WO2023198489A1

WO2023198489A1 - Projection assembly comprising a composite pane

Info

Publication number: WO2023198489A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/058631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele CAPPUCCILLI; Gabriele REUFSTECK; Marcel Klein; Andreas GOMER
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2022-04-13
Filing date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2023-10-19

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection assembly (100) comprising - a composite pane (1) with - an outer pane (2), - an inner pane (3), - a reflective layer (5), and - a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) arranged between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3); - at least one first image display (8.1) and a second image display (8.2); and - at least one light source (9), wherein the first image display (8.1) irradiates a first region (6.1) of the reflective layer (5), the second image display (8.2) irradiates a second region (6.2) of the reflective layer (5), and the light source (9) irradiates at least one region (7.1) of the reflective layer (5) lying between the first region (6.1) and the second region (6.2).

Description

Projection arrangement with a composite pane

The invention relates to a projection arrangement with a composite pane, a method for its production and its use.

Modern automobiles are increasingly being equipped with so-called head-up displays (HllDs). Using a projector, typically in the area of the dashboard, images are projected onto the viewing area of the windshield, reflected there and perceived by the driver as a virtual image (seen from him) behind the windshield. Important information can be projected into the driver's field of vision, such as the current driving speed, navigation or warning information, which the driver can perceive without having to take his eyes off the road. Head-up displays can make a significant contribution to increasing road safety.

It is also known to equip the windshield with a reflective layer, which allows visibility but still reflects the projector radiation to a significant extent. The angle of incidence of the projector radiation onto the windshield is typically about 65°, which is close to the Brewster angle for an air-glass transition (56.5° for soda-lime glass). If the projector is operated with s-polarized radiation, it will be reflected on the external surfaces of the windshield. An additional reflective layer can in this case be used to enhance the intensity of the display image. If the projector is operated with p-polarized radiation, this is not significantly reflected on the disk surfaces. In this case, a reflective layer is mandatory to realize the HUD. For example, a coating with at least one metallic layer, in particular a silver layer, can be used as a reflection layer. The windshield typically consists of an outer pane and an inner pane, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer. Said coating can be applied, for example, to the surface of the outer pane or the inner pane facing the intermediate layer, or to a PET carrier film that is embedded in the intermediate layer. HUDs with p-polarized radiation with reflection layers are known, for example, from DE102014220189A1, WO2019046157A1 and US2017242247A1. However, purely dielectric reflection films are also known, which are formed from a plurality of individual layers with alternating high and low refractive index, the reflective effect being achieved by optical interference is produced. Such films can also be incorporated into the intermediate layer. A composite pane with such a functional film is known, for example, from WO03099553A1.

In addition to the transparent see-through area, windshields usually have an opaque masking area with an opaque layer through which no see-through is possible. The masking area is typically arranged in a peripheral edge area of the windshield and surrounds the viewing area. The opaque masking area is primarily intended to protect the adhesive used to bond the windshield to the vehicle body from UV radiation. If the composite pane is equipped with electrical functions (for example a heating function), the necessary electrical connections can also be concealed with the masking area. The masking area is typically formed by a black masking print on the surface of the outer pane facing the intermediate layer.

It is possible to create a virtual image even in the masking area, basically using the same principle as a HUD. The masking area is also irradiated by a projector and the light is reflected there, creating a display for the driver. For example, information that was previously displayed in the dashboard area, such as the time, driving speed, engine speed or information from a navigation system, or even the image from a rear-facing camera, which replaces the classic exterior mirrors or rear-view mirrors, can be displayed directly in a practical and aesthetically pleasing way be displayed on the windshield, for example in the portion of the masking area that borders the lower edge of the windshield. A projection arrangement of this type is known, for example, from DE102009020824A1.

The DE102018212046A1 discloses a projection arrangement with a vehicle window that has several image displays arranged next to one another and one above the other and which can irradiate several areas on the vehicle window. There is no information about the visual demarcation of the individual irradiated display areas from one another or solutions to avoid aesthetically disturbing edges of the display areas.

The DE112015002749T5 shows a projection arrangement with a vehicle window, comprising only an image display and a light source, which shows different areas Irradiate the vehicle window. The light source irradiates an area of the vehicle window surrounding the irradiated area of the image display.

If multiple image displays are used in projection arrangements to generate multiple virtual images, this often leads to difficulties in visual differentiation. For example, if virtual images are projected onto two adjacent areas, it may be difficult for a viewer to recognize which virtual image belongs to which image display, which in turn can make operation difficult. On the other hand, there can also be less aesthetic edges around the virtual images, which worsen the overall picture. These edges can hardly be avoided by geometric changes or targeted arrangement of the image displays. One solution would be to use one large image display instead of multiple smaller image displays, but this comes at a higher cost.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a projection arrangement with several image displays which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages or at least has them significantly less.

The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a projection arrangement according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims.

The projection arrangement according to the invention comprises a composite pane, at least a first and a second image display and at least one light source. The composite pane comprises an outer pane, an inner pane, a reflection layer and a thermoplastic intermediate layer arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane. The first image display irradiates a first region of the reflective layer and the second image display irradiates a second region of the reflective layer. The light source irradiates at least a region of the reflection layer lying between the first region and the second region. By “irradiating” we don’t just mean active irradiation with light, but also the suitability for it. So it is not just a switched-on projection arrangement according to the invention, but also the switched-off projection arrangement (i.e. non-irradiating) part of the invention. It is understood that the first region, the second region and the region of the reflection layer lying between the first and the second region are arranged on the surface of the reflection layer facing the light source, the first image display and the second image display. The light source, the first image display and the second image display preferably emit visible light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 800 nm.

