WO2024251428A1

WO2024251428A1 - A dynamic laminated glazing

Info

Publication number: WO2024251428A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/061322
Authority: WO
Inventors: Quentin Jensen; Stéphane Léonard; Shunsuke SADAKANE; Pierre HUYGHE
Original assignee: AGC Glass Europe SA
Current assignee: AGC Glass Europe SA
Priority date: 2023-06-09
Filing date: 2024-04-24
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laminated glazing (1) comprising at least a first glass sheet (11) having an outer (P1) and an inner (P2) faces, an electrically powered functional film (13), a second glass sheet (12) having an inner (P3) and an outer (P4) faces, at least one optical coupling material (14) provided between the said functional film (13) and the at least first (11) and/or the second (12) glass sheets, said functional film (13) laminated between the inner faces (P2, P3) of the glass sheets (11, 12).

Description

A DYNAMIC LAMINATED GLAZING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to a laminated glazing, in particular a laminated glazing intended to be used as a dynamic glazing, more in particular a laminated glazing having a liquid crystal film laminated inside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The invention is primarily intended to be used in production of automotive glazing but not limited to. The present invention relates to any glazing comprising a functional film such as a liquid crystal film, in particular when said glazing is subject to, during its manufacture/assembly or its use, constraints, in particular in terms of heat treatments and/or pressure. For example, in the architectural field such glazings are dynamic glazings that may be darkened at will, in particular electronically, in order to protect against the heat of the sun and glare. In the construction field, smart windows can be darkened at will when the weather is sunny in order to prevent the passage of light into a room, or lightened when the weather is cloudy in order to once more maximize the passage of light or light from display in case the dynamic glazing comprises an integrated display. In addition, in the architectural field, the glazings are generally flat or have a low curvature.

[0003] In the automotive field, such glazings are for example used as the roofs, windshields, rear windows and side windows including the quarter-lites of vehicles as exterior glazings, or as the interior glazings such as the separation between the driver and the passenger part. In particular, glazed roofs are increasingly being substituted for conventional roofs, which form part of the body of vehicles. As in the architectural field, the choice of these roofs is the result of constructors offering to their customers this option, which makes a vehicle seem to open onto the exterior, like a convertible, without the disadvantages of convertibles, as these roofs maintain the comfort levels of a conventional sedan.

[0004] Moreover, it is more and more requested from designer and car manufacturers to have side or rear windows or glass roof provided with a functional film such as a switchable film to control the light level entering inside the vehicle forthermal comfort and/or for privacy and acoustic comfort. The latter is maintained, indeed even improved, by the presence of the laminated structure. It is known and common to laminate with an interlayer plastic sheet. However, it is difficult to laminate a functional film to be used in interlayer lamination, because of the sensitiveness of the functional film to high temperature and/or pressure and also the curved nature of the glazing. Therefore, lamination of such glazing with functional films require a different method which eliminates the need of high temperature and pressure. [0005]The classical known lamination processes of bent glass sheets with a functional film sensitive to pressure and temperature lead to presence of spots, optical or functional defects and unaesthetic glazings which are not acceptable for car manufacturer and customers. Thus, liquid or film adhesives are used to laminate a functional film and more particularly a pressure sensitive functional film into a laminated glazing as the bonding layer than the traditional PVB interlayer. Such methods are described in the prior art, like the WO2022218953 describes gravity filling method, pressure filling method and vacuum filling method. Such liquid adhesives are used as a bonding layer between the glass and the functional film. The liquid adhesives used as the bonding layer in the lamination process are preferably suitable to be used in a glazing in terms of optical properties, i.e., the optical properties of the liquid adhesive to be used are matching to the optical properties of the glazing.

[0006] Unfortunately, liquid crystal (LC) films as such other functional films intended to be used as switchable glazing are sensitive to pressure and temperature limiting consequently their use in automotive industry. Thus, black spots which drive from inhomogeneous pressure during the assemble process may appear in laminated glazing comprising a such functional film leading to optical defects, transparency changing not working properly and thus, such an unaesthetic glazing refused generally by car manufacturers and the final customers.

[0007] Moreover, automotive designers are looking for using at least one of the automotive glazing as display. Thus, it is desired to integrate a display into a glazing and more particularly into a laminated glazing. However, as mentioned above laminating a display into a glazing is difficult due to properties of the functional films as they are extremely sensitive to high temperature and pressure. Furthermore, the display may be combined with a switchable film to increase the light contrast while keeping a thermal comfort and/or privacy.

