Laminated structure for vehicle window, glass sheet for laminate, and method for producing laminated structure for vehicle window

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle window laminate structure comprising an inner and an outer glass sheet placed in parallel and spaced apart from each other, the inner and outer glass sheets each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface, at least one thermoplastic laminate structure, the present invention relates to a glass panel comprising an inner glass panel, an outer glass panel, a thermoplastic laminate structure disposed substantially completely between an outward facing surface of the inner glass panel and an inward facing surface of the outer glass panel, at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, disposed on at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the outer glass panel, and at least one ceramic tape, the outer glass sheet extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of an inward surface of the outer glass sheet. The invention also relates to a method for producing the laminated structure of the automobile window.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminated structure for an automotive window. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the laminated structure for an automotive window.

[0002] Today, functional layers, including at least one active film layer, such as polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC), electrochromic and other functional films, such as suspended-particle devices (SPD), are widely used in architectural glass, but more specifically also in the automotive industry. There are several reasons for this, but generally speaking, in the automotive industry, safety regulations and quality issues are more demanding. Active layers or functional layers, such as SPD, PDLC or electrochromic or electrophoretic films, have one thing in common, namely that they consist of two opposing thermoplastic layers, provided with a conductive coating on their mutually facing sides, mainly ITO-coated PET, PEN, PC or PMMA layers, and an active film layer between these two layers. What they have in common is that if an electric current flows from the first conductive layer through the liquid crystals to the second conductive layer, the crystals will align with the current, resulting in a change in color and / or light transmission and / or haze level. If such a layer is incorporated into a laminated glass structure, it is called a functional layer. The incorporation is carried out by a lamination process, which usually uses adhesive and frame layers.

[0003] These active or functional films mentioned above, as well as more passive functional films such as photochromic films, thermochromic films, photopolymer films and solar cell films, have in common that they are sensitive to high temperatures. High temperatures may occur when automotive glass containing such active or passive films is placed in direct sunlight. The temperature of the glass may rise to a level that may damage the active and / or passive films. Depending on the temperature, the active and / or passive films contained in the window laminate may degrade and lose their functionality. Since many automotive transport vehicles are parked outdoors most of the time, they are exposed to sunlight for most of the time. It is well known that UV rays may also damage the active and / or passive films. However, these harmful UV rays may be at least partially filtered by a layer of glass or adhesive layer. It is well known that clear glass can block at least UVC and UVB spectrum light, but it can also filter a portion of the UVA spectrum light. Therefore, UV rays themselves do not pose a major problem for the degradation of the active and / or passive films, because the clear glass layer can provide sufficient protection. However, although the UV spectrum itself may not be the specific cause of the degradation, it may indirectly cause the degradation of the active and / or passive films. In fact, a portion of the sunlight is absorbed by the glass sheet (or other components), causing the temperature of the glass sheet to increase. The heat absorbed in the glass may cause degradation of the active and / or passive films of the automotive window laminate structure.

[0004] Automotive window laminate structures are particularly susceptible to heating in the area of ​​the shielding band of the window laminate. The shielding band is mainly located at the periphery of the window laminate, but also around the rearview mirror area. Sensors and / or cameras can be located in the shielding band area, in which cutouts can be provided. The shielding band can at least partially consist of a screen-printed and / or digitally printed ceramic enamel. These areas are particularly susceptible to heating because the shielding band is usually black or nearly black. This area of ​​the window laminate absorbs most of the solar radiation and can reach temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius and above due to the absorbed heat. Heating of automotive window laminates is a serious problem for laminated automotive window laminates that include active and / or passive films or layers. This is especially true if the active and / or passive films / layers are stretched below the shielding band. Since the glass temperature in the shielding band area is significantly higher, a high temperature gradient may occur. But the high temperature itself may also lead to damage to the active and / or passive films / layers. For example, high temperatures in a PDLC laminate stack may cause moisture, plasticizers and other elements to be able to migrate faster. As a result, a reaction may occur between the migrating element and the liquid crystal and cause the liquid crystal to change to a transparent state. This phenomenon may occur more frequently near the edge of the window laminate (i.e., the masking band area) because the distance between the adhesive layer and the active and / or passive film / layer is the shortest. High temperatures will accelerate this process.

[0005] This problem can be solved by not incorporating active and / or passive films / layers under the masking tape. However, it is desirable to stretch the active layers under this masking tape. For example, electrical connections may be hidden thereby, but there may also be other aesthetic reasons, such as hiding cut lines or protective tape in the layers. However, it may also be desirable to block the entire light spectrum in parts of the active film / layer where further improved ageing resistance is required, such as ITO or silver-plated layers where flexible printed circuits are connected to the active film / layer, e.g. PDLC, SPD, EC. The most sensitive parts of the film, i.e. the edges, may therefore be hidden under the hottest areas of the car glass.

[0006] Another known problem is that these aforementioned (smart) active films / layers have a certain temperature bandwidth in which they can switch at an acceptable speed. Hence, there is the so-called operating temperature window. Generally speaking, at low temperatures, liquid crystals etc. align themselves more slowly, while in extremely cold environments, the switchable properties of such films / layers may even fail completely.

[0007] This can be solved by adding or increasing the concentration of additives such as alcohol to the liquid crystal formulation. However, this has a known negative side effect in that the additives usually reduce the opacity of the film / layer at higher temperatures. This has to do with the behavior of the liquid crystal at high temperatures, which causes the liquid crystal to align itself. While this can be counteracted by increasing the switching power to, for example, 70 volt square wave, this solution is not compatible with automotive solutions for safety reasons. In the automotive industry, it is better to use a maximum of 48 volts and sine waves as they interfere less with radio waves. AGPPCT / IB2018 / 059793 solves part of the problem by heating the glass, but this has the big disadvantage that this consumes electricity, which is particularly disadvantageous in electric vehicles. Secondly, the most obvious resistive coating for heating is Ag2 or Ag3 coating, which can usually be used to heat side 3 of the windshield. However, side 2 is more suitable for protecting the smart film, but not for hiding the power connection, so there are considerable aesthetic issues.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the window laminate, especially in the area of ​​the shielding band. Coatings are available on the market that have excellent infrared light reflection properties and can reflect at least a portion of the light to reduce the amount of heat absorbed. Examples of such coatings can be silver sputtered coatings, such as AG or double silver AG2, triple silver AG3, up to AG4 and AG5 coatings. These coatings are usually sputtered onto the glass. Due to their infrared reflection properties, these coatings are able to effectively reduce the amount of energy absorbed by the glass, the bonding layer or other underlying materials, looking inward from the sun, that is, from the outside in. However, these coatings have proven to be incompatible with the ceramic enamels that form the shielding band. This is at least partly related to the high melting point of the ceramic enamels. Typically, all ceramic enamels contain a flux that is used to reduce the melting point of the ceramic enamel to a level that is compatible with the glass processing temperature. For tempered glass, this temperature ranges from 500 to 800 degrees Celsius. For semi-tempered or annealed laminated curved glass, flux is added to the ceramic enamel to reduce the melting point to a range of 500-650 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, some of the elements used for the silver coating may migrate and react with the elements used in the ceramic enamel. In addition, elements in the ceramic enamel may also migrate into the silver coating. This is undesirable because it may damage the reflective properties or even damage the functional film / layer. Ceramic enamels may contain additives to resist acid rain, salted roads, extreme climates, but also additives to adjust the color, or are treated to adapt to the manufacturing process (for example, press bending, so that the bending tool contacts the hot ceramic enamel and may not stick to the tool, additives need to be added to the ceramic enamel to prevent sticking to the tool or the paired glass plate during paired bending).

[0009] Incompatibility between ceramic enamel and silver sputtered coating can be caused by element migration, especially at high temperatures, e.g. when the glass is bent, where elements migrate from the ceramic enamel to the sputtered coating and attack and / or react with the sputtered molecular material on the glass. This can result in a hazy or sandblasted appearance to the glass, but can also cause the (initially) black ceramic and / or silver coating to change color to yellow, red or green. This can be caused by layer thickness variations between the silver layers, as the layers are adjusted to a certain thickness to filter out the corresponding spectrum, similar to how dichroic filters work. The color of the silver coating can also change because the silver coating itself changes. The silver coating can form compounds like AgCl in the form of Ag nanoparticles that absorb or diffract light. Silver also travels through the stack and in some cases migrates to the ceramic layer. These color changes can occur in response to specific bending temperatures of the glass. To reduce the loss of infrared reflective properties of the reflective layer, a dielectric ceramic such as Si3N4 can be deposited between the ceramic enamel and the silver coating.

