Stacked window assembly

Abstract

1. A laminated window assembly comprising: a first glass sheet having a coating formed thereon, the coating comprising: i) a first layer deposited on a major surface of the glass sheet, the first layer having a refractive index of 1.6 or greater and a thickness of 50 nm or less; ii) a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a refractive index less than that of the first layer and a thickness of 50 nm or less; iii) a third layer deposited on the second layer, the third layer having a refractive index greater than that of the second layer and a thickness less than 500 nm; and iv) a fourth layer deposited on the third layer, the fourth layer having a refractive index less than that of the third layer and a thickness of 100 nm or less; a second glass sheet; and a polymer interlayer disposed between the first and second glass sheets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window assembly. More specifically, the present invention also relates to a laminated window assembly for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle windows are a prominent feature in the overall design of a vehicle. There is an increasing interest in reducing the solar heat gain into the vehicle that occurs in hot climates and reducing the heat loss from the vehicle that occurs in cold climates. There is also an interest in maintaining or improving the visual comfort of the vehicle occupants by reducing the visible light transmittance into the vehicle. Additionally, it may be desirable to reduce the reflections from the window that can affect the visual comfort of the vehicle occupants. However, when a coating is applied to the glass to form a vehicle window, the reflectivity of the visible light inside the vehicle can increase.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a window suitable for a vehicle that is comfortable for the vehicle occupants and has a low visible light transmittance, a low visible light reflectivity, and / or a desired appearance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The above and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings.

[0005]

Figure 1

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0006] It should be understood that the present invention contemplates various alternative orientations and step sequences, unless the contrary is explicitly specified. It should also be understood that the specific articles, assemblies, and features shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts of the present invention. Accordingly, specific dimensions, orientations, or other physical characteristics relating to the disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting, unless otherwise specified. Also, although not always the case, like elements in the various embodiments described herein may generally be referenced by like reference numerals within this section of the present application.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a laminated window assembly comprising: a first glass plate having a coating formed thereon, the coating comprising: i) a first layer deposited on a major surface of the glass plate, the first layer having a refractive index of 1.6 or greater and a thickness of 50 nm or less; ii) a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a refractive index less than that of the first layer and a thickness of 50 nm or less; iii) a third layer deposited on the second layer, the third layer having a refractive index greater than that of the second layer and a thickness of less than 500 nm; iv) a fourth layer deposited on the third layer, the fourth layer having a refractive index less than that of the third layer and a thickness of 100 nm or less; and a first glass plate including the same; a second glass plate; a polymeric intermediate layer provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate.

[0008] An embodiment of the laminated window assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The laminated window assembly 10 may be utilized as glazing for a vehicle 12. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the window assemblies described herein may have applications in highway and off-highway vehicles. Also, the coated glass article can be utilized for commercial or residential glazing, or can have applications in, for example, architectural, photovoltaic, industrial, locomotive, naval, and aerospace uses.

[0009] When the laminated window assembly 10 is utilized in a vehicle 12, the assembly 10 can be installed in a suitable body opening 14 of the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 is the front glass, side window, or rear window of the vehicle. In other embodiments (not shown), the laminated window assembly 10 can be utilized in another body opening of the vehicle. For example, the laminated window assembly 10 can be installed in an opening in the roof of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 may be utilized as roof glazing in a sunroof or moonroof application.

[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 2 - 4, the laminated window assembly 10 includes a first glass sheet 16. In some embodiments, the first glass sheet 16 is not limited to a particular thickness. However, in one embodiment, the first glass sheet 16 can have a thickness of 20.0 millimeters (mm) or less. Preferably, the first glass sheet 16 has a thickness of 0.5 - 20.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first glass sheet 16 can have a thickness of 0.5 - 10.0 mm. More preferably, the first glass sheet 16 has a thickness of 0.5 - 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first glass sheet 16 has a thickness of 1.5 - 5.0 mm.

[0011] The first glass sheet 16 can be a product of any conventional glass composition known in the art. Preferably, the first glass sheet 16 is soda lime silica glass. When the first glass sheet 16 is soda lime silica glass, the first glass sheet 16 contains 68 - 74 weight % of SiO2 , 0 to 3 wt% Al 2 O 3 , 0-6 wt% MgO, 5-14 wt% CaO, 10-16 wt% Na 2 O, 0-2 wt% SO 3 , 0.005 to 4.0 wt% Fe 2 O 3 (total iron), and 0-5 wt% K 2 As used herein, the phrase "total iron" refers to Fe 2 O 3 The iron oxide content in the glass was calculated as (FeO+Fe 2 O 3 ) by weight. The glass may also include other additives, such as refining agents, which would normally be present in amounts up to 2%. In this embodiment, the first glass sheet 16 may be provided as part of a float glass ribbon. When the first glass sheet 16 is formed as part of a float glass ribbon, the first glass sheet 16 may be clear float glass. In some of these embodiments, clear float glass may refer to glass having a composition defined in relevant standards, such as, for example, BS EN 572-1:2012 + A1:2016 and BS EN 572-2:2012. However, the first glass sheet 16 may also be a product of another composition, such as, for example, a borosilicate or aluminosilicate composition.

[0012] The color of the first glass pane 16 may vary between embodiments of the laminated window assembly 10. In some embodiments, the first glass pane 16 may be transparent. In these embodiments, the first glass pane 16 may exhibit a total visible light transmittance of 88% or greater when measured at a nominal thickness of 2.1 mm in the CIELAB color scale system (illuminant C, 10 degree observer). In one such embodiment, the inside of the glass pane 16 has a low iron content, which allows for a high visible light transmittance. For example, the first glass pane 16 may have 0.20 wt. % or less Fe. 2 O 3 (total iron). More preferably, in this embodiment, the first glass sheet 16 may contain 0.1 wt. % or less of Fe. 2O 3 (Total iron), more preferably, Fe of 0.02 wt% or less 2 O 3 (Total iron). In still other embodiments, the first glass plate 16 may be tinted or colored.

