2-7566 adhesive, 7355 adhesive, 7358 adhesive, 280A adhesive, 282 adhesive, 7651 adhesive, 7652 adhesive, 7356 adhesive, or Taica adhesives such as OPT alpha Such as K120E, K90E, or MRK adhesives such as MR3050, MR3080.

[0103] As acrylate-based PSA, there may be mentioned Nitto adhesives such as CS98210U, CS98210UK, or Adhesives such as OCA 69206, OCA 69208, OCA 69405.

[0104] As the low-refractive-index acrylate-based PSA film (for the optical isolation layer and / or the low-refractive-index lower adhesive layer), Nitto's product CS986 (n1=1.47) may be mentioned.

[0105] As silicone-based low-refractive-index PSA film (for optical release layer and / or low-refractive-index lower adhesive layer), mention may be made of the product Opt Alpha Gel (n1=1.41) from Taica.

[0106] As silicone, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or polydimethylsiloxane, which is an organometallic polymer of the siloxane type, is preferred.

[0107] As an example of a crosslinked polymer adhesive layer in the form of an acrylate-based PSA film, mention may be made of the product called CS986 from Nitto having a refractive index n2 of 1.49.

[0108] The first upper adhesive layer may be a thermoplastic film, in particular PVB, and the first lower adhesive layer is a crosslinked polymer adhesive film or coating, preferably forming an optical isolation layer and even having a thickness of at least 300 μm and even 500 μm, and for example up to 800 μm.

[0109] The first upper adhesive layer can be a cross-linked polymer, the cross-linked polymer material is preferably selected from polymers based on acrylates, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes, silicones and epoxy resins, and the first lower adhesive layer is a cross-linked polymer adhesive film, preferably forming an optical isolation layer, and even at least 300μm and even 500μm, for example up to 800μm thick.

[0110] Between the second face (particularly F2) and the third face (particularly F3), the glazing comprises the following stack, optionally strictly selected (elements in brackets are optional):

[0111] -1) a first upper thermoplastic adhesive layer (film), preferably PVB, in particular UV filter / liquid crystal cell (in particular GH) / optical isolation layer (film or coating) / internal light guide layer ( / low refractive index lower (adhesive) layer, film or coating),

[0112] The inner light-guiding layer is a polymer (thermoplastic) film, glass or adhesive layer.

[0113] -2) first upper bonding cross-linked polymer layer / liquid crystal cell (especially GH) / optical isolation layer (film or coating) / internal light guiding layer ( / low refractive index lower (bonding) layer),

[0114] The inner light-guiding layer is a polymer (thermoplastic) film, glass or adhesive layer.

[0115] -3) a first upper thermoplastic adhesive layer, preferably PVB, in particular a UV filter / liquid crystal cell (in particular GH) / optical isolation layer (film or coating) / , which is preferably in contact with the third surface of the second sheet, which forms the light guide

[0116] - 4) a first upper cross-linked polymer adhesive layer / liquid crystal cell / optical isolation layer (film or coating), said optical isolation layer preferably being in contact with the third face of said second sheet, said second sheet forming a light guide.

[0117] The stack may comprise 1 or 2 or 3 adhesive films, in particular 1 or 2 PSA or post-adhesive films and a PVB film.

[0118] For example, the laminated interlayer (single or multilayer) may incorporate one or more functional elements (preferably functional films), in particular with a thickness of submicron size, and even up to 0.6 mm or 0.5 mm or 0.3 or 0.2 mm, and preferably at least 30 or 40 or 50 μm, preferably selected from at least one of the following functional films:

[0119] - (in the upper part) an athermal, infrared-reflecting and / or heating film, for example a polymer substrate with an electrically conductive (transparent) coating, in particular with a thickness of not more than 0.4 mm,

[0120] an extraction film, in particular a polymer (e.g. thermoplastic or thermosetting) film, which forms a guided light extraction means, e.g. with relief and / or scattering (by means of a scattering layer) in volume or on the surface,

[0121] - and / or so-called redirecting films, in particular polymeric (for example thermoplastic or thermosetting), forming means for redirecting local light (coming from light sources on the fourth or offset face of the glazing).

[0122] The polymer functional films (first conductive support, polymer support for the optical isolation layer, optical films: extraction films, redirecting films, athermal, etc.) are, for example, thermoplastic (flexible, bends according to the curvature of the assembled glass), in particular non-adhesive to the glass, for example: polyesters, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate PBT, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), polyurethane (PU) or cellulose triacetate (TAC), acrylics, polyolefins, in particular polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) or PMMA, (coextruded) films made of PET-PMMA poly(vinyl chloride) PVC.

[0123] For athermal films, for example, clear coated PET films such as XIR from Eastman, coextruded PET-PMMA films such as SRF type.

[0124] Naturally, polymer functional films can be multifunctional (support, barrier, optical, etc.).

[0125] The extraction film can have a customized range. It can be localized or cover at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% of the clear glass area. The extraction film can have one or more extraction areas that are localized (textured, etc.) or occupy at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% of the clear glass area (and / or at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% of the clear film surface)

[0126] Furthermore, the first sheet may be tinted (preferably mineral glass) and / or one or more layers above the liquid crystal cell (or even the conductive support) may be tinted. The optical isolation layer itself may be tinted.

[0127] To this end, any coloured layers (optical isolation layers and / or layers above the liquid crystal cell) may comprise (in a polymer matrix) a colourant (organic or inorganic), in particular a molecular dye or an inorganic pigment. For opacity, the level of colourant may be increased.

[0128] The colored film (cross-linked polymer adhesive coating support, upper adhesive layer, conductive support) may have a light transmittance of at most 50% or 40% or 30% or 20% and at least 5%.

[0129] The tinted optical isolation layer may have a light transmittance of at most 50% or 40% or 30% or 20% and at least 5%.

[0130] For example, several unbonded optical films may be distributed in the transparent glass area on the same face.The optical film may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film.

[0131] When the optical film is placed on the third side (especially F3), it is preferably partial so as to increase the bonding contact surface of the lamination interlayer (optical isolation layer or lower adhesive layer) with the third side.

[0132] Preferably, the locally redirecting optical film has a width of at most 10 cm or at most 5 cm or even at most 2 cm, and in particular has a length similar to that of the linear light source (custom made).For example, it may be a rectangular strip with rounded corners.

[0133] The extent of the (partial) extraction film can be significantly smaller than the extent of the second sheet. It advantageously accounts for less than 30%, preferably at most 25%, in particular 1-10% of the extent of the second sheet. The extraction film can have any shape. It can cover the transparent glass area and even its edges are under the inner masking layer.

[0134] Alternatively, the local optical film (extraction film or redirecting film) can be bonded to the lightguide layer (second inner lightguide sheet or layer) through a transparent adhesive attachment layer, preferably having a refractive index close to n0.

[0135] The light extraction film or redirecting film can be between the optical extraction film and the lower adhesive layer, thermoplastic polymer or cross-linked polymer. The lower adhesive layer can be used to adhere the film. The range of films is customized.

[0136] The liquid crystal cell comprises (substantially or even solely) an electroactive layer of liquid crystals having a predetermined orientation or equilibrium direction. The liquid crystal cell is encapsulated between two supports (polymer films or glass) held at a constant distance by spacers (transparent, preferably dot-shaped, 3D) such as glass or polymer spheres (or cubic or cylindrical substrates, etc.).

[0137] The thickness of the electroactive layer may be from 1 to 20 μm, and even from 5 to 15 μm.

[0138] Each support has an electrode (transparent layer, for example a conductive metal oxide or silver stack) and an orientation layer, in particular for planar or homeotropic anchoring.

[0139] When a preferred alternating voltage (e.g. 60 Hz, peak voltage of 5-30 V, and preferably a square wave signal) is applied to the electrodes, the cell changes from a light color (light color or even colorless) to a dark color (colored) state, and vice versa. "Light state" and "dark state" mean that the transmittance of the glazing in the visible light range in its light state is greater than its transmittance in the dark state.

[0140] Depending on the target application, according to the equilibrium orientation of the liquid crystals interacting with the dichroic dye in their presence, the bright and dark states will correspond to the on / off or off / on states of the electrode power supply. The "normally bright" state of the assembled glass will be mentioned, where the light transmittance is highest when there is no voltage between the electrodes (off state), allowing viewing through the assembled glass, while the dark state of the assembled glass will correspond to the electrodes being energized (on state), resulting in reorientation of the liquid crystals and a change in light transmittance (the light transmittance becomes lower). Conversely, when the light transmittance is low in the absence of voltage, the "normally dark" state of the assembled glass will be referred to, and when a voltage is applied, the assembled glass will become brighter.