[0010] Nowadays, if a silver-based sputtered infrared reflective IRR coating is used in laminated automotive glass. This silver coating (IRR coating) is usually placed on face 3, the first face (the side facing outward) of the second glass (inner glass pane). That is, looking from the outside in. Therefore, face 1 can be considered the face of the outer glass pane that is in contact with rain, while face 4 is the face of the inner glass pane facing the vehicle cabin. Another solution to prevent or avoid incompatibility between the masking tape and the infrared reflective coating (especially the silver coating) is not to place the masking tape (ceramic tape) on the reflective coating, but to overlap / apply the reflective coating on top of the ceramic tape, looking from the outside in. This can be applied in particular to face 2 (the inner surface of the outer glass pane), which results in the reflective coating being applied on the ceramic tape. Although this results in a color change, this change is not visible from the outer surface of the vehicle window because the reflective coating is attached to the inner surface of the glass. However, this solution is not suitable because it does not solve the problem of temperature differences, because the reflective coating is located behind the ceramic tape (looking from the outside in). In order to be able to withstand higher heat or infrared loads, the reflective coating must be located in front of the ceramic tape to prevent it from warming up. However, solutions according to the prior art result in significant color variations and incompatibilities as described above.

[0011] The first objective is to provide an automotive window laminate that can withstand higher infrared or thermal loads without damaging the active and / or passive films or layers.

[0012] A second object of the present invention is to provide an automotive window laminate comprising a silver-based coating which is less susceptible to corrosion.

[0013] A third object of the present invention is to provide an automotive window having enhanced heat reflective properties while maintaining a good appearance of the exterior of the window, particularly preventing discoloration of the masking tape.

[0014] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an automotive window laminate that can better protect the functional layer.

[0015] The invention also proposes a laminated structure for a vehicle window, comprising an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane being substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface, preferably at least one thermoplastic laminate structure, the thermoplastic laminate structure being at least partially, preferably substantially completely, disposed between the outwardly facing surface of the inner glass pane and the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane, at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, the reflective coating being disposed on at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane, at least one ceramic tape extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane, preferably wherein the at least one reflective coating and the at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlap, and optionally wherein at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of the at least one reflective coating. In particular, the at least one ceramic tape is preferably disposed directly on the at least one reflective coating.

[0016] For the purposes of the present invention, the inwardly facing surfaces of the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet may be referred to as face 2 and face 4, respectively. Furthermore, the outwardly facing surfaces of the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet may be referred to as face 1 and face 3, respectively. The ceramic tape may also be referred to as a shielding tape or layer. Optimal heat reflection may be achieved by applying a heat and / or infrared reflective coating to at least a portion (preferably the entire face 2). That is, when the reflective layer is located, for example, on face 3 or at least below the ceramic tape (looking from the outside to the inside) according to the prior art, heat may further penetrate the automotive window laminate. Furthermore, when a reflective coating is applied to face 2 according to the prior art, this generally only overlaps with the shielding tape (if any) in the fade-out portion. However, in the fade-out portion, any color change due to incompatibility is hardly observable to the eye. Furthermore, it is only known here to provide a reflective coating on the inwardly facing side of the shielding tape, which still does not reflect infrared rays or heat before reaching the shielding tape or the ceramic tape. According to the present invention, by applying a reflective coating on substantially the entire face 2, at least a portion of the heat or infrared light is blocked or reflected before being absorbed by the ceramic tape. This can prevent the ceramic tape from reaching a temperature that will accelerate the degradation of the functional layer. This can significantly reduce the infrared and / or thermal load that reaches the functional film / layer of the automotive window laminate structure, because the reflective coating is located before the sunlight reaches the film or layer. Therefore, the energy absorbed by the shielding tape can be reduced because the reflective coating is located outside the ceramic tape (looking from the outside in). This is particularly beneficial if a sensitive functional film or layer is combined in the window laminate. At least in the area where the reflective coating and the ceramic tape overlap. This can be understood as the ceramic tape being arranged below the reflective coating (looking from the outside in). Therefore, at least a portion of the sunlight entering the window laminate from the outside in is blocked or at least partially reflected by the reflective coating before irradiating the ceramic tape (and being absorbed as heat). Therefore, it is preferred that the reflective coating is applied directly to the inward surface (face 2) of the outer glass plate. It is preferred that at least a portion of the ceramic tape (especially the overlapping portion with the reflective coating) is applied to the reflective coating so that (looking from the outside in), the ceramic tape is located below the reflective coating. It is preferred that at least a portion of the ceramic tape is applied directly to the inward surface of the outer glass plate. In particular, it is preferred that the portion of the ceramic tape extending beyond the periphery of at least one reflective coating is applied directly to face 2 of the window laminate, and therefore to the inward-facing surface of the outer glass panel. Thus, at least this portion of the ceramic tape can partially seal the reflective coating. This may be due to the nature of the ceramic tape being less permeable to water than the reflective coating. That is, the ceramic tape thus overlaps the reflective coating and extends beyond the reflective coating along at least a portion of the periphery, thus partially encapsulating the reflective coating, in particular from the sides. The overlap or sealing can also reduce the number of different color areas, thereby contributing to a better aesthetic appearance. Alternatively, it can be said that the ceramic tape extends to the portion of the inward-facing surface of the outer glass panel that is free of reflective coating. It can also be envisaged that the reflective coating covers substantially the entire inward-facing surface (face 2) of the outer glass panel.In this case, extending beyond the periphery can be understood as extending the ceramic tape to the side edge of the (outer) glass sheet, thus also partially sealing the reflective coating. The difference is that the seal is established on the side of the glass sheet. However, the ceramic tape can be applied relatively thinly (between 10 and 100 microns), so the impact on size is relatively small.

[0017] In the present invention, at least one ceramic tape may in particular be understood as a solid ceramic tape. Here, a ceramic tape may be understood as a solid and / or continuous tape and / or surface. For example, it is known in automotive glass to provide a fade-out pattern near the inner circumference of a (solid) ceramic tape. However, according to the present invention, such a fade-out pattern is not understood as a ceramic tape. The fade-out is considered to have primarily aesthetic purposes and does not create the same compatibility and temperature problems as the ceramic tape according to the present invention. Therefore, when describing an overlap with a ceramic tape, this should be understood as an overlap with the solid part of the ceramic tape. When referring to a ceramic tape, i.e. at least one ceramic tape, or a second ceramic tape or a third ceramic tape, at least one ceramic layer, at least one second ceramic layer or at least one third ceramic layer may also be mentioned. In this respect. A tape is best understood as a layer of material stretched along a certain path of the glass sheet, having a certain thickness, which generally corresponds to the width of a commonly used masking tape.

[0018] The present invention relates in particular to the use of ceramic tape, in particular enameled ceramic tape, in contrast to the use of painted masking tape. The painted masking tape is usually applied after the glass is bent and is formed by ordinary paint or by coloring a thermoplastic layer (e.g. an adhesive layer). Although this may allow a reflective coating to be provided on face 2, this does not offer the same advantages. For example, painted masking tape is significantly more prone to burnout than ceramic masking tape. Furthermore, painted masking tape cannot be applied before firing or bending the glass as this would cause the paint to burn and, moreover, printing on a flat material may be easier and more accurate. When ceramic tape is mentioned in this application, it may also be replaced by ceramic enamel bending.

[0019] This enables the present invention to provide an automotive window laminate structure that is able to withstand higher heat or infrared loads that impact the window. This is because the reflective coating is provided on face 2 of the window laminate, which prevents the ceramic tape from reaching temperatures that cause elemental and / or particle migration and cause damage to the functional layer. In addition, the present invention also provides a better seal of the silver-based infrared reflective coating (if applied) because the ceramic tape has good sealing properties, allowing the ceramic tape to seal the silver coating because it extends beyond the coating to provide a (preferably impermeable) seal. In addition, the present invention allows the window to have a better appearance because the ceramic tape does not react with the reflective coating, at least in part because the ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of the reflective coating. The automotive window laminate can be in particular a curved automotive window laminate.