[0008]Automotive glazings such as roof, windshield, back-lite, quarter-lite and side lite are generally bent to fit with the design of the car. The bent shape is more and more complex with high value of curvature. The bent shape is commonly obtained by applying a pressure and/or a heating on the laminated glazing. The bending processes are those commonly and well known by skilled man in the art to bent automotive and /or architectural laminated glazing. [0009]Even laminated with optical bonding, the problem of the glazing with functional films is the defects occurred in the film during manufacturing or assembly step or even during the use of the glazing although lamination process does not require high temperature nor pressure. Since such functional films with liquid crystals are prone to high pressure, a slight pressure applied on the film can result of the deterioration of the liquid crystal alignment and an irregular or uneven pattern can occur and such defects called the Mura effect (also called as clouding or Yogore or black Mura) are not repairable. Although there is some tolerance to Mura effect in the displays, such defects are not acceptable for the transparency switchable glazings like the automotive glazings since because it is see-through, the user can easily see the defect.

[0010] Especially forthe side windows of the vehicles, since some side windows are openable, the glazing edge is intact with the guide rails all the time, meaning pressure is applied to the glazing edge during its use. Moreover, a holder/mounting apparatus is fixed to the bottom edge of the openable side windows for mounting the motor arm, an example described in US20210293068 and so on, pressure is applied to the glazing edge during the manufacturing step. For the not openable side windows like the rear-fixes, the common practice is the encapsulate them with plastic or alike, an example described in EP2927033, thus pressure needs to be applied to glazing edges. For glazings fixed to the vehicle by adhesives such as glass roof, in the assembly step, pressure is applied to the edge of the glazing. Thus, it is inevitable that pressure needs to be applied to glazing edge during production or its use and as mentioned above, due to pressure, Mura effect appears.

[0011]ln the prior art, the use of liquid crystal (LC) films in glazings has been envisaged as a way of providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing into a glazing that is simply translucent. These applications did not involve specific solutions for the Mura effect occurred on the glazing. Particularly, since automotive glazings are subject to pressure especially at the edges, and such functional films are not suitable to be subject to high pressure and temperature, providing such glazing with a functional film is even more challenging.

[0012]W02022218953 describes a curved laminated glazing with a functional film and optical clear adhesives to fill between the functional film and the glazing. It describes different filling methods like gravity filling, pressure filling and vacuum filling. [0013]EP369l892 describes a curved laminated glazing with a functional film, the functional film is adhered to the glazing surfaces by the help of a liquid adhesive. Similarly WO2019198748 describes a glazing with a guest-host liquid crystal functional film and W02020003252 describes a switchable laminated glazing with liquid optical clear adhesives. [0014] It is known from W02020003252A1 that a curved glazing having a switchable liquid crystal layer with the help of a plastic bonding layer.

[0015] It is also known from W02010032068A1 that an edge sealed switchable film assembly having a liquid crystal device film laminated between two flat glass sheets.

[0016] It is also known from US20160243773A1 that a liquid resin laminated switchable panel produced with methods for making switchable panels using cast or roller lamination and the resulting panels having Liquid Crystal MicroDroplet (LCMD) films or other non-pressure sensitive switchable films with a curvature up to a certain value.

[0017] It is also known from W02001051279A2 that a laminated curved glass pane having a thermoplastic functional film.

[OO18]CN115182669 disclose a protective layer for the functional film to be provided right next to the functional film in the lamination process to protect the functional film from external environment.

[0019] None of the prior art above suggest a solution to the black spots occurred during the manufacture/assembly step or during use of the glazing. As mentioned, pressure is applied anyhow to the glazing edges and it is inevitable, there is a need for a solution that protects the glazing from the pressure applied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020]The goal of the present invention is to provide a laminated glazing with functional film preferably sensitive to pressure with good aesthetic to eliminate the aforementioned problems.

[0021]The present invention provides a laminated glazing with a functional film that may be integrated into a bent shape glazing, but not limited to. More specifically, the present invention provides a laminated glazing with a functional film preferably sensitive to pressure and temperature, laminated with an optical coupling material. The present invention relates also to an automotive laminated glazing comprising a pressure sensitive functional film. According to the present invention, the glazing may also have a curvature. [0022] The present invention concerns a laminated glazing, the glazing comprising at least: a. a first glass sheet having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, b. a functional film, c. a second glass sheet having an inner (P3) and an outer (P4) faces, d. at least one optical coupling material for to be used as a bonding layer

[0023] I n a preferred embodiment, the functional film is a guest-host liquid crystal film (GHLC) used as a dynamic transparency changing mechanism for the glazing. The laminated glazing comprise at least two glass sheets, in different embodiments glazing may be include three or more glass sheets and more than one functional film.