[0013] When the first glass plate 16 is tinted, the first glass plate 16 may contain 0.1 to 4.0 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (Total iron). Preferably, when the first glass plate 16 is tinted, the first glass plate 16 contains 0.5 to 4.0 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (Total iron). In some of these embodiments, the first glass plate 16 may contain 0.05 to 1.6 wt of ferrous oxide (calculated as FeO). Further, when the first glass plate 16 is tinted, the first glass plate 16 may contain certain colorants. For example, the first glass plate 16 may contain one or more cobalt oxides (calculated as Co 3 O 4 ), nickel oxide (calculated as NiO) in an amount up to 500 wt ppm of the glass, and selenium in an amount up to 50 wt ppm of the glass. In one embodiment, the first glass plate 16 contains 100 to 500 ppm of nickel oxide (calculated as NiO). When the first glass plate 16 is tinted, the first glass plate 16 is preferably, for example, gray, grayish blue, green, blue green, or bronze.

[0014] When the first glass plate 16 is gray, the first glass plate 16 may contain 0.1 to 4.0 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (Total iron). Preferably, when the first glass plate 16 is gray, the first glass plate 16 contains 1.2 to 3.0 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (Total iron). Also, in these embodiments, the first glass plate 16 has an a * value of -5 ± 5, preferably -4 ± 3, and a b *a value, and an L of 50 ± 10, preferably 50 ± 5 * may have. In these embodiments, the gray glass has a visible light transmittance of 50% or less when the first glass plate 16 has a nominal thickness of 6 mm. Preferably, the gray glass has a visible light transmittance of 7 - 11% when the first glass plate 16 has a nominal thickness of 6 mm. The gray glass plate may be sold under the trademark Galaxsee and manufactured by Pilkington. In other embodiments, the first glass plate 16 may be gray glass having optical properties similar to Pilkington's Galaxsee, or gray glass having lower light transmittance properties than Pilkington's Galaxsee in terms of nominal thickness.

[0015] When the first glass plate 16 is green, the first glass plate 16 may contain 0.2 - 2.0 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (total iron). In some embodiments, when the first glass plate 16 is green, the first glass plate 16 contains 0.3 - 1.2 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (total iron). In other embodiments where the first glass plate 16 is green, the first glass plate 16 may contain more than 1.2 wt% of Fe 2 O 3 (total iron). Also, in these embodiments, the first glass plate 16 may contain 0 - 2.0% of TiO 2 . In some embodiments, the first glass plate 16 has an a * value of -11 to -1, a b * value of -2 to 8, and an L * of 60 or more in the CIELAB color scale system. In these embodiments, the green glass has a visible light transmittance of 50% or more when the first glass plate 16 has a nominal thickness of 6 mm.

[0016] Coating 20 is formed on the first glass plate 16. In some embodiments, the coating 20 and the first glass plate 16 define a coated glass article 38. Advantageously, due to the properties of the coated glass article 38, the laminated window assembly 10 can exhibit certain desired properties.

[0017] Preferably, the coating 20 is formed on the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16. When the coating 20 is formed directly on the first glass plate 16, there is no intervening coating between the coating 20 and the first glass plate 16. Preferably, the second major surface 24 of the first glass plate 16 and the opposite side of the coated glass article 38 are not coated. The first major surface 22 and the coating 20 preferably face the interior of the vehicle 12.

[0018] The coating 20 includes four or more layers 26-32. In one embodiment, the coating 20 includes a first layer 26, a second layer 28, a third layer 30, and a fourth layer 32. In some embodiments, the coating 20 can consist of four coating layers 26-32. The coating 20 can be configured to reduce the visible light reflection exhibited by the first glass plate 16.

[0019] In one embodiment, the coating 20 is pyrolytic. As used herein, the term "pyrolytic" can refer to a coating or layer thereof that is chemically bonded to a glass plate or another layer. The coating 20 and one or more of its layers 26-32 can be formed in conjunction with the manufacture of the first glass plate 16. Preferably, in these embodiments, the first glass plate 16 is formed using a well-known float glass manufacturing process. In embodiments where the first glass plate 16 is formed from a portion of a float glass ribbon, the coating 20 or one or more of its layers 26-32 can be formed in the heating zone of the float glass manufacturing process.

[0020] The coating layers 26-32 can be deposited by any suitable method. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the layers 26-32 is deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). In these embodiments, one or more of the layers 26-32 can be deposited by another known deposition method such as, for example, sol-gel technology or sputtering technology.

[0021] The first layer 26 is deposited on the first glass plate 16. More specifically, the first layer 26 is deposited on the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16. In one embodiment, the first layer 26 is deposited directly on the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16. When the first layer 26 is deposited directly on the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16, there is no intervening layer between the first layer 26 and the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the first layer 26 is 1.8 or greater. In such an embodiment, the refractive index of the first layer 26 is between 1.8 and 2.4. Preferably, the refractive index of the first layer 26 is between 1.8 and 2.0. It should be noted that the refractive index values described herein are reported as average values over the 400-780 nm of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0023] Preferably, the first layer 26 is pyrolyzable. In certain embodiments, the first layer 26 comprises an inorganic metal oxide. In some embodiments, the first layer 26 comprises tin oxide (SnO 2 ) or another transparent inorganic metal oxide. When the first layer 26 comprises tin oxide, it is preferred that the first layer 26 comprises tin and oxygen. However, in these embodiments, the first layer 26 can also include other components including, for example, other elements such as trace or greater amounts of carbon. As used herein, the term "trace" refers to the amount of a component of a coating layer that cannot always be quantitatively measured due to its fineness. In some embodiments, the first layer 26 can consist essentially of tin oxide and preferably can consist of tin oxide.

[0024] The first layer 26 has a thickness of 50 nanometers (nm) or less. Preferably, the thickness of the first layer 26 is 35 nm or less. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the first layer 26 is preferably from 10 to 35 nm, more preferably from 15 to 30 nm, and even more preferably from 20 to 30 nm. These preferred thicknesses help control the color of the laminated window assembly to an aesthetically acceptable degree.