[0020] Preferably, although optional, the above-mentioned overlap between the reflective coating and the ceramic tape portion is formed in particular by the second ceramic tape and / or the third ceramic tape (if applicable). If the second ceramic tape and / or the third ceramic tape (if applicable) overlaps the reflective coating and extends at least partially beyond the reflective coating, thereby forming at least a part of the seal, it is not necessarily required that at least one ceramic tape, in particular a black ceramic tape, overlaps at least one reflective coating and extends beyond the reflective coating. Thus, this can produce a laminated structure for an automotive window, comprising an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane being placed parallel and spaced from each other, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane each comprising an inward surface and an outward surface, at least one thermoplastic laminate structure, the thermoplastic laminate structure being substantially completely disposed between the outward surface of the inner glass pane and the inward surface of the outer glass pane, at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, which is disposed on at least a part of the inward surface of the outer glass pane, at least one ceramic tape extending along at least a part (preferably a part of the periphery) of the inward surface of the outer glass pane, and at least one second ceramic tape. Preferably, at least one second ceramic tape is different from at least one ceramic tape. Optionally, at least one third ceramic tape may be applied. In this regard, at least one of the at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least one third ceramic tape is preferably arranged between at least one ceramic tape and the reflective coating. Optionally, at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlaps and extends beyond the periphery of the reflective coating. When a ceramic tape is mentioned in the present application, this may also be referred to as a ceramic layer or a ceramic coating. The term "tape" may be understood as a ceramic layer having a certain width, not necessarily a constant width. At least one reflective coating and at least one ceramic tape and / or at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least one third ceramic tape at least partially overlap, and at least one portion of at least one ceramic tape at least partially extends beyond the periphery of at least one reflective coating. However, it has been found that applying a substantially transparent and / or translucent second ceramic tape between the reflective coating and at least one ceramic tape significantly reduces the color change of the masking tape seen from the outside. Therefore, in order to make the window look better, it is not necessary to extend one of the ceramic tapes beyond the periphery of the reflective coating. But a similar effect can be achieved using only a transparent or translucent second ceramic layer and / or tape. It is conceivable that the transparent ceramic layer, in particular the transparent ceramic enamel, is at least partially formed by the glaze. Surprisingly, it was found that glazes which can be used as glazes for pottery and roof tiles, but are also known for embedding particles in anti-slip glass, are suitable for use as transparent ceramic tapes for the solution of the invention. Therefore, when referring to the transparent ceramic layer, it may be partially formed by the glaze layer. Throughout the application, the second ceramic tape may be referred to as an intermediate ceramic tape and / or an intermediate ceramic layer. The sealing of the first ceramic tape may also contribute to a more uniform and better aesthetic appearance.

[0021] Since the present invention provides improved reflective properties, it also allows for improved stability of the liquid crystal formulation. That is, reducing the high temperature range to which the automotive window laminate is exposed also reduces performance issues of the liquid crystal formulation. Thus, the liquid crystal formulation can be adjusted so that it switches at lower temperatures, thereby eliminating the need for a heating system, which is undesirable because it is expensive and power-hungry. And it also eliminates the need to increase the amount of additives, which would affect the aesthetics of the window. In fact, it even helps to reduce the temperature inside a car parked in the sun, so more energy can be saved because the power required for cooling will be lower.

[0022] Preferably, the edge along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner and / or outer glass sheets is rounded and / or beveled and / or chamfered. In this regard, the beveled edge may be at least partially tilted upward and / or outwardly. In addition, the bevel may be provided on the inward and / or outward surface of the inner and / or outer glass sheets. Preferably, the edge of each of the inner and outer glass sheets is at least partially provided with a rounded edge, preferably along its entire periphery. This may provide a better stress distribution in the glass sheets. In this regard, preferably, the ceramic tape extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the outer glass sheet until a portion of the rounded and / or beveled portion. That is, the edge of the ceramic tape may be bent and / or folded along an edge portion of the glass sheet, in particular, for example, to encapsulate a reflective coating to provide a seal. Preferably, the rounded and / or beveled and / or chamfered portion is substantially free of a reflective coating. Therefore, stretching the ceramic tape until the beveled or rounded or chamfered portion may cause the ceramic tape to stretch beyond the reflective coating, thereby providing a seal thereof. Sealing the reflective coating may prevent moisture from penetrating the coating and damaging it, but may also contribute to a better aesthetic appearance. Therefore, preferably, at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlaps the rounded and / or beveled portion. The rounded or beveled or chamfered portion can be applied after the reflective coating of the window laminate is applied. The process of applying the rounded or beveled or chamfered also provides a glass plate edge without coating. Therefore, it can be ensured that a glass plate portion without reflective coating is provided, thereby allowing the ceramic tape to form a seal or a part of a seal. Preferably, the edge is a flat polished edge and / or a beveled edge and / or a (full, half or half) rounded edge and / or a pencil polished edge and / or a (single, double or triple) S-shaped edge and / or a Boston profile edge. Preferably, the edge of the glass is at least partially asymmetric. Preferably, at least the outer glass plate is at least asymmetrically rounded and / or beveled and / or machined. In particular, more material is removed from the inner side of the outer glass plate. In particular, the asymmetrically processed edge locally removes substantially all of the reflective coating on the inner side of the outer glass plate. This allows obtaining a rounded or machined edge (which is generally preferred), as well as removing the reflective coating in a single step. Preferably, about 2.5 mm of the reflective coating is removed.

[0023] Preferably, the automotive window laminate structure comprises at least one second ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inner surface of the outer glass plate. The second ceramic tape allows to increase the compatibility between the reflective coatings, and it is found that the heat resistance is surprisingly increased without affecting the appearance of the ceramic tape. In particular, if the second ceramic tape is at least partially translucent and / or transparent, in particular a translucent and / or transparent ceramic enamel, it is found that a good seal of the reflective coating can be provided, thereby reducing corrosion. Surprisingly, it was found that the use of transparent and / or translucent coatings and / or ceramic tapes can improve the sealing of the reflective coating. Since the transparent and / or translucent second ceramic tape contains fewer additives, less incompatibility is observed. It is conceivable that the second ceramic tape is at least partially arranged between at least one ceramic tape and at least one reflective coating. This is particularly helpful for a more consistent appearance of the window. It is well known that the reflective coating may affect the color of the ceramic tape at high temperatures (for example during bending of the window laminate). In particular, if at least one ceramic tape is partially composed of black ceramic enamel. If the second ceramic tape is at least partially arranged between the reflective coating and at least one ceramic bend, the color change of the at least one ceramic tape is significantly reduced. Optionally, the second ceramic tape is at least partially composed of JetverUltra 8S001_MHM commercially sold by Tecglass. The result is a darker black masking tape as seen from the outside of the vehicle window. The black hue can be measured using any illumination spectrophotometer, in particular a D65 / 10 illumination spectrophotometer can be used to measure the color of the ceramic tape. Preferably, the second ceramic tape contains less metallic elements than the at least one ceramic tape.

[0024] Typically, the presence of metallic elements in dark ceramic enamels causes at least partial incompatibility between the ceramic tape and the reflective coating. In addition, other additives may also cause incompatibility. This can be reduced and / or eliminated by providing a transparent and / or translucent second ceramic tape (particularly a reflective coating), and an optional opaque third ceramic tape. This allows a wider range of compatible materials to be selected. Preferably, the second ceramic tape is made of a transparent ceramic enamel (particularly an enamel ink), a particularly suitable example being 7T001_MMHJetverTransparent sold commercially by Tecglass.

[0025] In non-limiting experiments, the results show that if a ceramic black enamel (sold by Tecglass under the name 1A004_MMMJetverBlackautomotive) constituting at least one ceramic band is printed directly in contact with the reflective coating in an AG2-coated soda-lime glass (sold by AGC under the name Iris), and dried and cured at 520 degrees Celsius, which is usually a fairly low temperature for bending glass, the result is that the ceramic enamel print (glass groove on the ceramic enamel) seen from the outside looks purple. This is because the elements of the reflective coating and the ceramic band react at high temperatures. The appearance is uneven. If the firing temperature is increased to 590 degrees Celsius, which is usually a high temperature for bending glass. The observed color of these samples changes to amber / gold. But green can also be observed at moderate bending temperatures. Since the glass (especially the black ceramic enamel thereon) is not fired uniformly during the glass bending process, this can lead to unwanted color differences on a single piece of glass, and an unwanted matte appearance. The combination of AGC Iris Ag2 coating and 1A004_MMM ceramic black enamel is generally considered to be incompatible with each other. In the above example, the CieLab color of the glass after the low temperature bending cycle was measured using a D65 / 10 illumination spectrophotometer, and the measured value was L*14.58a*+0.85b*+4.34. The Cielab color space is a widely accepted method for defining the darkness of a color and the position of a color on the three-dimensional axis color space in the automotive field. The axis L* defines the depth, with 0 representing black and 100 representing white. A negative a* represents green and a positive b* represents red, and a negative b* represents blue and a positive b* represents yellow, with a*b* both 0 representing neutral color. Where L represents the color depth axis, and ab defines the position of the horizontal axis of the color scale. If an intermediate transparent ceramic tape (commercially available 7T001_MMH Jetver Transparent from Tecglass) is provided on the same sample to form a second ceramic tape, and then printed and cured under the same conditions, a deep black shiny appearance is observed from the outside of the glass (glass groove to the ceramic tape), and the result of CieLab color measurement using the same spectrophotometer is L*3.01a*+0.41b*+0.94, which means that L is deep black and the color of ab is more neutral.