[0141] For example:

[0142] - In the bright state, the liquid crystal cell (especially the guest-host type) and even the assembled glass can have TL > 30% or 45% or 70%

[0143] - In the dark state, the liquid crystal cell (especially the guest-host type) and even the assembled glass can have TL < 20% or even 10% or 5 or 1%.

[0144] Preferably, the liquid crystal cell (especially the guest-host type) and even the assembled glass have a haze of no more than 3%, 2% or 1%.

[0145] Preferably, in the dark state, the liquid crystal cell (especially the guest-host type) and even the assembled glass have a neutral color defined by -4 < a < 4 and -4 < b < 4.

[0146] For example, the liquid crystal cell (especially the guest-host type) and even the assembled glass have a light grayish black color.

[0147] Examples of liquid crystal cells include those disclosed in patent applications JP2018141891 or EP3990981.

[0148] The liquid crystal cell can have at least one of the following cumulative or alternative technical features:

[0149] - The electroactive layer contains no more than 5% or 1% or 0% of polymers and polymer precursors (excluding spacers) in solution

[0150] - The liquid crystal cell is called "guest-host" (GH), and the electroactive layer contains at least one dichroic dye (the outer surfaces of the first inner and outer supports are the outer surfaces of the "guest-host" cell)

[0151] - Or the liquid crystal cell is called TN (for twisted nematic) and includes an upper (colored) polarizer on the upper outer surface of the first upper conductive support and a lower (colored) polarizer on the lower outer surface of the first lower conductive support (the outer surfaces of the polarizers are the outer surfaces of the cell),

[0152] - the liquid crystal cell (GH or TN) has an edge face aligned concave from the edge face of the first glass sheet, the inner edge (edge ​​face) being below the inner masking layer (enamel or ink) closer to the second face,

[0153] - one or more transparent supports are flexible and polymeric, for example up to 200 μm, or glass, for example up to 400 μm,

[0154] the electrode layer (lower and / or upper) is a conductive coating (a stack of functional layers of transparent conductive oxides such as ITO, IZO, AZO, SnO2:F or metals (silver, etc.) which are usually inserted between oxide, nitride and / or oxynitride dielectric layers) on the so-called front side facing the electroactive layer, in particular the lower or upper electrode coating is of the same nature and even of the same thickness, and / or the transparent support is of the same nature and even of the same thickness,

[0155] The total thickness of the liquid crystal cell (GH or TN) is not greater than 1 mm, and in particular not greater than 500 μm or even 30 μm for a guest-host cell and not greater than 600 μm for a TN cell.

[0156] Furthermore, the glazing according to the invention may comprise an outer peripheral seal around the edge face of the liquid crystal cell, preferably an outer seal of a thermoplastic adhesive layer, in particular in contact with

[0157] - The first upper adhesive layer extending beyond the edge of the liquid crystal cell, the outer seal and the first upper adhesive layer are preferably based on PVB

[0158] - or in contact with a second side (bare or coated).

[0159] And optionally, the outer seal is in contact with the first lower adhesive layer, in particular forming an optical isolation layer, which protrudes from the edge of the liquid crystal cell, or is in contact with a third face (bare or coated) and, for example, forms a frame layer (e.g. based on PVB) for the optical isolation layer.

[0160] The outer seal is preferably at least a few millimeters wide.

[0161] The outer seal may include opaque areas:

[0162] - masking the light injection area, the light source (diode) being housed below the second face, in particular between the second face and the third face (in a recess or a closed hole or in a recess of the second sheet of the internal light-guiding layer) or in a recess or a closed hole in the second glass sheet forming the guide

[0163] - Or a light source on a fourth face, which emits towards a main face of the lightguide layer (inner lightguide layer, second sheet).

[0164] Preferably, the outer seal is fully or partially offset from the transparent glass area.

[0165] The outer seal may be in contact with an inner seal, preferably a cross-linked polymer (epoxy resin, etc.), surrounding the periphery of the electroactive layer and in particular between the first and second conductive supports.

[0166] In particular, the first upper and / or lower adhesive layer (forming the optical isolation layer) protrudes from the (outer) edge face of the cell (GH or TN) by at least 1 mm or 5 mm or 1 cm and at most 5 cm or 2 cm.

[0167] The edge face of the first upper and / or lower adhesive layer may be aligned with the (external) edge face of the external seal of the liquid crystal cell.

[0168] Another cell may be adjacent to the liquid crystal cell and separated by an optical isolation layer or an extension of the first upper adhesive layer (particularly PVB) or an external seal (particularly PVB) around the perimeter of the edge faces of the liquid crystal cell.

[0169] It is preferred and even often essential that the glazing comprises at least one transparent area, called "transparent glass area" or transparent field of view, which is not covered by the peripheral (inner) opaque masking layer. The transparent glass area is thus the central area.

[0170] The transparent glass area may account for at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, and in particular at least 70% or 80% or 90% or 95% of the total surface area of ​​the glazing, including the area covered by the encapsulation or seal. In other words, the opaque layer covers an area that typically accounts for at most 80%, preferably at most 50%, and in particular at most 30% or 20% or 10% or 5% of the total surface area of ​​the glazing.

[0171] The optical density of the opaque layer is preferably at least 2, and even up to 5.

[0172] The laminate interlayer may occupy at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or even 100% of the surface area of ​​the glazing.

[0173] The optical isolation layer preferably extends beyond the propagation zone and may occupy at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% of the surface area of ​​the glazing.

[0174] Regarding the scope of the elements, several constructions are possible, in particular the edge faces of the laminated interlayer (edge ​​faces of the optical isolation layer, edge faces of the first lower and / or upper adhesive layer) do not have to be aligned with the edge faces of the first and / or second sheet, and the edge faces of the layers of the interlayer do not even have to be aligned with each other.

[0175] The first upper adhesive layer may be recessed by at most 10 mm or even at most 2 mm from the edge face of the first sheet.

[0176] The first upper bonding layer (and the optical isolation layer and optionally the lower bonding layer) may occupy at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% of the surface area of ​​the glazing.

[0177] There may be several injection zones, several light sources, preferably peripheral.

[0178] The optical isolation layer may occupy at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% of the surface area of ​​the glazing.The extraction device covers, for example, at most 90% or 70% or 50% of the surface area of ​​the glazing.

[0179] The liquid crystal cell may occupy at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or less of the area of ​​the glazing surface, in particular not more than 50% or 30%, for example as at least one peripheral strip along the lower or upper longitudinal edge of a windshield or another glazing.

[0180] Thus, the glazing may comprise an inner opaque peripheral masking layer, in particular an enamel (black etc.), on the second face, between the second face (in particular F2) and the third face (in particular F3). This may be an opaque coating on the first upper thermoplastic adhesive layer, in particular PVB, for example an opaque PVB-based coating with a colorant on one main face of the PVB layer (in particular the upper adhesive layer), which is oriented towards the second or third face.

[0181] The inner masking layer may be 2 mm or 3 mm (less than 5 mm) from the edge face of the glazing, or may even rise to the edge face. The masking layer may be a strip constituting the frame of the glazing (windscreen, roof, etc.), in particular black. The covering is done over the entire perimeter in order to hide body elements or seals or to protect adhesives for mounting on the vehicle. The inner masking layer defines the transparent glass area. It is advantageous for the outer edges of the optical isolation layer, or more generally, for any adhesive layers of the laminated interlayer or light-conducting layer and the liquid crystal cell (and even for inner or outer seals) to be masked by the inner masking layer rather than having them in the transparent glass area.

[0182] The width of the inner masking layer along the sides of the motor vehicle roof is typically less than the width at the front or even the rear.

[0183] In the case where the first sheet is an external glazing, a further masking layer, called the internal masking layer, may be on the face F4 on the passenger compartment side, in particular facing the internal masking layer (and may even be of the same nature, for example an enamel, in particular a black enamel, on the second sheet made of mineral glass). It may be adjacent to an optional transparent functional coating, in particular athermal, at least in the transparent glass area.

