Illuminated light guide assembly

Abstract

An illuminated light guide assembly includes a first light guide panel coupled to a first light source; a first light-extracting system on the first light guide panel; a second light guide panel coupled to a second light source different from the first light source; a second light-extracting system offset from the first extracting system; and a first optical isolator coupled to the first light guide panel with a first lamination interlayer and coupled to the second light guide panel with a second lamination interlayer.

Claims

1. An illuminated assembly comprising: a multiple glazing unit, having a first exterior main face and a second exterior main face, including: a first light guide panel having an internal main face, a first main face, and a first edge face, the first light guide panel being made of a material having a refractive index n1; a second light guide panel having a bonding main face, a second main face, and a second edge face, the second light guide panel being optically coupled to the first light guide panel, with the bonding main face facing the internal main face; a first light source arranged to emit light of a first wavelength 1 and optically coupled to the first light guide panel via the first edge face, said light of a first wavelength 1 to be guided by the first light guide panel; a first light-extracting system associated with the first light guide panel, comprising one or more first extracting features defining a first extracting area, and configured to extract light of a first color C1 from the first light guide panel so that the extracted light of the first color C1 is visible from a side of the first exterior main face; a second light source arranged to emit light of a third wavelength 3 and optically coupled to the second light guide panel via the second edge face, said light of a third wavelength 3 to be guided by the second light guide panel, the third wavelength 3 being different from the first wavelength 1; a second light-extracting system associated with the second light guide panel, comprising one or more second extracting features defining a second extracting area, said one or more second features being offset from the one or more first extracting features, and configured to extract light of a third color C3 from the second light guide panel so that the extracted light of the third color C3 is visible from the side of the first exterior main face; a transparent first optical isolator disposed between the internal main face and the bonding main face and facing the internal main face, said transparent first optical isolator provided (a) between the first edge face and the first extracting area or (b) between the one or more first extracting features or both (a) between the first edge face and the first extracting area and (b) between the one or more first extracting features, the first optical isolator made of a material having a refractive index n2, such that n1-n2 is at least 0.08 at the wavelengths of the first light source; wherein the transparent first optical isolator is laminated to the first light guide panel by a first lamination interlayer made of a first transparent polymer having a refractive index n3 such that, in absolute value, n3-n1 is lower than 0.05 at the wavelengths of the first light source; and a second lamination interlayer disposed between the main bonding face and the first optical isolator and made of a second transparent polymer having a refractive index n3 such that, in absolute value, n3-n1 is lower than 0.05 at wavelengths of the second light source, said second lamination interlayer being in contact with the second light guide panel.

2. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple glazing unit forms an insulating glazing unit and comprises a third panel having a third main face and a fourth main face, the second and third main faces being spaced apart by a first gas-filled cavity.

3. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light source comprises a first light-emitting diode configured to emit the light of wavelength 1 and at least 80% of the light flux emitted by the first light-emitting diode is in an emission cone between 1 and 1 where 1=arcsin(n1*sin(2)) and where 2=(/2)arcsin(n2/n1) corresponds to the angle of refraction in the first light guide panel, and wherein the second light source comprises a third light-emitting diode configured to emit the light of wavelength 3 and at least 80% of the light flux emitted by the third light-emitting diode is in an emission cone between 1 and 1 where 1=arcsin(n1*sin(2)) and where 2=(/2)arcsin(n2/n1) corresponds to the angle of refraction in the second light guide panel.

4. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a partition, partially or completely preventing refraction of the light emitted by the first light source at an edge face of the multiple glazing unit between the internal main face and the second main face on the first-edge-face side; or when the first and second light sources are on the same side of the multiple glazing unit, a common partition, partially or completely preventing refraction of the light emitted by the first light source at the multiple-glazing-unit edge face between the internal main face and the second main face on the first-edge-face side and partially or completely preventing refraction of the light emitted by the second light source at the edge face between the bonding main face and the internal main face on the second-edge-face side.

5. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at t0 the first light source comprises a green light-emitting diode that emits in the green with wavelength 1 in a range extending from 515 nm to 535 nm, and the second light source comprises a red light-emitting diode that emits in the red with wavelength 3 in a range extending from 615 nm to 635 nm, a flux F1 emitted by the green light-emitting diode is lower than 0.8 times a flux F3 emitted by the red light-emitting diode.

6. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent first optical isolator comprises a first porous silica layer of thickness e2 of at least 400 nm on one main face of a third transparent panel that is made of mineral glass, said one main face being oriented to the internal-face side.

7. A product comprising the illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product is a divider, tile, window, door, decorative panel and/or glazed door of a piece of commercial refrigerating equipment.

8. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first anti-mixing band, which makes optical contact with the internal main face on a periphery of the internal main face, extends from the first edge face along the first edge face, said band being of width D0 at least equal to 0.8Dmin where Dmin=d1/tan ((/2)arcsin(n2/n1)), where d1 is the distance between the first light source and the internal main face, the first anti-mixing band being opaque or a scattering first band with a transmission factor in the visible of at most 2% on a side of the internal main face, and wherein a second anti-mixing band, which makes optical contact with the bonding main face on a periphery of the bonding main face, extends from the second edge face, along the second edge face, said second anti-mixing band being of width D0 at least equal to 0.8Dmin where Dmin=d 1/tan ((/2)arcsin(n2/n1)), where d1 is the distance between the second light source and the bonding main face, the second anti-mixing band being opaque or a scattering second band having a transmission factor in the visible of at most 2% on side of the bonding main face.

9. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second light sources are on opposite sides of the multiple glazing unit, wherein the first light guide panel projects beyond the second light guide panel forming a first projecting region, wherein the first anti-mixing band is in the first projecting region on the internal main face, wherein the second light guide panel projects beyond the first light guide panel forming a second projecting region and the second anti-mixing band and wherein the second anti-mixing band is the second projecting region.

10. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent first optical isolator comprises a first porous silica layer of thickness e2 of at least 400 nm.

11. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first porous silica layer is coated with a first transparent and mineral protective coating.

12. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light source is switchable to emit, at a different instant, the instant, light at a second wavelength 2 distinct from the first wavelength 1.

13. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the light of the first wavelength 1 is emitted at instant t0 and the light of the second wavelength 2 is emitted at instant t and wherein the first extracting system is such that the light extracted at said instant t is of a second color C2 distinct from the first color C1.

14. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent first optical isolator comprises a first low-index film made of a fluoropolymer-based material.

15. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein each main surface of the first low-index film is treated with an adhesion-promoting treatment.

16. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fluoropolymer is ETFE or FEP.

17. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple glazing unit forms an insulating glazing unit comprising a third panel having a third main face and a fourth main face and a third edge face, the second and third faces being spaced apart by a first gas-filled cavity, a framing first polymer seal being placed on the periphery of the second and third main faces, wherein the first and second light sources are arranged on the same side of the multiple glazing unit, and wherein the illuminated assembly comprises a profile extending over the first exterior face, which is the first main face, or on a side of the first main face and facing the first and second edge faces, defining a volume containing the first and second light sources, and the profile comprises: a bottom portion facing the edge face of the multiple glazing unit which includes the first and second edge faces and a central edge face between the first and second edge faces; a first lateral portion against or adhesively bonded to the first exterior main face and increasing thickness by at most 1.5 mm; and either a portion forming a partition partitioning the light of the first and second light sources, which portion is fastened to or integral with the bottom portion and against the central edge face or spaced apart by at most 1 mm therefrom, or a partition partitioning the light of the first and second light sources, which partition is separate from the profile against the central edge face or spaced apart by at most 1 mm therefrom, the partition completely or partially preventing refraction of the light emitted by the first light source at the edge face between the internal main face and second main face and completely or partially preventing refraction of the light emitted by the second light source at the edge face between the bonding main face and first main face; and wherein a fastening part, adjacent to and extending along the second edge face, is fastened to the framing first polymer seal and securely fastened to or integral with the bottom portion.

18. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fastening part is made of metal and does not make contact both with the second light guide panel and the third panel.

19. The luminous glazing illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 17, further comprising an additional profile comprising: a web facing the first and second edge faces, which web is against, adhesively bonded to or spaced apart from the bottom portion; a first flange fastened to the first exterior face; wherein the first flange is made of a first material, the web being made of said first material in a first zone facing the first and second light guide panels, and wherein the web is, in a second zone facing the third panel, made of a second material, the first material being securely fastened by adhesive bonding to the second material, one of the first and second materials being a metal the other being thermally insulating.

20. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the profile is internal to an additional profile for mounting the glazing assembly.

21. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light source is a first assembly of light-emitting diodes on a first printed circuit board (PCB) carrier and the light-emitting diodes are coupled to the first edge face, and the second light source is a second assembly of light-emitting diodes on a second printed circuit board (PCB) carrier, and the light-emitting diodes of the second light source are coupled to the second edge face, the first and second PCB carriers being spaced apart, contiguous or a common PCB carrier.

22. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first assembly of light-emitting diodes and the second assembly of light-emitting diodes are arranged on the same side of the multiple glazing unit and are top-emitting diodes, and the first and/or second PCB carrier has a main face facing the first and second edge faces.

23. The illuminated assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first and the second PCB carrier form a common PCB carrier that forms a common partition on the side of the first assembly and on the side of the second assembly, that lie substantially parallel to the multiple glazing unit, between the first assembly of light-emitting diodes and the second assembly of light-emitting diodes, the common partition completely or partially preventing refraction of the light emitted by the first assembly of diodes at the edge face between the internal main face and second main face and completely or partially preventing refraction of the light emitted by the second assembly of diodes at the edge face between the bonding main face and the first main face, the common partition protruding, relative to the first and second assemblies of light-emitting diodes, in the direction of the first and second edge faces.

Description

(1) Details and advantageous features of the invention will now become clear from the following nonlimiting examples, and by way of the figures:

(2) FIGS. 1, 1, 1, 2, 2a to 2f, 2a, 2b, 3, 3, 4, 5a, 5a and 5b are (sometimes partial) schematic cross-sectional views of luminous glazing assemblies comprising two-colored features in a number of embodiments of the invention; and

(3) FIGS. 1a to 1e, 1a, 1a to 1e are (sometimes partial) schematic front views of luminous glazing assemblies comprising two-colored features in a number of embodiments of the invention.

(4) The figures are not to scale.

EXAMPLES

(5) FIG. 1 shows in greater detail a cross-sectional view of a glazing assembly 100 comprising two luminous zones of different colors in a first embodiment, comprising: a first glazing pane 1, here rectangular (length along the vertical for example, and width of 250 mm for example) that is flat, or as a variant curved (tempered), made of tempered clear or extra-clear soda-lime-silica glass (for example of about 6 mm in thickness, especially the glass called Diamant from the Applicant) of refractive index n1 of about 1.5 at 550 nm and with a T.sub.L of at least 90%, comprising a main face 11 called the internal face, an opposite main face 12 called the first face, here the exterior face, and a first edge face 13 that is vertical in the mounted position and its opposite edge face 14 (here the edge is formed by four edge faces, the first edge face being longitudinal); a first light source 4, here a first assembly of red and green light-emitting diodes 4 aligned on a printed circuit board called the first PCB carrier 41, said source being optically coupled to the first edge face 13, the first glazing pane 1 guiding the light emitted by the diodes that are here preferably spaced apart from the first edge face 13 by at most 1 mm, said source preferably being centered on the first edge face and of width smaller than the thickness of the first glazing pane 1, for example each diode having a width W0 of 4 mm; and a first extracting area 50 defined by first light-extracting features 5, 5a associated with the first glazing pane, here (directly) on the internal face 11, which features are a first discontinuous white scattering layer having a lightness L* of at least 50, which layer is here a white scattering enamel containing white mineral pigments and fused glass frit, taking the form of first scattering features of any size (width and/or length); here for example the area is an array of decorative, for example geometric, features 5a, 5 of 3 cm width, and/or as a variant of discrete for example geometric features such as disks especially adapted to provide an overall transparency.

(6) The first scattering feature 5a closest to the first edge face 13 is distant by W from the first edge face 13.

(7) The first features 5 may alternatively or cumulatively be on the first face 12.

(8) In a first example manufacturing procedure, to form the field of the first scattering features 5, 5a, a first liquid scattering enamel composition comprising a glass frit, a white mineral pigment and an organic medium is applied discontinuously by screen-printing to the internal face 11 (or as a variant to the first face 12) and dried and the assembly is then baked.

(9) More precisely, the first enamel composition contains a glass frit and TiO.sub.2 pigments (sold under the reference 194100 by FERRO) and an organic medium (sold under the reference 801022 by Prince Minerals) in an amount allowing a viscosity of 200 poise (measured under the aforementioned conditions) to be obtained. The average thickness (when wet) of the deposited first layer is equal to 35 m.

(10) As a variant, the white scattering enamel for example has the following composition: between 20% and 60% by weight of SiO.sub.2, 10% to 45% by weight of especially micron-sized refractory pigments, including TiO.sub.2, and no more than 20% by weight of alumina and/or zinc oxide.

(11) Examples of enamel compositions include the enamel called Ferro 194011 sold by FERRO, the enamel of reference AF5000 sold by JM and the enamel of reference VV30-244-1 sold by Pemco.

(12) Instead of an enamel, a white paint may be used. Mention may be made by way of example of the paint Extrablanc of the range Planilaque Evolution from the Applicant, TiO.sub.2 being the predominant pigment. The thickness is typically between 40 and 60 m. A paint formulation may be deposited using a curtain process. The solvent is xylene or as a variant water. After it has been dried, the lacquer for example contains the following ingredients: a binder in the form of a polyurethane resin obtained by crosslinking, with a non-aromatic isocyanate, of hydroxylated acrylic resins resulting from the polymerization of an acrylic styrene; and mineral materials (pigments and fillers) in an amount of 55% by weight.

(13) The internal face 11 and the first features 5 above are (directly) covered by: a first lamination interlayer 3 made of a transparent, even clear, submillimeter-sized 0.38 mm sheet of thermoplastic, here EVA, having (alone) a haze of at most 1.5%, and even 1% and a refractive index n3 such that, in absolute value, n3-n1 is lower than 0.05 in the visible spectrum (here n3 equals about 1.49); a 50 m-thick low-index fluoropolymer, preferably ETFE or FEP, film 2 forming the first (and here only) optical isolator, having first and second main faces 21, 22 treated by a corona treatment and a haze between 1.5 and 2%, such as the product called Norton ETFE from Saint Gobain Performance Plastics, which has a refractive index n2 equal to 1.4, or the product Norton FEP from Saint Gobain Performance Plastics, which has a refractive index n2 equal to about 1.34, this film 2 making adhesive contact with the first lamination interlayer 3 via its face 21; a second lamination interlayer 3 made of a transparent, clear thermoplastic, preferably EVA, identical (nature, thickness, a sheet) to the first lamination interlayer and making adhesive contact with the face 22 of the low-index film 2, and of refractive index n3; and a second mineral glass glazing pane 1 that is identical to, congruent and in coincidence with the first glazing pane, having a main bonding face 11 on the same side as the second lamination interlayer 3, an opposite face called the second face 12, a second edge face 13 and its opposite edge face 14, of refractive index n1 of about 1.5 at 550 nm, of a T.sub.L of at least 90% and with an n3 such that, in absolute value, n3-n1 is lower than 0.05 in the visible spectrum (here n3 is equal to about 1.49).

