The use of chemically strengthened glass, which was once only found in low volume specialty applications, is growing as a rapid rate as more and more new applications are found for it. Today, it can be found on the screens of hundreds of millions of smart, phones, tablets, and other devices. The high strength, scratch resistance, light weight and optical clarity also make it an especially attractive material for automotive vehicles where it is just starting to find uses. One of the challenges faced when fabricating an automotive laminate with chemically strengthened glass is in the application of the obscuration needed to hide the mounting adhesive and trim. Conventional black frits are not compatible with the chemical strengthening process. Porous frits, on the contrary, which allow the chemical strengthening to take place, have poor aesthetics. The disclosure provides a process for producing a laminated glazing with at least one chemically strengthened glass layer with a glossy black frit obscuration as well as the laminate itself.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
An automotive glazing system, comprising: at least one glass layer (2); a plurality of light emitters (10) injecting light into at least a portion of at least one edge of the glazing; a plurality of light detectors (20) measuring simultaneously the intensity of light emitted by each of said plurality of light emitters from at least a portion of at least one edge of the glazing; and at least one processing unit (15) communicably coupled to the automotive glazing, the plurality of light emitters and the plurality of light detectors to: scan periodically the intensity of light received by said plurality of light detectors; store the scanned data; compare new scans with historical data; estimate the presence of contaminants by a drop in intensity at some detectors without an increase at some detectors; and estimate the safety status of the glazing by identifying permanent damage by an increase in intensity at some detectors.
As the cost of energy has increased, the use of solar coatings on automotive and architectural glazing has enjoyed massive growth. Most solar coatings have metallic silver layers that are highly reflective in the infrared. The silver is deposited over a “wetting” layer which must have a certain level of roughness to prevent agglomeration of the silver and to ensure good adhesion. However, a very smooth wetting layer is beneficial in minimizing haze and improving solar performance. These competing factors make it difficult to deposit a silver layer that promotes both high stability and good adhesion as well as excellent optical and solar properties. The disclosure uses an AgAl/Ag bilayer, which transitions in the composition from silver-aluminum to silver. The bilayer has excellent stability and does not require a rough substrate, thus enabling the use of a smooth high-aluminum-content ZnAlOx wetting layer in providing a coating with superior stability, adhesion, optical, and solar characteristics.
C03C 17/36 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal
4.
LAMINATE WITH LOW REFLECTANCE AT HIGH INCIDENCE ANGLE
As car manufacturers have worked to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, one of the areas where they have been able to make major improvements has been aerodynamics. As most of the drag is the result of the frontal area of the vehicle, the installation angle of the windshield has been getting smaller and smaller to facilitate the smooth displacement of air. One of the drawbacks of this approach is that the light reflected back to the driver by the windshield increases as the installation angle decreases and the incidence angle increases. At high incidence angles, the intensity of the reflection may become objectionable. The invention reduces reflection at high incident angles by means of an anti-reflective layer and a polarization layer.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The invention provides for a coating which when used in conjunction with a p-polarization projector (26) and a windshield mounted such that the angle between projector is at or near the Brewster angle, a sharp image is produced with no ghost image. Further, the coating is suitable for use over the entire area of the windshield, has excellent solar control properties and has a low sheet resistance allowing it to be electrically defrosted at common automotive voltages.
G02B 27/18 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups , for optical projection, e.g. combination of mirror and condenser and objective
Automotive glazing has long been a factor which has frustrated and limited the freedom of automotive designers to embody their vision. The idealized initial design often must be changed and sometimes even radically altered due to the limitations on the shapes of glazing that can be produced due to the methods used to form the glazing. While sheet metal can be formed to just about any conceivable shape, glass is limited to relatively simple large radii cylindrical/spherical shapes. By means of a multi-stage forming method, it is possible to produce glazing with complex curvature, comprising small compound radii with excellent optical quality, that exceed the forming limits and dimensional accuracy of what has previously been possible.
In addition to providing for vision and protection from the external elements, various other features, such as lighting, cameras, sensors and displays have been integrated within automotive glazings Some of these require a laminate with an offset between the edges of at least two of the glass layers to accommodate components and/or connectors. When the edge of one glass layer is offset, such that it is no longer substantially captured by the mounting means used to install the glazing in the vehicle, the mechanical strength is reduced. To compensate, the remaining layer must be made stronger, usually by increasing the thickness. Even when compensated, the security of the glazing remains compromised as the smaller glass layer is not directly connected to the vehicle. If the larger glass layer should break, the opening may be left unprotected. By providing an innovative integrated reinforcement in the offset portion, a secure, stronger and lighter laminate can be obtained.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems
The laminated glazing proposed in this invention has an outer glass layer (201) with holes (20) and a thin inner facing glass layer (202) with shorter length dimension whereas the bottom edge (30) does not have holes on it and which does not overlap with the holes (20) in the outer glass layer (201). One or more retention layers (36), comprising reinforcement and adhesive layers, serve to connect the glazing mounting means (32) to both of the glass layers (201, 202) providing a thin laminated glazing with holes (20) that in the event of failure is retained by the mounting means (32).
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
9.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH ELECTROACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER
One of the problems is the reduction in interior areas and surfaces where various types of devices can be mounted. To address this issue more and more of these devices are being integrated with the glazing. Laminated glazing is especially suitable for thin devices. Today, laminated glazing is produced with heating elements, antennas, lighting, touch sensors, RFID, electronic blinds and other types of devices integrated as a permanent part of the glazing. The invention comprises an automotive laminate with a thin integrated electroacoustic transducer integrated in the glazing.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B08B 7/02 - Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned
B60S 1/02 - Cleaning windscreens, windows, or optical devices
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
10.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH ENHANCED SENSOR WINDOW AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONALITY
The use of camera based automotive safety systems is growing at a rapid rate. As the industry moves towards full autonomous capability, the resolution and number of cameras required is increasing. At the same time windshields, behind which many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex. Achieving acceptable optical quality can be challenging due to continually evolving optical requirements generated by the rapid development of camera systems and processing algorithms as well as variations in the index of refraction, curvature, bend, thickness, and other variables. The laminate of the disclosure has a portion of the inner glass layer removed in the camera field of view and replaced with a high optical quality insert bonded to the glass. This allows for much greater optical quality, while retaining durability and functionality of a standard laminate.
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
Automotive glazing, with electrically controlled light transmittance, has been available for a number of years. Growth has been steady as the public recognizes the added utility provided. While a number of means of implementation are in use, all require a set of electrodes spanning opposite faces of the switchable portion of the glazing. As automotive electronic content has proliferated and the glazed area of the vehicle has increased, it is becoming more and more of a problem finding a suitable location for the controls, for the switchable glazing as well as for other functions. By structuring the electrodes, touch sensitive regions can be formed on the laminate and utilized for control.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
12.
IMPROVED SOLAR COATING, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND GLASS LAMINATE COMPRISING SUCH COATING
As the cost of energy has increased, the use of solar coatings on automotive and architectural glazing has enjoyed massive growth. Most solar coatings have metallic silver layers that are highly reflective in the infrared. The silver is deposited over a "wetting" layer which must have a certain level of roughness to prevent agglomeration of the silver and to ensure good adhesion. However, a very smooth wetting layer is beneficial in minimizing haze and improving solar performance. These competing factors make it difficult to deposit a silver layer that promotes both high stability and good adhesion as well as excellent optical and solar properties. The disclosure uses an AgAl/Ag bilayer, which transitions in the composition from silver-aluminum to silver. The bilayer has excellent stability and does not require a rough substrate, thus enabling the use of a smooth high-aluminum-content ZnAlOx wetting layer in providing a coating with superior stability, adhesion, optical, and solar characteristics.
