Glazing unit for head-up display

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, comprising an outer pane (10) having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12), and an inner pane (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), both panes being joined by an intermediate layer (30) providing contact between the first surface (21) of the inner pane and the second surface (22) of the outer pane, the first region being a viewing region having a light transmission of less than 30%, said viewing region comprising a primary p-polarized reflective coating (50), and to a head-up display (HUD) using said glazing unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a glazing unit and a head-up display (HUD) using said glazing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Head-up displays (HUDs) are increasingly being used in modern cars to display information to the vehicle driver, and possibly also to passengers, while driving, including traffic information, direction, speed, temperature, vehicle status, etc.

[0003] A HUD typically includes a pane used as a display area and a projector used to project information that is displayed on the display area. Optical devices, such as wave plates, mirrors, etc., can be provided according to the installation of the HUD on a particular vehicle.

[0004] Vehicles include those vehicles useful for road, air, water and aquatic transportation, particularly cars, buses, trams, trains, ships, airplanes, spacecraft, space stations and other motor vehicles.

[0005] WO 2021122848A1 relates to a HUD system comprising: a. a light source that projects p-polarized light onto the glazing; and b. the glazing comprising an outer sheet of glass having a first surface and a second surface, and an inner sheet of glass having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the inner sheet of glass comprises a first coating, both sheets being joined by at least one sheet of interlayer material, the first coating comprising at least one high refractive index layer having a thickness of 50-100 nm and at least one low refractive index layer having a thickness of 70-160 nm, wherein the at least one high refractive index layer comprises at least one of the following: oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn; mixed oxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, In; nitrides of Si, Zr; mixed nitrides of Si, Zr.

[0006] Co-pending application EP No. 21177439.3 relates to a glazing laminated to a coated substrate comprising a transparent substrate with a p-polarized reflective coating, and a head-up display (HUD) system comprising said coated substrate. A coating is disposed on the laminated glazing in a viewing area, said viewing area having a TL of greater than 70%, i.e. the viewing area is within the driver's line of sight angle.

[0007] Some weaknesses are related to the use of a transparent pane, for example the windscreen of a car, as a display area. In some cases, interference of external light on the displayed information may cause the driver to impair perception as the information is no longer clearly visible. In other cases, coatings present on the inside of the windscreen (P4) may show an inappropriate color, which has a negative impact aesthetically as observed from the outside. In further cases, coatings present on the inside of the windscreen may also accentuate the presence of fingerprints as observed from the outside, giving a worsening of recognition. Last but not least, a major drawback is the double image caused by the reflection of light passing through the first air / glass interface (P1).

[0008] Some attempts have been made to solve these problems by providing a viewing area on an opaque or semi-opaque viewing area in the region of the driver / observer's transparent viewing.

[0009] Regulation 43 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN / ECE) (ECE-R43) provides "Uniform Conditions for the Approval of Safety Glazing Materials and Their Installation in Vehicles". Within the scope of said regulation, opaque obscuration is defined as any area of ​​the glazing that prevents light transmission, including screen printed areas (solid or dot print), but excluding shadow bands. Shadow bands, on the other hand, are defined as any area of ​​the glazing with reduced light transmission, excluding opaque obscuration.

[0010] A typical glazing unit includes a black or obscuring band, as is customary for glazing units that must be installed on buildings or vehicles. Such an obscuring band is typically installed at the opening of the body by bonding and serves to ensure the integrity of the adhesive underneath the glazing as it forms a screen against solar radiation, including ultraviolet radiation. In automobile windows, the enamel coating can also serve to shield electrical components and other connections located around the inside periphery of the glazing, thus improving the appearance of the vehicle.

[0011] An example of an obscuration band can be provided by an enamel coating that is typically applied on a portion of the surface of the glazing, for example, at the periphery, i.e., up to 25 cm from the outer edge of the glazing, or in a segmented portion, as required by the end use and final design of the vehicle or building. An example of a shading band can be applied to the upper border of a windshield to reduce incoming solar rays from interfering with the driver or passengers.

[0012] DE 10 2016 124 987 A1 relates to a windshield for a motor vehicle having a viewing area and a display area. The display area is arranged in the lower area of ​​the windshield and has a lower light transmittance than the viewing area of ​​the windshield. The display area is screen printed, reducing the light transmittance.

[0013] WO 2021 / 185705 A1 relates to a windshield for a vehicle, particularly an automobile, having a peripheral edge region, the peripheral edge region containing a black print, the windshield having at least one separate dark display region that is separate and distinct from the black print in the edge region, the display region being a film laminated onto the windshield.

[0014] US 2009 / 0295681 A1 relates to a virtual image system for a windshield that allows an image source to be reflected onto the windshield such that a virtual image without ghost images is visible to the driver's eye. A matte black material is applied to the glass panes of the windshield, either at the outer glass pane windshield surface 1 or 2, or at the inner glass pane windshield surface 3, or else a glossy black sheet is placed over the windshield frit at windshield surface 4, whereby a virtual image is provided for any image source with real image light incident at windshield surface 4.

[0015] WO 2021 / 175608 A1 relates to a windshield display system for a motor vehicle having a head-up display device having a first display area on the windshield in the viewing area and a second display area (window root area) below the first display area.

[0016] There remains a need for a viewing area for a glazing unit for a HUD system that provides good light reflection of information data without compromising on driving safety.

[0017] Applicant has surprisingly discovered that a glazing unit having a display area with a light transmittance of less than 30% that is provided with a p-polarized reflective coating is effective at reflecting information data projected from a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light outside the driver's driving field of vision. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to a. an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface; and b. an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. both panes are joined by at least one sheet of interlayer material providing contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane; The object of the present invention is to provide a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, d. wherein the first region is a display region having a light transmission of less than 30%, said display region comprising a primary p-polarized light reflective coating.

[0019] The present invention further includes a method of providing said glazing unit and its use in a HUD system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glazing unit according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glazing unit according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glazing unit according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glazing unit according to the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a glazing unit according to the present invention;

[0021] [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a glazing unit when the windshield is taken into account.

[0022] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the location of glazing units and projectors in a HUD according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The glazing unit includes an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface, and an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface, both panes joined by at least one sheet of an interlayer material providing contact between the first surface of the inner pane and the second surface of the outer pane.

[0024] The glazing unit thus comprises an outer pane having a first surface (P1) and a second surface (P2), and an inner pane having a first surface (P3) and a second surface (P4), forming a laminated glazing. The outer pane of a laminated glazing is that pane in contact with the exterior of the vehicle or building. The inner pane is that pane in contact with the interior space of the vehicle, compartment or building, i.e. in contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0025] Glazing units typically serve to separate the interior from the exterior environment, i.e., to define the outdoors from an interior compartment or room.

[0026] The outer and inner panes can be independently selected from transparent substrates, such as glass substrates or plastic substrates including or consisting of poly(methyl meth)acrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof.

[0027] Within the scope of the present invention, a substrate or material is considered transparent when its light transmittance (TL) in the visible range (380-780 nm) is equal to or greater than 30%, alternatively greater than 40%, alternatively greater than 50%.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, opacity is defined by a light transmittance of less than 5%, preferably less than 1% and equal to 0%. In the context of the present invention, shading is defined by a light transmittance of between 5% and less than 30%.

[0029] Advantageously, the outer and inner panes are glass substrates.

[0030] The glass may be of any type, e.g., ordinary float glass or flat glass, and of any composition having any optical properties, e.g., any value of visible light transmittance, ultraviolet light transmittance, infrared light transmittance, and / or total solar energy transmittance greater than 10%.

