Vehicle head-up display

Abstract

The invention relates to a head-up display system (1) for a vehicle (100), comprising: (i) an image source (13) configured to project an image (15) onto a combiner (10), said image source (13) being positioned in a dashboard (11) of the vehicle; (ii) a combiner (10) integrated to the dashboard (11) for reflecting said projected image towards an observer for viewing. According to the invention, said combiner (10) comprises at least one chemically tempered glass sheet (20) having an inner face (22) and an outer face (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a head-up display (HUD) system of the type used in motor vehicles for generating and presenting images for viewing, and more specifically to a head-up display (HUD) system having a glass component integrated into the dashboard to provide increased driver visual comfort. Furthermore, this invention provides a head-up display system that is independent of the design of the vehicle and / or independent of the tilt of the windshield installed in the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, there are two types of head-up displays (HUDs) in motor vehicles. One type uses the windshield as a projection system to project a virtual image visible to the driver onto its surface. This projection system includes an image generating unit (referred to in the art as a projector) and an imaging mirror (also called a beam splitter), which can be spherical, aspherical, or freely formed. This type of HUD is expensive. Such a head-up display is described in CN104267498B.

[0003] Another type uses a combiner separate from the windshield, such as a transparent panel made of glass or plastic, or a suitably designed prism. As observed by the driver, this type of combiner is typically located above the instrument panel (also known as the dashboard), close to the windshield, and can usually be retracted into the top surface of the instrument panel or folded down parallel to the top surface of the instrument panel. The combiner reflects the image generated by the projector toward the driver. Such head-up display systems are described in US7978414 and US20170059872.

[0004] The image projected onto and reflected from the combiner reaches the driver's eyes in the form of a spatially defined beam of light, commonly referred to in the art as a "beam." This beam spans and defines the so-called eyebox, within which the driver's eyes must be positioned for the information displayed on the head-up display to be visible. The vertical position of the eyebox must be adapted to the specific driver's seating height. To this end, the driver can choose to adjust the height of the eyebox until it is optimally visible, where the driver's eyes are precisely within the eyebox. To ensure the driver has a certain degree of freedom of movement (within which the image remains visible), the eyebox must have a minimum dimension, typically 50 mm in height. Therefore, suitable mounting space for the head-up display is necessary, particularly at a certain height for the projector, combiner, or imaging mirror. Furthermore, depending on the vehicle model (limited dashboard space and / or windshield tilt, etc.), head-up display systems with p-polarized light guided by the image source cannot be installed in the dashboard, thus limiting vehicle design options.

[0005] While HUDs are useful in a variety of applications, conventional HUDs present several problems, primarily compatibility with standard sunglasses (typically p-polarized sunglasses), high cost, narrow viewing angle, mechanical constraints, and, most notably, low image contrast. Furthermore, the thickness or weight of conventional combiners is undesirable for most applications, or a thin but highly curved combiner is also undesirable. Thick combiners typically comprise a pair of cooperating lens elements, at least one of which includes an embedded spherical surface coated with a spectral reflective film. The outer surfaces of these thick combiners are flat to provide a distortion-free view of the background scene. Thin combiners, on the other hand, typically employ a pair of spherical outer surfaces, one of which carries the spectral reflective film. Therefore, thin combiners generally do not provide the necessary distortion-free view of the background scene, especially when the combiner is thick and durable enough.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a head-up display (HUD) system for vehicles that can generate and present images for observation, thereby solving at least one of the aforementioned problems. More specifically, it is desirable to provide a head-up display system for generating images to be observed by an observer wearing sunglasses (and more specifically, p-polarized sunglasses).

[0007] The problem addressed by this invention is to provide a head-up display (HUD) system that is easier to implement because it offers greater flexibility in terms of its installation in vehicles. Therefore, it is easier to manage the installation position and / or easier to reduce the installation space required for the HUD system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a head-up display system for vehicles that is independent of the shape of the vehicle and / or the tilt of the windshield. The head-up display system includes a combiner comprising at least one chemically tempered glass sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface. The combiner is integrated into the dashboard, thereby providing an efficient combiner useful for most vehicles. The combiner (also referred to as a glass dashboard component in the remainder of the specification) is positioned to reflect an image projected from an illumination projection source, which is also integrated into the dashboard. The combiner has an inner surface and an outer surface, through which the image is reflected toward the driver.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention discloses a head-up display system, the head-up display system comprising: a. An image source configured to project an image onto the combiner, the image source being positioned within the vehicle's dashboard. b. A combiner integrated into the dashboard for reflecting the projected image toward the observer for viewing.

[0010] According to the present invention, the assembler includes at least one chemically tempered glass plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. For the avoidance of any ambiguity, the term "tempered" may also be understood as "strengthened," and both terms may be used herein.

[0011] Therefore, due to this invention, the combiner can be thin, with improved optical properties and mechanical resistance. Furthermore, by using a thin glass combiner, the distance between the well-known ghosting image and the primary image is reduced. Therefore, the user does not see the ghosting. Consequently, the HUD system is improved.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a head-up display system comprising an assembler including at least one chemically tempered glass plate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein a p-polarized light-reflecting coating is disposed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the glass plate. More preferably, the p-polarized light-reflecting coating is disposed on the inner surface of the glass plate. Therefore, a light source projecting p-polarized light can be used to project an image toward the assembler for reflection by the assembler and viewing by the driver / observer. The p-polarized light-reflecting coating may be partially or entirely disposed on the inner or outer surface of the at least one chemically tempered glass plate.

[0013] Therefore, the inventors have unexpectedly discovered that assemblies comprising at least one chemically tempered glass plate and having a p-polarized light-reflecting coating disposed on its inner or outer surface exhibit greater durability compared to existing assemblies. The lifespan of the HUD system is increased. Furthermore, due to this invention, the assemblies can be coated before bending or kinking. Preferably, the p-polarized light-reflecting coating resists the bending process (temperature...). Therefore, a wrinkle-free bent glass assembly can be obtained.

