Embedded glass plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to an embedded glass sheet separating an interior from an external environment, comprising a reflective patch having a ramp profile, to an HUD system comprising said embedded glass sheet, and to the use of a ramp profile on an embedded glass sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inlaid glass plate that separates an internal space from an external environment, the inlaid glass plate including a reflective patch having a ramp profile, an HUD system including the inlaid glass plate, and the use of the ramp profile on the inlaid glass plate. Background Art

[0002] Inlaid glass plates suitable for the reflection of projected images are continuously improving and expanding in terms of performance and application fields, at least in transportation applications, especially when an HUD function is required.

[0003] Reflection coating techniques obtained by depositing metals and / or dielectric layers on a glass or plastic substrate by chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition enable various reflection properties to be obtained. For example, at Brewster's angle, the reflection of p-polarized light is higher than 10%. These coatings can be applied on the surface of the inlaid glass plate or within the inlaid glass plate, specifically within a laminated inlaid glass plate.

[0004] These coatings are well-known to those skilled in the art and have clear advantages in terms of quality, processing convenience, and performance. The main disadvantage lies only in the cost.

[0005] A fully coated windshield corresponds to a large coating area. In some applications, only a black band display is used as the projection area. In those cases, only the area of the surface of the inlaid glass plate needs a reflective coating, so that the application of a local coating will more effectively avoid the production loss associated with a whole-surface coating.

[0006] With a local coating, a sunlight control function can also be more easily implemented in the transparent area.

[0007] When only the area of the surface of the inlaid glass plate needs a reflective coating, the deposition of the coating can be selective in that area, or a fully deposited coating can be stripped (removed). The second operation involves wasted materials and process complexity.

[0008] In some cases, a coating only in a selected area may result in misalignment between the coated area and the uncoated area of the inlaid glass plate, specifically when there is a difference in light transmittance between these areas.

[0009] There is still a need to provide a display area that is only a part of the entire surface of the inlaid glass plate, so as to reduce the cost disadvantage and avoid misalignment between the coated area and the uncoated area of a large inlaid glass plate. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome the above disadvantages by providing an inset glass panel that separates an internal space from the external environment, the inset glass panel having an inner surface facing the internal space and an outer surface facing the external environment, wherein the inner surface is provided in at least one region with a reflective patch having a perimeter, characterized in that the reflective patch has a ramp profile along at least a part of its perimeter.

[0011] The reflective patch itself provides a high reflectivity for p-polarized radiation, whether projected from a p-polarized light source or from a mixed light source, and allows for a color-neutral display.

[0012] By masking the ends of the patch, the specific ramp profile helps to provide effective positioning and also helps to reduce edge defects that cause dust trapping and / or adhesion problems at the edges of the reflective patch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the ramp profile of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4a and Figure 4b are schematic views of a third embodiment of the present invention, a side view and a perspective view respectively.

[0017] Figure 5a and Figure 5b are schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a side view and a perspective view respectively.

[0018] Figure 6a and Figure 6b are schematic views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a top view and a perspective view respectively.

[0019] These figures are not to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] This inset glass panel is thus used to define an internal space from the external environment. The internal space can be a room or a defined space that must be separated from the external environment. In a preferred embodiment, the internal space is the interior of a vehicle.

[0021] The inner surface of the inset glass panel is thus the surface facing the internal space, while the outer surface faces the external environment.

[0022] The inset glass panel can be a single sheet of glass or polymer, or can be a laminate of glass and / or polymer materials.

[0023] Examples of glass sheets include float glass sheets or alternatively cast or drawn glass sheets and can be selected from all glass technologies, such as: float clear, extra-clear or tinted glass, (partially) acid-etched or (partially) sandblasted glass, and combinations thereof. It can be any composition with any optical properties, such as any value of visible light transmittance, ultraviolet transmittance, infrared transmittance, and / or total solar transmittance. The glass can be soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, etc. The glass can be a normal clear, tinted or extra-clear (i.e., lower Fe content and higher transmittance) glass substrate. Further examples of glass substrates include clear, green, bronze or blue-green glass substrates.

[0024] Examples of polymer material sheets include poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof.

[0025] Preferred glazing glass plates are glass plates that are commonly used to provide vehicle glazing.

[0026] The glass can be clear, extra-clear, or tinted. These glass types are defined by their respective compositions. The compositions can be selected from various types of glass compositions, provided that the present invention is not impaired.

[0027] The glass can be annealed, tempered or heat-strengthened glass.

[0028] Preferably, when the glazing glass plate is a laminate, it can include at least two glass sheets and at least one intermediate layer or interlayer.