[0024] More particularly, the present invention concerns a spacer means provided at least partially around the periphery of the edge of the laminated glazing comprising at least: a. a first glass sheet having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, b. at least one functional film, c. a second glass sheet having an inner (P3) and an outer (P4) faces, d. at least one optical coupling material for to be used as a bonding layer wherein the spacer means protects the functional film from the pressure applied externally to the edges of the glazing by absorbing and smoothing the force/pressure applied over the glazing, and preventing the pressure applied to the glazing edge not to be transmitted to the functional film, i.e., the spacer means acts as a support for the functional film and the glass sheets.

[0025]According to the present invention, a functional film and particularly a functional film sensitive to pressure, and more particularly a switchable film such as a liquid crystals film may be used in a laminated glazing like a roof for automotive, a side window (lite), a rear fix for the vehicles which are subject to pressure during manufacturing or their use.

[0026] During the manufacturing step or using the of the glazing, a contact to the glazing has to be done, therefore it is unavoidable that a force is applied to glazing, especially to the edges of the glazing. The spacer means of the present invention, therefore eliminates the transmission of the pressure/force to the functional film.

[0027] I n one aspect of the present invention, the spacer means absorbs/damps the pressure applied to the glazing by being soft and smooth and also hard enough to maintain glass sheets in position, therefore the applied pressure/force is diminished and not transferred to the functional film. In addition absorbing the pressure/force applied externally, the spacer means, in another aspect, may also be aligned with the external pressure means in the direction of applied force/ pressure that the distance between the external pressure/force and the spacer means is minimized, even became zero that no torque is applied to the glazing, therefore no pressure/force is transmitted to the functional film. The two different phenomena may also be combined and that results a better protection of the functional film from applied external pressure. Overall, the spacer means of the present invention results elimination/reduction in the pressure applied to the functional film laminated inside the glazing. Although different spacers or sealants used in the glazings with functional film to maintain the glass sheets together or protecting the functional film from environmental effects, none provides the support to the functional film as the spacer means of the present invention provides. The spacer means of the present invention by extending to the glazing edge, i.e., by being close to glazing border and running along at least partially around periphery of the glazing, results prevention of transmission of the external pressure onto the functional film.

[0028] Furthermore, the glazing of the present invention may comprise the external pressure means integrated/fixed to the glazing. For example, the rear-fixes used in the automotive industry encapsulated with a frame, preferably from plastic material and the frame, itself applies pressure to the glazing. In another example, the openable side windows used in automotive industry has a mounting apparatus or a holder means fixed to usually the bottom edge of the glazing, which applies a pressure to the glazing. Such means apply pressure to the glazing while they are installed onto the glazing and also during the use of the vehicle.

[0029]Additionally, defects reducing the quality of the glazing, caused by high pressure applied by the apparatus or the frame may be eliminated with different embodiments of the present invention. The spacer means of the present invention may be a part of the external pressure applying means that the external pressure applying means also keeps the glazing stable and prevents pressure/force being transmitted to the functional film. By this embodiment, the present invention takes advantage of such arrangement by integrating the spacer means into the external pressure applying means.

[0030] In addition to all above, the spacer means of the present invention is hidden behind the black enamel print commonly used in automotive industry. Thus, the aesthetics of the glazing is not compromised by the inclusion of the spacer means of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]The invention will now be described further, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples. A better understanding of the present invention will be added upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Fig.l is a view of a vehicle with glazing.

[0033] Fig.2 is a schematic view of the laminated glazing accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.3 to Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the laminated glazing according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0035]The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

I. Glazing

II. First glass sheet

12. Second glass sheet

13. Functional film

14. Optical coupling material

15. Spacer means

E. Edge

B. Border

V. Vehicle

BB. Black enamel

P. External pressure applying means

X. External element

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036]The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. [0037] While some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0038] As used herein, spatial ordirectional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0039] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0040] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g. "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeably used in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0042] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "substantially" or "around" or "proximity" or "close to" preferably mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5% i.e., in this context the terms should be understood as in the range of ± 10%, even more ± 5%. Tolerance may be selected depending on the nature of the intended applications.

[0043] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "liquid adhesive", "optical coupling material", "optical resin", "optical coupling adhesive", "optical clear adhesive" and "liquid resin" are used interchangeably, further expression "functional film", "film", "electrically powered functional film" and "electrical functional film" are used interchangeably, further expression "flow", "fluidic flow", "liquid flow" and "liquid adhesive flow" are used interchangeably.

