EXTERNAL LUMINOUS SIGNALING VEHICLE GLAZING, VEHICLE INCORPORATING SAME AND MANUFACTURE

Abstract

An exterior light signaling vehicle glazing selected from a rear window, a side window or a windshield includes a first glazing which forms an outer glazing and has first and second main faces; diodes; and for each diode, a primary optical system or a collimating optical system between the diodes and the second main face, followed by a redirecting optical system.

Claims

1. An external luminous signaling vehicle glazing chosen from a side window or a rear window or a front windshield, comprising: a first transparent glazing, made of mineral or organic glass, with first and second main faces and an edge face; a light source on a side of the second main face and able to emit external signaling light, said light source having an exit surface toward the second main face, wherein the light source is a set of inorganic light-emitting diodes, each diode including at least one semiconductor chip, each diode being able to emit in the direction of the second main face, wherein, in a first configuration, each diode incorporates a primary optic with an output emission half angle at the apex of at most 50 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of the emitting face and of the second main face F2, or wherein, in a second configuration, each diode has an emission half angle at the apex of 50 to 70 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of the emitting face, the glazing furthermore includes a set of collimation optics, each collimation optic being associated with a light-emitting diode, each collimation optic includes a front face toward the second main face and an opposite rear face, wherein each collimation optic, made of transparent material, includes an array of features with apexes S and with a pitch T between apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, the collimation optic includes: a) a first optical element, with on the front so called collimation face opposite to the exit surface, said array of features that are two-dimensional, b) or a set of at least two optical elements that are prismatic, including in this order starting from the exit surface: a first optical element with, on a main face opposite to the exit surface, said array of features that are prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis, and, facing the first optical element, a second optical element with on a main face opposite to the exit surface, a second array of features that are prisms extending longitudinally along a second axis making an angle to said first axis of 9010, the first or second axis makes with a reference direction of the first transparent glazing an angle of at most 10, c) or a single first optical element with on the front collimation face opposite to the exit surface, said array of features that are prisms, the array of prisms extending longitudinally along an axis that makes an angle of at most 10 to the reference direction and is even parallel d) a single first optical element forming a set of Fresnel prisms and even a Fresnel lens, which are on the front collimation face opposite to the exit surface or on the rear face and in that it wherein the external luminous signaling vehicle glazing comprises in the first and in the second configuration facing each collimation optic or each primary optic, a redirection optic, between the collimation optic or the primary optic and the second main face, which includes an asymmetric optical film or a set of asymmetric optical films, each including an array of asymmetric prisms with apexes and with a pitch T between apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, each redirection optic thus includes: i) a first asymmetric optical film with on a main face opposite to the exit face, forming a final front face, the set of asymmetric prisms extending longitudinally along a third axis making an angle of at most 10 to the reference direction, j) or a set of two asymmetric optical films that are prismatic, including in this order starting from the exit surface: a first asymmetric optical film with on a main face opposite to the exit face the set of asymmetric prisms extending longitudinally along a third axis making an angle of at most 10 to the reference direction, and facing the first asymmetric optical film, a second asymmetric optical film with on a main face opposite to the exit surface, forming the final front face, the second array of prismatic features, which array is crossed with the first array of prismatic features, the set of prisms of the second array extending longitudinally along a fourth axis making an angle to said third axis of at most 10 and/or the fourth axis makes an angle with the reference direction of the glazing of at most 10, wherein for i) or j) each asymmetric prism being defined by first and second longitudinal faces, each prism makes an angle to the apex ranging from 50 to 60, and a first longitudinal face, forming a long side, makes with the plane of the film an angle ranging from 31 to 41, wherein the normal to the long side is directed toward the second main face and is oriented toward the top of the rear window or the windshield or toward the front of the side window, wherein the reference direction for the rear window or the windshield is the horizontal in the plane of the window or of the windshield and the reference direction for the side window is the normal to the horizontal in the plane of the window, and wherein for b) and c) or d) air is between the exit surface and the rear face of the first optical element of the collimation optic, for b) and c) air is between the prisms of the front face of the collimation optic, and for d) air is between the Fresnel prisms, for a) the two-dimensional features are recessed, the array of two-dimensional features is an array of cavities, the apexes S are oriented to opposite the second main face and the top surface of each cavity is spaced apart from or in physical contact with the asymmetric prismatic film, air is in the cavities, or the two-dimensional features are raised, the apexes of the two-dimensional features of each front face are spaced apart or in physical contact with the asymmetric prismatic film, air is between the two-dimensional features, air is between the asymmetric prisms, the final front face of the asymmetric prismatic film is spaced apart from or in physical contact with a transparent element that is distinct from or that corresponds to the first glazing or wherein, in a third configuration, the glazing furthermore includes a set of holographic redirection optics facing the exit surfaces, each holographic redirection optic being associated with a light-emitting diode, each holographic redirection optic includes a front face toward the second main face and an opposite rear face, wherein each holographic redirection optic, made of transparent material, includes, a film with an array of holographic features on the final front face and air is between the exit surface and the entrance face of the holographic redirection optic and air is between the raised holographic features of the front face of the holographic redirection optic or air is in the recessed holographic features of the front face of the holographic redirection optic, the front face of the holographic redirection film is spaced apart from or in physical contact with a transparent element that is distinct from or that corresponds to the first glazing.

2. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein: for the rear window, the light source emits in the red, or, for the rear window or windshield, the light source preferably emits in the yellow, the light source and collimation optic or primary and asymmetric redirection optics together forming an indicator light, for example of arrow shape, or the light source and holographic redirection optic together forming an indicator light, for example of arrow shape, and/or for the rear window or the windshield, the light source forms a symbolism.

3. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of sets of diodes, each with the holographic redirection optic or with the assembly consisting of the collimation or primary optic and the asymmetric redirection optic, which sources are on the upper border of the rear glazing.

4. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein, for the side window, the light source emits in the yellow, the assembly consisting of the light source and the primary or collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic forming a side repeater or the assembly consisting of the light source and the holographic redirection optic forming a side repeater.

5. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the asymmetric prisms or the two-dimensional features are contiguous or essentially contiguous.

6. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein each redirection optical film is a plastic film that is partially textured in its thickness.

7. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a flexible diode carrier of submillimeter-sized thickness.

8. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diodes are reverse-mount diodes, the face of a diode carrier face on the second main face side is textured to form the collimation optic or wherein the collimation optic is a textured plate or film on the optionally apertured carrier or the diode carrier is apertured and the diodes bear the primary optic.

9. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a part that is mounted on a diode carrier and/or mounted on the diode or on a group of diodes, said part including: the collimation optic, a peripheral extension extending in the opposite direction to the second main face along the edge face of the diode.

10. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the peripheral extension is a surround of the diode or of the group of diodes.

11. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the peripheral surround has a housing for accommodating the diode or a group of diodes, the wall of the surround includes stubs for holding the diode or the group of diodes.

12. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the asymmetric redirection optic includes a film against or fastened to the periphery of the front face of said functional portion of the collimation optic.

13. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collimation optic includes an optical film fastened to the diode on the periphery of the exit surface, fastened via its rear face, and the asymmetric redirection optic includes a film against or fastened to the periphery of the final front face of the collimation optical film or wherein the holographic redirection optic includes a film against or fastened to the periphery of the front surface.

14. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holographic or asymmetric redirection optic is against or fastened to the transparent element on the periphery of the front face.

15. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a laminated glazing including: said first transparent glazing, a second transparent glazing made of mineral or organic glass, with third and fourth main faces, between the second and third main faces, which are the internal faces of the laminated glazing, a transparent lamination interlayer that is optionally tinted and/or optionally composite in its thickness, made of polymeric material, said lamination interlayer film having a main face oriented toward the third main face side and making adhesive contact with the third main face and another main face oriented toward the second main face side and making adhesive contact with the second main face.

16. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glazing is laminated and each diode is housed in an aperture of a lamination interlayer, the aperture is blind with a bottom in the direction of the third main face and opens onto the second main face, or the internal aperture is in the thickness of the lamination interlayer and said transparent element is a protective film housed in said internal aperture or larger than said internal aperture and covering said internal aperture.

17. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diodes with their collimation or primary optics and asymmetric redirection optics or with their holographic redirection optics are in through- or blind apertures in a PVB or in through- or blind apertures of a PVB/functional film with an optional functional coating/PVB.

18. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a laminated glazing including: said first transparent glazing, a second transparent glazing made of mineral or organic glass, with third and fourth main faces, between the third and fourth main faces, which are the internal faces of the laminated glazing, a transparent lamination interlayer that is optionally tinted and/or optionally composite in its thickness, made of polymeric material, said lamination interlayer film having a main face oriented toward the third main face side and making adhesive contact with the third main face and another main face oriented toward the second main face side and making adhesive contact with the second main face, and wherein the collimation optic is larger than the diode and is fastened on its periphery or on its periphery makes adhesive contact via its rear face with said lamination interlayer and optionally the asymmetric redirection optic is larger than the diode and is fastened on its periphery to the collimation optic, or the primary optic or the collimation optic is fastened on its periphery to the exit surface and the asymmetric redirection optic is larger than the diode and is fastened on its periphery to said lamination interlayer or makes on its periphery adhesive contact via its rear face with said lamination interlayer or the holographic redirection optic is larger than the diode and is fastened on its periphery to said lamination interlayer or makes on its periphery adhesive contact via its rear face with said lamination interlayer.

19. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holographic redirection optic or the primary or collimation optic is between the second main face and the third main face, the diode is between the second main face and the third main face and in the zone with the diode the main face makes adhesive contact with the third main face or on the side of the exit surface, and the other main face makes adhesive contact with the second main face and the transparent element is a plastic protective film, on the final front face, with a face oriented toward the second main face and makes adhesive contact with the lamination interlayer, said protective plastic film being local optionally with a so-called extension zone extending beyond the edges of the final front face of the holographic or asymmetric redirection optic by at most 10 cm.

20. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lamination interlayer is composite and includes the following stack outside of the diode zone: PVB/functional plastic film with an optional electrically conductive functional coating on the second or third main face side/PVB, the functional plastic film extending over the second main face, and wherein the diode is between the second main face and the third main face, between the front face and the third main face is present said plastic film/said PVB, the transparent element is the functional plastic film on the front face of the asymmetric or holographic redirection optic.

21. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second main face is free, the glazing is monolithic, the asymmetric or holographic redirection optic is on the second main face or if the glazing is laminated and the diode is on the side of the free face of a second transparent glazing, the collimation optic is fastened on its periphery and, to the diode, via its rear face, and/or the assembly consisting of the diode/primary or collimation optic/asymmetric redirection optic is fastened to the free face of the first transparent glazing or the second transparent glazing via a protective rear film that is on a diode carrier with a protruding fastening portion that extends onto the free face of the first transparent glazing or the second transparent glazing, or the assembly consisting of the diode/holographic redirection optic is fastened to the free face of the first transparent glazing or the second transparent glazing via a protective rear film that is on a diode carrier with a protruding fastening portion that extends onto the free face of the first transparent glazing or the second transparent glazing.

22. A vehicle including at least one external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1.

23. A process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising, before installation on the first glazing: pre-mounting on each diode the film-based collimation optic and/or the film-based asymmetric redirection optic if the primary optic or holographic redirection optic is film-based, or pre-mounting on each diode the collimation optic including a textured plate and with an extension onto the diode carrier, or pre-mounting on each diode with a primary optic the asymmetric redirection optic including a textured plate and with an extension onto the diode carrier, or pre-mounting on each diode the holographic redirection optic including a textured plate and with an extension onto the diode carrier.

24. A process for manufacturing a luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising: positioning the diode carrier with the diodes, diode side or carrier side, on a lamination-interlayer sheet that is unapertured or with through- or blind apertures housing the diodes preferably individually, and simultaneously or separately positioning the optional collimation optic and the redirection optic facing each diode, and successively: installation of the assembly positioned between the first glazing and a second glazing, lamination under vacuum and with heating and optionally under pressure.

25. The process for manufacturing a laminated glazing as claimed in claim 24, wherein each collimation-optic part or each redirection-optic part is mounted on the diode carrier.

26. The process for manufacturing a laminated glazing as claimed in claim 24, wherein each diode is positioned on said lamination-interlayer sheet in a through- or blind aperture entrance-surface side, with the holographic redirection optic or with the primary or collimation optic housed in the aperture and fastened on the periphery of the exit surface or with the asymmetric or holographic redirection optic capping the aperture and on said lamination-interlayer sheet.

27. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 24, comprising, before said positioning, fastening a local protective film to the final front face of the holographic or asymmetric redirection optic and during said positioning said lamination interlayer has a blind hole housing the local protective film or said lamination interlayer has a through-hole and another lamination interlayer closes the hole.

28. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 24, wherein said lamination interlayer having a through-hole housing each diode, and the primary or collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic or housing each diode and the holographic redirection optic, the process includes placing a protective film closing said hole and another interlayer sheet covering the protective film optionally already in adhesive contact with the protective film.

29. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 24, further comprising creating point adhesive contact by heating and pressure, between said interlayer sheet and another rear interlayer sheet entrance-surface sideand/or between said interlayer sheet and another front interlayer sheet exit-surface side, and/or between the collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic or the holographic redirection optic and the interlayer sheet or another interlayer sheet, each diode and the asymmetric redirection optic or each diode and the holographic redirection optic being in a through- or blind hole of one of said interlayer sheets.

Description

[0274] The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0275] FIG. 1 is a front-on view face-F1 side of a rear windscreen with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0276] FIG. 1a is a front-on detail view of the LEDs equipped with their collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0277] FIG. 1b is an alternative front-on detail view of the LEDs equipped with their collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0278] FIG. 1i is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0279] FIG. 1j is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0280] FIG. 1k is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0281] FIG. 1l is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0282] FIG. 1m is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0283] FIG. 1n is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0284] FIG. 1o is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0285] FIG. 1p is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0286] FIG. 1r is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0287] FIG. 1s is a front-on view of a redirection optic.

[0288] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) according to a second embodiment.

[0289] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) according to an alternative of the second embodiment.

[0290] FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) according to another alternative of the second embodiment, with a reverse-mount diode. FIG. 2d shows this type of diode.

[0291] FIG. 2e is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) according to an alternative of the second embodiment.

[0292] FIG. 2f is a cross-sectional view of a rear window according to another alternative of the second embodiment.

[0293] FIG. 3a is a front-on view of a deflector (fixed side window) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the latter deflector.