C03C 17/36 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal
13.
CHEMICALLY STRENGTHENED LAMINATE WITH OBSCURATION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
The use of chemically strengthened glass, which was once only found in low volume specialty applications, is growing as a rapid rate as more and more new applications are found for it. Today, it can be found on the screens of hundreds of millions of smart, phones, tablets, and other devices. The high strength, scratch resistance, light weight and optical clarity also make it an especially attractive material for automotive vehicles where it is just starting to find uses. One of the challenges faced when fabricating an automotive laminate with chemically strengthened glass is in the application of the obscuration needed to hide the mounting adhesive and trim. Conventional black frits are not compatible with the chemical strengthening process. Porous frits, on the contrary, which allow the chemical strengthening to take place, have poor aesthetics. The disclosure provides a process for producing a laminated glazing with at least one chemically strengthened glass layer with a glossy black frit obscuration as well as the laminate itself.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Due to the increased glazed area of modern vehicles, especially the large panoramic glass roofs, we have seen a substantial growth in the use of anti-reflective coatings. Unfortunately, these types of coatings accentuate fingerprints and smudges. The invention provides an automotive glazing which is substantially resistant to fingerprints, and a method of manufacture thereof through the application of an anti-fingerprint coating based on low surface energy silanes.
B32B 15/04 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatingsLayered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
B32B 37/02 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
Laminated automotive glazing, once limited to just the windshield, is finding more and more application in other positions in vehicles due to its ability to reduce weight, as well as to improve passenger safety, security and comfort. Designing a laminate that can serve as a direct replacement for tempered glass can be challenging Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than annealed glass and the lamination process has limitations that are not present with tempered. In particular, it is difficult to produce thin laminated glazing with holes. The laminate of the invention comprises strengthened thin glass layers in combination with laminated inserts to provide a thin laminated glazing with holes that has all of the advantages inherent in a laminate while retaining the reliability and utility of a tempered part and further can serve as a direct replacement for a tempered part.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/06 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for securing layers togetherLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for attaching the product to another member, e.g. to a support
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
An automotive glazing system, comprising: at least one glass layer (2); a plurality of light emitters (10) injecting light into at least a portion of at least one edge of the glazing; a plurality of light detectors (20) measuring simultaneously the intensity of light emitted by each of said plurality of light emitters from at least a portion of at least one edge of the glazing; and at least one processing unit (15) communicably coupled to the automotive glazing, the plurality of light emitters and the plurality of light detectors to: scan periodically the intensity of light received by said plurality of light detectors; store the scanned data; compare new scans with historical data; estimate the presence of contaminants by a drop in intensity at some detectors without an increase at some detectors; and estimate the safety status of the glazing by identifying permanent damage by an increase in intensity at some detectors.
An automotive laminated glazing is provided, comprising an outer glass layer and an inner glass layer, said outer glass layer having a first surface and a second surface and said inner glass layer having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the inner glass layer has a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm and is chemically strengthened, and wherein the fourth surface features a low-e coating, obtainable by chemically strengthening a flat glass pane having a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm, then applying the low-e coating, and finally laminating the flat glass pane to a curved glass pane forming the outer layer, thereby cold bending said flat glass pane.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatingsLayered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
18.
Illuminated laminate with superior aesthetics and brightness
The trend towards increasing the glazed area in automobiles has reduced the potential locations for mounting cabin lighting. This is especially true for vehicles having large panoramic glazing. Attempts to utilize integrated light sources within the glazing have had mixed results. Embedded LEDs in the laminate tend to be too bright for night driving. Edge feed illumination with light dispersing elements on the glass to date have only been able to provide low intensity levels. Both approaches tend to reduce visibility and aesthetics in the off state. The current invention provides a means and a method to produce a laminate which provides bright cabin lighting without compromising the function of the glazing to serve as a window, by creating a light dispersing layer that is substantially invisible when in the off state and very bright in the on state.
F21V 5/04 - Refractors for light sources of lens shape
F21K 9/232 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
H01L 33/44 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the coatings, e.g. passivation layer or anti-reflective coating
H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
Due to the increased glazed area of modern vehicles, especially the large panoramic glass roofs, we have seen a substantial growth in the use solar control glass and coatings. The solar glass compositions and coatings are expensive to manufacture. While solar coatings are more efficient than compositions, they typically cannot be used on monolithic glazing as they are not durable. They must be applied to one of the surfaces on the inside of a laminate. Most of these products also introduce an undesirable color shift. The invention provides a coating that can be used on glass to produce a laminated or monolithic glazing with a neutral gray solar control coating which also has anti-reflective properties and low emissivity.
C03C 17/34 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions
C03C 27/04 - Joining glass to metal by means of an interlayer
C03C 23/00 - Other surface treatment of glass not in the form of fibres or filaments
The trend towards increasing the glazed area of automobiles has reduced the potential locations where cabin lighting can be mounted. This is especially true of vehicles with large panoramic glazing. Methods to utilize integrated lighting means, such as LEDs, within the glazing have been developed. A drawback is that they act as point sources scattering the light over a wide area. Task lighting requires a narrower directed beam. One solution is to attach a beam shaping means to the interior glass surface. This approach adds cost and weight while diminishing the aesthetics of the glazing. The current invention is a laminate which overcomes these limitations by means of a thin, flexible, micro-structured beam shaping layer combined with a lighting means within the laminate which has the added advantage in that it can be manufactured with standard automotive glazing equipment, materials, and processes.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Smart windows, on which the level of visible light transmission can be electrically switched, are produced by laminating a special switchable film between the two layers of a glass laminate The film is made by sandwiching an emulsion containing the switchable variable light transmission active material between a set of electrodes. One of the challenges of producing said laminates is preventing the migration of plasticizers and moisture from the plastic bonding layer of the laminate into the emulsion where it can degrade performance. By applying a sealing member to each electrode layer along the periphery the emulsion is protected and in a manner that facilitates automation of the process.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
The demand for automotive glazings, on which the intensity of the light transmitted can be controlled by the user, has been increasing as the public becomes more aware of the technology. The most common methods employed to make such glazings utilize Suspended Particle Devices (SPD) and Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films. With both, the light transmission of the glazing changes in response to an alternating current electrical field. A problem with this technology is that the voltage required is far higher than that of the typical automotive electrical system. The disclosure provides a touch potential safe, small, lightweight and inexpensive means for controlling the light transmission of multiple glazing circuits by combining a single flyback voltage converter with multiple variable amplitude sinewave generators all coordinated by a micro-controller.
B60J 1/20 - Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds
B60J 3/04 - Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreensSun visors for vehicles adjustable in transparency
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
23.
LAMINATE WITH LOW REFLECTANCE AT HIGH INCIDENCE ANGLE
As car manufacturers have worked to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, one of the areas where they have been able to make major improvements has been aerodynamics. As most of the drag is the result of the frontal area of the vehicle, the installation angle of the windshield has been getting smaller and smaller to facilitate the smooth displacement of air. One of the drawbacks of this approach is that the light reflected back to the driver by the windshield increases as the installation angle decreases and the incidence angle increases. At high incidence angles, the intensity of the reflection may become objectionable. The invention reduces reflection at high incident angles by means of an anti-reflective layer and a polarization layer.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Automotive glazing has long been a factor which has frustrated and limited the freedom of automotive designers to embody their vision. The idealized initial design often must be changed and sometimes even radically altered due to the limitations on the shapes of glazing that can be produced due to the methods used to form the glazing. While sheet metal can be formed to just about any conceivable shape, glass is limited to relatively simple large radii cylindrical/spherical shapes. By means of a multi-stage forming method, it is possible to produce glazing with complex curvature, comprising small compound radii with excellent optical quality, that exceed the forming limits and dimensional accuracy of what has previously been possible.