[0031] The glass can be soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, leaded glass, or aluminosilicate glass. The glass can be a regular clear, colored, or ultra-clear (i.e., lower Fe content and higher transmittance) glass substrate. Further examples of glass substrates include clear, green, bronze, or blue-green glass substrates.

[0032] The composition of the glass is not important for the purposes of the present invention, provided that the glass sheet is suitable for transportation or architectural applications. The glass can be clear, ultra clear, or colored glass, containing one or more components / colorants in the appropriate amounts depending on the desired effect. Colored glass includes gray, green, or blue float glass. In some situations, colored glass can be advantageous to provide a final glazing of the correct and desired color within applicable legislative limits.

[0033] A particularly suitable tinted glass can be green glass, as it provides excellent aesthetics as viewed from the outside of the vehicle. The green glass can be, for example, soda-lime glass having iron oxide in the form of Fe2O3 in an amount ranging from 0.3 to 1.0% by weight. Another type of suitable glass can be, for example, soda-lime glass having iron oxide in the form of Fe2O3 in an amount ranging from 0.002 to 0.06% by weight, and a chromium content in the form of Cr2O3 in an amount ranging from 0.0001 to 0.06% by weight.

[0034] The outer and inner panes can independently have a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, alternatively from 1 mm to about 10 mm, alternatively from 1 mm to about 8 mm, alternatively from 1 mm to about 6 mm. In transportation applications, the panes can have a thickness ranging from 1 to 8 mm, while in construction applications they can also be thinner or thicker, e.g., ultra-thin glass of 0.5 to 1 mm, or thicker glass of 8 to 12 mm, in addition to the thickness of 1 to 8 mm.

[0035] Both panes can have the same thickness, for example 0.5 mm, or 0.8 mm, or 1.2 mm, or 1.6 mm, or 2.1 mm, or 3 mm. Such a symmetrical arrangement in glass thickness allows for ease of processing and regular sizing of the lamination process.

[0036] Both panes may also have different thicknesses, providing an asymmetric laminated glazing, for example pane 1=0.5 mm and pane 2=2.1 mm, or pane 1=0.8 mm and pane 2=2.1 mm, or pane 1=0.5 mm and pane 2=1.6 mm, pane 1=0.8 mm and pane 2=1.6 mm, or pane 1=1.6 mm and pane 2=2.1 mm. Such an asymmetric configuration in glass thickness allows flexibility in curvature and / or weight management and / or flexibility in light / solar adjustment.

[0037] The glass can be flat or fully or partially curved to precisely fit the particular design of the glass support.

[0038] The glass can be annealed glass, toughened glass or heat strengthened glass.

[0039] The inner and outer panes of glass do not have to have the same composition, i.e., one of the panes can be a colored glass pane while the other pane can be a clear glass pane. This allows flexibility in the control of light and energy from the outside to the inside.

[0040] The intermediate layer provides the contact between the first surface (P3) of the inner pane and the second surface (P2) of the outer pane.

[0041] The interlayer typically comprises a thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, or multiple layers thereof. A single sheet of the interlayer material can have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0042] In most cases, several sheets of interlayer material are adjacent together to form an interlayer between the two panes, the total thickness of said interlayer typically being in the range of 0.3-0.9mm.

[0043] The interlayer can have a uniform thickness across its surface between the two panes, or it can have a non-uniform thickness across its surface, i.e., it can be a "wedge" interlayer, which provides several additional advantages to the HUD system in certain cases where other light sources are used in conjunction with the system.

[0044] The intermediate layer may contain a light absorbing agent or any other light interfering polymer if the end use requires it, however, without violating the primary objective of the present invention.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the interlayer is a wedge interlayer. Such a wedge interlayer can have a thickness that varies over the surface of the glazing unit such that the distance between adjacent panes varies from situation point to situation point. Such a wedge interlayer can find utility when the present system is used in conjunction with other systems that require the use of a wedge interlayer.

[0046] The glazing unit has at least a first region and a second region. Thus, the first region is a viewing region having a light transmittance of less than 30% (Ill.A, 2°), alternatively less than 20%, alternatively less than 10%, alternatively less than 5%, preferably less than 1%. In some cases, the viewing region can have a TL=0%, which means completely opaque.

[0047] The second area, on the other hand, is the viewing area and has a visible light transmittance (Ill. A, 2°) of 70% or more. The light transmittance and reflectance are typically measured according to ISO 9050 at an angle of 2° with illuminant A.

[0048] Standard ECE-R43 specifies the technical requirement that the central field of a motor vehicle must have a high light transmission (typically more than 70%), said central field being in particular that field which is referred to by those skilled in the art as field B, field B or zone B, here as the second area or visual area.

[0049] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "display area" and "projection area" can be used interchangeably when considering the first display area.

[0050] When a glazing pane with a light transmittance of 70% or more is used as the viewing area, there may be interference from the air / outer pane interface, which may degrade the quality of the reflected image as discussed above. On the other hand, when the viewing area is an area with a light transmittance of less than 30%, the interference of the air / outer pane interface is reduced, and thus the image is clear and the ghosting effect is reduced or eliminated. When the viewing area is an area with a light transmittance of less than 1%, the interference of the air / outer pane interface is eliminated, and thus the image is clearer and ghosting is absent.

[0051] A light transmission of less than 30% of the display area can be achieved by different opacifying means selectively placed in said display area, the selected opacifying means intended to shade and / or opacify such that the TL is 30% or less, as discussed above.

[0052] The means for making the display area opaque is -Dark prints; - dark inserts; - dark patches; - or a combination of these It can be at least one selected from:

[0053] When a dark print is used as the opacifying means, the dark print may be selected from enamel, paint, and / or ink. The dark print may be applied onto any one of P1, P2, P3 of the laminated glazing.

[0054] In dark prints, when deposited on any one of the laminated glazings P1, P2, P3, the enamel is preferably used to opacify the projection area. A typical enamel composition typically includes glass frit, pigments and other additives in a medium. Additives include adhesion promoters, crystalline seed materials, reducing agents, conductive metals (e.g., silver particles), rheology modifiers, flow aids, adhesion promoters, stabilizers, etc.

[0055] The main advantage of the enamel opacifying means is that complete opacity can be achieved, i.e. TL may be less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, most preferably equal to 0%. The advantage of enamel, when used as an opacifying means, is that the same enamel can be used to define the viewing area and the obscuration bands (if such bands are present).

[0056] The surface of the display area may be along the width and height of the obscuration band, or may be limited to only a portion of said obscuration band. In such a case, the preferred obscuration material may be enamel at P2 or P3. This option is easily implemented by conventional means of applying the obscuration band, and does not require any special care. * <6, a * =0±3, b * Optimum opacity is provided by proper selection of a black enamel having a color such that:=0±3 (in the CIELAB color space).

[0057] The surface of the obscuring band of a glazing unit may range from 0.5 to 25% of the surface of the glazing unit, for example in automotive or transportation applications.

[0058] Examples of paints include vinyl paints, acrylic paints, etc. They can also be selected to provide shading with a TL of less than 30%. When inks or paints are used, opacity can also be achieved with a TL of less than 5% or even lower. These have the advantage that they can be easily printed by inkjet printing.

[0059] When dark inserts are used, such inserts may be selected from polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, mylar, or mixtures thereof.

[0060] When a dark insert is used, it can be selectively positioned in the projection area by typical design solutions in the bonding interlayer to provide a viewing area. Such an insert can be referred to as an obscuring insert. Thus, the dark insert can be inserted in a selected area that coincides with the projection area, in the interlayer that serves as an adhesive between the laminated panes. In fact, the interlayer can include several sheets of interlayer material, one of which can include a dark insert, so as to be selectively positioned to define the first viewing area of ​​the glazing pane and selected to provide a final light transmission of less than 30%. Dark inserts exist and are known to those skilled in the art. Within the scope of the present invention, a dark insert is considered to have a light transmission of less than 30%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 1%, and most preferably equal to 0%.