[0014] The invention further relates to the use of chemically tempered glass as a combiner for reflecting an image projected from a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light toward the combiner. This allows for the use of less stringent polarizers and flexible light projection depending on contextual conditions such as the amount of natural light available, weather, or other external conditions. The advantage of at least 50% p-polarized light is that the system is compatible with standard sunglasses (typically p-polarized sunglasses). In other cases, the light source can provide 100% p-polarized light. For the avoidance of doubt, the combiner according to the invention is not the windshield itself. However, the combiner can be located near the windshield.

[0015] According to the invention, the combiner is not attached to the windshield and is separate from it. Therefore, the combiner according to the invention (preferably located near the driver's or passenger's field of vision) is compatible with sunglasses, and particularly with p-polarized sunglasses, offering maximum flexibility in terms of its implementation (space and location) in a vehicle. Furthermore, using the HUD system according to the invention, the projected image can be seen at all times and under any conditions (weather, etc.).

[0016] To avoid ambiguity, terms such as "assembler" or "instrument panel glass component" may be used interchangeably to define the assembler according to the invention. Similarly, terms such as "image source" or "light source" may be used interchangeably to define the image source according to the invention.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for producing a combiner for a HUD system for a vehicle as described above.

[0018] The method includes the following steps: a. Provide at least one chemically tempered glass sheet, the at least one chemically tempered glass sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface. b. Apply a p-polarized light reflective coating or p-polarized light reflective film to at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one glass sheet. c. Assemble the glass sheet provided in step b) into the dashboard support. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a vehicle having a head-up display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a vehicle having a head-up display system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a combiner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of a combiner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention relates to a head-up display system 1 for use in a vehicle 100. A vehicle refers to a passenger vehicle, truck, train, airplane, ship, etc. The windshield 200 of a conventional vehicle 100 is typically made of glass; the windshield is depicted here to better indicate the position of the head-up display system 1 within the vehicle.

[0024] HUD system 1 includes an image source 13 configured to project an image 15 onto a combiner 10, the image source 13 being positioned in the dashboard 11 of the vehicle.

[0025] According to the invention, the combiner 10 is integrated into the dashboard for reflecting the projected image 15 toward the observer 300 for observation. The combiner 10 has at least one glass plate 20 having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combiner 10 is positioned at an angle of 25° to 65° relative to the head-up display light source 13.

[0027] According to the present invention, the head-up display image source 13 can be placed above the combiner 10 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown, the light / image is projected downwards onto the combiner or placed below the combiner (as shown). Figure 2 As shown, light / image is projected upwards onto the combiner. Light source 13 is positioned to project an image onto combiner 10 (as indicated by the small arrow in the figure). Combiner 10 is at least partially oriented toward image source 13 to project information onto the driver's / observer's eye 300.

[0028] exist Figure 1In this design, the light / image source 13 is integrated into the bottom portion of the dashboard 11, while the combiner 10 according to the invention is positioned above the light source and above the image source 13 in the upper portion 11 of the dashboard. The combiner 10 is positioned at an angle to allow an observer to see the image projected onto it. Therefore, the combiner 10 can be placed in the same location as most instruments and switches in the dashboard. Such instruments include, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, and engine temperature monitors.

[0029] Therefore, in Figure 2 In this configuration, the combiner 10 is integrated into the bottom portion of the dashboard 11, while the light / image source 13 is positioned above the combiner 10 in the upper portion of the dashboard. The combiner 10 is positioned at an angle to allow the observer 300 to see the image projected onto it. The image source 13 can be placed in the same location as most instruments and switches in the dashboard. The position of the image source relative to the combiner 10 requires corresponding adjustments. Such instruments include, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, and engine temperature monitors.

[0030] Throughout this document, when a range of numbers is indicated, the limits of that range are assumed to be included within it. Furthermore, all integer values ​​and subfield values ​​within the range are explicitly included, as if explicitly stated.

[0031] The assembler 10 (glass dashboard component) according to the invention comprises at least one sheet made of glass whose matrix composition is not particularly limited and therefore can belong to different glass categories. The glass can be soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, etc. Preferably, the glass dashboard component 10 of the invention is made of soda-lime glass or aluminosilicate glass.

[0032] The composition of the glass is not critical to the purposes of this invention, provided that the glass sheet is suitable for chemical tempering and for transport applications. The glass can be clear, ultra-clear, or tinted, containing one or more components / colorants in appropriate amounts depending on the desired effect. Tinted glass includes gray, green, or blue float glass. In some cases, within the limits of applicable regulations, tinted glass can be advantageous in providing a suitable and desired color for the final mounting glass.

[0033] Depending on the shape required for the application, the glass can be flat or fully or partially curved to properly fit the specific design of the vehicle or, possibly, the glass support.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glass dashboard component 10 has a composition comprising a percentage of the total weight of the glass, as indicated in Table 1 below.

[0035] Table 1

[0036] This soda-lime type base glass composition has the advantage of being inexpensive, even though it is mechanically less robust. Ideally, according to this last embodiment, the glass composition does not contain B2O3 (meaning it is not intentionally added, but can be present as an undesirable impurity in very low amounts). Using glass with a high alumina content for a p-polarized projector can help reduce reflections and glare, resulting in a sharper and more accurate image. Additionally, the higher refractive index of the glass can improve the overall brightness and contrast of the projected image.

[0037] Furthermore, compared to other glass materials, soda-lime glass with a high alumina content has a low birefringence. This means that such glass does not decompose light into different polarization states as other glass materials do. This reduces distortion and aberrations, resulting in a more accurate and consistent image. The low birefringence is due to the uniform distribution of alumina in the glass matrix, which produces a more isotropic material in all directions—that is, a material with uniform properties. This isotropic property of the glass reduces the difference in refractive index between different polarizations, which in turn reduces the birefringence.

