Automotive window laminate and method for producing the same

Abstract

The present invention is related to an automotive window laminate, comprising a first glass sheet, and a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and second glass sheet situated parallel and mutually spaced apart, the first glass sheet and second glass sheet each having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, at least one reflective structure, at least one light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one light outcoupling element is in contact with the at least one reflective structure and / or in contact with the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, for coupling light out of the first glass sheet. The invention is further related to a vehicle provided with said automotive window laminate, and a method for producing an automotive window laminate.

Description

[0001] Automotive window laminate and method for producing the same

[0002] The present invention is related to an automotive window laminate. The invention is further related to a vehicle provided with said automotive window laminate, and a method for producing an automotive window laminate.

[0003] In the recent years the automotive industry has been rapidly evolving, among the rapidly evolving technologies is the windows. Where in the early years automotive windows were plain single layers of glass, this has now evolved to advanced panels comprising multiple layers of glass which incorporate a wide range of technologies. One example of such a development is the presence of functional layers. These layers allow for changing transparency of the window based on a current that is applied to the functional layer. The switchable functional layer yield various advantages.

[0004] A different line of development in automotive industry is the ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is known to be more frequently included as a part of the interior design of the vehicle. Light strips, most frequently LED strips, are arranged in various parts of the interior of the vehicle to decorate. Some light strips may even have a functionality, such as warning the driver or the like. In the past it has been tried to couple light into a glass pane of the vehicle, and to couple said light out of the glass pane at a desired location, in a desired shape. This is done by simply aiming an LED light source towards the edge of the glass sheet, and to mechanically and locally mill a shape into the glass sheet. Due to the locally changed surface of the glass sheet, light travelling in the glass sheet is coupled out of the glass pane at the location of the milled shapes. Although it is desired to include these light functionalities in the automotive windows, this has up to now not been massively successful. In general, there are two significant issues which cause these solutions to fall short of a feasible solution.

[0005] First of all, the known solution has a major downside that, if the LED light source is turned on, the shape will light up nicely. However, due to their milled structure, the shapes are also visible when the LED light source is not turned on, which hinders the visibility. Secondly, when the glass pane is lit up by the light source, it is observed that the light emittance of the shape that is milled in the glass pane is rather inconsistent, which makes it visibly less attractive. That is, the intensity of the outcoupled light decreases significantly the further away from the light source. Also, along the sides, the same effect is observed. This causes that only very small areas can be evenly illuminated by the light outcoupling milled portions of the glass pane. This problem grows even larger when tinted glass is used, which tends to absorb more light, further reducing the intensity of the light available. However, it has been a trend in automotive industry that the size of the windows, or at least the sunroof, is increasing in size. There is therefore a need to develop an automotive window laminate which seriously reduces the aforementioned downside of existing solutions. In particular having a less obtrusive impact to the window when the illumination is switched off, and more particular having a more uniform appearance.

[0006] It is therefore a first objective of the present invention to provide an automotive window which allows for a more uniform light outcoupling.

[0007] It is a second objective of the present invention to provide an automotive window wherein the light outcoupling is less visible when lights are not lit up.

[0008] It is a third objective of the present invention to provide for a light outcoupling structure which is more easily adjustable.

[0009] It is a fourth objective of the present invention to provide an alternative light solution in automotive windows.

[0010] The present invention thereto proposes an automotive window laminate, comprising: a first glass sheet, and optionally a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and optional second glass sheet situated substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart, the first glass sheet and the optional second glass sheet each having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, at least one reflective structure, preferably arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet, wherein the at least one reflective structure is preferably polymer based, at least one light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one light outcoupling element is in contact with the at least one reflective structure and / or in contact with the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, for coupling light out of the first glass sheet, preferably at least one first bonding layer, arranged between the reflective structure and the first glass sheet, and at least one second bonding layer, arranged between the reflective structure and the second glass sheet, preferably wherein the automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%.