The invention provides for a coating which when used in conjunction with a p-polarization projector (26) and a windshield mounted such that the angle between projector is at or near the Brewster angle, a sharp image is produced with no ghost image. Further, the coating is suitable for use over the entire area of the windshield, has excellent solar control properties and has a low sheet resistance allowing it to be electrically defrosted at common automotive voltages.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C03C 17/36 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal
C03C 17/40 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal all coatings being metal coatings
The trend towards increasing the glazed area in automobiles has reduced the potential locations for mounting cabin lighting. This is especially true for vehicles having large panoramic glazing. Attempts to utilize integrated light sources within the glazing have had mixed results. Embedded LEDs in the laminate tend to be too bright for night driving. Edge feed illumination with light dispersing elements on the glass to date have only been able to provide low intensity levels. Both approaches tend to reduce visibility and aesthetics in the off state. The current invention provides a means and a method to produce a laminate which provides bright cabin lighting without compromising the function of the glazing to serve as a window, by creating a light dispersing layer that is substantially invisible when in the off state and very bright in the on state.
F21V 5/04 - Refractors for light sources of lens shape
F21K 9/232 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
H01L 33/44 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the coatings, e.g. passivation layer or anti-reflective coating
One of the problems is the reduction in interior areas and surfaces where various types of devices can be mounted. To address this issue more and more of these devices are being integrated with the glazing. Laminated glazing is especially suitable for thin devices. Today, laminated glazing is produced with heating elements, antennas, lighting, touch sensors, RFID, electronic blinds and other types of devices integrated as a permanent part of the glazing. The invention comprises an automotive laminate with a thin integrated electroacoustic transducer integrated in the glazing.
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B60S 1/02 - Cleaning windscreens, windows, or optical devices
The laminated glazing proposed in this invention has an outer glass layer (201) with holes (20) and a thin inner facing glass layer (202) with shorter length dimension whereas the bottom edge (30) does not have holes on it and which does not overlap with the holes (20) in the outer glass layer (201). One or more retention layers (36), comprising reinforcement and adhesive layers, serve to connect the glazing mounting means (32) to both of the glass layers (201, 202) providing a thin laminated glazing with holes (20) that in the event of failure is retained by the mounting means (32).
B32B 3/06 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for securing layers togetherLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for attaching the product to another member, e.g. to a support
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B32B 7/08 - Interconnection of layers by mechanical means
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
29.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH ENHANCED SENSOR WINDOW AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONALITY
The use of camera based automotive safety systems is growing at a rapid rate. As the industry moves towards full autonomous capability, the resolution and number of cameras required is increasing. At the same time windshields, behind which many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex. Achieving acceptable optical quality can be challenging due to continually evolving optical requirements generated by the rapid development of camera systems and processing algorithms as well as variations in the index of refraction, curvature, bend, thickness, and other variables. The laminate of the invention has a portion of the inner glass layer removed in the camera field of view and replaced with a high optical quality insert bonded to the glass. This allows for much greater optical quality, while retaining durability and functionality of a standard laminate.
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Method for manufacturing a flush vehicle glazing that allows to achieve a perfect alignment between the adjacent sections of the glazing vehicle area in the final assembled product by providing a vehicle glass panel which comprise at least two adjacent sections of the vehicle glazing area in one single panel, followed by bending the vehicle glass panel and LASER cutting before cooling thereof.
Glass laminates, comprising more than one glass composition, are becoming increasingly common as the industry moves towards lighter and stronger glazing. Bending dissimilar glass compositions can present problems. A mismatch in the glass viscosity curves, especially in the viscoelastic region of the compositions can result in one layer becoming softer than one of the other layers during the thermal bending process. As a result, economical processes, such as gravity or press bending in which multiple glass layers are simultaneously bent, may not be practical to use forcing the use of more expensive single glass layer bending processes. By thermal treatment processes the fictive temperature of at least one of the glass compositions prior to bending can be shifted to better match the other compositions allowing the glass layers to be simultaneously bent.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
The use of camera based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. As the industry moves for full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required is increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted are becoming larger and more complex in shape. This presents problems in the area of camera optics. For one, the camera is looking out through at least two layers of bent glass bonded together by a third layer of plastic. Mismatches in the refractive index can result in a double image. The curvature of the glass turns the window into a lens and, in conjunction with the often low installation angle, can reduce the optical clarity of the camera field of view. The laminate of the invention has a cutout in the area of the camera(s) on the interior glass layer where the cameras are mounted.
B60R 11/04 - Mounting of cameras operative during driveArrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Automotive glazing, with electrically controlled light transmittance, has been available for a number of years. Growth has been steady as the public recognizes the added utility provided. While a number of means of implementation are in use, all require a set of electrodes spanning opposite faces of the switchable portion of the glazing. As automotive electronic content has proliferated and the glazed area of the vehicle has increased, it is becoming more and more of a problem finding a suitable location for the controls, for the switchable glazing as well as for other functions. By structuring the electrodes, touch sensitive regions can be formed on the laminate and utilized for control.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
34.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH WEIGHT REDUCTION AND MECHANICAL STRENGTH ENHANCEMENT
In addition to providing for vision and protection from the external elements, various other features, such as lighting, cameras, sensors and displays have been integrated within automotive glazings. Some of these require a laminate with an offset between the edges of at least two of the glass layers to accommodate components and/or connectors. When the edge of one glass layer is offset, such that it is no longer substantially captured by the mounting means used to install the glazing in the vehicle, the mechanical strength is reduced. To compensate, the remaining layer must be made stronger, usually by increasing the thickness. Even when compensated, the security of the glazing remains compromised as the smaller glass layer is not directly connected to the vehicle. If the larger glass layer should break, the opening may be left unprotected. By providing an innovative integrated reinforcement in the offset portion, a secure, stronger and lighter laminate can be obtained.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Laminated automotive glazing, once limited to just the windshield, is finding more and more application in other positions in vehicles due to its ability to reduce weight, as well as to improve passenger safety, security and comfort. Designing a laminate that can serve as a direct replacement for tempered glass can be challenging. Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than annealed glass and the lamination process has limitations that are not present with tempered. In particular, it is difficult to produce thin laminated glazing with holes. The laminate of the invention comprises strengthened thin glass layers in combination with laminated inserts to provide a thin laminated glazing with holes that has all of the advantages inherent in a laminate while retaining the reliability and utility of a tempered part and further can serve as a direct replacement for a tempered part.
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/06 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for securing layers togetherLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for attaching the product to another member, e.g. to a support
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
36.
AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING WITH NEUTRAL COLOR SOLAR CONTROL COATING
Due to the increased glazed area of modern vehicles, especially the large panoramic glass roofs, we have seen a substantial growth in the use solar control glass and coatings. The solar glass compositions and coatings are expensive to manufacture. While solar coatings are more efficient than compositions, they typically cannot be used on monolithic glazing as they are not durable. They must be applied to one of the surfaces on the inside of a laminate. Most of these products also introduce an undesirable color shift. The invention provides a coating that can be used on glass to produce a laminated or monolithic glazing with a neutral gray solar control coating which also has anti-reflective properties and low emissivity.
