Method for assembling an opaque glazing unit incorporating a transparent display device

Abstract

Opaque glazing (20) comprising a functional layer (5) having a variable degree of opacity, a first transparent protective element (3) arranged to protect at least a portion of the functional layer (5), and a first bonding material (7) attached on one side to one face of the functional layer (5) and on the other side to one face of the transparent protective element (3), said first bonding material (7) being able to cooperate with the functional layer (5) and the first transparent protective element (3) so as to allow their bonding, the opacified glazing (20) further comprising a display device (9), a second transparent protective element (3) arranged to protect at least a portion of the display device (9), and a second bonding material (11) able to cooperate with the display device (9) and the functional layer (5) so as to allow their bonding. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: method for assembling an opaque glazing incorporating a transparent display device. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opaque glazing unit for receiving an integrated screen and its assembly method. The present invention also relates to an opaque glazing unit with an integrated screen and its manufacturing method. Preamble

[0002] An opaque glazing comprises several layers bonded together, among which is a functional layer arranged to vary the degree of opacity of the opaque glazing. The functional layer, generally parallelepiped in shape and of small thickness, comprises a first face and a second face opposite the first face.

[0003] The opaque glazing also includes at least one protective element, and generally two protective elements, the functional layer being disposed between a first protective element and a second protective element.

[0004] The first protective element has a first face, or inner face, arranged opposite the first face of the functional layer, and a second face, or outer face, opposite said inner face.

[0005] Similarly, the second protective element has a first face, or inner face, arranged opposite the second face of the functional layer, and a second face, or outer face, opposite said inner face.

[0006] In this way, the two protective elements make it possible to cover the functional layer, which by nature includes fragile components and / or materials that need to be protected during the transport of the opaque glazing and subsequently during its operation.

[0007] To bond each of the protective elements to the functional layer, a suitable bonding material is, for example, applied between each face of the functional layer and each of the internal faces of the protective elements. The bonding material is configured to cooperate with the functional layer and the protective elements to enable their bonding, such bonding being achieved by means of an appropriate process including, for example, rolling and / or baking.

[0008] In addition to the functional layer, the opaque glazing may include additional functionalities such as printed circuits, lighting or heating devices, sensors, a touch panel or pad comprising touch keys offering touch control or navigation functionalities, or even screens.

[0009] In particular, an opaque glazing may include a display device allowing, for example, the display of information intended for a user of the opaque glazing.

[0010] Integrating a display device within an opaque glazing that already includes a functional layer is a delicate operation. Indeed, the display device must be affixed close to said functional layer without altering or disrupting it, while ensuring the proper functioning of the display device.

[0011] The integration of the display device within the opaque glazing may, for example, require the display device to be secured to the functional layer and to one of the two protective elements, the display device being in this configuration between the functional layer and one of the two protective elements.

[0012] However, such a configuration makes it necessary to use the same bonding material to, on the one hand, secure the functional layer to the protective elements, and on the other hand, secure the display device to the functional layer and to one of the protective elements.

[0013] However, the bonding material generally used to attach the functional layer to the protective elements is not suitable for the display device. In particular, the use of this bonding material requires baking at a relatively high temperature, which could irreversibly damage the display device.

[0014] An alternative solution would be to bond the display device directly to the outer face of one of the protective elements, which would thus be positioned between the functional layer and the display device. However, such a configuration would require at least one additional protective element to protect the display device itself, which would undesirably increase the thickness, mass, and cost of the opaque glazing. Summary of the invention

[0015] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0016] In particular, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to an opaque glazing comprising a functional layer having a degree of opacity that can be modified, a first transparent protective element arranged to protect at least a part of the functional layer, and a first bonding material applied on one side to one of the faces of the functional layer, and on the other side to one of the faces of the transparent protective element, said first bonding material being able to cooperate with the functional layer and the first protective element so as to allow their bonding.

[0017] Since it has a degree of opacity that can be modified, the functional layer is in fact arranged to vary a degree of opacity of the opacifying glazing.

[0018] According to one possibility, the opaque glazing comprises at least two functional layers, for example separated from each other by the first bonding material. The opaque glazing of the invention may comprise a plurality of functional layers, joined to each other by successive layers of the first bonding material.

[0019] According to one possibility, the functional layer comprises a state-change opacifying film and a control device disposed at least partially opposite the state-change opacifying film.