(14) Therefore here the glazing assembly 100 comprises a multiple glazing unit that is a laminated glazing unit having first and second faces that are the exterior faces.

(15) The glazing assembly 100 furthermore comprises: a second light source 4, here a second assembly of red and green light-emitting diodes aligned on a printed circuit board called the second PCB carrier 41, said source being optically coupled to the second edge face 13, the second glazing pane 1 guiding the light emitted by these diodes 4, which are preferably distant (spaced apart here) from the second edge face by at most 1 mm, said source preferably being centered on the second edge face and of width smaller than the thickness of the second glazing pane 1, for example each diode having a width W0 of 4 mm; and second light-extracting means 5 associated with the second glazing pane and defining a second extracting area 50 here (directly) on the bonding face 12, which means 5 are a second discontinuous white scattering layer having a lightness L* of at least 50, preferably a white scattering enamel containing white mineral pigments and fused glass frit, this layer here being of (substantially) identical nature and thickness to the first scattering layer 5, and taking the form of second scattering features 5 that are offset (and here even spaced apart) from the first features and chosen from one or more decorative features, an array of discrete features adapted to provide an overall transparency and/or an array of characters, the second features here being decorative.

(16) To dissipate heat, the PCB carriers 41, 41 are adhesively bonded with thermal adhesive 18 to the metal profile 7.

(17) The manufacture of the second glazing pane thus coated with a scattering white enamel layer is the same as was described for the first glazing pane.

(18) Between the features 5, 5 (transparent zone 15) the glazing assembly 100 is transparent with a T.sub.L of at least 85%. Between the first (second, respectively) edge face and the first feature 5 (5, respectively) there is a zone 16 that here is also transparent.

(19) Table III below gives examples of T.sub.Ls and hazes for the transparent zone (first-face side) as a function of the about 0.38 mm-thick EVA chosen.

(20) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE III EVA Haze (%) T.sub.L (%) HDPE from CNC EVASafe039 from Bridgestone

(21) Haze is measured with a haze meter.

(22) Each interlayer is preferably a single sheet to decrease haze.

(23) Alternatively, with two of the PVB sheets denoted RB41 sold by Solutia, which have a haze of less than 1.5%, in the transparent zone (first-face side 12) the T.sub.L is 87% and the haze about 2.5%.

(24) The first light source 4 is therefore controlled dynamically to emit at the instant t0, via a first series of diodes 4, a first main emission at a first wavelength called 1, and optionally, in a dynamic mode, at the instant tt0, via a second series of diodes 4, a second main emission at a second wavelength called 2 distinct from 1.

(25) The second light source 4 is therefore controlled dynamically to emit at the instant t0, via a third series of diodes 4, a third main emission at a third wavelength called 3, distinct from 1, and preferably, in a dynamic mode, at the instant tt0, via a fourth series of diodes 4, a fourth main emission at a fourth wavelength called 4 distinct from 3.

(26) By way of example, with two switchable colors, red and green, for each source 4, 4 at t0: the first source 4 emits in the green with 1 in a range extending from 515 nm to 535 nm and of spectral width at half-maximum of less than 50 nm (and the light extracted C1 is green defined by a first main emission extracted at 1 substantially equal to 1, distinct by at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm and with a spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm); and the second source 4 emits in the red with 3 in a range extending from 615 nm to 635 nm and of spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm (and the light extracted C3 is red defined by a third main emission extracted at 3 substantially equal to 3, distinct by at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm and with a spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm), or even in the white.

(27) And at t: the first source emits in the red with 2 in a range extending from 615 nm to 635 nm and of spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm (and the light extracted C2 is red defined by a second main emission extracted at 1 substantially equal to 1, distinct by at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm and with a spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm); and the second source emits in the green with 4 in a range extending from 515 nm to 535 nm and of spectral width at half-maximum of less than 50 nm (and the light extracted C4 is green defined by a fourth main emission extracted at 4 substantially equal to 4, distinct by at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm and with a spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm).

(28) Alternatively, the first source continues to emit in the red with 4 in a range extending from 615 nm to 635 nm and of spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm (and the light extracted C4 is red defined by a fourth main emission extracted at 4 substantially equal to 1, for example distinct by at most 10 nm or at most 5 nm and preferably with a spectral width at half-maximum of less than 30 nm).

(29) In another configuration, for example, at t3 each source 4, 4 emits in the green or in the white. It is also possible for one of the sources to be turned off (therefore creating the following configurations: red and off-state; green and off-state; white and off-state, etc.).

(30) To prevent the mixing of the green and red colors in the second extracting area, each diode 4 of the first source 4 comprises collimating optics 42 that ensure a narrow emission pattern. Each diode 4 of the first light source 4 is spaced apart from the first edge face 13 by at most 1 mm (or less) of air and at least 80% (better still at least 90% and even at least 95%) of the light flux emitted by each diode is in an emission cone between 1 and 1 where 01=arcsin(n1*sin(2)) and where 2=/2arcsin(n2/n1) corresponds to the angle of refraction in the first glazing pane, as shown by the detail view.

(31) To prevent the mixing of the green and red colors in the first extracting area, each diode of the second source 4 comprises collimating optics 42 that ensure a narrow emission pattern. Each diode 4 of the second light source 4 is spaced apart from the second edge face 13 by about 1 mm (or less) of air and at least 80% (better still at least 90% and even at least 95%) of the light flux emitted by each diode is in an emission cone between 1 and 1 where 1=arcsin(n1*sin (2)), and where 2=/2-arcsin(n2/n1) corresponds to the angle of refraction in the second glazing pane.

(32) For n2=1.4 (index of ETFE) and n1=1.5 in the visible spectrum 2 is 210 and 1 33. For n2=1.35 (index of FEP) and n1=1.5 in the visible spectrum 2 is 26 and 1 41.

(33) As diodes, the 4 mm-wide ALMD diodes from Avago may be chosen, 100% of the light flux emitted by each diode being in an emission cone between 30 and 30. In particular, the red AlInGaP-based diodes referenced ALMD-EG3D-VX002, which have a dominant wavelength at 626 nm and a spectral width between 618 nm and 630 nm, may be chosen. In particular, the green InGaN-based diodes referenced ALMD-CM3D-XZ002, which have a dominant wavelength at 525 nm and a spectral width between 519 nm and 539 nm, may be chosen.

(34) Each PCB carrier is a rectangular strip that does not project beyond the edge face of the glazing assembly 100 and comprises red and green LEDs in alternation. The maximum spacing between diodes of the same color is chosen to be 20 mm at most.

(35) The diodes of the first source 4 (of the second source 4, respectively) each have a given main emission direction that is substantially parallel to the first edge face 13 (second edge face 13, respectively) for example to within 5.

(36) The normal luminance of an extracting feature on the first-face or second-face side with green or red light is about 100 cd/m.sup.2 (+/10 cd/m.sup.2). The normal luminance is uniform (to +/10 cd/m.sup.2).