[0029] The interlayer or intermediate layer or laminating material can be selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyisobutene (PIB), polyacetals (such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB)), polyurethanes (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyesters, cycloolefin polymers (COP), ionomers, and / or ultraviolet curable adhesives and other adhesives known in the field of manufacturing glass laminates. Blend materials using any compatible combination of these materials can also be applicable. Preferably, the interlayer includes a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate and / or polyvinyl butyral.

[0030] The polymer interlayer also serves as a "bonding interlayer" because the interlayer and the glass sheets form a bond that results in adhesion between the glass sheets and the interlayer.

[0031] The interlayer used in the present invention can be a transparent or translucent polymer interlayer. However, for specific applications where transparency is not required, the polymer interlayer can be colored or patterned. The colored interlayer can have a light transmittance of 0% to 85%, and can be selected according to the requirements of the area used as the projection area in the HUD system.

[0032] The typical thickness of the interlayer is from 0.15 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably from 0.30 mm to 1.75 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.75 mm. Commercially available polymer films are polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layers of 0.38 mm and 0.76 mm, 1.52 mm, 2.28 mm and 3.04 mm. To achieve the desired thickness, one or more of these films can be used.

[0033] Enhanced sound insulation can be provided by using specific interlayers known in the field of laminated glass.

[0034] The interlayer can have a substantially constant thickness (except for any surface roughness conventional in the art), or it can be a so-called wedge film and thus have a varying thickness on its surface.

[0035] When considering a laminated glass panel including two glass sheets, the first sheet and the second sheet can independently have a thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to about 15 mm, alternatively from 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, alternatively from 0.5 mm to about 8 mm, alternatively from 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. Specifically, in the automotive field, the first sheet and the second sheet can independently have a thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 6 mm, alternatively from 0.4 mm to 3 mm.

[0036] The two sheets can have the same thickness, such as 0.5 mm, or 0.8 mm, or 1.2 mm, or 1.6 mm, or 1.8 mm, or 2.1 mm, or 3 mm. Such a symmetric structure in glass thickness allows ease of the lamination process and conventional shaping.

[0037] The two sheets can also have different thicknesses, thus providing an asymmetric laminated glass, regardless of the position facing inside or outside. For example, plate 1 = 0.5 mm and plate 2 = 2.1 mm, or plate 1 = 0.8 mm and plate 2 = 2.1 mm, or plate 1 = 0.5 mm and plate 2 = 1.6 mm, or plate 1 = 0.8 mm and plate 2 = 1.6 mm, or plate 1 = 1.6 mm and plate 2 = 2.1 mm. Such an asymmetric structure in glass thickness allows flexibility in terms of curvature and / or weight management and / or flexibility in terms of light / sunlight modulation.

[0038] In a specific case, the thickness of the outer sheet of a suitable asymmetrically laminated and inserted glass can be greater than the thickness of the inner sheet. For example: outer plate = 2.1 mm and inner plate = 0.5 mm, so that a compromise can be made between a lighter weight and better mechanical resistance.

[0039] The reflective patch of the present invention is suitable for reflecting p-polarized radiation at an incident angle of 40° to 75°, or at an angle of 50° to 70° (i.e., within an angular range including the Brewster angle (57°)). However, the present invention can also be applicable to a reflective patch designed to reflect hybrid reflection (s-polarized and p-polarized) or s-polarized reflection of a suitable projector.

[0040] In terms of reflecting a projected image in a HUD system, such a reflective patch is specifically designed to reflect p-polarized radiation.

[0041] Generally, a clear glass plate has a p-polarized light reflectance (Rppol) of 1% at an angle of 65°, a p-polarized light reflectance (Rppol) of 0% at an angle of 57° (Brewster), and an s-polarized light reflectance (Rspol) = 35% at an angle of 65°.

[0042] A preferred reflective patch typically has a reflectance of p-polarized light ≥ 18%, preferably ≥ 20% at the Brewster angle.

[0043] A suitable preferred reflective patch can have a p-polarized light reflectance (Rppol) of 26% at an angle of 65°; and an s-polarized light reflectance (Rspol) = 40% at an angle of 65°.

[0044] The reflective patch is preferably disposed in a defined area on the inner surface of the inserted glass plate, and the defined area is defined according to the potential display area that the projector of the potential HUD will target. The defined area thus has any surface area size, such as from having 2 cm 2 alternatively 4 cm 2 alternatively 8 cm 2 alternatively 10 cm 2 . The defined area can be up to 4 m 2 alternatively up to 2.5 m 2 alternatively up to 1 m 2 alternatively up to 0.5 m 2 alternatively up to 0.3 m 2 .

