EXTERNAL LUMINOUS SIGNALING VEHICLE GLAZING, VEHICLE INCORPORATING SAME AND MANUFACTURE

Abstract

An exterior light signaling vehicle glazing selected from a rear window and a side window or a windshield, includes a first glazing which forms an outer glazing and has first and second main faces; a superficially light emitting element such as an OLED or QLED; a holographic redirecting optical system or collimating optical system with one or more optical films followed by a redirecting optical system with one or more optical films.

Claims

1. An external luminous signaling vehicle glazing chosen from a side window, a rear window or a windshield, comprising: a transparent first glazing, made of mineral or organic glass, with first and second main faces, and an edge face; a light source on the second main face side and able to emit external signaling light, said light source having an exit surface toward the second main face; wherein the light source is an electroluminescent element which has an emitting area of length of at least 5 cm and of width of at least 1 cm, with an emission half angle at the apex of 50 to 70 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of said electroluminescent element wherein, in one configuration, the external luminous signaling vehicle glazing comprises, facing said electroluminescent element, between the second main face and said electroluminescent element, a collimation optic having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face called the collimation face opposite the rear face, the collimation optic, which is made of transparent material, includes an optical film or a set of optical films each including on a front face opposite to the exit surface an array of features with apexes and with a pitch T between apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, the collimation optic includes: a) a first optical film, with said array of features that are two-dimensional, b) or a set of at least two optical films that are prismatic, including in this order starting from the exit surface: a first optical film with said array of features that are prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis, and, facing the first optical film, a second optical film with the 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 to a reference direction of the transparent first glazing an angle of at most 10, c) or a single first optical film with 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, wherein for a) each two-dimensional feature being defined by a flank and in a plane P normal to the film 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 optical film an angle ranging from 30 to 55, wherein for b) and c) each prism being defined by two longitudinal faces, each prism has an angle at the apex ranging from 60 to 110, and each longitudinal face makes an angle ranging from 30 to 55 to the plane of the prismatic optical film, wherein the external luminous signaling vehicle glazing comprises facing the collimation optic, a redirection optic, between the collimation optic and the second main face, made of transparent material, includes a redirection optical film or a set of redirection optical films each including on a front face opposite to the exit surface an array of asymmetric prisms with apexes and with a pitch T between apexes that is from 10 m to 500 m, the redirection optic thus includes: i) a first asymmetric optical film with the set of asymmetric prisms extending longitudinally along a third axis that makes 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 the set of asymmetric prisms extending longitudinally along a third axis that makes an angle of at most 10 to the reference direction, and facing the first asymmetric optical film, a second asymmetric optical film with the second 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 to the plane of the asymmetric optical film an angle ranging from 31 to 41, wherein: the reference direction for the rear window or the windshield is the horizontal in the plane of the rear window or windshield, and the reference direction for the side window is the normal to the horizontal in the plane of the side window, the normal to the long side directed toward the second main face is oriented toward the top of the rear window or of the windshield or toward the front of the side window and wherein air is between the exit surface and the entrance face of the first optical film of the collimation optic for b) and c) air is between the prisms of the front face of the collimation optic, for a) the two-dimensional features are recessed, the array of two-dimensional features is an array of cavities, the apexes S are oriented opposite to 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 an alternative configuration, the glazing includes facing the exit surface a holographic redirection optic, the holographic redirection optic includes a front face toward the second main face and an opposite rear face, the holographic redirection optic includes a film with an array of holographic features on the 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 emits in the yellow, and/or for the rear window or the windshield, the light source is a pictogram.

3. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of electroluminescent elements, each with the holographic redirection optic or with the assembly consisting of the collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic.

4. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein, for the side window, the light source emits in the yellow.

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

6. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each 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, wherein the electroluminescent element is an organic light-emitting diode, or a quantum-dot light-emitting diode.

8. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a color filter, which is: between the exit surface and the rear face of the collimation optic, or between the exit surface and the rear face of the holographic redirection optic, or between the redirection optic and a lamination interlayer, said filter then forming a protective film.

9. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electroluminescent element is a back-emitting OLED including a carrier that bears, side opposite the second main face, in this order starting from the carrier: an optional functional sublayer, a transparent anode, an organic electroluminescent system, a reflective cathode.

10. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first glazing is curved and the electroluminescent element is flexible.

11. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an element for electrically connecting said electroluminescent element, which is connected to said electroluminescent element and which extends beyond the edge face of the first glazing.

12. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collimation optic is fastened to the electroluminescent element on the periphery of the exit surface, fastened via its rear face, and wherein the asymmetric redirection optic is fastened to the periphery of the final front face of the collimation optical film or wherein the holographic redirection optic is fastened to the electroluminescent element on the periphery of the exit surface, fastened via its rear face.

13. 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, the 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, the electroluminescent element being between the second and third main faces.

14. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optionally holographic or asymmetric redirection optic is against or fastened to the transparent element on the periphery of the final front face to the second main face or a fourth main face of a laminated glazing including a second transparent glazing made of mineral or organic glass, with a third main face and the fourth main faces.

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, which 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, the collimation optic is larger than the electroluminescent element and is fastened on its periphery by an adhesive, 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 electroluminescent element and is fastened on its periphery by an adhesive via its rear face to the collimation optic, or the collimation optic is fastened on its periphery by an adhesive to the exit surface and the asymmetric redirection optic is larger than the electroluminescent element and is fastened on its periphery by an adhesive 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 electroluminescent element and is fastened on its periphery and preferably adhesively bonded by an in particular transparent adhesive to said lamination interlayer or makes on its periphery adhesive contact via its rear face with said lamination interlayer.

16. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second main face is free, the glazing is monolithic, the asymmetrical or holographic redirection optic is on the second main face or if the glazing is laminated and the electroluminescent element is on the side of a free face of a second transparent glazing: the optionally holographic redirection optic is fastened on its periphery to the electroluminescent element, via its rear face, or the collimation optic is fastened on its periphery to the electroluminescent element, via its rear face, and/or wherein the assembly consisting of the electroluminescent element/collimation optic/asymmetric redirection optic or the assembly consisting of the electroluminescent element/holographic redirection optic is fastened to the free face via a protective rear film that is on the entrance surface of said electroluminescent element with a protruding fastening portion that extends onto the free face.

17. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 13, wherein the holographic direction optic or the collimation optic is between the second and the third main face, the electroluminescent element is between the second and the third main face and in the zone with the electroluminescent element the main face makes adhesive contact with the third main face or with 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, the protective plastic film being local optionally with an extension zone extending beyond the edges of the final front face by at most 10 cm.

18. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lamination interlayer is composite and includes the following stack outside of the zone of the electroluminescent element: PVB/functional plastic film with an optional electrically conductive functional coating oriented toward the second main face or the third main face side/PVB, the functional plastic film extending over second main face, and wherein the electroluminescent element 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.

19. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lamination interlayer includes an acoustic PVB and/or is tinted.

20. The external luminous signaling vehicle glazing as claimed in claim 13, wherein the electroluminescent element is housed in an aperture of the 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 aperture is in the thickness of the lamination interlayer and said transparent element is a protective film housed in said aperture or larger than said aperture and covering said aperture.

21. A vehicle including at least one luminous glazing as claimed in claim 1.

22. 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 the electroluminescent element: the film-based collimation optic, or the film-based holographic redirection optic, in particular by peripheral fastening and even by peripheral adhesive bonding optionally forming a seal and an optionally colored protective film on the last redirection optical film.

23. A process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 13, comprising: positioning the electroluminescent element on an unapertured lamination interlayer or in a through- or blind aperture and simultaneously or separately positioning the collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic or the holographic redirection optic facing the electroluminescent element and successively: installing the assembly positioned between the first and second glazing, laminating under vacuum and with heating or even under pressure.

24. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 23, wherein the electroluminescent element is positioned on said lamination-interlayer sheet in a through- or blind aperture entrance-surface side, with the holographic redirection optic or with the collimation optic or even indeed the asymmetric redirection 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.

25. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 23, comprising, before said positioning, fastening an, optionally colored, 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.

26. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 23, wherein said lamination interlayer having a through-hole housing the electroluminescent element, and the collimation optic and the asymmetric redirection optic or the electroluminescent element and the holographic redirection optic, the process includes placing an, optionally colored, protective film closing the hole and another interlayer sheet covering the protective film, said other sheet optionally already making adhesive contact with the local covering or protective film.

27. The process for manufacturing an external luminous signaling vehicle laminated glazing as claimed in claim 23, comprising creating point adhesive contact by heating and pressure outside of the zone of the electroluminescent element between said interlayer sheet and another rear interlayer sheet entrance-surface side and/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 the electroluminescent element or the electroluminescent element and the holographic redirection optic being in a through or blind hole of one of said interlayer sheets and/or the electroluminescent element or the electroluminescent element and the holographic redirection optic being sandwiched between said interlayer sheet and the front or back other interlayer sheet.

Description

[0260] The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0261] FIG. 1 is a face-on view face-F1 side of a rear window with the OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0262] FIG. 1a is a face-on detail view of the OLED equipped with its collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0263] FIG. 1a is an alternative exterior-side face-on detail view of OLED equipped with its collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0264] FIG. 1 is an exterior-side face-on detail view of the OLED with a collimation and redirection optic.

[0265] FIG. 1i is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0266] FIG. 1j is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0267] FIG. 1k is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0268] FIG. 1l is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0269] FIG. 1X is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0270] FIG. 1Y is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0271] FIG. 1Z is a face-on view of a collimation optic.

[0272] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rear window (back window) according to a second embodiment.

[0273] FIG. 3a is a face-on view of a deflector (fixed side window) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0274] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a deflector (fixed side window) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0275] FIG. 3c is a face-on detail view of OLED equipped with its collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0276] FIG. 3d is an alternative face-on detail view of OLED equipped with its collimation optic and redirection optic.

[0277] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400a (back window or deflector) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0278] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400b (back window or deflector) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0279] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0280] FIG. 4d is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0281] FIG. 4e is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0282] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing with the OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0283] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a glazing (back window or deflector) with the OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0284] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a glazing according to the invention with the OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0285] FIG. 7a is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0286] FIG. 7b is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0287] FIG. 7c is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0288] FIG. 7d is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0289] FIG. 7e is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0290] FIG. 7f is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0291] FIG. 7g is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0292] The figures are not to scale and are schematic.

[0293] All of the figures illustrate, by way of light source, an OLED, but, as a variant, a QLED or TFEL may be chosen. All of the figures illustrate a collimation optic and a redirection optic obeying the laws of geometric optics. Cumulatively or alternatively to the change of source, it is possible to substitute for the asymmetric redirection optic (and for the collimation optic) a holographic redirection optic. The deviation angle will depend on the pitch and on the wavelength of the light.

[0294] FIG. 1 is an exterior-side face-on view of a rear window 1000 with two example OLEDs providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention and therefore light in the direction of exterior face F1 11 of the first, for example monolithic, glass sheet 1.

[0295] The following are shown: [0296] a first OLED 3 or series of OLEDs providing MV red light that is collimated and redirected by optics 5 (collimation optic and thereabove the redirection optic 5, which redirects toward the ground) along the upper edge and centered in a rectangular strip in order to form a third stoplight 101 (zone L3) [0297] a second OLED 3 or series of OLEDs providing MV yellow light that is collimated and redirected by optics 5 (collimation and redirection 5 toward the ground) along the lower edge and off-centered in a rectangular strip in order to form an indicator side-repeater light 103 (zone L4).

[0298] The OLEDs are supplied with power by a connector 35 that extends beyond the edge of the glass and optionally the latter is masked from the exterior by a peripheral masking layer that is in particular made of black enamel (layer not shown) on face F2. As a variant, the OLEDs may form a pictogram.