[0020] According to one possibility, the functional layer comprises a liquid crystal film or LC film (for “Liquid Crystal”, in English terminology).

[0021] According to one possibility, the functional layer comprises a suspended particle device film or SPD film (for "Suspended Particle Device", in English terminology).

[0022] According to one possibility, the functional layer comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film or PDLC film (“Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal”, in English terminology).

[0023] According to one possibility, the functional layer comprises an electrochromic film or EC film (for "ElectroChromic", in English terminology).

[0024] According to yet another possibility, the functional layer comprises a transparent photovoltaic layer.

[0025] According to one possibility, the functional layer is segmented, and therefore comprises several parts of the functional layer that can be made opaque and / or transparent independently of each other.

[0026] According to one possibility, the opacity and / or transparency of the functional layer can be modified gradually.

[0027] According to one possibility, the functional layer includes a connector configured to be connected to an external element for varying the degree of opacity capable of delivering a variable supply power.

[0028] According to one possibility, the functional layer may include an additional layer having thermal insulation and / or filtering properties for incident rays such as infrared and / or UV.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the functional layer, the first bonding material and the first transparent protective element are bonded together so that to generate the opaque glazing, which has a slice defining a thickness and an external contour.

[0030] According to one possibility, the first transparent protective element is a window, preferably made of glass.

[0031] Alternatively, the first transparent protective element can be made of synthetic material such as plastic.

[0032] The first bonding material has adhesive properties.

[0033] According to one possibility, the adhesive properties of the first bonding material are heat-activated.

[0034] According to one possibility, the first bonding material is intended to melt under predetermined temperature conditions.

[0035] According to one possibility, the first bonding material is intended to melt at a temperature of at least 110°C, and for example at about 115°C.

[0036] According to another possibility, the first bonding material can be designed to melt at a temperature below 100°C, for example between 90°C and 99°C.

[0037] According to one possibility, the first bonding material comprises a transparent thermoplastic element.

[0038] Preferably, the thermoplastic element has thermal insulation and / or filtering properties for incident rays such as infrared and / or UV.

[0039] According to one possibility, the first bonding material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0040] According to another possibility, the first bonding material comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0041] According to yet another possibility, the first bonding material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB)

[0042] According to one possibility, the opaque glazing is a semi-finished product that can, for example, be transported and / or delivered for further processing. Such a semi-finished product has the advantage of being able to serve as a basis for the production of a finished product.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the opaque glazing further comprises a display device, a second transparent protective element arranged to protect at least part of the display device, and a second bonding material suitable for cooperating with the display device and the functional layer so as to allow their bonding, the functional layer and the display device being disposed at least in part between the first transparent protective element and the second transparent protective element.

[0044] According to one possibility, the display device includes at least one screen, such as a flexible screen or an electroluminescent display.

[0045] According to one possibility, the display device comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0046] According to one possibility, the display device includes a light-emitting diode screen, and for example an OLED screen.

[0047] According to one possibility, the display device comprises a 55-inch OLED screen.

[0048] According to one possibility, the display device is configured to be transparent in an inactive operating mode and / or when switched off.

[0049] According to one possibility, the second transparent protective element is a window, preferably made of glass.

[0050] Alternatively, the second transparent protective element may be made of synthetic material such as plastic.

[0051] According to one possibility, the second transparent protective element is identical to the first transparent protective element.

[0052] According to one possibility, the second bonding material has adhesive properties which are cold-activated, for example at an ambient temperature between 0°C and 30°C.

[0053] According to one possibility, the adhesive properties of the second bonding material are activatable by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

[0054] This last possibility is advantageous in that it allows the integration of a display device on an opaque glazing without exposing the former to high temperatures which could damage it and / or subsequently impair its display quality.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second bonding material is further able to cooperate with the first protective element and the second protective element so as to allow their bonding.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second bonding material encompasses the display device.

[0057] In other words, the display device is encapsulated in the second bonding material, that is, contained within a matrix formed by the bonding material. Such an arrangement notably protects the display device.

[0058] According to one possibility, the second bonding material covers the functional layer. More precisely, the second bonding material covers the face of the functional layer opposite the face to which the first bonding material is attached. This arrangement thus protects the functional layer.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the bonding of the functional layer and the first transparent protective element is achieved by baking.

[0060] Such cooking, carried out at an appropriate temperature, makes it possible to melt the first binding material.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second bonding material comprises a liquid adhesive.

