Illuminated decorative laminated glass

Abstract

The invention relates to an illuminable laminated glazing unit (50) comprising a first glass sheet (11) and a second glass sheet (12) adhesively bonded together by a lamination interlayer (14), said lamination interlayer (14) comprising a polymeric sheet, called carrier sheet (140), which is coated with a decorative coating (16) comprising at least one layer of organic ink (161, 162, 163), said laminated glazing unit further comprising extraction means (13) arranged between the decorative coating (16) and the second glass sheet (12). Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Illuminatable decorative laminated glazing

[0001] The invention relates to the field of laminated glazing, in particular, but not exclusively, for motor vehicles. It relates more particularly to illuminable decorative glazing.

[0002] Today there is an ever-increasing need to personalize the appearance, both interior and exterior, of motor vehicles, in particular by modifying the appearance of their glazing, without however harming the safety and comfort, in particular thermal or acoustic, of the people occupying the passenger compartment. However, advanced personalization represents a challenge, because it is often difficult to reconcile with industrial tools designed for large series, which can also lead to a significant increase in production costs.

[0003] The aim of the invention is to propose decorative and illuminable glazing and a method of manufacturing such glazing, which meet these different contradictory requirements.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to an illuminable laminated glazing unit comprising a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet adhesively bonded together by a lamination interlayer, said lamination interlayer comprising a polymeric sheet, called a carrier sheet, which is coated with a decorative coating comprising at least one layer of organic ink, said laminated glazing unit further comprising extraction means arranged between the decorative coating and the second glass sheet.

[0005] The invention also relates to a method for obtaining such an illuminable laminated glazing, comprising the printing of a decorative coating comprising at least one layer of organic ink on a polymeric sheet called a carrier sheet, the printing of extraction means on said carrier sheet or on another polymeric sheet, and the lamination of a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet by means of a lamination interlayer comprising said carrier sheet and, where appropriate, said other polymeric sheet.

[0006] The glazing according to the invention is a laminated glazing, that is to say a glazing comprising two sheets of glass adhesively bonded together by a lamination interlayer. Such glazing makes it possible to improve the security, the resistance to burglary as well as the acoustic insulation properties of vehicles. If in the present text, the applications of glazing for vehicles (in particular motor vehicles) are highlighted, the glazing according to the invention can also be used in other applications, for example in construction or household appliances. Any reference to a vehicle can therefore also be understood as a reference to a building or household appliance.

[0007] Preferably, the glazing further comprises at least one light source optically coupled with the second glass sheet so that the second glass sheet forms an optical guide.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, this coupling is achieved by means of a light redirection element. In this embodiment, the glazing thus further comprises a light redirection element. Such an element is intended to facilitate the injection of light into the second glass sheet and in particular to allow the propagation of light within this second glass sheet. In particular, the light redirection element can redirect said light ray into the second glass sheet at an angle allowing propagation of the light radiation by total reflection in said second glass sheet. In certain configurations described below, a portion of the light can further propagate in a portion of the lamination interlayer.

[0009] Such a light redirection element is in particular a reflective element, in particular a reflective prism, arranged between the carrier sheet and the second glass sheet (therefore on the side of face 3 of the glazing), or a transparent element, in particular a transparent prism, arranged on the side of face 4 of the glazing.

[0010] The reflective prism may in particular be a textured polymer film or a film coated with a textured layer. The texturing may form an arrangement of microprisms. A film coated with a textured layer may in particular be produced by embossing a polymeric layer (for example acrylic) deposited on a substrate (for example polyethylene terephthalate) and then metallizing the layer. The metallization may for example be carried out by depositing a metallic layer, for example silver or aluminum. To do this, various deposition methods are possible, in particular physical vapor deposition (PVD), for example sputtering or evaporation. The thickness of the reflective prism is in particular between 30 and 500 μm. The microprisms have for example a triangular section. They are preferably contiguous.

[0011] According to other embodiments, the or each light source is optically coupled to the second glass sheet by all or part of the edge of the second glass sheet, or by the wall of a hole made in the second glass sheet and in which the or each light source is arranged.

[0012] The or each light source can be removable, added, sold separately or as a kit.

[0013] The or each light source is for example arranged against the second glass sheet (for example by gluing), or close to it, for example 10 cm or less, or even 5 cm or less. The or each light source is preferably coupled directly to the second sheet of glass, or via an optical guide, for example an optical fiber.

[0014] The or each light source preferably comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are, for example, Lambertian emission diodes, or diodes provided with a collimating lens. The or each light source may be monochromatic (emitting in blue, green, red, etc.) or polychromatic. Several light sources may be adapted or combined to produce, for example, white light. The or each light source may be extended linearly along a longitudinal edge of the glazing, for example, along two opposite longitudinal edges.