[0299] FIG. 1a is a face-on detail view of the OLED 3 (one or more side-by-side or separate OLEDs that are for example each rectangular) equipped on the side of the exit surface 30 with its collimation optic made up of an array of prisms extending along the horizontal H, which optic is surmounted by the redirection optics 5 made up of an array of asymmetric prisms extending along the horizontal H.

[0300] Thin and transparent optical films that are for example each of rectangular shape and in particular a stack of two or three or more films is preferred.

[0301] FIG. 1a is an alternative face-on detail view of a plurality of side-by-side OLEDs 3 (for example each is square or rectangular) equipped with their collimation optic and redirection optics 5. Between the OLEDs the optics (non-functional portions 55) may be of small width or even of zero width or without texture. For each optic, one or more thin and transparent optical films, for example of rectangular shape (constant or small width between the OLEDs as mentioned above), and in particular a stack of two or three or more films, is preferred.

[0302] FIG. 1i is an overview of a collimation optic according to the invention. FIG. 1x is a cross-sectional view of a collimation optic with pointed apexes S and angles representative of the angle prisms at the apex, angle to plane of the prismatic optical film).

[0303] 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 OLED. It is for example an example plastic film of less than 0.3 mm thickness and made of PET 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.

[0304] Each prism is defined by two longitudinal faces 41, 42, each prism has an angle at the apex ranging from 60 to 110, better still of 90 and each longitudinal face makes to the plane of the optical film 4 an angle ranging from 30 to 55 and better still of 45.

[0305] 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).

[0306] Air is between the exit surface of the OLED and the entrance face of this single optical film 5a of the collimation optic.

[0307] Air is between the prisms of the front face of the collimation optic; the apexes of the features of each front face make physical contact with face F2.

[0308] FIG. 1 is a face-on exterior-side detail view of the OLED with the collimation optic and redirection optic 5 adhesively bonded on its periphery for example facing technical edges (on the carrier 3) of the OLED 3. The longitudinal axis of the prisms is the horizontal between the sides of the back window (or windshield).

[0309] The adhesive bonding may be frame-like and form a seal.

[0310] FIG. 1Y is an overview of another collimation optic 4 according to the invention.

[0311] This figure differs from FIG. 1X in that the apexes are rounded and the lateral faces curved; the 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.

[0312] FIG. 1j is an overview of a collimation optic according to the invention.

[0313] 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.

[0314] FIG. 1k is an overview of a collimation optic.

[0315] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the collimation optic 4 (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.

[0316] Each two-dimensional feature being defined by a flank e 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] FIG. 1l is an overview of a collimation optic according to the invention.

[0319] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that here the two-dimensional features 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 (second glazing, etc.) element and air is in the cavities.

[0320] Once the light has been collimated it is necessary to redirect it toward the ground for the back window (or toward the rear for a rear window, etc.).

[0321] FIG. 1Z is a face-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 at 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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] Each asymmetric prism is defined by first and second longitudinal faces, the prism preferably having a length L and a width W with L>2W and better still L>5W or L>10W. 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 to the plane of the film a first angle, ranging from 31 to 41 better still of 355 or 352 (naturally the second longitudinal face 52 (called the short side) makes to 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 a4a3 is larger than 40 and even than 50.

[0324] As a variant, an assembly consisting of two parallel optical films that are asymmetric prismatic is chosen.

[0325] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a monolithic rear window (back window) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention according to one embodiment.

[0326] 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 0, and a so-called reference direction that is the horizontal in the plane of the (optionally curved) glazing.

[0327] The OLED 3 emits MV red toward face F2 and has an emitting area of length of at least 5 cm and of width of at least 1 cm, and is preferably of submillimeter-sized thickness E0, with an emission half angle at the apex of 50 to 70 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of said OLED.

[0328] To the exit surface of the OLED is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 61 a first optical film 5a with said array of prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis.

[0329] To the front face of this first film is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 62 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 to the reference direction a zero angle.

[0330] To the front face of this second film is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 63 a first redirection optical film 5 with array of asymmetric prisms with a long side 51 and a short side 52 extending longitudinally in the reference direction.