[0061] In such cases, the light transmission of the display area can thus be adjusted to potentially fit other uses of the display area when complete opacity is not required, where shading with a TL in the range of 5% to less than 30% is sufficient.

[0062] Within the scope of the present invention, when a dark print and / or a dark insert is used as an opacifying means, a primary p-polarized reflective coating can be present on the second surface of the inner pane (surface P4). The viewing area of ​​the glazing unit having a light transmission of less than 30% is thus provided according to the present invention with a primary p-polarized reflective coating on the second surface of the inner pane. This has the advantage that there are no surface effects on the interior on the second surface of the inner pane and the surface of the glazing unit remains flat and uniform (without relief).

[0063] Within the scope of the present invention, when a dark patch is used, it can be provided as a laminated patch disposed on the second surface of the inner pane. The patch having a first surface and a second surface is typically a piece of material selected from glass or plastics including or consisting of poly(methyl meth)acrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof. The first surface of the patch (surface P5) can be laminated to the second surface of the inner pane by at least one of the interlayer materials disclosed above, which can be transparent or colored, depending on the type of patch material selected.

[0064] A primary p-polarized reflective coating can then be present on the second surface (surface P6) of the patch material. This has the advantage that small pieces of material can be coated and applied onto the glazing unit such that viewing areas of the glazing unit having less than 30% light transmission are provided with a p-polarized reflective coating according to the invention.

[0065] A preferred dark patch can include a piece of clear glass, or ultra clear glass, or low iron glass combined with a dark interlayer, or can include a piece of dark glass with an interlayer that does not have specific light transmission requirements.

[0066] The glass patch sheet should be as thin as possible. When a glass patch is used, it is preferred that the patch glass sheet has a thickness of 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less.

[0067] In the first case, when a piece of clear glass, or ultra-clear glass, or low iron glass is used in combination with a dark interlayer, said interlayer may have a light transmittance of less than 30%, such as those mentioned above, or preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 1%, and most preferably equal to 0%.

[0068] In the second case, when a piece of dark glass is used in combination with an interlayer, there is no specific requirement for the interlayer, while the glass can have a light transmittance of less than 30%. The dark glass can be a colored soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, leaded glass, or aluminosilicate glass. Such dark glass can have a visible light transmittance of less than 20%, alternatively less than 15%, alternatively less than 12%, alternatively less than 10%, alternatively less than 8%, alternatively less than 6%, alternatively less than 5%, alternatively less than 2%, alternatively less than 1%, alternatively = 0% for complete opacity (for a 4 mm thick sheet).

[0069] However, such dark glass can have a transmittance for IR light (1050 nm or 1550 nm) of greater than 80%. This can have the added advantage that when the glass and interlayers are selected to transmit infrared light (800-2000 nm) while still having visible light transmission as required for the purposes of this invention, the dark glass patch can serve lidar functionality in addition to being a viewing area.

[0070] In some embodiments, multiple opacifying means may be combined, for example a dark patch overlaid on an obscuring band, or otherwise.

[0071] The opacified viewing area of ​​the glazing unit is provided with a primary p-polarizing reflective coating, which, within the scope of the present invention, is intended to describe a coating or stack of thin layers capable of reflecting incident p-polarized light at any angle of incidence.

[0072] This primary p-polarized reflective coating can be advantageously applied over a display area to increase the amount of reflection of incident p-polarized light and can be used, for example, in a head-up display as discussed below. By improving the reflection of p-polarized light, the primary coating allows the use of light projectors that project at least 50% p-polarized light and still achieve a sharp and clear image. Such projectors are readily available at affordable costs. The projector can also project 100% p-polarized light if the application requires it.

[0073] Within the scope of the present invention, the primary p-polarizing reflective coating is applied on the surface of the inner pane facing the interior space of the vehicle or building, i.e. the primary p-polarizing reflective coating is in direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0074] The primary p-polarized reflective coating is considered to be a non-conductive coating, i.e., its sheet resistance can be greater than 100 ohms per square meter. This provides the advantage that the present coated substrates, including transparent substrates with a primary p-polarized reflective coating, do not require decoating to be compatible for use in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or compatible with electromagnetic communication through glass, i.e., the primary p-polarized reflective coating is compatible with communication, sensor or camera windows and ensures the transmission of electromagnetic radiation.

[0075] Within the scope of the present invention, a primary p-polarized reflective coating can typically include at least a sequence of high index / low index layers, or a high / low sequence. The high / low sequence can occur more than once, i.e., the sequence can be repeated at least two, three or even four times.

[0076] Within the scope of the present invention, the primary p-polarized reflective coating can preferably be a magnetron sputtered p-polarized reflective coating, which has the advantages of being easily processed, easily adaptable to selected functions, and cost-effective.

[0077] Within the scope of the present invention, the thicknesses of coatings and thin layers are geometric thicknesses expressed in nm, unless otherwise indicated.

[0078] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "lower", "bottom" and "below" indicate the relative position of a layer with respect to the next layer in a series of layers starting from the substrate. Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "upper", "top", "above" and "on" indicate the relative position of a layer with respect to the next layer in a series of layers starting from the substrate.

[0079] Within the scope of the present invention, a high refractive index is typically 1.8 or more, alternatively 1.9 or more, alternatively 2.0 or more, alternatively 2.1 or more, at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0080] The high refractive index layer may be selected from oxides of Zn, Sn, Ti, Nb, Zr, Ni, In, Al, Ce, W, Mo, Sb, Bi and mixtures thereof; nitrides or oxynitrides of Si, Al, Zr, B, Y, Ce, La; and mixtures thereof.

[0081] Within the scope of the present invention, the low refractive index is typically less than or equal to 1.7, alternatively less than or equal to 1.6, at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0082] The low refractive index layer may be selected from silicon oxide, silicon oxycarbide, aluminum oxide, mixed silicon aluminum oxide, mixed silicon zirconium oxide (with n<1.7), aluminum doped zinc oxide, magnesium fluoride, or mixtures thereof.

[0083] The refractive index of the high refractive index material at a wavelength of 550 nm is typically higher than that of the low refractive index material. The refractive indices of the high and low refractive index materials can differ by a value of at least 0.1, preferably by a value of at least 0.2, and more preferably by a value of at least 0.25.

[0084] A first suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating is, in order, starting from the substrate surface: At least one high refractive index layer having a thickness of 50 to 100 nm and At least one low refractive index layer having a thickness of 70 to 160 nm wherein at least one high refractive index layer comprises: - oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn; - mixed oxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, In; -Nitrides of Si, Zr; -Mixed nitrides of Si and Zr (with n>1.7) Includes at least one of the following.

[0085] A layer in this first suitable primary p-polarized light reflective coating can include multiple sub-layers.

[0086] Such a first suitable primary p-polarized light reflective coating is already efficient with a p-polarized light reflection of 15% or more with low design complexity and is resistant to heat treatment.

[0087] A second particularly suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating is, in order, starting from the substrate surface: a. Optionally, i. a first layer consisting of one or more high refractive index sub-layers (the first coating has a thickness of 1-100 nm); and ii. a second layer consisting of one or more low refractive index sub-layers, the second layer having a thickness of 1 to 220 nm; and b. a third layer consisting of one or more high refractive index sub-layers, the third layer having a thickness of 40 to 150 nm; and c. a fourth layer consisting of one or more low refractive index sub-layers, the fourth layer having a thickness of 40 to 200 nm; and further comprising at least one first layer of absorbing material, said at least one first layer of absorbing material having a thickness between 0.2 and 15 nm, said absorbing material having an average refractive index n greater than 1 and an average extinction coefficient k greater than 0.1, wherein the average refractive index n and the average extinction coefficient k are calculated over values ​​at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm.