[0044] A laminated glazing (1) comprising at least a first glass sheet (11) having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, an electrically powered functional film (13), a second glass sheet (12) having an inner (P3) and an outer (P4) faces, at least one optical coupling material (14) provided between the said functional film (13) and the at least first (11) and/or the second (12) glass sheets, said functional film (13) laminated between the inner faces (P2, P3) of the glass sheets (11, 12). The laminated glazing (1) of the present invention also comprises a spacer means (15) provided at least partially around the periphery of the glazing edge that protects the functional film (13) from the external pressure applied on the glazing (1). [0045] For simplicity, the numbering of the glass sheets (11, 12) in the continuation of the description refers to the numbering nomenclature conventionally used for glazing (1). Thus, the face of the laminated glass which is in contact with the environment external to the vehicle is known as being the face 1 (Pl) and the surface in contact with the internal medium, that is to say the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is known as face 4 (P4), the functional assembly according to the present invention being positioned between the faces 2 (P2) and 3 (P3), where it can be protected from damage.

[0046] In order to avoid any doubt, the terms "external" and "internal" refer to the orientation of the glazing during the installation as glazing in a vehicle. Anyhow, in the description below, these terms are used interchangeably, i.e., the first glass sheet (11) may have face 1 and face 2 or face 3 and face 4 of the glazing, in the meantime the second glass sheet may (12) have face 3 and face 4 or face 1 and face 2, respectively which means first glass sheet (11) may be used as external side of the glazing (1) or the internal side of the glazing (1). Before going into the details of the spacer means (1), definitions for glazing (1), structure of the proposed glazing will be explained herein.

[0047] According to the invention, the glass sheets (11, 12) may be a glass of soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate type, and the like, the composition of the glazing (1) is not crucial for the purpose of the present invention.

[0048] According to one example of the present invention, the Fig.l shows a laminated automotive sidelite; the sidelite is intended to be fixed on the vehicle's body. It is understood that the invention is not limited to a sidelite and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (1) can be used in any glazing for a vehicle (V) and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (1) can be used in outside or inside of automotive industry, i.e., anywhere where a laminated glazing (1) is needed.

[0049]The glazing (1) as shown in Fig.2 as an embodiment of the present invention comprises an first sheet of glass (11) having an external surface (Pl) and an inner surface (P2), and a second sheet of glass (12) having an inner surface (P3) and an outer surface (P4). Such glazing (1) is laminated. The first sheet of glass (11) of the glazing (G) is that sheet in contact with the exterior of the vehicle. The second sheet of glass (12) is that sheet in contact with the inner space of the vehicle. However, as explained above, the ordering can be changed and also the glazing (1) can be a triple glazing or any kind of glazing with at least two glass sheets (11,12). The glazing (1) can also include more films (13) which are laminated inside.

[0050]According to one embodiment of method of the present invention, the first and/or the second sheet of glass (11, 12) are bent in a previous step before providing a functional film (13) over at least one surface of the first and/or the second sheet of glass (11, 12), i.e., before the lamination process. In a version of this embodiment, the curvature values of the first glass sheet (11) and the second glass sheet (12) are in line with each other, it has to be understood that the curvature values might not be the same. In another version of this embodiment, the first glass sheet (11) has a low curvature and the second glass (12) is flat, this type of glazing (1) can also be counted curved glazing. The glass sheets (11, 12) before the lamination may be totally or partially curved to reach the requested curvature of the final glazing (1) to correctly fit with the particular design of the glass support, as the shape required for the application. In another embodiment, the sizes of the two glass sheets (11, 12) may differ from each other, in common practice, the first glass sheet (11) with Pl and P2 surfaces is bigger than the second glass sheet (12) with P3 and P4 surfaces. However, the curvature or the sizes of the glazing (1) is not crucial for the present invention.

[0051]According the invention, the term "laminating" refers to a step of providing a layered structure in which the functional film (13) and more particularly the switchable film alone or in combination with another functional film (13), and one or more glass sheets (11, 12) are separated by an optical coupling material (14) acting as an adhesive interlayer extending across substantially the entire interface between the functional film (13) and the glass sheets (11, 12) facing the functional film (13).

[0052]According to present invention, the glazing (1) comprises a first glass sheet (11), a second glass sheet (12) and a pressure-sensitive preferably electrically powered functional film (13) in between the glass sheets (11, 12), and at least one optical coupling material (14), provided in contact with the functional film (13) and the inner surface (face 2 or face 3 as described above) of the first and/or second glass sheets (11, 12) to provide a bonding function. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical coupling material (14) is in contact with the functional film (13) to maintain a distance between the functional film (13) and the at least the first and/or the second glass sheet (11, 12). Achieving such configuration of the glass sheets (11, 12) with the functional film (13) may be accomplished in any method, the present invention is related to the spacer means (15) for protecting the functional film (13) from the external pressure applied.