(37) For the first light source 4, the electrical circuit of each green diode emitting in the green is adjusted so that the flux F1 emitted by this green diode is lower than 0.8 and even than 0.5 times the flux F2 emitted by a red diode emitting in the red.

(38) For the second light source 4, the electrical circuit of each green diode emitting in the green is adjusted so that the flux emitted by this green diode is lower than 0.8 and even than 0.5 times the flux emitted by a red diode emitting in the red.

(39) For example, for first and second PCB carriers 41, 41 of the same length, the following sequence may be repeated n times (n being higher than or equal to 1) on each of the carriers: two red diodes/one green diode, etc.

(40) The first and second PCB carriers 41, 41 are located in the interior volume 74 of a mounting profile 7 of the glazing assembly which serves to frame the glazing assembly 100 or even fasten it to a wall. The glazing assembly may thus be a decorative panel fastened to a wall, a floor, a ceiling, etc.

(41) The first face 12 is the display face of the two-color features.

(42) Depending on its installation, the second face may also be a display face. Alternatively, the second face 12 may be covered with a specular reflector, such as a silvered layer (and a protective layer) and for example form a luminous mirror.

(43) The mounting profile 7 is a preferably metal (aluminum, lacquered steel) or as a variant plastic (PVC, etc.) or even wooden profile of U-shaped cross section, comprising: a web 72 facing the edge face of the glazing assembly 100 (including the first and second edge faces 13, 13; the edge faces of the low-index film and the first and second lamination interlayers 3, 3), this preferably metal web here bearing the first and second PCB carriers 41, 41, which are adhesively bonded by a back-side adhesive 18, and for example serving to dissipate heat; and on either side of the web 72 first and second flanges 71, 73 that are preferably made of metal like the web (and therefore reflective) extending over the first face 12 and the second face 12, respectively, over a width W of 3 cm, said flanges being adhesively bonded to the faces 12, 12 for example with a transparent adhesive or a transparent double-sided adhesive 18 or a transparent double-sided adhesive tape such as the 0.5 mm version of the product Tesa ACX 7054 or the 0.2 mm-thick version of the product denoted D9605 from the company NITTO (polyester backing both faces of which are coated with an acrylic adhesive).

(44) The first and second faces 12, 12 are free surfaces that are visible or even accessible (to the touch). The glazing assembly 2000 only comprises one laminated glazing unit comprising these two glazing panes, but, as a variant, another lamination interlayer, another low-index film, other extracting features and another glazing pane with emitting diodes of a color distinct from those already possible, may be added, on the same side as the second face 12, in order to add a third color.

(45) The first and second edge faces 13, 13 are straight and polished. The opposite edge faces 14, 14 are straight, polished or even scattering.

(46) For the sake of simplicity, the jamb of the U-shaped profile framing the laminated glazing unit has not been shown on the opposite-edge-face side 14, 14.

(47) Other diodes may be added to the edge face 14 opposite the first edge face 13, especially in the case of a glazing pane with a large first extracting area and/or with a plurality of spaced-apart centimeter-sized features.

(48) Other diodes may be added to the edge face 14 opposite the second edge face 13, especially in the case of a glazing pane with a large second extracting area and/or with a plurality of spaced-apart centimeter-sized features.

(49) The two luminous zones 50, 50 may be of any shape and extent, for the signal and/or decoration.

(50) One of the luminous zones 50, 50 may comprise a thin feature, such as an arrow for example or even be closed or apertured (geometric outline, etc.).

(51) The following FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1 d, 1e show front views of glazing assemblies with metal framing profiles taking the form of four jambs 7a to 7d. Examples of two-color luminous zones and the arrangement of first and second diode light sources are illustrated.

(52) In FIG. 1a, the first extracting area may be a drawing 50 and the second a logo 50 under the drawing. The first and second diode assemblies 4, 4 are on the same longitudinal jamb (vertical after installation here) 7a or on two opposite jambs.

(53) If it is a question of a store door the drawing may be replaced by the word entrance (in the desired language).

(54) Considering the orthogonal projection of the second features onto the plane of the first features, the edge-to-edge distance Db between the first features and this projection may be freely chosen and is for example a few cm and even a few mm. The first features are said to be spaced apart by Db from the second features.

(55) In FIG. 1b, the first and second extracting features 5, 5 form a chequerboard. There are no dark (non-luminous) zones between the first and second extracting areas 50, 50. The first and second diode assemblies 4, 4 are on both the opposite longitudinal jambs 7a, 7b (which are vertical after installation here). Four light sources are therefore used.

(56) This chequerboard pattern may be used in a decorative wall panel (chequerboard extending over the entire glazing area for example), but also in a door, a divider, etc.

(57) In FIG. 1c, the first and second extracting features 5, 5 are round features that are spaced apart from each other by a freely chosen distance Db, a few cm for example. The first and second diode assemblies 4, 4 are on both the opposite longitudinal jambs 7a, 7b (which are vertical after installation here). Four light sources are therefore used.

(58) These features 5, 5 may be used in a decorative wall panel (features extending over the entire glazing area for example), but also in a door, a divider, etc.

(59) In FIG. 1d, the first and second extracting features 5, 5 form a luminous double frame. There are no dark (non-luminous) zones between the first and second extracting areas 50, 50. The first and second diode assemblies 4, 4 are on the opposite longitudinal jambs 7a, 7b (which are horizontal after installation here). Four light sources are therefore used. Two others may be added to the lateral jambs 7c, 7d.

(60) These features 5, 5 may thus be used in a decorative wall panel (features extending over the entire glazing area for example), but also in a door, a divider, a window, etc.

(61) If it is desired to preserve an unobstructed glazing area preferably (in the central zone) the glazing assembly is preferably not adhesively bonded to an opaque wall and is transparent beyond the extracting areas. As a variant, an illuminating mirror is formed.

(62) In FIG. 1e, the first and second extracting features 5, 5 each form an array of discrete features, for example disks of 1 mm diameter spaced apart by 4 mm, which features are adapted for an overall transparency (vision through the glazing assembly). The first and second diode assemblies 4, 4 are on the opposite longitudinal jambs 7a, 7b (which are horizontal after installation here). Four light sources are therefore used. Two others may be added to the lateral jambs 7c, 7d.

(63) FIG. 2a shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200a in a second embodiment.

(64) Only differences relative to the first embodiment are described. The luminous glazing assembly 200a differs as follows from the glazing assembly 100.

(65) Conventional diodes 4, 4 without collimating opticsand even without (pre)encapsulationhaving a large-angle emission pattern, for example a Lambertian emission pattern (for example with an angle at half-maximum of 120) are chosen.

(66) As diodes, the NSSM124T diodes sold by NICHIA of width WO equal to 3 mm may be chosen, arranged centered on the first edge face 13. As a precaution, it may also be chosen to retain the diodes of example 1.

(67) To prevent mixing of the colors, a first so-called anti-mixing band 8, made of a black enamel or black paint, covers the internal face 11 over a width D0 in order to intersect the large-angle rays traveling toward the second glazing pane 1. The first anti-mixing band 8 is upstream and spaced apart from the first extracting area 50 (the first extracting feature 5a), which is further from the first edge face 13.

(68) D0 is at least equal to 0.8 Dmin where Dmin=d1/tan (/2-arcsin(n2/n1)) and smaller than 2 cm and even 1 cm, d1 being the distance between the furthest edge of each diode 4 and the internal face 11. For d1 equal to 5 mm, n2=1.4 and n1=1.5. Dmin is therefore 13 mm.