[0025] The second layer 28 is deposited on top of the first layer 26, preferably directly on top. Thus, the first layer 26 separates the second layer 28 from the first glass plate 16. When the second layer 28 is deposited directly on the first layer 26, there is no intervening layer between the first layer 26 and the second layer 28. In certain embodiments, the second layer 28 is thermally decomposable.

[0026] Preferably, the second layer 28 has a thickness of 50 nm or less. Preferably, the thickness of the second layer 28 is 35 nm or less. In some embodiments, the second layer 28 has a thickness that exceeds the thickness of the first layer 26. In other preferred embodiments, the second layer 28 has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first layer 26. In one embodiment, the thickness of the second layer 28 is preferably from 10 to 35 nm, more preferably from 15 to 30 nm, and even more preferably from 15 to 25 nm. These preferred thicknesses help control the color of the laminated window assembly to an aesthetically acceptable degree.

[0027] In one embodiment, the refractive index of the second layer 28 is at least 1.4 and less than 1.6. Preferably, the refractive index of the second layer 28 can be from 1.4 to 1.5.

[0028] In these embodiments, it may be preferable for the second layer 28 to contain an oxide of silicon. In such one embodiment, the second layer 28 is silicon dioxide (SiO 2) includes these. In these embodiments, the second layer 28 includes silicon and oxygen. The second layer 28 may also contain trace amounts of one or more additional components such as, for example, carbon. Thus, in certain embodiments, the second layer 28 may consist essentially of silicon dioxide and preferably may consist of silicon dioxide. However, other materials exhibiting a desired refractive index may be suitable for use in the second layer 28.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the first layer 26 and the second layer 28 form an iridescence-suppressing intermediate layer. In another embodiment (not shown), the iridescence-suppressing intermediate layer may be formed from a single layer. In these embodiments, the iridescence-suppressing intermediate layer may preferably have a thickness from about 1 / 6 to about 1 / 12 of the design wavelength of 500 nm.

[0030] The third layer 30 is deposited on the second layer 28, preferably directly thereon. Thus, the second layer 28 separates the third layer 30 from the first layer 26. When the third layer 30 is deposited directly on the second layer 28, there is no intervening layer between the third layer 30 and the second layer 28. The third layer 30 is preferably thermally decomposable.

[0031] The third layer 30 has a refractive index greater than that of the second layer 28. Also, in some embodiments, the third layer 30 has a refractive index greater than that of the fourth layer 32. Preferably, the third layer 30 has a refractive index of 1.6 or greater. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the third layer 30 is 1.8 or greater. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the third layer 30 is 1.8 to 2.0.

[0032] The third layer 30 preferably includes a transparent conductive metal oxide. In some embodiments, the third layer 24 is fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO 2:F). In other embodiments, the third layer 24 can consist essentially of fluorine-doped tin oxide and preferably can consist of fluorine-doped tin oxide. However, other transparent conductive metal oxide materials can be suitable for use in the third layer 30. For example, in some embodiments, the third layer 30 can include antimony-doped tin oxide (SnO 2 :Sb) or another doped tin oxide. In these embodiments, the third layer 30 can consist essentially of antimony-doped tin oxide or another doped tin oxide.

[0033] In one embodiment, the third layer 30 has a thickness of 200 - 450 nm. Preferably, the third layer 30 has a thickness of at least 250 nm, more preferably at least 290 nm, even more preferably at least 300 nm, preferably at most 380 nm, more preferably at most 340 nm, and even more preferably at most 330 nm. These preferred thicknesses help avoid the formation of an aesthetically undesirable coating of laminar flow stripes.

[0034] Due mainly to the composition of the first glass plate 16 and the third layer 30, the coated glass article 38 can exhibit improved solar energy transmittance. Further, due to the composition and thickness of the third layer 30, the coated glass article 38 can also exhibit a low emissivity. Thus, the third layer can be referred to herein as a low emissivity layer.

[0035] The fourth layer 32 is deposited on top of the third layer 30, preferably directly thereon. When the fourth layer 32 is deposited directly on the third layer 30, there is no intervening layer between the third layer 30 and the fourth layer 32. In some embodiments, the fourth layer 32 can be the outermost layer of the coating 20. When the fourth layer 32 is the outermost layer of the coating 20, the fourth layer 32 can form the outer surface 34 of the coated glass article 38. When the coated glass article 38 is included in the laminated window assembly 10 and the laminated window assembly 10 is used as a vehicle window, the outer surface 34 defined by the coating 20 preferably faces the interior of the vehicle.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the fourth layer 32 has a refractive index of 1.7 or less. Preferably, the refractive index of the fourth layer 32 is from 1.4 to 1.7. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the fourth layer 32 can be from 1.5 to 1.7. In another embodiment, the refractive index of the fourth layer 32 can be from 1.4 to 1.5.

