window glass panes

The glazing pane with a sloped profile reflective film addresses adhesion and aesthetic issues in HUD systems by enhancing film adhesion and reducing edge visibility, ensuring effective reflectivity and improved appearance.

JP2025541786APending Publication Date: 2025-12-23AGC GLASS EUROPE SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025532203
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-12-07
Filing Date
2023-11-29
Publication Date
2025-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing reflective films for window panes used in HUD systems face issues such as material waste, increased costs, adhesion problems, wrinkles, and aesthetic drawbacks, particularly when applied to partial areas, leading to contamination and visibility of film edges.

Method used

A glazing pane with a reflective film having a sloped profile along its periphery, designed to cover film edges and reduce edge defects, ensuring effective positioning and adhesion, while maintaining high reflectivity and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of technology

The sloped profile enhances film adhesion and reduces contamination, maintains reflectivity, and improves the aesthetic appearance by hiding film edges, thus minimizing visibility and potential damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing pane for separating an interior space from an exterior environment, the glazing pane comprising a reflective film having a sloped profile, a HUD system including the glazing pane, and the use of a sloped profile in the glazing pane.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a glazing pane for separating an interior space from an exterior environment, the glazing pane comprising a reflective film having a sloped profile, a HUD system including the glazing pane, and the use of a sloped profile in the glazing pane. [Background technology]

[0002] Window panes suitable for reflecting projected images are finding increasing performance and application, at least in transportation applications, particularly when HUD functionality is required.

[0003] Reflective coating techniques, obtained by depositing metal and / or dielectric layers on glass or plastic substrates by chemical or physical vapor deposition, offer a variety of reflective performances, for example, reflecting p-polarized light at Brewster's angle at over 10%. These coatings can be applied to the surface of a window pane or to the interior of a window pane, particularly a laminated pane. These coatings are well known to those skilled in the art and offer significant advantages in terms of quality, processability, and performance, with only the main drawback being cost. When only a region of the surface of a window pane requires a reflective coating, the coating can be selectively deposited in that region, or the entire deposited coating can be decoated (removed). Both operations result in material waste, process complexity, and increased costs.

[0004] Reflective film technology also provides good reflective performance on window glass panels. These reflective films are also known to those skilled in the art. Although these films have a reflectivity of p-polarized light exceeding 15% at Brewster's angle, they are still difficult to adhere to the surface of window glass panels.

[0005] The reflective film may be applied to the interior of the pane when the pane is a laminated pane. In fact, in these situations, the reflective film may be inserted into the laminated thermoplastic material. These situations may result in several drawbacks, such as double images or optical defects due to rippling or wrinkling of the film, or difficulties with smooth stretching and positioning, as well as shaping (bending and forming) of the laminated pane.

[0006] In other situations, the reflective film may be applied to the inner surface of a window pane. These conditions also lead to similar drawbacks. When the reflective film is applied to the entire surface of the window pane, wrinkles, waving, and molding problems can result in an undesirable appearance. However, when the film is applied to only a partial area of ​​the entire surface of the window pane, the cost and the drawbacks of waving / wrinkling are reduced, but the edges of that area may be visible, which not only detracts from the aesthetic appearance but can also lead to dirt buildup, poor adhesion, and the film may be damaged, scratched, and / or peeled off. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a glazing for separating an interior space from an exterior environment, the glazing having one interior surface facing the interior space and one exterior surface facing the exterior environment, the interior surface being provided in at least one region with a reflective film having a periphery with a sloped profile along at least a portion of its periphery. The reflective film itself provides high reflectivity of p-polarized radiation, whether projected from a p-polarized source or a mixed source, allowing for a color-neutral display.

[0008] The particular slope profile not only helps to provide effective positioning by covering the edges of the film, but also helps to reduce edge defects that lead to contamination and / or adhesion problems at the edges of the reflective film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a gradient profile of the present invention.

[0010] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 4a] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The figures are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The glazing of the present invention is used to separate an interior space from the exterior environment. The interior space can be a room or any defined space that needs to be separated from the exterior environment. In a preferred embodiment, the interior space is the interior of a vehicle.

[0016] The inner surface of the pane is therefore the surface that faces the interior space, and the outer surface faces the exterior environment.