[0294] FIG. 3c is a front-on detail view of LEDs equipped with their collimation optic and redirection optic, in particular to be viewed with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0295] FIG. 3d is an alternative front-on detail view of LEDs equipped with their collimation optic and redirection optic, in particular to be viewed with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0296] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0297] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0298] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back windowor deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0299] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back windowor deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0300] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back windowor deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0301] FIG. 8 is an alternative of a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0302] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0303] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0304] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back windowor deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0305] For the sake of simplicity the glazings have been shown flat but are in fact generally curved.

[0306] The figures are not to scale and are schematic. All of the figures describe a collimation optic and a redirection optic obeying at the laws of geometric optics. A holographic redirection optic may be substituted, the angle of deviation will depend on the pitch and on the wavelength of the light.

[0307] FIG. 1 is a front-on view of a back window 1000 with two series of LEDs providing redirected, collimated light according to the invention each on a diode carrier.

[0308] The inorganic light-emitting diodes 4 are surface mount devices (SMDs) mounted on a diode carrier, said diodes for example emitting MV red for rear lights or MV yellow for indicator lights, and therefore in the direction of the exterior face F1 11 of the back window 1.

[0309] The following are shown: [0310] a first series of 6 LEDs 4 providing MV red light that is collimated and redirected by optics (collimation and redirection 4 toward the ground) along the upper edge and centered in a rectangular strip in order to form a third stoplight 101 (zone L3) [0311] a second series of 6 LEDs 4 providing MV yellow light that is collimated and redirected by optics (collimation and redirection 4 toward the ground) along the lower edge in a rectangular strip in order to form an indicator side-repeater light 103 (zone L4)

[0312] The diode carrier is a printed circuit board (PCB board) of thickness of at most 0.2 mm and preferably of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. The diode carrier extends beyond the edge face of the back window, which is a laminated or single glazing. It for example includes a diode-bearing portion, and an electrical-connection portion 35 extending beyond the glazing and (partially) between one or more internal and/or external peripheral masking layers that are in particular made of black enamel (not shown).

[0313] The face called the front face of the diode carrier bears conductive tracks facing the face F2 and the back face is for example against face F3 if the back window is laminated. Each diode has an emitting face emitting in the direction of the exterior glazing 1, and each diode has an edge face.

[0314] The diodes 4 (with a single semiconductor chip here) are of square shape of width of about 5 mm or less.

[0315] FIG. 1a is a front-on detail view of the diode carrier 3 with on the front face the diodes 4 (with the chips 41 and the outline 40) each diode being equipped with its individual collimation optic made up of an array of prisms extending along the horizontal H and its redirection optic 5 made up of an array of asymmetric prisms extending along the horizontal H on the side of the exit surface 30. Thin and transparent optical films that are for example each of square shape and in particular a stack of two or three or more films is preferred.

[0316] FIG. 1b is an alternative front-on detailed view with (collimation and redirection) optics 5 that are common to the diodes 4. Thus, the collimation optic and the redirection optic 5 extend far enough to cover all or some of the diodes (at least coverage per group of diodes). Between the diodes 4 the optics (non-functional portions 55) may be of small width or even of zero width and/or without texture (texture only facing the diodes 4). For each optic, one or more thin and transparent optical films, for example of rectangular shape (constant or small width between the diodes as mentioned above), and in particular a stack of two or three or more films, is preferred.

[0317] FIG. 1i is an overview of a collimation optic according to the invention. The collimation optic 5a is here a prismatic optical film that will for example be fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue to the exit surface (generating an air-filled cavity entry-side) of the diode or even on a diode carrier (in particular prismatic film common to a plurality of diodes). It is for example a question of a plastic, in particular PET, film of less than 0.3 mm thickness that is partially textured in its thickness.

It includes in its front face an array of preferably contiguous and even symmetric prisms 50 with apexes S and with a pitch T between the apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, extending longitudinally along an axis making an angle of at most 10 to the reference direction, here the horizontal for the back window (or as a variant a windshield), and even parallel to the reference direction.

[0318] Each prism is defined by two longitudinal faces. Each prism has an angle at the apex ranging from 60 to 110, better still of 90 and each longitudinal face makes with the plane of the optical film 5a an angle ranging from 30 to 55 and better still of 45.

[0319] For example, the pitch is 160 m and the height 80 m and the remaining thickness is 175 m with angle at the apex and valley side of 90 (+20 arc).

[0320] Air is between the exit surface and the entrance face of this single optical film 5a forming the collimation optic.

[0321] Air is between the prisms of the front face of this collimation optical film 5a; the apexes of the features of each front face make physical contact for example with a redirection optical film.

[0322] The adhesive bonding of this optical film 5a to the exit surface of the diode (or diodes or of the diode carrier) may be frame-like and form a seal.

[0323] Here the apexes and valleys are pointed (the features are contiguous).

[0324] As a variant, the apexes are rounded and the lateral faces curved; angles representative of the prisms (angle at the apex, angle to the plane of the film) are defined on the basis of two straight lines b1, b2 that are secant in A, passing through the inflection points I1, I2. The radius of curvature is also limited.