[0037] Preferably, the fourth layer 32 comprises a dielectric material. Preferred dielectric materials include oxides of silicon. In one embodiment, the fourth layer 32 comprises silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) or another suitable oxide of silicon. The fourth layer 32 can also contain trace amounts of one or more additional components such as, for example, carbon. Thus, in certain embodiments, the fourth layer 32 can consist essentially of silicon dioxide and preferably can consist of silicon dioxide. However, in other embodiments, the fourth layer 32 can include an oxide of silicon and one or more additional materials provided to increase the refractive index of the fourth layer 32 above 1.5. In such an embodiment, the fourth layer 32 can also include aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ), boron oxide (B 2 O 3 ), phosphorus oxide (P 2 O 5) or may also include tin oxide. Further, other dielectric materials may be suitable for use in the fourth layer 32. For example, in some embodiments, the oxide of silicon may be replaced with a metal oxide. Suitable metal oxides include aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ), undoped tin oxide (SnO 2 ), and mixtures thereof.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the fourth layer 32 is deposited on the third layer 30 with a thickness of 100 nm or less. Preferably, the fourth layer 32 is deposited with a thickness of 40 - 100 nm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the fourth layer 32 may preferably be 70 - 100 nm. In other embodiments, the thickness of the fourth layer 32 may preferably be 40 - 70 nm. For example, the thickness of the fourth layer 32 is preferably at least 45 nm, more preferably at least 50 nm, preferably at most 65 nm, and more preferably at most 60 nm. These preferred thicknesses help ensure that the laminated window assembly of the present invention exhibits a very low total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) of less than, for example, 4.0%.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the fourth layer 32 is pyrolyzable. When the fourth layer 32 is pyrolyzable, the fourth layer 32 can be deposited by an APCVD process. In other embodiments, the fourth layer 32 may not be pyrolyzable. In these embodiments, the fourth layer 32 can be deposited using a liquid that provides a sol-gel species layer. The fourth layer 32 can be deposited using a conventional liquid for forming a sol-gel layer containing silicon dioxide. Preferably, in these embodiments, the liquid can contain a hydrolyzable silicon compound that undergoes hydrolysis and condensation. Preferred silicon compounds are, for example, silicon alkoxides such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). In certain embodiments, the liquid can also contain silica particles. In embodiments where the liquid contains a metal oxide additive, the liquid can contain a halide, alkoxide, nitrate, or acetylacetonate compound of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, or tin.

[0040] When the fourth layer 32 is deposited using a liquid, the liquid is dried. Drying can be carried out by heating the coated glass article 38 after the liquid has been applied onto the third layer 30. The heating can be at a temperature of 250 °C or less. Preferably, drying is carried out at a temperature of 200 °C or less. After drying, the fourth layer may be cured. Curing can be carried out by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or another method. If the curing step includes heating, the fourth layer 32 can be heated to a temperature of 90 to 720 °C. After curing, the coated glass article 38 is cooled over a predetermined period of time.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the laminated window assembly 10 includes two glass plates 16, 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the laminated window assembly 10 is formed by laminating a first glass plate 16 to a second glass plate 40. In other embodiments, similar to that shown in FIG. 5, the laminated window assembly 10 is formed by laminating a coated glass article 38 to another coated glass article 42. In this embodiment, the coated glass article 42 may comprise a second glass plate 40 and the coating 20 described above. In other embodiments, the coated glass article 42 may comprise a second glass plate 40 and another coating 20A.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the coated glass article 42 may be of a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F configuration. In this embodiment, the coating 20A comprises a first layer containing tin oxide. The first layer may be configured in a similar manner to the first layer 26 described above. Also, in this embodiment, the coating 20A comprises a second layer containing silicon dioxide. The second layer may be configured in a similar manner to the second layer 28 described above. The third layer contains fluorine-doped tin oxide and may be configured in a similar manner to the third layer 30 described above.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first glass plate 16 and the second glass plate 40 are substantially the same. Returning to FIG. 3, the second glass plate 40 has a first major surface 44 and a second major surface 46. The first major surface 44 and the second major surface 46 are provided in a parallel relationship with each other. The first major surface 44 of the second glass plate 40 and the second major surface 24 of the first glass plate 16 face each other and, in certain embodiments, may be in a parallel relationship with each other.

[0044] When an embodiment of the laminated window assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is utilized in a vehicle application, the second glass plate 40 is preferably the outer plate of the assembly 10. In these embodiments, the second major surface 46 of the second glass plate defines the first surface of the laminated window assembly 10, and the first major surface 44 of the second glass plate 40 defines the second surface of the laminated window assembly 10. Also, the second major surface 24 of the first glass plate 16 defines the third surface of the laminated window assembly 10, and the first major surface 22 of the first glass plate 16 defines the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the coatings 20, 20A are provided on the second surface of the laminated window assembly 10, and preferably the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly 10 or the coating 20 is provided only on the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly 10, and they are shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] The composition and thickness of the second glass plate 40 may be selected such that the laminated window assembly 10 is capable of exhibiting specific solar radiation, visible light transmittance, visible light reflectance, and color characteristics. In some embodiments, the second glass plate 40 has a thickness of 20 mm or less. Preferably, the second glass plate has a thickness of 0.5 to 20.0 mm. In some embodiments, the second glass plate 40 may have a thickness of 0.5 to 10.0 mm. More preferably, the second glass plate 40 has a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

[0046] The second glass plate 40 can be formed using a float glass manufacturing process and can be provided as a sheet of float glass. When the second glass plate 40 is formed using a float glass manufacturing process, the second glass plate 40 is preferably soda-lime-silica glass. A soda-lime-silica glass composition such as that described above for the first glass plate 16 is suitable for the second glass plate 40. Further, the colors described above for the first glass plate 16 are suitable for the second glass plate 40.

[0047] In some embodiments, the glass plates 16, 40 utilized in the laminated window assembly 10 may be flat. In other embodiments, the glass plates 16, 40 utilized in the laminated window assembly 10 may be curved by a forming process. Further, the glass plates 16, 40 may be heat-strengthened or chemically strengthened, and this may occur before or after the deposition of the coatings 20, 20A.

[0048] The laminated window assembly 10 also includes a polymeric interlayer 48 provided between the first glass plate 16 and the second glass plate 40. The polymeric interlayer 48 is not limited to a particular thickness. However, in some embodiments, the polymeric interlayer 48 has a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.8 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 1.6 mm. More preferably, the polymeric interlayer 48 has a thickness of from 0.6 to 0.9 mm. In one such embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric interlayer 48 is 0.76 mm.

[0049] The polymeric interlayer 48 may comprise a first major surface and a second major surface. In some embodiments, the polymeric interlayer 48 is provided as a polymeric sheet having a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the glass plates 16, 40. As shown, the first major surface and the second major surface of the polymeric interlayer 48 may be provided in a parallel relationship to each other.