(69) Another identical first anti-mixing band (not shown) of the same width D01 may preferably be added to the first face 12 to intersect large-angle rays traveling toward the second glazing pane 1 after reflection from the flange 71. A single-sided or double-sided black adhesive tape is for example chosen in addition to (under the adhesive 18) or replacing the adhesive 18.

(70) A second so-called anti-mixing band 8, made of a black enamel or black paint, covers the bonding face 11 over the width D0 in order to intersect the large-angle rays traveling toward the first glazing pane 1. The second band 8 is spaced apart from the second extracting area 50, which is further away from the second edge face 13.

(71) D0 is at least equal to 0.8 Dmin where Dmin=d1/tan (/2-arcsin(n2/n1)) and smaller than 2 cm, d1 being the distance between the furthest edge of each diode 41 of the second source 4 and the bonding face 11. For d1 equal to 5 mm, n2=1.4 and n1=1.5 Dmin is therefore 13 mm.

(72) Here the first and second bands are chosen to be identical. These anti-mixing bands are above all useful if n2 and n2 are at least 1.2.

(73) Another identical first anti-mixing band (not shown) of the same width D0 is preferably added to the second face 12 to intersect large-angle rays traveling toward the first glazing pane 1 after having been reflected from the flange 73.

(74) Moreover, it is desirable to prevent any color mixing due to lateral leakage of light from the first diodes 4 in the internal volume 74 into the second glazing pane (rays not coupled to the first glazing pane) in particular refraction at the first interlayer or even at the second edge face, and/or due to lateral leakage of light from the second diodes 4 in the internal volume 74 into the first glazing pane (rays not coupled to the second glazing pane) in particular refraction at the second interlayer or even at the first edge face.

(75) Thus, the carrier 7 is a profile having an E-shaped cross section rather than a U-shaped cross section, the central arm 75 of the E, which arm is preferably against or spaced apart by less than 1 mm from the (aligned) edge face of the laminated glazing assembly, being opaque and both acting as a partition and absorbing this light. The profile or at least this opaque central arm 75 is of a slightly smaller or equal thickness to the thickness of this central edge face between the internal face 11 and the bonding face 11.

(76) The profile 7 is of integral construction and for example made of metal. The arm 75 is made opaque (and non-reflective) by adding an opaque coating 75a, 75b such as a black adhesive band or a coat of black paint to the first lateral surface of the central arm 75 and to the second lateral surface of the central arm 75.

(77) All of the profile 7 may be opaque (the profile having been submerged in a bath).

(78) The first lateral surface with the opaque coating 75a preferably does not project toward or over the first edge face 13.

(79) The second surface with the opaque coating 75b preferably does not project toward or over the second edge face 13.

(80) Preferably, an opaque coating of less than 1 mm and even less than 0.5 mm is chosen.

(81) It is for example a black paint or a black adhesive, such as: single-sided: the product NORFIX T333 (polyethylene foam and acrylic adhesive) from Norton, thickness of 0.5 mm; double-sided: the product D5395B from Nitto, thickness of 0.05 mm (black polyester and acrylic adhesive) or D9625, thickness of 0.100 m (black polyethylene and acrylic adhesive); single-sided: the product 61313B from Nitto, thickness of 0.05 mm (black polyester and acrylic adhesive); or double-sided: the product 521-12 m from Lohmann, thickness of 12 m.

(82) There is no adhesive or any other fastening means between the central arm and the central edge face.

(83) Black is preferred over white (such as the product NORFIX V1500 from Norton) for its greater opacity.

(84) As a variant, the opaque (absorbent) central arm 75 is a separate part (with the aforementioned opaque coatings) that is added (fastened) to the web 72 by adhesive bonding, via a notch, etc.

(85) As a variant mounting a second source 4 is placed on its carrier 41 and a second mixing band is placed facing the second edge face on an opposite (or adjacent) side of the insulating glazing unit. An identical E-shaped profile is then added (second partition formed by the opaque central arm of the E), which preferably forms part of a framing profile.

(86) FIG. 2b shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200b in a first variant of the second embodiment.

(87) Only differences relative to the second embodiment are described. The luminous glazing assembly 200b differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(88) The first and second bands 81, 81 are each an opaque single-sided or double-sided adhesive band (adhesive tape) of thickness smaller than that of the interlayers (0.76 mm or even 0.38 mm)for example bands such as those described above for the central arm 75 of the preceding example.

(89) These adhesive bands 81, 81 have a free surface because the lamination interlayers 3, 3 and the first optical isolator 2 are recessed from the first and second edge faces 13, 13 and start from D0 or D0.

(90) The central arm 75 comprising the opaque coatings 75a, 75b is adhesively bonded to the web 72 and is spaced apart by less than 1 mm from the groove between the glazing panes 1, 1. It may penetrate into the groove.

(91) FIG. 2c shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200d in a second variant of the second embodiment.

(92) Only differences relative to the first variant are described. The luminous glazing assembly 200d differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200b.

(93) The first and second anti-mixing bands 82, 82 are each an opaque, preferably black, coating (ink etc.) on the main faces of the central arm 75, which penetrates between the glazing panes 1, 1 as far as the edge faces of the interlayers 3, 3 and of the optical isolator 2.

(94) These opaque coatings 82, 82 have external surfaces that are adhesively bonded to the internal and bonding faces 11, 11 by an optical adhesive or a transparent double-sided adhesive 82a, 82b, such as a polyester carrier coated on both sides with an acrylic adhesive, such as the 0.2 mm-thick version of the product denoted D9605 from NITTO.

(95) To form the opaque lateral surfaces 75a, 75b, the opaque coating 82, 82, chosen to be a black single-sided adhesive tape, may be extended.

(96) It is even possible to omit the adhesive 82a and 82b and use a black two-sided adhesive tape for the anti-mixing bands 82 and 82 and the opaque coatings 75a and 75b on the lateral side surfaces 74 and 74.

(97) On the flanges 71 and 73, facing the lateral surfaces 75a and 75b, opaque internal walls may also be formed using a black adhesive.

(98) FIG. 2d shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200d in another variant of the second embodiment.

(99) Only differences relative to the second embodiment are described. The luminous glazing assembly 200d differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(100) A common PCB carrier 410 of width smaller than or equal to the thickness of the edge face of the glazing assembly facing the edge faces 13 and 13 bears the first and second diodes 4, 4.

(101) The common carrier 410 is adhesively bonded to the profile 7 by an adhesive 18. The partition partitioning the light from the first and second diodes 4, 4 is a strip 75 comprising, on lateral surfaces, opaque coatings 75a and 75b. The strip is adhesively bonded to the common PCB carrier 410 or located in a notch, in either case protruding past the top-emitting diodes and against the central edge face between 13 and 13.

(102) FIG. 2e shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200e in a variant of the second embodiment.

(103) Only differences relative to the second embodiment are described. The luminous glazing assembly 200e differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(104) Each of the diodes of the first source 4 (of the second source 4, respectively) comprises a primary encapsulation 43, 43 and is adhesively bonded to the first edge face 13 (to the second edge face 14, respectively) by an optical adhesive 44, 44 that does not project beyond the edge face of the glazing assembly toward the exterior.

(105) As a variant shown in FIG. 2f, the diodes are adhesively bonded by a transparent double-sided adhesive such as a polyester backing with acrylic adhesive on both its faces, such as the product denoted D9605 from NITTO, this adhesive for example not projecting beyond the edge face of the glazing assembly toward the exterior.