[0038] In an alternative, more preferred embodiment, the at least one glass sheet of the combiner 10 has the following composition, comprising the following percentages by weight of total glass: SiO2 55% - 70%; Al2O3 6% - 18%; B2O3 0% - 4%; CaO 0% - 10%; MgO 0% - 10%; Na2O 5% - 20%; K2O 0% - 10%; BaO 0% - 5%.

[0039] This aluminosilicate-based glass composition has the advantage of being more mechanically robust. Ideally, according to this last embodiment, the glass composition does not contain B2O3 (meaning it is not intentionally added, but can be present as an undesirable impurity in very low amounts).

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in combination with previous embodiments regarding the composition of the base glass, the composition of the at least one glass sheet of the combiner 10 comprises a total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) content ranging from 0.002 wt% to 0.06 wt%. A total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) content less than or equal to 0.06 wt% allows for glass dashboard components with virtually no visible coloration and allows for a high degree of flexibility in aesthetic design. This minimum value prevents excessive damage to the cost of the glass, as such low iron values ​​typically require expensive, very pure starting materials, as well as the purification of these materials. Preferably, the composition comprises a total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) content ranging from 0.002 wt% to 0.04 wt%. More preferably, the composition comprises a total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) content ranging from 0.002 wt% to 0.02 wt%. In the most preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) content ranging from 0.002 wt% to 0.015 wt%.

[0041] When the assembler 10 (glass dashboard component) according to the invention is made of laminated glass, the thickness of the at least one glass sheet 20 of the assembler can range from 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and preferably from 0.1 mm to 6 mm. Advantageously, the at least one glass sheet 20 of the assembler 10 is made of glass with a thickness from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. More advantageously, particularly if the dashboard shape requires curvature, the thickness of the assembler (glass dashboard component) ranges from 0.5 mm to 2.1 mm, in order to have a thin assembler.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least one glass pane 20 of the combiner 10 has a thickness of less than 2.1 mm, and more preferably less than 1.6 mm. Therefore, the weight of the HUD system 1 is reduced. Furthermore, the thin glass component can have a more complex shape because it is curved and can more easily conform to the shape of the dashboard. However, thicker glass can be used.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the assembler further includes a second glass sheet and an interlayer laminating the first and second glass sheets. The interlayer is typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyurethane (PU), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Therefore, the assembler 10 is a laminated assembler. The first and second glass sheets can have the same or different compositions, sizes, thicknesses, etc. The glass assembler can also be laminated with plastic sheets (such as PVC or polycarbonate sheets).

[0044] In embodiments of the invention, the assembler can be curved, with the curvature achieved by cold bending for at least one thin glass sheet 20, or by hot bending for at least one thicker glass sheet 20. Cold bending and hot bending techniques for glass are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, complex shapes can be obtained.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the combiner 10 of the present invention includes at least one float glass sheet. The term "float glass sheet" should be understood to mean a glass sheet formed by a float process, which involves pouring molten glass onto a bath of molten tin under reducing conditions. The float glass sheet includes a "tin facet" in a known manner, i.e., a tin-rich facet within the glass body adjacent to the surface of the sheet. The term "tin-rich" should be understood to mean an increased concentration of tin relative to the composition of the glass at a core, which may or may not be substantially zero (no tin). Therefore, float glass sheets can be readily distinguished from sheets obtained by other glassmaking processes, particularly by the tin oxide content, which can be measured, for example, by an electron microprobe to a depth of approximately 10 µm.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment, the combiner 10 of the present invention includes at least one glass sheet formed by a slit stretching process or by a melting process, particularly an overflow down-draw melting process. These processes, particularly melting processes, produce glass sheets whose surfaces can achieve the excellent flatness and smoothness required in some applications, but they are also more expensive than the float glass process used for large-scale glass production.

[0047] According to the invention, the assembler 10 includes at least one chemically tempered (or strengthened) glass sheet. The glass sheet is tempered by ion exchange or “chemical” tempering. A chemical tempering process includes immersing the original glass in a molten alkali metal salt at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. Processes for chemically strengthening / tempering glass are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Typically, chemical tempering / strengthening is performed by immersing a glass slide in a molten salt bath at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, thereby exchanging Na+ ions with K+ ions at the surface of the glass slide. Advantageously, the bath consists of high-purity KNO3, and the treatment is carried out at a temperature between 350°C and 470°C for 1 to 24 hours. Chemical tempering / strengthening is preferably suitable for glass slides with a thickness of less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm, or even better suitable for glass slides with a thickness of less than 0.7 mm.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a head-up display system 1 for a vehicle includes an assembly 10, the assembly including at least one glass plate having an outer surface 21 and an inner surface 22, wherein the inner surface 22 or the outer surface 21 is provided with a p-polarized light reflective coating 23.