[0325] FIG. 1j is an overview of a collimation optic.

This figure differs from FIG. 1i in that to form the collimation optic an identical second prismatic film 5b that is crossed at 90 and for example adhesively bonded (welded, etc.) on its periphery to the first prismatic film 5a has been added.

[0326] FIG. 1k is an overview of a collimation optic.

FIG. 1k differs from FIG. 1i in that the collimation optic 5a (again a plastic film that is partially textured in its thickness, for example a film made of PET of less than 0.6 mm thickness) bears two-dimensional features.

[0327] Each two-dimensional feature being defined by a flank and in a plane P normal to the film 5a each two-dimensional feature has an angle at the apex ranging from 60 to 110, each intersection of the flank with the plane P making with the plane of the film an angle ranging from 30 to 55. Preferably, an angle at the apex (in the plane P) of 90 is chosen and the 2 other angles are chosen to be 45.

[0328] The two-dimensional features are here raised, the apexes of the features of each front face are free or make physical contact with a transparent element (face F2 of the exterior glazing for example), and air is between the two-dimensional features.

[0329] FIG. 1l is an overview of a collimation optic according to the invention.

[0330] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that here the two-dimensional features of the film 5a are recessed, the array of two-dimensional features is an array of cavities, the apexes S are oriented (toward the interior of the passenger compartment (toward face F3 of a laminated glazing)) and the top surface of each cavity is free or makes physical contact with a transparent (redirection optical) element and air is in the cavities.

[0331] FIGS. 1m to 10 are overviews of a collimation optic.

This figure differs from FIG. 1l in that what is shown is not a film but a part with a textured 2D plate and a peripheral extension 55a.

[0332] The part 5, which forms a collimation optic of a diode 4, includes a smooth entrance face 5 (spaced apart from the exit surface 40) and a textured exit face, in particular a textured functional central zone, here an array of recessed pyramids. The part 5 includes a peripheral extension, preferably taking the form of a hollow body or surround for attaching to the diode carrier 3, for example with a glue, and/or to the diode, and/or forming a barrier to the PVB (by way of precaution) if the glazing is laminated. The part 5 for example has a square outline and in particular an outline similar to that of the diode. The part 5 is for example made of PMMA and obtained by molding. In the case of a laminated glazing, the walls 53 preferably make contact with the PVB. The part 5 is thus here housed entirely in the through-aperture of a potential PVB.

[0333] The part 5 preferably includes a portion housing the diode 4. The walls 53 of the surround include two or better still four internal stubs 55a for holding the diode via its edge face.

[0334] This part 5 may receive a redirection film.

FIGS. 1p to 1r show an overview of a collimation optic.

[0335] The part 5 forming the collimation optic of the diode 4 includes a textured face, here a Fresnel lens with a central zone, and a peripheral extension 55, preferably taking the form of a hollow body or surround for attaching to the diode carrier 3, for example with a glue, and/or to the diode, and/or forming a barrier to the PVB (by way of precaution) if the glazing is laminated.

[0336] The part 5 for example has a square outline. It is for example made of PMMA and obtained by molding.

[0337] The walls 55 preferably make contact with the potential PVB (cavity forming the through-aperture).

[0338] The part 5 is here housed entirely in the through-aperture 20a.

[0339] The part 5 here comprises a portion 55b housing (retaining) the diode 4. The walls 55 of the surround include two or better still four internal stubs 55a for holding the diode via its edge face. The collimation optic (the textured plate) is spaced apart from the exit surface 40.

[0340] The functional zone, and therefore a central zone, of the textured exit face is located facing the exit surface. The peripheral zone may or may not be textured or even serve to create an air-filled cavity.

[0341] The Fresnel lens is able to cover the diode 4 like a hat.

[0342] This part bearing the collimation optic has fastening stubs 55a for holding the diode 40, 41.

[0343] Once the light has been collimated (with one or more films, a plate or molded part) it is necessary to redirect it toward the ground for the back window or as a variant for the windshield (or for a rear window, etc.).

[0344] FIG. 1s is a front-on view of a redirection optic that will be on the front face of the collimation optic (fastened to its periphery, for example by adhesive bonding or welding or spaced apart therefrom by most 1 mm). It is a redirection optical film including an array of asymmetric prisms with apexes and with a pitch T between apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, with preferably at least 4 or even 10 features facing the exit (or light-emitting) surface,