[0011] Here, the inward facing surface of the first and the second glass sheet may be defined as the sides of the first glass sheet and second glass sheet facing towards each other. The outward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet may be defined as the sides of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet facing away from each other. The automotive window laminate may be arranged in a vehicle in at least two orientations. Wherein, in a first orientation the first glass sheet may be an outer glass sheet of the vehicle. Said first glass sheet may be in contact with an exterior environment. In a second orientation the first glass sheet is may be an inner glass sheet. In that case, the first glass sheet may be facing towards an interior of the vehicle, for example a cabin of car. The orientation that is opted depends on the requirements. Should light be desired to be emitted into vehicle interior, it is preferred to arrange the first glass sheet as an inner glass sheet. Alternatively, should it be desired to emit light away from the vehicle, it may be desired to arrange the first glass sheet as an outer glass sheet. The mutually spaced apart glass sheet may be close to one another. Spaced apart in this respect may be understood as one or more layers are arranged between the first and second glass sheet. Hence, the first and second glass sheet may be relatively close to each other, and merely separated by a bonding layer for example. The term substantially parallel may be understood as being parallel with a deviation of a couple of degrees, for example 0.5, 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees nonparallel. This for example includes window laminates comprising a wedged bonding layer to account for, e.g., ghosting of a head up display. The first glass sheet may form, at least locally, a light guide. It is imaginable that the first and second glass sheet are at least partially, preferably entirely overlapping. By providing the reflective structure it may be achieved that less light is lost, for example by leaking via the first glass sheet into the window laminate. The reflective structure contributes to reflecting the light back into the first glass sheet, which may allow the light to travel further into, or to be kept longer in, the first glass sheet without being leaked towards adjacent layers. Within the automotive glazing, light leaks typically occur at the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, hence inwardly. This is since the refractive index of air makes it relatively hard for light travelling in the plane of the glass sheet to leak towards the outward facing surface. The air, due to the difference in refractive index between air and the glass sheet, makes it more difficult for light that is travelling inside the glass sheet to break out of the glass sheet in the outward direction. However, the inward facing surface of the glass sheet is typically not bordered by air but is neighboured by a subsequent layer of the laminate. According to the prior art the layer adjacent to the glass sheet is typically a bonding layer. Since the bonding layer may have a refractive index which is more or less in the same order of the refractive index of glass, it is not uncommon that light travelling in the glass leaks from the glass sheet into the bonding layer and at least will partly be absorbed by this bonding layer. If this occurs, a fraction of the light in the light guide is lost. Especially when tinted bonding layers are used, the light that is leaked is partly absorbed within the bonding layer, at least for a part of the light spectrum, and will typically not fully return to the glass sheet, at least not in the same colour. These changes in colour spectrum can be stronger if the neighbouring medium is a low-e coating containing Indium tin oxide (ITO). According to the prior art, a deterioration of light intensity may be up to 10% for every 100mm. The further light moves towards a central portion of the glass sheet, the more light is leaked into the window laminate, the total intensity gradient over the window laminate may be even up to 80%, which is clearly visible with the naked eye. The reflective structure allows to prevent, or at least reduce this effect. Therefore, the automotive window laminate according to the present invention may especially provide an improved solution when the automotive window laminate as at least partially tinted. In this respect, if the window laminate couples light out to car interior, it may have a light transmission between 0% and 70%, in particular between 2% and 30%, more in particular between 5% and 20%. For window laminates which couples light out towards the car exterior higher light transmission values may be provided. In such an instance, the light transmission may be situated between 18% and 70%. And any of these window laminated structures may have an additional variable light transmission layer. Light transmission may be understood as the percentage of the incoming light onto the outward facing surface of an outer glass sheet which reaches (in particular coming out of) the inward facing surface of the inner glass sheet. The light transmission of the laminate and / or a specific layer may be defined as the percentage of light coming through the laminate or layer. Preferably, the reflective structure comprises a refractive index which causes the light that is coupled into the first glass sheet to essentially entirely reflect back into the glass sheet. In particular, to eliminate refraction of light into the adjacent layers.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one reflective structure is a polymer based reflective structure. It was particularly found that the use of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) as a reflective structure are well functioning to keep the light in the light guide. A benefit of the polymer based reflective structure is that polymer based reflective structures reflect light based on interference. Also, the reflection may be optimized to certain wavelengths and reflection angles. This allows that the polymer based reflective structure allows to keep more light in the lightguide, formed by the first glass sheet, causing a reduction of reflection. Preferably, the first bonding layer is an ultra-clear bonding layer having a light transmission of at least 85%, preferably at least 90% or 95% light transmission. It is even conceivable that the first bonding layer has a transmission of substantially 100%. The first bonding layer preferably has a yellowness index which is smaller than 1 ASTM E313 measured with clear 3mm glass. Preferably, the ultra-clear bonding layer is a Trosifol Ultra Clear bonding layer and / or a Saflex Crystal clear bonding layer. The first bonding layer may be a PVB and / or TPU bonding layer.

[0013] In case a functional layer, such as a PDLC and / or SPD and / or EC, is provided, it is imaginable that the reflective structure is integrated in the functional layer. Particularly, the reflective structure formed by a PET and / or PEN layer may be formed by one of the PET or PEN layers of the functional layer. Particularly the PET or PEN layer of the functional layer facing towards the first glass sheet. This is particularly advantageous as it may eliminate an entirely layer. The at least one light outcoupling element may be arranged to couple light out of the plane of the first glass sheet. Hence, the at least one light outcoupling element allows light, travelling in the plane of the first glass sheet, to be emitted out of the glass sheet. The at least one light outcoupling element may also be referred to as a light extracting element, allowing for extracting of a portion of light travelling through the first glass pane, in particular towards the outward facing surface of said first glass sheet.

[0014] The reflective structure may be provided, directly or indirectly, onto the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. The reflective structure may stretch over essentially the entire inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. This may allow the reflective structure to reflect the majority of the light back into the first glass sheet which may contribute to a more uniform light outcoupling since less light is leaked into the window laminate. The reflective structure may stretch at least up to an optional obscuration band. The obscuration band may be provided along a portion or the entire perimeter of the first glass sheet and / or second glass sheet. If two obscuration bands are provided, the reflective structure may stretch beyond the inner perimeter of at least one obscuration band.

[0015] The reflective structure may comprise one or more non-reflective portions, in particular openings, more in particular through-openings. That is, some portions of the window laminate may be essentially free of reflective structure. Alternatively, the reflective structure may comprise one or more local interruptions, in particular wherein the properties of the reflective structure are locally eliminated by the interruptions. At least one opening and / or interruption in the reflective structure may, not necessarily, be at least partially aligned with at least one light outcoupling element. In the latter case, it is particularly preferred that the opening and / or the at least one light outcoupling element is etched, for example by means of a laser and / or mechanically, and / or chemically, at least partially in the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. Preferably, the laser etched light outcoupling elements may be formed by sub surface laser engraving. The reflective structure may be at least partially printed or overprinted on top of at least one light outcoupling element. Preferably, the overprinted reflective structure may be printed at least onto the light outcoupling element, preferably over substantially the entire surface onto which the light outcoupling elements are provided. In this scenario, light which is scattered in direction of the inside of the window laminate structure, and which would thus normally be absorbed by the adjacent layer, may be reflected back. It has surprisingly been found that this not only allows for keeping more light in the light guide, this also leads to a higher light intensity output of the light outcoupling element. A suitable ink for this application is TLU0050A “’Lust Reflex Partial Mirror Coating” commercially sold by Ferro, however, alternatives which are polymer based are more preferred. This may especially be beneficial if the light outcoupling element is transparent or semi-transparent. Optionally, the at least one reflective structure is printed, in particular overprinted, exclusively onto at least one, preferably each, light outcoupling element. In the latter case, it is conceivable that a second reflective structure is provided, said second reflective structure covering the at least one light outcoupling element, but preferably also covering a significant of the surface. The reverse is also conceivable, where a first reflective structure is provided onto substantially the entire surface, and a second reflective structure being provided onto the first reflective structure in the region of an underlaying light outcoupling element. This may obstruct light from leaking into the laminate via the light outcoupling element.