The reflection layer is designed to at least partially reflect the radiation from the first image display, the radiation from the second image display and the radiation from the light source. An advantage of the reflection layer compared to generic solutions in which the radiation from image displays and light sources are reflected on the vehicle window, for example the outer window and / or the inner window, is that the reflection layer provides a homogeneous reflection with an easily controllable intensity of reflectance having.

For the purposes of the invention, “image display” means an electrically controllable display which can be used for optical signaling or display of changeable information such as images or characters. The light source is intended to emit light of one color or several colors, preferably light with a color gradient. The light source is not suitable for visually displaying images or characters such as those that an image display can display.

The first image display is intended to project a virtual image onto the first area of the reflective layer. The second image display is intended to project a virtual image onto the second area of the reflective layer. The virtual images can be perceived by a viewer through reflection on the reflection layer. The light source can be used to achieve a visual demarcation between the virtual images of the first and second image displays. Alternatively or additionally, the light source can also improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the irradiated first area and the irradiated second area. This is a great advantage of the invention. The use of a reflective layer further enhances this effect, as the homogeneous reflection provided by reflective layers further emphasizes the aesthetic advantages (less double images, higher reflectance) and the clear demarcation.

The projection arrangement preferably additionally comprises at least one third image display, which irradiates a third region of the reflection layer. The light source preferably irradiates a region of the reflection layer lying between the second region and the third region. The projection arrangement particularly preferably comprises 4 or more image displays, in particular 5 or more image displays, which irradiate different areas of the reflection layer. The light source irradiates the areas between the individual image displays of the 4 or more image displays or the 5 or more image displays. The light source preferably irradiates the entire surrounding area of the reflection layer, which is arranged around the first area of the reflection layer, around the second area of the reflection layer, and around the optionally third area of the reflection layer. In this way, virtual images can be projected onto a larger section of the reflective layer.

The light source preferably irradiates an area surrounding the first area of the reflection layer in a frame shape. The light from the light source therefore surrounds the first region of the reflection layer, which is irradiated by the first image display device. Alternatively, the light source can also irradiate an area surrounding the second region of the reflection layer in the form of a frame and/or an area surrounding the third region of the reflection layer in the form of a frame. The light source particularly preferably irradiates the frame-shaped surrounding areas of the first, the second and optionally the third area of the reflection layer. This creates a particularly pleasant image experience for a viewer.

The inner pane has an outside surface facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer and an interior surface facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The interior surface of the inner pane is also the inner surface of the composite pane. The outer pane has an outside surface facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer, which is also at the same time the outer surface of the composite pane. The outer pane also has an interior surface facing the first thermoplastic intermediate layer. The composite pane is intended to separate an external environment from an interior, preferably a vehicle interior. The outside surface of the outer pane is intended to face the external environment and the interior surface of the inner pane is intended to face the interior.

The composite pane has a circumferential side edge, which preferably comprises an upper edge and a lower edge as well as two edges running between them with a first and a second lateral edge. The top edge refers to the edge that is intended to point upwards in the installed position. The lower edge refers to the edge that is intended to point downwards in the installed position. The top edge is often referred to as the roof edge and the bottom edge as the engine edge designated. The composite pane can have any suitable geometric shape and/or curvature.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reflection layer is arranged on the interior surface of the inner pane. The first image display and the second image display are preferably arranged facing the interior surface of the inner pane, so that their light does not transmit through the inner pane or outer pane before it hits the reflection layer. As a result, when the light from the first image display, the second image display and the light source is reflected, no double images arise due to reflections on the inner pane. This improves the quality of the virtual images. Alternatively, the reflection layer is arranged between the inner pane and the outer pane, preferably on the outside surface of the inner pane or the interior-side surface of the outer pane. The reflection layer can also be arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer. By arranging the reflection layer between the outer pane and the inner pane, it is better protected from external influences.

The reflection layer is preferably opaque with a light transmittance (according to ISO 9050:2003) for light in the visible spectral range of less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 1%. In this case, the reflection layer is preferably arranged only over a partial area of the composite pane and not within a section of the composite pane intended for viewing. Very particularly preferably, the reflection layer is arranged in strips along a lower edge region directly adjacent to the lower edge of the composite pane. The reflection layer preferably has a width of 10 cm or more, particularly preferably 20 cm or more, in particular 30 cm or more. For the purposes of the invention, “width” means the extent perpendicular to the direction of extension. The opacity of the reflection layer can increase the contrast of a virtual image, which increases the visual perceptibility for a viewer. The higher contrast means that image displays can be used with lower energy consumption.

The composite pane can have an opaque layer. The opaque layer can be an enamel or an opaque thermoplastic film. The opaque layer can also be the opaque area of a partially opaque thermoplastic film and thus be part of the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The opaque layer is in particular a dark, preferably black, enamel. The opaque layer is preferably frame-shaped along a arranged around the peripheral edge area of the composite pane. The opaque layer is preferably applied to the interior surface of the outer pane, but it can also be applied to the interior surface of the inner pane or the outside surface of the inner pane. The opaque layer primarily serves as UV protection for the assembly adhesive of the composite window (for example for gluing into a vehicle). The opaque layer preferably has a transmittance for visible light of less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 1%. The opaque layer can also be semi-transparent, at least in sections, for example as a dot grid, stripe grid or checkered grid. Alternatively, the opaque layer can also have a gradient, for example from an opaque covering to a semi-transparent covering.

The composite pane can also have several, preferably two, opaque layers, with a first opaque layer preferably being applied to the interior-side surface of the outer pane and a second opaque layer being applied to the interior-side surface of the inner pane.