[0015] The presence of extraction means makes it possible to extract light at the locations where these means are present. It is thus possible to combine the presence of the decor provided by the decorative coating (“passive” decor) and the possibility of illuminating this decor at selected locations. The emission of light in certain areas can thus contribute to the decor by creating an “active” decor.

[0016] The extraction means are preferably arranged on a polymeric sheet of the lamination interlayer. As explained in more detail in the rest of the text, the extraction means are advantageously arranged on the carrier sheet.

[0017] The extraction means are preferably a diffusing coating, in particular discontinuous. The diffusing coating is preferably a layer of organic ink, in particular discontinuous. The refractive index of the diffusing coating (for a wavelength of 550 nm) is preferably greater than or equal to the refractive index of the second glass sheet. It is advantageously at least 1.52, preferably at most 1.70.

[0018] The diffusing coating, in particular the organic ink layer, preferably comprises an organic binder as well as diffusing particles. By "organic ink" is meant that the binder of the ink is of an organic nature. The binder is for example a (meth)acrylic binder, in particular obtained by crosslinking under ultraviolet radiation of compounds comprising (meth)acrylate functions. The particles are preferably mineral, preferably colorless, typically submicrometric, for example oxide particles such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or barium titanate.

[0019] The extraction means preferably comprise a plurality of zones, corresponding to the illuminable zones. It is thus possible to create an active decoration which can complement the passive decoration created by the decorative coating.

[0020] Preferably, the laminated glazing comprises an optical insulation layer arranged between the first sheet of glass and the extraction means, preferably between the carrier sheet and the second glass sheet. Such an optical insulation layer makes it possible, in particular, to increase the range of angles between the light ray and the normal to the second glass sheet which allow propagation by total reflection in this second glass sheet. It is thus possible to increase the quantity of guided light, and therefore the lighting power.

[0021] The optical insulation layer preferably has a refractive index of at most 1.45, in particular at most 1.42 and even at most 1.40, for example between 1.35 and 1.40, for a wavelength of 550 nm. Preferably, the difference between the refractive index of the second glass sheet and that of the optical insulation layer is at least 0.08, in particular at least 0.10.

[0022] The optical insulation layer is transparent, preferably clear, with a light transmission preferably of at least 80% or 90%. It preferably occupies the entire clear area of ​​the glazing.

[0023] The optical insulation layer is preferably a continuous, mineral, organic or mineral / organic hybrid layer. It may in particular comprise an organic matrix, in particular a polymeric one, for example made of acrylic polymer. Such a matrix may easily be deposited on a polymeric sheet of the lamination interlayer, for example by liquid deposition of precursors of said polymer (for example monomers or oligomers comprising acrylate functions) followed by polymerization or crosslinking, in particular under the effect of radiation, such as ultraviolet radiation. In the latter case, the precursors contain a photoinitiator. In order to further reduce its refractive index, the optical insulation layer may also comprise, in addition to an organic matrix, pores or particles, in particular porous particles, such as hollow silica nanoparticles.

[0024] In the embodiment which has just been given, the optical insulation layer is a layer deposited on a polymeric sheet of the lamination interlayer. Alternatively, the optical insulation layer may be constituted by a polymeric sheet of the lamination interlayer, including the carrier sheet. For this purpose, it is possible to use, for example, a fluoropolymer (for example copolymers of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene) or a polysiloxane, these polymers having refractive indices in the aforementioned ranges.

[0025] The respective preferred positions of the decorative coating, the extraction means and, where appropriate, the optical insulation layer will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the text, in connection with the different possible embodiments for producing the lamination interlayer.

[0026] However, it will already be noted that according to a particularly preferred embodiment the extraction means, and where appropriate the optical insulation layer, are deposited on the carrier sheet. It is thus possible, on the one hand, to combine the different optical functions of the glazing in a single material, which helps to simplify the manufacture of the glazing, and on the other hand to ensure precise positioning of the active decoration in relation to the passive decoration. A further simplification is obtained when the extraction means is an ink because in this case it may be possible to print the decorative coating and the extraction means in a single step, or at least using the same printing equipment, for example the same printer.

[0027] The glass sheets are preferably made of mineral glass, typically soda-lime glass (also called soda-lime silico), but may be made of other types of glass, for example borosilicate or aluminosilicate, or even organic glass (in particular for the second glass sheet). Preferably, the first and second glass sheets are made of soda-lime glass. The glazing may alternatively be hybrid, in the sense that the glass sheets are of two different types. As examples, the first sheet may be made of borosilicate glass and the second sheet of soda-lime glass, or the first sheet may be made of soda-lime glass and the second sheet of aluminosilicate glass.

[0028] The thickness of the glass sheets is preferably between 0.5 and 6.0 mm, in particular between 1.0 and 4.0 mm, or even between 1.1 and 3.0 mm. At least one dimension of the glazing is preferably at least 1 m.