(106) The first anti-mixing band 83 of width D0 is no longer an opaque coating but is replaced by a scattering band 8a (white enamel) that is thick (barely transparent) enough not to emit on the side opposite the internal face 11.

(107) The second anti-mixing band 83 of width D0 is no longer an opaque coating but is replaced by a second scattering band 8a (white enamel) that is thick (barely transparent) enough not to emit on the side opposite the bonding face 11.

(108) The first and second PCB carriers 41, 41 are located on a common metal profile 7 that is T-shaped and not U-shaped and that therefore again has a central arm 75 comprising opaque lateral surfaces 75a, 75b (black adhesive tape, etc.) for partitioning the light sources 4, 4. The profile 7 is of width smaller than or equal to the thickness of the edge face of the glazing assembly.

(109) This profile 7 is premounted and is not fastened to the mounting profile 7 used for mounting the glazing assembly, which mounting profile 7 has a U-shaped cross section and comprises a web 72 and flanges 71, 73 that extend over the periphery of the first and second faces 12, 12 over a width W, and is adhesively bonded by a transparent double-sided adhesive 18, such as a polyester backing both faces of which are coated with an acrylic adhesive, such as the product denoted D9605 from NITTO.

(110) FIG. 2a shows a partial view of a variant of FIG. 2a in which another first anti-mixing band 8a of width D01 equal to D0, such as a black enamel deposit or a coat of black paint and preferably such as the first band 8, is added. The profile 7 is adhesively bonded by any type of adhesive above this zone 8a and/or by a transparent double-sided adhesive that may project toward the end of the flange 71 and/or be restricted to the zone 8a.

(111) By way of precaution, facing the opaque lateral surface 75a a black adhesive tape 8b is added to the flange 71, on the same side as the internal space 74.

(112) Likewise, on the second-glazing-pane side, another second anti-mixing band 8a of width D02 equal to D0, such as a black enamel deposit or a coat of black paint and preferably such as the second band 8, is added. The profile 7 is adhesively bonded by any type of adhesive above this zone 8a and/or by a transparent double-sided adhesive that may project toward the end of the flange 73 and/or be restricted to the zone 8a.

(113) By way of precaution, facing the opaque lateral surface 75b a black adhesive tape 8b is added to the flange 73, on the same side as the internal space 74.

(114) FIG. 2b shows a partial view of a variant of FIG. 2a in which another first anti-mixing band 8a of width D01 equal to D0, such as a black double-sided adhesive tape, is added. The flange 71 projects beyond the other first anti-mixing band 8a. The adhesive 18 is no longer necessary.

(115) By way of precaution, the black adhesive tape 8b is extended over the flange 71 on the same side as the internal space 74, facing the opaque lateral surface 75a.

(116) Likewise, on the second-glazing-pane side, another second anti-mixing band 8a of width D02 equal to D0, such as a black double-sided adhesive tape, is added. The flange 73 projects beyond the other second anti-mixing band 8a. The adhesive 18 is no longer necessary.

(117) FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 300 in a third embodiment.

(118) Only differences relative to the second embodiment 200a are described. The luminous glazing assembly 300 differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(119) A low-index film is no longer used. A new glazing pane 1, which for example is identical to the first and second glazing panes 1, 1, is inserted. The thickness of each pane may be decreased to about 4 mm, d1 (d1) then being equal to 4 mm.

(120) This new glass sheet 1 is coated: on its face 11, on the same side as the internal face 11, with a first low-index layer that is a layer of porous silica preferably obtained by the sol-gel process, which layer is 600 nm and better still 800 nm in thickness, said layer if necessary being surmounted with a first transparent protective coating 2a that is made up of a (dense) silica layer obtained by the sol-gel process, this protective layer being 300 nm or even larger in thickness and having a refractive index n4 of at least 1.4 at 550 nm; and on its face 12, on the same side as the bonding face 11, with a second low-index layer that is a layer of porous silica preferably obtained by the sol-gel process, which layer is 600 nm and better still 800 nm in thickness, said layer preferably being identical to the first low-index layer and, if necessary, surmounted with a second transparent protective coating 2a that is made up of a (dense) silica layer obtained by the sol-gel process, this protective layer being 300 nm or even larger in thickness and preferably identical to the first protective coating 2a.

(121) The mounting profile 7 is U-shaped (or as a variant preferably remains E-shaped in order to partition and absorb the light, or a part is added).

(122) The index n2 of the first low-index layer (n2 of the second low-index layer, respectively) varies as a function of the fraction of pores per unit volume and may easily range from 1.4 to 1.15. The fraction of pores per unit volume is preferably higher than 50% and even than 65% but is preferably lower than 85% in order to obtain a high layer withstand.

(123) Each porous silica layer 2, 2 is a matrix of silica having closed pores (preferably bounded by walls made of the silica) in its volume.

(124) The opaque partition 75 is a part adhesively bonded to the web 72 by an adhesive 18 and with on its lateral surfaces opaque coatings 75a, 75b (single-sided adhesive, coat of paint, etc.).

(125) Another first anti-mixing band 8a of width D001 equal to D0, such as a black single-sided adhesive tape, is added to the first face 12. The flange 71 projects beyond the anti-mixing band and is adhesively bonded thereto by a transparent double-sided tape 18.

(126) By way of precaution, the black adhesive tape 8a could be extended over the flange 71 on the same side as the internal space 74, facing the first opaque lateral surface 75a.

(127) The same goes on the second-glazing-pane side. Another second anti-mixing band 8a of width D02 equal to D0, such as a black single-sided adhesive tape, is added. The flange 73 projects beyond the other second anti-mixing band and is adhesively bonded thereto by a transparent double-sided tape 18 or a transparent adhesive.

(128) By way of precaution, the black adhesive tape 8a could be extended over the flange 73 on the same side as the internal space 74, facing the second opaque lateral surface 75b.

(129) As a variant, a black double-sided adhesive tape is used for the bands 8a and 8a and the adhesive 18 is no longer necessary.

(130) As a variant, the profile fits snugly and an adhesive 18 is not used.

(131) If n2 drops below 1.2 (if n2 drops below 1.2, respectively) the first (second, respectively) anti-mixing band 8, 8 and all the other anti-mixing bands 8a, 8a may be removed.

(132) The porosity may furthermore be monodisperse in size, the pore size then being calibrated. 80% or even more of the pores are closed and spherical (or oval) in shape, having a diameter between 75 nm and 100 nm.

(133) As a variant, use may be made of only a glazing pane 1 comprising the first porous silica sol-gel layer 2 (preferably) with its protective coating 2athe opposite face then making contact with the second lamination interlayer. However, given the millimeter-sized thickness of the central glazing pane 1 the path length traveled by the guided rays is increased and this may decrease the extraction efficiency.

(134) An example procedure for manufacturing the porous silica layer is described in WO 2008/059170. Preferably, the high-temperature bake takes place after the wet deposition of the dense silica layer on the dried porous silica layer.

(135) FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 400 in a fourth embodiment.

(136) Only differences relative to the third embodiment 300 are described. The luminous glazing assembly 400 differs as follows from the glazing assembly 300.