[0062] According to one possibility, the second bonding material comprises at least one of the following: an acrylic liquid adhesive such as a transparent acrylic resin, silicone, or polyurethane.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the opaque glazing further comprises at least one seal.

[0064] According to one possibility, the seal arranged to protect the opaque glazing, for example from moisture and / or other deteriorations related to the environment of the opaque glazing.

[0065] According to one possibility, the opaque glazing comprises two peripheral seals arranged on either side of the opaque glazing.

[0066] According to one possibility, said two peripheral seals advantageously prevent any flow of glue during the assembly of the opaque glazing.

[0067] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling an opaque glazing, and for example an opaque glazing as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0068] - a step of positioning a first transparent protective element, by example of the first transparent protective element described above on a support element;

[0069] - a step of disposing of a first bonding material, for example of the first bonding material described above, on at least part of the first transparent protective element;

[0070] - a step of arranging a functional layer, for example of the layer functional described above, so as to obtain an assembly in which the first bonding material is disposed between at least part of the first transparent protective element and the functional layer, a contour of the functional layer being further covered by the support element;

[0071] - a step of vacuum-sealing said assembly using the support element;

[0072] - a cooking step of said assembly placed under vacuum so as to solidify the functional layer and the first transparent protective element via the first bonding material.

[0073] According to one possibility, the functional layer disposition step includes tensioning the functional layer. This makes it possible to obtain an opaque glazing in which the functional layer is stretched, in order to prevent the occurrence of the so-called orange peel effect during subsequent use of the opaque glazing. Indeed, an assembly in which the functional layer is not properly stretched could promote the orange peel effect and impair the visual quality of the opaque glazing.

[0074] According to one possibility, two adhesive elements comprising a breathable tape are arranged on either side between the contour of the functional layer and the support element in order to ensure optimal tension of the functional layer.

[0075] According to one possibility, said support element includes a vacuum bag arranged to generate a uniform vacuum within said assembly.

[0076] According to one possibility, two identical separating elements, acting as wedges, are arranged so as to keep the support element away from the part of the second face of the transparent protective element not covered by the first bonding material.

[0077] According to one possibility, the cooking step is carried out in an oven at a temperature of at least 100°C for a sufficiently long time to allow the molecular transformation of the first bonding material.

[0078] According to another possibility, the cooking step is carried out in an oven at a temperature between 90°C and 99°C.

[0079] According to another possibility, the curing step is carried out in an autoclave under pressure. Such curing helps to promote the tension of the functional layer.

[0080] According to yet another possibility, the cooking step is carried out using a heated press.

[0081] According to one possibility, the cooking temperature is continuously controlled via a thermocouple located near the functional layer.

[0082] The vacuum packing step is advantageous in that it allows obtaining a good quality semi-finished product, without defects or air bubbles that could cause a decrease in the visual quality of the opaque glazing.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the method for assembling the opaque glazing further comprises:

[0084] - a step in arranging a display device, for example the device display described above, opposite the cooked set obtained at the cooking stage;

[0085] - a step of arranging a second transparent protective element, by example of the second transparent protective element described above, opposite the display device;

[0086] - a step of casting a second bonding material, for example the second bonding material described above, so that the second bonding material encompasses the display device.

[0087] Thus, the present invention provides not only an opaque glazing as a semi-finished product on the basis of which an opaque glazing with an integrated screen can be assembled, but also a method for assembling such an opaque glazing with an integrated screen, which has the advantage of not exposing the screen to high temperatures. Brief description of the figures

[0088] The invention will be better understood, and its inherent advantages better grasped, upon reading the detailed description below, made with reference to the figures, among which:

[0089] [Fig. 1] represents a first example of the realization of an opaque glazing according to the invention.

[0090] [Fig.2] represents a step in a process for assembling the opacifying glazing of the [Fig.l].

[0091] [Fig.3] represents a second example of the realization of an opaque glazing according to the invention.

[0092] [Fig.4] schematically represents a step in an assembly process of the opaque glazing of [Fig.3].

[0093] [Fig. 5] represents a third example of the realization of an opaque glazing according to the invention. Detailed description

[0094] The opaque glazing 10 shown in [Fig.1] comprises a functional layer 5, a first transparent protective element 3 and a first bonding material 7.

[0095] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the first bonding material 7 is reported on one side on one of the faces of the functional layer 5, and on the other side on one of the faces of the transparent protective element 3.