[0184] Especially for car roofs (first sheet is exterior glazing):

[0185] The width of the inner (and even internal) masking layer along the longitudinal edges may be at most 30 cm, in particular 10-20 cm.

[0186] The width of the inner (and even internal) masking layer may be at most 30 cm, in particular at least 1 or 5 cm, along the rear edge, and at most 60 cm, in particular at least 1 or 5 cm, along the front edge.

[0187] The width of the inner masking layer is preferably greater than the width of the outer masking layer.

[0188] The inner and / or internal masking layer may be an organic or inorganic binder (fritted glass) with an organic or inorganic colorant, in particular a molecular dye or an inorganic pigment.

[0189] The inner and / or internal opaque masking layer is preferably a continuous layer (flattened with solid edges or gradient edges (set of patterns)).

[0190] In the first case of injection of light, the light source is optionally coupled to the edge face of the second sheet (or internal light-guiding layer) in an apparent peripheral recess. The light source can be housed in a polymer package, as described in application WO2010049638, in particular in Figures 15 or 16, and even has a recess for removing and replacing the light source.

[0191] In the second case of injection of light, the second sheet, in particular made of inorganic glass, may comprise at least one peripheral hole (through the thickness or even a blind hole in the thickness, open on at least the fourth face) below the internal masking layer (outside the transparent glass area), and the light source is coupled to the wall of the second sheet delimiting the hole, preferably housed in the hole. The light source (in particular a diode) may be in the hole, may be associated with an optical element (light guide) between the injection wall and the light source in the hole or inside the passenger compartment. Mention may be made in particular of the exemplary embodiments described in patents WO2018 / 178591 or WO2013 / 110885.

[0192] Internal masking layers are for example on either side of the hole (of each hole).

[0193] The second sheet may have a plurality of (through) holes, each (through) hole being delimited by the inner wall, and light sources (all identical or different, customized) being coupled to the inner wall in such a way and even accommodated in each (through) hole.

[0194] The hole (each hole) preferably has a width of at most 50mm and at least 10mm and is preferably spaced at most 200mm from the edge face of the second sheet. The shape of the hole (each hole) may be rectangular, circular.

[0195] A hole in the second (inorganic) glass sheet, wherein

[0196] The light source (diode) is accommodated, advantageously enclosed by a cover, preferably a removable cover, preferably integrated in a diode module, attached on the inner edge face of the hole and / or on the fourth main face (by reversible attachment means).

[0197] If the hole is a through hole, it is blocked by a cap, in particular forming a sealing gasket, preventing moisture from entering the window through the recess, on the third surface side, in particular a reflective metal foil (aluminum etc.) or a metallized (plastic or inorganic) film.

[0198] The cap also forms an optical shutter. The cap preferably protrudes at most 30 mm from the inner wall of the hole. It can be placed on a third surface or be adhesive coated and / or in adhesive contact with an interlayer (e.g. an optical isolation layer). The hole and / or the cover are, for example, at most 100 mm from the transparent glass area, and preferably at least 10 or 20 mm.

[0199] In the third case of light injection, the light source is on the fourth face side, below the internal masking layer (facing the internal masking layer), and coupled to the second sheet or internal lightguide layer via a redirecting optical film as already disclosed on the third or fourth face or internal lightguide layer.

[0200] In particular, the light source on the fourth face (F4) is adjacent to the microprisms also on the fourth face (F4). Any prismatic film between the microprisms and the fourth face (F4 face) is transparent. The light guide layer is the second sheet.

[0201] The optional inner peripheral masking layer (on face F4) may include gaps so as not to block the optical coupling, in particular to allow light from the light source to pass towards the light redirecting element.

[0202] The injection / coupling is done on the second sheet (third or fourth side, e.g. prismatic polymer film) or on the inner lightguide layer through a light redirecting element, in particular a textured redirecting film, with the light source facing the fourth side, optionally away from the center or even offset from the redirecting film.

[0203] The redirecting (transparent) film has for example a longitudinal shape along the glazing or rounded at the corners of the length of for example transparent glass areas.The thickness of the redirecting film may be at most 0.5 mm or 0.4 mm or 0.3 mm or 0.2 mm and in particular at least 80 μm or 100 μm.

[0204] The redirecting element / redirecting film and / or the light source are for example at most 100 mm and / or preferably at least 10 or 20 mm away from the transparent glass area.

[0205] With the aid of this redirecting film oriented toward the second face and between the second and third faces, light passing through the second sheet (or internal light-guiding layer) is redirected into the second sheet (or internal light-guiding layer) by reflection or even scattering. With this redirecting film on the fourth face (or oriented toward the third face for the internal light-guiding layer), light passing through the second sheet (or internal light-guiding layer) is redirected into the second glass sheet (or internal light-guiding layer) by refraction or even scattering.

[0206] The redirecting optical film can be textured or even prismatic. The prismatic film has a smooth (non-textured) main surface and a textured opposite surface. The prismatic film is flexible and therefore bendable so that it adapts to the curvature of the glazing. The prismatic film can include a transparent plastic film (e.g. polyester, in particular PET or PC) that is partially structured to form (micro) prisms, or a transparent (flat) plastic film with a transparent layer (e.g. organic resin) that has an arrangement of (micro) prisms on one main surface. The prismatic film can be on the side, and even on the third side (bare or coated), or on the side, and even on the fourth side (bare or coated).

[0207] The prismatic film, especially on the sides and even on the third face, can be reflective (where the light-guiding layer is the second glass sheet, especially the inner sheet). The prisms are coated with a (e.g. metallic) reflective layer. The reflective (micro)prisms are oriented towards the second or third face.

[0208] In case the lightguide layer is an internal lightguide layer, the prismatic film may be reflective, in particular on the face oriented towards the second face (F2) of the internal lightguide layer. The prisms are coated with a (e.g. metallic) reflective layer. The reflective (micro)prisms are oriented towards the second face or the third face.

[0209] The prismatic films on the sides and even on the fourth face (bare or coated, especially F4) are preferably transparent (the light-guiding layer is the second glass sheet, especially the inner sheet).

[0210] For example, the (micro)prisms are oriented towards the second face.

[0211] The light extraction means may include:

[0212] - texturing a so-called texture element selected from the group consisting of the inner lightguide layer or the second lightguide sheet, the optical isolation layer, the lower low refractive index (adhesive) layer below the inner lightguide layer,

[0213] - or an extraction film, which is located on the inner light-guiding layer or the second light-guiding sheet, especially in contact with the optical isolation layer

[0214] - or a scattering layer comprising a binder and scattering particles and / or holes, said scattering layer being located on the inner light-guiding layer or the second light-guiding sheet, in particular in contact with the optical isolation layer

[0215] - Local scattering areas in the light-guiding layer with scattering particles and / or holes, in particular laser etching of the glass sheet (second sheet, inner light-guiding layer).

[0216] The light extraction means may comprise an optical film between the optical isolation layer and the light guiding layer (inner light guiding layer, second sheet).

[0217] An example of a film with reflective relief is described in patent WO 2013 / 167832, in particular a plastic film with a refractive index greater than or equal to n0, which has, on the third face of the roof, a reflective relief (prisms) forming a light extraction.

[0218] The reflective relief preferably has a low roughness so that the reflection is essentially of the mirror type.The relief and roughness of the reflective interface are chosen in such a way that the total width at mid-height of the angular distribution of the light intensity emitted by the system is preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0219] Independently of the roughness of the reflective interface, a height or depth of the relief can be defined which is equal to the distance between the highest and lowest points of the relief. The height of the reflective relief is 5 μm to 1 mm, preferably 10 μm to 500 μm, in particular 20 to 100 μm.

[0220] Such polymer films textured by embossing are commercially available and mention may be made, for example, of the films sold by 3M. Image Directing Film II.

[0221] The optical extraction film may comprise a plurality of individual prisms, each prism consisting of an inclined surface and a surface substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the second sheet.

[0222] Examples of regular reliefs that may be mentioned are reliefs of the Fresnel lens type or reliefs of the Fresnel prism type.

[0223] The relief can be reflected by a low-refractive-index coating whose refractive index is at least 0.04, preferably at least 0.1, lower than the refractive index n0 of the second glass sheet or the refractive index of the optical film with the relief. The relief can be reflected by the optical isolation layer. Otherwise, the hollow of the relief can be filled with the optical isolation layer.