[0026] If the AG2 coating is locally removed by laser on the same sample and a black ceramic tape is provided without a transparent second ceramic tape, this would represent the effect of the Ag2 reflective coating. For this result, the color measurement result L*2.22a*+0.17b*-0.42 shows that the reference measurement result is very close to the measurement result of the sample with a transparent intermediate ceramic enamel (second ceramic tape) both in color depth and color horizontal axis. Therefore, the combination of AGCIrisAg2 coating with 1A004_MMM ceramic black enamel and transparent second ceramic tape can be marked as having very good compatibility with each other.

[0027] It is worth noting that this experiment is not intended to limit the beneficial effects of the second ceramic tape. Similar examples can produce similar results and are therefore not excluded from the scope.

[0028] In two additional non-limiting experimental glass samples, two different types of reflective coatings were provided. First was an Ag2 double silver coating (commercially sold as Guardian's IRR color box), labeled S1, and then an Ag3 triple silver coating (commercially sold as Guardian's Sunguard SNX70HT), labeled S2. The same black ceramic glaze Jetver1a004-MMM was partially applied directly onto the silver reflective coating and partially onto a transparent second ceramic tape 7T001_MMH, then dried and cured at 560 degrees Celsius. Color inspection was performed using a spectrophotometer to provide differences in color depth. Since the samples had at least one ceramic tape that was partially above the silver coating and partially above the second ceramic tape, color differences from the same sample could be accurately measured. The results below show that if a ceramic tape (especially black) is printed on a second transparent ceramic tape, the color depth, as well as the color on the horizontal axis, will change significantly. S1 Ag2 glass black ceramic tape, especially black enamel, printed directly on the reflective coating: L*22.85a*-0.38b*+2.38. S1 Ag2 black ceramic tape, especially black enamel, printed on a second ceramic tape, especially a transparent second ceramic tape: L*2.92a*+0.15b*+0.32. S2 Ag3 black ceramic tape, especially black enamel, added directly to the reflective coating: L*19.29a*-2.07b*+5.20. S2 Ag3 black ceramic tape, especially black enamel, printed on a second ceramic tape, especially a transparent second ceramic tape: L*6.33a*-0.71b*+1.96. Although the samples without the second transparent ceramic tape could be marked as compliant, the aesthetic appearance showed a large difference. This can be beneficial if the adjacent glass on a vehicle (e.g. a car) does not have a reflective coating so that the black print is not affected by any reaction during the bending of the glass. Therefore, printing a black ceramic strip over a second transparent ceramic strip can be beneficial in producing a uniform depth of color compared to adjacent glass without such a reflective coating.

[0029] Furthermore, it is known that there is an incompatibility between at least one ceramic tape and the reflective coating, and in particular in the case of a silver-based reflective coating, the resistivity may be adversely affected by the incompatibility. The resistivity of the reflective coating can be measured in ohms / square and can be measured using a Stratometer GFw.Rel.1.01.8 manufactured in particular by the manufacturer NagyInstruments in November 2010. It was measured using Saint Gobain Climacoat 4Ag as the reflective coating, followed by provision of a Jetver8S001_MHM transparent ceramic enamel as the second ceramic tape, drying and covering with a Jetver1A004_MMM black ceramic enamel as the at least one ceramic tape, and firing to 560 degrees Celsius, the following results were obtained in terms of resistivity: The resistivity measurement showed 0.646 ohms / square on the area where the second ceramic tape and the at least one ceramic tape were provided, and 0.626 ohms / square on the area where the ceramic was not provided. Thus, a very good resistivity retention was observed.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the laminated structure comprises at least one third ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inward surface of the outer glass panel. In particular, the third ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic enamel, more particularly, the third ceramic tape is arranged between at least one second ceramic tape (if applied) and at least one ceramic tape. By providing a third layer (preferably an opaque ceramic tape), even better or other results can be achieved in terms of color depth. In addition to providing a second and a third ceramic tape, a mixed second ceramic tape can also be provided. Preferably, the mixed second ceramic tape comprises, for example, 70% (by volume and / or by weight) of transparent ceramic and 30% (by volume and / or by weight) of opaque ceramic. Although this mixed second ceramic tape achieves slightly less results in terms of color depth than providing a second ceramic tape and a third ceramic tape, a thinner result can be obtained. A single layer can also produce the same advantages.

[0031] The second ceramic tape and / or the third ceramic tape can be used in combination with the sealing of the reflective coating according to the invention, but can also be used generally, so that, in order to achieve this advantage, it is not necessary that at least one reflective coating and at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlap, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of the at least one reflective coating. In this respect, the invention also relates to an automotive glass panel, in particular an outer glass panel of an automotive window laminate, the automotive glass panel comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface, the automotive glass panel being provided with at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, which is arranged on at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the glass panel, and also comprising at least one second ceramic tape and / or a second ceramic layer, which is arranged on the at least one reflective coating, the glass panel optionally also comprising at least one ceramic tape, in particular extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the glass panel, in particular wherein the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer are at least partially transparent and / or translucent. Preferably, at least one ceramic tape is at least partially opaque, preferably black. It is conceivable that the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer and / or the at least one ceramic tape are ceramic enamel. Preferably, at least one ceramic tape is applied, in particular directly on top of the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer. Preferably, the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer are applied, in particular directly on at least one reflective coating. It is conceivable that the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer substantially covers the entire at least one reflective coating. This allows in particular the second ceramic tape and / or the second ceramic layer to protect at least one reflective coating, which may be required to protect the reflective properties of the glass, for example in the case of a low-e coating. Compatibility with low-e coatings is particularly observed in the following non-limiting example. A glass sheet with a low-e coating, which is provided by Guardian under the name Silverguard nRG clear, is provided with a second ceramic tape, which is particularly transparent. Subsequently, at least one ceramic tape, in particular a black ceramic tape, is arranged on the second ceramic tape and on the reflective coating formed in part by Silverguard nRG clear. Using the same measurement tool as described above, a value of L*28,06a*-0.71b*-0.42 was obtained in the area where the ceramic tape was set on the reflective coating, while a value of L*2,89a*0.33b*-0.29 was observed when at least one ceramic tape was set on at least one second ceramic tape fired at 550 degrees Celsius. The advantages of the automotive window laminate described above can be applied to automotive glass panels. For example, the black color of the ceramic is deeper and the compatibility between the ceramic and the reflective coating. The automotive glass panel can be used in the automotive window laminate according to the present invention, in particular as an outer glass panel. The different aspects and corresponding advantages of the automotive window laminate can be appropriately applied to the automotive glass panel without combining other aspects in the process.It is also conceivable to use the automotive glass sheet as a side window of a vehicle, in particular a car. These aspects provide special advantages for deep black masking tape or for sealing reflective coatings. For example, the side windows in the door are usually allowed to move up and down. This up and down movement of the glass sheet may cause the reflective coating to tear and wear due to contact with the inner door strip and / or weather strip. Providing at least one second ceramic tape can thus provide protection for the reflective coating. However, it is also conceivable that during the glass bending and / or tempering process, contact between the coating and the rollers and / or mold parts can be avoided. When a reflective coating is applied to the glass sheet, for example, this can be a monolithic tempered glass sheet. The color spectrum reflected or mirrored is different from the color spectrum that passes through the glass and / or is absorbed. This is at least partly caused by the coating properties, because more of the red spectrum is reflected. Therefore, the reflected light will have a different color. The same is true if a ceramic tape, in particular a ceramic enamel, is applied on the coating. The reflected color can be adjusted by the thickness of the dielectric layer of the coating. However, since the ceramic tape also affects the color, a translucent ceramic enamel (a ceramic enamel that is not completely opaque) can be used to change the color and the reflected color.