[0050] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A combiner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface 22 of the combiner is provided with a p-polarized light reflective coating 23. Within the scope of the present invention, a p-polarized light reflective coating is intended to describe a coating or thin-layer stack capable of reflecting incident p-polarized light at any angle of incidence. For the avoidance of ambiguity, the inner surface of the combiner is the surface facing the interior of the vehicle, which is also the surface facing the observer (also referred to as the front surface). A coating applied to glass serves as a semi-mirror. This coating is configured to reflect p-polarized light. Figure 3a An assembly is shown, comprising a glass sheet 20 having an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 21. In a laminated assembly (as shown...) Figure 3b In the example shown in the example, the combiner 10 includes a first glass sheet 20 and a second glass sheet 24. The first glass sheet has an inner surface (P4) and an outer surface (P3), and the second glass sheet also includes an inner surface (P1) and an outer surface (P2). In this case, the combiner uses the nomenclature commonly used in automotive glass inserts to characterize the outer and inner surfaces of the laminated glass. These two glass sheets are typically bonded together by an interlayer film or any suitable material. Therefore, the outermost surface of the laminated combiner is referred to as P1 (analogous to the example shown in the example). Figure 3a The outer surface 21 of the first glass sheet 20, and the surface of the first glass sheet facing the interlayer film (or any suitable material used to fix the two glass sheets) is called P2, P3 is the surface of the second glass sheet 24 facing the interlayer film (or any suitable material used to fix the two glass sheets), and finally P4 is the surface of the laminated assembly facing the interior of the vehicle (analogous to the surface of the vehicle). Figure 3a The inner surface 22 of the first glass sheet 20). It should be understood that the combiner can be a laminated combiner having at least one first glass sheet laminated with any suitable material, such as, for example, another glass sheet, a plastic material suitable for HUD-head-up system applications (such as PVC, polycarbonate, etc.).

[0051] Advantageously, the p-polarized reflective coating 23 is applied to the inner surface of the combiner 10 (i.e., in the case where the combiner includes a glass plate, such as...). Figure 3a On the surface 22 shown, or applied to the inner surface of the laminate (i.e., as shown) Figure 3bThe coating, as shown in P4), increases the reflection of incident p-polarized light. By improving the reflection of p-polarized light, the coating of this invention allows the use of light projectors that project at least 50% p-polarized light while still achieving a clear and well-defined image. Such projectors are readily available at an acceptable price. If required, the projector can also project 100% p-polarized light.

[0052] Within the scope of this invention, the p-polarized reflective coating 23 may typically comprise at least one layer sequence of high refractive index layer / low refractive index layer, or a high / low sequence. The high / low sequence may occur more than once, i.e., the sequence may be repeated at least 2 times, up to 3 or 4 times.

[0053] Within the scope of this invention, the p-polarized light reflective coating can preferably be a magnetron sputtered p-polarized light reflective coating, which has the advantages of being easy to process, easy to adapt to selected functions, and cost-effective.

[0054] Within the scope of this invention, the thickness of coatings and thin layers is a geometric thickness expressed in nm, unless otherwise stated.

[0055] Within the scope of this invention, the terms "below," "under," and "below" indicate the relative position of a layer with respect to the next layer in a layer sequence starting from the substrate. Within the scope of this invention, the terms "above," "upper," "on top," and "on top" indicate the relative position of a layer with respect to the next layer in a layer sequence starting from the substrate.

[0056] Within the scope of this invention, at a wavelength of 550 nm, the high refractive index is typically ≥ 1.8, alternatively ≥ 1.9, alternatively ≥ 2.0, or alternatively ≥ 2.1.

[0057] These high refractive index layers can be selected from oxides of Zn, Sn, Ti, Nb, Zr, Ni, In, Al, Ce, W, Mo, Sb, Bi, and mixtures thereof; nitrides or oxides of Si, Al, Zr, B, Y, Ce, and La; and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Within the scope of this invention, at a wavelength of 550 nm, the low refractive index is typically ≤ 1.7, and alternatively ≤ 1.6.

[0059] The low refractive index layer may be selected from silicon oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, mixed silicon aluminum oxide, mixed silicon zirconium oxide (where n < 1.7), aluminum-doped zinc oxide, magnesium fluoride, or mixtures thereof.

[0060] High-refractive-index materials typically have a higher refractive index than low-refractive-index materials at a wavelength of 550 nm. The refractive indices of high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index materials can differ by at least 0.1, preferably by at least 0.2, and more preferably by at least 0.25.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first suitable p-polarized light reflective coating 23 is disposed on the glass surface (inner or outer surface) of the combiner, and sequentially comprises, starting from the glass surface: - At least one high refractive index layer having a thickness of 50 nm to 100 nm, and - At least one low-refractive-index layer having a thickness of 70 nm to 160 nm, The at least one high refractive index layer comprises at least one of the following: - Oxides of Zr, Nb, and Sn; - Mixed oxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, and In; - Nitrides of Si and Zr; - A mixed nitride of Si and Zr (where n > 1.7).

[0062] The layers in the first suitable p-polarized light reflective coating 23 of the present invention may include more than one sublayer.

[0063] Such a suitable first p-polarized light reflective coating is highly efficient, with p-polarized light reflectance ≥ 15%, low design complexity, and heat-resistant.

[0064] The second particularly suitable p-polarized light reflective coating 23 includes, starting from the substrate surface, the following components in sequence: - Optionally, the first layer, which consists of one or more high-refractive-index sublayers, has a thickness of 1 nm to 100 nm. - The second layer, which consists of one or more low-refractive-index sublayers, has a thickness of 1 nm to 220 nm, and - A third layer, consisting of one or more high-refractive-index sublayers, having a thickness of 40 nm to 150 nm, and - The fourth layer, which consists of one or more low-refractive-index sublayers, has a thickness of 40 nm to 200 nm, and - The second particularly suitable p-polarized reflective coating further comprises at least one first absorbing material layer having a thickness of 0.2 nm to 15 nm, and the absorbing material having an average refractive index n greater than 1 and an average extinction coefficient k greater than 0.1, wherein the average values ​​n and k are calculated based on values ​​at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm.

[0065] The second particularly suitable p-polarized light reflective coating may optionally comprise a first layer consisting of one or more high-refractive-index material sublayers and a second layer consisting of one or more low-refractive-index material sublayers. This optional layer provides improved reflection of p-polarized light, but at a higher manufacturing cost.