[0029] Each sheet of glass can independently be clear or tinted, for example green, gray or blue. To do this, the composition of the glass comprises colorants, in particular iron oxide, in a total weight content (expressed in the form Fe 2O3) of between 0.05 and 1.5%, in particular between 0.1 and 1.2%. Other colorants are, for example, selenium and oxides of cobalt, chromium, copper or rare earths. Preferably, the outer sheet of the glazing (i.e. the one intended to be located outside the vehicle) is tinted. This will be the case, for example, when the glazing must appear black or at least dark when seen from outside the vehicle. The inner sheet of the glazing is preferably clear (or extra-clear), so as to allow good viewing of the decorative coating, when the latter is intended to be seen from inside the vehicle.

[0030] At least one of the glass sheets may be coated with a functional thin layer or a stack of thin layers comprising at least one functional layer. A thin layer is understood to mean a layer whose physical thickness is preferably between 1 nm and 10 μm, in particular between 2 nm and 1 μm. These may in particular be functional layers having infrared radiation reflection properties, in particular low-emissivity layers, with the aim of giving the glazing solar control and / or thermal insulation properties. By way of examples, a stack of thin layers comprising at least one (and in particular, two, three or four) silver layer can be deposited on face 2 or face 3 of the laminated glazing, therefore a face located in contact with the lamination interlayer. In the technique, the faces of the glass sheets are usually numbered starting from the face of the glazing facing the outside of the vehicle, which is therefore face 1. Alternatively or cumulatively, a stack of thin layers comprising at least one layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) or a zinc oxide doped with aluminum or gallium, or a tin oxide doped with fluorine or antimony, can be deposited on face 4 of the laminated glazing. In the stack, the functional layers are preferably surrounded by dielectric layers, in particular based on oxides, nitrides or oxynitrides.The layer stacks are preferably deposited by cathode sputtering, in particular assisted by a magnetic field (so-called "magnetron" process). Other deposition processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or sol-gel processes are also possible.

[0031] At least one of the glass sheets may be coated on part of its surface with a layer of enamel, in particular an opaque and black enamel in the form of a strip located at the periphery of the glazing, intended to protect and conceal the joints for fixing the glazing to the bodywork opening. The enamel layer is preferably present on face 2 or 3 of the glazing, or even on face 4. The clarity L* of the enamel layer, measured in reflection on the glass side, is preferably less than 5. The method of the invention may therefore comprise a step of depositing such an enamel layer on the first and / or the second glass sheet, in particular by screen printing or digital printing of a fluid enamel composition. The enamel composition comprises in particular a glass frit, pigments and an organic medium. The enamel may advantageously be replaced by a silicate paint.A black peripheral band having the same functions can alternatively be obtained by printing black ink on at least one of the polymeric sheets of the lamination interlayer.

[0032] The decorative coating may occupy all or part of the surface of the glazing. According to one embodiment, it occupies the entire surface of the glazing, or at least its entire useful surface. By "useful surface" is meant the surface of the glazing in which the glass sheets are transparent. This area, also called "clear view", excludes in particular areas provided with opaque enamel. According to another embodiment, the decorative coating only occupies part of the surface of the glazing, for example between 10 and 80%, or between 20 and 60%. The decorative coating may be discontinuous. In this case, the extraction means (forming the active decoration) may either be superimposed on the decorative coating, or on the contrary be present in areas devoid of decorative coating, depending on the desired decoration.

[0033] The glazing is preferably opaque, at least in the area where the decorative coating is present. Its light transmission is preferably less than 1%, even 0.1%. In this text, light transmissions are calculated taking into account illuminant D65 and the CIE-1964 reference observer. Its optical density is preferably at least 2, or even at least 3. Even when opacified by the decoration, glass is always of interest, particularly for its appearance in reflection, which is different from that of metal.

[0034] The lamination interlayer comprises at least one polymeric sheet. Preferably, it comprises at least two, and even at least three, in particular between two and five, or even three or four.

[0035] The carrier sheet is coated with a decorative coating. Using a printed decoration on a sheet of the lamination interlayer rather than on one of the glass sheets, for example by means of an enamel or a mineral paint, makes it possible to bring more flexibility to the process, and therefore to allow greater customization of the decoration without too much impact on production costs. This also makes it possible to create more complex decorations without negatively impacting the mechanical strength of the glazing.

[0036] The decorative coating preferably comprises a plurality of superimposed organic ink layers, including a first ink layer which is the ink layer closest to the first glass sheet and a second ink layer which is the ink layer closest to the second glass sheet. The presence of two superimposed ink layers makes it possible in particular to create two different decorations, one visible from the outside of the vehicle, the other from the inside of the vehicle.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the decorative coating consists of two superimposed layers of organic ink. Alternatively, and according to a preferred embodiment, the decorative coating comprises more than two superimposed layers of organic ink, in particular consists of three superimposed layers of organic ink.