[0050] In some embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is transparent and substantially transparent to visible light. In embodiments where the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is transparent, it may be preferable that the first glass plate 16 is gray glass and the second glass plate 40 is gray glass. In other embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 can be colored and / or can comprise an infrared (IR) reflective film to provide additional solar control functionality. When the polymeric intermediate layer 48 comprises an IR reflective film, the film can include one or more layers, and at least one layer can include silver or another material having similar infrared radiant reflectance properties. In one embodiment, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 can be sold under the trademark XIR and can be manufactured by the Eastman Chemical Company.

[0051] In embodiments where the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is colored, the first glass plate 16 and the second glass plate 40 can each be clear glass. When the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is colored, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 preferably exhibits a total visible light transmittance (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer) of 35.0% or less. In some embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 exhibits a total visible light transmittance (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer) of less than 10.0%. In other embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 exhibits a total visible light transmittance (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer) of less than 5.0%. In these embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 can exhibit a total visible light transmittance (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer) of 0.5 to 4.5%.

[0052] The polymeric intermediate layer 48 can also exhibit other advantageous properties when colored. For example, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 can exhibit an intermediate color with respect to visible light reflected from or transmitted through the intermediate layer 48. In such an embodiment, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 has an a * value in the range of about -6 to 6 (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer) and a b * value in the range of about -6 to 6 (illuminant D65, 10-degree observer).

[0053] Furthermore, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 may exhibit a low total solar energy transmittance when colored. As used in this paragraph, the total solar energy transmittance (TTS) may refer to the solar energy transmitted directly through the polymeric intermediate layer and the solar energy absorbed by the polymeric intermediate layer and then convected and thermally radiated and integrated inward in the wavelength range of 300 to 2500 nm according to the relative solar spectral distribution of air mass 1.5. The total solar transmittance may be determined according to an approved standard such as ISO 13837:2008 Convention A at a wind speed of 14 kilometers per hour. In one embodiment, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 exhibits a total solar energy transmittance of 35.0 or less. Preferably, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is 30.0 or less.

[0054] In some embodiments, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 may exhibit a low transmittance energy (TE), which reduces the amount of heat transmitted through the assembly 10. As used herein, the transmittance energy or direct solar heat transmittance (DSHT) is measured at an air mass of 2 (simulated light rays from the sun incident at an angle of 30° to the horizontal) over the wavelength range of 350 to 2100 nm at 50 nm intervals. In one embodiment, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 may exhibit a transmittance energy of 40% or less when measured at an air mass of 2 and ISO 9050.

[0055] The polymeric intermediate layer 48 is of, or comprises, a suitable polymer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or another suitable material such as PVC, EVA, EMA, and polyurethane. In one embodiment, the polymeric intermediate layer 48 is a sheet of Saflex® PVB manufactured and sold by Eastman Chemical Company.

[0056] To form the laminated window assembly 10, the first glass plate 16 and the second glass plate 40 are laminated to each other or, if not, adhered together via a polymer interlayer 48. Lamination processes known in the art are suitable for forming the laminated window assembly 10. Generally, such a lamination process includes inserting a polymer interlayer 48 between the first glass plate 16 and the second glass plate 40, as well as exposing the interlayer 48 and the plates 16, 40 to a predetermined temperature and pressure to create the laminated window assembly 40.

[0057] After lamination, the laminated window assembly 10 preferably has a thickness of 10 mm or less. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 has a thickness of 3 to 10 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the laminated window assembly 10 is 6 mm or less. Even more preferably, the thickness of the laminated window assembly 10 is 5 mm or less. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 has a thickness of 3 to 5 mm. However, the laminated window assembly 10 may have other thicknesses.

[0058] When formed, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a desired total visible light transmittance and total visible light reflectance. To describe the laminated window assembly 10, the total visible light transmittance refers to the percentage of visible light passing through the laminated window assembly 10 measured from the first side 50 of the assembly 10 at an angle of 90 degrees incident on the laminated window assembly 10. Also, to describe the laminated window assembly 10, the total visible light reflectance refers to the percentage of visible light reflected from the laminated window assembly 10 measured from the first side 50 of the assembly 10 at an angle of 90 degrees incident on the laminated window assembly 10. Further, the total visible light transmittance and total visible light reflectance are described herein according to the CIELAB color scale system using a light source A and a 2-degree observer and can be measured using a commercially available spectrophotometer such as a Perkin Elmer Lambda 950.

[0059] In some embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) of greater than 70.0%. In these embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 may be the front windshield, side window, or rear window of a vehicle. In other embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) of less than 70.0%. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) of less than 20.0%. In these embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 may be the roof glazing, side window, or rear window of a vehicle. Preferably, in these embodiments, the total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 10.0% or less. More preferably, the total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 5.0% or less. In this embodiment, the total visible light transmittance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) can be 2.0 to 5.0%. Further, in the above embodiments, it is preferable that the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) of 5.0% or less. In one embodiment, the total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 1.0 to 5.0%. More preferably, the total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 4.0% or less. In such an embodiment, the total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 1.0 to 4.0%. Even more preferably, the total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 3.0% or less. In such an embodiment, the total visible light reflectance (emitter A, 2-degree observer) is 1.0 to 3.0%.

[0060] The laminated window assembly 10 may also exhibit other advantageous characteristics. For example, the laminated window assembly 10 may exhibit an intermediate color with respect to visible light reflected from the first side 50 of the assembly 10 when viewed with an incident angle of 90 degrees (normal incidence) to the laminated window assembly 10. The color of the visible light reflected from the first side 50 of the laminated window assembly 10 may be referred to herein as the "reflection color". The reflection color is described herein according to the CIELAB color scale system using illuminant A and a 2-degree observer. The reflection color can be measured using a commercially available spectrophotometer such as a Perkin Elmer Lambda 950. Also, for the purpose of describing embodiments of the laminated window assembly 10 disclosed herein, the intermediate color of the visible light reflected from the first side 50 of the laminated window assembly 10 has an a * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer) in the range of -6 to 6 and a b * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer) in the range of -6 to 6. In some embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 has a reflection color in the range of about -6 to 0 for the a * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer) and a reflection color in the range of about 0 to 6 for the b * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer). It should be understood that a negative a * value indicates a green hue and a negative b * value indicates a blue hue. On the other hand, a positive a * value indicates a red hue and a positive b * value indicates a yellow hue. In these embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 may exhibit a reflection color that is negative for the a * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer) and positive for the b * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer).