[0088] This second particularly suitable p-polarized light reflective coating optionally comprises a first layer composed of one or more sub-layers of a high refractive index material and a second layer composed of one or more sub-layers of a low refractive index material. This optional pair of layers provides improved reflection of p-polarized light, but at the expense of higher production costs.

[0089] The first layer, when present, is composed of one or more sub-layers of high refractive index material independently selected from the materials listed above. When present, the first layer can have a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, alternatively 2 to 80 nm, alternatively 4 to 65 nm, alternatively 4 to 15 nm.

[0090] The second layer, when present, is composed of one or more sublayers of a low refractive index material independently selected from the materials listed above. When present, the second layer can have a thickness of 1 to 220 nm, alternatively 2 to 210 nm, alternatively 4 to 200 nm, alternatively 100 to 200 nm.

[0091] The third layer is composed of one or more sub-layers of high refractive index materials independently selected from the materials listed above. The third layer may have a thickness of 40 to 150 nm, alternatively 45 to 135 nm, alternatively 50 to 125 nm.

[0092] The fourth layer is composed of one or more sub-layers of a low refractive index material independently selected from the materials listed above. The fourth layer may have a thickness of 400 to 200 nm, alternatively 45 to 160 nm, alternatively 50 to 150 nm.

[0093] Thus, each of the optional first, optional second, third or fourth layers may independently consist of one single layer, or may include two or more sub-layers.

[0094] A second particularly suitable high refractive index material for the primary p-polarized reflective coating is -Oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn, Zn or Ti; - Mixed oxides of two or more of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, In; -Nitrides of Si, Zr, Al, B; -Mixed nitrides of two or more of Si, Zr, Al, and B You can choose from.

[0095] The high refractive index material of the second particularly suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating may preferably be selected from mixed titanium zirconium oxides, mixed titanium silicon oxides, mixed niobium zirconium oxides, 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, mixed zinc tin oxide.

[0096] In some cases, an undercoat can be present in contact with the surface of the pane surface. Such an undercoat is different from either the first or second or third or fourth layer of the second particularly suitable primary p-polarized light reflective coating. Such an undercoat has no optical effect on the p-polarized light reflective coating, but can function as a diffusion barrier from the substrate or as a seed layer for subsequent layers. In a preferred embodiment, the undercoat can be present in particular in the absence of the first and second layers.

[0097] By "absorbing material" is meant a material that absorbs a portion of visible light.

[0098] The absorbing material may be characterized by an average refractive index, n, greater than 1 and an average extinction coefficient, k, greater than 0.1, calculated for values ​​of n and k across three wavelengths, namely, 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm.

[0099] Thus, the average refractive index, n, is calculated using the values ​​of the refractive index of the material at three wavelengths, 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm. The average extinction coefficient, k, is calculated using the values ​​of the extinction coefficient of the material at three wavelengths, 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm.

[0100] Those skilled in the art are familiar with the n and k optical parameters. Thin film optical simulation software, such as Thin Film Center or CODE, have their own databases, but also provide reliable tools for those skilled in the art to fit n and k optical models of deposited thin films with known physical thicknesses and characterized substrates.

[0101] The at least one first layer of absorbing material 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 alloys based on W and Ta, optionally with further elements selected from Ti, Nb, Ta, Ni and Sn; or tin, CrN, WN, NbN, TaN, ZrN, NiCrN, or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0102] The nitride can also be partially oxidized, but the absorption remains at k above 0.1 over the range of 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0103] The layer of absorbing material may comprise at least one barrier layer above and / or below said absorbing layer. Such a barrier layer may have a geometric thickness of 5-50 nm. Examples of such barrier layers include silicon nitride or aluminum doped zinc oxide or titanium oxide or mixed titanium zirconium oxide.

[0104] That is, in some cases, the at least one first layer of absorbing material may comprise a layer of NiCr or NiCrW with at least one barrier (below or above) of silicon nitride, or may be sandwiched between a first dielectric coating essentially made of silicon nitride and a second dielectric coating essentially made of silicon nitride (below and above), each having a geometric thickness of 5-50 nm; or the at least one first layer of absorbing material may comprise a layer of Pd (palladium) sandwiched between a first dielectric coating essentially made of aluminum doped zinc oxide and a second dielectric coating essentially made of aluminum doped zinc oxide, each having a geometric thickness of 5-50 nm. Such layers of absorbing material allow optimal reflection of p-polarized light with optimal light absorption.

[0105] The at least one first layer of absorbing material may preferably be selected from NiCr, W, Nb, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and / or Cr and / or W; or from Tin, CrN, WN, NbN, TaN, ZrN, NiCrN, or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0106] The at least one first layer of absorbing material may more preferably be selected from NiCr, W, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and / or Cr and / or W; or from Tin, CrN, WN, NiCrN, or NiCrWN, or mixtures of these nitrides.

[0107] For information, the average refractive index n and the average extinction coefficient k for various absorbing materials and silver are presented in Table 1. The average is calculated over three values ​​of wavelength, namely 450, 550 and 650 nm. An average refractive index n<1 indicates a material that is not suitable as an absorbing material. Thus, silver, gold, copper and aluminum, which have an average refractive index n<1, are not suitable. TIFF2025500239000002.tif54170

[0108] Although not required, the heat resistance of the absorbent material can be useful, ie, it preferably remains essentially unchanged by heat treatment at temperatures above 400°C.

[0109] The absorbing material does not include silver, as materials such as silver do not provide the necessary enhancement of reflection of p-polarized light due to its low refractive index n, less than 1, and do not allow for a p-polarized reflective coating to be located on the surface of the glazing pane facing the interior of the compartment (surface P4).

[0110] The at least one first layer of absorbing material may have a thickness of 0.2 to 15 nm, alternatively 0.5 to 15 nm, alternatively 2 to 12 nm.

[0111] The at least one first layer of absorbent material comprises: - interposed between at least two adjacent coatings of said first, second, third or fourth layer, or - may be inserted within at least one of said first, second, third or fourth layers.

[0112] Such second suitable primary p-polarized reflective coatings are highly efficient, having a p-polarized reflection of 20% or more, are resistant to heat treatment, and can be tuned for efficiency without sacrificing light transmission.

[0113] The details of this second suitable primary p-polarizing reflective coating are that, within the scope of the present invention, when used in a laminated glazing of two transparent glass sheets of 2.1 mm with a transparent interlayer of 0.76 mm, it does not have to have a light transmission of 70% or more as it is not intended to be transparent to the visual field. The advantage of such a second suitable primary p-polarizing coating is that, while it does not have to optimize color neutrality, it can reach a reflectance of p-polarized light of at least up to 20% p-polarized reflection when placed on a display area with a TL of less than 30%.

[0114] Within the scope of the present invention, the primary p-polarized reflective coating itself can have any light transmittance, i.e., less than 90%, less than 70%, alternatively less than 65%, alternatively less than 60%, and greater than 30%, alternatively greater than 40%, when measured on a sheet of 2.1 mm monolithic clear float glass.

[0115] As discussed above, the primary p-polarized reflective coating is considered to be a non-conductive coating, which is not possible if the silver layer is considered to be an absorbing material.

[0116] The primary p-polarizing reflective coating is durable enough and resistant to scratching, corrosion or damage to be present at position P4 of the stacked system facing the interior of the occupant room, which is not possible if a silver layer is present in the primary p-polarizing reflective coating.

[0117] Within the scope of the present invention, the primary p-polarized reflective coating is thus free of a silver-based electrically conductive layer, since the primary p-polarized reflective coating is placed against the interior space of a vehicle or building and must be resistant to scratching.