[0016] Preferably, but not necessarily, the reflective structure comprises at least one a low refractive index layer and / or at least one high refractive index layer, preferably a plurality of consecutively alternating high refractive index layers and low refractive layers. It is preferred that both the low refractive index layer and the high refractive index layer are polymer based refractive index layers. One of said refractive index layers (i.e., the low or the high refractive index layer) may be formed by a PET layer or PEN layer, and the other layer (i.e., the other of the high or the low refractive index layer) may be formed by a polymer based layer (such as a coating or resin) provided onto the PET or PEN. It is imaginable that at least one reflective structure comprises a first layer having a low refractive index, and at least one layer having a high refractive index. In this application, the low and high refractive index may be understood relative to the refractive index of the light guiding medium, in particular of the first and / or second glass sheet.

[0017] It is also imaginable that the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a single reflective layer. Said single reflective layer may for example be a single layer comprising PET and / or PEN. However, in some cases it is imaginable that Titanium dioxide (TIO2), in particular Titanium dioxide (TIO2) sputtered coating is used. Optionally, a plurality of Titanium dioxide (TIO2) layers may be provided. This layer alone may contribute to 30% reflection of light. However a disadvantage of such a high reflection is that it may lead to undesirable aesthetics, especially for the purpose of sunroofs it is unwanted that e.g., rear passengers have a mirrored view at the (head of) a front passenger or driver. Therefore total reflection rates viewed from the vehicles interior are preferably under 15%. Where the wording reflective is used, this may also be understood as a coating. It is imaginable that at least one coating comprising high reflective particles is provided. The coating may for example be rolled, sprayed, and / or sputtered onto the window laminate, disposed directly on the glass sheet or on a plastic intermediate layer such as a PET film. By providing at least two, in particular a plurality of, reflective layers a higher reflectivity in a certain range of wavelengths may be achieved, which is particularly beneficial for automotive applications. Where it has been observed that a single reflective structure, such as a single reflective layer, may improve the light outcoupling according to the present invention, it has been observed that increasing the number of layers has further enhanced the quality of the light guide, i.e. , the first glass sheet. With respect to the terms low reflective index layer and high reflective index layers, this may be understood as the reflective properties of said layers with respect to the glass sheet, and / or with respect to one another. The initial layer of the reflective structure, adjacent to or facing towards the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet may preferably be a reflective layer having a low refractive index, such as a low density SIO2 having a refractive index of 1 ,35 or a low refractive index modified bonding layer. It is however preferred that the refractive index of said initial layer is substantially lower compared to the refractive index of the first glass sheet. At least the side of the reflective structure facing towards the first glass sheet may have a refractive index which is lower than the refractive index of the first glass sheet. The refractive index may deviate at least 0.1 with respect to the (average) refractive index of glass. Typically, the refractive index of glass is situated around 1 .51 . It is imaginable that the reflective layer(s) and / or structure(s) have a refractive index of about 1 .80 to 3.00, preferably 2.3 in particular in case of high reflective index layers. The critical angle to where light is reflected inside a lightguide, e.g., formed by the first glass sheet, depends on the refractive index of its neighbouring medium. At the air side of the first glass sheet this is approximately 41 degrees and at the bonding layer side of the first glass sheet this is approximately 77 degrees. It is therefore desirable to optimise the reflection especially in the range from 41 to 77 degrees. Since the critical angle between glass and PET is approximately 68.8 degrees. Hence, the combination thereof provides a suitable, in particular a good, material as reflective layer. The low refractive index layer may have a refractive index of about 1 to 1 .4, in particular 1 .35. The reflective structure may at least partially be formed by at least one dielectric mirror structure. As metal based coatings like Silver or Titanium dioxide have the characteristic of high reflection rates of light it is preferred to have a selective reflection or a so-called interference reflection based on high and low refractive index alternating polymer based layers. These (resin based) polymer based layers can be modified to have a high reflection under certain angles. For example, a Toray Picasus Polymer coated angular control film has a reflection rate as low as 10% with incidence angles lower than 20 degrees and the same film has a reflection rate about 68% under 70 degrees indecent angle. From 3M similar non- metal coated films are available on the market, such like 3M WCF (windows combiner film).

[0018] Preferably, though not necessarily, the reflective structure and / or dielectric mirror structure itself may comprise a light transmission of about 30% or 15%. As PET and PEN are the most common plastic substrates used as a carrier for a coating, these and most other plastic carriers have the characteristic of a relatively low refractive index. The at least one high and at least one low alternating refractive indexes may be based on the low refractive substrate having a high refractive index non-metallic coating. To this point also bonding layers typically have low refractive indexes and may also be used to carry a coating. Providing a tint, or a reduction of the light transmission, in the reflective structure, in particular the dielectric mirror, has been found to provide surprisingly good results. This may allow to contribute, in particular for a significant portion, to the reduction of light transmission of the automotive window laminate. Hence, it may suffice to provide for a bonding layer which is less tinted, hence has a higher light transmission. The tint of the reflective structure in combination with the reduced tint in the bonding layer has provided a synergetic effect. Not only does the reflective structure cause less light to leak into the bonding layer, but the reduced tinted bonding layer also even further strengthens this effect. Therefore, a double increase in performance, in particular with respect to light outcoupling, was observed. The outward facing surface of the first glass sheet of the automotive window laminate may form an illuminating side. The outward facing surface of the second glass sheet may be a non-illuminating side. However, this is only the case where a single light outcoupling is provided for, coupling light only into the first glass sheet.

[0019] The automotive window laminate may comprise a plurality of light outcoupling elements. Preferably, said light outcoupling elements mutually form an illuminating design or shape. It is conceivable that the plurality of light outcoupling elements is arranged at a mutual distance with respect to each other. Alternatively, it is also imaginable that at least two light outcoupling elements at least partially overlap. At least one light outcoupling element may be provided, directly or indirectly, onto an inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. Hence, a direct contact may be present between the light outcoupling element and the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. However, it is also conceivable that the light outcoupling element is formed at least partially into the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet. In the latter case, at least one light outcoupling element may be formed by a recess and / or recessed pattern in the inward facing surface. At least one light outcoupling element may be provided, directly or indirectly, onto a surface of the reflective structure that is facing away from the first glass sheet. Hence, the light outcoupling element may in this example be provided onto the side of the reflective structure facing towards the non-illuminating side of the window laminate. The latter may provide that the reflective structure is covering essentially the entire inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, which may contribute to maintaining an excellent and constant light emissivity via the light outcoupling elements.