In a further preferred embodiment of the projection arrangement according to the invention, the opaque layer is arranged to at least partially cover the reflection layer when viewed through the composite pane. The reflection layer is preferably arranged on the inside in front of the opaque layer and the opaque layer is accordingly arranged on the outside in front of the reflection layer. “Element A arranged on the interior side in front of an element B” means that when viewed through the composite pane, starting from a viewing direction facing the interior pane surface, element A is arranged in front of element B. “Element B arranged on the outside in front of an element A” means that when viewed through the composite pane, starting from a viewing direction facing the outside surface of the outer pane, the element B is arranged in front of the element A.

Preferably, the opaque layer completely covers the reflection layer when viewed through the composite pane starting from a viewing direction facing the outside surface of the outer pane. This means the reflective layer is not visible from an external environment. For the purposes of the invention, the “complete coverage of an element A with an element B” means that the orthonormal projection of element A to the plane of element B is arranged completely within element B. The reflective layer and the opaque layer can be seen through the composite pane also be arranged congruently to each other. The arrangement of the reflection layer in front of the opaque layer increases the contrast of virtual images, but it also leads to a display area that is homogeneous in color and easily recognizable. The higher contrast means that image displays can be used with lower energy consumption.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the opaque layer is arranged in the peripheral edge region of the composite pane and widened in a section of the peripheral edge region adjacent to the motor edge of the composite pane. The opaque layer preferably has a width of 10 cm or more, particularly preferably 20 cm or more, in particular 30 cm or more. The reflection layer is arranged on the interior side in front of the opaque layer. The reflection layer is arranged such that the widened area of the opaque layer completely covers the reflection layer. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in vehicles, in which the projection arrangement can be used as an alternative to displays installed in the dashboard.

The individual layers of the composite pane are preferably arranged in one of the following orders:

• Outer pane - opaque layer - reflective layer - thermoplastic intermediate layer - inner pane,

• Outer pane - opaque layer - reflective layer arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer - inner pane,

• Outer pane - opaque layer - thermoplastic intermediate layer - reflective layer - inner pane,

• Outer pane - opaque layer - thermoplastic intermediate layer - inner pane - reflective layer,

• Outer pane - opaque layer arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer - reflection layer - inner pane,

• Outer pane - opaque layer arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer - inner pane - reflective layer,

• Outer pane - thermoplastic intermediate layer - opaque layer - inner pane - reflective layer and

• Outer pane - thermoplastic intermediate layer - 1 inner pane - opaque layer - reflective layer. The outer pane and the inner pane are preferably made of transparent glass, in particular of soda lime glass, which is common for window panes. In principle, the panes can also be made from other types of glass (for example borosilicate glass, quartz glass, aluminosilicate glass) or transparent plastics (for example polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate). The thickness of the outer pane and the inner pane can vary widely. Discs with a thickness in the range from 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, are preferably used, for example those with the standard thicknesses of 1.6 mm or 2.1 mm. The outer pane and the inner panes can independently be non-prestressed, partially prestressed or prestressed. If at least one of the panes is to have a prestress, this can be a thermal or chemical prestress.

For the purposes of the present invention, “transparent” means that the light transmittance for visible light is 15% or higher, preferably 50% or higher. In particular, “transparent” means that the sum of the light transmittance of all layers of the composite pane corresponds to the legal regulations for windshields and the composite pane in a see-through area for visible light preferably has a transmittance (according to ISO 9050:2003) of more than 70%, in particular more than 75%. Accordingly, “opaque” means a light transmission of less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5% and in particular less than 0.1%.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer is preferably designed as at least one thermoplastic composite film and is based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polyurethane (PU) or mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and additionally Additives known to those skilled in the art, such as plasticizers, are formed. The thermoplastic film preferably contains at least one plasticizer.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by a single film or by more than one film. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by one or more thermoplastic films arranged one above the other, the thickness of the thermoplastic intermediate layer after lamination of the layer stack preferably being from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be formed from a film that is partially colored and therefore opaque. The opaque layer can also be a component of the thermoplastic intermediate layer. The intermediate layer can also consist of more than one Film can be formed, the at least two films extending over different areas of the surface of the composite pane.

The thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be a functional thermoplastic film, in particular a film with acoustically dampening properties, a film that reflects infrared radiation, a film that absorbs infrared radiation and/or a film that absorbs UV radiation. For example, the thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be a belt filter film.

The outer pane, the inner pane and the composite pane can have any three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the inner pane and the outer pane have no shadow zones so that they can be coated efficiently by cathode sputtering. The inner pane and outer pane and thus also the composite pane are preferably flat or slightly or strongly curved in one direction or in several directions of the room

If something is “based on” a polymeric material, it consists predominantly, i.e. at least 50%, preferably at least 60% and in particular at least 70%, of this material. It can also contain other materials such as stabilizers or plasticizers.

The light source may include light-emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, halogen incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps and/or induction lamps. The light source preferably contains at least one light-emitting diode, particularly preferably at least 5 light-emitting diodes and in particular at least 20 light-emitting diodes.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises a circuit board with lighting devices electrically connected thereto. The light source contains at least one lamp, preferably at least 5 lamps, particularly preferably at least 20 lamps and in particular at least 40 lamps. Light sources can be light-emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, halogen incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps and/or induction lamps. The circuit board is intended to be connected to a voltage source.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source also comprises an optical diffuser in addition to a circuit board and one or more lamps. The diffuser and the lamps are preferably arranged in such a way that the light emitted by the lamps is scattered by the diffuser and strikes the region of the reflection layer located at least between the first region and the second region. A diffuser is an optical component that is used to scatter light. The effects used are diffuse reflection and refraction of light. Due to this light scattering, the light from the light source striking the reflective layer is significantly more pleasant for the human eye. Using light scattering, it is also easier to irradiate a larger area of the reflection layer without requiring more electrical energy. A more homogeneous virtual image is also created on the reflective layer. The concept of light scattering to generate diffuse light is known to those skilled in the art.