[0017] The glazing may be a single sheet of glass or polymer, or may be a laminated sheet of glass and / or polymeric material.

[0018] Examples of glass sheets include float glass sheets, or alternatively, cast or drawn glass sheets, and may be selected from all glass technologies, such as float clear, ultra-clear, or tinted glass, (partially) acid-etched or (partially) sandblasted glass, and combinations thereof. The glass sheets may be of any composition with any optical properties, such as any values ​​of visible light transmittance, ultraviolet transmittance, infrared transmittance, and / or total solar energy transmittance. The glass may be soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, etc. The glass may typically be clear, tinted, or ultra-clear (i.e., lower Fe content and higher transmittance) glass substrates. Further examples of glass substrates include clear, green, bronze, and blue-green glass substrates.

[0019] Examples of polymeric material sheets include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof.

[0020] Preferred glazing sheets are glass sheets generally useful for providing vehicle glazing.

[0021] The glass may be clear, ultra-clear, or tinted. These glass types are defined by their respective compositions, which may be selected from various types of glass compositions, provided that the invention is not impaired.

[0022] The glass can be annealed glass, tempered glass, or heat-strengthened glass.

[0023] Preferably, the glazing pane, when it is a laminated pane, may comprise at least two sheets of glass and at least one intervening or intermediate layer.

[0024] The interlayer, or intervening layer or laminating material, may be selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacetals such as polyisobutylene (PIB), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyurethanes (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyesters, cycloolefin polymers (COP), ionomers, and / or UV-curable adhesives, and others known in the art of glass laminate manufacturing. Blends using any compatible combination of these materials may also be suitable. Preferably, the interlayer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate and / or polyvinyl butyral.

[0025] The interlayer acts as a "bonding interlayer" because the interlayer and the glass sheet form a bond that results in adhesion between the glass sheet and the interlayer.

[0026] The interlayers that can be used in the present invention can be transparent or translucent polymer interlayers. However, in certain applications where transparency is not a requirement, the polymer interlayers can be colored or patterned. Colored interlayers can have a light transmittance of 0-85% and can be selected according to the requirements of the area to be used as the projection area in the HUD system.

[0027] Typical thicknesses for the intermediate layer are 0.15 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 0.30 mm to 1.75 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 1.75 mm. Common commercially available polymer films are polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layers of 0.38 mm, 0.76 mm, 1.52 mm, 2.28 mm, and 3.04 mm. One or more of these films can be used to achieve the required thickness.

[0028] Enhanced sound insulation can be provided by the use of certain interlayers known in the field of laminated glazing.

[0029] The intermediate layer may have an essentially constant thickness, except for surface roughness as is common in the art, or may be a so-called wedge film and therefore have a varying thickness across its surface.

[0030] Considering a laminated glazing comprising two sheets of glass, the first and second sheets may individually have a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to about 15 mm, alternatively 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, alternatively 0.5 mm to about 8 mm, alternatively 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. Particularly in the automotive field, the first and second sheets may individually have a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 6 mm, alternatively 0.4 to 3 mm.

[0031] Both sheets may have the same thickness, for example, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.1 mm, or 3 mm. Such a symmetrical arrangement of glass thickness allows for easy processing and conventional sizing of the lamination process.

[0032] The sheets may have different thicknesses, whether in the interior-facing or exterior-facing position, to provide an asymmetric laminated glazing, for example, pane 1 = 0.5 mm and pane 2 = 2.1 mm, pane 1 = 0.8 mm and pane 2 = 2.1 mm, 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 asymmetrical configuration of glass thickness allows for flexibility in curvature and / or flexibility in weight management and / or flexibility in light / solar control.

[0033] In certain instances it may be suitable to have an asymmetric laminated glazing in which the outer sheet has a greater thickness than the inner sheet (e.g. outer glass sheet=2.1 mm and inner glass sheet=0.5 mm) so as to be able to find a compromise between reduced weight and improved mechanical resistance.

[0034] The reflective film according to the invention is suitable for reflecting p-polarized radiation at angles of incidence between 50 and 75°, or between 55 and 70°, i.e. in the angular range including Brewster's angle (57°). However, the invention may also be suitable for reflective films aimed at reflecting mixed reflections (S- and P-polarized) or S-polarized reflections with a suitable projector.