C03C 17/36 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions at least one coating being a metal
C03C 27/10 - Joining glass to glass by processes other than fusing with the aid of adhesive specially adapted for that purpose
B32B 17/00 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like
Due to the increased glazed area of modern vehicles, especially the large panoramic glass roofs, we have seen a substantial growth in the use of anti-reflective coatings. Unfortunately, these types of coatings accentuate fingerprints and smudges. The invention provides an automotive glazing which is substantially resistant to fingerprints, and a method of manufacture thereof through the application of an anti-fingerprint coating based on low surface energy silanes.
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C03C 17/30 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with organic material with silicon-containing compounds
38.
LAMINATE WITH LOW-E COATING ON THIN CHEMICALLY STRENGTHENED GLASS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
An automotive laminated glazing is provided, comprising an outer glass layer and an inner glass layer, said outer glass layer having a first surface and a second surface and said inner glass layer having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the inner glass layer has a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm and is chemically strengthened, and wherein the fourth surface features a low-e coating, obtainable by chemically strengthening a flat glass pane having a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm, then applying the low-e coating, and finally laminating the flat glass pane to a curved glass pane forming the outer layer, thereby cold bending said flat glass pane.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
A switchable laminated glazing comprising two stacks of components with different lamination parameters, a first stack of components which provides the mechanical protection of the glazing, and a second stack of components with variable light transmission.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B60J 3/00 - Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreensSun visors for vehicles
Vehicle glazing, which once served just to provide for vision and protect from the elements, has been taking on new functions as the complexity and functionality of modern automobiles has evolved. Performance films and interlayers are often used to add to and enhance the functionality of laminates. These functions include solar control, sound dampening, head up display and variable light transmittance. Recent advances have made it possible to produce electronic circuits on thin transparent substrates that are essentially invisible under normal lighting conditions. While these circuits can be inserted into the laminate and successfully laminated, the edges of the circuit insert are prone to objectionable aesthetics due to mismatch between the substrate and the interlayer index of refraction, thickness and color. The present invention compensates the edge of the solid insert by providing a sheet of a compatible compensation material that the substrate of the insert and which extends to at least the black band or the edge of glass of the laminate making the insert edge essentially invisible.
B32B 3/24 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by an apertured layer, e.g. of expanded metal
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B60K 35/00 - Instruments specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
B60S 1/02 - Cleaning windscreens, windows, or optical devices
41.
Automotive laminate camera heating system with low distortion
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in automobiles where they are used to provide lane departure warning, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and other functions. As the industry moves towards full autonomous capability, the number of cameras and the resolution are increasing. For proper operation, the cameras require a clear undistorted field of view. Keeping the camera area free of snow and ice has been a problem. A resistive heating circuit is typically used to keep the area clear. For rapid clearing the circuit needs to operate at a high-power level. Due to the temperature dependent index of refraction of the plastic interlayer, severe distortion can result from the non-isothermal heating resulting from the spacing of the circuit elements. The laminate of the invention reduces distortion by removing the interlayer in the camera field of view and replacing with a plastic having a more temperature stable index of refraction.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
42.
Laminated glazing with a step-shaped functional portion
A laminated glazing with at least one step-shaped functional portion comprising two stack of components, the main stack of components in which the alteration of its properties is not desirable, and a second stack of components comprising a functional layer.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Smart windows, on which the level of visible light transmission can be electrically switched, are produced by laminating a special switchable film between the two layers of a glass laminate. The film is made by sandwiching an emulsion containing the switchable variable light transmission active material between a set of electrodes. One of the challenges of producing said laminates is preventing the migration of plasticizers and moisture from the plastic bonding layer of the laminate into the emulsion where it can degrade performance. By applying a sealing member to each electrode layer along the periphery the emulsion is protected and in a manner that facilitates automation of the process.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
It is now possible to economically produce, in series production, automotive glazing that has complex small radii feature lines (30). Such feature lines (30) are desirable as they can improve the stiffness of the glazing as well as contribute to the overall aesthetic and differentiation of the vehicle, allowing body lines to blend into and continue in the glazing. However, traditional automotive laminating methods do not lend themselves well to this type of product. Typically, the offset between the mating surfaces of the laminate must be very uniform. Such uniformity is difficult to achieve when producing small radii features. Rather than bending multiple layers with small radii feature lines that can be nested and subsequently laminated using standard plastic automotive interlayers, the invention makes use of a two part method for laminating, a dry lamination process and a wet lamination process, which requires only that the feature lines (30) be present in the outer glass layer (201).
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The use of camera based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. As the industry moves towards vehicles with full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. This presents problems in the area of camera optics. Variations in the thickness of the glass and the plastic layer, surface mismatch, surface texture and the design curvature of the glass in conjunction with the often low installation angle, can reduce the optical clarity of the camera optics. These optical aberrations are further exacerbated during the lamination process when the layers are bonded together under pressure. The laminate of the invention utilizes a cutout in the plastic bonding layer in side of the laminate, preferable in the camera field of view. A laminating resin is used to fill the gap left by the cutout between the two glass layers.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
C03B 25/02 - Annealing glass products in a discontinuous way
C03C 21/00 - Treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by diffusing ions or metals into the surface
46.
Vehicle glazing having a sharply curved portion and the method for bending
The present invention discloses a vehicle glazing having a sharply curved portion and the method for bending such glazing. The sharply curved portion of the glass may extend along the surface of the glass. The sharply curved portion is obtained by locally heating by means of a laser source, heating the portion of the glass to a temperature sufficiently high enough to allow said portion of glass to bend. In preferred embodiments, the sharply curved portion comprises a first bent portion described by a first radius and a second bent portion described by a second radius, wherein the point where the radiuses of the first and second bent portions change their orientation generate an inflection point. The radius of curvature of the first and second bent portions is of less than 150 mm.
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C03B 23/025 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by gravity
C03B 23/03 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
C03B 23/035 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending using a gas cushion or by changing gas pressure, e.g. by applying vacuum
A vehicle glazing with improved stiffness having a modified structure which comprises at least one stiffening portion, wherein each portion is a recessed portion and/or a raised portion, and wherein each portion has at least a portion of its contour being sharply curved.
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
48.
SWITCHABLE LAMINATED GLAZING WITH IMPROVED BUS BAR
A switchable laminated glazing with improved bus bar that solves the problem of inhomogeneities and reduce the cost of its fabrication by providing a laminated glazing that comprise a switchable layer (14) that has an active material sandwiched between two conductive coated plastic layers (8), at least two bus bars (20) in electrical contact with the respective conductive coated plastic layer (8), and at least two pliable conductive media (12), each of them between the respective coated plastic layer (8) and bus bar (20). The area covered by pliable conductive medias (12) is substantially less than the area covered by bus bars (20). The invention provides an improved lower cost bus bar by sparing use of a pliable conductive media and by using a pliable conductive media in different kind of configurations.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
Laminated glazings with embedded wire circuits, have many uses. But, due to the higher cost of manufacture, they are not widely used. This invention provides a process to reduce the cost of production for embedded wire laminated glazing. Rather than embedding the wire one interlayer at a time, several circuits are produced on the same sheet, cut out and then inserted into the interlayer of each separate laminate during assembly, reducing the direct labor and capital investment required.
G02F 1/1334 - Constructional arrangements based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
C09K 11/02 - Use of particular materials as binders, particle coatings or suspension media therefor
G02F 1/17 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on variable-absorption elements not provided for in groups
G02F 1/157 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
B60J 1/02 - WindowsWindscreensAccessories therefor arranged at the vehicle front
H05B 3/86 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material
B60R 16/023 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
50.