[0096] In addition, the first bonding material 7, acting as an adhesive, cooperates with the functional layer 5 and the first transparent protective element 3 in such a way as to allow their bonding.

[0097] The functional layer 5, which has a degree of opacity that can be modified, comprises a state-change opacifying film and a control device (not shown) disposed at least partially opposite the state-change opacifying film.

[0098] The functional layer 5 is inherently fragile, and the first transparent protective element 3, in this case a glass pane, makes it possible to protect at least part of the functional layer 5. Thus, the functional layer 5 is able to vary a degree of opacity of the opacifying glazing 10 while being partly protected by the first transparent protective element, or glass pane, 3.

[0099] By being positioned between the transparent protective element 3 and the functional layer 5, the first bonding material 7 plays the role, within the glazing Opacifier 10, intermediate layer (or "inter layer", in English terminology). The first bonding material 7 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU.

[0100] Due to the adhesive properties of the first bonding material 7 and as shown in [Fig.1], the functional layer 5, the first bonding material 7 and the first transparent protective element 3 are bonded together so as to generate the opaque glazing 10, which has an edge defining a thickness and an external contour.

[0101] The opaque glazing 10 is a semi-finished product intended to be further transformed to obtain the opaque glazing 20, as will be described in more detail in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

[0102] A method for assembling the opaque glazing 10 is described below.

[0103] In a first step, the first transparent protective element 3 is positioned flat on a support element 13, in this case a vacuum tarpaulin.

[0104] The first bonding material 7 is then disposed on a part of the first transparent protective element 3, and more precisely on a part of one of the faces of the first transparent protective element 3.

[0105] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the first transparent protective element 3 is positioned on the support element 13 so that a first face of the first transparent protective element 3 is in direct contact with the support element 13. Thus, the first bonding material 7 is disposed on a part of a second face, opposite to said first face, of the first transparent protective element 3.

[0106] The functional layer 5, more precisely a first face of the functional layer 5, is then disposed on the part of the second face of the first transparent protective element 3 covered by the first bonding material 7, which is therefore disposed between at least a part of the first transparent protective element 3 and the functional layer 5. The first bonding material 7 thus plays the role of an intermediate layer.

[0107] As shown in [Fig.2], the support element, or vacuum bag, 13 then covers part of the assembly thus obtained, and in particular a contour of the functional layer 5.

[0108] Two identical separating elements 17, acting as wedges, are arranged so as to keep the support element 13 away from the part of the second face of the transparent protective element 3 not covered by the first bonding material 7.

[0109] In addition, two breathable adhesive elements 19, for example breathable tape, are placed on either side between the contour of the functional layer 5 and the support element 13. In this way, it is ensured that the functional layer is perfectly stretched, which is essential because otherwise the opaque glazing obtained after firing would not offer sufficient clarity due to the orange peel phenomenon.

[0110] The stacking thus obtained makes it possible to carry out, in an optimized manner, a vacuum of the assembly consisting of the first transparent protective element 3, the first bonding material 7 and functional layer 5.

[0111] Indeed, since the support element 13 is a vacuum bag, it allows for an efficient and uniform vacuum. The vacuum sealing step is important before baking to ensure that no air bubbles will disrupt the adhesion of the first bonding material 7, nor subsequently affect the visual appearance of the resulting semi-finished product.

[0112] Finally, the stack shown in [Fig.2] is baked in an oven at a temperature of at least 100°C for a sufficiently long time to allow the molecular transformation of the first bonding material.

[0113] This cooking step allows the first bonding material 7 to melt in order to bond the assembly consisting of the first transparent protective element 3, the first bonding material 7 and the functional layer 5.

[0114] After baking, the opacifying glazing 10 of [Fig. 1] is obtained.

[0115] The opaque glazing 20 of [Fig. 3] is a finished product obtained from the opaque glazing 10 of [Fig. 1]. In addition to the constituent elements of the opaque glazing 10, the opaque glazing 20 comprises a display device 9, a second transparent protective element 3, and a second bonding material 11.

[0116] The second transparent protective element 3, identical to the first transparent protective element 3, is a glass pane arranged to protect at least part of the display device 9.

[0117] The second bonding material 11 cooperates with the display device 9 and with the functional layer 5 in order to enable their bonding.