[0035] Such reflective films are specifically designed to reflect p-polarized radiation, with a view to reflecting projected images in HUD systems.

[0036] Typically, a transparent glass plate has a reflectivity for p-polarized light (Rppol) of 1% at an angle of 65°, a reflectivity for p-polarized light (Rppol) of 0% at an angle of 57° (Brewster), and a reflectivity for s-polarized light (Rspol) of 35% at an angle of 65°.

[0037] Preferred reflective films typically have a reflectivity for p-polarized light of 18% or greater, preferably 20% or greater, at Brewster's angle.

[0038] A suitable preferred reflective film may have a reflectivity for p-polarized light at a 65° angle (Rppol) of 26% and a reflectivity for s-polarized light at a 65° angle (Rspol)=40%.

[0039] The reflective film is preferably provided on the inner surface of the glazing in a defined area, said defined area being defined according to the possible display area that may be aimed by a projector of a HUD that may be used. Thus, the defined area may be, for example, 2 cm 2 , alternatively 4cm 2 , alternatively 8cm 2 , alternatively 10cm 2 The defined area may have any surface area dimension from 4 m 2 Up to 2.5m as an alternative 2 Up to 1m as an alternative 2 Up to 0.5m as an alternative 2 It can be up to.

[0040] The area of ​​the window pane to which the reflective film may be applied may have any value of light transmittance, TL being typically measured according to ISO 9050 using Illuminant A at an observer aperture slit angle of 2° (= Ill.A, 2°).

[0041] The periphery of the reflective film may have n edges (n≧1) and may define a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, or any other suitable shape.

[0042] Examples of reflective films include films containing at least one transparent liquid crystal layer, films containing at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer, films containing multiple alternating polymer interference layers, and the like.

[0043] Such layers and coatings are known and are also called p-polarizing reflective films. If other light / radiation is reflected, the film can be selected appropriately for s-polarization or mixed polarization.

[0044] The reflective film may be applied to the surface of the window pane facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0045] For example, a reflective film containing a liquid crystal layer can be bonded to the surface of a window pane as a functional foil. In this case, the corresponding liquid crystal layer is applied as a coating to a carrier foil made of, for example, cellulose triacetate (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or other conventional polymer materials. High-precision coating processes for producing such functional liquid crystal films are available and known in the art, and functional films are commercially available. Advantageously, the foil can be attached at any time to the interior-facing surface of the window pane intended to function as a projection surface.

[0046] Commercially available examples of such reflective films include Windshield Combiner Film available from 3M under the trade name 3M® WCF-PVB, reflective film available from Toray Industries, Inc. under the trade name PICASUS® VT, or reflective film available from Fujifilm under the trade name Wavista®.

[0047] The reflective film may have a light transmittance of 60% or more, or even 70% or more when it is required to be applied in the transparent area of ​​a window pane that may be used as a vehicle windshield. However, the advantage of the technical solution according to the present invention is that when the reflective film is applied to the hidden area of ​​a window pane having a TL of 30% or less, the reflective film can have any light transmittance between 0 and 92%.

[0048] The reflective film may be applied to the window pane using any known adhesive means, such as an optically clear resin.

[0049] Suitable optically transparent resins have a refractive index of about 1.4 to 1.6, and examples of such resins include acrylic resins, methacrylate resins, urethane resins, silicone resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, and polysulfide resins.

[0050] Such optically transparent resins include, for example, thermosetting, highly extensible silicone gels. The optically transparent resins preferably cure at low temperatures below 70°C for 25 to 30 minutes to become soft, tacky gels. The optically transparent resins may be pressure-sensitive adhesives or any curable resins.

[0051] The application of such optically clear resins is well known in the art.

[0052] The transparency of the optically transparent resin is greater than 90%, preferably greater than 95%, and more preferably greater than 99%, so that the transmittance of the window pane can be maintained if necessary.