[0038] Preferably, the second layer of organic ink is a decorative layer, polychromatic or monochromatic, and the first layer of organic ink is an opaque monochromatic layer, in particular black. In this case, if the first sheet of glass is intended to be the outer sheet, the glazing appears monochromatic, in particular black, from the outside of the vehicle. Black inks have the advantage of having a high opacity (with in particular a light transmission of less than 1%, or even less than 0.1%, and / or an optical density of at least 2, or even at least 3). It is thus possible to completely separate the decorations carried by each of the layers of ink, avoiding any superposition of decorations which would be detrimental to the aesthetics of the glazing.Other colours than black can also be chosen, for example to match the colour of the glazing to the colour of the bodywork or on the contrary to choose a different colour, which can be repeated on other parts of the vehicle, such as . for example the rearview mirrors. On the other side, therefore in this hypothesis from the inside of the vehicle, the decor is visible, monochromatic or polychromatic. This decor can be any, for example based on a photograph. It can for example represent a landscape. In such a case, it is preferable that the glass sheets and the polymer sheets located between the interior of the vehicle and the decor are clear (in particular untinted and with high light transmission, in particular at least 80%, or even at least 85% or 90%) in order to allow good visualization of the decor. The resolution of the decor is preferably at least 360 dpi (dots per inch, also called by their English acronym "dpi").

[0039] According to a variant, the two layers of organic ink may be decorative layers, monochromatic or polychromatic. Preferably, the decoration represented by each of the layers will be different.

[0040] Preferably, the decorative coating comprises a third layer of organic ink disposed between the first layer of ink and the second layer of ink. This third layer of ink is advantageously opaque, in particular white. White inks make it possible to give the decoration more vivid shades, in particular when the first layer of ink is black.

[0041] The decorative coating preferably comprises at most three layers of ink, so as not to unnecessarily complicate the printing step.

[0042] Preferably, the decorative coating (and preferably the extraction means) is (are) printed by an inkjet printing technique, in particular using an ink that is polymerizable or crosslinkable under the effect of ultraviolet radiation. This technique is advantageous in terms of speed and productivity, thanks to almost instantaneous drying of the ink, and makes it possible to obtain, with very good print quality, durable and scratch-resistant decorations.

[0043] Preferably, the decorative coating, as well as, preferably, the extraction means, is (are) printed using the same printer, or even simultaneously in a single pass. The UV inkjet printing technique in fact makes it possible to print several superimposed layers simultaneously, which constitutes a great advantage in terms of productivity.

[0044] The ink preferably comprises one or more pigments and a binder. It advantageously comprises a photoinitiator, notably chosen from benzophenones, phosphine oxide derivatives, acetophenones and isopropylthioxanthone. By "organic ink" is meant that the binder is organic, as opposed to enamels or mineral paints where the binder is inorganic (for example based on mineral glass or silicates). The pigments can be both organic and mineral. For example, the white ink can comprise titanium oxide. The binder is for example of the acrylate, epoxy or polyester type. The binder can notably comprise monomers and / or oligomers of the type (meth)acrylate, polyether-acrylate, polyester-acrylate, polyurethane-acrylate, epoxy-acrylate, silicone-acrylates. The ink may further comprise additives, such as viscosity or surface tension regulating agents, stabilizers, etc.

[0045] The lamination interlayer preferably comprises at least two polymeric sheets, including a first polymeric sheet which is closest to the first glass sheet, and a second polymeric sheet which is closest to the second glass sheet, and the decorative coating is arranged between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet. In such a case, the second polymeric sheet is preferably clear, so as to allow good viewing of the decoration, when it must be seen from inside the vehicle. The first polymeric sheet is preferably tinted, in particular when the glazing must appear black or at least dark from outside the vehicle (here we are in a configuration where the first glass sheet is the outer sheet of the glazing).

[0046] The first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet are preferably made of a polymer chosen from poly(vinyl butyral) - also called PVB, ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes. This ensures good adhesion to the glass sheets, making it possible to meet the regulatory requirements in terms of safety of laminated glass.

[0047] According to a first embodiment, the carrier sheet is the first polymeric sheet or the second polymeric sheet. Preferably, the decorative coating is located on one face of the polymeric sheet (first or second) facing another polymeric sheet of the lamination interlayer. This prevents the decorative coating from being in contact with the glass and being degraded during lamination.