[0061] The laminated window assembly 10 may also exhibit an intermediate reflection color at an oblique angle of incidence. In fact, in some embodiments, the reflection color exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 becomes more intermediate as the angle of incidence changes from a normal incidence angle to an oblique incidence angle. In some embodiments, at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees, the laminated window assembly 10 has a reflection color in the range of about -6 to 6 for the a * value (illuminant A, 2-degree observer) and a b *The value (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) can exhibit a reflection color in the range of approximately -6 to 6. In other embodiments, at an incident angle of 45 degrees, the laminated window assembly 10 has an a * The value (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) can exhibit a reflection color in the range of approximately -6 to 3 for the a value, and a b * The value (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) can exhibit a reflection color in the range of approximately -3 to 6. In other embodiments, at an incident angle of 60 degrees, the laminated window assembly 10 has an a * The value (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) can exhibit a reflection color in the range of approximately -3 to 3 for the a value, and a b * The value (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) can exhibit a reflection color in the range of approximately -3 to 3.

[0062] The laminated window assembly 10 can exhibit a low total solar energy transmittance. As used herein, the total solar energy transmittance (TTS) refers to the solar energy that directly passes through the laminated window assembly and the solar energy that is absorbed by the laminated window assembly and then convected and thermally radiated in the wavelength range of 300 to 2500 nm according to the relative solar spectral distribution of air mass 1.5 and integrated inward. The total solar transmittance can be determined according to an approved standard such as ISO 13837:2008 Convention A at a wind speed of 14 kilometers per hour.

[0063] In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a total solar energy transmittance of 35.0% or less. Preferably, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 is 30.0% or less. More preferably, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 is 25.0% or less. In some embodiments, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 is 20.0 to 25.0%. Even more preferably, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 is 20.0% or less. In such an embodiment, the total solar energy transmittance exhibited by the laminated window assembly 10 is 15.0 to 20.0%. Thus, in summer, when the laminated window assembly 10 is used as a vehicle window, the laminated window assembly 10 will help prevent the interior of the vehicle from being overheated.

[0064] Preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits low transmitted energy. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits transmitted energy of 30% or less when measured by Air Mass 2, ISO 9050. Preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits transmitted energy of less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%. Even more preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits transmitted energy of less than 5%.

[0065] Preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits a low emissivity. The emissivity of the laminated window assembly 10 can be measured using a commercially available spectrometer such as a PerkinElmer FTIR. In some embodiments, the laminated window assembly 10 can exhibit an emissivity of less than 0.4. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity of 0.05 to 0.4. Preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.3. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity of 0.05 to 0.3. More preferably, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity of less than 0.2. In one embodiment, the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity of 0.05 to 0.2. When the laminated window assembly 10 exhibits an emissivity as described above and is used as a window of a vehicle, the laminated window assembly 10 provides a good heat insulation effect inside the vehicle.

Examples

[0066] The following examples are presented only for the purpose of further illustrating and disclosing embodiments of the coated glass article. Examples of laminated window assemblies within the scope of the present invention are described below and shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0067] In Table 1, the laminated window assemblies within the scope of the present invention are Examples 1 (Ex1) to 6 (Ex6). Ex1 to Ex6 are predictive. Each of the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6 included a first glass plate that was transparent and had a soda-lime-silica composition. Each of the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6 also included a coating formed on the major surface of the first glass plate. Each coating included a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer. The first layer was on the glass plate and contained tin oxide. The thickness of the first layer was 20 nm. The second layer was on the first layer and contained silicon dioxide. The thickness of the second layer was 30 nm. The third layer was on the second layer and contained fluorine-doped tin oxide. The thickness of the third layer was 300 nm. The fourth layer was on the third layer and contained silicon dioxide. The thickness of the fourth layer was 55 nm. Thus, the coated glass articles of Ex1 to Ex6 each had a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 configuration.

[0068] The first glass plate was laminated to a second glass plate. In the case of Ex1 to Ex6, the second glass plate was transparent and had a soda-lime-silica composition. In the case of Ex1 to Ex3, the coating was formed on the major surface of the second glass plate. Each coating included a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer was on the glass plate and contained tin oxide. The thickness of the first layer was 25 nm. The second layer was on the first layer and contained silicon dioxide. The thickness of the second layer was 25 nm. The third layer was on the second layer and contained fluorine-doped tin oxide. The thickness of the third layer was 330 nm. Thus, in the case of Ex1 to Ex3, the laminated window assembly included a second coated glass article, each having a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F configuration.

[0069] A polymer interlayer was provided between a first glass plate and a second glass plate. The thickness of the polymer interlayer was 0.76 mm. The polymer interlayer contained PVB and was colored. In the cases of Ex1 and Ex4, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 1.5% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer). In the cases of Ex2 and Ex5, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 4.4% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer). In the cases of Ex3 and Ex6, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 7.7% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer).

[0070] After lamination, the structure of the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex3 was SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer interlayer / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the second glass plate. Also, after lamination, the structure of the laminated window assemblies of Ex4 to Ex6 was SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer interlayer / the second glass plate.