[0045] The area of the installed glass panel where the reflective patch can be attached can have any light transmittance value, where TL is typically measured according to ISO 9050 under the conditions of using Illuminant A and an observer aperture angle of 2° (=Ill.A, 2°).

[0046] The perimeter of the reflective patch can have n edges, where n≥1, to define a circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape.

[0047] Examples of the reflective patch include a coated patch having a reflective coating suitable for reflecting p-polarized light. The reflective coating can be positioned on the first surface of the patch facing the inner surface of the installed glass panel, or on the second surface of the patch facing the internal space. In fact, some reflective coatings will need to be protected from environmental conditions, such as those containing a functional silver layer, while other coatings will withstand environmental conditions.

[0048] Examples of such reflective coatings suitable for reflecting p-polarized light include: a reflective coating having at least one high refractive index layer and at least one low refractive index layer, the at least one high refractive index layer having a thickness of 50 nm to 100 nm, the at least one low refractive index layer having a thickness of 70 nm to 160 nm, wherein the at least one high refractive index layer includes at least one of the following: oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn; mixed oxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, In; nitrides of Si, Zr; mixed nitrides of Si, Zr; or a reflective coating that sequentially includes the following from the substrate surface: optionally, 1) a first coating composed of one or more high refractive index layers, the first coating having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, and 2) a second coating composed of one or more low refractive index layers, the second coating having a thickness of 1 to 220 nm, and 3) a third coating composed of one or more high refractive index layers, the third coating having a thickness of 40 nm to 150 nm, and 4) a fourth coating composed of one or more low refractive index layers, the fourth coating having a thickness of 40 nm to 200 nm, and 5) further including at least one first absorption material layer, the at least one first absorption material layer having a thickness of 0.2 to 15 nm, and the absorption material having an average refractive index n greater than 1 and an average extinction coefficient k greater than 0.1, where the average values of n and k are calculated based on the values at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm; or a reflective coating as follows: which includes exactly one conductive layer and above and below the conductive layer is a dielectric layer sequence composed of alternately arranged n optical low refractive index layers with a refractive index less than 1.8 and (n + 1) optical high refractive index layers with a refractive index greater than 1.8, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or a reflective coating as follows: which contains four silver-based or silver functional metal layers and five dielectric coatings such that each functional metal layer is placed between two dielectric coatings.

[0049] Preferred coatings are those without functional silver layers because they require less anti-oxidation protection.

[0050] Such coatings are deposited on the patch using typical deposition techniques such as PVD or CVD. Such coatings have the advantages of being easy to set on a glass substrate and being resistant to exposure to the internal space.

[0051] The patch itself can be made of any material as discussed above for the inlaid glass plate, i.e., glass and / or polymer materials.

[0052] Thus, examples of the glass patch include float glass or alternatively cast or drawn glass, and can be selected from all glass technologies, such as: float clear, ultra-clear or tinted glass, (partially) acid-etched or (partially) sandblasted glass, and combinations thereof. It can be any composition with any optical properties, such as any value of visible light transmittance, ultraviolet transmittance, infrared transmittance, and / or total solar transmittance. The glass can be soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, etc. The glass can be a common clear, tinted or ultra-clear (i.e., lower Fe content and higher transmittance) glass substrate. Further examples of the glass substrate include clear, green, bronze or blue-green glass substrates.

[0053] Examples of the polymer material sheet include poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof.

[0054] The patch is preferably a float glass patch with a thickness ≤ 3 mm, preferably ≤ 2.5 mm, more preferably ≤ 1.8 mm. Thin patches are most preferred, i.e., with a thickness ≤ 1.2 mm, because they are easy to fix to the installed glass plate.

[0055] Other examples include patches that include a reflective film suitable for reflecting p-polarized light, including: a film including at least one transparent liquid crystal layer; a film including at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer; a film including multiple alternating polymer interference layers, etc.

[0056] For example, a reflective film including a liquid crystal layer can be bonded to the surface of the patch as a functional foil, bonded to the first surface of the patch facing the inner surface of the installed glass plate, or bonded to the second surface of the patch facing the inside of the compartment.

[0057] The corresponding liquid crystal layer can be applied as a coating to a carrier foil made of, for example, cellulose triacetate (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or other conventional polymer materials. High-precision coating processes for manufacturing such functional liquid crystal films are available and known in the art, and the functional films are commercially available.

[0058] Such layers (also called p-pol reflective films) are known. If other light / radiation is to be reflected, the film can be appropriately selected for s-polarized light or mixed polarized light.