The redirection optic thus includes a first optical film 5 that is asymmetric prismatic with, on a main face opposite to the exit surface, called the final front face, said array of asymmetric prisms extending longitudinally along a third axis making an angle of at most 10, at most 5 or at most 2 to said first axis and even parallel and/or to the reference direction of the glazing (the horizontal for the back window) and even is parallel, in particular with a submillimeter-sized thickness.
Each asymmetric prism is defined by first and second longitudinal faces the prism preferably having a length L and a width W with L>2 W and better still L>5 W or L>10 W. Each asymmetric prism has an angle at the apex a0 ranging from 50 to 60 better still of 555 or 552 and the first longitudinal face 51 (called the long side) makes with the plane of the film a first angle, ranging from 31 to 41 better still of 355 or 352 (naturally the second longitudinal face (called the short side)) 52 makes with the plane of the film a second angle, ranging from 79 to 99 better still from 85 to 90 or 88 to 90, and preferably of at most 90. Preferably, the difference a4-a3 is larger than 40 and even than 50.
The film is preferably a plastic film that is partially textured in its thickness, for example a film made of PET and of less than 0.6 mm or 0.3 mm thickness.
As a variant, an assembly consisting of two parallel optical films that are asymmetric prismatic is chosen.
FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a rear window 200 (back window) according to a second embodiment.
This back window 200 comprises a transparent first glazing 1 made of organic or mineral glass, with main faces 11, 12 called faces F1 and F2, and an edge face 10, and a so-called reference direction that is the horizontal in the plane of the (optionally curved) glazing
Each diode (on a diode carrier 3) emits in the MV red toward the face F2 with a half emission angle at the apex of 50 to 70 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of the diode. As a variant it has a primary optical.
To the exit surface is fastened by a peripheral adhesive bonding 61 a first optical film 5a with said array of prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis.
To the front face of this first film 5a is fastened by a peripheral adhesive bonding 62 (glue, double-sided adhesive, etc.) a second optical film 5b with the second array of prisms extending longitudinally along a second axis making an angle to said first axis of 90; the first or second axis makes with the reference direction a zero angle.
To the front face of this second film 5b is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 63 (glue, double-sided adhesive, etc.), a first redirection optical film 5 with array of asymmetric prisms with a long side 51 and a short sides 52 extending longitudinally in the reference direction.
The normal N to the long side is directed toward the face F2 and oriented toward the top of the rear window or of the windshield (for a redirection toward the ground).
The front face of this redirection film 5 is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 64 (glue, double-sided adhesive, etc.) to face F2; this is optional because here a protective rear film 7 (here a bilayer 70, 71 covers and extends beyond the assembly consisting of the carrier 3, the LED 4 and the optical films 5a, 5b, 5) is fastened with adhesive 65 to face F2 of the single glazing (or F4 of a laminated glazing) and bears the diode carrier 3. For example, this film 7, 70 is tinted (in its bulk) or bears an electrically conductive functional layer 71 (solar control, etc.) on one of its main faces. The 200 is for example oriented between 12 and 80 from the ground and for example from 50 to 70.
The redirection film 5 for example redirects the light by an angle of at least 15 toward the ground.
FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) 200a according to an alternative of the second embodiment.
It differs from the preceding figure, FIG. 2a, in that the collimation optic 5b is a molded part with an array of prisms 5b (with an array of crossed prisms thereabove) or an array of two-dimensional features. This part is fastened to the diode carrier 3 by adhesive bonding 60 (glue, double-sided adhesive). It may be a question of the part described in FIGS. 1m to 1r.
FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional view of a rear window 200b according to another alternative of the second embodiment.
It differs from FIG. 2a above all in that the diode 4 is reverse mounted and the collimation optical film 5b includes two-dimensional features (or two crossed prismatic films are employed). The diode carrier 3 may be apertured. FIG. 2d shows this type of diode. The collimation optical film 5b is adhesively bonded on its periphery by any means 61 to the diode carrier 3
FIG. 2e is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) 200d according to another alternative of the second embodiment.
It differs from FIG. 2a in that the collimation optic 5b is a molded part that is common to a plurality of diodes 4, with two-dimensional features, the redirection film 5, which is adhesively bonded on its periphery to the part 5b by any means 62, also being common to these diodes. The diode carrier may be adhesively bonded by any means 65 (glue, double-sided adhesive, etc.) to the face F2 of the single glazing 1 (or as a variant F4 of a laminate).
FIG. 2f is a cross-sectional view of a rear window 200e according to another alternative of the second embodiment.
It differs from FIG. 2d in that the collimation optic 5b is a prismatic film or a film comprising two-dimensional features that is common to a plurality of (conventionally mounted) diodes just like the redirection film 5 that surmounts it.