[0224] Alternatively or in addition, the extraction device may comprise a scattering layer comprising scattering elements (transparent and homogeneously scattering) in a matrix, in particular defining at least one first scattering area, for example having a width of at least 0.5 mm, in particular a first solid scattering area and / or comprising a set of discontinuous patterns.

[0225] In an organic or inorganic binder, the scattering particles may have a size in the micrometer range, allowing these particles to adhere to the surface of the second sheet or to the surface of the interlayer. The particles may be made of metals or metal oxides.

[0226] The light extraction means may also be a textured region of the optical isolation layer.

[0227] The extraction means on the third front side can be completely opaque or remain transparent.In the fourth side, the extraction means have a non-zero light transmission.

[0228] The light source preferably comprises a group of light-emitting diodes on a diode support, for example flexible, in particular with a printed circuit (such as a printed circuit board. PCB), in particular an elongated linear support, a straight or curved strip. A plurality of strips can be provided, which are connected to each other along edges or the like.

[0229] The light source can be located between the second and third faces (coupled to the inner light-guiding layer). The diode support can be completely or partially between the second and third faces, curved (flexible) to adapt to the curvature of the glazing, and even the diode support (especially if the diode has a side emission and / or a support along the second or third face) protrudes beyond the edge face of the glazing.

[0230] The diode carrier and the diode may be an L-shaped or U-shaped profile, which is completely or partially between the second and third faces (in a recess, in a frame layer, etc.), in particular a curved (flexible) profile to adapt to the curvature of the glazing.

[0231] The light source may comprise an extraction optical fiber coupled to a primary light source (one or more light emitting diodes, etc.).

[0232] Preferably, the diode is a component which is surface mounted on the front side of a diode carrier, which is a printed circuit board known as a PCB board (with conductive tracks).

[0233] The diode has, for example, Lambertian emission or quasi-Lambertian emission.

[0234] The width (or length) of a diode (usually a square diode) having a single semiconductor chip is preferably at most 5 mm.

[0235] The width of the diode support (of the PCB), preferably in the form of a strip, is preferably at most 5 cm, better still at most 2 cm and even at most 1 cm.

[0236] There can be one or more light sources (peripheral, preferably offset from the transparent glass area), several groups of diodes. The light source or sources are elongated, linear over at least 10 cm and / or more localized, in particular in one hole or several separate holes in the light-guiding layer or in holes in the peripheral layer (frame layer).

[0237] One or more (same or different) light sources may be used, for example electric light sources and / or consisting of light emitting devices (LEDs, etc.). The one or more light sources may be monochromatic (emitting in the blue, green, red, etc. domain) or polychromatic, or may be adapted or combined to produce, for example, white light, etc.; they may be continuous or discontinuous, etc.

[0238] The light source may extend linearly along one side (longitudinal edge) of the glazing (rectangular strip like a diode array) or be replicated along both sides (with similar or different light, e.g. other colors, intensities, independently or simultaneously controlled).

[0239] A light source, preferably comprising a set of light emitting diodes, may be located below the second face:

[0240] - Bonding to the second side (through the upper bonding layer or without the upper bonding layer if the upper bonding layer is more recessed)

[0241] - and even between the second and third face, in particular bonded to the second or third face and / or bonded to an intermediate light-conducting layer (adhesive or with added glue).

[0242] The light source may be coupled to the edge face of the light-guiding layer, and all or part of it may be outside the edge face of the glazing. The light source (diode and even the diode support) may be housed in a polymer package, as described in application WO2010049638, in particular in Figures 15 or 16, and even have a recess for removing and replacing the light source.

[0243] Injecting light into the light-guiding layer from a light source, preferably comprising a set of light-emitting diodes or a diode carrier, is preferably:

[0244] 1) One edge surface of the light guide layer (second glass sheet, inner and outer light guide layers)

[0245] 2) A light source that passes through the wall of a closed (blind or through) hole defining a light-guiding layer (second glass sheet, internal light-guiding layer), in particular in contact with or at a certain distance from said edge surface or wall (gap or material, in particular adhesive) of the light-guiding layer, the light source being preferably below the second surface and even between the second surface and the third surface.

[0246] Optionally, the light source is in a recess in the edge face of the light-guiding layer, or is bonded to or embedded in the wall of a closed hole defining (or near) a transparent frame layer (for optical coupling via the edge face), which wall may optionally be an adhesive surrounding the periphery of the edge face of the light-guiding layer (inner light-guiding layer, second glass sheet).

[0247] in:

[0248] 2) By means of a light redirecting element, such as an optical redirecting film, preferably on the third or fourth main face side, the light source is then facing the fourth main face or offset from the fourth main face, in particular the light source and the light redirecting element are offset from the transparent glass area.

[0249] In particular, the optical coupling is direct or via an optical system, in particular a light source and a light redirecting element, directed away from the transparent glass area and towards the inner masking layer.

[0250] The power supply for the light sources (diodes) can be provided by a current feed integrated in the laminated glazing (e.g. electrical wires incorporated in the laminate interlayer) or the wires can even be applied to the fourth main face of the second sheet (inner sheet, passenger compartment side) and optionally protected by a covering.

[0251] The light source can be on the fourth side, below (opposite) the inner masking layer, and coupled to the lightguide layer via a redirecting optical film as already disclosed.

[0252] The light source on one side of the fourth face may be associated with collimating optics.The light source with optional collimator may be attached to the fourth face by direct bonding or by being spaced apart and on a peripheral support attached to the fourth face.

[0253] The optional inner peripheral masking layer (on face F4) may contain gaps so as not to block optical coupling, in particular to allow light from the light source to pass to the light redirecting element.

[0254] The redirecting film (transparent) has, for example, a longitudinal shape along the glazing or a rounded shape at the corners, for example with the length of the transparent glazing area. The redirecting film may have a thickness of at most 0.5 mm or 0.4 mm and in particular at least 0.1 mm.

[0255] The redirecting film and / or the light source are for example at most 100 mm and / or preferably at least 10 or 20 mm away from the clear glass area.

[0256] By means of the redirecting film on the second surface side, light passing through the lightguide layer is redirected into the lightguide layer by reflection or even scattering.By means of the redirecting film on the third surface side, light passing through the lightguide layer is redirected into the lightguide layer by refraction or even scattering.

[0257] The redirecting optical film can be a textured and even a prismatic film (with a smooth (non-textured, non-functional) main surface and an opposite, textured, functional surface), a flexible and thus bendable and adaptable to the curvature of the glazing, a partially structured transparent plastic film forming (micro)prisms, or a transparent (flat) plastic film having a transparent layer with a (micro)prismatic arrangement on a main surface. The (micro)prisms are oriented towards the third face or towards the second face.

[0258] The prismatic film on the second face side may be reflective, with the reflective (micro)prisms oriented towards the second face.

[0259] The thickness of the layer or layers between the second and third face is preferably at most 2 mm or 1.5 mm or 1 mm.

[0260] The thickness between the first face and the fourth face is preferably at most 9 mm or 7 mm, in particular for road vehicles.

[0261] The first sheet is preferably made of optionally tempered mineral glass, especially if it is the outer sheet, and the second sheet is made of organic glass. In particular for road glazing, the first (outer) sheet is preferably at most 2.5 mm thick, even at most 2.2 mm thick - in particular 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm - and even at least 0.7 mm thick.

[0262] In particular, the first pane is an outer pane and is even made of mineral glass, and the glazing is selected from the group consisting of a roof, a windshield and side windows.

[0263] Alternatively, the first pane may be an inner pane, and in particular the glazing is selected from windscreens, side windows, rear windows, rear door glazings, and in particular the outer pane is made of mineral glass, in particular of tempered glass.

[0264] In particular, the second inorganic glass sheet may be a second sheet intended to be an inner sheet, in particular having a thickness of at least 0.7 mm, possibly less than the thickness of the first outer glass sheet, even as little as 2.2 mm - in particular 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm - or even as little as 1.3 mm or as little as 1 mm.

[0265] The total thickness of the first and second (especially inorganic glass) sheets is preferably strictly less than 5 or 4 mm, or even 3.7 mm.

[0266] The first and second glass sheets (including inorganic glass) may be substantially the same size, for example, generally rectangular. The first sheet (if it is the outer sheet) may be larger than the second sheet (if it is the inner sheet), and therefore protrude beyond the second sheet over at least a portion of its periphery, so that optionally the second sheet (passenger compartment side) has an edge face, in particular on one edge or multiple (longitudinal and / or transverse) edges or over the entire periphery, which edge face is recessed from the edge face of the first glass sheet, in particular by at most 10 or 5 cm.