[0118] In certain embodiments compatible with the above, the second region, or viewing region, having a light transmission of 70% or more, may be provided with a p-polarizing coating, which may be the same or different from the primary p-polarizing coating. This is because it is critical that said viewing region meets the legal requirements for vehicle glazing with a TL of 70% or more (Ill.A, 2°). Thus, the present invention relates to a first region having a TL of less than 30% used as a viewing region that is compatible with previous viewing regions having a TL of 70% or more used as viewing regions.

[0119] In an embodiment compatible with the above, the glazing unit may further comprise an infrared-reflective (IR) coating comprising n layers based on an infrared-reflective (IR) functional layer and n+1 dielectric layers, each layer based on an IR-reflective functional layer being arranged between two dielectric layers, and optionally provided between the outer and inner panes of the laminated glazing. That is, the infrared-reflective (IR) coating may be applied on at least one of the first surface (P3) of the inner pane or the second surface (P2) of the outer pane, or may be embedded in an intermediate layer.

[0120] Within the scope of the present invention, the relative position of layers in an IR coating does not necessarily imply direct contact, i.e. several intermediate layers may be provided between a first and a second layer, in some cases a layer may actually be composed of several individual layers (or sub-layers).

[0121] In some cases, relative location can mean direct contact and will be specified.

[0122] The IR-reflective metal functional layer (or functional layer) may ultimately be made of silver or aluminum doped with less than 15% by weight of platinum, palladium or gold or alloys thereof. The functional layer may have a thickness of 5-22 nm, alternatively 7-20 nm, alternatively 8-18 nm. The thickness range of the functional layer influences the conductivity, emissivity, anti-solar function and light transmission of the second coating.

[0123] The dielectric layer can typically include oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides or oxycarbides of Zn, Sn, Ti, Zr, In, Al, Bi, Ta, Mg, Nb, Y, Ga, Sb, Mg, Si and mixtures thereof. These materials can be optionally doped, where examples of dopants include aluminum, zirconium, or mixtures thereof. The dopant or mixture of dopants can be present in an amount of up to 15% by weight. Typical examples of dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, silicon-based oxides, silicon-based nitrides, zinc oxide, tin oxide, mixed zinc-tin oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, aluminum nitride, bismuth oxide, mixed silicon-zirconium nitride, and mixtures of at least two thereof, such as titanium-zirconium oxide.

[0124] The IR coating may include a seed layer below at least one functional layer, and / or the coating may include a barrier layer above at least one functional layer. A given functional layer may comprise a seed layer, or a barrier layer, or both. A first functional layer may comprise one or both of a seed and a barrier layer, a second functional layer may comprise one or both of a seed and a barrier layer, etc. These configurations are not mutually exclusive. The seed and / or barrier layers may have a thickness of 0.1-35 nm, alternatively 0.5-25 nm, alternatively 0.5-15 nm, alternatively 0.5-10 nm.

[0125] The IR coating may also include a thin layer of a sacrificial material having a thickness less than 15 nm, alternatively less than 9 nm, provided over and in contact with the at least one functional layer, which may be selected from the group including titanium, zinc, nickel, aluminum chromium, and mixtures thereof.

[0126] The IR coating can optionally include a topcoat or top layer as the last layer intended to protect the stack below from damage. Such topcoats include oxides of Ti, Zr, Si, Al, or mixtures thereof; nitrides of Si, Al, or mixtures thereof; carbon-based layers (e.g., graphite or diamond-like carbon).

[0127] When embedded in the intermediate layer, the IR coating can be deposited on a plastic substrate which is then inserted between the first surface of the inner pane and the second surface of the outer pane, within the intermediate layer (sandwiched by the intermediate layer material on both sides), or in contact with one of the first surface of the inner pane and the second surface of the outer pane on one side and in contact with the intermediate layer on the other side.

[0128] Examples of plastic substrates as IR coating supports include poly(ethylene terephthalate) ("PET"), poly(butylene terephthalate), polyacrylates and methacrylates, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) ("PMMA"), poly(methacrylates), and poly(ethyl acrylate), copolymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate), and polycarbonates, in the form of thin sheets. The plastic substrates themselves are commercially available or can be prepared by a variety of art-known processes.

[0129] IR coatings on glass or plastic substrates are typically known in the art and will not be described further herein. Their advantage is in solar and thermal control whilst making it possible to provide a heatable glazing unit.

[0130] Within the scope of the present invention, the IR-reflective coating is preferably not present in the viewing area, for example so as not to impair the function of the viewing area of ​​the glazing unit. If the IR-reflective coating is arranged on the first surface (P3) of the inner pane, it may preferably be removed from the area of ​​the viewing area, so as not to impair the function of said viewing area, which may be done by decoating. If the IR-reflective coating is arranged on the second surface (P2) of the outer pane, it may continue to be present, provided that an opacifying means is located between the IR-reflective coating and the viewing area, for example a dark print or a dark insert, otherwise it may preferably be removed.

[0131] The IR reflective coating can also act as a heating element to provide heating for the glazing unit.

[0132] In an embodiment compatible with the above, optionally at least the second area of ​​the glazing unit is provided with an anti-fingerprint coating and / or an easy-to-clean coating. Such an anti-fingerprint coating proves useful to avoid light interference from the viewing area. Fingerprints are less visible from the outside, giving improved aesthetics. The first area can also be provided with the same anti-fingerprint coating and / or easy-to-clean coating, but is in any case not visible from the outside so that aesthetics are not reduced in any case.

[0133] Examples of anti-fingerprint coatings include fluorinated polyethers, silanes, fluorosilanes, siloxanes, fluorinated siloxanes, phosphonates, fluoro-organic compounds, perfluorocarbon-containing materials, etc. These anti-fingerprint coatings are known in the art.

[0134] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: 1) providing an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface; 2) providing an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having at least a first region and a second region; 3) providing a primary p-polarized reflective coating on at least a first region of a second surface of the inner pane; 4) providing an opacifying means in at least a region of the second surface carrying the primary p-polarized reflective coating, such that said region has a light transmission of less than 30%; 5) joining the two panes by an intermediate layer providing contact between the first surface of the inner pane and the second surface of the outer pane. The present invention provides a method for providing a glazing unit, comprising:

[0135] The deposition methods of the primary p-polarizing reflective coating include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), magnetron sputtering, wet coating, etc. Preferably, the primary p-polarizing reflective coating is a magnetron sputter coating.

[0136] Selective deposition of the primary p-polarized reflective coating on the selected first regions can be effected by selective deposition and / or by masking.

[0137] Provide opacification by selected means.

[0138] Dark prints can be deposited by screen printing, roller coating, spraying, curtain coating, decal application, ink jetting, etc., optionally in the presence of masking or shape / shade defining elements, as is typical for enamels, paints and / or inks.

[0139] The enamel coating is typically applied on the surface of the pane facing the thermoplastic interlayer, ie at location P2 or P3.

[0140] The enamel coating for the obscuration band is typically applied on a portion of the surface of the glazing, for example at the periphery, i.e., at most 25 cm from the outer edge of the glazing, or in a divided portion, as required by the end use and the final design of the enamel glazing and the vehicle or building. Optionally, the enamel coating for the obscuration band can be applied on the surface of the glass sheet facing the interior of the vehicle, i.e., at position P4, for example to aid in the adhesion of the vehicle window to the vehicle frame. In the scope of the present invention, it has been found to be advantageous that the primary p-polarized reflective coating, when placed at P4, is compatible with such an enamel coating used to provide compatibility with adhesives typically used for adhesion in windows on vehicle bodies or architectural window frames.

[0141] Prior to lamination step 5), a dark insert can be placed within the bonding interlayer.