[0048] The extraction means are then preferably deposited on the second polymeric sheet. They are advantageously deposited on the face in contact with the second glass sheet, or on the face facing the first glass sheet. This configuration is particularly advantageous in the context of the first embodiment mentioned above. The extraction means are for example a diffusing layer, in particular deposited on the second polymeric sheet, for example in PVB. This configuration is possible regardless of the location of the decorative coating (whether the carrier sheet is the first polymeric sheet or the second polymeric sheet). Several variants are then possible, in particular: - Variant 1.1: the carrier sheet is the first polymeric sheet and the extraction means are deposited on the face of the second polymeric sheet which is turned towards the first polymeric sheet, - Variant 1.2: the carrier sheet is the first polymeric sheet and the means extraction are deposited on the face of the second polymeric sheet which is facing the second glass sheet, - Variant 1.3: the carrier sheet is the second polymeric sheet and the extraction means are deposited on the face of the second polymeric sheet which is turned towards the first polymeric sheet; in this case the extraction means are on the same face of the second polymeric sheet as the decorative coating, and are closer to the second polymeric sheet than the decorative coating, - Variant 1.4: the carrier sheet is the second polymeric sheet and the extraction means are deposited on the face of the second polymeric sheet which is turned towards the second glass sheet. In this variant, the decorative coating and the extraction means are therefore arranged on opposite faces of the second polymeric sheet.

[0049] According to a second embodiment, the lamination interlayer further comprises a third polymeric sheet located between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet, and the carrier sheet is the third polymeric sheet. In this case, the third polymeric sheet is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate - also called PET. This material has the advantage of being optically clear while being compatible with the plasticizers commonly used for polyvinyl butyral.

[0050] In this embodiment, the extraction means are preferably deposited on the third polymeric sheet (therefore the carrier sheet), in particular on the face facing the second glass sheet. The extraction means are for example a diffusing layer, in particular discontinuous, deposited on a PET sheet. The deposition of the decorative coating and the extraction means on the same sheet makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the glazing while ensuring good relative alignment of the active and passive decorations. Alternatively, the extraction means can be deposited on the second polymeric sheet, in particular on the face in contact with the second glass sheet, a configuration which maximizes the extraction of light.

[0051] Several variants are possible, in particular depending on the location of the decorative coating, in particular the following variants: - Variant 2.1: the third polymeric sheet is coated, on its face facing the first sheet of glass, with the decorative coating, and on its face facing the second sheet of glass, with extraction means, - Variant 2.2: the third polymeric sheet is coated, on its face facing the second sheet of glass, with both the decorative coating and the extraction means, the latter being closer to the second sheet of glass, - Variant 2.3: the third polymeric sheet is coated, on its face facing the first glass sheet, with the decorative coating, and the extraction means are deposited on the second polymeric sheet, in particular on the face in contact with the second glass sheet, - Variant 2.4: the third polymeric sheet is coated, on its face facing the second glass sheet, with the decorative coating, and the extraction means are deposited on the second polymeric sheet, in particular on the face in contact with the second glass sheet.

[0052] As indicated previously, variants 1.3, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.2, in which the extraction means and the decorative coating are deposited on the same polymeric sheet, are preferred because they allow a relative positioning of the two layers which is more precise while facilitating the manufacture of the glazing.

[0053] In the context of this second embodiment, an optical insulation layer as defined above is preferably arranged on the face of the third polymeric sheet which is turned towards the second polymeric sheet. Such a configuration is advantageous, in particular in the case of a third polymeric sheet made of PET, in order to prevent light from penetrating into this polymeric sheet, where it can be scattered.

[0054] In the case of the aforementioned variant 2.1, the optical insulation layer is preferably arranged between the third polymeric sheet and the extraction means. In the case of variant 2.2, the optical insulation layer, the decorative coating and the extraction means are preferably arranged in this order, starting from the third polymeric sheet, on the face of the latter which is turned towards the second polymeric sheet. This variant is particularly useful when the decorative coating is discontinuous.

[0055] As indicated above, it is possible to use, instead of a third polymeric sheet coated with an optical insulating layer, a third polymeric sheet which is intrinsically an optical insulating layer by virtue of the fact that it is formed from a polymer with a low refractive index, such as a fluoropolymer or a polysiloxane.

[0056] Whether in the first or second embodiment, the light redirection element, in particular if it is a reflective element, in particular a reflective prism, is preferably arranged between the second polymeric sheet and the second glass sheet. Alternatively, and in the context of the second embodiment, the light redirection element (in particular a reflective element such as a reflective prism) may be arranged between the second polymeric and the third polymeric sheet. It is then integrated into the lamination interlayer.

[0057] At least one of the polymeric sheets of the lamination interlayer may have an infrared radiation reflection function and thus contribute to to provide the glazing with a solar control and / or thermal insulation function. This function can be achieved in particular by dispersing infrared-reflecting particles, in particular metal or metal oxide particles, in the polymeric sheet, or by coating the polymeric sheet with an infrared-reflecting coating.

[0058] The lamination interlayer can be obtained in particular by stacking the polymer sheets that compose it (for example a PET sheet between two PVB sheets), then by carrying out local welding of the PVB sheets at the edges of the interlayer. It is also possible to pre-assemble two polymer sheets to form a bi-layer sheet. For example, the carrier sheet, in particular PET, can be bonded by heating to a PVB sheet, before being assembled to the other PVB sheet.

[0059] The glazing is preferably a motor vehicle roof. Other applications are of course possible, particularly in the fields of transport, construction or household appliances, as indicated above.