ILLUMINATED LAMINATE WITH SUPERIOR AESTHETICS AND BRIGHTNESS
The trend towards increasing the glazed area in automobiles has reduced the potential locations for mounting cabin lighting. This is especially true for vehicles having large panoramic glazings. Attempts to utilize integrated light sources within the glazing have had mixed results. Embedded LEDs in the laminate tend to be too bright for night driving. Edge feed illumination with light dispersing elements on the glass to date have only been able to provide low intensity levels. Both approaches tend to reduce visibility and aesthetics in the off state. The current invention provides a means and a method to produce a laminate which provides bright cabin lighting without compromising the function of the glazing to serve as a window, by creating a light dispersing layer that is substantially invisible when in the off state and very bright in the on state.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G02B 6/00 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
Strengthened glass substrates with glass fits and methods for forming the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a glass frit with a coefficient of thermal expansion less than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the glass substrate where it is going to be painted. The glass frit of the present invention has similar ion exchange properties to the glass substrate that is going to be used to paint with the glass frit allowing the glass substrate to be ion-exchanged. The glass frit of the present invention is mixed with an organic carrier.
Black enamel frit obscurations are commonly printed on laminated and tempered automotive safety glazing where they serve to hide the adhesive used to bind the glazing to the automotive body and to protect the adhesive from ultraviolet radiation. However, frit has a number of drawbacks. Frit weakens the surface of the glass. It can create distortion in the glass due to thermal gradients. Printed frit obscurations are incompatible and cannot be used with many types of coatings. Standard frit blocks ion exchange and cannot be used with the chemical tempering process. In addition, while many types of frits are available for printing on soda-lime glass, there are very few, if any, for non-soda lime glass. As the market moves towards thinner and lighter glazing, non-soda lime glass types are finding increasing application in automotive glazing. These limitations are overcome by replacing the printed black obscuration with an obscuration formed from a thin sheet of plastic, which is integrated into the laminate. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 5/14 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
The use of camera based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. As the industry moves for full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required is increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted are 5 becoming larger and more complex in shape. This presents problems in the area of camera optics. For one, the camera is looking out through at least two layers of bent glass bonded together by a third layer of plastic. Mismatches in the refractive index can result in a double image. The curvature of the glass turns the window into a lens and, in conjunction with the often low installation angle, can reduce the optical clarity of the camera field of view. The 0 laminate of the invention has a cutout in the area of the camera(s) on the interior glass layer where the cameras are mounted. The cameras are mounted directly to the glass via a bracket or adhesive or to a thin transparent insert. The glass can also be fitted with a lens system optically bonded to the glass for even better performance. The result is a laminated glazing with superior optical quality.
B60R 11/04 - Mounting of cameras operative during driveArrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
54.
Opaque laminated vehicle roof with panoramic glazed appearance
The laminated glass panoramic roof is a popular although expensive option offered on a growing number of automobiles. Much of its appeal comes from the sleek modern appearance that it gives to the vehicle. The opaque laminated vehicle roof, by removing vision and optical requirements can be produced at a lower cost. The opaque laminated roof, by retaining a glass outer surface, maintains the same exterior appearance, aesthetic and much of the appeal of a conventional laminated glass panoramic roof. The opaque laminated vehicle roof also allows for the use of alternate materials which can further reduce cost and weight while adding additional features such as installation hardware, fasteners, lighting, antennas and solar cells to the roof.
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 15/18 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising iron or steel
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B62D 29/04 - Superstructures characterised by material thereof predominantly of synthetic material
B60Q 3/74 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiorsLighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lightingArrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiorsLighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps
B60Q 1/44 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating braking action
B60Q 1/34 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction
55.
Glass laminate with inlay obscuration having superior strength and optical quality
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. As the industry moves towards vehicles with full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. However, the optical quality of the windshield is less than optimal. One of the problems is caused by the typical black enamel frit that is printed on the glass, prior to heating and bending, to hide or obscure the camera hardware. The abrupt thermal gradients during bending, caused by the heat absorbing black frit, result in a high level of distortion in the camera field of view. The object of this invention is to provide laminated automotive glazing having an obscuration area produced by creating an obscuration after heating and bending the glass by removing a portion of the plastic interlayer glass in or near the camera field of view (camera obscuration) or/and in the edges of the windshield (black band) and replacing it with an inlay made of a substantially opaque plastic or other suitable material in or near the camera field of view (camera obscuration) or/and in the edges of the windshield (black band) rather than printing and firing an enamel frit on the glass. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
The price and performance of LED lighting have reached the point where LEDs are displacing more traditional lighting. Even though LED lifetimes are as high as 50,000 hours, they are still being designed as replaceable bulbs rather than being integrated as a permanent part of the lighting assembly. The invention provides for a means of economically producing laminated glass with integrated LED lighting designed to last the life of the vehicle. This is done by embedding the LED die into the plastic layer used to bond the glass layers of a laminate together, forming an embedded wire circuit from thin high tensile strength Tungsten wire to power the LEDs and by utilizing machine tool technology originally developed to produce integrated circuit assemblies such as RFID ID cards, tickets and passports.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
E06B 3/66 - Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together, e.g. along the edges
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
Laminated glazing, once limited to just the windshield, is finding more and more application in other positions on the vehicle due to its ability to improve passenger safety, security and comfort. Problems are encountered when producing a laminated version of a tempered part with holes, because tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than annealed glass. The laminate of the invention has a hole in the exterior glass layer. An insert is bonded to a cutout in the area of the hole on the interior glass layer so as to reinforce the hole and distribute the load over a wider area. The result is a laminated glazing with one or more holes that has the reliability of and is a direct replacement for a tempered part.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Improved automotive security has led to an increase in carjacking and smash and grab crimes. Tempered glass offers little resistant to attacks. Laminated glass improves penetration resistance but only by several seconds. By including a stiff frame in the laminate and a plastic interior 5 layer, the present invention significantly increases the amount of time that an occupant has to react and possibly escape an attack by driving off or for the attack to be detected. In the event of an accident, the invention also provides improved occupant retention, especially for movable glass that is not bonded to the vehicle.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
59.
LAMINATED GLAZING WITH A SWITCHABLE LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER
A switchable laminated glazing comprising two stacks of components with different lamination parameters, a first stack of components which provides the mechanical protection of the glazing, and a second stack of components with variable light transmission.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Glass laminates, comprising more than one glass composition, are becoming increasingly common as the industry moves towards lighter and stronger glazing. Bending dissimilar glass compositions can present problems. A mismatch in the glass viscosity curves, especially in the viscoelastic region of the compositions can result in one layer becoming softer than one of the other layers during the thermal bending process. As a result, economical processes, such as gravity or press bending in which multiple glass layers are simultaneously bent, may not be practical to use forcing the use of more expensive single glass layer bending processes. By thermal treatment processes the fictive temperature of at least one of the glass compositions prior to bending can be shifted to better match the other compositions allowing the glass layers to be simultaneously bent.
Method for manufacturing a flush vehicle glazing that allows to achieve a perfect alignment between the adjacent sections of the glazing vehicle area in the final assembled product by providing a vehicle glass panel which comprise at least two adjacent sections of the vehicle glazing area in one single panel, followed by bending the vehicle glass panel and LASER cutting before cooling thereof.