[0142] The dark patch may be laminated to the glazing unit after step 5) using conventional techniques for adhering such dark patch to the glazing unit, such as by bonding the first surface (P5) of the patch to the second surface (P4) of the inner pane. In such a case, the second surface of the patch (P6) has previously been provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating by any of the methods discussed above.

[0143] The infrared reflective coating can be deposited on one of the first surface of the inner pane or the second surface of the outer pane, or can be provided in a glazing unit supported on a plastic sheet inserted within a bonding interlayer.

[0144] Methods of deposition of the optional IR coating on the surface of the pane include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), magnetron sputtering, wet coating, etc. Different layers of each coating can be deposited using different techniques.

[0145] When present, the anti-fingerprint coating can typically be applied by wet coating techniques such as dip coating, spray coating, spin coating, brush coating, among others.

[0146] Within the scope of the present invention, the inner and outer panes can be subjected to a heat treatment. In some cases, it is useful to mechanically strengthen the outer pane by heat treatment in order to improve its resistance to mechanical constraints.

[0147] The heat treatment involves heating the glazing in air to a temperature of at least 560°C, for example 560°C to 700°C, in particular approximately 640°C to 670°C, for approximately 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or even 15 minutes depending on the heat treatment type and the thickness of the glazing. After the heating step, the treatment may also involve a quenching step to introduce a stress difference between the surface and the core of the glass, so that in the event of an impact, the so-called tempered glass sheet safely breaks into small pieces. If the cooling step is less intense, the glass is simply thermally tempered, which in any case gives it a better mechanical resistance.

[0148] The inner and outer panes and interlayers of the glazing unit are constructed by known techniques for providing laminated glazing, such as a lamination step for flat substrates or a bending step for curved substrates, which bending step comprises, first, a step of bending the pane and, second, a step of laminating the bent pane.

[0149] The present invention also provides a. a glazing unit as disclosed herein having at least a first region as a viewing area having a light transmittance of less than 30%, and a second region; and b. a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light onto a first viewing area of ​​the glazing unit, where the light projected by the light source is incident on and reflected from said first viewing area. The present invention provides a HUD system including:

[0150] A light source typically provides a projection of light onto the glazing. Within the scope of the present invention, the light source specifically projects incident light onto a viewing area having a light transmission of less than 30%.

[0151] The light source includes a polarizer herein so that the projected light is at least 50% p-polarized. This allows for flexibility in using less strict polarizers and projected light depending on situational conditions, such as the amount of natural light available, weather, or other external conditions. The advantage of having at least 50% p-polarized is that the system is compatible with standard sunglasses (typically p-polarized sunglasses).

[0152] In other cases, the light source may provide 100% p-polarized light.

[0153] The projector can be adapted to be able to adjust the intensity to a lower level since contrast from display areas with TL less than 30% improves reflection due to reduced light transmission.

[0154] Light sources that provide light (whether p-polarized, s-polarized, or unpolarized) are typically known in the art and are not described herein. Examples of projectors include LED, LCD, VF, OLED, etc.

[0155] Typically, the projected light is incident on the viewing area of ​​the glazing at an angle of between 42 and 72 degrees at the plane of incidence.

[0156] Thus, in the case of a HUD or other driving aid item, it can be a defined surface of a glazing pane, specifically designed so that the display area is out of the driver's line of sight, but in a region near said line of sight, so that the driver can see it without losing sight of the road. The display area can be located below, to the side, or above the central field of vision (field of vision B according to the standard ECE-R43), but should not protrude into said central field of vision. It does not necessarily have to be in contact with the peripheral obscuration band, but in a preferred embodiment the display area is located at least partly in the lower obscuration band. Such a lower positioning allows the driver to easily see it with only eye movements and therefore without losing sight of the road.

[0157] An advantage of the present HUD is that the display area can be designed to remain close to the driver's field of view and / or be viewable by passengers or other occupants of the compartment. Increased reflection also allows the projector to be adjusted to environmental conditions (such as sunlight, the presence of sunglasses, or other conditions, to a greater or lesser extent).

[0158] The advantage of the present HUD system configured with a p-polarized light source is that (Rp-pol) can reach up to 20% at an incidence angle of the p-polarized light of 65°. The value of reflected p-polarized light can go up to 23%, 26%, 30% or even 39% at an incidence angle of 65°.

[0159] A further advantage is that this display area can be compatible with existing HUD systems that are located in a second area, or viewing area with a TL of 70% or more, where the transmission of the central field of view is not compromised by the p-polarized reflective coating.

[0160] The present glazing units may be useful in transportation or architectural applications, where the projection of an image or light from a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light onto a viewing area having less than 30% light transmission proves useful. Architectural applications include displays, windows, doors, partitions, shower panels, and the like. In such architectural applications, the projection of a sharp image onto the opacified surface of a glazing unit that separates an interior space from an exterior space can be useful to allow room information, building information, entertainment materials, and the like to be displayed without interference from light from the exterior space.

[0161] Transportation applications include those vehicles for on-road, air, water and aquatic transportation, particularly cars, buses, trains, ships, airplanes, spacecraft, space stations and other motor vehicles.

[0162] Thus, the glazing unit can be a windshield, a rear window, a side window, a sunroof, a panoramic roof, or any other window useful for a car, or any glazing for any other transport device, where the projection of a clear image on a display area with a light transmittance of less than 30% can be useful. The projected and reflected information can include any traffic information, such as directions, navigation instructions or traffic density; or any vehicle status information, such as speed, temperature, tank level, driving safety systems; or entertainment material, etc. The display area below or beside the viewing area with a light transmittance of 70% or more allows a clear and distinct image without interference from the outside environment or light conditions. This has the advantage of reducing the obstruction of the driver's vision.

[0163] In some embodiments, compatible with other embodiments of the present invention, a second light source is present in the HUD system and can provide a secondary image or information. The second light source can be unpolarized or can be p-polarized or s-polarized, but provides the same or different image as the first light source. In some cases, the image or information differs between the first and second light sources. In some cases, augmented reality information can be projected by at least one of the light sources, as a result of the wide field of view and / or range of projection provided by a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region.

[0164] The present invention also relates to the use of a glazing unit in a HUD system comprising a p-polarized light source projecting light at an angle of incidence between 42 and 72° onto a display area of ​​the glazing unit for reflecting said p-polarized light, The glazing unit has at least a first region and a second region, the glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface; b. an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. the outer pane and the inner pane are joined by an intermediate layer that provides contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane; The first region is a display region having a light transmission of less than 30%, the display region comprising a first p-polarized reflective coating.

[0165] The use of such glazing units having viewing areas with less than 30% light transmission in HUD systems allows for various advantages over glazing units having only viewing areas with 70% or greater light transmission. The first such advantage is that the p-polarized reflective coating of the viewing area has optimized p-polarized reflection (Rp-pol) while having fewer optical requirements for color neutrality in reflection.

[0166] Another advantage is the absence of obstructions in the driver's driving field of vision, with the advantage of having a display area easily located in the vicinity of said driving field of vision. The display can be localized below the field of vision, at the bottom of the windshield, for example, or on the side pillars, or even in the upper area of ​​the viewing field, or on the roof or side windows, so that the driver can concentrate on observing the road. These advantages can also be translated to architectural applications, where no movement is implied, but there is a need to maintain a clear view in an area, and a need to effectively project and reflect information from another nearby display area.

[0167] Along with the elimination of ghost images caused by air / glass interface interference from the P1 surface, the present glazing unit also allows for the elimination of fingerprints on the P4 surface for improved aesthetics when viewed from an exterior standpoint.

[0168] figure Embodiments of glazing units, HUDs and their uses are provided with this figure illustrating some non-limiting options within the scope of the present invention.