[0267] The first sheet can be a clear glass with a non-thermally functional coating on the second side, and the optional first upper layer (adhesive, thermoplastic or cross-linked polymer) is tinted or transparent.

[0268] The first inorganic glass sheet may be based on silica, soda-lime, preferably soda-lime-silicon, or even an aluminosilicate or borosilicate. It may have a total iron oxide weight content (expressed as Fe2O3) of at most 0.4% and preferably at most 1.5%.

[0269] The second inorganic glass sheet can be based on silica, soda-lime, soda-lime-silicon, aluminosilicate or borosilicate. In order to limit absorption, it has a total iron oxide weight content (expressed in the form of Fe2O3) of at most 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably at most 0.03% (300 ppm) and at most 0.015% (150 ppm) and in particular greater than or equal to 0.005%. The redox of the second glass sheet is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15.

[0270] Herein, the transmittance is calculated from the transmission spectrum from 380 nm to 780 nm considering illuminant A and the CIE 1964 standard observer (10°).

[0271] The light transmittance and color tone of each glass sheet are adjusted by the chemical composition of the glass and the thickness of the glass sheet. The chemical composition of the glass comprises a colorless base, preferably a soda-lime-silicon base (but other glasses, in particular borosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses, may also be used), and a coloring part. The coloring part comprises in particular one or more dyes selected from transition metal oxides, in particular iron oxides (ferrous and ferric oxides), cobalt oxide, chromium oxide, nickel oxide, rare earth oxides, in particular erbium oxide, and selenium.

[0272] A transparent glass sheet is a sheet having a light transmittance of, for example, at least 85%, or even at least 90%. Apart from unavoidable impurities, it generally does not contain coloring parts, in particular iron oxides, with a total content of 0.005 to 0.200% by weight, in particular 0.010 to 0.150% by weight, or even 0.030 to 0.120% by weight.

[0273] A tinted glass sheet is a glass sheet having a light transmittance of, for example, 50 to 80%, in particular 60 to 75%. It contains a tinted part, for example consisting of iron oxides, the total content of which is 0.4 to 1.2% by weight, in particular 0.6 to 1.1% by weight. Depending on the proportion of ferrous iron, the glass obtained is green, optionally yellow or bluish green. According to other examples, oxides of cobalt, selenium and / or erbium are added in order to impart a hue, for example blue or gray.

[0274] Over-tinted glass sheets are glass sheets with a light transmittance of, for example, 5 to 50%, in particular 8 to 40%. They contain a colored part, for example, consisting of iron oxides, the total content of which is 1.0 to 2.3% by weight, in particular 1.1 to 2.0% by weight, as well as cobalt oxides and chromium oxides and / or selenium. The colored part contains, for example, the following dyes in the weight proportions defined below: Fe2O3 (total iron) is 1.2 to 2.3%, in particular 1.5 to 2.2%, CoO is 50 to 400 ppm, in particular 200 to 350 ppm, Se is 0 to 35 ppm, in particular 10 to 30 ppm. The redox is preferably 0.1 to 0.4, in particular 0.2 to 0.3. The redox is the weight ratio of the ferrous content (expressed as FeO) to the total iron content (expressed as Fe2O3). The obtained glass is in particular green or gray.

[0275] The second sheet can be made of organic glass, in particular organic glass based on polyurethane (PU) which typically has an n'v of about 1.47, organic glass based on polycarbonate (PC) which typically has an n'v of about 1.59, organic glass based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) which typically has an n'v of about 1.47, and organic glass based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has an n'v of about 1.54.

[0276] The second sheet of organic glass may be flexible to follow the curvature of the first curved sheet, or the second sheet of organic glass may be pre-formed.

[0277] For organic glass such as PC or PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or cross-linked polymer materials are preferred over PVB as the lower thermoplastic adhesive layer (for greater chemical compatibility). Thermoplastic or thermosetting EVA can also be selected.

[0278] If the second sheet is made of organic glass, the first glass sheet may preferably be made of tempered glass.

[0279] In the present invention, the expression "tempered glass" refers to heat-tempered glass without any precision, and preferably glass tempered during an operation of bending glass.

[0280] The second side (in particular with the first colorless glass sheet and the upper colored adhesive layer, the first additional layer or other layers) can have a athermal or heatable functional coating (stack of thin layers, etc.), including a conductive coating (low emissivity, heatable). The conductive coating can be a stack of thin layers with one or more metal layers (silver, etc.) between layers of, for example, metal oxides or nitrides or oxynitrides. The thickness of the conductive coating is less than 200 nm and even 160 nm. The conductive coating can be in contact with an optionally colored layer, which is:

[0281] - a first additional upper adhesive layer (thermoplastic or cross-linked polymer),

[0282] - Additional adhesive layer, thermoplastic (PVB, etc.) or cross-linked polymer, non-adhesive thermoplastic film (PET, etc.).

[0283] In particular, the first sheet is made of transparent or extra-transparent inorganic glass, and the conductive coating is in contact with the colored layer (such as those described above).

[0284] The coating is a low-emissivity coating, in particular with a normal emissivity preferably less than 0.50, in particular 0.30 and even 0.20 or 0.10. It is preferably a stack of thin layers comprising at least one (in particular two, three or four) silver layers (preferably on the second face, or on a film between the second face and the liquid crystal cell, for example in a first additional upper layer) or a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (preferably on face F4), in particular chosen from indium tin oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) or gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) or fluorine-doped or antimony-doped tin oxide. These functional layers are usually inserted between dielectric layers based on oxides, nitrides and / or nitrides. The presence of such a stack, in particular for the roof, a stack based on ITO on face F4, further improves the thermal comfort of the occupants.

[0285] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a road vehicle or a car, incorporating a glazing as previously defined.

[0286] When installed in place in a motor vehicle, in the case of a laminated roof, the fourth face is preferably the inner face of the motor vehicle, usually referred to as face F4. The roof may be an opening roof or a fixed roof.

[0287] The first pane can in particular be an outer pane, the glazing being selected from the group consisting of a roof, a windshield, a side window, or the first pane can in particular be an inner pane, the glazing being selected from the group consisting of a windshield, a side window, a rear window, a rear door glazing.

[0288] Laminated glazing is often curved, in particular in one or two directions, in order to fit perfectly into the vehicle body.

[0289] In case the interlayer comprises at least one thermoplastic adhesive film (in addition to an OCA film or even an OCA coating), for example a first upper adhesive layer, the method for manufacturing a glazing according to the invention may comprise lamination by autoclave treatment, for example at a temperature of 110 to 160° C. and at a pressure of 10 to 15 bar, and even before the autoclave treatment, removing the air trapped between the glass sheets and the lamination interlayer by calendering or vacuum.

[0290] Further details and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent upon reading

[0291] [ Figure 1 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle according to the invention in a first embodiment.

[0292] [ Figure 1 '] shows Figure 1 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0293] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a guest-host unit is shown.

[0294] Figure 2′ Schematic cross-sectional views of alternative guest-host units are shown.

[0295] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a second embodiment is shown.

[0296] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a third embodiment is shown.

[0297] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0298] Figure 5′ Shows Figure 5 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0299] Figure 6A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0300] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a sixth embodiment is shown.

[0301] Figure 7′ Shows Figure 7 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0302] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a seventh embodiment is shown.

[0303] Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in an eighth embodiment is shown.

[0304] Fig.10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a ninth embodiment is shown.

[0305] Fig.11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle in a tenth embodiment is shown.

[0306] Fig.12 Views of a motor vehicle are shown with various luminous laminated glazings having different tintings.

[0307] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the various elements of the illustrated subject are not necessarily reproduced to scale.