[0032] According to various embodiments, at least one ceramic tape extends in length beyond the reflective coating at least by its own thickness. It is also conceivable that at least one ceramic tape extends in length beyond the reflective coating at least by the thickness of the reflective coating. This can ensure that a sufficient application seal is applied to the at least one reflective coating. The reflective coating can be applied with a thickness of about 100 nm-500 nm, preferably about 200 nm. By allowing the ceramic tape to extend in length beyond the reflective coating at least by its own thickness, it is ensured that the ceramic tape seals the reflective coating. This is due to the fact that the ceramic layer is usually thicker than the reflective coating. Therefore, this ensures that the ceramic tape actually adheres to a portion of the outer glass sheet without the reflective coating to provide the required seal. Preferably, the average thickness of at least one ceramic tape is between about 10 microns and 60 microns, preferably about 30 microns. It has been shown that in the case of a black ceramic tape, this thickness can provide a sufficiently low light transmittance. If ceramic tapes of different colors are applied, thicker ceramic tapes can be applied, with a greater average thickness. When different ceramic colors are applied, thicknesses up to three times the above thicknesses can be conceivable. Therefore, at least one ceramic tape can extend beyond the reflective coating by at least 10 microns. This is significantly shorter than conventional techniques, where an adhesive layer is used to seal the reflective coating. Typically, the adhesive layer seal needs to extend beyond the coating by at least 6 mm, but preferably 15 mm. Thus, the present invention allows the reflective coating to extend further to the edge of the glass sheet, resulting in a greater effective usable surface area and better aesthetics.

[0033] Preferably, at least one reflective coating is an infrared and / or heat reflective coating. Infrared and heat are two main factors that accelerate the degradation of automotive window laminates. To this end, preferably, the reflective coating is at least configured to reflect heat and / or infrared radiation to prevent the ceramic tape from heating up. It is conceivable that the reflective coating is applied to the entire inward surface of the outer glass sheet. The entire inward surface can be understood as the entire plane up to the rounded edge or bevel (if applicable). By applying the reflective coating to the entire inward surface (face 2) of the outer glass sheet, uniform reflection of heat and / or infrared radiation can be achieved. Preferably, the reflective coating ensures that the temperature of the ceramic tape does not exceed about 70 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 10 degrees Celsius, preferably plus or minus 5 degrees Celsius. This may have a great impact on the life expectancy of the automotive window laminate, in particular the life expectancy of the functional film or layer. Since the ceramic tape is generally heated more than the rest of the window laminate (in particular the center part), the temperature gradient can be reduced. According to the prior art, the temperature of the ceramic tape may exceed 90 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the window laminate can usually only reach a maximum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, so there is a gradient of 30 degrees Celsius where the ceramic tape is set. The present invention can reduce this gradient to a gradient of only 10 degrees Celsius. This can reduce the induced stress in the laminate, especially in the transition area where the ceramic tape is applied, which is beneficial to the service life of the window laminate itself. Generally, two methods can be used to apply the reflective coating. The first is a pyrolytic coating, which can be applied in the float glass process while the glass is still in a molten state. In this state, the glass can be pulled onto a liquid tin bath and then the annealed coating is sprayed onto the hot surface to fuse with the glass layer. The pyrolytic coating has infrared reflection and radiation reduction (low-e) properties, and is relatively hard and durable. The molten coating is insensitive to most external environmental conditions and is known to be compatible with certain ceramic enamels melted on the coating. Non-limiting examples of ceramic enamels that can be used in the present invention can be provided by the Fenzi Group, such as the XLM54S-IRP01 type. As an alternative, magnetron sputtering coating, which can also be called physical vapor deposition (PVD), can be applied. PVD coating is applied only after the glass is produced, and atoms are emitted into a plasma surrounding magnetic field on the glass surface through a vacuum chamber and a charged cathode. Sputtering coating includes metal and dielectric layers to form an infrared reflective layer, which is soft and has low durability in terms of permeability under external environmental conditions (such as moisture). Especially when elements that are easily in contact with moisture are used, such as silver (Ag). Sputtering coating is also known for being incompatible with black ceramic enamel fused to its coating. For this reason, it is preferred that at least one reflective coating is preferably free of zinc and / or zinc oxide (ZnO). By applying a reflective coating that does not contain zinc and / or zinc oxide, ceramic tape can be more easily applied to the reflective coating. In this way, the risk of incompatibility is reduced. Titanium and / or titanium (di) oxide can be used instead of zinc and / or zinc oxide to achieve the function. The benefits of sealing the reflective coating with ceramic tape are maintained.

[0034] Preferably, at least one ceramic tape extends beyond at least one reflective coating along the entire periphery of at least one reflective coating. In this way, substantially the entire at least one reflective coating is sealed by the ceramic tape, which is very beneficial for maintaining the properties of the functional layer. In addition, by sealing substantially the entire reflective coating with the ceramic tape, the need to apply a specific seal in this area is eliminated. Therefore, production costs can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need to provide an alternative seal by a different or additional material, a weight reduction of the automotive window laminate can be achieved. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide an edge deletion of the reflective coating. That is, the reflective coating can optionally extend to the periphery of the glass sheet. Since there is no need to locally remove the edge of the reflective coating, an entire production step can be eliminated, which can allow a faster process and can also simplify the window laminate. Preferably, at least one ceramic tape seals (preferably watertightly seals) at least one reflective coating, in particular its periphery.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one reflective coating comprises silver particles, such as AgCl and / or Ag nanoparticles, in particular at least one Ag1 coating. However, it is also conceivable to provide Ag2, Ag3, Ag4 coatings as reflective coatings. In this regard, the Agx coating can be considered as a silver-based coating, where "x" can refer to the number of passes of the sputtering machine. It is also conceivable to locally provide a dielectric coating on the silver-based coating. The dielectric coating can be, for example, a dielectric ceramic, such as Si3N4. Preferably, the dielectric coating is arranged between the silver-based reflective coating and the ceramic tape. This can solve the compatibility problems that arise between the reflective coating and the ceramic tape. It is conceivable that if the reflective coating includes metal particles, in particular silver particles, the coating may block or hinder radio waves, for which reason a radio wave port can be locally provided in the reflective coating. The size of such a radio wave port can be about 100 mm x 60 mm or more, with a 0.1 mm shaped grid and a 1 mm spacing, depending on the desired frequency to be passed. Preferably, the radio wave port is at least partially covered by the second ceramic tape and / or the third ceramic tape (if applied) or at least one ceramic tape. For this, the same compatibility is observed.

[0036] Preferably, at least one ceramic tape is in particular a ceramic enamel tape. Preferably, the ceramic tape, in particular the ceramic enamel, comprises at least one additive selected from aluminum, bismuth, boron, calcium, lead, lithium, magnesium, silicon, titanium, sodium, potassium, tin, oxides, zinc, zirconium, nickel chromium, iron oxide, manganese oxide, chromium oxide and / or boron trioxide. Preferably, zinc and zinc oxide and zirconium are not used. Preferably, titanium and / or (di) titanium oxide can be used instead of zinc and / or zinc oxide to achieve this function. The additive for coloring the ceramic can be selected from oxides containing the following elements: aluminum, bismuth, boron, calcium, gold, lead, lithium, magnesium, silicon, titanium, sodium, platinum potassium, tin or oxides of the above elements. Preferably, the ceramic tape does not contain bismuth. Preferably, the ceramic tape does not contain zinc and zinc oxide and zirconium. The black pigment can include NiCr, Fe oxide, Mn oxide, Cr oxide, and a flux such as boron trioxide can be added to reduce the melting point.

[0037] There are some specific examples of compatible reflective coatings and ceramic tapes. Preferably, when the ceramic tape (particularly the ceramic enamel) contains bismuth, the reflective coating is substantially free of zinc. In a specific composition of the above case, the ceramic tape contains bismuth and the reflective coating (seen from the outside inwards) contains a first layer of silicon nitride (Si3N4), specifically The second layer of nickel (Ni), specifically The third layer is silver (Ag), specifically The fourth layer of nickel (Ni) is specifically The fifth layer of silicon nitride (Si3N4), specifically The sixth layer of nickel (Ni) is specifically The seventh layer is silver (Ag), specifically The eighth layer of nickel (Ni), specifically The ninth layer of silicon nitride (Si3N4), specifically Thus, a ceramic tape which may therefore contain bismuth may be realized by the ceramic known as Johnson Matthey L6029-IR. This specific, non-limiting example has proven suitable for the present invention.