[0060] The glazing, in particular the roof of a motor vehicle, is preferably curved, the first sheet of glass being the outer sheet of the glazing, and the second sheet of glass being the inner sheet of the glazing. The term outer sheet is understood to mean the sheet intended to be located outside the vehicle, which will be on the convex side of the glazing, and the term inner sheet is understood to mean the sheet intended to be located inside the vehicle, and which will be on the concave side.

[0061] The method therefore preferably comprises, before the lamination step, a bending step. Preferably, the two glass sheets are bent together, the second sheet above the first sheet. The bending can in particular be carried out by gravity (the glass deforming under its own weight) or by pressing, at temperatures typically ranging from 550 to 720°C. The pressing can optionally be followed by rapid cooling in order to provide surface reinforcement (tempering or hardening). During the bending, the glass sheets can be kept at a distance by placing between them an interlayer powder ensuring a space of a few tens of micrometers, typically 20 to 50 μm. The interlayer powder is for example based on calcium and / or magnesium carbonate.

[0062] The lamination step can in particular be carried out by autoclave treatment, for example at temperatures of 110 to 160°C and under a pressure of 10 to 15 bars. Prior to the autoclave treatment, the air trapped between the glass sheets and the lamination interlayer can be eliminated by calendering or by vacuum.

[0063] The glazing may comprise additional functional elements, in particular between the carrier sheet and the first glass sheet. The lamination interlayer will preferably comprise an additional polymeric sheet, the functional element additional being generally sandwiched between the first polymeric sheet and this additional polymeric sheet. In such a case, the interlayer preferably comprises at least three polymeric sheets, and even at least four polymeric sheets (for example in order from the first glass sheet, a first polymeric sheet, for example made of PVB, sandwiching the additional functional element between it and an additional sheet, for example also made of PVB, then a carrier polymeric sheet, for example made of PET, and finally a last polymeric sheet, also made of PVB).

[0064] The additional functional element may in particular be an electro-controllable device, in particular with variable diffusion or tint. Examples include suspended particle devices (also called SPD for Suspended Particle Devices), polymer-dispersed liquid crystal display devices (also called PDLC for Polymer-Dispersed Liquid-Crystal devices) and electrochromic devices.

[0065] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner.

[0066] [Fig.l] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 1.4 previously explained.

[0067] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 1.3.

[0068] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 1.2.

[0069] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 2.2.

[0070] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 2.1.

[0071] [Fig.6] is an exploded view of a glazing according to variant 2.3.

[0072] Figures 1 to 6 are schematic and exploded views of glazings according to the invention. The views are exploded so as to be able to visualize on which sheets (glass or polymer) the various elements are deposited. The figures are obviously not to scale, the thickness of certain elements being greatly enlarged in order to be able to visualize them. The glazings are shown flat for simplicity, but in most applications for motor vehicles, they will be curved. The figures indicate the faces 1 to 4 of the glass sheets, respectively named F1, F2, F3 and F4. In these examples, the first glass sheet is therefore the outer sheet of the glazing, that is to say the one intended to be on the outside of the vehicle.The glazing will be described here in relation to an application such as motor vehicle roofs, but other applications are of course possible, both in the fields of transport and construction (facades, partitions, etc.) or household appliances.

[0073] In the embodiment of [Fig.l], the glazing 10 comprises a first glass sheet 11 and a second glass sheet 12 bonded together by means of a lamination interlayer 14. As indicated previously, the first glass sheet 11 is preferably tinted. The second glass sheet 12 is preferably clear, to allow good viewing of the decoration. The lamination interlayer 14 consists of two polymeric sheets, a first sheet 141 and a second sheet 142. These two sheets are in particular made of a polymer chosen from poly(vinyl butyral), also called PVB, ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). As for the glass sheets, the second polymeric sheet 142 is preferably clear to allow good viewing of the decoration from inside the vehicle. The first polymeric sheet 141 can be tinted. The first glass sheet 11 is here coated on face 2, denoted F2, with a peripheral black enamel strip 17 intended to protect and conceal the glazing fixing joints in the bodywork opening. This optional enamel layer could alternatively be deposited on face 3 or 4.As indicated previously, functional layers having infrared radiation reflection properties, in particular low-emissivity layers, not shown in the figures, can be deposited on face F2 and / or F4.

[0074] In this example, the decorative coating 16 is arranged between the two polymeric sheets 141 and 142, which is preferable to avoid damaging it during lamination. The decorative coating 16 is here printed on the carrier sheet 140 and which is the second polymeric sheet 142, but it could also be printed on the first polymeric sheet 141. The order of deposition of the ink layers would then be reversed, the first ink layer 161 then being in contact with the carrier sheet.