[0053] I n different embodiments of the present invention, by "optical coupling material" (14) what is meant is either a "liquid adhesive" being a layer of polymerthat is polymerized or may cured from a liquid resin, or it is meant optical clear adhesives or optical clear resin or optical clear adhesive films. In the case of the liquid adhesive is made from a liquid resin, the liquid resin is preferably chosen amongst acrylic resin, methacrylate resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin and polysulfide resin or a mix. The liquid adhesive may be an optical resin, are before being applied in a viscous state and then it is called liquid optical coupling adhesive or LOCA. The advantage of using optical clear resin is that it can cover the entire film surrounding regardless of glass shape or even if there is a mechanical pattern on the film (13).

[0054]The optical clear resin may be one classically used to manufacture LC displays (LCD), mainly resins having a refractive index close to glass, which are ranging in between 1.35 and 1.65. Such optical clear resin is for example thermal cure type, high elongation silicone gel, silicone base, acrylic base, urethan base, epoxy base. The optical clear resin preferably cures at lower temperature than 70 degree C during a period on 25 to 30 minutes to a soft, tacky gel. The soft nature and cushioning effect of this product provides excellent protection of electronic assemblies from external humidity, mechanical shock and vibration. Such optical clear resin is for example the commercial Lumisil 202 UV® supplied by Wacker® company.

[0055]The optical clear resin according to the one embodiment of the present invention covers all the surface of both sides of the functional film (13) to insure a good adhesion and sealing between the outer and the inner sheets of glass (11, 12).

[0056] In different embodiments, the optical coupling material (14) may be provided on one side of the functional film (13) in the form of a layer of polymer that is polymerized from a liquid resin as an adhesive film and on the opposite side in the form a polymer cured from a liquid resin.

[0057] In different embodiments, the optical coupling material (14) provided between the functional film (13) and the first and second glass sheets (11, 12) is an optical clear liquid resin. The optical clear resin is then applied in a viscous state (liquid resin) over the surface of the both sides of the functional film (13) in contact with the first and second glass sheets (11, 12). [0058] In different embodiments, the optical coupling material (14) provided between the functional film (13) and the first and/or second glass sheets (11,12) is an optical clear liquid resin. The optical clear resin is then applied in a viscous state over the surface on one side of the functional film (13) in contact with the first or the second glass sheets (11, 12) and on the other side (opposite side) of the functional film (13) an optical coupling material (14) made of a polymerized liquid resin in the form of a film. Thus, the layer is an optical coupling adhesive.

[0059] In different embodiments, the optical clear resin and more generally the optical coupling material (14) according to the present invention, extends over the functional film

(13) to cover its edges. Thus, the functional film (13) is protected from the moisture. Optical clear resin are widely used in display industry. The advantages of using them are high transparency, low haze and milder temperature and pressure process condition such as the ones applied in automotive lamination process. In different embodiments, the optical coupling material (14) and more particularly the optical clear resin is a thermal cure type , high elongation silicone gel. It can also be two-component type. The optical coupling material

(14) as given in above embodiments is only for explanation and examples, the said can be a film or in liquid form, it is not utmost important for the sake of the present invention.

[0060]Th us, the functional film (13), when it is incorporated into a laminated glazing (1) and positioned on a vehicle, in particular as glazed roof or side window, advantageously has to have a good aesthetic and a quick switch in mode ON/OFF in case of switchable film and clear image/information/video in case of integrated display such as OLED display.

[0061] By "functional film" it is meant for example electrochromic means in which the variation is obtained by modifying the state of colored ions in compositions included in these glazing (1) and which are sensitive to application of high pressure and temperature. It is also a question of glazing comprising, in suspension, layers of particles that, depending on the application of an electric voltage, are or are not ordered, such as the systems referred to as suspended particles devices (SPDs), or even a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) film consisting of a polymer containing liquid crystals sensitive to the application of the electric voltage or even a guest-host liquid crystal film which include polymers, inorganic particles, or dichroic dye within the liquid crystal matrix. More particularly, the "electrically powered film" is a liquid crystals (LC) film providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing (1) into a glazing that is simply translucent. The electrically powered functional film (13) may be a display film which is electrically operated to illustrate pictures and/or videos to be seen from the outer and/or inner of the vehicle wherein the glazing (1) is placed. The "electrically powered functional film" may be made of OLED and more particularly well known AMOLED. The glazing (1) according to the present invention may comprise a combination of one switchable film and OLED film. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional film (13) has a size smaller than the first (11) and the second sheet of glass (12). According to the present invention, the functional film (13) is electrically powered through a flexible connector. The way to connect the functional film (13) to a power is well-known. In terms of the present invention, the functional film (13) is not limited to examples given above and it should be understood broadly that any functional film (13) to be used in glazing (1) which is suitable or not for interlayer lamination, like PVB lamination.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrically powered film (13) is a film sensitive to pressure such as pressure applied during a classical lamination process including autoclave bend a glazing (1). This kind of pressure is a pressure comprised 0.04MPa and 1.4MPa. The functional film (13) is for example a LC film which is known to be sensitive to pressure. It is understood the functional film (13) may be a LC film, a GHLC film, an OLED film, PDLC film, SPD film or other functional film (13) sensitive to pressure as described previously.