[0331] 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).

[0332] The front face of this redirection film is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 64 (glue, double-sided adhesive, etc.) to face F2 (or F4 if laminated); this is optional because here a protective rear film 7 with adhesive 65, here a bilayer 70, 71, covers and extends beyond the assembly consisting of the OLED and the optic 5a, 5b, 5. 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.

[0333] The back window is for example oriented between 12 and 80 from the ground and for example from 50 to 70.

[0334] The film for example redirects the light by an angle of at least 15 toward the ground. The OLED 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.

[0335] The OLED 3 is a back-emitting LED including a carrier 3, which bears on the side opposite face F2 in this order starting from the carrier: an optional functional sublayer 31, a transparent anode 32, an organic electroluminescent system 33, a reflective cathode 34 and a (resin) encapsulating layer 36.

[0336] FIG. 3a is a face-on view of a monolithic deflector 300 (fixed side window) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0337] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the deflector (fixed side window) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0338] This deflector 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.

[0339] The OLED 3 faces the aperture 15a and is interior-side and emits MV yellow toward face F2 and has an emitting area of length of at least 5 cm and of width of at least 1 cm, and is preferably of submillimeter-sized thickness E0, with an emission half angle at the apex of 50 to 70 and a main emission direction normal to the plane of said OLED.

[0340] For example, it is a question of a luminous strip that is rectangular (or any other shape) on the lower border.

[0341] To the exit surface of the OLED is fastened by peripheral adhesive bonding 60 a first optical film 5a with said array of prisms extending longitudinally along a first axis (see FIG. 3b).

[0342] To the front face of this first film is fastened by 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 to the reference direction a zero angle.

[0343] 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 side 52 extending longitudinally in the reference direction.

[0344] 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).

[0345] 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, here a bilayer 70, 71, covers and extends beyond the assembly consisting of the OLED and the optic 5a, 5b, 5. For example, it is tinted or bears an electrically conductive functional (solar-control, etc.) layer 71.

[0346] The back window is for example oriented between 12 and 80 from the ground and for example from 50 to 70.

[0347] The film for example redirects the light by an angle of at least 15 toward the ground.

[0348] The OLED 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.

[0349] 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).

[0350] In relation to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, FIG. 3c is a face-on detail view of the OLED 3 equipped with its 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 vertical on the side of the exit surface 30.

[0351] Thin and transparent optical films are preferred and in particular a stack of two or three or more films is preferred.

[0352] With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b is an alternative face-on detail view of a plurality of side-by-side OLEDs 3 equipped with their collimation optics and redirection optics 5; between the OLEDs the optics (non-functional) may be of small width or even of zero width or without texture.

[0353] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400a (back window or deflector or windshield) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0354] This laminated vehicle (in particular motor-vehicle) back window 400a comprises: [0355] 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 [0356] 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 tempered glass), with third and fourth main faces 13, 14 called face F3 and face F4, respectively [0357] 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 of 1 mm or less, for example of 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 2a 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 [0358] 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 [0359] preferably internal and external peripheral masking layers 15, 15 on face F1 11 or F3 or preferably on face F2 12 and even on F4 14, for example made of black enamel.

[0360] In the emergent aperture is housed an electroluminescent element that is an OLED 3 (or QLED or a TFEL) and that is able to emit MV red light in order to form a stoplight or another light (or MV yellow for an indicator side-repeater light) or that serves as an external symbolism (pictogram, etc.) emitted toward face F2 12, said OLED having an exit surface 30 toward face F2 and an opposite entrance surface 30 at the bottom of the aperture 2a. The OLED includes a connector 35 that extends beyond the edge face of the first glazing, which is here fastened entrance-surface side on its periphery. The OLED is for example a back-emitting LED.

[0361] Facing the OLED 3 is placed in this order: [0362] a collimation optic 4, having a rear face 40 on the side of the exit surface of the OLED and a front face 40 opposite to the rear face [0363] a redirection optic 5, having a rear face on the side of the exit surface and a front face opposite to the rear face.