[0066] When present, the first layer consists of one or more sublayers of high refractive index material independently selected from the aforementioned materials. When present, the first layer may have a thickness of 1 nm to 100 nm, alternatively 2 nm to 80 nm, alternatively 4 nm to 65 nm, or alternatively 4 nm to 15 nm.

[0067] When present, the second layer consists of one or more sublayers of low-refractive-index materials independently selected from the aforementioned materials. When present, the second layer may have a thickness of 1 nm to 220 nm, alternatively 2 nm to 210 nm, alternatively 4 nm to 200 nm, or alternatively 100 nm to 200 nm.

[0068] The third layer consists of one or more sublayers of high-refractive-index materials independently selected from the above materials. The third layer may have a thickness of 40 nm to 150 nm, alternatively 45 nm to 135 nm, or alternatively 50 nm to 125 nm.

[0069] The fourth layer consists of one or more low-refractive-index material sublayers independently selected from the above materials. The fourth layer may have a thickness of 400 nm to 200 nm, alternatively 45 nm to 160 nm, or alternatively 50 nm to 150 nm.

[0070] Therefore, each of the optional first, optional second, third or fourth layers can consist independently of a single layer, or may include two or more sub-layers.

[0071] The second particularly suitable high-refractive-index material for the p-polarized light-reflecting coating can be selected from... - Oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn, Zn or Ti; - A mixture of two or more of the following oxides: Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, and In; - Nitrides of Si, Zr, Al, and B; - A mixture of two or more of the following nitrides: Si, Zr, Al, and B.

[0072] The second particularly suitable high refractive index material for the p-polarized light reflective coating can preferably be selected from mixed titanium zirconium oxide, mixed titanium silicon oxide, mixed niobium zirconium oxide, mixed silicon zirconium nitride, aluminum-doped silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, mixed indium tin oxide, mixed zinc-rich aluminum oxide, mixed antimony tin oxide, mixed titanium zinc oxide, and mixed zinc tin oxide.

[0073] In some cases, the undercoating layer may be present in contact with a surface (outer surface 21 or inner surface 22) of the combiner surface. Such an undercoating layer differs from any of the first, second, third, or fourth layers of the second particularly suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating. Such an undercoating layer does not provide any optical effect to the p-polarized reflective coating but can act as a diffusion barrier for the substrate or as a seed layer for subsequent layers. In a preferred embodiment, the undercoating layer may be present, particularly in the absence of the first and second layers.

[0074] "Absorbing materials" refers to materials that absorb a portion of visible radiation.

[0075] The absorbing material is characterized by 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 ​​of n and k at three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm.

[0076] Therefore, the average value n is calculated using the refractive index values ​​of the material at three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm. The average value k is calculated using the extinction coefficient values ​​of the material at these three wavelengths.

[0077] Those skilled in the art are familiar with the optical parameters n and k. Thin film optical simulation software such as Thin FilmCenter or CODE have their own databases, but also provide those skilled in the art with reliable tools to fit the n and k optical models of thin films deposited on substrates with known physical thicknesses and characteristics.

[0078] At least one first absorbent material layer may be selected from: NiCr, W, Nb, Zr, Ta, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and / or Cr and / or W, or alloys based on Cr and Zr, or W and Zr or Cr, or W and Ta, optionally including additional elements selected from Ti, Nb, Ta, Ni and Sn; or TiN, CrN, WN, NbN, TaN, ZrN, NiCrN or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0079] Nitrides can also be partially oxidized, provided that the absorbance k is greater than 0.1 in the range between 450 nm and 650 nm.

[0080] The absorbent material layer may have at least one barrier layer disposed above and / or below the absorbent layer. Such a barrier layer may have a geometric thickness between 5 nm and 50 nm. Examples of such barrier layers include silicon nitride or aluminum-doped zinc oxide or titanium oxide or a mixture of titanium zirconium oxide.

[0081] That is, in some cases, at least one first absorbing material layer may comprise a NiCr or NiCrW layer having at least one silicon nitride blocking layer disposed below or above, or being side-mounted by a first dielectric coating formed substantially of silicon nitride and a second dielectric coating formed substantially of silicon nitride (below and above), each dielectric coating independently having a geometric thickness between 5 nm and 50 nm; or at least one first absorbing material layer may comprise a Pd (palladium) layer side-mounted by a first dielectric coating formed substantially of aluminum-doped zinc oxide and a second dielectric coating formed substantially of aluminum-doped zinc oxide, each dielectric coating independently having a geometric thickness between 5 nm and 50 nm. Such an absorbing material layer allows for optimal p-polarized light reflection with optimal light absorption.

[0082] At least one first absorbent material layer may preferably be selected from: NiCr, W, Nb, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and / or Cr and / or W; or TiN, CrN, WN, NbN, TaN, ZrN, NiCrN or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0083] At least one first absorbent material layer may more preferably be selected from: NiCr, W, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and / or Cr and / or W; or TiN, CrN, WN, NiCrN or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0084] To provide information, the average refractive index n and average extinction coefficient k of various absorbing materials and silver are presented in Table 1. These averages are calculated based on values ​​at three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm. An average refractive index n < 1 indicates that the material is unsuitable as an absorber. Silver, gold, copper, and aluminum have average values ​​of n < 1 and are therefore unsuitable. Table 1

[0085] Although not mandatory, the heat resistance of the absorbent material can be useful, i.e., it preferably remains substantially unchanged when heat-treated at temperatures above 400°C.

[0086] The absorbing material does not include silver. Materials such as silver, due to their low refractive index n (below 1), cannot provide the necessary enhancement for p-polarized light reflection and do not allow the p-polarized light reflective coating to be positioned on the interior-facing surface of the fitted glass panel (surface P4 in the case of a laminated assemblies, or surface P2 in the case of simple glass assemblies).

[0087] At least one first absorbent material layer may have a thickness of 0.2 nm to 15 nm, alternatively 0.5 nm to 15 nm, or alternatively 2 nm to 12 nm.