The present invention discloses inorganic paints that comprises a Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) lower or equal to the glasses where the inorganic paint is being applied. The inorganic paint can be painted over any glass substrate, where the inorganic paint has a chemical formulation tailoring the CTE of the paint that does not significantly affect the stress profiles of the glass, does not generate fracture, and provides adequate aesthetic properties to the glass substrate. A glass including the inorganic paint of the invention is also described.
C03C 17/04 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with glass by fritting glass powder
C03C 8/02 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
C03C 8/04 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form containing zinc
C03C 4/02 - Compositions for glass with special properties for coloured glass
C03C 3/064 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight containing boron
C03C 3/066 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight containing boron containing zinc
C09D 1/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, based on inorganic substances
63.
LAMINATED GLAZING WITH A STEP-SHAPED FUNCTIONAL PORTION
A laminated glazing with at least one step-shaped functional portion comprising two stack of components, the main stack of components in which the alteration of its properties is not desirable, and a second stack of components comprising a functional layer.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
An armored window with lateral confinement comprising an armored laminate and a lateral confinement which surrounds the lateral sides of the armored laminate. The lateral confinement improves the ballistic resistance of said armored laminate by pre-stressing it.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The present invention discloses an automotive switchable glazing that changes the visible and near infrared light transmittance properties of the glazing with passive materials. Opposite to expensive technology such as active switchable materials, the 5 level of darkness of the thermochromic materials of the present invention can be dynamically controlled by means of including thermochromic materials placed in contact with any of the interior surfaces of the outer or the inner glass layers, in combination with a plastic layer placed in contact with any of the interior surfaces of the outer or the inner glass layers. The visible light transmittance of the automotive 10 switchable glazing of the present invention ranges from 0.1% to 10% in the visible spectrum. Likewise, the near infrared light transmittance is between 20% to 80% in the near infrared spectrum.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
66.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH INVISIBLE HEATING AND HIGH RED RATIO FOR CAMERA DEFROSTER
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in automobiles where they provide lane departure warning, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and other functions. For proper operation, the cameras require a clear undistorted field of view. Keeping the camera area free of snow and ice has been a problem. The lines widths of printed silver frit defroster circuits can interfere with the camera function. Transparent conductive solar control coatings and films can be used but they often result is a poor red ratio. Thin embedded wire defrosters are invisible for all practical purposes but are expensive and difficult to connect electrically. The invention provides an invisible defroster circuit that can be inexpensively produced by applying the circuit to the inside surface of glass rather than imbedding within the laminate.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
H05B 3/86 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material
The increase in the electronic content of automotive glazing has expanded, from just components that are mounted to the glass, to components which are an integral permanent part of the glass. Some examples include antennas, sensors, LED lighting, displays and defroster circuits. Laminates comprising these and other thin components are becoming more common. Electrical connections are usually accomplished by means of a notch in the glass, extended to the edge, or with a thin flat lead that is brought out at the edge of glass. Both methods present drawbacks. Holes in laminated glass have not typically been used due to their tendency to break during the bending and lamination process as well as in service. The method of the invention creates holes in the glass with minimal surface damage and then seals the holes restoring the surface to near its original integrity and strength.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
H05B 3/86 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material
The increase in the electronic content of automotive glazing has expanded, from just components mounted to the glass, to components which are an integral permanent part of the glass. One component, which is becoming more and more common, is the camera. The use of camera-based safety systems, requiring a wide field of view and a high level of optical clarity, is growing at a rapid rate. As the industry moves towards full autonomous capability, the number of cameras and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. The windshield, as an integral part of the camera lens system, is less than optimal. The light has to pass through layers of glass and plastic leading to distortion, attenuation, color shift and double image as well as calibration issues. The effects of the windshield on the optical quality are mitigated by the invention by integrating the camera into the laminate.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
69.
AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE CAMERA HEATING SYSTEM WITH LOW DISTORTION
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in automobiles where they are used to provide lane departure warning, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and other functions. As the industry moves towards full autonomous capability, the number of cameras and the resolution are increasing. For proper operation, the cameras require a clear undistorted field of view. Keeping the camera area free of snow and ice has been a problem. A resistive heating circuit is typically used to keep the area clear. For rapid clearing the circuit needs to operate at a high-power level. Due to the temperature dependent index of refraction of the plastic interlayer, severe distortion can result from the non-isothermal heating resulting from the spacing of the circuit elements. The laminate of the invention reduces distortion by removing the interlayer in the camera field of view and replacing with a plastic having a more temperature stable index of refraction.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Heated windshields, which utilize a transparent conductive coating, are increasing in popularity due to the rapid deice defog action and higher efficiency of such products. With the limited waste heat available in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, cabin heating and defrosting must be done with electric power. One of the problems in designing a heated windshield is hiding the busbars from view for the exterior of the vehicle. This is especially a problem when the coating is on the inner surface of the exterior glass layer which is the preferred embodiment for both solar control and defrosting. The normal black obscuration cannot be applied over the coating and it is very expensive to first paint and then coat the glass. The invention makes use of a thin conductive layer placed between the bus bars and the coating which serves to hide the bus bars from view providing a glazing with an improved aesthetic.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
H05B 3/84 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
Method for strengthening and bending glass sheets, wherein a saturated saline solution is applied to glass sheets, followed by a rapid temperature change, allowing the salt to 5 precipitate. The glass sheets are then evenly coated with a recrystallized salt. Subsequently, the glass sheets are ion exchanged and bent at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.
The present invention discloses a vehicle glazing having a sharply curved portion and the method for bending such glazing. The sharply curved portion of the glass may extend along the surface of the glass. The sharply curved portion is obtained by locally heating by means of a laser source, heating the portion of the glass to a temperature sufficiently high enough to allow said portion of glass to bend. In preferred embodiments, the sharply curved portion comprises a first bent portion described by a first radius and a second bent portion described by a second radius, wherein the point where the radiuses of the first and second bent portions change their orientation generate an inflection point. The radius of curvature of the first and second bent portions is of less than 150 mm.
C03B 23/03 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
A vehicle glazing with improved stiffness having a modified structure which comprises at least one stiffening portion, wherein each portion is a recessed portion and/or a raised portion, and wherein each portion has at least a portion of its contour being sharply curved.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
C03B 23/03 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
74.
LAMINATE WITH HIGH RESISTANCE TO ABRASION AND WEATHERING
As the automotive industry moves towards full autonomous vehicles, one of the leading enabling technologies to emerge has been camera-based vision. The ideal location for the main cameras is near the top center of the windshield. This give a broad forward field of view and the existing wiper and defroster systems can be used to keep the field of view clear. However, the optical quality of the typical soda-lime windshield degrades over time as the surface of glass reacts with the elements and is abraded by the wipers, dust and debris. A small chip, that would normally not be a problem anywhere else in the windshield, requires replacement or repair of the windshield if it is in the camera area. The laminate of the invention replaces the outer glass layer with one that is substantially more resistance to abrasion and weathering than standard soda-lime glass resulting in improved optical durability.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
75.
LAMINATED GLAZING HAVING A FUNCTIONAL LAYER WITH IMPROVED LOW TEMPERATURE RESPONSE
Functional layers do not have a good performance at lower temperatures. This limitation is overcoming by combining the functional layers with a resistive heating circuit. The heating circuit uses minimal power to maintain the glazing at or above the temperature required for acceptable operation.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
76.