The diffuser can, for example, be a light guide, which is arranged with the at least one lamp of the light source in such a way that this light can couple into the light guide under total reflection. The light guide also has a coupling-out element which couples out the light coupled in by the at least one lamp from the light guide. The light is coupled out in such a way that it strikes at least the region of the reflection layer located between the first region and the second region. The outcoupling element can be introduced into the light guide, for example, by means of laser structuring, mechanical structuring such as sandblasting, and/or by etching. Alternatively, the decoupling element can be applied to the light guide by printing or gluing an ink, a paste or particles, particularly preferably light-scattering, light-refractive or light-reflecting particles. The light guide itself preferably consists of a disk made of soda lime glass with an iron oxide content of a maximum of 1%. This makes the light guide particularly suitable for coupling in light. The lighting means are preferably arranged in a recess in the light guide or on a circumferential edge surface of the light guide. A major advantage of irradiating the reflection layer via a light guide with a coupling element is that components such as the circuit board and the lamps can be installed concealed, which means a better overall aesthetic appearance can be achieved.

When scattering light using a light guide, the light from the light source is coupled into the light guide, whereby it remains in the light guide using the effect of total reflection until it hits the output element. The light is emitted from the light guide at the coupling element, whereby a locally limited emission of diffuse light can be generated. The decoupling element is preferably arranged on the light guide in such a way that that the light coupled out at the decoupling element mostly hits the reflection layer and is reflected by it. The concept of total reflection is known to those skilled in the art and is known, for example, from the documents WO200777099A1, WQ2010049638A1, US20120104789A1 and WO2018149568A1

Alternatively, the diffuser is a type of lens, preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or quartz glass. The diffuser is arranged between the lamps and the reflection layer, so that the light from the at least one lamp is scattered on the diffuser and then strikes at least the region of the reflection layer located between the first region and the second region. This variant is particularly easy and inexpensive to implement.

The diffuser can also be a reflective layer. If the diffuser is designed as a reflective layer, the at least one lamp is aligned so that it radiates light onto the reflective layer. The light from the at least one lamp is reflected and scattered on the reflective layer. The at least one illuminant and the reflective layer are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the light reflected on the reflective layer at least partially impinges on the region of the reflective layer located between the first region and the second region. The circuit board and the lamps can be installed concealed, which means a better overall aesthetic appearance can be achieved. The solution also requires hardly any additional material and associated costs.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is aligned such that it can irradiate at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of a surface of the reflection layer facing the light source. Particularly preferably, the light source is aligned such that the light from the light source strikes at least the peripheral edge region of the first region, the second region and, if applicable, the third region of the reflection layer and is reflected by the reflection layer.

The radiation (i.e. the light) from the light source, the first image display, the second image display and other image displays can be independently s- or p-polarized radiation. The radiation is preferably p-polarized to at least a proportion of more than 50%, with the proportion of p-polarized radiation preferably being at least 80%. The radiation from the light source, the first image display, the second image display and other image displays is particularly preferably complete, i.e. 100%, or almost completely p- polarized (essentially purely p-polarized). P-polarized light is particularly suitable when the reflection layer is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane, as with p-polarized light there are fewer double images due to reflections on the inner pane. Furthermore, the reflected virtual image is also visible to wearers of polarization-selective sunglasses, which typically only allow p-polarized radiation to pass through and block s-polarized radiation.

The indication of the direction of polarization refers to the plane of incidence of the radiation on the composite pane. P-polarized radiation refers to radiation whose electric field oscillates in the plane of incidence. S-polarized radiation refers to radiation whose electric field oscillates perpendicular to the plane of incidence. The plane of incidence is spanned by the incidence vector and the surface normal of the composite pane in the geometric center of the irradiated area.

The first image display, the second image display, the optionally third image display and/or further image displays are preferably a liquid crystal (LCD) display, thin film transistor (TFT) display, light emitting diode (LED -) Display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, electroluminescent (EL) display or microLED display. The light source preferably does not contain a Liqiud crystal (LCD) display, thin film transistor (TFT) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. ) display, electroluminescent (EL) display or microLED display. All image displays considered together preferably form an image display device.

The light from the first image display, the second image display, the light source and possible further image displays preferably strikes the composite pane at an angle of incidence of 50° to 75°, preferably from 62° to 68°. The angle of incidence is the angle between the incidence vector of the incident light and the surface normal on the interior side (i.e. the surface normal on the external surface of the composite pane on the interior side). The angle of incidence of the light onto the composite pane is approximated at 65° in typical HUD arrangements or projection arrangements based on similar technology. To determine the angle of incidence, the geometric center of the display area, i.e. the area of the reflection layer irradiated by the first image display, the second image display, the light source and possible further image displays, is usually used. However, not a single point, but a surface (namely the respective area) is irradiated and the light can also be adjusted within certain limits (via projection elements such as lenses and mirrors), thus the virtual image of viewers is perceptible at different body sizes, in reality there is a distribution of angles of incidence in the irradiated areas. This distribution of angles of incidence must be taken into account when designing the projection arrangement.

The reflection layer is preferably applied to the inner pane or the outer pane by physical vapor deposition (PVD), particularly preferably by cathode sputtering (“sputtering”), very particularly preferably by magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering (“magnetron sputtering”). The reflective layer is preferably applied before lamination. Instead of applying the reflection layer to the inner pane or the outer pane, it can in principle also be provided on a carrier film which is arranged within the thermoplastic intermediate layer.