[0169] The various elements of the diagram are not proportionate.

[0170] FIG. 1 represents a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, the glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane (10) having a first surface (11) and a second surface (12); and b. an inner pane (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22); Including, c. Both panes are joined by an intermediate layer (30) that provides contact between the first surface (21) of the inner pane and the second surface (12) of the outer pane, where the first area is a viewing area with a light transmission of less than 30% by a dark print (41) applied on the surface (21). The viewing area is provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating (50) on the surface (22). The dark print can be selected from enamel, paint and / or ink as discussed above. The dark print is not necessarily placed on the periphery, but should be placed on the second area, here outside the viewing area, according to the standard ECE-R43 and general legal requirements for a TL of 70% or more for a viewing window, e.g. a windshield. A layer of enamel (not shown) may be applied on top of and in contact with the primary p-polarized reflective coating (50) and can serve to adhere the glazing unit onto a support or frame or vehicle body.

[0171] Figure 2 represents an alternative version of Figure 1, where a dark print (42) is applied onto the surface (12) of the glazing unit. The dark print may be selected from enamels, paints and / or inks as discussed above.

[0172] FIG. 3 represents a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, the glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane (10) having a first surface and a second surface; and b. an inner pane (20) having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. Both panes are joined by an intermediate layer (30) that provides contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane, where the first area is a viewing area having a light transmission of less than 30% by means of a dark insert (43) in the intermediate layer (30). The viewing area is provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating (50) on the surface (22). The dark insert can also be placed on the periphery if preferred, but this should still be outside the second viewing area according to standard ECE-R43 and general legal requirements.

[0173] FIG. 4 represents a glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, the glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane (10) having a first surface and a second surface; and b. an inner pane (20) having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. Both panes are joined by an interlayer (30) that provides contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane, where the first area is a viewing area with a light transmission of less than 30%. The viewing area is provided by a dark patch (44) as an opacifying means, laminated to the surface (22) of the inner pane (20) such that a primary p-polarized reflective coating (54) is present on the surface (26) of the dark patch. The dark patch can be thin glass as discussed above with a PVB interlayer adhered to the inner glass. For simplicity reasons, the thin glass and the interlayer are depicted as one single unit = dark patch (44).

[0174] FIG. 5 is a further alternative to FIG. 1, where the glazing unit further includes an infrared reflective layer (61) on the second surface (12) of the outer pane.

[0175] 6a-f: The glazing unit may have, for example, a peripheral obscuration band as generally described by the standard ECE-R43. The peripheral area is typically opaque with a TL of less than 1%. The central area is considered the viewing area (V-white area), which must meet a TL of 70% or more according to the legal requirements also set out in the standard ECE-R43.

[0176] Each of the glazing units of Figs. 6b-6f comprises a display area (D) partially overlapping the viewing area and the obscuration band (b), or completely overlapping the obscuration band at a lower position (c), or at a lateral position (e), or at an upper position (f). The display area may also be completely independent of the obscuration band (d), and is in a position where the legal requirements for vehicle windows are met for a viewing area having a TL of 70% or more, so that the display area is not an obstacle to driving. In fact, the obscuration band as illustrated in Fig. 6 is not a required feature of the present invention, but is illustrated here for easier reference to an automobile window, e.g., a windshield. Thus, said obscuration band can be excluded from the glazing unit claimed here. The display area D can be provided by any of the different opacifying means disclosed above.

[0177] 7 depicts a HUD system as claimed that includes a projector (70) that projects at least 50% p-polarized light onto a viewing area (D) having a glazing unit (per FIG. 1) with a TL of less than 30%, said viewing area (D) being below the field of view (V) of an observer or driver (80). The projected light is incident on a primary p-polarized reflective coating present on the inside of the compartment occupied by the observer. EXAMPLES

[0178] So that the glazing units could be evaluated for their optical parameters given specific lighting conditions, glass panes having primary p-polarized reflective coatings were prepared or simulated by optical modeling software as single sheet glazing and then set in a stacked configuration to form glazing units.

[0179] The glass pane type and thickness, coating details and test conditions are provided below. The light source was configured to emit ordinary light or 100% p-polarized light. The behavior of the glazing to incident light is presented in the table below.

[0180] All optical parameters are measured at illuminant D65, 2°, for reflection or transmission levels, as well as color indices (a * and b * ) for illuminant D65, 10°.

[0181] Unless otherwise indicated, all refractive indices are measured at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0182] In the examples, the clear glass was clear float glass used with a thickness of 1.8 mm, except when described as a single sheet of 4 mm.

[0183] The green glass was a soda-lime glass having iron oxide in the form of Fe2O3 in an amount ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 wt % and was used with a thickness of 1.8 mm.

[0184] Dielectric Material: TZO: titanium dioxide / zirconium dioxide in a ratio of 55 / 45% by weight with a refractive index of 2.19 (at 550 nm) -SiO2: Silicon oxide with a refractive index of 1.46 (at 550 nm) SiN: nitride of silicon and aluminum with a silicon / aluminum ratio of 90 / 10% by weight and a refractive index of 2.03 (at 550 nm) - MgF2: Magnesium fluoride with a refractive index of 1.38 (at 550 nm) -Nb2O5: Niobium oxide with a refractive index of 2.36 (at 550 nm)

[0185] Absorbent (ABS) material: -NiCr: Nickel-chromium binary alloy with a ratio of 80 / 20% by weight

[0186] The parameters measured for external reflection (Rv(out)) were as follows: (When a "p-pol" reference is associated with a parameter, this means that the incident light used is p-polarized. When no such designation is present, the light is unpolarized mixed light): a) Illuminant A, 2° -Tv(%) = Transmittance in the visible range -Rv(out)(%) = external reflection in the visible range (380-780 nm) at a «standard» angle of incidence of 8° (this information is provided here, but is hidden from view when glazing unit areas are used in conjunction with opacifying means to reach a TL of less than 30%) -Rv(in)(%) = internal reflection in the visible range (380-780 nm) at a "standard" angle of incidence of 8° -Rp_pol65(%) = Internal reflection of p-polarized light in the visible range (380-780 nm) at an incidence angle of 65° -R65Y(in)(%) = internal reflection in the visible range (380-780 nm) at a "standard" angle of incidence of 65° -Rp_pol65(%)(blue) = Internal reflection of p-polarized light in the wavelength range of 450-500 nm -Rp_pol65(%)(green) = Internal reflection of p-polarized light in the wavelength range of 500-550 nm -Rp_pol65(%)(red) = Internal reflection of p-polarized light in the wavelength range of 630-680 nm b) Illuminant D65, 10° -Ta * =a * , the color index in transmission -Tb * =b * , the color index in transmission -RL * =L* , color index for internal reflection at 8° -R65L * =L * , color index for internal reflection at 65° -Ra * =a * , color index for internal reflection at 8° -R65a * =a * , color index for internal reflection at 65° -Rb * =b * , color index for internal reflection at 8° -R65b * =b * , color index for internal reflection at 65° -Rp_pol65-a=a * , color index for internal reflection at 65 for p-polarized light -Rp_pol65-b=b * , color index for internal reflection at 65 for p-polarized light

[0187] The results are generally: Visible light transmittance Tv (%) can be adjusted to more than 70% or less than 70%. Optical properties in internal reflection, e.g. Rp-pol at 65°, can reach levels of 20-39% for coatings (in laminated glazing) with a TL of less than 70% This indicates that.

[0188] These results demonstrate the suitability of the present glazing unit in a HUD system as claimed for any projected color among blue, green, or red.