[0053] In a first example, at least one area provided with the reflective film may have an initial light transmittance of 60% or more (Ill. A, 2°). That is, the reflective film may be applied to a transparent area of ​​the window pane, i.e., an area of ​​the window pane that has a TL of 60% or more, preferably 70% or more, before the reflective film is applied. This has the advantage that the display area may be within the view of the observer toward which the projected information is directed. The advantage is that the observer then sees the projected image within an area that overlaps with the field of view through the window pane. Therefore, in such a first example, the reflective film, especially when positioned in an area of ​​the window pane that has a TL of 60% or more, may preferably have a high transmittance within the visible spectrum, allowing for a color-neutral display.

[0054] In the field of automobiles, especially windshields, the standard ECE-R43 stipulates the technical requirement that the central field of view of the automobile must have a high light transmittance (typically more than 70%). Therefore, in such a first example, the reflective film must meet the transparency conditions of the standard ECE-R43.

[0055] In a second example, at least one area provided with the reflective film may have an initial light transmittance of 30% or less (Ill. A, 2°). That is, the reflective film may be applied to non-transparent areas of the window pane, i.e., areas of the window pane that have a TL of 30% or less, preferably 15% or less, before the reflective film is applied. In these examples, the advantage is that the projected image is outside the viewer's field of view. In this case, the quality and color of the reflective film can be adapted, and fewer technical and chemical constraints are required regarding transparency and color neutrality. On the other hand, in this case, the reflective film is also invisible or inconspicuous from the outside of the window pane. Furthermore, the reflectance of an image from an area with a darker background is typically brighter. A further advantage is that the reflective film is protected from direct sunlight, and the risk of damage or scratches is reduced because the shading area is generally located at the periphery of the window pane and is difficult for the driver or vehicle occupants to reach.

[0056] Examples of opacifying means that provide a glazing sheet with a TL of 30% or less include dark print, dark inserts, dark patches, or combinations thereof.

[0057] Dark printing includes enamel and paint applied by screen printing or typical methods for depositing enamel and paint. Dark inserts include a tinted interlayer inserted within an interlayer used to provide a laminated glazing or between a reflective film and the inner surface of the glazing, which tinted interlayer may serve as an adhesive for the reflective film. Dark patches may be provided by pieces of glass laminated to the glazing using an interlayer as described above, with either the interlayer or the glass piece, or a combination thereof, having a TL of 30% or less.

[0058] The reflective film can also overlap both areas of the pane having a TL of 60% or more and areas of the pane having a TL of 30% or less, bridging the areas of the pane having two different light transmittances.

[0059] However, in both the first and second examples, alone or in combination, the reflective film must be smooth and flat. The inclined profile according to the invention has the advantage of making the peripheral edge even smoother, so that the inside of the pane does not have the undesirable appearance of a reflective film and dust does not adhere to the edge of the reflective film. Furthermore, the reflective film cannot be easily removed by mechanical action (such as scratching) or cleaning action.

[0060] The sloped profile is imparted along a portion of at least one edge of the periphery of the reflective film, and in some embodiments, the sloped profile is imparted over an upper portion of at least one edge of the periphery of the reflective film or to a portion of the upper edge of the periphery of the reflective film.

[0061] Typically, the panes of glass may be inserted into the frame by a fastening means such as a sealant to attach the panes to the interior space.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least a first portion of the outer periphery is visible from an interior perspective, while a second portion may be hidden within the vehicle body or within the side of the window pane within the fastening element (as shown by FIG. 4).

[0063] In other embodiments, the sloped profile may be part of a dashboard that is designed to include an opening that includes a reflective film applied to the window pane, thereby allowing projection onto selected areas of the windshield. In some examples, no part of the perimeter is substantially visible from an interior perspective, hidden within a dashboard design that covers the perimeter (as shown by FIG. 5).

[0064] In some other embodiments, the reflective film is provided with a beveled profile along the entire edge of its periphery, with final aesthetics and positioning determining which portion of the periphery is provided with the beveled profile.

[0065] The slope profile shown in FIG. 1 includes at least one notch, the thickness (t) of the notch corresponding to the thickness of the reflective film and ranging from 0.01 to 1.00 mm, alternatively from 0.02 to 0.25 mm.

[0066] The gradient profile shown in FIG. 1 further has a width (w) and height (h) independently within the range of 0.4 to 30.0 mm, alternatively 1.0 to 20.0 mm.