FIG. 3a is a front-on view of a deflector (fixed side window) 300 with LEDs 4 providing collimated and redirected light according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the deflector 300 of the latter embodiment.
This deflector 300 comprises a transparent first glazing 1 made of organic or mineral glass, with main faces 11, 12 called faces F1 and F2, and an edge face 10, and a so-called reference direction that is the normal to the horizontal in the plane of the (optionally curved) glazing. It is for example of quadrilateral shape with an upper edge of smaller width. It includes a masking layer 15 (black enamel, etc.) for example on face F2 and equipped with an aperture 15a.
The series of diodes 3 is located facing the aperture 15a and interior-side and emits MV yellow toward the (interior) face F2.
For example, it is a question of a luminous strip that is rectangular (or any other shape) on the lower border.
To the exit surface is fastened by a peripheral adhesive bonding 60 a first optical film 5a with said array of prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis (see FIG. 3b). To the front face of this first film is fastened by a peripheral adhesive bonding 61 a second optical film 5b with the second array of prisms extending longitudinally along a second axis making an angle to said first axis of 90; the first or second axis makes with the reference direction a zero angle.
To the front face of this second film is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 62, a first redirection optical film 5 with array of asymmetric prisms with a long side 51 and a short sides 52 extending longitudinally in the reference direction.
The normal N to the long side is directed toward the face F2 and oriented toward the front of the deflector (for a redirection toward the rear).
The front face of this redirection film is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 64 to face F2; this is optional because here a protective rear film 7 with adhesive 65 is present (here a bilayer 70, 71 covers and extends beyond the assembly consisting of the carrier, the LED and the optical films 5a, 5b, 5). For example, it is tinted or bears an electrically conductive functional (solar-control, etc.) layer 71.
The back window is for example oriented between 12 and 80 from the ground and for example from 50 to 70.
The film for example redirects the light by an angle of at least 15 toward the ground. As a variant, it is a question of a laminated glazing with adhesive bonding to face F4. The enamel may be on face F2 or F3 or F4 (each with an aperture).
In relation to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, FIG. 3c is a front-on detail view of the diodes 4 (with the chips 41 and their outline 40) each diode being equipped with its individual collimation optic made up of an array of prisms extending along the normal to the horizontal H and its redirection optic 5 made up of an array of asymmetric prisms extending along the normal to the horizontal H on the side of the exit surface 30.
Thin and transparent optical films that are for example each of square shape and in particular a stack of two or three or more films is preferred.
In relation to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, FIG. 3d is an alternative front-on detailed view with (collimation and redirection) optics that are common to the diodes. Thus, the collimation optic and the redirection optic 5 extend far enough to cover all or some of the diodes (at least coverage per group of diodes). Between the diodes 4 the optics (non-functional portions 55) may be of small width or even of zero width and/or without texture (texture only facing the diodes 4). For each optic, one or more thin and transparent optical films, for example of rectangular shape (constant or small width between the diodes as mentioned above), and in particular a stack of two or three or more films, is preferred.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400 providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This laminated vehicle and in particular motor-vehicle back window 400 comprises: [0345] a transparent first glazing 1, made of mineral or even organic glass, forming the exterior glazing, with main faces 11, 12 called faces F1 and F2, an edge face 10, and a so-called reference direction that is the horizontal between the lateral edges of the back window [0346] a second glazing 1, forming the interior glazing, for example made of TSA (or clear or extra-clear) glass and in particular of 2.1 mm thickness or even 1.6 mm thickness or even of less than 1.1 mm thickness (in particular chemically toughened glass), with third and fourth main faces 13, 14 called face F3 and face F4, respectively; [0347] between face F2 and face F3, which form the internal faces 12, 13 of the laminated glazing, a lamination interlayer 2, 21, 22 made of polymeric material, here made of PVB, of thickness that is at most 2 mm or submillimeter-sized and preferably about 1 mm or less, for example of about 0.76 mm for a conventional PVB (RC41 from Solutia or Eastman) or, as a variant, if necessary, a (three-layer or four-layer) acoustic PVB for example of about 0.81 mm thickness, including a layer of PVB 21 with a face FB making adhesive contact with the (bare or coated) face F2 and an aperture 2e that emerges onto the face F2; the edge face 20 of this PVB being set back, for example by 2 mm, from the edge face of the glazings, [0348] an optional for example low-emissivity (ITO, etc.) functional layer on face F4 and/or alternatively face F3, which is optionally coated with a (heating, low-emissivity, etc.) functional layer [0349] preferably internal and external peripheral masking layers on face F1 or 11 or on F3 or 13 or preferably on face F2 and even on F4 or 14, for example made of black enamel.