[0020] At least one light outcoupling element may be a printed, preferably digitally printed, light outcoupling element. By printing the light outcoupling elements that more flexibility in the design may be achieved, may be achieved. At least one light outcoupling element may at least partially be composed of ceramic ink, preferably a substantially transparent or translucent ceramic ink. Ceramic ink has proven to provide for an improved appearance of the window laminate. In particular, transparent and / or translucent ceramic ink may allow for printing a design and / or pattern which is more or less unnoticeable when the light is not switched on. This is a significant improvement. This may give the impression that it is a regular window laminate, whilst providing the decorative pattern when light is coupled into the first glass sheet. The printed ceramic light outcoupling elements may have a thickness situated between about 1 and 15 micron. It is conceivable that the thickness of at least two light outcoupling elements mutually deviates. The printed transparent light outcoupling elements have a transparency of 85%, preferably 90%, and more preferably about 95%. In this case the light outcoupling elements are substantially invisible if the illumination is switched off and turn visible if the light is turned on. To this end, it may be preferred that the thickness of the light outcoupling element increases with the distance to a light source. If a plurality of light outcoupling elements are provided, it is conceivable that the thickness of the mutual light outcoupling elements differs to account for the leakage of light. Instead of altering the printing thickness, it is imaginable that the density of the material is increased, in particular the density may increase with the distance from the light source. This may compensate for leakage of light in the first glass sheet, and hence to further improve the uniformity of the light intensity of the outcoupled light. This aspect may also be envisaged to be present without in doing so requiring the presence of a tint, or the reflective structure as such. If light is coupled into the glass at only a single edge, the thickness and / or density of the at least one light outcoupling element at the side of the glass opposing the side where the light is coupled in the glass is the highest. If light is coupled into the glass sheet from two or more edges of the glass, the thickness and / or density of the light outcoupling elements at the biggest distance from a light source is the largest.t. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more light outcoupling elements may be mechanically etched, and / or chemically etched, and / or laser engraved, into the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and / or on the reflective structure.

[0021] In order to provide for a desired outcoupling of the light in the light guide, i.e. , the first glass sheet, light scattering particles may be dispersed in at least one light outcoupling element. Such light scattering particles may be Zirconium dioxide particles, Nickel particles, or the like. The light scattering particles may be randomly dispersed within the light outcoupling element in order to increase the amount of light that coupled out of the first glass sheet.

[0022] The window laminate may further comprise at least one bonding layer, wherein said bonding layer is arranged between the at least one reflective structure and the second glass sheet. The bonding layer may also be referred to as an adhesive layer. According to this example, the window laminate comprises a single bonding layer. By allocating the bonding layer between the reflective structure and the second glass sheet, it is (at least partially) ensured that the light in the light guide cannot leak towards said bonding layer. As such, it is possible to maintain more light and to improve the consistency of the light intensity over the entire width or length of the window laminate when coupling the light out of the first glass sheet. The at least one bonding layer may have a light transmission between 10 and 30%, in particular between 8% and 25%, more in particular 13%. This is in particular advantageous in combination with the reflective structure or dielectric mirror structure providing for at least a portion of the reduction in light transmission of the overall window laminate, if however the bonding layer is situated between the first glass and the reflective layer it is preferred to use an ultra-clear bonding layer and have tinting properties in the second bonding layer which is situated on the opposite side of the reflective layer. It is imaginable, and even preferred, that the reflective structure, in particular the dielectric mirror, contributes about 50% of the tint to the window laminate compared to that of the bonding layer. The at least one bonding layer may comprise at least two different sections in direction from the first glass sheet to the second glass sheet, wherein at least the second section is at least partially tinted. The first section and second section are formed by two mutually fused bonding layers. After being mutually fused, said bonding layers form a single bonding layer. Particularly since the bonding layers may be directly fused to one another, hence not encapsulating another intermediate layer. It is conceivable that the reflective structure is arranged against, or at least partially in, the first section of said bonding layer.

[0023] As an alternative to comprising a single bonding layer, the automotive window laminate may comprise a first bonding layer and a second bonding layer, wherein the second bonding layer is at least partially tinted. The first bonding layer may be arranged closest to the first glass sheet, whereas the second bonding layer is closest to the second glass sheet. It is possible that between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer, a functional layer is arranged. Said functional layer may for example be switchable between transparent and opaque. Such a functional layer may be formed as a laminate comprising a pair of thermoplastic layers, typically PET or PEN, with a functional film such as liquid crystals or the like arranged between said PET or PEN layer. The at least one reflective structure may at least partially be arranged, preferably substantially entirely, between the first glass sheet and the first bonding layer. Yet, the at least one reflective structure may also, and in case of a polymer based reflective structure even preferred, be arranged between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer. It is imaginable that in the latter case where the reflective structure is arranged between the first bonding layer and second bonding layer the refractive index of the side of the reflective structure facing towards the first glass sheet and / or towards the first bonding layer has a refractive index which deviates from the refractive index of the first bonding layer and / or first glass sheet. In case a functional layer, such as a PDLC and / or SPD and / or EC, is provided, it is imaginable that the reflective structure is integrated in the functional layer. Particularly, the reflective structure formed by a PET and / or PEN layer may be formed by one of the PET or PEN layers of the functional layer. Particularly the PET or PEN layer of the functional layer facing towards the first glass sheet.

[0024] The reflective structure may also, in addition and / or instead of layer(s), be at least partially formed by a micro and / or nano structure, preferably formed on, or in, the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and / or on the side of the first bonding layer, if applied, facing towards the first glass sheet.