[0088] At least one first absorbent material layer can - Inserted between at least two adjacent coatings in the first, second, third, or fourth layer, or - Inserted into at least one of the first, second, third, or fourth layers.

[0089] Such a second suitable p-polarized light reflective coating is highly efficient, with p-polarized light reflectance ≥ 20%, heat-resistant, and its efficiency can be adjusted without sacrificing light transmittance.

[0090] Within the scope of this invention, the detail of this second suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating is that, when used in a laminated assembly of two 2.1 mm transparent glass sheets with a 0.76 mm transparent interlayer, the reflective coating is not required to have a transmittance of ≥ 70%, as it is not intended to be transparent to the field of view. The advantage of such a second suitable primary p-polarized coating is that, when positioned on a display area with a TL < 30%, the reflectivity of p-polarized light can reach up to at least 20% p-polarized light reflection without requiring optimization for color neutrality.

[0091] Within the scope of this invention, when measured on a 2.1 mm monolithic transparent float glass sheet, the p-polarized reflective coating 23 itself can have any transmittance, i.e., transmittance less than 90%, less than 70%, alternatively less than 65%, alternatively less than 60% and greater than 30%, alternatively greater than 40%.

[0092] p-polarized reflective coatings are considered non-conductive coatings, meaning their sheet resistance can be > 100 ohms / square.

[0093] The p-polarized reflective coating 23 is sufficiently durable and scratch-resistant to be disposed on the outer or inner surface of the combiner, facing the habitable exterior or interior of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the p-polarized reflective coating is disposed on the inner surface of the combiner so as to be closer to the projector.

[0094] At a given incident angle, measured at a wavelength of 550 nm + / - 100 nm, the p-polarized light reflective coating can be optimized to maximize the ratio of p-polarized light reflection to total internal reflection (internal reflection) (Rp-pol / Rin).

[0095] In other words, at the incident angle, p-polarized light reflection is maximized and internal reflection is minimized at the visible wavelength.

[0096] Therefore, the mounting angle of the combiner can be selected to maximize the Rp-pol / Rin ratio. The advantage of this is that although p-polarized light reflection is maximized at this specific incident angle, the driver or vehicle occupants will not be disturbed by dashboard reflections (within the visible range).

[0097] Therefore, the image 15 can be projected toward the combiner according to the invention using the image (light) source 13 that projects p-polarized light.

[0098] The inventors have discovered that, advantageously, using combiner 10 allows for improved durability of the combiner and thus increased lifespan of the entire HUD system. This combiner includes at least one chemically tempered glass 20, which is provided with a p-polarized reflective coating 23 disposed on the inner surface 22 of the combiner (or P4 in the case of a laminated combiner). Furthermore, the combiner provides a larger reflective surface. Moreover, combiner 10 is manufactured according to the simplest method.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the combiner 10 is provided with a p-polarized light reflective film 23. Preferably, the film is disposed on the inner surface of the combiner facing the interior of the vehicle, wherein the film provides optimal reflection of p-polarized light. The p-polarized light reflective film 23 is selected, for example, from films comprising at least one transparent liquid crystal layer; films comprising at least one cholesterol-type liquid crystal layer; films comprising a plurality of alternating polymer interference layers, etc.

[0100] For example, a reflective film including a liquid crystal layer can be bonded as a functional foil to the surface of an mounting glass plate. In this case, the corresponding liquid crystal layer is applied as a functional layer stack onto 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. Advantageously, the foil can be applied to the inward-facing surface of the combiner plate, which is intended to be used as a projection surface.

[0101] Commercial examples of such reflective films are available from 3M under the trade name 3M® WCF, or from Toray under the trade name PICASUS® VT, or from Fujifilm under the trade name Wavista®.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the invention, the combiner 10 further includes a dashboard structural support member configured to be fixed to the dashboard.

[0103] The dashboard support structure may include at least a first part 32, which may include means for securing / attaching the combiner to the dashboard.

[0104] The dashboard support 30 may include a first portion 32, which may be a carrier plate or frame supporting the glass sheet of the assembler, thereby supporting at least a portion of the surface of the at least one chemically tempered glass sheet of the assembler 10. Therefore, depending on the thickness of the glass sheet 20, the glass sheet 20 can be cold-bent by fixing it to the frame or backplate. Subsequently, the assembler can be more accurately assembled to the dashboard.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the carrier 32 can be shaped to fit the desired final shape of the assembler.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least first portion of the dashboard support 30 is a frame that limits the deformation of the glass 20 while allowing the absorption of energy under static and dynamic load / impact conditions due to proper construction.

[0107] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least first portion of the dashboard support 30 is a carrier plate that extends over at least a portion of the surface of the glass pane of the combiner 10 to limit glass deformation while allowing absorption of energy under static and dynamic load / impact conditions due to proper construction. The rear carrier 32 may be a safety backing that enhances the safety of the glass and prevents fragments from spreading within the vehicle in the event of breakage.

[0108] The frame and / or carrier 32 may be made of thermoplastic material, or steel, or composite material, or a combination thereof, to give the modular glass with frame / carrier sufficient stiffness to reduce glass deformation and reduce the risk of glass breakage.

[0109] Preferably, the first portion 32 of the dashboard support is made of plastic. An advantage of this invention is that the plastic can be easily adjusted and shaped using various methods, and can also be fixed to the glass. Therefore, all the fixing elements can be included within a plastic frame that will be fixed to the glass, which will serve as the user interface and provide the user with a much better aesthetic appearance.