(137) The profile 7 is E-shaped and made of metal and for example has a thickness of at most 5 mm (this thickness being smaller than or equal to the bonding face-internal face distance), the profile 7 having a central arm 75 intermediate between the internal 11 and bonding 11 faces. The interlayers 3, 3, the low-index layers 2, 2 and their protective coatings 2a, 2b and the central glass sheet 1 are recessed from the first and second edge faces 13, 13 by D0 and D0 (D0 being equal to D0). On this central arm 75 the first PCB carrier 41 is arranged on one side, on the first lateral surface 75a, and the second PCB carrier 41 on the other side, on the second lateral surface 75b.

(138) The diodes 4, 4 are side-emitting diodes. Each emitting face of the first source 4 (of the second source 4, respectively) is parallel to the first PCB carrier 41 (second PCB carrier 41, respectively).

(139) The width of the emitting face is for example 1 mm and d1 is about 2.5 mm (for 4 mm-thick glass, the diodes being centered).

(140) The PCB carriers 41, 41 may participate in the anti-mixing partitioning of the lights. Thus, the first PCB carrier 41 is opaque (or has an opaque coating on the side 74) and forms the first opaque partition 75a, and the second PCB carrier 41 is opaque (or has an opaque coating on the side 74) and forms the second opaque partition 75b.

(141) Each PCB carrier is adhesively bonded to the surface of the central arm with an adhesive 18 that may be opaque.

(142) Preferably the edge face of the first (second, respectively) PCB carrier does not face the first (second, respectively) edge face.

(143) Alternatively, there is no recess, as in the example in FIG. 3. The PCB carriers 41, 41 (and the central arm 75 bearing them) are then against the central edge face.

(144) By way of precaution, the black adhesive tape 8a could be extended over the flange 71 on the same side as the internal space 74 facing the first PCB 41. By way of precaution, the black adhesive tape 8a could be extended over the flange 73 on the same side as the internal space 74 facing the second PCB 41.

(145) Alternatively, the PCB carriers 41, 41 are fastened to the flanges 71, 73 of the mounting profile 7.

(146) FIG. 5a shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 500a in a fifth embodiment.

(147) Only differences relative to the second embodiment 200a are described. The luminous glazing assembly 500a differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(148) The second diode light source 4 is on the opposite side of the glazing assembly to the first diode light source 4. The second edge face 13 is therefore on the opposite side of the glazing assembly to the first edge face 13. Likewise, the second anti-mixing band 8 is on the opposite side of the glazing assembly to the first anti-mixing band 8. The first and second glazing panes 1, 1 remain of identical size but are offset laterally thereby defining a first projecting zone 11a and a second projecting zone 11a.

(149) The profile 7 for fastening the PCB 41 to the first glazing pane 1 has a U-shaped cross section, is for example made of metal and is attached to the first glazing pane (in the projecting zone 11a of the internal face 11 due to the offset of the glazing panes).

(150) Another profile 7 for fastening the PCB 41 to the second glazing pane 1 is for example made of metal, has a U-shaped cross section and is attached to the second glazing pane 1 (in the second projecting zone 11a of the bonding face 11 due to the offset of the glazing panes).

(151) A profile for mounting the glazing assembly 7a, 7b is placed across the entire thickness of the glazing assembly, on each side enclosing the fastening profiles 7, 7.

(152) The first and second anti-mixing bands 8 and 8 are located in the projecting zones 11a, 11a. Other anti-mixing bands 8a, 8a of width D01 and D02 equal to D0 and D0, respectively, are preferably added to the first and second faces 12, 12 facing the bands 8 and 8. For example each anti-mixing band is a black double-sided adhesive tape for adhesively bonding the profile 7, 7 or is even single-sided.

(153) Furthermore, it may be preferable for the flanges 71 and 73 to be opaque (internal walls with black deposit or black adhesive tape) in order to reinforce the anti-mixing effect.

(154) In a first variant, the flanges 71 and 71 are omitted and the profiles are L-shaped in cross section.

(155) In a second variant shown in FIG. 5a, which shows a partial view of the first-edge-face 13 side, the first PCB carrier is adhesively bonded with thermal adhesive to the web 72 of a U-shaped metal profile 7 fastened to the multiple glazing unit by its flanges 71, 73 (snug fit, adhesive, etc.).

(156) The first anti-mixing band 8 has a free surface and for example is a black single-sided adhesive tape or a black deposit (enamel, etc.).

(157) The other first anti-mixing band 8a is for example a black double-sided adhesive tape or a black deposit (enamel, etc.).

(158) An internal opaque coating may be added (on the interior 74 side) to the flanges 71 and 73.

(159) As a variant, if the web 72 is not made of metal a metal strip is inserted between the PCB 41 and the web.

(160) On the second-edge-face side the same mounting is used.

(161) FIG. 5b shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 500b in a variant of the fifth embodiment.

(162) Only differences relative to the fifth embodiment 500a are described. The luminous glazing assembly 500b differs as follows from the glazing assembly 500a.

(163) The fastening profile 7 does not increase the thickness of the glazing assembly because it is located facing the projecting zone 11a of the second glazing pane 1. It is fastened via its flange 73 to this projecting zone (outside of the second extracting area 50). The other profile 7 also does not increase the thickness of the glazing assembly because it is located facing the projecting zone 11a of the first glazing pane 1. It is fastened via its flange 73 to this projecting zone (outside of the first extracting area 50).

(164) The anti-mixing bands are optionally omitted.

(165) The diodes then comprise a lens 42, 42 in order to obtain a narrow emission pattern. Alternatively a low-index layer (with a protective coating) with an n2 less than 1.2 is used as an optical isolator. Additional profiles 7a and 7b enclosing the profile 7 and 7 are added.

(166) FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 100 in a variant of the first embodiment.

(167) Only differences relative to the first embodiment 100 are described. The luminous glazing assembly 100 differs as follows from the glazing assembly 100 in that a profile 7 for positioning the diodes 4 and 4 within the mounting profile 7 is used, for a divider application.

(168) The mounting profile 7 is preferably made of metal (of aluminum or stainless steel) but may be made of a plastic, in particular a composite.

(169) The profile 7 has a U-shaped body comprising a web 72 and two flanges 71 and 73 perpendicular to the web and parallel to and spaced apart from each other.

(170) The first flange 71 of the mounting profile 7 is movable or removable, making the interior of the profile accessible at any moment, in particular subsequently to the installation of the partition.

(171) The flange 71 may be movable or removable relative to or at the junction with the web 72, or indeed as illustrated at the distal end 71a of a fixed extension 72a projecting perpendicularly from the web 72.

(172) The flange 71 is movable in that it pivots about a longitudinal axis along which the extension 71a extends, which axis forms an esthetically invisible hinge on the exterior of the profile. The flange pivots in the direction of the exterior of the profile 7, away from the first flange 71 (as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 1).

(173) Removable sealing means 181 are provided placed against the first and second (exterior) faces 12, 12 and the respective flanges 71 and 73 of the mounting profile. These sealing means are for example fixed by clip fastening.

(174) A profile called a positioning profile 7 of U-shaped cross section bearing the PCB carriers and the diodes 4, 4 is located in the interior volume 74a of the mounting profile. The flanges 71, 73 of this profile 7 are spaced apart from the flanges 71, 73 of the mounting profile.

(175) The flanges 71 and 73 are fastened by a transparent double-sided adhesive tape 18 to the first and second exterior faces 12, 12.

(176) As a variant, by way of precaution: the lengths of transparent adhesive tape 18 are replaced by black enamel deposits (black enamel also being added to the bonding and internal faces) or by lengths of black double-sided adhesive tape; a common partition having opaque lateral surfaces such as described above is added, this partition being fastened to the web 72 and protruding relative to the diodes 4, 4; the PCB carriers are replaced by a common carrier (preferably bearing the opaque partition).