[0025] The automotive window laminate may further comprise at least one first light source, wherein said first light source is arranged for coupling of light into the first glass sheet. Preferably, said light source is a plurality of LED light sources, but alternatively or additionally one or more laser (Light Amplification Stimulated Emission Radiation) light sources may be provided. The at least one first light source may be arranged at, and in particular facing towards, the inward facing surface and / or outward facing surface of the first glass sheet. It is noted that the present invention is related to a (decorative) automotive window laminate, and hence no comparison to a regular display (such as that of a mobile device) can be made as to coupling in of the light. This is mainly since the automotive window laminate is preferably transparent (if desired) in order to see through the window. Therefore, it is particularly more difficult to provide for an unobtrusive manner to couple light into the first glass sheet. Optionally, a portion of the side (the inward facing surface and / or outward facing surface that is) of the first glass sheet facing the at least one light source is provided with one or more recesses, in particular grooves and / or a recessed pattern, wherein said recesses are dimensioned to cause light emitted by the light source to be coupled into the first glass sheet. Preferably, the light source and said recess are arranged at a small distance from the perimeter of the first glass sheet, preferably adjacent to an obscuration band (if applied) on the outward facing surface of the first glass sheet. Preferably, said recesses are shaped and / or designed such that light is coupled into the first glass sheet, in particular wherein a majority of the light is coupled into the first glass sheet in a direction facing away from the obscuration band. Optionally, the side of the first glass sheet facing away from the first light source may be provided (at least in the region opposing the light source) with reflective material, such as a tape, for example aluminium tape.

[0026] Optionally, the automotive window laminate may further comprise a second light source, wherein said second light source is arranged for coupling of light into the second glass sheet. Said second light source may be arranged in a similar manner compared to the first light source. Hence, it is conceivable that said light source faces the outward facing surface and / or inward facing surface of the second glass sheet. Optionally, a similar recess or grooves are provided for on the second glass sheet as explained with respect to the first glass sheet, for coupling of light into the second glass sheet.

[0027] To this end, it is imaginable that the automotive window laminate further comprises; at least one second reflective structure, preferably arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet, at least one second light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one second light outcoupling element is in contact with the at least one reflective structure and / or in contact with the inward facing surface and / or outward facing surface of the second glass sheet, for coupling light out of the second glass sheet. Similar benefits may be achieved with respect to the second light outcoupling elements and second reflective structure as explained with respect to the first light outcoupling elements and first reflective structure. It is imaginable that further reflective structures are provided. The present invention is thereto not limited to provision of light outcoupling to merely a single glass sheet, but may be applied similarly to further glass sheets of the window laminate. It is imaginable that the at least one first light outcoupling element and the at least one second light outcoupling element mutually form a three-dimensional light outcoupling pattern. This contributes to the overall design and appearance of the window laminate. Since there are two reflective structures in this embodiment, it is possible to keep a relative constant light intensity out of both the first light outcoupling element(s) and the second light outcoupling element(s) over a significant portion of the width or length of the automotive window laminate. In general, the reflective structure according to the present invention may even allow for coupling light in along only a single side (or a portion of said single side), whilst still providing for a constant illumination of the light outcoupling element. This may simplify the design of the lighted automotive window laminates.

[0028] The first glass sheet and / or second glass sheet may at least partially be formed by ultra-clear glass. Optionally, at least a part of at least one edge of the first glass sheet is provided with a reflective tape, in particular an aluminium tape. This may allow light to reflect back into the window laminate, which may result in an even higher light intensity, without in doing so increasing the intensity of the light source. It is also conceivable that this solution is provided on the second glass sheet, in case the second glass sheet is functioning as a light guide. Also, although optionally, at least one of the first and / or second glass sheet is provided on the outward facing surface with at least one outer layer. The at least one outer layer may at least partially be coated and / or printed. It is imaginable that at least one outer layer is at least partially formed by a layer having a low refractive index and / or by a low-e coating and / or a layer comprising TIO2. The low-e coating may be applied at the outward facing surface of the first glass sheet. Preferably, the low-e layer is provided onto the outward facing inner glass sheet, which is the surface facing the vehicles interior.. Providing a low-e coating may contribute to more comfort inside a car and less energy consumption of an air conditioner, at least if applied in contact with the air inside the car. The low refractive index layer and / or high reflective index layer may contribute to less leakage of light caused by the low- e coating. Especially as it is known that a Low-e coating alters the spectrum of the light every time light is reflected back inside a lightguide. If a light beam is respecting the critical angle of Snell’s law in the lightguide medium which is in contact with the second medium, which in this case may be a Low-e coating, less of the (infra)red light is reflected. This phenomenon may cause a shift from white to blue the further the light travels in the lightguide from the light source. As the invention allows to keep light inside the lightguide which is internally reflected in angles between 41-77 degrees, the number of reflections are also reduced, and as such contributing to a lower colour shift rate compared to older techniques.

[0029] The present invention is further related to a vehicle provided with an automotive window laminate according to the present invention, preferably wherein said automotive window laminate forms a sunroof, in case the car interior is illuminated or other glasses than a sunroof in case the light is directed to the car exterior.

[0030] The present invention is further related to a method for producing an automotive window laminate, in particular the automotive window laminate according to the present invention, comprising the steps:

[0031] A) Providing a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet,

[0032] B) Providing at least one reflective structure, preferably a polymer based reflective structure, between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet,

[0033] C) Providing one or more light outcoupling elements, wherein said light outcoupling elements are in contact with the first glass sheet provided during step A) and / or in contact with the reflective structure provided during step B).

[0034] D) Providing at least one bonding layer between the reflective structure and the one or more light outcoupling elements or between the reflective structure and the second glass sheet, preferably, wherein automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%. With respect to the method according to the present invention the same benefits apply as explained with respect to the various aspects of the automotive window laminate. Preferably, the bonding layer facing the first glass sheet is a clear bonding layer having a light transmission above 90%. The method may additionally comprise the step of;

[0035] E) Providing one or more openings in the at least one reflective structure. Yet additionally, but not necessarily, one or more light outcoupling elements may be provided via laser engraving, and / or mechanical etching, and / or chemical etching. It is also conceivable that providing one or more openings in the reflective structure may occur simultaneously with the step of providing the one or more light outcoupling elements.