[0308] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle (or aviation or rail vehicle) according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0309] Figure 1′ Show Figure 1 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0310] Here, it relates to a rectangular and curved laminated glazing 100, which is a vehicle roof, comprising:

[0311] a first transparent glass sheet 1 , made of inorganic glass, here forming the outer sheet, for example rectangular (for example with dimensions of 300×300 mm), with a composition for tinting solar control functions (glass from VG10 or TSA 4+, sold by Saint-Gobain Glass), for example with a thickness equal to 2.1 mm, or a transparent glass, having a first main face 11 , here corresponding to face F1 , a second main face 12 on the inside, here corresponding to face F2, coated with a athermal coating 16 ′ or a heating coating or the like, and edge surfaces (longitudinal edge faces 10 and 10 ′)

[0312] a second transparent sheet 1 ′, for example made of inorganic or organic glass, here of the same dimensions as the pane 1 , forming the interior glazing, having, on the passenger compartment side, a third main face 13 corresponding to the face F3 and a fourth main face 14, here the face F4, as well as edge surfaces (the longitudinal edge faces 21 and 22 having a thickness equal to, for example, 2.1 mm or even thinner, with a refractive index n′v of, for example, at least 1.5 in the visible range)

[0313] - a multilayer polymer laminate sandwich between the first and second sheets, comprising a first upper adhesive layer 31 on the second face side and a first lower adhesive layer 32 on the third face side, at least one of the first upper and lower adhesive layers being an adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material

[0314] - Between the first upper and lower adhesive layers, a liquid crystal cell 2 containing an electroactive layer (details in Figure 2 or 2′)

[0315] a light-guiding layer having a refractive index n0 in the visible range, capable of guiding light by total internal reflection, which light-guiding layer is formed here by the second pane 1 ′

[0316] - a light source 4 optically coupled to the second sheet,

[0317] - means 6 for extracting the guided light in the second sheet,

[0318] - an optical isolation layer 31, 2' between the liquid crystal cell 2 and the photoconductive layer 1', said optical isolation layer optically isolating the liquid crystal cell from the photoconductive layer 1', said optical isolation layer having a refractive index n1 in the visible light range and having n0-n1 of at least 0.04 in the visible light range.

[0319] The optical isolation layer 2 ′ is an adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material, forming part of a lamination interlayer, here formed by a first lower adhesive layer 31 .

[0320] For the first upper layer 31, a commercially available UV PVB film may be selected, such as the 0.76 mm film sold under the trade name Eastman RU 41. It provides protection at least in the UV radiation spectrum of 280 nm-400 nm.

[0321] The second face 12 comprises an inner masking layer 7 forming a masking frame, for example of black enamel (deposited on the second face 12), delimiting a transparent glass area 16 (daylight), in this case rectangular (see Figure 1′ ). A peripheral opaque inner masking layer may be required on the fourth major face 14 which is substantially the same width as or narrower than the inner masking layer 7 and adjacent to any athermal layer 15.

[0322] The second glass sheet 1 ′ is preferably a colorless soda-lime-silica glass, or even transparent or extra transparent, such as diamond glass sold by Saint-Gobain Glass, with n′v of about 1.52 to 550 nm, or Optiwhite glass of 1.95 mm.

[0323] The second glass sheet 1 ′ may have a thermally insulating ITO stack structure 15 on the fourth face 14 (here F4 ).

[0324] The liquid crystal cell 2 is surrounded by an external seal forming a frame 81. The frame 81 is made of PVB or epoxy resin, for example. When the liquid crystal cell 2 does not extend over the entire surface of the glazing, the frame 81 acts as a spacer of the same thickness as the liquid crystal cell 2, in order to fill the empty space that would otherwise exist between the two layers 31 and 32. The inner edge 810 of the seal 81 is below the masking layer 7. Advantageously, the frame 81 preferably constitutes an ultraviolet filter.

[0325] As low-refractive-index, (photo) cross-linkable liquid binder (for the optical isolation layer 2'), the following resins may be mentioned:

[0326] - based on polyurethane acrylates, such as those from Norland, in particular the product known as LOCA Norland NOA 1315 (refractive index 1.315), which is an aliphatic polyurethane acrylate,

[0327] - based on fluorinated polyurethane acrylates, for example from Shin-A, in particular the products known as SFA 335 (refractive index 1.335-1.339) or SFA 387 (refractive index 1.385-1.389),

[0328] Based on acrylates, for example, in particular the product known as UZ 181A from AKChem Teck (refractive index 1.47) or the product known as UVEKOL S15 from Allnex (refractive index 1.44).

[0329] As an acrylate-based PSA film, mention may be made of Nitto's product CS986 (refractive index 1.47).

[0330] As a silicone-based PSA film, mention may be made of the product called Opt Alpha Gel from Taica (refractive index 1.41).

[0331] The light emitting diodes 4 extend along the longitudinal coupling edge 21 of the light-guiding layer 1 ′. The light is injected along the periphery and passes through the edge face of the light-guiding layer 1 ′. These are front emitting diodes. Therefore, these diodes 4 are aligned on the PCB support 5, for example parallelepiped strips. The PCB support 5 is spaced apart from and / or attached to the glazing via the edge face 21, for example by glue (or a double-sided adhesive), and / or even spaced apart from and / or attached to the face 14F4. The edge face 21 may have a recess (to accommodate the diodes and even the diode support).

[0332] Alternatively, the light source may be one or more primary light sources (diodes etc.) coupled directly to the light guide along the coupling edge face 21, for example to extract an optical fiber having a light output region (texturing of the optical fiber etc.).

[0333] The luminous glazing 100 can have a plurality of extraction zones 6 for guiding light, in particular having a given geometric shape (rectangular, square, circular, etc.).

[0334] The light extraction device is, for example:

[0335] - texturing a texturing element selected from the second light-guiding sheet and the optical isolation layer,

[0336] An extraction film on the second light-guiding sheet, said extraction film being in particular in contact with the optical isolation layer 2' or with the side F414.

[0337] For example, for light extraction means, this is a scattering layer 6 (screen printed, for example enamel or ink on the glass 1 ′) on the third face 13 or even on the fourth face 14. The layer 6 is here in the transparent glass area 16. Alternatively, it can be a local extraction film (with relief or with a scattering layer or scattering in the bulk) placed locally or bonded on the third face 13.

[0338] The extraction device is in the transparent glass area 16, but may be peripheral, beneath the inner masking layer 7 and visible from the passenger compartment, with a gap for an optional inner masking layer on the fourth side.

[0339] For example, the distance between the extraction device 6 and the diode 4 is at least 10 or 40 mm. For example, the extraction area 6 occupies 10% to 100% of the transparent glass area 16. Figure 1′As shown, a set of non-intersecting scattering patterns 6 may be used, for example in the shape of rectangles.

[0340] Several series of diodes 4 (one edge, two edges, three edges over the entire periphery) can be provided, even of different colors, which can be controlled independently. Diodes emitting white light or colored light can be selected for ambient lighting, reading. Red light can be selected for signaling, optionally alternating with green light. The diode support 5 can be adhesively bonded to the edge face 21.

[0341] As an alternative to the glass of the second sheet 1', organic glass such as PC, PMMA or thermoplastic films (PET etc.) with a thickness not exceeding 500 or 300 μm may be used. Preferably, the first glass sheet 1 is tempered.

[0342] The vehicle roof 100 can, for example, form a fixed illuminated panoramic roof for a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car, which is attached to the vehicle body from the outside by means of an adhesive.

[0343] The glazing may have a peripheral polymer encapsulation, for example made of PU (black), in particular as disclosed in patent application WO2010049638. The light source may be within the encapsulation and optionally removable, for example by means of a recess as disclosed in patent application WO2011092419.

[0344] The glazing 100 can alternatively form a windshield with internal light signals (pictograms etc.), in particular for driving assistance. The scattering layer 6 (or other extraction means) forms, for example, an anti-collision signal, in particular along the lower longitudinal edge. For example, the light switches on (red) when the vehicle ahead is too close.

[0345] The glazing 100 may alternatively form a front or rear corner window, or a front windshield with luminous decoration or external luminous logo. The scattering layer 6 forms, for example, a turn signal indicator or a LOGO. In the latter case, the second sheet of colorless glass (preferably inorganic) is the exterior glazing (the fourth face is face F1, the third face is face F2), and the first glass sheet is the interior glazing (tinted or colorless), the first face is face F4, and the second face is face F3.

[0346] The liquid crystal cells, in particular those forming the peripheral strips, localized areas in the transparent glass area, may be opposite or offset from the light extraction means for the interior or the exterior.

[0347] [ Figure 2 ]show Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the guest-host unit 2 used in.