[0059] Commercial examples of such reflective films include the windshield composite film available from 3M under the trade name WCF-PVB, or from Toray under the trade name The reflective film available from VT, or the reflective film available under the trade name from Fujifilm The available reflective film.

[0060] Any known adhesion means (such as optically clear resin, etc.) can be used to apply the reflective film to the patch to provide a reflective patch.

[0061] Suitable optically clear resins have a refractive index of about 1.4 - 1.6. Examples of optically clear resins include acrylic resins, methacrylate resins, urethane resins, silicone resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, and polysulfide resins.

[0062] Such optically clear resins are, for example, thermosetting, high elongation silicone gels. The optically clear resin preferably cures into a soft, sticky gel during a period of 25 to 30 minutes at a temperature below 70°C. The optically clear resin can also be a pressure - sensitive adhesive, or any curable resin.

[0063] The application of such optically clear resins is well - known in the art.

[0064] The transparency of the optically clear resin is >90%, preferably >95%, more preferably 99%. Thus, if desired, the transmissivity of the encapsulated glass plate can be maintained.

[0065] The reflective patch is preferably applied to the surface side of the encapsulated glass plate facing the interior space.

[0066] The reflective patch can be fixed to the encapsulated glass plate during the autoclaving step. Autoclaving is a well - known technique commonly used for automotive encapsulated glass. An interlayer (such as PVB, EVA, etc.) can be used between the coated patch and the encapsulated glass plate. When the encapsulated glass plate is a laminated encapsulated glass plate, the coated patch can be attached simultaneously with the lamination step, or can be positioned after the lamination step. This method is advantageous because it is easy to implement in a single step. It also allows fixing of a reflective patch having the same curvature (if any) as the encapsulated glass plate.

[0067] The reflective patch can also be fixed to the encapsulated glass plate using the above - described adhesion means that rely on optically clear resin. This method is advantageous because it is easy to position the patch on the encapsulated glass plate and can be achieved after the assembly of the encapsulated glass plate.

[0068] When the surface of the reflective patch is not parallel to the surface of the embedded glass plate to which it adheres, the thickness of the adhesion means can vary along the width of the surface of the reflective patch. In fact, in some cases, the first surface of the patch facing the inner surface of the embedded glass plate (i.e., the surface for adhering to the surface of the embedded glass plate) will have a different (if any) curvature from the surface of the embedded glass plate. The first surface of the reflective patch can be more or less curved than the embedded glass plate, and this curvature of the reflective patch is independent of the potential curvature of the embedded glass plate.

[0069] When the reflective patch needs to be applied in the transparent area of an embedded glass plate that can be used as a vehicle windshield, the reflective patch can have a light transmittance of ≥60% or even ≥70%. However, the advantage of this technical solution is that when the reflective patch is to be attached to the shielding area of the embedded glass plate, the reflective patch can have any light transmittance from 0% to 92%, and the shielding area has TL≤30%.

[0070] In the first case, at least one area provided with the reflective patch can have an initial light transmittance of ≥60% (Ill.A, 2°), that is, the reflective patch can be attached to the transparent area of the embedded glass plate, that is, the area of the embedded glass plate that has TL≥60%, preferably ≥70% before the reflective patch can be attached. This has the advantage that the display area can be within the line of sight of the observer for whom the projected information is intended. The advantage is that the observer then sees the projected image in the overlapping area of the field of view outside the embedded glass plate. In this first case, the reflective patch can therefore preferably have a high transmittance in the visible spectral range and allow color-neutral display, specifically, if the reflective patch is located in an area of the embedded glass plate with TL≥60%.

[0071] In the automotive field, and specifically in the field of windshields, the regulation ECE-R43 stipulates the technical requirement that the central field of view of a vehicle must have a high light transmittance (typically greater than 70%). In this first case, the reflective patch must therefore meet the transparency conditions according to the regulation ECE-R43.

[0072] In the second case, at least one region provided with a reflective patch may have an initial light transmittance ≤ 30% (Ill.A, 2°), i.e., the reflective patch may be attached to a non-transparent region of the flush-mounted glass pane, i.e., on a region of the flush-mounted glass pane that has a TL ≤ 30%, preferably ≤ 15%, before the reflective patch can be attached. In these cases, the advantage is that the projected image is outside the observer's viewing area. The quality and color of the reflective patch can then be adjusted, and fewer technical and chemical constraints are required in terms of transparency and color neutrality. On the other hand, the reflective patch is thus also invisible or imperceptible from the outside of the flush-mounted glass pane. Further, the reflectivity of an image from a region with a darker background is typically brighter. Another advantage is that the reflective patch is protected from direct sunlight and the risk of damage or scratching is reduced, since the masking region is typically on the periphery of the flush-mounted glass pane and is less accessible to the driver or vehicle occupant.