[0063]Th us, the invention relates to any laminated glazing (1), whether tempered or not, that comprises a functional film (13) that is preferably sensitive to pressure, and the glazing (1) has optionally a complex curvature to fit with the design of the automotive, and the glazing (1) comprises a bonding layer for lamination as described above, but not limited to.

[0064]The spacer means (15) of the present invention is suitable for a laminated glazing (1) comprising a functional film (13) according to the definitions above, more specifically the spacer means (15) of the present invention is configured to protect the functional film (13) laminated inside the glazing (1) from the external pressure applied on the glazing (1). The spacer means (15) is provided at least partially around the periphery of the glazing edge. [0065]The spacer means (15) is applied on the edge of the glazing (1), so that it prevents the external pressure applied on the glazing to be transmitted to the functional film (13). The spacer means (15) needs to be applied on the edge of the glazing where the external pressure is applied, for instance, for an openable side windows of a vehicle, common practice is to fix a mounting apparatus (also called "bracket") to the bottom edge of the side windows and in this case, the spacer means (15) is needed to be applied on the bottom edge of the glazing, especially where the mounting apparatus contacts the glazing to prevent the pressure applied by the mounting apparatus not to be transmitted to the functional film (13). The spacer means (15) provided at least partially around the periphery of the glazing edge should also be understood as the spacer means is substantially parallel to the glazing border (B) by being in an elongated shape, i.e., the spacer means (15) preferably follows the contour of the glazing border.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) is provided all around the periphery of the glazing edge. Similar to above embodiment, the spacer means (15) may also be applied all overthe glazing edges covering whole periphery of the glazing (1). Here "all around" should be understood as more than 90% of the periphery, since in the case of liquid adhesives used as optical coupling material (14), injection and evacuation holes needed on the spacer means (15). Such embodiment is useful when external pressure is surrounding the glazing like in the example of encapsulation frame for the rear-fixes used in the vehicles. With the spacer means (15) provided all around the glazing edges, almost any external pressure applied to any point on the glazing edges is prevented to be transmitted to the functional film (13). In the context of the present invention, the glazing edge should be understood as the area from where the functional film (13) ends to the border of the glass sheets (11, 12) and the border of the glazing should be understood as the physical border of the glass as shown in Figure 5, in practice the glazing edge may have a width of 5 cm or less or even more in some cases depending on the intended application. When the spacer means (15) provided all around the periphery of the glazing edge, it should be understood that the spacer means (15) surrounding the glazing and covering at least partially the glazing edge area as described above, i.e., the spacer means (15) all around the periphery of the glazing not necessarily means the sealing means (15) covers the whole edge of the glazing, i.e., whole width of the glazing edge, in other words the width of the spacer means (15) is less than equal to width of the edge of the glazing. When the spacer means (15) is provided at least partially around the periphery of the glazing edge, it should be understood as the spacer means (15) is provided on at least one part of the glazing edge as described, not necessarily surrounding the glazing. [0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (1) comprises at least two spacer means (15) provided consecutively on the glazing edge, the spacer means (15) are positioned next to each other in the perpendicular direction to the glazing edge, in other words, the plurality of spacer means (15) run along or extend almost parallel to each other and also almost parallel to the glazing border (B), so one can be called on the outer and the other as inner as shown in Figure 4. The distance between the two spacer means (15) is preferably more than 5 mm. The spacer means (15) in this embodiment may be combined with the embodiments above, for instance the spacer means (15) provided close to the glazing border (B), i.e., the outer spacer means (15) may be provided all around the glazing edge and the inner spacer means (15) may only be provided partially around the glazing edge or any combinations of the above. Depending on the application, there may be more than two spacer means installed into the glazing.