[0110] Preferably, at least the first portion 32 (frame or back panel) of the dashboard support is made of a thermoplastic material selected from those having or not having fillers for providing additional properties, such as glass fiber for mechanical reinforcement (e.g., polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyamide (PA6), polyamide copolymer (PA66), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP)). Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or thermosetting materials, such as polyurethane (PUR) or epoxy resin (EP) with a hardness higher than 90 Shore A, may also be used.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion 32 of the dashboard support 30 can be fixed to the assembler in an injection mold. Subsequently, the first portion of the dashboard support is disposed in the injection mold in a flat or substantially flat shape and is bent into the desired shape in the injection mold. Therefore, the mold can be used not only to bend the glass panel but also to bend the first portion of the dashboard support, and can be used to inject injection material to fix the at least one glass piece of the assembler to the first portion of the dashboard support.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the invention, a carrier made of a rigid material may be provided with a fixing device 33. Preferably, the fixing device is provided with a carrier plate or frame. The fixing device is provided to secure / attach the assembler to the dashboard 11.

[0113] The dashboard support may include a second portion extending over the entire or part of the surface of the at least one chemically tempered glass sheet 20 of the assembler 10. Preferably, the second portion 31 of the dashboard support is disposed between the at least one glass sheet 20 of the assembler and a first portion of the dashboard support structure. Preferably, the second portion 31 of the dashboard support is a material injected between the at least one glass sheet and the first portion of the dashboard support structure. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the dashboard structure is made of a soft material 31 injected between the first portion 32 (carrier plate or frame) and the at least one glass sheet of the assembler. Preferably, the hardness of the soft material is less than 90 Shore A. The at least one glass sheet of the assembler is then secured to the carrier plate by the soft material. The soft material can be injected according to known glass encapsulation techniques.

[0114] According to embodiments of the invention, the soft material with a hardness less than 90 Shore A is a thermoplastic polymer (such as polypropylene), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (such as olefinic thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), polyurethane, polyamide, or soft polyvinyl chloride), silicone resin, or similar material, or any material suitable for reaction injection molding. The soft material is made of a suitable material to withstand the difference in thermal expansion between the carrier plate and the glass. Therefore, viscoelastic materials as mentioned above are used, such as preferably adhesives (PU, silicone, MS polymers), or thermoplastic elastomers with suitable shear strain are used.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the invention, a soft material is injected between the glass panel and the carrier onto the entire surface of at least one glass sheet of the assembler and / or the carrier to induce complete surface adhesion of the glass assembler to the first portion.

[0116] By injecting a soft material onto the entire surface of at least one glass pane and / or the first portion (carrier or frame), the stress applied to the soft material for bonding the glass to the carrier is reduced, and the glass assembly is well bonded to the first portion of the dashboard support across its entire surface. Therefore, deformation of the glass panel is avoided. Thus, the curved glass panel is secured to the curved carrier after bending to maintain the curvature of the glass panel.

[0117] The glass sheet can then be cold-bent. The advantage of cold-bending glass to form the assembly is that a p-polarized reflective coating can be applied to the glass before bending. Therefore, the coating is uniformly applied to the surface of the assembly to be coated.

[0118] At least the first portion of the dashboard structural support can be made of plastic. An advantage of this invention is that the plastic can be easily adjusted and shaped using various methods, and can also be fixed to glass. Therefore, all fixing elements can be included within a plastic frame that will be fixed to the glass, which will serve as the user interface and provide a much better aesthetic appearance for the user.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the invention, a fastening device may be provided on at least the first or second portion of the dashboard support structure. This fastening device may allow the combiner to be secured to the dashboard by screwing, clamping, thermal stacking, or any suitable method for securing the combiner to the dashboard.

[0120] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dashboard support may include a first part and a second part that may be made of different materials.

[0121] Figure 4 A combiner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0122] Figure 4 A combiner 10 is shown, which is provided with an instrument panel support 30. The instrument panel support structure 30 includes a first portion 32 made of a rigid material, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyamide (PA6), polyamide copolymer (PA66), polyoxymethylene (POM), or polypropylene (PP). The first portion, in the form of a carrier plate 32, is disposed on the entire surface of a chemically tempered glass sheet of the combiner 10. The carrier plate 32 is fixed to the glass sheet in a mold to encapsulate the glass.

[0123] The carrier plate 32 is fixed to the at least glass sheet by means of the second part 31.

[0124] The first portion 32 of the dashboard support structure 30 may include a fixing device 33 configured to secure the combiner to the dashboard. The fixing device may be made of the same material as the first portion and may be a portion extending from the first portion of the dashboard support structure.

[0125] By injecting a soft material selected from, for example, polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile / styrene acrylate between the at least one glass sheet 20 of the assembler and the first portion 32, a second portion 31 of the dashboard support 30 is disposed on the surface of the at least one glass sheet 20 of the assembler 10 and on the inner surface 22 of the first portion 32 of the dashboard support. Thus, the first portion 32 is secured to the at least one glass sheet by means of the second portion 31.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the invention, the combiner can be secured to the dashboard by screwing, clamping, thermal stacking, or any suitable method for securing the combiner to the dashboard. Glass encapsulation techniques are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the invention, the assembler is at least partially directly laminated to the dashboard. Lamination can be performed by applying an adhesive material to a portion of the glass component (e.g., around at least a portion of the edge of the glass component) or by applying the adhesive material to the entire contact area between the at least one glass sheet and the dashboard structure. Subsequently, the adhesive material is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the at least one glass sheet.

[0128] According to the invention, the combiner 10 (or glass dashboard portion) is placed in the dashboard in such a way that the image received from the light source is reflected toward the observer so that it can be seen.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the invention, the combiner can retract into the top surface of the dashboard or fold down parallel to the top surface of the dashboard.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the image source for projecting an image onto the combiner is a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light toward the combiner light at an incident angle of 5° to 65°, and wherein the light projected by the light source is incident on the combiner and reflected from the combiner.