[0038] However, as an alternative, when the reflective coating comprises zinc, the ceramic tape is preferably substantially free of bismuth. In this regard, any reflective coating comprising zinc may be applied, wherein the specifically compatible ceramic tape may be at least partially, preferably completely, embodied by, for example, an AGC Super Iris Ag3 coating and / or, for example, a Jetlux F5496128M platinum glass / ceramic tape.

[0039] Preferably, the thermoplastic laminate structure comprises at least one functional layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, preferably wherein the at least one functional layer comprises at least two thermoplastic layers, and at least one film layer, in particular a functional film or layer, located between the at least two thermoplastic layers, and at least two adhesive layers, wherein the at least two adhesive layers at least partially cover the upper surface and the lower surface of the at least one functional layer.

[0040] The invention also relates to a glass sheet for use in an automotive window laminate according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for producing an automotive window laminate structure, preferably according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0041] a) providing an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface,

[0042] b) providing at least one reflective coating on at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet,

[0043] c) sealing at least a portion of a perimeter of at least one reflective coating,

[0044] d) Providing a thermoplastic laminate structure between the inner and outer glass panes.

[0045] Preferably, the method comprises the step of providing at least one second ceramic tape, preferably, wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is a transparent and / or translucent ceramic tape, the at least one second ceramic tape being applied, preferably directly, to the at least one reflective coating, in particular wherein the sealing of step c) is sealed by applying the second ceramic tape. It is conceivable that the method comprises the step of providing at least one third ceramic tape, preferably, wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic tape, the at least one third ceramic tape being applied, preferably directly, to the at least one second ceramic tape.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, during step c), the portion of the periphery is sealed by step e), which step e) provides at least one ceramic tape along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet, preferably, wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to at least one second ceramic tape, more preferably, wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to at least one third ceramic tape. Preferably, in step e), at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one third ceramic tape overlaps the reflective coating applied in step b), and wherein at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one third ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of the at least one reflective coating applied in step b). It is conceivable that in step c), the entire periphery of the at least one reflective coating is sealed, in particular watertightly sealed. Optionally, the method comprises the step of: f) providing a bevel and / or a rounded corner on at least a portion of the edge of at least one inner glass sheet and / or outer glass sheet. Preferably, the second or third ceramic tape is applied by printing a wet layer of about 10-100 microns thick. This depends on the printing method, since the amount of solvent for digital printing generally requires thicker wet layers compared to screen printing. The at least one ceramic tape and / or the at least one second ceramic tape and / or the at least one third ceramic tape can be applied by printing. It is conceivable to print the individual tapes after curing, drying or firing the previous layer, but it is also conceivable to superimpose the ceramic tapes while they are still at least partially wet.

[0047] The benefits of the disclosures relating to automotive window laminate structures also apply to methods of producing automotive window laminate structures and glass panels and are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the following non-limiting terms.

[0049] 1. Automotive window lamination structure, including:

[0050] an outer glass pane, and optionally an inner glass pane, preferably the inner and outer glass panes being arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other, the inner and outer glass panes each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface,

[0051] - optionally at least one thermoplastic laminate structure disposed substantially entirely between the outwardly facing surface of the inner glass pane and the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane,

[0052] at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, which is provided on at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane,

[0053] - at least one ceramic band extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet,

[0054] Preferably, the at least one reflective coating and the at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlap, and optionally, at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape extends beyond a perimeter of the at least one reflective coating.

[0055] 2. A laminated automotive window structure according to claim 1, wherein the edge along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner glass pane and / or the outer glass pane is rounded and / or beveled, or the edge along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner glass pane and / or the outer glass pane is processed and / or modified.

[0056] 3. An automotive window laminate structure according to clause 2, wherein the rounded and / or beveled portions are substantially free of reflective coating.

[0057] 4. An automotive window laminate structure according to clause 2 or 3, wherein at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlaps the rounded and / or beveled portion.

[0058] 5. An automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the laminate structure comprises at least one second ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane.

[0059] 6. A vehicle window laminate structure according to clause 5, wherein the second ceramic tape is a translucent and / or transparent ceramic tape, in particular an enamel, in particular wherein the second ceramic tape is at least partially arranged between at least one ceramic tape and at least one reflective coating.

[0060] 7. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of clauses 5 or 6, wherein the laminate structure comprises at least one third ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane.

[0061] 8. The automotive window laminate structure according to clause 7, wherein the third ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic enamel, in particular wherein the third ceramic tape is arranged between the at least one second ceramic tape (if applied) and the at least one ceramic tape.

[0062] 9. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one ceramic tape extends in length beyond the reflective coating by at least its own thickness.

[0063] 10. An automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the reflective coatings is an infrared and / or heat reflective coating.

[0064] 11. A laminated automotive window structure according to any preceding clause wherein the reflective coating is applied over the entire inwardly facing surface of the outer glass pane.

[0065] 12. An automotive window laminate structure according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one ceramic tape extends beyond at least one reflective coating along the entire periphery of at least one reflective coating.

[0066] 13. An automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one ceramic tape seals, preferably impermeably seals, at least one reflective coating, in particular at its periphery.

[0067] 14. An automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one reflective coating comprises silver particles (eg AgCl) and / or Ag nanoparticles.

[0068] 15. An automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one ceramic tape, in particular a ceramic enamel tape, comprises at least one additive selected from the following group: aluminum, boron, calcium, gold, lead, lithium, magnesium, silicon, titanium, sodium, platinum, potassium, tin, oxides, nickel chromium, iron oxide, manganese oxide, chromium oxide and / or boron trioxide.

[0069] 16. The automotive window laminate structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the average total thickness of the at least one ceramic tape is between about 10 microns and 60 microns, preferably about 30 microns.

[0070] 17. An automotive window laminate structure according to any preceding clause, wherein the thermoplastic laminate structure comprises:

[0071] - at least one functional layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, preferably, wherein the at least one functional layer comprises at least two thermoplastic layers, and at least one film layer located between the at least two thermoplastic layers, and;

[0072] - at least two adhesive layers, wherein the at least two adhesive layers at least partially cover the upper surface and the lower surface of the at least one functional layer.

[0073] 18. Glass sheet for use in an automotive window laminate according to any one of clauses 1 to 17.

[0074] 19. A method for producing a laminated structure for automotive windows, preferably according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, comprising the steps of:

[0075] a) providing an outer glass pane and optionally an inner glass pane, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface,

[0076] b) providing at least one reflective coating on at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet,

[0077] c) optionally sealing at least a portion of a perimeter of at least one reflective coating,

[0078] d) Optionally providing a thermoplastic laminate structure between the inner and outer glass panes.

[0079] 20. The method according to clause 19, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0080] At least one second ceramic tape is provided, preferably, wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is a transparent and / or translucent ceramic tape, and the at least one second ceramic tape is applied to at least one reflective coating, preferably directly to at least one reflective coating, in particular wherein the sealing of step c) is sealed by applying a second ceramic tape.

[0081] 21. The method according to clause 20, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0082] At least one third ceramic tape is provided, preferably wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic tape, the at least one third ceramic tape being applied, preferably directly, to the at least one second ceramic tape.

[0083] 22. A method according to any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein during step c), the portion of the perimeter is sealed by step e).

[0084] At least one ceramic tape is provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet, preferably wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to at least one second ceramic tape, more preferably wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to at least one third ceramic tape.

[0085] 23. A method according to any of clauses 20 to 22, wherein during step e), at least a portion of at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of at least one third ceramic tape overlaps with the reflective coating applied during step b), and wherein at least a portion of at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of at least one third ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of at least one reflective coating applied during step b).

[0086] 24. The method according to any of clauses 19 to 23, wherein during step c) the entire periphery of the at least one reflective coating is sealed, in particular watertightly sealed.

[0087] 25. A method according to any one of clauses 19 to 24, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0088] f) Providing a bevel and / or a radius on at least a portion of the edge of at least one inner pane and / or outer pane.