[0073] Examples of means for clouding a flush-mounted glass pane with a TL ≤ 30% include dark printing, dark inserts, dark patches, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Dark printing includes enamel and paint, applied by screen printing or typical methods for depositing enamel and paint. Dark inserts include colored interlayers, which are inserted into the interlayer used to provide a laminated flush-mounted glass pane, or between the first surface of the reflective patch and the inner surface of the flush-mounted glass pane, where it can serve as an adhesion means, for example during an autoclave step. Dark patches can be incorporated into the reflective patch, i.e., when the patch material (glass or polymer) is selected to have a TL ≤ 30%.

[0075] It is also possible that the reflective patch overlaps both regions of the flush-mounted glass pane having a TL ≥ 60% and a TL ≤ 30%, thereby bridging regions of the flush-mounted glass pane having two different light transmittances.

[0076] In both the first and second cases, individually or in combination, this ramp profile has the advantage of smoothing the (multiple) edges of the periphery of the reflective patch, such that the inner side of the flush-mounted glass pane does not have an unsightly appearance of the reflective patch and such that dust does not remain stuck on the (multiple) edges of the reflective patch. Further, the reflective patch cannot be easily removed by mechanical (such as scratching) or cleaning actions.

[0077] The ramp profile is provided along at least a portion of at least one edge of the periphery of the reflective patch. The ramp profile can be used to mask a thickness variation between the flush-mounted glass pane and the reflective patch. In some embodiments, the ramp profile is provided on at least an upper portion of at least one edge of the periphery of the reflective patch, or on a portion of the upper edge of the periphery of the reflective patch.

[0078] Thus, the ramp profile can be used to ensure a contact offset between the first region and the second region, especially when the light transmittance between the coated region and the uncoated region is different.

[0079] Typically, the flush glass panel can be inserted into the frame by fastening means (such as a sealant) to attach the flush glass panel to the interior space.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least a first portion of the perimeter will be visible for interior sightlines, while a second portion can be hidden within the vehicle body or within the side of the flush glass panel within the fastening element (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0081] In other embodiments, the ramp profile can be part of the instrument panel, which is designed such that it includes an opening that includes a reflective patch attached to the flush glass panel such that projection can occur on a selected area of the windshield. In this case, any portion of the perimeter is not effectively visible for interior sightlines due to being hidden within the instrument panel design that covers the perimeter (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0082] In some other embodiments, the ramp profile is provided along all edges of the perimeter of the reflective patch. The final aesthetics and positioning will determine the portion of the perimeter to be provided with the ramp profile.

[0083] As Figure 1 indicated, the ramp profile includes at least a notch, the thickness (t) of which corresponds to the thickness of the reflective patch.

[0084] The ramp profile can be designed according to the thickness of the adhesion means and the thickness of the reflective patch. As discussed above, when the surface of the reflective patch is not parallel to the surface of the flush glass panel to which it is adhered, the thickness of the adhesion means can vary along the width of the surface of the reflective patch. In these cases, the ramp profile will be designed such that its thickness depends on the thickness of the adhesion means and the thickness of the reflective patch.

[0085] As Figure 1 shown, the ramp profile further independently includes a width (w) and a height (h) ranging from 0.4 mm to 30.0 mm, alternatively from 1.0 mm to 20.0 mm.

[0086] In Figure 1 it is illustrated that the ramp profile has a circular (semicircular) cross-section, but technically, it can have any other cross-section as a best-fit design and technical requirements. There are various options for a protruding or smooth design, provided that the ramp profile serves the function of hiding at least a portion of one edge of the perimeter of the reflective patch.

[0087] This also holds when the thickness of the adhesion means varies along the width of the surface of the reflective patch, provided that the ramp profile serves the function of hiding at least a part of one edge of the perimeter of the reflective patch.

[0088] The ramp profile can be made of a polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer, such as by extrusion or injection molding processes. Both methods allow for the production of a continuous and uniform shape that conforms to the desired design. The ramp profile can be clear or transparent or colored, as is typically admitted for these types of materials, and as is most suitable for the light transmittance of the background area on which the ramp profile is fixed.

[0089] Examples of such materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene - styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyisobutene, silicone, acrylic resin, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin, polyamide, ethylene - vinyl acetate, polysulfide, butyl rubber, ethylene - propylene copolymer, styrene - butadiene rubber, and their mixtures or combinations. These materials can be from biological sources (bio - based), recycled sources, or chemical sources.