[0067] 1 illustrates a beveled profile with a circular (semicircular) cross section, but technically any other cross section that best suits the design and technical requirements can be presented. There are various options for protruding or smooth designs, provided that the beveled profile serves to hide part of at least one edge of the periphery of the reflective film.

[0068] The gradient profile can be made of a polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer, and processed by, for example, extrusion or injection molding. Both methods allow the production of continuous, uniform shapes to fit the required design. The gradient profile can be clear, transparent, or colored, as is typically accepted for these types of materials.

[0069] Examples of such materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyisobutylene, silicone, acrylic resin, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polysulfide, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, and mixtures or combinations thereof. These materials can be biologically derived (bio-based), recycled, or chemically derived.

[0070] Thus, in some instances, the sloped profile may be an optically clear resin, particularly if the sloped profile is visible to the occupants, which has the advantage of not interfering too much with vision and being aesthetically pleasing on the surface of the glazing.

[0071] In other instances where the sloped profile is an element of the dashboard, the sloped profile may be the same color and material as said dashboard and therefore may be tinted and opaque (such as a typical AVO material), which has the advantage that as an element of the interior design the element is both structurally pleasing and aesthetically pleasing to look at.

[0072] The sloped profile may be self-adhesive or may be affixed to the glazing pane by a separate adhesive or primer. The adhesive may be clear if required by the design.

[0073] Examples of adhesives include cyanoacrylates, epoxy resins, silicone adhesives, and mixtures or combinations thereof, which have the advantages of transparency, heat resistance, waterproofness, and high strength.

[0074] The gradient profile may be opaque, tinted, or transparent or translucent.

[0075] The glazing pane according to the present invention may further comprise an IR-reflective coating. In such an example compatible with the present invention, the glazing pane is a laminated glazing pane comprising two glass sheets and at least one interlayer. The IR-reflective coating may be present between the two glass sheets, i.e., on the surface of at least one of the glass sheets (in which case it may be provided by chemical or physical vapor deposition on the glass sheet surface, known as P2 or P3), or within an interlayer bonding the two glass sheets together, such as a PET-based solar control window film with an infrared-absorbing or reflective ceramic coating. Such IR-reflective coatings are well known in the art for providing solar control and / or heating functions to glazing panes.

[0076] In some examples, the IR reflective coating may be removed due to the use of optical systems other than the HUD projector according to the present invention, such as IR cameras or LIDARS.

[0077] To avoid double images from the IR reflective coating, it may be useful to avoid overlapping of the IR reflective coating with a reflective film for a head-up display.

[0078] Specifically, the pane may be provided with an IR-reflective coating in areas of the pane having a TL greater than 70%, and a reflective film in areas of the pane having a TL of 30% or less. In this way, the TTS (total solar transmittance) may be optimized at a value less than 60%, alternatively less than 55%, without impairing the function of the reflective film for polarized light as discussed above. In such an example, the edges of the IR-reflective coating may be hidden by the sloped profile, thus avoiding a visible aesthetic change between the areas with the IR-reflective coating and the areas without the IR-reflective coating (which may have been decoated).

[0079] Laminated glass panes can be manufactured by methods known per se. Typically, the outer glass pane, the inner glass pane, and the intervening layers are stacked flat on top of each other. The surface of the outer glass pane facing the interlayer or the surface of the inner glass pane facing the interlayer can be fully or partially coated with an IR-reflective coating, as discussed above. In some examples, the IR-reflective coating is present in the interlayer. A reflective film can be positioned and disposed on the surface of the inner glass pane opposite the interlayer facing the interior of the vehicle (referred to as surface P4 in laminated glazing).

[0080] The outer and inner glass panes are laminated together via the interlayer, for example, by an autoclave process, a vacuum bag process, a vacuum ring process, a calendar process, a vacuum laminator, or a combination thereof. The outer and inner glass panes are typically joined under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0081] The glazing panes according to the invention may be used as windshields, roofs, cockpits, sidelights, backlights, among other vehicle applications, or for architectural applications, such as curtain walls, windows, doors, shop displays, refrigerator doors, etc.

[0082] The vehicle may include a land vehicle, a sea vehicle, an air vehicle, or a space vehicle.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a HUD system comprising a window pane as described herein and at least one projector that emits radiation, wherein an area of ​​the inner pane provided with a reflective film is a display area for an image projected by the at least one projector.