[0131] Therefore, the combiner can be located in a limited section of the dashboard, or it can extend from the driver's A-pillar to the passenger's A-pillar of the vehicle. Thus, one or more images can be projected onto the combiner positioned on the dashboard.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the HUD system may include one or more combiners.

[0133] According to the invention, the size of the combiner can be the same as that of the classic combiners currently used in vehicles, meaning that their size is at least determined to receive a visible and clear image from a light source. The combiner's dimensions are the same as those of combiners already used in vehicles; however, according to the invention, they can be wider than classic combiners because they can extend from the driver's A-pillar to the passenger's A-pillar.

[0134] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmittance of the combiner is < 30%, reducing interference at the air / outer panel interface, and therefore resulting in a clearer image and reduced or eliminated ghosting. When the display area is a region with a transmittance of < 1%, interference at the air / outer panel interface is eliminated, and therefore, the image is clearer and free of ghosting.

[0135] A transmittance of less than 30% in the display area can be achieved by selectively arranging different opacification methods in the display area. The selected opacification methods are intended to provide shading and / or opacity such that TL < 30% or less, as discussed above.

[0136] The means of making the display area opaque can be selected from at least one of the following: -Dark-colored printing; -Dark inlay; -Dark patch; - or a combination thereof.

[0137] When using a dark-colored printed material as an opaque means, the dark-colored printed material can be selected from enamel, paint, and / or ink. The dark-colored printed material can be applied to the outer surface 21 of the assembler, or, in the case of a laminated assembler, to the surfaces of the laminated assembler commonly referred to as P1, P2, and P3.

[0138] In dark-colored printing, enamel is preferably used to make the projected area opaque when deposited on either the inner or outer surface of the assembler. When the assembler is made of laminated glass sheets (referred to as the outer and inner glass sheets), the enamel can be applied to the outer and / or inner surfaces of the outer glass sheet of the laminated assembler, or to the inner surface of the inner glass sheet of the laminated assembler. Typical enamel compositions typically contain glass frit, pigments, and other additives in the medium. Additives include tackifiers, seed crystals, reducing agents, conductive metals (e.g., silver particles), rheology modifiers, flow aids, tackifiers, stabilizers, etc.

[0139] The main advantage of the method of making porcelain enamel opaque is that it can achieve complete opacity, that is, TL can be < 5%, preferably < 1%, and most preferably equal to 0%.

[0140] Therefore, high image quality without ghosting can be obtained because double images from outside the combiner can be avoided.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the combiner 10 has a p-polarized light reflective coating on its inner surface and an opaque device on its outer surface.

[0142] According to embodiments of the invention, an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the outside of the combiner to reduce ghosting images. The anti-reflective coating is based on a refractive index gradient or textured coating, such as a porous anti-reflective coating.

[0143] The present invention also provides a method for producing a combiner for a HUD system for a vehicle as described above.

[0144] The method includes the following steps: a. Provide at least one chemically tempered glass sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface; b. Apply a p-polarized light reflective coating or p-polarized light reflective film to at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one glass sheet; c. Assemble the glass sheet provided in step b) into the dashboard support structure.

[0145] The method of producing combiners for HUD systems used in vehicles includes an additional step of bending glass plates.

[0146] As described above, the dashboard support structure may include at least a first part, which may include means for securing / attaching the combiner to the dashboard.

[0147] The present invention also covers the use of a combiner in a vehicle, the combiner comprising at least one chemically tempered glass plate to reflect an image projected toward the combiner from a light source projecting at least 50% p-polarized light.

[0148] The present invention also covers head-up display systems as described above.

[0149] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, significant modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A head-up display system for a vehicle, the head-up display system comprising: a. An image source (13) configured to project an image onto the combiner (10), the image source (13) being positioned in the instrument panel (11) of the vehicle. b. A combiner (10), integrated into the dashboard (11), for reflecting the projected image (15) toward an observer (300) for viewing. The combiner (10) includes at least one chemically tempered glass plate (20) having an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (21).

2. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The combiner (10) further includes a p-polarized light reflective coating (23) disposed on the inner surface (22) or outer surface (21) of the at least one chemically tempered glass plate (20).

3. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein, The p-polarized reflective coating (23) comprises at least one layer sequence of high refractive index layer / low refractive index layer.

4. The head-up display system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one glass sheet of the assembler is made of glass with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2.1 mm.

5. The head-up display system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, As the driver can see, the combiner is placed on the upper or lower part of the dashboard.

6. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The combiner (10) further includes a dashboard support (30) configured to be fixed to the dashboard (11).

7. The head-up display (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The instrument panel support (30) includes at least a first part (32) and a second part (31).

8. The head-up display (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The dashboard support (30) includes at least a first part (32) made of a rigid material and a second part (31) made of a soft material.

9. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The combiner is at least partially laminated to the support structure of the dashboard.

10. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The transmittance of the combined unit is < 30%.

11. The head-up display system (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Preferably, the combiner further includes at least one opaque device on its exterior (21).

12. The head-up display system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The image source (13) used to project an image onto the combiner is a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light toward the combiner at an incident angle of 25° to 65°, and wherein the light projected by the light source is incident on the combiner (10) and reflected from the combiner.

13. A method for producing a combiner for a head-up display system for a vehicle as described in claims 1 to 12, the method comprising at least the following steps: a. Provide at least one chemically tempered glass sheet (20), the at least one chemically tempered glass sheet having an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (21); b. Apply a p-polarized light reflective coating (23) or a p-polarized light reflective film (23) to at least a portion of the inner surface (22) of the at least one glass sheet (23); c. Assemble the glass sheet provided in step b) into the dashboard support structure.

14. Use of a combiner (10) in a vehicle (100), wherein, The combiner includes at least one chemically tempered glass to reflect an image projected from a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light toward the combiner.

15. A means of transport comprising a head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images