The reflection layer preferably comprises at least one metal selected from a group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, tin, indium titanium, tantalum, niobium, nickel, copper, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, zirconium, cerium, scandium yttrium, silver, gold, Platinum and palladium, ruthenium or mixtures thereof. Aluminum, titanium, nickel-chrome and/or nickel are preferably applied to the inner pane or the outer pane because they can have a high reflection for p-polarized or s-polarized light. They are therefore particularly suitable as part of a projection system. The reflection layer preferably has a thickness of 10 nm (nanometers) to 100 pm (micrometers), particularly preferably from 50 nm to 50 pm, in particular from 100 nm to 5 pm.

In a special embodiment of the invention, the reflection layer is a coating containing a thin layer stack, i.e. a layer sequence of thin individual layers. This thin-film stack contains one or more electrically conductive layers based on nickel, nickel-chromium, titanium and/or aluminum. The electrically conductive layer based on nickel, nickel-chromium, titanium and/or aluminum gives the reflection layer basic reflective properties and also an IR-reflecting effect and electrical conductivity. The electrically conductive layer is based on nickel, nickel-chrome, titanium and/or aluminum. The conductive layer preferably contains at least 90% by weight of nickel, titanium and/or aluminum, particularly preferably at least 99% by weight of aluminum, most preferably at least 99.9% by weight of nickel, titanium and/or aluminum. The layer based on aluminum, nickel-chromium, nickel and/or titanium can have dopings, for example palladium, gold, copper or silver. Materials based on aluminum, nickel, nickel-chrome, and/or titanium are particularly suitable for transmitting light, particularly preferably p- polarized light to reflect. The use of nickel, nickel-chromium, titanium and/or aluminum in reflective layers has proven to be particularly advantageous in reflecting light. Aluminum, nickel, nickel-chrome, and/or titanium are significantly cheaper compared to many other metals such as gold or silver. The individual layers of the thin-film stack preferably have a thickness of 10 nm to 1 pm. The thin-film stack preferably has 2 to 20 individual layers and in particular 5 to 10 individual layers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the reflection layer is a reflective film that is metal-free and reflects visible light rays with a p-polarization. The reflection layer is then preferably a film that works on the basis of synergistic prisms and reflective polarizers. Such films for using reflective layers are commercially available, for example from the 3M Company. In this way, complex metal deposition can be avoided.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the reflection layer is a holographic optical element (HOE). The term HOE refers to elements that are based on the functional principle of holography. HOE change light in the beam path through the information stored in the hologram, usually as a change in the refractive index. Their function is based on the superposition of different plane or spherical light waves, whose interference pattern creates the desired optical effect. HOE are already used in the transport sector, for example in head-up displays. The advantage of using a HOE compared to simply reflective layers results from greater geometric design freedom with regard to the arrangement of the eye and image display positions as well as the respective angles of inclination, e.g. of the image display device and the reflective layer. Furthermore, with this variant, double vision is particularly significantly reduced or even prevented. HOE are suitable for displaying real images or virtual images in different image widths. In addition, the geometric angle of the reflection can be adjusted using the HOE, so that, for example, when used in a vehicle, the information transmitted to the driver can be displayed very well from the desired viewing angle.

If thin layers (thin layers) are formed “based on” a material, the majority of it consists of at least 90% of this material, in particular essentially i.e. at least 99% of this material in addition to any impurities or doping.

The reflection layer preferably reflects at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 50%, very particularly preferably at least 80% and in particular at least 90% of a light emitted by the first image display, the second image display, the light source and possible further image displays. Alternatively, the reflective layer reflects 30% to 100% of visible light emitted from the first and second image displays. The reflection layer preferably reflects p-polarized and s-polarized light in equal proportions, but it can also reflect p-polarized light and s-polarized light to different degrees. The light reflected by the reflection layer is preferably visible light, i.e. light in a wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 800 nm. The reflection layer preferably has a high and uniform degree of reflection (over different angles of incidence) compared to p-polarized and/or s-polarized radiation so that a high-intensity and color-neutral image representation is guaranteed.

The reflectance describes the proportion of the total irradiated radiation that is reflected. It is given in % (based on 100% irradiated radiation) or as a unitless number from 0 to 1 (normalized to the irradiated radiation). Plotted depending on the wavelength, it forms the reflection spectrum. In the context of the present invention, the statements on the degree of reflectance with respect to visible radiation (i.e. visible light) refer to the degree of reflectance measured with an angle of incidence of 65° to the surface normal on the interior side. The information on the degree of reflection or the reflection spectrum refers to a reflection measurement with a light source that emits uniformly in the spectral range under consideration with a standardized radiation intensity of 100%.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the composite pane comprises a reflection-enhancing coating, which is arranged on the interior side in front of the reflection layer. The reflection-enhancing coating preferably completely covers the reflection layer when viewed through the composite pane in the viewing direction from the inner pane to the outer pane or is arranged congruently with it. The reflection-enhancing coating reflects visible light to a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 30%. The reflection-enhancing coating has a light transmittance for light in the visible spectral range of at least 70%, preferably at least 90%. The light from the first image display, the second image display, the light source and possible further image displays is therefore not only reflected on the reflection layer, but also partially on the reflection-enhancing coating. This increases the reflectance of the radiation from the image displays and the light source. Reflection-enhancing coatings are generally known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the document WO2021209201 A1.