[0068]The spacer means (15) prevents external pressure applied to the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film (13) by absorbing the pressure on itself and/or eliminating the torque resulted by the external pressure by minimizing the distance between the point where external pressure applied and the spacer means (15). In the above embodiment with providing a second spacer means (15), the likelihood of the torque creation is minimized since the path creating the torque is minimized.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance (dl) between the spacer means (15) and the glazing border (B) is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm. Since the external pressure is commonly applied on where it is close the border of the glazing during the manufacturing step or during the use of the glazing, the spacer means (15) is provided close to the border of the glazing in order to minimize the path generating the torque on the functional film (13). By providing the spacer means (15) very close to the border of the glazing, it is provided that the generated torque on the functional film (13) is minimized or diminished completely.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the width (wl) of the spacer means (15) is at least 3 mm. To be able to absorb or eliminate the torque generated by the external pressure applied on the glazing edge, the spacer means (15) is provided to be wide enough to absorb the pressure or shorten the distance creating the torque. In addition to above, in the case of the spacer means (15) is preventing the externally applied pressure on the glazing edge by reducing the path creating the torque on the glazing, the spacer means (15) by being wide enough, reduces the said path to prevent the torque, i.e., preventing the externally applied pressure on the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film (13). In different versions of this embodiment, the width (wl) of the spacer means (15) has variations along the periphery of the glazing edge. Depending on the intended application and the method of preventing the external pressure applied on the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film, the width of the spacer means (15) can be adjusted.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the spacer means (15) is lower than a predefined maximum limit, as described above, the spacer means is soft enough to absorb/damp the force/pressure applied on the glazing and in the meantime it is hard enough to maintain two glass sheets (11, 12) in position. In one version of this embodiment, the hardness of the spacer means (15) is higher or equal to than the hardness of the optical coupling material (14). As described above, the spacer means (15) prevents external pressure applied on the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film by absorbing the external pressure applied on the glazing edge. The spacer means (15) is provided as a harder material than the optical coupling material (14) that the spacer means (15) is the first encountering the pressure when an external pressure is applied on the glazing edge, thus absorbing the energy in itself and not allowing to be transmitted to the functional film. The optical coupling material (14) is keeping the functional film rigid inside the lamination and the spacer means (15) absorbing the incoming pressure energy.

[0072] In another embodiment, the hardness of the spacer means (15) may be lower than the hardness of the optical coupling material (14) and yet the spacer means (15) continues to absorb/damp the force/pressure applied on the glazing to protect the pressure-sensitive functional film (13). It is found out that with this arrangement, the spacer means (15) still continues to prevent the externally applied pressure not to be transmitted to the functional film (13) to cause a defect and yet, it is less effective than the embodiment above. It is more important that the hardness of the spacer means (15) is lower than the predefined maximum limit.

[0073] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) prevents the external pressure applied on the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film (13) by reducing the distance creating the torque. In such cases, the spacer means (15) better to be harder than the optical coupling material (14) that the spacer means (15) does not create itself a pressure for the functional film (13). [0074] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hardness of the spacer means (15) is more than 20 in shore hardness scale A, more preferably more than 40 in shore scale A, even more preferably more than 100 in shore scale A.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) is made of polyurethane (PU) material. PU is a material that is flexible enough to be able to absorb the pressure energy for the embodiments described above. In different variations of PU material, it may be a rigid material so that it can also be used as spacer means (15) when the spacer means (15) prevents the external pressure applied to the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film by reducing the path creating the torque. Due to its open structure, the PU material allows ventilation for the glazing, therefore eliminating the potential condensation problem. By its adaptable properties, PU is a good candidate for the spacer means (15).

[0076] In different embodiments of the present invention, the spacer means (15) may made of PBT, PE, POM, PA, polyamide, aluminum, ABS or any suitable material depending on the intended application, therefore the material list is not limited to the mentioned materials.

[0077] In one another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) comprises an adhesive on its sides. The spacer means (15) also functions as the separator for the glass sheets (11, 12) and it is the last element inside the glazing after the functional film or the optical coupling material. The spacer means (15) comprising the adhesive on its double side, can be mounted/installed to the glazing in a convenient way. The adhesive may be a conventional glue or may also be an adhesive tape such as double sided adhesive tape. In the preferred embodiment, the spacer means (15) is installed on the glass sheets (11, 12) before the lamination step and then two glass sheets (11, 12) laminated afterwards.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, a black enamel (BB) is printed on the glazing edge (E) and the spacer means (15) is hidden behind the black enamel (BB). It is common practice to have black enamel on the glazing edges in automotive industry for several purposes. The spacer means (15) is aligned with the black enamel (BB) to sustain the aesthetics of the glazing (1).

[0079] In a version of this embodiment, the distance (d2) between the spacer means (15) and the black enamel (BB) is at least 1 mm. The width of the spacer means (15) is not necessarily same with the width of the black enamel. In fact, the spacer means (15) is narrower than the black enamel to avoid aesthetics issues. The distance (d2) between the spacer means (15) and the black enamel (BB) is at least 1 mm from at least one side, preferably from both sides. [0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) is aligned with an external pressure applying means (P) as shown in figure 8. As described in above embodiments, the spacer means (15) prevents the external pressure applied on the glazing edge to be transmitted to the functional film by reducing the path creating the torque force. To be able to satisfy this condition, the spacer means (15) is aligned with the external pressure applying means (P). The external pressure applying means (P) for automotive glazings are already known as discussed above like the guide rails or the mounting apparatus or the encapsulation frame, the guide rails where the glazing slides when the windows are opening and closing. Therefore, the location where the external pressure applied on the glazing edge is predefined and yet, the spacer means (15) can be aligned with external pressure applying means to reduce the path, i.e., no or less torque is applied to the functional film.