[0348] The liquid crystal cell 2 comprises a liquid mixture 22, two orientation layers 23 and 24, two transparent electrodes 25 and 26, two glass encapsulation substrates 27 and 28, and a seal 29. The two glass encapsulation substrates 27 and 28 are kept separated by a glass spacer 22' and form, with the seal 29, a cavity containing the liquid crystal liquid volume 22. The tightness of the edge faces of the cell is produced by a peripheral seal 29, for example made of epoxy resin or silicone. The spacer 22' is arranged in the entire cavity and preferably also in the seal. The inner surface of each of the two encapsulation substrates 27 and 28 facing the cavity is covered by an electrode 25 and 26 made of ITO, respectively, which itself is covered by an alignment layer 23 and 24, respectively, which is in contact with the liquid volume 22. The liquid crystal cell 2 has a total thickness of between 250 and 350 μm. The height of the cavity corresponds to the height of the spacer, the cavity having a height of in particular about 10 μm.

[0349] The two encapsulation substrates 27 and 28 of the liquid crystal cell 2 are made of thin glass. They are preferably made of chemically tempered glass. Each of the glass encapsulation substrates 27, 28 has a thickness of less than 1000 μm, in particular a thickness of 25 μm and 700 μm, preferably a thickness of less than 300 μm, or even a thickness of less than 100 μm. The glass thickness of each encapsulation substrate is thin enough to provide flexibility to the liquid crystal cell in the form of a film when it is necessary to connect the cell to the glass substrates 10 and 11, especially when the latter is bent. In particular, the glass thickness of each glass encapsulation substrate 27, 28 is such that each glass encapsulation substrate has a minimum radius of curvature of at least about 600 mm, and can even reach 200 mm.

[0350] In a variant, the two encapsulation substrates 27 and 28 of the liquid crystal cell 2 are polymeric.

[0351] [ Figure 2′ ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a guest-host unit, the difference being that the peripheral seal 29' is internally between the encapsulation layers 27,28.

[0352] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing 200 with variable tinting for a motor vehicle is shown in a second embodiment.

[0353] The glazing 200 differs from the glazing 100 in that the first lower adhesive layer 32, in particular made of a crosslinked adhesive polymer, optionally similar to the first upper adhesive layer 31, is different from the underlying optical isolation layer 2' and in particular has a higher refractive index than the optical isolation layer. For example, the first lower adhesive layer 32 has a thickness of at least 300 μm or 500 μm, and the optical isolation layer 2' is thinner.

[0354] [ Figure 4 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle 300 in a third embodiment.

[0355] The glazing 300 differs from the glazing 100 in that a second lower adhesive layer 34 has been added below the optical isolation layer 2', 32 (which remains here as the first lower adhesive layer). The second lower adhesive layer 34 is, for example, PVB (or preferably EVA or TPU if the sheet 2 is made of organic glass such as PC, PMMA) or a cross-linked polymer layer having a higher refractive index than the optical isolation layer 2', 32.

[0356] Furthermore, the first sheet 1 may optionally have a protruding edge 121 (cover) above the light source, which is attached to the face F4 (L-shaped support 5) or possibly to the second face 12 (support adhering to or resting against the internal masking layer 7 and optionally the side emission source).

[0357] For example, layer 15 is omitted and a scattering extraction layer 6 ′ is added to the fourth face F414 .

[0358] [ Figure 5 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle 400 in a fourth embodiment. [ Figure 5′ ] shows Figure 5 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0359] The glazing 400 differs from the glazing 100 in that the second glass sheet has a through hole 17 sealed by a cover 50 on the third face 13 side, which accommodates the diode 4 and even the diode carrier 5. The cover can close the hole and be connected to the fourth face 14. There can be two connection holes, for example along the front edge of the roof 400 (see FIG. Figure 5′ ). The outer seal 81 may be partially opaque (and wide enough) so as to mask from the outside the cover 50, the aperture 17 and the source 4 in addition to the layer 7. For example, the scattering pattern is stars.

[0360] [ Figure 6 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable coloring of a motor vehicle 500 in a fifth embodiment.

[0361] The glazing 500 differs from the previous glazing 400 in that the external seal 81 , in particular PVB, extends to the third face F313 of the cover 510 and, in a variant, also to the second face 12 .

[0362] For example, layer 15 is omitted and a scatter extraction layer 6' is added onto F414.

[0363] [ Figure 7 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle 600 in a sixth embodiment.

[0364] [ Figure 7′ ] shows Figure 7 Schematic front view of the glazing.

[0365] The glazing 600 differs from the glazing 100 in that the light source 4 is on the fourth face F414 and a (preferably reflective) prismatic light redirecting film 9, in which the prisms 91 form a textured surface and are covered with a reflective layer (e.g. metal) and an opposite smooth surface called substrate 92, is on the third face F313. This is, for example, a textured polymer film with a metal layer, preferably with a thickness of at most 200 μm or 150 μm and at least 80 μm or 100 μm.

[0366] In addition to the layer 7, the outer seal 81 may be partially opaque (and wide enough) to mask the light spot of the light source 4 from the outside.

[0367] In a variant, the prismatic film is on face F4 and is transparent.

[0368] In another variant, the light source 4 is also adjacent to the microprisms on face F4. The prismatic film is removed or remains between the microprisms and face F4 and is transparent.

[0369] [ Figure 8 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable coloring for a motor vehicle 700 in a seventh embodiment.

[0370] The glazing 700 differs from the previous glazing 600 in that the outer seal 81 (in particular PVB) extends to the third face F313 covering the prismatic reflective film 9 and, in a variant, also to the second face 12

[0371] For example, layer 15 is omitted and a scatter extraction layer 6' is added onto F414.

[0372] [ Fig. 9 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable tinting for a motor vehicle 800 in an eighth embodiment.

[0373] The glazing 800 differs from the glazing 100 in that the light-guiding layer is an inner light-guiding layer 3′, for example glass, a thin sheet of thermoplastic (polyester, in particular PET or PC, etc.), an adhesive layer. A low-refractive-index adhesive layer 32′ with a refractive index n′1 in the visible range is also added. Here, the same cross-linked polymer material as the optical isolation layer 32, 2′ is selected, which has a lower thickness, for example 50 μm if in film form and 5 μm if a coating.

[0374] Alternatively, it is a coating on face F3 13, for example a porous silica sol-gel layer, for example 400 nm or 800 nm and n'1 is 1.4.

[0375] For example, the diode 4 is a side emitting diode and is coupled to the edge face 30' of the inner light guiding layer 3'.

[0376] In addition to the layers on the second face F2, a scattering extraction layer 6' has been added to the third face F3 of the internal light guiding layer 3'.

[0377] [ Fig.10 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable coloring of a motor vehicle 900 according to a ninth embodiment.

[0378] The glazing 900 differs from the previous glazing 100 in that the inner light-guiding layer 3 has openings or recesses 33 ′ to accommodate the diodes 4 (here with front emission) and the diode supports 5 (rectangular or even C-shaped cross section).

[0379] A masking layer 7 ′ has been added to the fourth face F414 .

[0380] [ Fig.11 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a luminous laminated glazing with variable coloring of a motor vehicle 1000 in a tenth embodiment.

[0381] Glazing 1000 differs from glazing 900 in that light source 4 is on fourth face F414 and prismatic light redirecting film 9 (prisms 91 and substrate 92), such as a reflector, is on internal lightguide layer 3' on second face F212.

[0382] The prismatic light redirecting film 9 (preferably a reflector) has prisms 91 forming a textured surface and covered with a reflective layer (e.g. metallic) and an opposite smooth surface (called base 92) located on the inner lightguide layer 3'. For example, this is a textured polymer film with a metal layer, preferably with a thickness of at most 200 μm or 150 μm and at least 80 μm or 100 μm.

[0383] In addition to the layer 7, the outer seal 81 may be partially opaque (and wide enough) to mask the light spot of the light source 4 from the outside.

[0384] Alternatively, the prismatic film is on the opposite side of the inner light guiding layer 3' and is transparent.

[0385] [ Fig.12 ] shows a view of a motor vehicle 2000 with various luminous laminated glazings of different tintings, particularly showing the location of the liquid crystal cells:

[0386] - an upper or lower longitudinal strip 110 , 210 of the windshield,

[0387] - The entire surface of the roof (here in two adjacent areas 210, 220)

[0388] - Full-surface (or multi-surface) side glazing 310 , and even rear quarter windows 410 .