A further aspect of the invention includes a method for producing a composite pane according to the invention with a light source. The process includes the following procedural steps:

(a) A layer stack consisting of the outer pane, at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer, the inner pane and the reflection layer is provided, the thermoplastic intermediate layer preferably being arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane.

(b) The layer stack is laminated into the composite pane

(c) The composite pane with the first image display, the second image display and the light source are arranged for the projection arrangement.

The layer stack is laminated under the influence of heat, vacuum and/or pressure, with the individual layers being connected (laminated) to one another by at least one thermoplastic film. Methods known per se can be used to produce a composite pane. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be carried out at an increased pressure of about 10 bar to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 ° C to 145 ° C for about 2 hours. Known vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes work, for example, at around 200 mbar and 130 ° C to 145 ° C. The layer stack can also be pressed into a composite disk in a calender between at least one pair of rollers. Systems of this type are known for producing composite panes and usually have at least one heating tunnel in front of a press shop. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, from 40 °C to 150 °C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly useful in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heatable and evacuable chambers in which the outer pane and the inner pane can be laminated within, for example, about 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80 ° C to 170 ° C. The composite pane according to the invention can, for example, be the roof pane, windshield, side window or rear window of a vehicle or another vehicle glazing, for example a separating pane in a vehicle, preferably in a rail vehicle, a car or a bus. Alternatively, the composite pane can be an architectural glazing, for example in an external facade of a building or a separating pane inside a building, or a built-in part in furniture or appliances.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, with reference being made to the attached figures. It shows in a simplified, not true-to-scale representation:

Figure 1 representation of an embodiment of the projection arrangement according to the invention installed in a vehicle,

Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the projection arrangement according to the invention

Figure 1,

3 shows a cross-sectional representation of an edge region of the composite pane from FIG. 1 with an image display and light sources,

Figure 4 is a top view of the image displays and the light sources of the projection arrangement from Figure 2,

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of a generic projection arrangement,

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the image display and the light source,

Figure 7 shows a first aspect of a second embodiment of the image display and the light source,

Figure 8 shows a second aspect of a second embodiment of the image display and the light source,

Figure 9 shows a first aspect of a third embodiment of the image display and the light source and Figure 10 shows a second aspect of a third embodiment of the image display and the light source.

Figures 1 to 4 show different aspects of the projection arrangement 100 according to the invention. Figure 1 shows an interior view of a driver's cab into which an embodiment of the projection arrangement 100 according to the invention is installed. Figure 2 shows an enlarged detail Z of the projection arrangement 100 according to the invention as indicated in Figure 1. The cross-sectional view of Figure 3 corresponds to the section line AA 'of the composite pane i, as indicated in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a top view of the image display device 8 with the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 from Figure 2.

A driver's cab of a vehicle can be seen in Figure 1. The composite pane 1 of the projection arrangement 100 according to the invention is installed in the vehicle as a windshield. The composite pane 1 has areas 6 provided with the reflection layer 5 (see Figures 2 and 3), which are irradiated by image display devices 8. An image display device 8 without a light source 9 is installed in the dashboard 14 on the left on the driver's side, whereas an image display device 8 and a light source 9 is installed on the dashboard 14 on the right on the passenger side. The light source 9 is arranged surrounding the image display device 8. The light source 9 also irradiates the reflection layer 5. The reflection layer 5 reflects the light 12 of the light source 9 and the light 11 of the image display device 8 into the vehicle interior, so that a driver or a passenger can visually perceive the light 12, 11 of the image display device 8 and light source 9 .

An opaque layer 10 is also arranged in a peripheral edge region of the composite pane 1. The opaque layer 10 is widened along a lower edge of the composite pane 1 so that it is arranged to overlap with the reflection layer 6. The reflection layer 5 is arranged on the vehicle interior side of the opaque layer 10 (see Figure 3). The lower edge of the composite pane 1 is arranged adjacent to the dashboard 14.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged section Z of the projection arrangement 100 from Figure 1. The enlarged section Z is indicated in Figure 1 by a dashed circle. The image display device 8 shown in Figure 2 comprises a first image display 8.1, a second image display 8.2 and a third image display 8.3. The image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are, for example, LC displays (liquid crystal displays). The image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are arranged next to each other from left to right in front of the composite pane 1, starting with the first image display 8.1 and ending with the third image display 8.3. A light source 9 is arranged surrounding the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The light source 9 is therefore arranged like a frame around each image display 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The light source 9 extends completely over the area between the first image display 8.1 and the second image display 8.2 and over the area between the second image display 8.2 and the third image display 8.3. The light source 9 contains, for example, several light-emitting diodes and is equipped with a scattering agent 15 (not shown here), which converts the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes into a diffuse light 12.

The first image display 8.1 projects a virtual image onto a first area 6.1 of the reflection layer 5. The second image display 8.2 projects a virtual image onto a second area 6.2 of the reflection layer 5. The third image display 8.3 projects a virtual image onto a third area of the reflection layer 5. The image projected by the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 is reflected into the vehicle interior by the reflection layer 5, whereby it becomes visually perceptible to one or more vehicle occupants, preferably the driver of the vehicle. The image display device 8 is, unlike shown here, preferably arranged in the dashboard 14 of the vehicle in such a way that it cannot be seen by vehicle occupants.