INVISIBLE EDGE SOLID SUBSTRATE COMPENSATION LAYER FOR AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING
Vehicle glazing, which once served just to provide for vision and protect from the elements, has been taking on new functions as the complexity and functionality of modern automobiles has evolved. Performance films and interlayers are often used to add to and enhance the functionality of laminates. These functions include solar control, sound dampening, head up display and variable light transmittance. Recent advances have made it possible to produce electronic circuits on thin transparent substrates that are essentially invisible under normal lighting conditions. While these circuits can be inserted into the laminate and successfully laminated, the edges of the circuit insert are prone to objectionable aesthetics due to mismatch between the substrate and the interlayer index of refraction, thickness and color. The present invention compensates the edge of the solid insert by providing a sheet of a compatible compensation material that the substrate of the insert and which extends to at least the black band or the edge of glass of the laminate making the insert edge essentially invisible.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
77.
GLASS LAMINATE WITH INLAY OBSCURATION HAVING SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND OPTICAL QUALITY
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. As the industry moves towards vehicles with full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. However, the optical quality of the windshield is less than optimal. One of the problems is caused by the typical black enamel frit that is printed on the glass, prior to heating and bending, to hide or obscure the camera hardware. The abrupt thermal gradients during bending, caused by the heat absorbing black frit, result in a high level of distortion in the camera field of view. The object of this invention is to provide a laminated automotive glazing having an obscuration area produced by creating an obscuration after heating and bending the glass by removing a portion of the plastic interlayer glass in or near the camera field of view (camera obscuration) or/and in the edges of the windshield (black band) and replacing it with an inlay made of a substantially opaque plastic or other suitable material in or near the camera field of view (camera obscuration) or/and in the edges of the windshield (black band) rather than printing and firing an enamel frit on the glass. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
Strengthened glass substrates with glass fits and methods for forming the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a glass frit with a coefficient of thermal expansion less than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the glass substrate where it is going to be painted. The glass frit of the present invention has similar ion exchange properties to the glass substrate that is going to be used to paint with the glass frit allowing the glass substrate to be ion-exchanged. The glass frit of the present invention is mixed with an organic carrier.
C03C 3/087 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing aluminium oxide or an iron compound containing an oxide of a divalent metal containing calcium oxide, e.g. common sheet or container glass
C03C 3/097 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing phosphorus, niobium or tantalum
C03C 8/02 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
C03C 8/08 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form containing phosphorus
C03C 8/16 - Glass frit mixtures having non-frit additions, e.g. opacifiers, colorants, mill additions with vehicle or suspending agents, e.g. slip
C03C 17/04 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with glass by fritting glass powder
C03C 21/00 - Treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by diffusing ions or metals into the surface
79.
GLASS LAMINATE WITH THIN INSERT OBSCURATION HAVING SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND OPTICAL QUALITY
Black enamel frit obscurations are commonly printed on laminated and tempered automotive safety glazing where they serve to hide the adhesive used to bind the glazing to the automotive body and to protect the adhesive from ultraviolet radiation. However, frit has a number of drawbacks. Frit weakens the surface of the glass. It can create distortion in the glass due to thermal gradients. Printed frit obscurations are incompatible and cannot be used with many types of coatings. Standard frit blocks ion exchange and cannot be used with the chemical tempering process. In addition, while many types of frits are available for printing on soda-lime glass, there are very few, if any, for non-soda lime glass. As the market moves towards thinner and lighter glazing, non-soda lime glass types are finding increasing application in automotive glazing. These limitations are overcome by replacing the printed black obscuration with an obscuration formed from a thin sheet of plastic, which is integrated into the laminate. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
80.
LAMINATE WITH PRINTED OBSCURATION HAVING SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND OPTICAL QUALITY
The use of camera-based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. As the industry moves towards vehicles with full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. However, the optical quality of the windshield is less than optimal. One of the problems is caused by the typical black enamel frit that is printed on the glass, prior to heating and bending, to hide or obscure the camera hardware. The abrupt thermal gradients during bending, caused by the heat absorbing black frit, result a high level of distortion in the camera field of view. The object of this invention is to provide a laminated automotive glazing having an obscuration area produced by creating an obscuration, after heating and bending of the glass, by printing the obscuration on one or more of the surfaces of the bent glass in or near the camera field of view (camera obscuration) or / and in the edges of the windshield (black band) rather than printing and firing an enamel frit on the glass. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Method of strengthening a glass substrate, in which a saturated saline solution is applied to a glass substrate, followed by a rapid temperature change, allowing the salt to precipitate. The glass substrate is then evenly coated with a recrystallized salt. Subsequently, the glass substrate is ion exchanged at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.
The present invention relates to a transparent armored laminate comprising a plurality of tiles placed side by side to form a layer of armored tiles having an outer surface facing outside of a protected space and an inner surface facing the inside of the protected space. Each tile is formed by an upper base, a lower base and non-perpendicular lateral ends. The array of tiles is configured in different ways, for example, joined by means of at least two lateral ends to form the external layer.
The present invention relates to a special array of materials of a transparent armored composition, for transportation and architectural applications. The materials are layered and can be made of different organic or inorganic materials including glass, glass-ceramic, polymeric materials, transparent ceramic, monocrystal. The layered materials are plastic bonded together by a polymeric material, wherein weak spots are patterned at the surface or embedded within the volume of any of the layers of the laminated armor, improving the behavior upon multi-hit attacks. This behavior is obtained by creating a pattern of weaknesses either at the surface or embedded within the volume of any of the layers of the laminated armor. The weakened pattern can be obtained by different processes, including but not limited to ion-exchange, thermal tempering, scratching/abrasion and laser. The laminated structure benefits from the heterogeneous layers by offering good visibility before and after as well as better performance against multi-hit penetration.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
F41H 5/04 - Plate construction composed of more than one layer
The use of camera based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. As the industry moves towards vehicles with full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required and the resolution of the cameras are both increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted, are becoming larger and more complex in shape. This presents problems in the area of camera optics. Variations in the thickness of the glass and the plastic layer, surface mismatch, surface texture and the design curvature of the glass in conjunction with the often low installation angle, can reduce the optical clarity of the camera optics. These optical aberrations are further exacerbated during the lamination process when the layers are bonded together under pressure. The laminate of the invention utilizes a cutout in the plastic bonding layer in side of the laminate, preferable in the camera field of view. A laminating resin is used to fill the gap left by the cutout between the two glass layers.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Glazing mounting systems, that make use of an adhesive to bond the glazing to a vehicle opening, require an obscuration to hide the adhesive from view and to protect the adhesive from ultra-violet radiation. An enamel ink is typically used to print the obscuration on the glass. However, glass with certain types of coatings and glass which will be chemically tempered is not compatible with enamel frits. Organic inks can be used but are expensive, difficult to work with and not as durable as an enamel frit. The obscuration of the present invention is produced by replacing the printed obscuration with an insert, which serves the same function of an obscuration printed on the glass, which is laminated as a part of the glazing.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
86.
METHOD FOR BENDING AND LAMINATING THIN GLASS WITH COVER PLATE
Thin glass is finding increasing application in laminates. However, conventional processing methods have short coming when applied to very thin glass. This invention provides for an improved method of bending and laminating thin glass. Multiple sheets of thin glass are stacked onto a single mold. A cover plate, comprising a sheet of thicker glass, is placed over the sheets of thin glass. As the glass is heated the added mass of the cover plate aids in bending. The bent cover plate of glass can also be used as a pressing plate in the lamination process to prevent wrinkles during lamination. The cover plate can be made of a glass composition having a lower glass transition point than the thin glass and/or of an infrared absorbing composition.