[0071] The total visible light transmittance (Tvis), total visible light reflectance (Rf), reflected colors (Rfa * , Rfb * , Rfa * (30°), Rfb * (30°), Rfa * (45°), Rfb * (45°), Rfa * (60°), Rfb *(60°)), and the total solar energy transmittance (TTS) are reported in Table 1. For the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6, the total visible light transmittance, total visible light reflectance, reflection color, and total solar energy transmittance were calculated by modeling according to the CIELAB color scale system using a light emitter A and a two-degree observer. For the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6, the total visible light transmittance refers to the percentage of visible light passing through the laminated window assembly measured from the side facing the four-layer coating of the laminated window assembly or the fourth surface. The total visible light reflectance refers to the percentage of visible light reflected from the laminated window assembly measured from the side with the four-layer coating. The total visible light reflectance and total visible light transmittance are expressed as percentages. The reflection color is at normal incidence (Rfa * , Rfb * ), at an incident angle of 30 degrees (Rfa * (30°), Rfb * (30°)), at an incident angle of 45 degrees (Rfa * (45°), Rfb * (45°)), and at an incident angle of 60 degrees (Rfa * (60°), Rfb * (60°)) and are reported below. Also, the reflection color on the side of each laminated window assembly with the four-layer coating is reported. Also, the total solar energy transmittance reported below is expressed as a percentage.

[0072]

Table 1

[0073] As shown in Table 1, the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6 each exhibit a total visible light transmittance (light emitter A, two-degree observer) of less than 10.0% and a total visible light reflectance (light emitter A, two-degree observer) of less than 4.0%. Furthermore, the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6 each exhibit a total solar energy transmittance of 15.0 to 25.0%. Also, the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex6 each exhibit an intermediate reflection color at normal and oblique incident angles.

[0074] In Table 2, the laminated window assemblies within the scope of the present invention are Ex7 to Ex10. Although not considered part of the present invention, comparative examples are also described below and shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the comparative examples are shown as C1 and C2, respectively.

[0075] Each of the laminated window assemblies of C1 and C2 included a first glass plate that was a clear float glass of a soda lime silica composition. Each of the laminated window assemblies of C1 and C2 also included a coating formed on the major surface of the first glass plate. Each coating included a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer was on the glass plate and contained tin oxide. The second layer was on the first layer and contained silicon dioxide. The third layer was on the second layer and contained fluorine-doped tin oxide. Thus, in the case of C1 and C2, the laminated window assembly included a first coated glass article that was of a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F configuration. The thicknesses of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer were the same as the reported thicknesses for the coatings formed on the second glass plates of Ex1 to Ex3.

[0076] The first glass plate was laminated to the second glass plate. In the case of C1 and C2, the second glass plate was a float glass of a soda lime silica composition. The coating was formed on the major surface of each second glass plate. Each coating was the same as the coating formed on the first glass plates of C1 and C2. Thus, in the case of C1 and C2, the laminated window assembly included a second coated glass article that was of a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F configuration.

[0077] A polymer interlayer was provided between a first glass plate and a second glass plate. The thickness of the polymer interlayer was 0.76 mm. The polymer interlayer contained PVB. In the case of C1, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 8% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer). In the case of C2, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 2% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer).

[0078] After lamination, the configurations of the laminated window assemblies of C1 and C2 were SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer interlayer / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the second glass plate.

[0079] Each of the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 included a first glass plate that was a clear float glass of a soda-lime-silica composition. Each of the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 also included a coating formed on the main surface of the first glass plate. Each coating included a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer. The first layer was on the glass plate and contained tin oxide. The thickness of the first layer was 20 nm for Ex7 to Ex9 and 26.4 nm for Ex10. The second layer was on the first layer and contained silicon dioxide. The thickness of the second layer was 30 nm for Ex7 to Ex9 and 17.4 nm for Ex10. The third layer was on the second layer and contained fluorine-doped tin oxide. The thickness of the third layer was 307 nm for Ex7 to Ex9 and 303 nm for Ex10. The fourth layer was on the third layer and contained silicon dioxide. The thickness of the fourth layer was 55 nm for all of Ex7 to Ex10. Thus, each of the first coated glass articles of Ex7 to Ex10 was of the glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 configuration.

[0080] The first glass plate was laminated on the second glass plate. In the case of Ex7 to Ex10, the second glass plate was float glass of a soda-lime-silica composition. In the case of Ex7, the second glass plate was not coated. In the case of Ex8 to Ex10, the coating was formed on the main surface of the second glass plate.

[0081] In the case of Ex8 to Ex10, the coating comprised a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer was on the glass plate and contained tin oxide. The second layer was on the first layer and contained silicon dioxide. The third layer was on the second layer and contained fluorine-doped tin oxide. Thus, in the case of Ex8 to Ex10, the laminated window assembly included a second coated glass article having a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F configuration. The thicknesses of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer were the same as (in the case of Ex8) and (in the case of Ex10) the reported thicknesses for the coating formed on the second glass plate in Ex1 to Ex3.

[0082] In the case of Ex9, the coating formed on the second glass plate had the same layer configuration, thickness, and composition as the coating formed on the first glass plate. Thus, in the case of Ex9, the laminated window assembly included a second coated glass article having a glass / SnO 2 / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 configuration.

[0083] A polymer interlayer was provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. The thickness of the polymer interlayer was 0.76 mm. The polymer interlayer contained PVB. In the case of Ex7 and Ex10, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 4.4% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer). In the case of Ex8 and Ex9, the polymer interlayer exhibited a total visible light transmittance of 8% (emitter D65, 10-degree observer).

[0084] After lamination, the structure of the laminated window assembly of Ex7 is SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer intermediate layer / the second glass plate. After lamination, the structures of the laminated window assemblies of Ex8 and Ex10 are both SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer intermediate layer / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the second glass plate. After lamination, the structure of the laminated window assembly of Ex9 is SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the first glass plate / polymer intermediate layer / SiO 2 / SnO 2 :F / SiO 2 / SnO 2 / the second glass plate.