The first, second and third areas 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 do not overlap with one another and are interrupted by areas not irradiated with the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. These interruptions are visually visible to a vehicle occupant and can lead to poor delimitation of the individual areas 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 (if the distances between the displays are too small, for example) or to very high-contrast delimitations, which are not desired. According to the invention, a light source 9 is therefore part of the projection arrangement 100. Light source 9 radiates a diffuse light 12 onto the areas of the reflection layer 5 that are not irradiated by the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The light 12 of the light source 9 is also from the reflection layer 5 into the vehicle interior reflected, whereby it can be visually perceived by one or more vehicle occupants. The light source 9 in particular irradiates an area 7.1 lying between the first area 6.1 and the second area 6.2 and an area 7.2 lying between the second area 6.2 and the third area 6.3. The light source 9 preferably irradiates in a frame shape around the first, the second and the third areas 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 (as shown in Figure 2). The light source 9 particularly preferably irradiates all areas the reflection layer 5, which are not irradiated by an image display 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 (not shown here).

The light 12 of the light source 9 can differ greatly in color from the light 11 of the first, second and third image displays. This leads to an improved delimitation of the individual virtual images of the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. Alternatively, the light 12 from the light source 9 differs little or not at all from the light 11 from the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. This creates an overall aesthetic image in which the virtual images of the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are not interrupted by unsightly edges.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an edge region of the composite pane 1, the image display device 8 and the light source 9 as indicated in Figure 1 by the section line AA '. The composite pane 1 has an outer pane 2, an inner pane 3 and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 arranged between the inner pane 3 and the outer pane 1. The outer pane 2 has an outside surface I facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 and an inside surface II facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The inner pane 3 has an outside surface III facing the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 and an inside surface IV facing away from the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4. The outside surface I of the outer pane 2 is also at the same time the surface of the composite pane 1, which faces the external environment, and the interior-side surface IV of the inner pane 3 is also at the same time the surface of the composite pane 1, which faces the vehicle interior. The composite pane 1 has, for example, a shape and curvature that is common for windshields.

The outer pane 2 and the inner pane 3 each consist of glass, preferably thermally toughened soda-lime glass, and are transparent to visible light. The outer pane 2 has, for example, a thickness of 2.1 mm and the inner pane 3, for example, a thickness of 1.5 mm. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 comprises a thermoplastic, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The opaque layer 10 is applied to the interior surface IV of the inner pane 3, which, as shown in Figure 1, extends in a frame shape over the composite pane 1. The opaque layer 10 is opaque and prevents the view of structures arranged on the inside of the composite pane 1, for example an adhesive bead for gluing the composite pane 1 into a vehicle body. The opaque layer 10 consists of an electrically non-conductive material conventionally used for black printing, for example a black-colored screen printing ink that is baked. The reflection layer 5 is applied to the opaque layer 10 on the vehicle interior side. This means that the reflection layer 5 is arranged closer to the vehicle interior than the opaque layer. The reflection layer 5 covers the opaque layer 10 at least in some areas. The reflection layer 5 has been applied to the opaque layer 10, for example by means of physical vapor deposition, and is formed on the basis of nickel-chromium. The reflection layer 5 is suitable for reflecting visible light to at least 10%. Preferably, the reflective layer 5 reflects at least 50% of the visible light incident on it. As an alternative to the illustration shown here, the opaque layer 10 and the reflection layer can also be arranged between the outer pane 2 and the inner pane 3. The reflection layer 5 can also be opaque itself and not be arranged covering an opaque layer 10.

The second image display 8.2, which is shown in cross section in FIG. The light 12 from the light source 9 and the light 11 from the image display device 8 are at least partially reflected on the reflection layer 5 in the direction of an observer 13, for example a passenger. This can visually perceive the light 11 of the image display device 8 and the light 12 of the light source 9 with a high contrast, since the reflection layer 5 is arranged in front of an opaque layer 10.

Figure 4 shows a top view of the image display 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and the light source 9. In this case, “top view” means the view at a 90° angle to the main surface of the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are rectangular. The image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are arranged side by side along the composite pane 1, with the right, shorter side of the first image display 8.1 facing the left, shorter side of the second image display 8.2 and the right, shorter side of the second image display 8.2 facing the left, shorter side of the third image display 8.3 faces. The opposite sides of the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are not arranged parallel to one another. The image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are arranged according to the curvature of the composite pane 1 (dashed line), which leads to variable (trapezoidal) gap widths between the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The light source 9 surrounds the Image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. The light source 9 extends completely over the between the

Image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 lying (trapezoidal) area.

Figure 5 shows an enlarged section of a generic projection arrangement 100. The section shows a projection arrangement as shown in Figure 2 with the difference that no light source 9 is arranged surrounding the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 of the image display device. This leads to distracting edges around the areas 6 irradiated by the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3. In particular the area 7.1 lying between the first image display 6.1 and the second image display 6.2 as well as the area 7.2 lying between the second image display 6.2 and the third image display 6.3 appears unaesthetic due to its trapezoidal shape. This trapezoidal shape can be avoided in a technically complex manner by adapting image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, but this would entail high costs. For example, if the virtual images of the image displays 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are predominantly black, there may also be difficulties in visually distinguishing between the virtual images.

6 shows an embodiment of the light source 9 with an image display 8.1 of an image display device 8. The light source 9 has 22 light means 17. The lighting means 17 consist, for example, of light-emitting diodes which are arranged on a circuit board 16 and are electrically connected to it. The circuit board 16 with the lighting means 17 is arranged in a frame shape around the image display 8.1. A diffuser 15, which also lies in the shape of a frame around the image display, is arranged congruently with the circuit board 16. The diffuser 15 is arranged so that it is flush with the main surface of the image display 8.1. The light 11 of the image display 8.1 is emitted over the main surface of the image display. The light means 17 on the circuit board are therefore covered by the diffuser 15 when looking at the light source 9 and the image display 8.1. The diffuser 15 is, for example, a frame made of transparent polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which leads to light scattering of the light 12 emanating from the light means 17. This type of light generation creates a light that is more pleasant for human eyes and can also reduce eye problems caused, for example, by light from light-emitting diodes.