[0036] Alternative embodiments of the present invention are presented by means of the following non-limitative set of clauses, which may be combined with one or more technical aspects presented in this application:

[0037] 1 . Automotive window laminate, comprising:

[0038] - a first glass sheet, and a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and second glass sheet situated substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart, the first glass sheet and second glass sheet each having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface,

[0039] - at least one reflective structure, arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet,

[0040] - at least one light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one light outcoupling element is in contact with the at least one reflective structure and / or in contact with the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, for coupling light out of the first glass sheet. wherein the automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%.

[0041] 2. Automotive window laminate according to clause 1 , wherein the reflective structure is provided, directly or indirectly, onto the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

[0042] 3. Automotive window laminate according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the reflective structure stretches over essentially the entire inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

[0043] 4. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the reflective structure comprises one or more openings. 5. Automotive window laminate according to clause 4, wherein at least one opening in the reflective structure is at least partially aligned with at least one light outcoupling element.

[0044] 6. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the reflective structure comprises at least one high reflective index layer, and / or at least one low refractive index layer, preferably a plurality of consecutively alternating high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers.

[0045] 7. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the reflective structure is at least partially formed by at least one dielectric mirror structure.

[0046] 8. Automotive window laminate according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the reflective structure or dielectric mirror structure comprises a light transmission of about 40% to 70%.

[0047] 9. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least the side of the reflective structure facing towards the first glass sheet has a refractive index which is lower than the refractive index of the first glass sheet.

[0048] 10. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outward facing surface of the first glass sheet of the automotive window laminate is an illuminating side.

[0049] 11 . Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the automotive window laminate comprises a plurality of light outcoupling elements.

[0050] 12. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is provided, directly or indirectly, onto an inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

[0051] 13. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is provided, directly or indirectly, onto a surface of the reflective structure that is facing away from the first glass sheet.

[0052] 14. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is a printed, preferably digitally printed, and / or chemically etched, and / or laser etched, light outcoupling element.

[0053] 15. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is at least partially composed of ceramic ink, preferably a substantially transparent or translucent ceramic ink.

[0054] 16. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein light scattering particles are dispersed in at least one light outcoupling element.

[0055] 17. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the window laminate comprises at least one bonding layer, wherein said bonding layer is arranged between the at least one reflective structure and the second glass sheet.

[0056] 18. Automotive window laminate according to clause 17, wherein the at least one bonding layer comprises a light transmission between 10 and 30%.

[0057] 19. Automotive window laminate according to any of the clauses 17 or 18, wherein the at least one bonding layer comprises at least two different sections in direction from the first glass sheet to the second glass sheet, wherein at least the second section is at least partially tinted.

[0058] 20. Automotive window laminate according to clause 19, wherein the first section and second section are formed by two mutually fused bonding layers.

[0059] 21 . Automotive window laminate according to clause 19 or 20, wherein the reflective structure is arranged against, or at least partially in, the first section of said bonding layer. 22. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the automotive window laminate comprises a first bonding layer and a second bonding layer, wherein the second bonding layer is at least partially tinted.

[0060] 23. Automotive window laminate according to clause 22, wherein the at least one reflective structure is arranged substantially entirely between the first glass sheet and the first bonding layer.

[0061] 24. Automotive window laminate according to clause 22, wherein the at least one reflective structure is arranged between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer.

[0062] 25. Automotive window laminate according to clause 24, wherein the side of the reflective structure facing the first bonding layer has a refractive index which is lower than the refractive index of the first glass sheet and / or the first bonding layer.

[0063] 26. Automotive window laminate according any of the preceding clauses, wherein the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a micro and / or nano structure, preferably formed on, or in, the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

[0064] 27. Automotive window laminate according any of the preceding clauses, wherein the automotive window laminate further comprises at least one first light source, wherein said first light source is arranged for coupling of light into the first glass sheet.

[0065] 28. Automotive window laminate according to clause 27, wherein the at least one first light source is arranged at the inward facing surface and / or outward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

[0066] 29. Automotive window laminate according to clause 28, wherein a portion of the side of the first glass sheet facing the at least one light source is provided with one or more recesses, in particular grooves and / or a recessed pattern, wherein said recesses are dimensioned to cause light emitted by the light source to be coupled into the first glass sheet.

[0067] 30. Automotive window laminate according to one of clauses 27-29, further comprising a second light source, wherein said second light source is arranged for coupling of light into the second glass sheet.

[0068] 31 . Automotive window laminate according to clause 30, further comprising;

[0069] - at least one second reflective structure, arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet,

[0070] - at least one second light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one second light outcoupling element is in contact with the at least one reflective structure and / or in contact with the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet, for coupling light out of the second glass sheet.

[0071] 32. Automotive glass according to clause 31 , wherein the at least one first light outcoupling element and the at least one second light outcoupling element mutually form a three-dimensional light outcoupling pattern.

[0072] 33. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first glass sheet and / or second glass sheet is at least partially formed by ultra-clear glass.

[0073] 34. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a part of one edge of the first glass sheet is provided with a reflective tape, in particular an aluminium tape.

[0074] 35. Vehicle provided with an automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding clauses, preferably wherein said automotive window laminate forms a sunroof.

[0075] 36. Method for producing an automotive window laminate, in particular the automotive window laminate according to any of the clauses 1 -34, comprising the steps: A) Providing a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet,

[0076] B) Providing at least one reflective structure between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet,

[0077] C) Providing one or more light outcoupling elements, wherein said light outcoupling elements are in contact with the first glass sheet provided during step A) and / or in contact with the reflective structure provided during step B).

[0078] D) Providing at least one bonding layer between the reflective structure and the one or more light outcoupling elements or between the reflective structure and the second glass sheet, wherein automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%.

[0079] 37. Method for producing an automotive window laminate according to clause 36, comprising the step of;

[0080] E) Providing one or more openings in the at least one reflective structure.

[0081] 38. Method for producing an automotive window laminate according to clause 36 or 37, wherein the one or more light outcoupling elements are provided via laser cutting, and / or mechanical etching, and / or chemical etching.

[0082] The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following non-limitative figures, wherein:

[0083] - Figure 1 shows a top view of an automotive window laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] - Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an automotive window laminate according to the present invention;

[0085] - Figure 3 shows a different solution for coupling the light in the window laminate; and

[0086] - Figure 4 shows an example of a different solution of the light outcoupling elements.