[0364] As a variant, facing the OLED 3 is placed a holographic redirection optics having a rear face exit-surface side and a front face opposite to the rear face.

[0365] The emergent aperture 2a encircles the OLED 4 and the optic 4, 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 the edge face.

[0366] The following are for example chosen during manufacture: a first sheet 21, made of PVB, with one through(or as a variant blind) aperture and a rear second sheet of PVB 22 on the side of the rear face 30. By reflow, the two sheets are joined with an interface (here shown by the dotted line) possibly being visible. If necessary, the OLED 3 is fastened beforehand to the rear sheet 22 by adhesive bonding 60 or by creating point adhesive contact by spot heating (and pressure). Point adhesive contact may be created between the two sheets 21, 22 outside of the zone of the OLED 3 before or after installation between the two glazings 1, 1.

[0367] The collimation optic 4 is here a prismatic optical film or preferably a film comprising two-dimensional features (above all if singular) that is fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to the exit surface (generating an air-filled cavity entry-side). It is for example a question of a plastic film that is partially textured in its thickness for example of less than 0.3 mm and made of PET. 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 (prisms, etc.) of the front face of the collimation optic 4; the apexes of the features make physical contact with the redirection optic 5.

[0368] 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 on the side of the entrance of the redirection optic 5) and preferably against or as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to face F2 (generating an air-filled cavity exit-side). Air is between the prisms of the front face of the redirection optic; the apexes of the features optionally make physical contact with face F2 12. The stack of the two films 4, 5 may be very thin.

[0369] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400b (back window or deflector or windshield) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0370] This figure differs from FIG. 4a in that the collimation optic 4 and the redirection optic 5 are larger than the OLED 3 and than the emergent aperture (than the through-aperture of the second sheet 21) and are here fastened to (or against) the face of the PVB 21 by adhesive bonding 62 or before lamination by creating point adhesive contact by spot heating (and pressure).

[0371] 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 face F2 12. Air is between the prisms of the front face of the redirection optic; the apexes of the features optionally make physical contact with face F2.

[0372] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400c (back window or deflector or windshield) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0373] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the collimation optic 4 and the redirection optic 5, again in the emergent aperture, are larger than the OLED 3, and the collimation optic 4 is adhesively bonded by adhesive 61 to the PVB 22 (front face of the rear PVB sheet 22) with or without use of a spacer.

[0374] The redirection optic 5 is against or as here fastened on its periphery by a double-sided adhesive or a glue 60 to face F2 12.

[0375] FIG. 4d is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400d (back window or deflector or windshield) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0376] This figure differs from FIG. 4a in that the aperture in the PVB is internal. For example, during manufacture a front PVB sheet 23 is placed on the apertured sheet 21 (which becomes a central sheet).

[0377] To prevent flow 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.

[0378] This film 7 may be a color filter (white OLED and red or yellow filter, etc.).

[0379] 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.

[0380] FIG. 4e is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 400e (back window or deflector or windshield) providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0381] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that 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 23 and is for example preassembled therewith (functional PET/front PVB together before lamination) and with the PVB 21 (outside the aperture zone).

[0382] This film 7, 71 may be tinted and/or have an electrically conductive functional coating 72 face-F2 or face-F3 side: solar control, low-E, etc.

[0383] 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.

[0384] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 500 (back window or deflector or windshield) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0385] This figure differs from FIG. 4d in that an identical second prismatic film 4 has been added that is crossed at 90 and adhesively bonded 61 (welded, etc.) on its periphery to the prismatic first film and to the redirection film 5.

[0386] 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.

[0387] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 600a (back window or deflector or windshield) with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0388] This figure differs from FIG. 4a in that the collimation optic 4 (again a textured plastic film, for example a film made of PET of less than 0.6 mm thickness) bears two-dimensional features.

[0389] Each two-dimensional feature being defined by a flank and, in a plane P normal to the film, 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 other angles are chosen to be 45.

[0390] 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 face F2.

[0391] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a glazing 600b with OLED providing collimated and redirected light according to the invention.