Figures 7 and 8 show two different aspects of a second embodiment of the light source 9 with an image display 8. Figure 7 shows an image display 8.1 with a light source 9 as it could be installed in a dashboard 14. Figure 8 only shows the light source 9 without the image display 8.1. Unlike in Figure 6, the diffuser 15 is not a transparent plate, but rather, for example, a reflective metallic film that is framed around the Image display 8.1 is arranged. The diffuser 15 and the light means 17 arranged on a circuit board 16 are shown below the image display 8.1. The circuit board 16 and the light means are completely covered by the image display 8 and the light source 9 when viewed from above. In this exemplary embodiment, the light means 17 are arranged on the circuit board 16 in such a way that the majority of their light 12 is reflected by the diffuser 15. The light 12 from the light means 17 is reflected irregularly, which leads to diffuse light.

Figures 9 and 10 show two different aspects of a third embodiment of the light source 9 with an image display 8.1. Figure 9 shows an image display 8.1 with a light source 9 as it could be installed in a dashboard 14. Figure 10 only shows the light source 9 without the image display 8.1. Unlike the embodiment from Figures 7 and 8, the diffuser 15 is designed here as a light guide, for example made of glass. The diffuser 15 is designed in the form of a rectangular frame which has a circumferential inner edge surface and a circumferential outer edge surface. The 22 light means 17 are arranged on a circuit board 16 in such a way that they are arranged adjacently along the circumferential inner edge surface of the diffuser. The image display 8.1 is arranged in the middle of the area recessed by the frame-shaped diffuser 15, so that the light means 17 are completely covered when viewed from the main surface of the image display 8.1. The diffuser 15 is not completely covered by the image display 8.1, but extends in a frame shape around the image display 8.1. The light means 17 are aligned with the diffuser 15 in such a way that they can couple light 12 into the diffuser 15 under total reflection. The diffuser 15 comprises an outcoupling element (not shown here), which couples out the majority of the light 12 coupled in from the light means 17 into the environment. The decoupling element is, for example, a light-scattering film applied to the diffuser 15.

Reference character list

1 composite disc

2 outer pane

3 inner pane

4 thermoplastic interlayer

5 reflective layer

6 Areas irradiated with an image display device 8

6.1 first area

6.2 second area

6.3 third area

7.1 area lying between the first area 6.1 and the second area 6.2

7.2 area lying between the second area 6.2 and the third area 6.3

8 image display device

8.1 first image display

8.2 second image display

8.3 third image display

9 light source

10 opaque layer

11 light of the image displays

12 light sources

13 eyes of the beholder

14 dashboard

15 diffuser

16 circuit board

17 lights

100 projection arrangement

I outside surface of the outer pane 2

II interior surface of the outer pane 2

III external surface of the inner pane 3

IV Interior surface of the inner pane 4

Z enlarged section of the projection arrangement 100 from Figure 1

A-A' Cross section through the projection arrangement 100

Claims

Claims Projection arrangement (100), comprising a composite pane (1), comprising an outer pane (2), an inner pane (3), a reflection layer (5) and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) arranged between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3). ), at least a first image display (8.1) and a second image display (8.2), at least one light source (9), the first image display (8.1) irradiating a first area (6.1) of the reflection layer (5) and the second image display (8.2) a second region (6.2) of the reflection layer (5) is irradiated and the light source (9) irradiates at least one region (7.1) of the reflection layer (5) lying between the first region (6.1) and the second region (6.2). Projection arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein a third image display (8.3) irradiates a third area (6.3) of the reflection layer (5). Projection arrangement (100) according to claim 2, wherein the light source (9) irradiates a region (7.2) of the reflection layer (5) lying between the second region (6.2) and the third region (6.3). Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the

Reflection layer (5) on a layer facing away from the intermediate layer (4).

Surface (IV) of the inner pane (3) is arranged. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the

Reflection layer (5) is arranged on a surface (III) of the inner pane (3) facing the intermediate layer (4). Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reflection layer (5) has a transmittance for visible light of <15%, preferably <10%, particularly preferably <1%. 7. Projection arrangement (100), according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an opaque layer (10) is arranged to cover the reflection layer (5) when viewed through the composite pane (1).

8. Projection arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the opaque layer (10) is arranged between the outer pane (2) and the reflection layer (5).

9. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source (9) irradiates at least 30%, preferably at least 50% of a surface of the reflection layer (4) facing the light source (9).

10. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light source (9) contains at least one light means (17) and a diffuser (15).

11. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reflection layer (5) contains at least one metal, preferably aluminum, nickel, silver and / or chromium.

12. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light source (9) has a frame-shaped area surrounding the first area (6.1) and / or a frame-shaped area surrounding the second area (6.2) of the reflection layer (5). irradiated.

13. Projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reflection layer (4) reflects at least 50% of a visible light (11) emitted by the first and second image displays (8.1, 8.2).

14. A method for producing a projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein

(a) a layer stack consisting of the outer pane (2), a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4), the inner pane (3) and the reflection layer (5) is provided,

(b) the layer stack is laminated to form the composite pane (1) and

(c) the composite pane (1) with the first image display (8.1), the second image display (8.2) and the light source (9) is arranged in the projection arrangement (100) in such a way that at least the area (7.1) lying between the first area (6.1) and the second area (6.2) can be irradiated by the light source (9). Use of a projection arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13 in means of transport for transport on land, in the air or on water, preferably in motor vehicles, the composite pane (1) preferably being a windscreen, rear window, side window and/or a Glass roof is or in furniture, appliances and buildings.