[0075] The decorative coating 16 is in this example made up of three superimposed layers of organic ink: a first layer 161, closest to the first glass sheet 11, a second layer 162, closest to the second glass sheet 12, and a third layer 163, located between the first and second layers. In the example shown here, the first layer 161 is an opaque layer of black ink, the second layer 162 is a polychromatic decorative layer and the third layer 163 is an opaque white layer. It is thus possible to obtain an opaque automobile roof having a black appearance seen from the outside and an appearance determined by the chosen decoration seen from the inside. The third layer 163, which is optional, makes it possible to give the decoration more vivid shades. Other configurations are of course possible.For example, the first layer 161 may be a polychromatic decoration, or even be monochromatic but in a color other than black, for example matching the color of the bodywork or that of other elements of the vehicle.

[0076] The glazing 10 further comprises extraction means 13 arranged on the face of the second polymeric sheet 142 which is turned towards the second glass sheet 12. These extraction means are in the example shown a discontinuous diffusing layer forming a decoration, in particular a diffusing ink layer, but other configurations are obviously possible.

[0077] The organic ink layers of the decorative coating 16 as well as the means extraction layer 13 (if it is also an ink layer) are preferably deposited on the carrier sheet 140 by UV inkjet printing. These different ink layers are preferably simultaneously deposited in a single pass, or possibly in two passes with turning of the carrier sheet between two passes.

[0078] The decorative coating 16 is presented here as continuous, but it could be discontinuous, and in this case the extraction means 13 could be either partially or totally opposite areas coated with the decorative coating, or on the contrary opposite areas not coated with the decorative coating.

[0079] The glazing 10 further comprises a light redirection element 18, here arranged on the face F3. In the example shown, this is a reflective prism, but other configurations are of course possible. This redirection element makes it possible to redirect the light emitted by a light source 19 at an angle allowing the propagation of the light radiation by total reflection in the second glass sheet 12, as represented by arrows in the figure. The light source 19 may for example comprise at least one set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged near the face F4, along a longitudinal edge of the glazing. Other configurations are of course possible (other types of positioning, presence of several sources, other types of light sources, etc.).

[0080] The glazing 20 of [Fig. 2] differs from the glazing 10 in that the extraction means 13 are arranged on the same face of the second polymeric sheet 142 as the decorative coating 16, here the face facing the first glass sheet 11. This configuration corresponds to the previously mentioned variant 1.3. Compared to the configuration of [Fig. 1], the ease of printing the decorative coating and the extraction means is greater, because all the layers are arranged on the same face, but the luminous performances are less good.

[0081] The glazing 30 of [Fig. 3] differs from the glazing 10 in that the decorative coating 16 is arranged on the first polymeric sheet 141, which then becomes the carrier sheet 140. The order of the ink layers is then reversed, the ink layer closest to the carrier sheet 140 being the first layer 161 in the case of the glazing 30 and the second layer 162 in the case of the glazing 10. This configuration may be more advantageous when the first polymeric sheet 141 is tinted, so as to avoid possible interactions between the ink of the extraction means and the pigments of the tinted polymeric sheet. This configuration, which corresponds to the previously mentioned variant 1.2, is however less preferred because it makes it more difficult to precisely align the active decoration with respect to the passive decoration, and complicates the manufacture of the glazing in that two different polymeric sheets must be printed.

[0082] The glazings 40 to 60 of figures 4 to 6 are distinguished from the glazings 10, 20 and 30 in particular in that the lamination interlayer 14 further comprises a third polymeric sheet 443 disposed between the first and second polymeric sheets 141 and 142, and that the carrier sheet 140 is this third polymeric sheet 443. This third polymeric sheet 443 is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The lamination interlayer 14 is therefore, for example, made of a PET sheet surrounded by two PVB sheets. Such an assembly can be obtained, for example, by stacking the three polymeric sheets and by welding at the edges of the interlayer. In the figures, the light redirection element 18 is disposed on face F3, but other positions are also possible; this element 18 can in particular be disposed between the second polymeric sheet 142 and the third polymeric sheet 443.

[0083] Figures 4 to 6 also illustrate the optional presence of an optical insulation layer 45, for example a low refractive index layer as defined previously. This optical insulation layer 45, which is arranged here on the face of the carrier sheet which is turned towards the second glass sheet, makes it possible to prevent light from penetrating into the third polymeric sheet 443, where it could be diffused. This is in particular the case when this third polymeric sheet 443 is made of PET. This optical insulation layer could alternatively be arranged on the other face of the carrier sheet, the one turned towards the first glass sheet, but this configuration is less preferred.According to a variant already mentioned previously, it is possible to replace the third polymeric sheet made of PET coated with an optical insulation layer with a polymeric sheet made of a polymer with a low refractive index such as a fluoropolymer or a polysiloxane.