[0089] The present invention will be further described below based on the following drawings, in which:

[0090] - Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a laminated structure of an automotive window according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0091] - Figure 2 A portion of an automotive window laminate is shown according to various embodiments;

[0092] - Figure 3 a-3e shows a part of the production process of the automotive window laminate structure according to the present invention; and

[0093] - Figure 4 a-4e shows another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 1A first embodiment of an automotive window laminate 1 according to the invention is shown. For illustrative purposes, only a portion of the automotive window laminate 1 is shown. The cross section shown in the figure allows the inventive concept of the invention to be explained in more detail. Since the object of the invention is to provide an automotive window laminate 1 capable of reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the window, the embodiment shown provides an inventive solution. The figure shows a cross section comprising an outer glass sheet 2 and an inner glass sheet 3, which are parallel to each other and at a certain distance from each other. The outer glass sheet 2 and the inner glass sheet comprise inward surfaces 2a, 3a and outward surfaces 2b, 3b, respectively. In this regard, the outward surface 2b of the outer glass sheet 2 can be referred to as face 1 of the window laminate, while the inward surface 2a of the outer glass sheet 2 can be referred to as face 2. Similarly, the outward surface 3b of the inner glass sheet 3 can be referred to as face 3 of the window laminate, while the inward surface 3a of the inner glass sheet 3 can be referred to as face 4. A thermoplastic laminate structure 4 is arranged between the outer glass sheet 2 and the inner glass sheet 3. The thermoplastic laminate structure 4 comprises at least one functional layer 5, preferably at least one film layer, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal device, and / or a suspended particle device, and / or an electrochromic device, and / or a micro shutter, and / or a passive functional layer. The film layer may be deposited between two thermoplastic layers, wherein the thermoplastic layer may be at least partially composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or triacetate cellulose (TAC). It is conceivable that at least one side of at least one thermoplastic layer is provided with a conductive coating, preferably indium tin oxide (ITO). A frame layer 7 is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the functional layer 5. The frame layer 7 may be at least partially formed by a separate material, but may also be formed by an inactive portion of the functional layer 5. The frame layer 7 is configured to provide a suitable seal for the functional layer 5. This is particularly preferred when the functional layer 5 is thicker. An adhesive layer 6 is applied on either side of the functional layer 5 and the frame layer 7. The adhesive layer 6 allows the functional film to be adhered to the glass plates 2, 3. In order to provide better heat resistance and / or resistance to infrared radiation, the present invention is provided with a reflective coating 8. The reflective coating 8 preferably comprises silver. Preferably, at least one reflective coating comprises silver particles, such as AgCl and / or Ag nanoparticles, in particular at least one Ag1 coating. However, it is also conceivable to provide Ag2, Ag3, Ag4 coatings as reflective coatings. Silver-based coatings are one of the preferred options because they have good infrared reflection properties.

[0095] The inventive concept of the present invention is that the reflective coating 8 is arranged on the surface 2 of the automotive window laminate 1, thus on the inward-facing surface 2a of the outer glass panel 2. Thus, the beams of sunlight and / or infrared radiation 12 impinging on the outer glass panel 2 pass through the outer glass panel 2 and are largely reflected by the reflective coating 8. Thus, the incident sunlight and / or infrared radiation 12 is mostly reflected back in the outward reflection 13. Only a small part of the incident sunlight and / or infrared radiation 12, i.e. the inward reflection 14, can pass through the reflective coating 8. Thus, only the inward reflection 14 can heat the components located below the reflective coating 8. In particular, due to the reflective coating 8, the ceramic strip 9 arranged around at least a part of the periphery of the outer glass panel 2 will heat up less. This is largely due to the fact that the reflective coating 8 is located above the ceramic strip 9 (seen in the direction from the outside to the inside). The reflective strip can cover a part of the thermoplastic laminate structure 4, in particular the area comprising the electronic connections and / or the frame layer 7. It is desirable to reduce the amount of heat absorbed and / or transferred to the interior of the window laminate 1. The interior can be seen as a thermoplastic laminate 4 and a ceramic tape 9. The ceramic tape 9 may be particularly susceptible to high temperatures because it is usually black. Therefore, if no incident sunlight and / or incident infrared rays are blocked, it may absorb a considerable part of the heat, thereby increasing its temperature. If no reflective coating 8 is provided on the face 2, the temperature of the ceramic tape 9 may reach more than 90 degrees Celsius. Under the same conditions, the present invention can reduce the maximum temperature to about 60 to 70 degrees Celsius. The ceramic tape 9 extends beyond the reflective coating 8 until the portion of the edge 11 of the glass sheets 2, 3 where there is essentially no reflective coating. This enables the ceramic tape to locally prevent moisture from coming into contact with the reflective coating 8. Preferably, the ceramic tape 9 itself seals the reflective coating 8. The ceramic tape 9 preferably extends at least 10 microns-60 beyond the reflective coating 8, so that only a small part is sufficient to seal the reflective coating 8. This may be due to the nature of the ceramic tape. In this figure, the edges 11 of the outer glass sheet 2 and the inner glass sheet 3 are rounded.

[0096] Figure 2An alternative embodiment of glass sheets 2, 3 according to the invention is shown. In this particular figure, an example of an outer glass sheet 2 is shown, but this shape can also be used for the inner glass sheet 3. However, in order to further understand how the concept of the invention can be applied to different glass edge shapes, the outer glass sheet 2 is shown here. The edge 11 of the glass sheet 2 in this figure is straight and can form a substantially perpendicular angle with respect to the outward surface 2b and the inward surface 2a of the outer glass sheet 2. A reflective coating 8 is provided on the inward surface 2a of the glass sheet 2. In this embodiment, the reflective coating 8 is applied to substantially the entire inward surface 2a of the glass sheet 2. This can be done, for example, before further processing of the glass sheet 2. It is also conceivable that a large piece of glass is provided with a reflective coating 8, such as any coating according to the invention, wherein after the reflective coating 8 is applied, the large piece of glass is cut into sheets to be used. This may result, as shown in this figure, in that the reflective coating 8 extends all the way to the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2, because this reflects the cutting line. However, the reflective coating 8 can still be prevented from contacting the external environment and thus from contacting moisture. In this regard, a ceramic strip 9 can be provided, which extends all the way to the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2. Since the ceramic tape 9 preferably extends beyond the reflective coating 8 by at least its own thickness, and since the reflective coating is typically an order of magnitude thinner, it can be ensured that the ceramic tape 9 actually extends to the portion of the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2 that is free of the reflective coating 8. In this way, the portion of the ceramic tape 9 that is adhered to the portion of the edge 11 that is free of the reflective coating can seal the reflective coating 8. This can help to extend the service life of the vehicle window laminate 1.

[0097] Figure 3 a-3e shows a part of the method according to the invention. In this respect, Figure 3 a shows a first step, in which a glass sheet 2 is provided. Figure 3 In a, an outer glass sheet is shown, but it is also conceivable that an inner glass sheet 3 is provided in this step. In a subsequent step, as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , a coating 8 is applied, in particular, a reflective coating 8 is applied on the inward surface 2a of the outer glass plate 2. The reflective coating 8 is applied on substantially the entire inward surface 2a of the outer glass plate 2. Therefore, the entire vehicle window laminate can have good reflective properties. Figure 3 In step c, the edge 11 of the outer glass sheet 2 is rounded. Rounding the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2 can better distribute the stresses in the glass sheet 2. These stresses can be introduced during the bending process, for example. For the sake of illustration, Figure 3 The glass sheets and window laminates are shown in a horizontal orientation, but it is conceivable that the sheet 2 or laminate 1 is slightly curved. Figure 3d, a ceramic tape 9 is arranged on the outer glass sheet 2. The ceramic tape 9 is particularly applied so as to partially overlap the reflective coating 8, but also to extend beyond the reflective coating 8 to a substantially reflective coating-free portion of the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2. When in the present application it is mentioned that a portion of the glass sheet 2 is free of reflective coating, this can be understood as that portion is free of reflective coating or free of reflective coating. However, it is preferred to eliminate the step of locally removing the coating 8, as this can reduce production time. In this regard, as Figure 3 As shown in d, the ceramic tape 9 extends to a portion of the circular edge 11 without the reflective coating 8. This allows the reflective coating 8 to be isolated from moisture by the ceramic tape. Figure 3 a-3d show the subsequent steps of preparing the outer glass sheet 2 according to the invention, wherein Figure 3 e shows an assembled automotive window laminate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below the outer glass panel 2 (seen from the outside to the inside), a thermoplastic laminate structure 4 is provided. The thermoplastic laminate structure 4 includes two adhesive layers 6 and a functional film 5 as described in the present application. Optionally, the inward surface 3 of the inner glass panel 3 may also be provided with a ceramic tape 9. In this way, the connection and frame layers 7 of the thermoplastic laminate structure 4 present along the periphery of the panel structure 4 may be hidden from the driver's sight.