[0118] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the functional layer 5 and the display device 9 are arranged at least partly between the first transparent protective element 3 and the second transparent protective element 3, which therefore protect both the functional layer 5 and the display device 9.

[0119] In addition, the second bonding material 11 cooperates with the first transparent protective element 3 and the second transparent protective element 3 in such a way as to enable their bonding.

[0120] The second bonding material 11 comprises a liquid adhesive and has cold adhesive properties. In other words, and unlike the first bonding material 7, it is not necessary to heat the second bonding material 11 in order to bond the display device 9 to the functional layer and / or the first transparent protective element 3 and the second transparent protective element 3. This advantageously avoids having to expose the display device 9 to high temperatures, which could damage it and / or impair its subsequent proper functioning.

[0121] The second bonding material 11, which includes a liquid adhesive, encompasses the display device 9, thereby providing additional protection for the latter.

[0122] The opaque glazing 20 is obtained from the opaque glazing 10 by means of the process described below, which is schematically represented in [Fig.4].

[0123] A first face of the display device 9 is arranged opposite a second face, opposite the first face, of the functional layer 3 of the opacifying glazing 10.

[0124] The second transparent protective element 3 is then arranged opposite a second face of the display device 9 opposite said first face of the display device 9.

[0125] Next, the second bonding material 11, which is liquid in nature, is poured between the first transparent protective element 3 and the second transparent protective element 3 so as to encompass the display device 9.

[0126] Once the second bonding material 11 has hardened, the bonding between the opaque glazing 10, the display device 9 and the second transparent protective element 3 is ensured and the opaque glazing 20 is assembled.

[0127] The opaque glazing 30 shown in [Fig.5] is a finished product similar to that shown in [Fig.3], further comprising two peripheral seals 12 arranged on either side of the opaque glazing, which advantageously protects the opaque glazing against moisture and deterioration related to its environment.

[0128] Each of the peripheral seals 12 also helps to prevent any flow of liquid glue.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, nor to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4. On the contrary, the present invention encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art can conceive.

Claims

Demands

1. Opaque glazing (10, 20, 30) comprising a functional layer (5) having a degree of opacity capable of being modified, a first transparent protective element (3) arranged to protect at least a part of the functional layer (5), and a first bonding material (7) attached on one side to one of the faces of the functional layer (5), and on the other side to one of the faces of the transparent protective element (3), said first bonding material (7) being capable of cooperating with the functional layer (5) and the first transparent protective element (3) so as to allow their bonding.

2. Opaque glazing (20, 30) according to claim 1, further comprising a display device (9), a second transparent protective element (3) arranged to protect at least part of the display device (9), and a second bonding material (11) capable of cooperating with the display device (9) and the functional layer (5) so as to enable their bonding, the functional layer (5) and the display device (9) being disposed at least in part between the first transparent protective element (3) and the second transparent protective element (3).

3. Opacifying glazing (20, 30) according to claim 2, wherein the second bonding material (11) is further able to cooperate with the first transparent protective element (3) and the second transparent protective element (3) so as to allow their bonding.

4. Opaque glazing (20, 30) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second bonding material (11) encompasses the display device (9).

5. Opaque glazing (20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bonding of the functional layer (5) and the first transparent protective element (3) is achieved by baking.

6. Opacifying glazing (20, 30) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second bonding material (11) comprises a liquid adhesive.

7. Opaque glazing (20, 30) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising at least one seal (12).

8.

9. Method for assembling an opaque glazing unit (10, 20, 30) comprising the following steps: - A step of positioning a first transparent protective element (3) on a support element (13); - A step of applying a first bonding material (7) to at least part of the first transparent protective element (3); - A step of arranging a functional layer (5) so as to obtain an assembly in which the first bonding material (7) is arranged between at least part of the first transparent protective element (3) and the functional layer (5), a contour of the functional layer (5) being further covered by the support element (13); - A step of vacuum-sealing said assembly using the support element (13); - A cooking step of said assembly placed under vacuum so as to bond the functional layer (5) and the first transparent protective element (3) by means of the first bonding material (7). Method for assembling an opaque glazing (20, 30) according to claim 8, further comprising: - A step of arranging a display device (9) opposite the cooked assembly obtained in the cooking step; - A step of arranging a second transparent protective element (3) opposite the display device (9); - A step of pouring a second bonding material (11) so that the second bonding material (11) encompasses the display device (9).

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