[0087] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an automotive window laminate 100 according to a non-limitative embodiment of the present invention. Here the first glass sheet 102 are shown from a top or bottom view, depending on the illuminating side of the window laminate 100. The automotive window laminate 100 as shown in this figure comprises a plurality of light outcoupling areas 101. In these areas the light that is guided through the glass sheets is coupled out of the automotive window laminate 100 such that they become visible at the outside. Here outside could be the interior of a vehicle or the exterior of a vehicle depending on what is the light illuminating side of the window laminate 100.

[0088] Figure 2 shows an example of a cross-section of the automotive window laminate 100. The figure indicates that the first glass sheet 103 forms the light guide of the window laminate 100. At the edge a light source 109 is arranged which couples light into the first glass sheet 103. The light 115 travels in the plane of the first glass sheet 103. At a distance from an inward facing surface 120 of the first glass sheet 103 a second glass sheet 104 is arranged. Between the first glass sheet 102 and second glass sheet 104 various components are arranged. Along an edge, it can be seen that an obscuration band 111 is provided onto both the inward facing surface 117 of the second glass sheet 104 and the outward facing surface 119 of the first glass sheet 103. These locations are preferred for providing the obscuration band 111 , in particular in the case where the first glass sheet 103 forms an inner glass sheet of the automotive window laminate 101 . The obscuration band 111 may help to hide various (electronic) connections from sight. If the obscuration band is in contact with the lightguide, and situated behind the light source, the band is preferably a white band and or the light source is a LASER. It is imaginable that the white band is provided with a second band which is black. This non-limitative embodiment further shows the presence of a first bonding layer 105 and a second bonding layer 106. It is not required to provide for two separate bonding layers 105, 106, although this may provide some benefits. The first bonding layer 105 is particularly an ultra-clear bonding layer having a transmission of at least 85%, preferably at least 90% or 95%. In this figure, a reflective structure 108, which may be polymer based, is arranged between the first bonding layer 105 and the second bonding layer 106. Preferably, wherein a first facing medium from the reflective structure 108 or the first bonding layer 105 has a refractive index which deviates at least 0.1 with respect to the refractive index of the first glass sheet 10 and / or the first bonding layer 105. Preferably, the reflective index deviates downwardly. To this end, the first bonding layer 105 is a transparent bonding layer 105. Said transparent bonding layers have a refractive index which is comparable to that of glass. Hence, light travelling 115 inside the first glass pane, and reaching the first bonding layer 105 may easily refract, and travel further in the first bonding layer 105. By arranging the high reflective structure 108 it is ensured that the light is absorbed less, and that said light may even reflect back into the first glass sheet 103. Hence, it may be foreseen that the first glass sheet 103 and the first bonding layer 105 together form a light guide. The reflective structure 108 ensures that the light 115 travelling in the light guide stays in the light guide and does not unintentionally leak into the window laminate 100. The reflective structure 108 may be formed in different ways. It is conceivable that the reflective structure 108 is at least partially formed by a reflective layer and / or coating, having a substantially deviating refractive index. Yet, it is also imaginable that the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a dielectric mirror structure. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the reflective structure 108 is provided in the form of a micro and / or nano structure, provided into the first glass sheet 103. However, in the latter example it is preferred that the reflective structure is arranged elsewhere in the window laminate 100. In particular, when the reflective structure 108 is a micro or nano structure, it is preferred that the reflective structure 108 is provided at the location indicated by the first dotted line 108b. Although this location is preferred for the micro and / or nano structure, the other examples of the reflective structure 108 may also be arranged at this position. A further optional position for the reflective structure 108 is indicated by the second dotted line 108a. Particularly the first dotted line 108b and second dotted line 108a may be preferred. These locations may essentially prevent that the light 115 travelling in the light guide may be leaked into the window laminate 100, except for where light is to be coupled out of the window laminate 100. This is mainly since the reflective structure 108 is directly adjacent to the first glass sheet 103. One or more light outcoupling elements 107 are provided which may cause light to be coupled out 116 of the first glass sheet 103. Hence, the light outcoupling elements 107 appear to illuminate when viewing into the direction wherein light is coupled out 116 of the first glass sheet. Hence, the window laminate 100 comprises an illuminating side 120 and a non-illuminating side 112 in this embodiment. As such, the one or more light outcoupling elements may allow for representing logo or a pattern or the like. When the light source 109 is tuned on, they will illuminate. The reflective structure 108 according to the present invention may allow the light outcoupling elements 107 to couple light out 116 of the first glass sheet 103 in such a way that the intensity if essentially all outcoupled light 116 is the same. This provides a more pleasant appearance of the illuminating pattern. The one or more light outcoupling elements 107 may be formed by printing. It is imaginable that the light outcoupling elements 107 are formed by printing a substantially transparent and / or translucent ceramic ink. This provides for great flexibility and precision.

[0089] Figure 3 shows an example of the automotive window laminate 100 which is in large part similar to the one shown in figure 2. However, this figure shows a different way of coupling in 115 the light into the first glass sheet 103. Instead of coupling the light in from the edge of the first glass sheet 103, as shown in figure 2, here the light is coupled in 115 from the outward facing surface 119 of the first glass sheet 103. This may be convenient since it doesn’t take up any space in the width direction of the window laminate 100, or would cause an area of monolithic glass, resulting in safety issues. But light absorption of a dark obscuration band is also reduced. The light source 109 is facing a portion of the outward facing surface 119 of the first glass sheet 103. Said portion of the outward facing surface 119 of the first glass sheet 103 is provided with a recessed portion, in particular a plurality of grooves 113. These grooves 113 cause the light emitted from the light source

[0090] 109 to be coupled into 115 the first glass sheet 103. Once the light 115 that is coupled into the glass sheet 103 reaches a light outcoupling element 107 the light is coupled out 116 of the first glass sheet 103 causing the area of the light outcoupling element to appear illuminative, at least seen from the illuminating side

[0091] 110 of the window laminate 100. Although in figures 2 and 3 merely a single glass sheet 103 is a light guide, it is well conceivable that the same solution is provided onto the second glass sheet. This may allow light to be coupled out in two different directions, although it is also conceivable that it is coupled out in the same direction.