[0084] In such HUD systems, a projector is aimed at the HUD area and the projected image is reflected into the display area. Thus, the projector illuminates an area of ​​the windshield and the radiation is reflected back toward the observer (driver), creating an image or virtual image that appears behind the windshield when the observer looks from the inside (perspective view). The area of ​​the windshield that can be illuminated by the projector is sometimes referred to as the HUD area.

[0085] Such projectors are typically known in the art and will not be described here.

[0086] Typically, current HUD projectors operate primarily with s-polarized radiation, illuminating the windshield at an angle of incidence of approximately 65°. A problem arises in that the projector image is reflected from both outer surfaces of the windshield (referred to as air / glass interfaces P1 and P4). As a result, in addition to the desired main image, a slightly offset secondary image, known as a ghost image ("ghost"), also appears. To mitigate this problem, various measures can be used, such as wedge interlayers or reflective films. Another measure to mitigate this problem is to reduce the transmitted radiation to the outer glass sheet by having the HUD area have a TL of less than 30%.

[0087] Within the scope of the present invention, the radiation beam from the projector may be 20-100% p-polarized, whereby the image formed by the projection beam of the HUD projector may be composed of mixed polarizations, with the percentage of p-polarized light being at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75%, even more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably 100%.

[0088] As a result, radiation provided by the projector can be advantageously reflected by the reflective film, especially when the TL of the HUD area is 70% or greater. When the HUD area is within an area of ​​the window pane with a TL of less than 30%, the proportion of light that is not p-polarized is less important because the projected image is not transmitted or reflected by the exterior air-glass surface. One additional advantage of operating with a p-polarized beam is the compatibility of the image or virtual image with polarized sunglasses.

[0089] Radiation from the projector is directed at a display area provided with a reflective film at an angle of incidence of 50 to 75°.

[0090] Finally, the invention relates to the use of a sloped profile for securely fixing at least a portion of the periphery of a reflective film applied to the inner surface of a window pane separating an interior space from the exterior environment, said window pane having one inner surface facing the interior space and one outer surface facing the exterior environment, said sloped profile being positioned along at least a portion of the periphery of the reflective film.

[0091] The present invention is exemplified by the following mutually compatible embodiments.

[0092] Figure 2 shows a cross section of a pane of glass (201) including an inner surface (202) and a four-edge reflective film (203) attached to the inner surface. The reflective film has four edges: a bottom edge (203L), a top edge (203U), and right and left edges (not shown). The area of ​​the pane of glass (201) provided with the reflective film (203) in Figure 2 has a TL of 70% or greater. A beveled profile (204L) is attached to the bottom edge (203L), and a beveled profile (204U) is attached to the top edge (203U). Beveled profiles may also be present on the right and left edges (not shown).

[0093] 3 shows a cross section of a window pane (301) similar to FIG. 2, but including an inner surface (302) and a reflective film (303), the reflective film (303) being provided in a defined area of ​​the window pane (301) that has a TL of 30% or less. The area is provided with a shielding means (305), such as enamel or paint, as discussed above. The area may be a black band area or any shielded area of ​​the window pane. The lower edge (303L) is provided with a beveled profile (304L), and the upper edge (303U) is provided with a beveled profile (304U). There may also be beveled profiles on the right and left edges (not shown).

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a laminated glazing pane (401), which is composed of two glass sheets (411 and 412) and an interlayer (413), and has an inner surface (402). Contact between the elements is implied, though not shown for clarity. Again, a reflective film (403) is provided in a defined area of ​​the occlusion region of the glazing pane (401) having a TL of 30% or less. In this region, an occlusion means (405), such as enamel or paint or a dark interlayer, as discussed above, is provided, here at position 2 of the laminated glazing pane. The reflective film has four edges around its periphery: a bottom edge (403L), a top edge (403U), and right and left edges (not shown). A sloped profile (404U) is applied to the upper edge (403U), and the body (405) conceals and covers the lower edge (403L). The sloped profile may be applied to each section of the left and right edges that is not concealed by the body (not shown). In this particular case, the IR-reflective coating (414) may be applied within the intermediate layer (413) or deposited on one of the surfaces of the sheets (411) and (412) facing the intermediate layer. It may also be appropriate, as shown, for the IR-reflective coating (414) not to overlap the reflective film (403), with the lower edge of the IR-reflective coating (414) being concealed by the sloped profile.