[0090] In some cases, the ramp profile can thus be an optically clear resin, especially when the ramp profile is invisible or imperceptible to the occupants. This has the advantages of less interference with the line of sight and a visually appealing surface of the flush - mounted glass panel.

[0091] In other cases, when the ramp profile is an element of the dashboard, the ramp profile can have the same color and material as the dashboard and is thus colored and opaque (such as typical AVO materials). This has the advantage that the element looks pleasing both structurally and aesthetically as an element of the interior design.

[0092] The ramp profile can be self - adhesive, or it can be attached to the flush - mounted glass panel via a separate adhesive or via a primer. The adhesive can also be transparent, as required by the design.

[0093] Examples of adhesives include cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin, silicone adhesives, and their mixtures or combinations. These adhesives have the advantages of being transparent, high - temperature resistant, waterproof, and having high strength.

[0094] Thus, the ramp profile can be cloudy, colored, or transparent, or translucent.

[0095] The installed glass panel of the present invention may further include an IR reflective coating. In such cases, and compatible with the present invention, the installed glass panel is a laminated installed glass panel including two glass sheets and at least one interlayer. The IR reflective coating may be present between the two glass sheets, or on the surface of at least one glass sheet, where it may be provided on the surface of the glass sheet called P2 or P3 by chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition, or within the interlayer connecting the two glass sheets, such as a PET-based solar control window film with an infrared absorbing or reflective ceramic coating. Such IR reflective coatings are well known in the art and are used to provide sunlight control and / or heating functions for the installed glass panel.

[0096] In some cases, the IR reflective coating may be removed for an IR camera or optical system, such as LIDAR different from the HUD projector of the present invention.

[0097] To avoid double images from the IR reflective coating, it may be useful to avoid the overlap of the IR reflective coating with the reflective patch for the head-up display.

[0098] Specifically, the installed glass panel may be provided with an IR reflective coating in an area where TL>70% of the installed glass panel, and the reflective patch may be provided in an area where TL≤30% of the installed glass panel. In this way, TTS (total transmitted solar energy) can be optimized to a value less than 60%, alternatively less than 55%, without compromising the function of the polarized light reflective patch discussed above. In this case, the edge of the IR reflective coating can be hidden by a ramp profile to avoid any visible change in aesthetics between the area with the IR reflective coating and the area without the IR reflective coating (the coating can be de-coated).

[0099] The laminate can be produced by methods known per se. Typically, the layers of the outer plate, the inner plate, and the intermediate layer are stacked flat on top of each other. The surface of the outer plate facing the interlayer or the surface of the outer plate facing the interlayer can be completely or partially provided with an IR reflective coating, as described above. In some cases, the IR reflective coating is present within the interlayer. The reflective patch can be positioned and arranged on the surface of the inner plate opposite to the interlayer, facing the interior of the vehicle (referred to as surface P4 in the laminated installed glass).

[0100] The outer plate and the inner plate are laminated to each other by the interlayer, for example, by an autoclave process, a vacuum bag process, a vacuum ring process, a calendering process, a vacuum laminator, or a combination thereof. The outer plate and the inner plate are usually joined under the action of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0101] The inlaid glass panel of the present invention can be used as a windshield, roof, cockpit, side light, backlight, etc. in vehicle applications, or as a curtain wall, window, store display, refrigerator door, etc. in building applications.

[0102] Vehicles include land vehicles, marine vehicles, aircraft, or spacecraft.

[0103] The present invention also relates to a HUD system, which includes the inlaid glass panel described herein and at least one projector that emits radiation. Among them, the area of the inner panel provided with the reflective patch is the display area for projecting an image by at least one projector.

[0104] In such a HUD system, the projector is oriented towards the HUD area so that the projected image is reflected within the display area. Therefore, the radiation of the projector irradiating the windshield is reflected towards the area where the viewer (driver) is located, thereby generating an image or virtual image (stereogram) behind the windshield that the viewer sees from the inside. The area of the windshield that can be irradiated by the projector can be referred to as the HUD area.

[0105] Such projectors are typically known in the art and will not be described herein.

[0106] Generally, current HUD projectors mainly operate with s-polarized radiation and irradiate the windshield at an incident angle of approximately 65°. The problem that occurs is that the projector image is reflected on the two outer surfaces of the windshield (the air / glass interfaces called P1 and P4). Therefore, in addition to the desired main image, a slightly offset secondary image, namely the so-called ghost image ("ghost"), also appears. Different means can be used to mitigate this problem, such as a wedge interlayer. Another means to mitigate this problem is to reduce the transmitted radiation towards the outer glass sheet by having a HUD area with TL < 30%.