[0092] Figure 4 shows a different embodiment of the light outcoupling elements 107 according to the present invention in a simple and schematic manner. This figure shows the first glass sheet 103, although it is mentioned that the same solution can be used on the second glass sheet 104 (not shown) if needed. In this example, the reflective structure 108 is provided directly onto the inward facing surface 120 of the first glass sheet. The reflective structure 108 in this example may be a dielectric mirror structure 108. Subsequently it is conceivable that at least one light outcoupling element 107 is formed by local recesses 121 provided into reflective structure 108 and first glass sheet 103. It is relevant that the recess 121 stretches into the first glass sheet 103 such that the recessed portion can function as a light outcoupling element 107.

[0093] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application and / or alternative embodiment.

[0094] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a “second” component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first” component. By "complementary" or “co-acting” components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Claims1 . Automotive window laminate, comprising:- a first glass sheet, and a second glass sheet, said first glass sheet and second glass sheet situated substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart, the first glass sheet and second glass sheet each having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface,- at least one reflective structure, arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet, wherein the at least one reflective structure is a polymer based reflective structure,- at least one light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one light outcoupling element is in contact with the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet, for coupling light out of the first glass sheet,- at least one first bonding layer, arranged between the reflective structure and the first glass sheet, and at least one second bonding layer, arranged between the reflective structure and the second glass sheet, wherein the automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%.

2. Automotive window laminate according to claim 1 , wherein the first bonding layer is an ultra-clear bonding layer having a light transmission of at least 85%, preferably at least 90% or 95% light transmission.

3. Automotive window laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective structure stretches over essentially the entire inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

4. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure comprises one or more openings.

5. Automotive window laminate according to claim 4, wherein at least one opening in the reflective structure is at least partially aligned with at least one light outcoupling element.

6. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure comprises at least one high reflective index layer, and / or at least one low refractive index layer, preferably a plurality of consecutively alternating high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers.

7. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure is at least partially formed by at least one dielectric mirror structure.

8. Automotive window laminate according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the reflective structure or dielectric mirror structure comprises a light transmission of about 40% to 70%.

9. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the side of the reflective structure facing towards the first glass sheet has a refractive index which is lower than the refractive index of the first glass sheet.

10. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outward facing surface of the first glass sheet of the automotive window laminate is an illuminating side.11 . Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the automotive window laminate comprises a plurality of light outcoupling elements.

12. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is provided, directly or indirectly, onto an inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

13. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is provided, directly or indirectly, onto a surface of the reflective structure that is facing away from the first glass sheet.

14. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is a printed, preferably digitally printed, and / or chemically etched, and / or laser etched, light outcoupling element.

15. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light outcoupling element is at least partially composed of ceramic ink, preferably a substantially transparent or translucent ceramic ink.

16. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein light scattering particles are dispersed in at least one light outcoupling element.

17. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second bonding layer comprises a light transmission between 10% and 30%.

18. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bonding layer comprises at least two different sections in direction from the first glass sheet to the second glass sheet, wherein at least the second section is at least partially tinted.

19. Automotive window laminate according to claim 18, wherein the first section and second section are formed by two mutually fused bonding layers.

20. Automotive window laminate according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the reflective structure is arranged against, or at least partially in, the first section of said bonding layer.21 . Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reflective structure is arranged between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer.

22. Automotive window laminate according to claim 21 , wherein the side of the reflective structure facing the first bonding layer has a refractive index which is lower than the refractive index of the first glass sheet and / or the first bonding layer.

23. Automotive window laminate according any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a micro and / or nano structure, preferably formed on, or in, the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

24. Automotive window laminate according any of the preceding claims, wherein the automotive window laminate further comprises at least one first light source, wherein said first light source is arranged for coupling of light into the first glass sheet.

25. Automotive window laminate according to claim 24, wherein the at least one first light source is arranged at the inward facing surface and / or outward facing surface of the first glass sheet.

26. Automotive window laminate according to claim 25, wherein a portion of the side of the first glass sheet facing the at least one light source is provided with one or more recesses, in particular grooves and / or a recessed pattern, wherein said recesses are dimensioned to cause light emitted by the light source to be coupled into the first glass sheet.

27. Automotive window laminate according to claim one of claims 24-26, further comprising a second light source, wherein said second light source is arranged for coupling of light into the second glass sheet.

28. Automotive window laminate according to claim 27, further comprising;- at least one second reflective structure, preferably polymer based second reflective structure, arranged between the inward facing surface of the first glass sheet and the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet,- at least one second light outcoupling element, wherein said at least one second light outcoupling element is in contact with the inward facing surface of the second glass sheet, for coupling light out of the second glass sheet.

29. Automotive glass according to claim 28, wherein the at least one first light outcoupling element and the at least one second light outcoupling element mutually form a three-dimensional light outcoupling pattern.

30. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first glass sheet and / or second glass sheet is at least partially formed by ultra-clear glass.31 . Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of one edge of the first glass sheet is provided with a reflective tape, in particular an aluminium tape.

32. Automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure comprises Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

33. Vehicle provided with an automotive window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, preferably wherein said automotive window laminate forms a sunroof.

34. Method for producing an automotive window laminate, in particular the automotive window laminate according to any of the claims 1-32, comprising the steps:A) Providing a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet,B) Providing at least one polymer based reflective structure between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet,C) Providing one or more light outcoupling elements, wherein said light outcoupling elements are in contact with the first glass sheet provided during step A) and / or in contact with the reflective structure provided during step B).D) Providing at least one bonding layer between the reflective structure and the one or more light outcoupling elements, wherein automotive window laminate has a light transmission below 70%.

35. Method for producing an automotive window laminate according to claim 34, comprising the step of;E) Providing one or more openings in the at least one reflective structure.

36. Method for producing an automotive window laminate according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the one or more light outcoupling elements are provided via laser cutting, and / or mechanical etching, and / or chemical etching.

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