[0098] Figure 4 a-4e shows a part of another embodiment according to the present invention. In this regard, Figure 4 a shows a first step, in which a glass sheet 2 is provided. Figure 4 In a, an outer glass sheet is shown, but it is also conceivable that an inner glass sheet 3 is provided in this step. In a subsequent step, as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , a coating 8 is applied, in particular, a reflective coating 8 is applied on the inward surface 2a of the outer glass plate 2. The reflective coating 8 is applied on substantially the entire inward surface 2a of the outer glass plate 2. Therefore, the entire vehicle window laminate can have good reflective properties. Figure 4 In step c, the edge 11 of the outer glass sheet 2 is rounded. Rounding the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2 can better distribute the stresses in the glass sheet 2. These stresses can be introduced during the bending process, for example. For the sake of illustration, Figure 4 The glass sheets and window laminates shown in FIG. 1 are shown in a horizontal orientation, although it is conceivable that the sheet 2 or laminate 1 is slightly curved. Figure 4In the step shown in d, a ceramic strip 9 is arranged on the outer glass plate 2. The ceramic strip 9 includes at least one second ceramic strip 9A and at least one ceramic strip 9B. In this regard, the at least one second ceramic strip 9A is arranged on the reflective coating 8 and is preferably substantially transparent or translucent, such as a transparent ceramic enamel 9A. The at least one second ceramic strip 9A can optionally extend over substantially the entire surface of the reflective coating 8. The at least one ceramic strip 9B can be in particular a black ceramic strip 9B, for example forming a typical black edge of a vehicle window. The at least one ceramic strip 9B itself will determine the daylight opening of the vehicle window. By applying at least one second ceramic strip 9A (which is different from the at least one ceramic strip 9B), a more aesthetic appearance can be achieved. Not only that, it also contributes to overall compatibility. In fact, the black ceramic strip 9B is generally not very compatible with the reflective coating 8, which can be partially solved by at least one second ceramic strip 9A. This allows to achieve better reflection properties and a better overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle window, because black is generally darker and more shiny when viewed from the outside of the vehicle window (i.e. from the side 2b). The ceramic tape 9 is particularly applied so as to partially overlap the reflective coating 8, but also to extend beyond the reflective coating 8 to a substantially reflective coating-free portion of the edge 11 of the glass sheet 2, although this is not necessary when improved aesthetics is the only objective. When it is mentioned in the present application that a portion of the glass sheet 2 is free of reflective coating, this is to be understood as meaning that the portion is free of reflective coating or is free of reflective coating. However, it is preferred to omit the step of partially removing the coating 8, as this can reduce production time. In this regard, as Figure 4 As shown in d, the ceramic tape 9 extends to a portion of the circular edge 11 without the reflective coating 8. This allows the reflective coating 8 to be isolated from moisture by the ceramic tape. Figure 4 a-4d show the steps for preparing the outer glass sheet 2 according to the invention, wherein Figure 4 e shows an assembled automotive window laminate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below the outer glass panel 2 (seen from the outside to the inside), a thermoplastic laminate structure 4 is provided. The thermoplastic laminate structure 4 includes two adhesive layers 6 and a functional film 5, as described in the present application. Optionally, a ceramic tape 9 can also be provided on the inward surface 3 of the inner glass panel 3. In this way, the connection and frame layers 7 of the thermoplastic laminate structure 4 present along the periphery of the panel structure 4 can be hidden from the driver's sight. Although this embodiment indicates an outer glass panel 2 and an inner glass panel 3, it can be imagined that this also applies to a single glass panel used in the automotive industry. For example, on the side windows of a vehicle.

[0099] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is contemplated that a single inventive concept (including inventive details) may be applied without simultaneously applying other details of that example. It is not necessary to detail examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as those skilled in the art will appreciate that many inventive concepts may be (re)combined to achieve specific applications and / or alternative embodiments.

[0100] As used herein, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" are used for identification purposes only. Thus, the use of an expression such as a "second" component does not necessarily require the co-presence of a "first" component.

Claims

1. Lamination structure of automobile windows, including: - an inner glass sheet and an outer glass sheet, the inner glass sheet and the outer glass sheet being placed parallel and spaced apart from each other, the inner glass sheet and the outer glass sheet each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface, - at least one thermoplastic laminate structure, said thermoplastic laminate structure being substantially completely interposed between said outwardly facing surface of said inner glass pane and said inwardly facing surface of said outer glass pane, at least one reflective coating, in particular a heat and / or infrared reflective coating, arranged on at least a portion of said inwardly facing surface of said outer glass pane, - at least one ceramic strip extending along at least a portion of said periphery of said inwardly facing surface of said outer glass sheet, wherein the at least one reflective coating and the at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlap, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape extends beyond the perimeter of the at least one reflective coating.

2. The automotive window laminate structure according to claim 1, wherein: The edge along at least a portion of the perimeter of at least one of the inner and / or outer glass panes is rounded and / or beveled.

3. The automotive window laminate structure according to claim 2, wherein: The rounded and / or beveled portions are substantially free of reflective coating.

4. The automotive window laminate structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The at least one ceramic tape at least partially overlaps the rounded and / or beveled portions.

5. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The laminate structure comprises at least one second ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet.

6. The automotive window laminate structure according to claim 5, wherein: The second ceramic tape is a translucent and / or transparent ceramic tape, in particular an enamel, in particular wherein the second ceramic tape is at least partially arranged between the at least one ceramic tape and the at least one reflective coating.

7. The automotive window laminate structure according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein: The laminate structure comprises at least one third ceramic tape, preferably extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet.

8. The automotive window laminate structure according to claim 7, wherein: The third ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic enamel, in particular wherein the third ceramic tape is arranged between the at least one second ceramic tape, if applied, and the at least one ceramic tape.

9. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one ceramic strip extends in length beyond the reflective coating by at least its thickness.

10. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one reflective coating is an infrared and / or heat reflective coating.

11. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reflective coating is applied over the entire inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet.

12. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one ceramic tape extends outside of the at least one reflective coating along the entire periphery of the at least one reflective coating.

13. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one ceramic tape seals, preferably impermeably seals, the at least one reflective coating, in particular at its periphery.

14. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one reflective coating comprises silver particles, such as AgCl, and / or Ag nanoparticles.

15. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one ceramic tape, in particular a ceramic enamel tape, comprises at least one additive selected from the following group: aluminum, boron, calcium, gold, lead, lithium, magnesium, silicon, titanium, sodium, platinum, potassium, tin, oxides, nickel chromium, iron oxide, manganese oxide, chromium oxide and / or boron trioxide.

16. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one ceramic tape has an average total thickness of between about 10 microns and 60 microns, preferably about 30 microns.

17. An automotive window laminate structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thermoplastic laminate structure comprises: - at least one functional layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, preferably, wherein the at least one functional layer comprises at least two thermoplastic layers and at least one film layer located between the at least two thermoplastic layers, and; - at least two adhesive layers, wherein the at least two adhesive layers at least partially cover the upper surface and the lower surface of the at least one functional layer.

18. A glass plate using the automotive window laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method for producing a laminated structure for automotive windows, preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the following steps: a) providing an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane, the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane each comprising an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface, b) providing at least one reflective coating on at least a portion of said inwardly facing surface of said outer glass sheet, c) sealing at least a portion of a periphery of said at least one reflective coating, d) Providing a thermoplastic laminate structure between said inner glass pane and said outer glass pane.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: At least one second ceramic tape is provided, preferably, wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is a transparent and / or translucent ceramic tape, which is applied to, preferably directly applied to, the at least one reflective coating, in particular wherein the sealing of step c) is sealed by applying the second ceramic tape.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: At least one third ceramic tape is provided, preferably wherein the at least one second ceramic tape is an opaque ceramic tape, the at least one third ceramic tape being applied, preferably directly applied, to the at least one second ceramic tape.

22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein In step c), sealing said portion of said perimeter by step e), At least one ceramic tape is provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the outer glass sheet, preferably wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to the at least one second ceramic tape, more preferably wherein the at least one ceramic tape is applied to the at least one third ceramic tape.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein during step e), at least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one third ceramic tape overlaps the reflective coating applied during step b), and wherein, At least a portion of the at least one ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one second ceramic tape and / or at least a portion of the at least one third ceramic tape extends beyond the periphery of the at least one reflective coating applied during step b).

24. Method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein during step c) the entire periphery of the at least one reflective coating is sealed, in particular watertightly sealed.

25. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein The method comprises the following steps: f) Providing a bevel and / or a radius on at least a portion of said edge of at least one of said inner pane and / or said outer pane.

Images