[0350] In the emergent aperture of the PVB 2 is housed a light-emitting element that is an LED 4 on a carrier 3, and which is able to emit MV red light in order to form a stoplight or another signaling light (or MV yellow for an indicator side-repeater light inter alia) or to serve for an external symbolism (pictogram, etc.) emitted toward face F2 12, said LED having an exit surface 30 toward face F2 and an opposite entrance surface 30 at the bottom of the aperture. The carrier 3 includes a connector 35 that extends beyond the edge face of the first glazing, which is here fastened entrance-surface side on its periphery.

[0351] Facing the LED 4 is placed in this order: [0352] a collimation optic 5a, having a rear face 40 on the side of the exit surface of the diode and a front face 40 opposite to the rear face [0353] a redirection optic 5, having a rear face on the side of the exit surface of the diode and a front face opposite to the rear face
As a variant, facing the LED is placed a holographic redirection optic having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face opposite to the rear face.

[0354] The emergent aperture 2 encircles the LED 4 and the optics 5a, 5 and even makes contact with its edge face or as a variant is spaced apart by at most 0.5 mm and even at most 0.1 mm from this edge face.

[0355] The following are for example chosen during manufacture: a first and only sheet 21, made of PVB, with one through(or as a variant blind) aperture and, as a variant, also a rear second sheet of PVB on the rear-face side. By reflow, the two sheets are optionally joined with an interface possibly being visible.

[0356] The collimation optic 5a is here a prismatic optical film or preferably a film comprising two-dimensional features that is fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 61 to the exit surface of the diode (generating an air-filled cavity entry-side). It is for example a question of a plastic film of less than 0.3 mm thickness and made of PET that is partially textured in its thickness. For example, the pitch is 160 m and the height 80 m and the remaining thickness is 175 m with angle at the apex and valley side of 90 (+20 arc). Air is between the exit surface and the entrance face of this single first optical film of the collimation optic. Air is between the features of the front face of the collimation optic; the apexes of the features make physical contact with the redirection optic 5.

[0357] The redirection optic 5 is here an asymmetric prismatic optical film against or preferably as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to the front face of the optic 4 (generating an air-filled cavity entry-side) and preferably against or as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to the face F (generating an air-filled cavity entry-side). Air is between the prisms of the front face of the redirection optic; the apexes of the features make physical contact with face F2.

The stack of these two films 5a, 5 may be very thin.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 500 with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from FIG. 4 in that there has been added, in the through-aperture of the PVB 2, with respect to the redirection optic, which would include just the first prismatic film 5a, a second prismatic optical film 5b that is crossed with the first film and with peripheral adhesive bonding 62; and indeed a rear PVB 22.
The following are for example chosen during manufacture: a first sheet 21, made of PVB, with one through(or as a variant blind) aperture with a face FB making adhesive contact with the face F2 12 (outside of the diode zone) and a second rear PVB sheet on the side of the rear face 22 with a face FA making adhesive contact with the face F3 13. By reflow, the two sheets are optionally joined with an interface (here shown by the dotted line) possibly being visible.
If necessary, the carrier 3 is fastened beforehand to the rear sheet 22 by adhesive bonding or by creating point adhesive contact by applying spot heating (and pressure). Point adhesive contact may be created between the two sheets 21, 22 outside of the LED zone or carrier zone 3 before or after installation between the two glazings 1, 1. The stack of these three films 5a, 5b, 5 may be very thin.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 600 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from FIG. 4 in that a second redirection optical film 5 has been added (in the through-aperture of the PVB 2) to the first redirection film 5 and adhesively bonded on its periphery 63.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 700 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from FIG. 4 in that a rear PVB 22 is optionally added and the collimation optic (in the aperture of the PVB) is a molded part (with prismatic features 5a) for example made of PMMA with an extension 55 adhesively bonded to the diode carrier 3. A crossed prismatic film 5b that is on the molded part and under the redirection film 5 is used.
As a variant, facing the LED is placed a molded part with a holographic redirection optic having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face opposite to the rear face.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 800 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from FIG. 7 in that the aperture in the PVB is internal (blind). For example, during manufacture a front PVB sheet 23 is put in place and the rear PVB sheet has even been removed (diode carrier adhesively bonded to face F3).
To prevent reflow during the lamination from suppressing the optical function of the redirection optic 5, a local plastic protective film 7, for example of less than 0.3 mm thickness and made of PET, is adhesively bonded on its periphery to the front face of the redirection prismatic optical film 5. This film 7 may be a color filter.
The redirection optic 5 is here an asymmetric prismatic optical film against or as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to the plastic protective film 7.
As a variant, facing the LED is placed a molded part with a holographic redirection optic having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face opposite to the rear face, and the protective film is preserved.
FIG. 8 is an alternative of a cross-sectional view of a glazing 800 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the rear PVB sheet 22 is preserved and the plastic protective film 7 is a covering film for example of less than 0.3 mm thickness and made of PET that is adhesively bonded on its periphery to the front face of the redirection prismatic optical film 5 and/or that simply covers (closes) the emergent aperture. It makes adhesive contact with the front PVB sheet 23 and is for example preassembled therewith (functional PET/front PVB together before lamination).
This film 7, 71 may be tinted and/or have an electrically conductive functional coating 72 face-F2 or face-F3 side: solar control coating, low-E coating, etc.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 100 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from FIG. 4 in that the redirection optic 5 is larger than the emergent aperture (the collimation optical film 59 remains housed therein). The redirection optic 5 is against or as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 63 to face F2. A rear PVB sheet 22 has also been added.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 110 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the diode 4 is reverse mounted, and the diode carrier 3 is closer to face F2 and is apertured and receives the optics 5a, 5. As a variant, facing the LED is placed a holographic redirection optic having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face opposite to the rear face, and the diode carrier 3 is closer to face F2 and is apertured and receives this optic.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 120 (back window or deflector) with LEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.
This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the diode carrier 3 is unapertured and forms the redirection optic 5 and the collimation optic is adhesively bonded beforehand to the exit surface face-F2 side.