[0081] In a version of this embodiment, the pressure applying means (P) is an external element (X) attached/fixed to glazing (1). As mentioned, in openable side windows for the vehicles, a mounting apparatus is fixed to bottom edge of the glazing to be able to slide the glazing up and down and for not openable side windows for the vehicles, a frame is fixed to all around the edges of the glazing, which is also called encapsulation frame. Those are applying pressure on the glazing edges. Therefore, the mounting apparatus or the encapsulation frame is an external element (X) attached to the glazing (1). Since the guide rails are not fixed to the glazing, the guide rails are not an external element (X) attached/fixed to the glazing but an external element applying pressure to the glazing edge.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means (15) is part of the external element (X) as shown in figures 7 and 8. The said external elements are usually provided with a U shape cross section that the glazing fits onto, and the external element (X) is fixed/attached to the glazing after the lamination step, i.e., the external element (X) contacts the glazing on Pl and P4 surfaces. In this embodiment, the external element (X) has the spacer means (15) integrated in itself by having a W-like shape that the spacer means (15) constitutes the middle part and the external element (X) is partially fixed/attached to the glazing before the lamination to be able to provide the spacer means (15) inside the lamination in a convenient way. In a version of this embodiment, the external element (X) is composed of two parts, one part from hard material and the other is from a softer material. In this case, the softer part of the external element (X) is overmoulded over the glazing after lamination (Fig.8). The spacer means (15) may be included into the hard (or first installed) part of the external element (X) and it may be installed before the lamination and afterwards the lamination the said overmoulding process may be realized.

[0083] In one preferred version of the this embodiment, the spacer means (15) is part of the holder/mounting apparatus. The glazings (1) used in automotive field, especially the side windows (sidelite) of a vehicle (V) requires a holder, i.e., a mounting apparatus for the window sliding/opening mechanisms, also called as brackets. Such parts are usually fixed permanently to the glazing (1) with adhesives. In this embodiment, the spacer means (15) is used as part of the mount/holder for the glazing (1). In another version of this embodiment, the spacer means (15) is part of the encapsulation frame. In these versions, the spacer means (15) may be provided just along the external element (X), i.e., just to cover the length of the external element or provided partially on the glazing edge or provided all around the periphery of the glazing edge.

[0084]With this invention, specifically the defects on the functional film caused in the production or during the use of the sidelite and/or rear-fix glazings are eliminated by the introduction of the spacer means described in detail. By addition of the second spacer means or the extending the spacer means over the bottom edge of the glazing, it is been seen that the defects are prevented to be occur.

[0085] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A laminated glazing (1) comprising at least a first glass sheet (11) having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, an electrically powered functional film (13), a second glass sheet (12) having an inner (P3) and an outer (P4) faces, at least one optical coupling material

(14) provided between the said functional film (13) and the at least first (11) and/or the second (12) glass sheets, said functional film (13) laminated between the inner faces (P2, P3) of the glass sheets (11, 12) characterized in that a spacer means (15) is provided at least partially around the periphery of the glazing edge (E).

2. A laminated glazing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer means

(15) is provided all around the periphery of the glazing edge (E).

3. A laminated glazing (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least two spacer means (15) provided next to each other extending almost parallel to the glazing border (B).

4. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (dl) between the spacer means (15) and the glazing border (B) is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3mm.

5. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the width (wl) of the spacer means (15) is at least 3 mm.

6. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the hardness of the spacer means (15) is higher than or equal to the hardness of the optical coupling material (14).

7. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer means (15) is made of PU material.

8. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that a black enamel (BB) is printed on the glazing edge (E) and the spacer means (15) is hidden behind the black enamel (BB).

9. A laminated glazing (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance (d2) between the spacer means (15) and the black enamel (BB) is at least 1 mm.

10. A laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer means (15) is aligned with an external pressure applying means (P).

11. A laminated glazing (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the external pressure applying means (P) is an external element (X) attached/fixed to glazing (1).

12. A laminated glazing (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the spacer means (15) is part of the external element (X).

13. A laminated glazing (1) according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the external element (X) is a holder/mounting apparatus.

14. A laminated glazing (1) according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the external element (X) is the frame of encapsulation of the glazing.

15. A vehicle (V) comprising a laminated glazing (1) according to any preceding claims.