[0189] Examples 1 to 10 Examples 1 and 2 were prepared according to the first suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating description without a layer of absorbing material. Example 1 includes a series of high index / low index layers, each of which is a single layer. Example 2 includes a series of high index / low index layers, the high index layers being multiple layers and the low index layers being a single layer.

[0190] Examples 3-10 were prepared according to the description of a second particularly suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating having a layer of absorbing material. Examples 3, 4 and 6 contain a bi-series of high index / low index layers, where the third layer contains several high index sub-layers. Examples 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 contain a series of high index / low index layers, where the high index layer (third layer) is a multi-layer containing several high index sub-layers.

[0191] The constructed glazing unit comprised two sheets of 2.1 mm clear glass laminated with a 0.76 mm PVB layer. The opacifying means may be selected from any of those discussed above.

[0192] The values ​​for the layer thickness of the primary p-polarized reflective coating are given in Table 2 together with the results of the measured parameters of the glazing unit in the absence of an opacifying means. In fact, the presence of an opacifying means does not allow the measurements to be carried out properly (because there is no light transmission).

[0193] The advantage of the primary p-polarized reflective coating present on the viewing area of ​​the glazing unit is that it allows reflection of p-polarized light. In contrast, when the viewing area is not provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating, there is zero reflection of light, since said light is absorbed by the opacifying means. In particular, when a viewing area having a light transmission of less than 5% is not provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating, there is substantially no p-polarized reflection. TIFF2025500239000003.tif220170

[0194] Examples 1 and 2 with a TL greater than 70% are suitable as primary p-polarized reflective coatings for display areas having a TL less than 30%, but also for secondary viewing areas, where legal requirements may impose a TL greater than 70%.

[0195] Examples 3-10 may simply be provided for use in display areas having a TL of less than 30%, where they may provide an Rp_pol reflection of greater than 23% at an incidence angle of 65°.

[0196] These values ​​indicate the suitability of the present glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, where the first region is a display region having a light transmittance of less than 30%, for p-polarized light, in a HUD system as currently claimed, where the display region is provided with a primary p-polarized reflective coating.

[0197] Examples 11 to 13 Examples 11-13 were prepared according to the second particularly suitable primary p-polarized reflective coating description with a layer of absorbing material. Examples 11 and 12 contain a bi-series of high index / low index layers, where the third layer contains several high index sub-layers. Example 13 contains a series of high index / low index layers, where the high index layer (third layer) contains several high index sub-layers.

[0198] The constructed glazing unit comprised two sheets of 2.1 mm clear glass laminated with a 0.76 mm PVB layer. The opacifying means may be selected from any of those discussed above.

[0199] The layer thickness values ​​of the primary p-polarized reflective coatings of Examples 11 to 13 are shown in Table 3 together with the results of the measured parameters of the glazing unit in the absence of an opacifying means. In fact, the presence of an opacifying means does not allow the measurements to be carried out properly (because there is no light transmission).

[0200] The primary p-polarized reflective coatings of Examples 11-13 have a light transmission of less than 45%, making them suitable for viewing areas having a light transmission of less than 30%. An advantage of the primary p-polarized reflective coatings of Examples 11-13 present on the viewing area of ​​the present glazing unit is that they allow reflection of p-polarized light (Rp-pol) of up to more than 25%, which may prove useful in the presently claimed HUD system. TIFF2025500239000004.tif178170

Claims

1. A glazing unit having at least a first region and a second region, said glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface; and b. an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. the outer pane and the inner pane are joined by an intermediate layer that provides contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane; d. A glazing unit wherein the first region is a viewing region having a light transmission of less than 30%, the viewing region comprising a primary p-polarized reflective coating.

2. 10. The glazing unit of claim 1, wherein the second region is a viewing region having a light transmittance of 70% or greater.

3. The display area is - dark prints; - dark inserts; - dark patches; - or a combination of these 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, having a light transmission of less than 30% by virtue of at least one opacifying means selected from:

4. 4. A glazing unit according to claim 3, wherein the dark print is selected from enamel, paint and / or ink.

5. 4. The glazing unit of claim 3, wherein the dark insert is selected from polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, mylar, or mixtures thereof.

6. 5. A glazing unit as described in claim 4, wherein the primary p-polarized reflective coating is present on the second surface (surface P4) of the inner pane when a dark print and / or a dark insert is used as the opacifying means.

7. 4. The glazing unit of claim 3, wherein the dark patch is selected from glass or a plastic comprising or consisting of poly(methyl meth)acrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a mixture thereof.

8. 8. A glazing unit as described in claim 7, wherein when a dark patch is used, the primary p-polarized reflective coating is present on a second surface (surface P6) of the patch material.

9. 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary p-polarized reflective coating comprises at least a sequence of high refractive index layers / low refractive index layers.

10. 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high refractive index layer is selected from oxides of Zn, Sn, Ti, Nb, Zr, Ni, In, Al, Ce, W, Mo, Sb, Bi and mixtures thereof; nitrides or oxynitrides of Si, Al, Zr, B, Y, Ce, La; and mixtures thereof.

11. 3. A glazing unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the low refractive index layer is selected from silicon oxide, silicon oxycarbide, aluminum oxide, mixed silicon aluminum oxide, mixed silicon zirconium oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, magnesium fluoride, or mixtures thereof.

12. 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary p-polarized reflective coating is a magnetron sputtered coating.

13. The primary p-polarized reflective coating is, in order, starting from the substrate surface: At least one high refractive index layer having a thickness of between −50 and 100 nm; and At least one low refractive index layer having a thickness of -70 to 160 nm Including, The at least one high refractive index layer is - oxides of Zr, Nb, Sn; - mixed oxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, Si, Sb, Sn, Zn, In; - nitrides of Si and Zr; -Si, Zr mixed nitride 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of:

14. The primary p-polarized reflective coating is, in order, starting from the substrate surface: a. Optionally, i. a first layer comprised of one or more high refractive index sub-layers, said first layer having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm; and ii. a second layer composed of one or more low refractive index sub-layers, the second layer having a thickness of 1 to 220 nm; and b. a third layer comprised of one or more high refractive index sub-layers, said third layer having a thickness of 40 to 150 nm; and c. A fourth layer consisting of one or more low refractive index sub-layers, said fourth layer having a thickness of 40 to 200 nm.

3. A glazing unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first layer of absorbing material, wherein the at least one first layer of absorbing material has a thickness of 0.2 to 15 nm, and wherein the absorbing material has an average refractive index n greater than 1 and an average extinction coefficient k greater than 0.1, wherein the average refractive index n and the average extinction coefficient k are calculated over values ​​at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm.

15. The glazing unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the glazing unit further comprises an infrared reflective coating.

16. 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the second region is provided with an anti-fingerprint coating and / or an easy-to-clean coating.

17. 3. A glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interlayer is a wedge interlayer.

18. a. a glazing unit according to claim 1 or 2, having at least a first region as a viewing area and a second region having a light transmittance of less than 30%, and b. a light source that projects at least 50% p-polarized light onto the first viewing area of ​​the glazing unit, wherein light projected by the light source is incident on and reflected from the first viewing area.

1. A HUD system comprising:

19. 1. Use of a glazing unit to reflect p-polarized light in a HUD system including a p-polarized light source projecting light onto a display area of ​​the glazing unit at an angle of incidence between 42 and 72 degrees, The glazing unit has at least a first region and a second region, the glazing unit comprising: a. an outer pane having a first surface and a second surface; b. an inner pane having a first surface and a second surface; Including, c. the outer pane and the inner pane are joined by an intermediate layer that provides contact between a first surface of the inner pane and a second surface of the outer pane; The first region is a display region having a light transmittance of less than 30%, the display region comprising a first p-polarized reflective coating.

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