[0085] The total visible light transmittance (Tvis), total visible light reflectance (Rf), emissivity (ε), reflected colors (Rfa * , Rfb * , Rfa * (30°), Rfb * (30°), Rfa * (45°), Rfb * (45°), Rfa * (60°), Rfb *(60°)), and the total solar energy transmittance (TTS) are reported in Table 1. For the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 and C1 and C2, the total visible light transmittance, total visible light reflectance, reflection color, and total solar energy transmittance were calculated by modeling according to the CIELAB color scale system using a light emitter A and a two-degree observer. For the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 and C1 and C2, the total visible light transmittance refers to the percentage of visible light passing through the laminated window assembly measured from the side facing the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly. The total visible light reflectance refers to the percentage of visible light reflected from the laminated window assembly measured from the side facing the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly. The total visible light reflectance and total visible light transmittance are expressed as percentages. The emissivity is measured using a commercially available spectrometer such as a PerkinElmer FTIR. The reflection color is reported below for normal incidence (Rfa * , Rfb * ), 30-degree angle of incidence (Rfa * (30°), Rfb * (30°)), 45-degree angle of incidence (Rfa * (45°), Rfb * (45°)), and 60-degree angle of incidence (Rfa * (60°), Rfb * (60°)). Also, the reflection color of each side of the laminated window assembly with four layer coatings is reported. Also, the total solar energy transmittance reported below is expressed as a percentage.

[0086]

Table 2

[0087] As shown in Table 2, the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 can each exhibit a global solar energy transmittance, emissivity, and total visible light transmittance similar to those exhibited by the coated glass articles of the laminated window assemblies of C1 and C2. However, the laminated window assemblies of Ex7 to Ex10 each exhibited a total visible light reflectance (light emitter A, 2nd observer) of less than 4.0%. In contrast, the laminated window assemblies of C1 and C2 each exhibited a total visible light reflectance (light emitter A, 2nd observer) of more than 10.0%. Also, as shown in Table 2, as the incident angle changes from the normal angle to an oblique incident angle and increases, the reflected a * value and b * value become more intermediate. Even when the incident angle changes from the normal angle to an oblique incident angle, the reflected a * value and b * value remains in the same green / yellow color quadrant (negative a * and positive b * ) according to the CIELAB color scale system, so Ex10 is particularly advantageous. The above is beneficial because a shift to another quadrant, especially a shift from green to red, is highly undesirable for the observer.

[0088] It is also worth noting that, unlike the comparative examples, the laminated window assemblies of Ex1 to Ex10 avoid the formation of an aesthetically undesirable laminar streak coating.

[0089] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, embodiments of the coated glass article are described as those that are considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the present invention can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A laminated window assembly (10) comprising: A first glass plate (16) having a coating (20) formed thereon, the coating (20) comprising: i) A first layer (26) deposited on a major surface of the glass plate (16), the first layer having a refractive index of 1.6 or greater and a thickness of 50 nm or less; ii) A second layer (28) deposited on the first layer (26), the second layer having a refractive index less than that of the first layer (26) and a thickness of 50 nm or less; iii) A third layer (30) deposited on the second layer (28), the third layer having a refractive index greater than that of the second layer (28) and a thickness of at least 250 nm to a maximum of 340 nm; iv) A fourth layer (32) deposited on the third layer (30), the fourth layer having a refractive index less than that of the third layer (30) and a thickness of 100 nm or less; a first glass plate including; A second glass plate (40); A polymeric intermediate layer (48) provided between the first glass plate (16) and the second glass plate (40).

2. The laminated window assembly (10) according to claim 1, which is a glazing for a vehicle (12).

3. The laminated window assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating (20) is formed directly on a first major surface (22) of the first glass plate (16).

4. The laminated window assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating (20) is formed on a first major surface (22) of the first glass plate (16), and an opposite second major surface (24) of the first glass plate (16) is not coated.

5. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coating (20) consists essentially of a first layer (26), a second layer (28), a third layer (30), and a fourth layer (32), preferably consisting of a first layer (26), a second layer (28), a third layer (30), and a fourth layer (32).

6. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coating (20) is thermally decomposable.

7. The first layer (26) is an oxide of tin, preferably tin dioxide (SnO ２ ), the laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first layer (26) has a thickness of 15 to 30 nm, preferably 20 to 30 nm.

9. The second layer (28) is an oxide of silicon, preferably silicon dioxide (SiO ２ ), the laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thickness of the second layer (28) is 10 to 35 nm, preferably 15 to 30 nm, more preferably 15 to 25 nm.

11. The third layer (30) is a transparent conductive metal oxide, preferably fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO ２ :F), the laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the third layer (30) preferably has a thickness of at least 290 nm, more preferably at least 300 nm, and a maximum of 380 nm, preferably a maximum of 330 nm.

13. The fourth layer (32) is an oxide of silicon, preferably silicon dioxide (SiO ２ ), the laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fourth layer (32) has a thickness of 40 to 70 nm, preferably at least 45 nm, more preferably at least 50 nm, preferably a maximum of 65 nm, more preferably a maximum of 60 nm.

15. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fourth layer (32) forms the outer surface (34) of the first glass plate (16) on which the coating (20) is formed.

16. The second glass plate (40) has a low emissivity coating formed on its first major surface, and the low emissivity coating is the same as the coating (20) formed on the first glass plate (16), or the low emissivity coating includes a first layer containing tin oxide deposited on the first major surface (44) of the second glass plate (40), a second layer containing silicon oxide deposited on the first layer, and a third layer containing fluorine-doped tin oxide deposited on the second layer, and preferably consists of, the laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The opposite second major surface (46) of the second glass plate defines the first surface of the laminated window assembly (10), the first major surface (44) of the second glass plate (40) defines the second surface of the laminated window assembly (10), and is disposed adjacent to the polymer intermediate layer (48), the opposite second major surface (24) of the first glass plate (16) defines the third surface of the laminated window assembly (10), and is disposed adjacent to the polymer intermediate layer (48), and the first major surface (22) of the first glass plate (16) defines the fourth surface of the laminated window assembly (10). The laminated window assembly (10) according to claim 16.

18. The laminated window assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which exhibits a total visible light reflectance (light emitter A, 2-degree observer) of 5.0% or less, preferably 4.0% or less, more preferably 1.0 to 4.0%.

Images