C03B 23/03 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The production of bullet resistant glazing tends to be labor intense as compared to typical non-BRG glazing. Many steps are required to assemble and laminate the multiple layers required and production volumes tend to be low as well. By producing large laminates and subsequently cutting small to medium sized parts from the larger sheet and through the use of a cold edge sealing method, the labor is greatly reduced and throughput is greatly increased.
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
Thin glass is finding increasing application in laminates. However, conventional processing methods have short coming when applied to very thin glass. This invention provides for an improved method of laminating thin glass. A male full surface pressing plate, comprising a bent sheet of glass, is used in the lamination process to prevent wrinkles and other defects. The pressing plate is formed by conventional glass bending methods.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The laminated glass panoramic roof is a popular option offered on a growing number of automobiles. Much of its appeal comes from the open airy feel that it imparts upon the cabin and the sleek modern appearance that it gives to the vehicle. However, as the quantity, brightness and the size of instrument and information displays has increased reflected light, from the panoramic roof, has become more and more of a concern. The invention, through the application of glass surface treatments in combination with glass compositions and plastic interlayers, significantly reduces these reflections improving the interior aesthetic of the laminate.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The price and performance of LED lighting have reached the point where LEDs are displacing more traditional lighting. Even though LED lifetimes are as high as 50,000 hours, they are still being designed as replaceable bulbs rather than being integrated as a permanent part of the lighting assembly. The invention provides for a means of economically producing laminated glass with integrated LED lighting designed to last the life of the vehicle. This is done by embedding the LED die into the plastic layer used to bond the glass layers of a laminate together, forming an embedded wire circuit from thin high tensile strength Tungsten wire to power the LEDs and by utilizing machine tool technology originally developed to produce integrated circuit assemblies such as RFID ID cards, tickets and passports.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
91.
METHOD FOR BENDING AND LAMINATING THIN GLASS WITH PRESSING PLATE
Thin glass is finding increasing application in laminates. However, conventional processing methods have short coming when applied to very thin glass. The present invention provides for an improved method of bending and laminating thin glass layers. The present invention allows to multiple sheets or layers of thin glass to get stacked onto a single mold. A male full surface pressing plate, comprising a bent sheet of thicker glass, is placed over the sheets of thin glass. As the glass is heated the added mass of the pressing plate aids in bending. The pressing plate can also be used in the lamination process to prevent wrinkles during laminate. The pressing plate is comprised of a glass composition having a higher glass transition point than the thin glass such that the pressing plate will not soften or deform as the thin glass is bent. The pressing plate is formed by conventional glass bending methods.
C03B 23/03 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Laminated glazings with embedded wire circuits, have many uses. But, due to the higher cost of manufacture, they are not widely used. This invention provides a process to reduce the cost of production for embedded wire laminated glazing. Rather than embedding the wire one interlayer at a time, several circuits are produced on the same sheet, cut out and then inserted into the interlayer of each separate laminate during assembly, reducing the direct labor and capital investment required.
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
B29C 70/82 - Forcing wires, nets or the like partially or completely into the surface of an article, e.g. by cutting and pressing
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
H05B 3/86 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material
93.
TRIPLE LAYER AUTOMOTIVE LAMINATE WITH IMPROVED ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE
As the use of laminated glass in vehicles has extended beyond just the windshield, the total glazed area and size of the glass parts has been increasing. It is also noted that the thickness of the glass decreasing with the introduction of new technologies such as chemical tempering being used as the automotive OEMs strive to reduce weight to improve efficiency. Unfortunately, as the mass of the glazing decreases and the area increases, the sound dampening ability of the glazing decreases. The invention substantially improves acoustic performance by distributing the mass of the laminated glass across three equivalent layers rather than just two as in a conventional laminate.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
Improved automotive security has led to an increase in carjacking and smash and grab crimes. Tempered glass offers little resistant to attacks. Laminated glass improves penetration resistance but only by several seconds. By including a stiff frame in the laminate and a plastic interior 5 layer, the present invention significantly increases the amount of time that an occupant has to react and possibly escape an attack by driving off or for the attack to be detected. In the event of an accident, the invention also provides improved occupant retention, especially for movable glass that is not bonded to the vehicle.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
A large percentage of the bent glass laminates manufactured worldwide each year is produced using the gravity bending process. Inherent drawbacks to the process include the expense of the molds required, marking of the glass by the mold and the lack of precise surface control. By using an inexpensive ceramic mold to bend a sheet of glass having a higher bending temperature than the glass to be used in the fabricated product, a glass female is produced which is then provides the means to produce a full surface gravity bending mold which produces parts having superior quality, optics and dimensional control.
Laminated glazing, once limited to just the windshield, is finding more and more application in other positions on the vehicle due to its ability to improve passenger safety, security and comfort. Problems are encountered when producing a laminated version of a tempered part with holes, because tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than annealed glass. The laminate of the invention has a hole in the exterior glass layer. An insert is bonded to a cutout in the area of the hole on the interior glass layer so as to reinforce the hole and distribute the load over a wider area. The result is a laminated glazing with one or more holes that has the reliability of and is a direct replacement for a tempered part.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
The use of camera based safety systems is growing at a rapid rate in modern automobiles. As the industry moves for full autonomous capability, the number of cameras required is increasing. At the same time, windshields, where many of the cameras are mounted are 5 becoming larger and more complex in shape. This presents problems in the area of camera optics. For one, the camera is looking out through at least two layers of bent glass bonded together by a third layer of plastic. Mismatches in the refractive index can result in a double image. The curvature of the glass turns the window into a lens and, in conjunction with the often low installation angle, can reduce the optical clarity of the camera field of view. The 0 laminate of the invention has a cutout in the area of the camera(s) on the interior glass layer where the cameras are mounted. The cameras are mounted directly to the glass via a bracket or adhesive or to a thin transparent insert. The glass can also be fitted with a lens system optically bonded to the glass for even better performance. The result is a laminated glazing with superior optical quality.
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
98.
OPAQUE LAMINATED VEHICLE ROOF WITH PANORAMIC GLAZED APPEARANCE
The laminated glass panoramic roof is a popular although expensive option offered on a growing number of automobiles. Much of its appeal comes from the sleek modern appearance that it gives to the vehicle. The opaque laminated vehicle roof, by removing vision and optical requirements can be produced at a lower cost. The opaque laminated roof, by retaining a glass outer surface, maintains the same exterior appearance, aesthetic and much of the appeal of a conventional laminated glass panoramic roof. The opaque laminated vehicle roof also allows for the use of alternate materials which can further reduce cost and weight while adding additional features such as installation hardware, fasteners, lighting, antennas and solar cells to the roof.
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for bending multiple sheet of thin glass at the same time on a single set of molds. Multiple sheets of thin glass are stacked onto a full surface female mold. A partial surface male mold is placed onto the thin glass stack. The male mold serves to hold the edges in place and prevents the formation of wrinkles as the glass is heated and sags to conform to the shape of the female mold. Optionally, the top mold can be enclosed and pressurized to provide a pneumatic pressure assist to form the glass. In addition, the bottom mold can be enclosed to allow for vacuum assist to form the glass.
The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for bending multiple sheet of thin glass at the same time on a single set of molds. Multiple sheets of thin glass are stacked onto a full surface female mold. A partial surface male mold is placed onto the thin glass stack. The male mold serves to hold the edges in place and prevents the formation of wrinkles as the glass is heated and sags to conform to the shape of the female mold. Optionally, the top mold can be enclosed and pressurized to provide a pneumatic pressure assist to form the glass. In addition, the bottom mold can be enclosed to allow for vacuum assist to form the glass.
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