[0107] Within the scope of the present invention, the radiation beam from the projector can be 20% to 100% p-polarized light. Therefore, the image formed by the projection beam of the HUD projector can include mixed light polarization, where the percentage of p-polarized light is at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75%, even more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably 100%.

[0108] Therefore, the radiation provided by the projector can be advantageously reflected by the reflective patch, especially when the TL of the HUD area ≥ 70%. When the HUD area is in the area of the inlaid glass panel with TL < 30%, the criticality of the proportion of non-polarized light is smaller because the projected image will not transmit or reflect through the outer air-glass surface. An additional advantage of working with a p-polarized light beam is the compatibility of the image or virtual image with polarized sunglasses.

[0109] Radiation from the projector impinges on the display area provided with the reflective patch at an incident angle of 50° to 75°.

[0110] The invention finally relates to the use of a ramp profile for fastening at least a part of the periphery of the reflective patch, which is attached to the inner surface of a panel glass that separates an internal space from the external environment, the panel glass having an inner surface facing the internal space and an outer surface facing the external environment, and the ramp profile being positioned along at least a part of the periphery of the reflective patch.

[0111] The invention is illustrated by the following embodiments that are compatible with each other.

[0112] Figure 2 A cross-section (side view) of a panel glass (201) is shown, which includes an inner surface (202) and a reflective patch (203), the reflective patch having 4 edges attached to the inner surface. The periphery of the reflective patch has 4 edges: a lower edge (203L), an upper edge (203U); and a right edge and a left edge (not shown). Figure 2 The area of the panel glass (201) provided with the reflective patch (203) has TL≥70%. A ramp profile (204L) is attached to the lower edge (203L), and a ramp profile (204U) is attached to the upper edge (203U). The ramp profile may also be present on each of the right edge and the left edge (not shown).

[0113] Figure 3 Shows a similar to Figure 2 A cross-section (side view) of a panel glass (301) is shown, which includes an inner surface (302) and a reflective patch (303), wherein the defined area of the shielding area of the panel glass (301) is provided with the reflective patch (303), and the shielding area has TL≤30%. The area is provided with shielding means (305) such as those discussed above, for example enamel or paint. The area may be a black band area or any shielding area of the panel glass. A ramp profile (304L) is attached to the lower edge (303L), and a ramp profile (304U) is attached to the upper edge (303U). The ramp profile may also be present on each of the right edge and the left edge (not shown).

[0114] Figure 4 shows a cross-section (side view) of the installed glass panel (401), which is a laminated installed glass panel composed of two glass sheets (411 and 412) and an interlayer (413), having an inner surface (402) - the contact relationship between components is implied in the figure, although not drawn for clarity. Similarly, the defined area of the shielding region of the installed glass panel (401) is provided with a reflective patch (403), and the shielding region has TL ≤ 30%. The region is provided with shielding means (405) such as those discussed above, such as enamel or paint or a dark interlayer (here at position 2 of the laminated installed glass panel). The reflective patch has 4 edges around its perimeter: a lower edge (403L), an upper edge (403U); and a right edge and a left edge (not shown). A ramp profile (404U) is attached to the upper edge (403U), while the body (405) hides and covers the lower edge (403L). The ramp profile can be provided on each section of the right and left edges that are not hidden by the body (not shown). In this particular case, an IR reflective coating (414) can be provided within the interlayer (413) or deposited on either of the surfaces of the sheets (411) and (412) facing the interlayer. It is also appropriate that, as shown, the IR reflective coating (414) does not overlap with the reflective patch (403), and the bottom edge of the IR reflective coating (414) is hidden by the ramp profile.

[0115] Figure 4b Shows a front projection of the installed glass panel with the reflective patch (403) in the line of sight of the shielding strip (405), as seen from the perspective of an occupant (perspective view). The reflective patch is attached and positioned on the installed glass panel (501) such that projection and reflection can occur on the shielding strip area of the windshield. The bottom part of the perimeter of the reflective patch is hidden by the body (405), while a ramp profile of thermoplastic material is provided on the upper edge and is transparent to the line of sight, such that the occupant only notices the appearance of the shielding strip (404U is preferably transparent).