[0389] The laminated glazing may comprise two adjacent GH or TN2 units, or one GH or TN unit and at least one other liquid crystal system. Between the two units there may be the material of the optical isolation layer (by creep etc.) or the material of the first upper bonding layer, in particular PVB (by creep etc.), or an extension of the outer seal 81, in particular PVB.

[0390] The inner masking layer 7 can be used to mask all liquid crystal cell edges.

Claims

1. A glazing for a vehicle, in particular a road vehicle (100), the glazing comprising: - Laminated glazing, which is preferably curved, comprising: - a first transparent sheet (1), made of inorganic glass, having a first main surface (11) and a second main surface (12) a second transparent sheet (1') having a third main face (13) and a fourth main face (14), - a multilayer polymer laminate interlayer (3) between the first and second sheets, comprising a first upper adhesive layer (31) on the second facing side and a first lower adhesive layer (32, 34) on the third facing side, at least one of the first upper and lower adhesive layers being an adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material a first upper and a first lower adhesive layer; a liquid crystal cell (2) comprising an electroactive layer (22) comprising a liquid crystal liquid solution, the electroactive layer being located between a first upper so-called conductive support (27) having an upper electrode (25) and a first lower so-called conductive support (28) having a lower electrode (26), the electroactive layer being located between the lower electrode and the upper electrode a light-guiding layer having a refractive index n0 in the visible range, suitable for guiding light by total internal reflection, said light-guiding layer being formed by said second sheet and / or by a transparent layer (3′) on a third face side, referred to as an internal light-guiding layer, or on a fourth face side, referred to as an external light-guiding layer, - a light source (4) preferably optically coupled to the light-guiding layer, - means (6, 6') for extracting the guided light, preferably in the light-guiding layer, - an optical isolation layer (31, 2') between the liquid crystal cell and the photoconductive layer, which optically isolates the liquid crystal cell from the photoconductive layer, the optical isolation layer having a refractive index n1 in the visible light range and having n0-n1 of at least 0.04 in the visible light range, The optical isolation layer (2') is an adhesive layer of a cross-linked polymer material, forming part of a lamination interlayer and being an additional layer below the first lower adhesive layer or formed by the first lower adhesive layer (31).

2. Vehicle glazing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The vehicle glazing is the inner light-guiding layer (3) or the second glass sheet, and even the optical isolation layer is in contact with the light-guiding layer.

3. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that n1 is at most 1.48, and even n0-n1 is at least 0.1, and even 0.

15.

4. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first lower adhesive layer comprises and even forms an optically isolating layer, preferably having a thickness of at least 300 μm and even at least 500 μm.

5. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The optical isolation layer is a film, preferably at least 30 μm thick, or the optical isolation layer is a coating, preferably at least 1 μm thick.

6. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The optical isolation layer is in bonding contact with: a light-guiding layer, in particular in adhesive contact with the third side, the second sheet being a light-guiding layer or in adhesive contact with an internal light-guiding layer, -or is bonded to and in contact with a second lower bonding layer, the second lower bonding layer having a refractive index n2 in the visible range such that n2>n1, the second lower bonding layer is made of a thermoplastic or cross-linked polymer, the second lower bonding layer is bonded to and in contact with a third surface, and the second sheet is preferably a light-guiding layer.

7. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The optical barrier layer of a crosslinked polymer and / or the first lower adhesive layer is a film based on a crosslinked polymer, in particular a film of at least 30 μm, selected from: - a pressure-sensitive film, preferably selected from acrylate-, urethane-acrylate-, fluorourethane-acrylate- or silicone-based polymers - Partially crosslinked, and preferably photocrosslinked and acrylate-based post-adhesive polymer films before assembly.

8. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It comprises between the second and third faces the optionally strictly following stack: -1) First upper thermoplastic adhesive layer, preferably PVB, especially UV filter / liquid crystal cell / optical isolation layer / internal light guide layer ( / low refractive index lower layer) In particular, internal light-guiding layers of polymer films, glass or adhesive layers -2) First upper adhesive cross-linked polymer layer / liquid crystal unit / optical isolation layer / internal light guide layer ( / low refractive index lower layer) In particular, internal light-guiding layers of polymer films, glass or adhesive layers -3) a first upper thermoplastic adhesive layer, preferably PVB, in particular a UV filter / liquid crystal cell / optical isolation layer, the optical isolation layer preferably being in contact with the third side of the second sheet, the second sheet forming the light guide - 4) A first upper cross-linked polymer adhesive layer / liquid crystal cell / optical isolation layer, which optical isolation layer is preferably in contact with the third face of the second sheet, which forms the light guide.

9. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner light guiding layer is in contact with a low refractive index lower layer which is an adhesive or a coating, the low refractive index lower layer having a refractive index n'1 in the visible range, and n0-n'1 is at least 0.04 in the visible range.

10. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cross-linked polymer material of the optical isolation layer and / or the low refractive index lower adhesive layer between the optical isolation layer and the third surface is selected from polymers based on: polyacrylates, especially polyurethane acrylates or fluorourethane acrylates or fluorosilicone acrylates, polysiloxanes, silicones, especially polydimethylsiloxanes, epoxy polymers or polyepoxides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates, polyesters, especially the cross-linked polymer material of the optical isolation layer and / or the low refractive index lower adhesive layer is preferably selected from polymers based on: acrylates, especially polyurethane acrylates or silicone acrylates or based on silicone, and the polymer also has a fluorinated function.

11. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that An outer peripheral seal (81) surrounds the edge face of the liquid crystal cell, preferably a thermoplastic adhesive layer, in particular in contact with the first upper adhesive layer, protruding beyond the edge of the cell, the outer seal and the first upper adhesive layer being PVB based or in contact with the second face.

12. Vehicle glazing according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The outer seal (81) comprises an opaque region: - shielding the light injection area, the light source is below the second surface - or a light source on the fourth side.

13. The luminous glazing for a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: It comprises an internal, peripheral, opaque masking layer (7) between the third surface and the second surface, and even covers the periphery of the optical isolation layer and the liquid crystal unit, in particular in contact with the second main surface, in particular defining a transparent glass area, and is characterized in that it optionally comprises, in particular when the second sheet is an interior glazing, a peripheral opaque internal masking layer on the fourth main surface, in particular with a width that is consistent with or less than the width of the internal masking layer.

14. Illuminated glazing for vehicles, in particular for road vehicles, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The light extraction device (6, 6') comprises: - texturing so-called texture elements selected from the group consisting of the inner lightguide layer or the second lightguide sheet, an optical isolating layer, a lower low refractive index layer below the inner lightguide layer, - or an extraction film, which is on the inner light-guiding layer or the second light-guiding sheet, especially in contact with the optical isolation layer - or a scattering layer comprising a binder and scattering particles and / or holes, said scattering layer being on said inner light-guiding layer or said second light-guiding sheet, in particular in contact with said optical isolation layer - Local scattering areas in the light-guiding layer comprising scattering particles and / or holes, in particular laser etching of a glass sheet.

15. Vehicle glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The injection of light from a light source optically coupled to the light-guiding layer is: 1) Through the edge surface of the light guide layer 2) either by defining a wall of a closed hole in the light-guiding layer, the light source preferably being below the second face and even between the second face and the third face, 3) or by a local light redirecting element, such as an optical redirecting film, in particular a prismatic film on the third or fourth major face, wherein the light source is facing towards or offset from the fourth major face, preferably face F4.

16. The illuminated glazing for a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: At least one partially redirecting optical film is a prismatic film on the lightguide layer, the prismatic film forming means for redirecting light in the lightguide layer from a light source (4) on a fourth face side, preferably face F4, or even offset from the glazing, in particular - a reflective prismatic film located between the internal light-guiding layer and the second face or on the third face with the second sheet, the second sheet being the light-guiding layer, - or a transparent prismatic film, preferably between the internal light-guiding layer and the third face, or on the fourth face with the second sheet, which is the light-guiding layer.

17. Illuminated glazing for a vehicle, in particular a road vehicle, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sheet is particularly the external sheet, the glass is selected from the roof, windshield, side window, or the first sheet is particularly the internal sheet, the glass is selected from the windshield, side window, rear window, rear door glass, and particularly the external sheet is made of inorganic glass.

18. A vehicle, in particular a road vehicle, incorporating at least one luminous glazing according to any one of the preceding claims.

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