[0084] In the configuration of the glazing 40 ([Fig.4]), which corresponds to the variant 2.2 previously explained, the decorative coating 16 and the extraction means 13 are arranged on the same face of the carrier sheet 140, in this case the face facing the second glass sheet 12. The extraction means 13 are closer to the second polymeric sheet than the decorative coating 16. The optional optical insulation layer 45 is also on this same face, here under the decorative coating 16. In the illustrated configuration, the decorative coating 16 is discontinuous. However, it could be continuous; in this case, the optical insulation layer 45 could advantageously be removed.

[0085] In the configuration of the glazing 50 ([Fig.5]), which corresponds to variant 2.1, the decorative coating 16 and the extraction means 13 are deposited on opposite faces of the carrier sheet 140. The decorative coating 16 is deposited on the face facing the first glass sheet 11 while the extraction means 13 are deposited on the face facing the second glass sheet 12. The optional layer optical insulation 45 is, as in the case of the glazing 40, deposited on the same face as the extraction means 13, being closer to the carrier sheet 140.

[0086] The glazing 60 of [Fig.6], which illustrates variant 2.3, differs from the glazing 50 in that the extraction means 13 are arranged on the second polymeric sheet. This arrangement makes the exact relative positioning of the passive and active decorations more difficult but on the other hand improves the light output.

Claims

Claims

1. Illuminable laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) comprising a first glass sheet (11) and a second glass sheet (12) adhesively bonded together by a lamination interlayer (14), said lamination interlayer (14) comprising a polymeric sheet, called carrier sheet (140), which is coated with a decorative coating (16) comprising at least one layer of organic ink (161, 162, 163), said laminated glazing further comprising extraction means (13) arranged between the decorative coating (16) and the second glass sheet (12).

2. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative coating (16) comprises a plurality of superimposed organic ink layers, including a first ink layer (161) which is the ink layer closest to the first glass sheet (11) and a second ink layer (162) which is the ink layer closest to the second glass sheet (12).

3. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to the preceding claim, in which the second layer of organic ink (162) is a decorative layer, polychromatic or monochromatic, and the first layer of organic ink (161) is an opaque monochromatic layer, in particular black.

4. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the decorative coating (16) comprises a third layer of organic ink (163) arranged between the first layer of ink (161) and the second layer of ink (162), said third layer of ink (163) being opaque, in particular white.

5. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the extraction means (13) are a diffusing coating, in particular are a layer of discontinuous organic ink.

6. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) one of the preceding claims, wherein the lamination interlayer (14) comprises at least two polymeric sheets, including a first polymeric sheet (141) which is closest to the first glass sheet (11), and a second polymeric sheet (142) which is closest to the second glass sheet (12), and the decorative coating (16) is arranged between the first polymeric sheet (141) and the second polymeric sheet (142).

7. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to the preceding claim, in which the first polymeric sheet (141) and the second polymeric sheet (142) are made of a polymer chosen from poly(vinyl butyral), ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes.

8. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the carrier sheet (140) is the first polymeric sheet (141) or the second polymeric sheet (142).

9. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 60) according to one of claims 6 to 8, in which the extraction means (13) are deposited on the second polymeric sheet (142), preferably on the face in contact with the second glass sheet (12).

10. Laminated glazing (40, 50, 60) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the lamination interlayer (14) further comprises a third polymeric sheet (443) located between the first polymeric sheet (141) and the second polymeric sheet (142), and the carrier sheet (140) is the third polymeric sheet (443).

11. Laminated glazing (40, 50, 60) according to the preceding claim, in which the third polymeric sheet (443) is made of poly(ethylene terephthalate).

12. Laminated glazing (40, 50) according to one of claims 10 or 11, in which the extraction means (13) are deposited on the third polymeric sheet (443), preferably on the face facing the second glass sheet (12).

13. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one light source (19) optically coupled with the second glass sheet (12) so that the second glass sheet (12) forms an optical guide.

14. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light redirection element (18), said light redirection element (18) being in particular a reflective element arranged between the carrier sheet (140) and the second glass sheet (12).

15. Laminated glazing (40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an optical insulation layer (45) arranged between the first glass sheet (11) and the extraction means (13), in particular between the carrier sheet (140) and the second glass sheet (12).

16. Laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, which is a motor vehicle roof, said glazing being further curved, the first glass sheet (11) being the outer sheet of the glazing, and the second glass sheet (12) being the inner sheet of the glazing.

17. Method for obtaining an illuminable laminated glazing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising printing a decorative coating (16) comprising at least one layer of organic ink (161, 162, 163) on a polymeric sheet (140) called the carrier sheet, printing extraction means (13) on said carrier sheet (140) or on another polymeric sheet (142), and laminating a first glass sheet (11) and a second glass sheet (12) by means of a lamination interlayer (14) comprising said carrier sheet (140) and where appropriate said other polymeric sheet (142).

18. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the decorative coating (16) and the extraction means (13) are printed by an inkjet printing technique, in particular using an ink which is polymerizable or crosslinkable under the effect of ultraviolet radiation.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the decorative coating (16) and the extraction means (13) are simultaneously printed in a single pass.

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