[0095] 4b shows a front projection view of a window pane including a reflective film (403) in the line of sight of the shielding strip (405) from the perspective of a passenger (see-through perspective). The reflective film is adhered to and positioned on the window pane (501) so that projections and reflections can occur in the shielding strip area of ​​the windshield. The lower portion of the periphery of the reflective film is hidden by the vehicle body (405), but the upper edge is provided with a sloped profile of a transparent thermoplastic material that allows the line of sight, so that only the exterior of the shielding strip is visible to the passenger (404U is preferably transparent).

[0096] FIG. 5a shows a cross section of a laminated glazing pane (501), which is composed of two glass sheets (511 and 512) and an interlayer (513), and has an inner surface (502). Contact between the elements is suggested, though not shown for clarity. Again, a reflective film (503) is provided in a defined area of ​​the shading region of the glazing pane (501), which has a TL of 30% or less. A shading means (505), such as enamel or paint or a dark interlayer, as discussed above, is provided in this region, here at position 2 of the laminated glazing pane. The reflective film has four edges: a lower edge (503L), an upper edge (503U), and right and left edges (not shown). Sloping profiles (506U and 506L) are applied along all edges of the reflective film's periphery, forming part of the dashboard. The IR-reflective coating (514) may be applied in the intermediate layer (513) or may be deposited on one of the surfaces of the sheets (511) and (512) facing the intermediate layer. It may also be suitable, as shown, for the IR-reflective coating (514) not to overlap the reflective film (503) and for the lower edge of the IR-reflective coating (514) to be hidden by a sloped profile designed into the dashboard structure.

[0097] Figure 5b shows a front projection view of a window pane in which the dashboard is designed to include an opening containing a reflective film (503) in the line of sight of the shielding strip (505) from the passenger's perspective (see-through perspective). The reflective film is adhered to and positioned on the window pane (501) so that projections and reflections can occur in the shielding strip area of ​​the windshield. The entire periphery of the reflective film is hidden within the dashboard design that covers the periphery, so that it is substantially hidden from the view from the inside.

Claims

1. 1. A window glass pane separating an interior space from an exterior environment, the window glass pane having one interior surface facing the interior space and one exterior surface facing the exterior environment, the interior surface being provided in at least one region with a reflective film having a periphery, the reflective film having a sloped profile along at least a portion of its periphery.

2. 10. The glazing of claim 1, wherein the reflective film is selected from films including at least one transparent liquid crystal layer, films including at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer, films including multiple alternating polymer interference layers, and the like.

3. 3. A glazing pane according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gradient profile is selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyisobutylene, silicone, acrylic resin, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polysulfide, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

4. A glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the glazing is selected from a single sheet of glass or polymer, or may be a laminated glazing of glass and / or polymer material.

5. 5. The glazing pane of claim 4, wherein the glazing pane is a laminated glazing pane comprising at least two sheets of glass and at least one interlayer.

6. A glazing pane according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an IR-reflective coating.

7. 7. A glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one area provided with the reflective film has a light transmission (11. A, 2°) of 60% or more.

8. 7. A glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one area provided with the reflective film has a light transmission (11. A, 2°) of less than or equal to 30%.

9. 9. The glazing pane of claim 8, wherein the areas having a TL of 30% or less are provided with an opacifying means comprising dark print, dark inserts, dark patches, or combinations thereof.

10. 10. A HUD system comprising a glazing pane according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one projector that emits radiation, wherein an area of ​​the glazing pane provided with the reflective film is a display area for an image projected by the at least one projector.

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

12. 12. The HUD system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the radiation emitted from the projector strikes the display area provided with the reflective film at an angle of incidence between 50° and 75°.

13. 10. Use of a sloped profile on a window pane according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for securely fixing at least a part of the periphery of a reflective film applied to an inner surface of the window pane separating an interior space from an external environment, the window pane having one inner surface facing the interior space and one outer surface facing the external environment, the sloped profile being positioned along at least a part of the periphery of the reflective film.

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