[0392] This figure differs from FIG. 6a in that the collimation optic 4 is adhesively bonded to a spacer frame 163a encircling the OLED 3, which is for example against or adhesively bonded to the rear PVB 22.

[0393] FIG. 7a is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED 3 with the collimation optic 4 and redirection optic 5 on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet 22 with the aim of producing the vehicle glazing according to the invention.

[0394] The collimation optic (a prismatic film or two films that are crossed or that have 2D features) is premounted on the OLED 3 by peripheral adhesive bonding and the redirection optic 5 on the collimation optic.

[0395] A second sheet 21 is used with a through-aperture housing the assembly and with a connector 35 protruding (side of the entrance surface of the OLED 3). The whole lot is placed on the rear sheet 22 (face 22b) with local adhesive contact optionally being created by heating and/or pressure (roller) between PVB 21 and PVB 22 outside of the OLED zone or between the OLED and PVB 22 and/or between the connector and the PVBs 21, 22.

[0396] As a variant, the apertured sheet is put in place first and bits of it are removed in order to allow assemblies consisting of an OLED and optics to be placed in one or more marked zones.

[0397] If a third PVB sheet is added exit-surface side (front PVB) it is necessary to use a covering or local protective film between the redirection optic and the rear face of this front PVB sheet. For example, a thin transparent plastic film (that may even be colored, white OLED) and even a film comprising a functional layer may be used.

[0398] FIG. 7b is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0399] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that the rear surface of the OLED is fastened by adhesive bonding 60 to the rear sheet 22.

[0400] If a third PVB sheet is added exit-surface side (front PVB) it is necessary to use a covering or local protective film between the redirection optic 5 and the rear face of this front PVB sheet. For example, a thin transparent plastic film and even a film comprising a functional layer may be added.

[0401] FIG. 7c is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0402] This figure differs from the preceding figure in that (again) no second sheet with through- or blind aperture is used.

[0403] Provision is made to assist with the positioning of the OLED using a film 90 with a reference mark 91 that is either non-stick and against the face 22a or opposite the transparent (glass) lamination table.

[0404] If a third PVB sheet is added exit-surface side (front PVB) it is necessary to use a covering or local protective film between the redirection optic 5 and the rear face of this front PVB sheet. For example, a thin transparent plastic film and even a film comprising a functional layer may be used.

[0405] FIG. 7d is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0406] This figure differs from FIG. 7a in that the collimation optic 4 and the redirection optic 5 are larger than the through-hole 25 of the PVB 21 and the collimation optic 4 is fastened against the front face of the apertured PVB sheet 21 by adhesive bonding or as a variant by creating adhesive contact (heating and/or pressure). The optic 4 closes the hole and is spaced apart from the OLED 3.

[0407] If a third PVB sheet is added exit-surface side (front PVB) it is necessary to use a covering or local protective film between the redirection optic and the rear face of this front PVB sheet. For example, a thin transparent plastic film and even a film comprising a functional layer may be used.

[0408] FIG. 7e is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0409] This figure differs from FIG. 7c in that the collimation optic 4, which is larger than the OLED, is fastened against the front face of the rear sheet 22 by adhesive bonding 52 with or without spacer.

[0410] If a third PVB sheet is added exit-surface side (front PVB) it is necessary to use a covering or local protective film between the redirection optic 5 and the rear face of this front PVB sheet. For example, a thin transparent plastic film and even a film comprising a functional layer may be used.

[0411] FIG. 7f is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0412] This figure differs from FIG. 7b in that the second PVB sheet 23 comprises a blind aperture 25 and the bottom of the redirection optic 5 is protected by a local protective plastic film in the aperture.

[0413] FIG. 7g is a view showing a step of mounting, not during lamination, the OLED with the collimation and redirection optic on a first PVB lamination-interlayer sheet with the aim of producing the glazing according to the invention.

[0414] This figure differs from the FIG. 7f in that the protective film is adhesively bonded to the bottom by adhesive bonding or creating local adhesive contact (heating and/or pressure).