[0116] Figure 5aShows a cross-section (side view) of the flush-mounted glass panel (501), which is a laminated flush-mounted glass panel composed of two glass sheets (511 and 512) and an interlayer (513), having an inner surface (502) - the contact relationship between the components is implied in the figure, although not drawn for clarity. Similarly, the defined area of the shaded area of the flush-mounted glass panel (501) is provided with the reflective patch (503), and the shaded area has TL ≤ 30%. The area is provided with shading means (505) such as those discussed above, such as enamel or paint or a dark interlayer (here at position 2 of the laminated flush-mounted glass panel). The material of the reflective patch can also be dark and / or colored, with TL ≤ 30%. The reflective patch has 4 edges around its perimeter: a lower edge (503L), an upper edge (503U); and a right edge and a left edge (not shown). The ramp profiles (506U and 506L) are attached along all the edges of the perimeter of the reflective patch in the form of a part of the dashboard. The IR reflective coating (514) can be provided within the interlayer (513), or deposited on either of the surfaces of the sheets (511) and (512) facing the interlayer. It is also appropriate that, as shown, the IR reflective coating (514) does not overlap with the reflective patch (503), and the bottom edge of the IR reflective coating (514) is hidden by the ramp profiles designed in the dashboard structure.

[0117] Figure 5b Shows a front projection of the flush-mounted glass panel in the line of sight of the shading strip (505), as seen from the perspective of the occupant (perspective view), where the dashboard is designed such that it includes an opening that includes the reflective patch (503). The reflective patch is attached and positioned on the flush-mounted glass panel (501) such that projection and reflection can occur on the shaded area zone of the windshield. The entire part of the perimeter of the reflective patch is effectively hidden from the internal line of sight due to being hidden within the dashboard design covering the perimeter.

[0118] Figure 6a Shows a cross-section (top view) of the flush-mounted glass panel (601), which includes an inner surface (602) and a reflective patch (603) having a perimeter (not shown). The reflective patch (603) is adhered to the inner surface (602) by an adhesion means (610), and the adhesion means has different thicknesses along the width of the reflective patch (603). The ramp profile is not designed in Figure 6a although it exists in Figure 6b

[0119] Figure 6b ​Shows a front projection of the embedded glass plate (601), which includes a reflective patch (603) adhered to the inner surface by an adhesion means (610) not shown. A ramp profile (604) is provided along the perimeter of the reflective patch (603). The reflective patch of FIG. 6 can be attached to any area of the embedded glass plate, regardless of the light transmittance of the area, as discussed in other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inset glass panel that separates an internal space from an external environment, the inset glass panel having an inner surface facing the internal space and an outer surface facing the external environment, wherein, The inner surface is provided with a reflective patch having a perimeter in at least one region, characterized in that the reflective patch has a ramp profile along at least a part of its perimeter.

2. The flush-mounted glass panel according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective patch is a coated patch having a reflective coating adapted to reflect p-polarized light, or wherein the reflective patch comprises a reflective film adapted to reflect p-polarized light, the reflective film selected from: a film comprising at least one transparent liquid crystal layer; a film comprising at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer; a film comprising a plurality of alternating polymer interference layers.

3. The flush-mounted glass panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ramp profile is selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyisobutylene, silicone, acrylic resin, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polysulfide, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene copolymer, styrene butadiene rubber, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

4. The flush-mounted glass panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The encapsulated glass plate is selected from a single sheet of glass or polymer, or may be a laminate of glass and / or polymer materials.

5. The inset glass plate according to claim 4, wherein, The encapsulated glass plate is a laminated encapsulated glass plate, the laminated encapsulated glass plate comprising at least two glass sheets and at least one interlayer.

6. The encapsulated glass plate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an IR reflective coating.

7. The flush-mounted glass panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one region provided with the reflective patch has a light transmittance (Ill.A, 2°) of ≥60%.

8. The inset glass plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one region provided with the reflective patch has a light transmittance (Ill.A, 2°) of ≤30%.

9. The flush-mounted glass plate according to claim 8, wherein, The region having TL≤30% is provided with a clouding means, the clouding means comprising a dark print, a dark insert, a dark patch, or a combination thereof.

10. An HUD system, comprising an inlaid glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and at least one projector that emits radiation, wherein, The region of the encapsulated glass plate provided with the reflective patch is a display region for projecting an image by the at least one projector.

11. The HUD system according to claim 10, wherein, The radiation emitted from the projector is 50% to 100% p-polarized light.

12. The HUD system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The radiation emitted from the projector impinges on the display region provided with the reflective patch at an incident angle of 40° to 75°.

13. Use of a ramp profile for fastening at least a part of the perimeter of a reflective patch on an encapsulated glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the reflective patch being attached to the inner surface of an encapsulated glass plate separating an internal space from an external environment, the encapsulated glass plate having an inner surface facing the internal space and an outer surface facing the external environment, and the ramp profile being positioned along at least a part of the perimeter of the reflective patch.

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