(177) For the sake of simplicity, the jamb of the U-shaped profile 7 framing the laminated glazing unit has not been shown on the opposite-edge-face side 14, 14.

(178) Another similar internal profile and other diodes may be added to the edge face 14 opposite the first edge face 13, especially in the case of a glazing pane with a large first extracting area and/or with a plurality of spaced-apart centimeter-sized features.

(179) Other diodes may be added to the other internal profile on the edge face 14 opposite the second edge face 13, especially in the case of a glazing pane with a large second extracting area and/or with a plurality of spaced-apart centimeter-sized features.

(180) FIG. 1a shows a partial view of a glazed door with bi-color features.

(181) The glazing assembly comprises four first extracting areas 50a to 50d taking the form of rectangular horizontal bands the width (height) of which increases in the floor direction, for example at the instant t0 forming red luminous zones.

(182) There are furthermore two second extracting areas 50a, 50b, for example at the instant t0 forming green luminous zones.

(183) More precisely, one 50a of the second extracting areas is a rectangular horizontal band between two first extracting areas 50a, 50b (as seen from in front). The third first extracting area 50c (starting from the top) flanks (as seen from in front) an assembly of characters taking the form of a logo forming the other of the second extracting areas 50b.

(184) There are transparent zones 17 between the extracting bands 50a to 50e and in the top and bottom portions.

(185) The glazing assembly comprises a mounting frame 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d that is for example made of metal or plastic (PVC etc.) or even of wood (of integral construction or made up of a plurality of parts) and for example of U-shaped cross section. In the interior volume of the longitudinal and vertical mounting profile 7a on the first-edge-face side, an assembly 4 of red diodes is placed on a PCB carrier 41a facing the first edge face. In the interior volume of the longitudinal and vertical mounting profile 7b on the second-edge-face side, i.e. on the side opposite the first edge face, a second assembly 4 of green diodes is placed on a PCB carrier 41 facing the second edge face.

(186) FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 100 in a variant of the second embodiment.

(187) Only differences relative to the second embodiment 200a are described. The luminous glazing assembly 100 differs as follows from the glazing assembly 200a.

(188) It is for example a question of a luminous glazed door of a piece of commercial refrigerating equipment. The multiple glazing unit is an insulating glazing unit. Furthermore, a third glazing pane 1 is added on the side of the second face 12 (which is no longer the most exterior face), said pane having third and fourth faces 11, 12 and a thickness equal to at least 3.8 mm (about 4 mm or 6 mm as standard), identical to those of the first and second glazing panes 1, 1, the third face being spaced apart from the second face 12 by a gas-filled cavity 60. On the periphery of the second and third faces 12, 11, a framing first polymer seal 6 and an insert 6 forming a spacer are located.

(189) Usually, the insert 6 is fastened in the interior of the glazing unit by its lateral faces to the faces 12, 11 of the glazing panes 1, 1 by butyl rubber (not shown) which also has the role of rendering the interior of the insulating glazing unit leaktight to water vapor. The insert 6 is positioned recessed into the interior of the insulating glazing unit and close to the longitudinal edges of the edge faces of said glass sheets, so as to form a peripheral groove into which a black first polymer seal 6 is injected, this seal being a mastic, for instance a polysulfide or polyurethane mastic. The mastic 6 strengthens the mechanical assembly of the two glazing sheets 1, 1 and ensures leaktightness to liquid water or to solvents.

(190) Another first anti-mixing band 8 is added on the side of the first (exterior) face 12, of width D001 equal to D0. It is a question of a thin black double-sided or single-sided adhesive tape such as those already described.

(191) A metal profile 7 for positioning the diodes 4, 4 comprises: a portion called a bottom portion 72 facing the first and second edge faces 13, 13; a first lateral portion 71 (against or) adhesively bonded to the first exterior face 12 and increasing thickness by at most 1.5 mm and even at most 1 mm or even at most 0.5 mm in order not to increase by too much the distance between the framing profile 7 and the first glazing pane; and a second lateral portion or rim 71 (extension of the bottom portion) adhesively bonded to the first seal 6 with a double-sided adhesive tape 18a, this rim not making contact with the third glazing pane 1, in order not to create a thermal bridge, and being adjacent to and extending along the second edge face 13, said rim allowing the profile to be fastened to the edge face of the insulating glazing unit.

(192) The first lateral portion 71 extends over the first face 12 over a width of D01 or even by as much as W (just like the exterior profile described below) there preferably being no opaque means beyond 001.

(193) The seal 6 provides the function of the other second anti-mixing band of width D02 equal to D0. As a variant, the butyl rubber forms a portion of the other second anti-mixing band in combination with the first seal.

(194) The rim may also comprise an opaque coating on its internal surface (space 74 side) facing the second lateral surface 75b.

(195) The third face 11 bears a low-E layer 17, such as a monosilver multilayer.

(196) The fourth face 12 is the interior-side face of the piece of commercial refrigerating equipment. The first exterior face 12 is on the user side.

(197) The first extracting feature 5, such as a white enamel or any other white scattering coating, is for example on the first face 12. The second extracting feature 5, such as a white enamel or any other white scattering coating, is for example on the second face 12.

(198) The glazed door 100 comprises the framing profile 7 fastened to the insulating glazing unit preferably by an opaque adhesive 180 called a mounting adhesive, said profile masking the first seal 6 and the insert 6.

(199) The framing jamb 7 is made up of two portions one of which is made of metal and the other of which is thermally insulating, in order to prevent any thermal bridging (case if all metal). A metal first portion contains a right angle and is for example a profile having an L-shaped cross section: with a first frontal portion 72a facing the edge face of the insulating glazing unit (first edge face 13 or even the second edge face without reaching as far as the third edge face 13, with the face on the side of the edge face of the glazing unit being adhesively bonded with an opaque adhesive 180; and with a first flange 71 adhesively bonded to the first exterior face by the opaque adhesive 180 above the first lateral portion 71 and projecting therebeyond (width W above the first face 12 of between 1 cm and 3 cm).

(200) The second portion of the profile 7 is thermally insulating, preferably made of a polymer, securely fastened with an adhesive 182 to the first portion, contains a right angle and has an L-shaped cross section: with a second frontal portion 72b facing the edge face of the insulating glazing unit (not extending as far as the first edge face 13) adhesively bonded to the first frontal portion of the metal first portion; and with a second flange 73 adhesively bonded to the second exterior face 12 (fourth face).

(201) The profile for positioning the diodes is therefore in the interior volume of this profile 7.

(202) The third edge face 13 projects beyond the first and second edge faces 13, 13 and is even flush with or projects beyond the back face of the positioning profile.

(203) The lateral portions reflect the lateral light of the diodes in order to direct it toward the first and second injection edge faces 13, 13.

(204) The mounting adhesive 18 is absent from the space between the first edge face and the first light source 4, and between the second edge face and second light source 4 by virtue of the positioning profile 7.

(205) The partition 75 partitioning the light from the first and second light sources is here separate from the positioning profile, and is adhesively bonded to the bottom part 72.

(206) Naturally, as a variant: it is possible as in FIG. 2d to use a common PCB and the partition is adhesively bonded to this PCB; and/or a second source 4 is placed on its carrier 41 and a second anti-mixing band is placed facing the second edge face on an opposite side of the insulating glazing unit. A second partition like the first and a framing and positioning profile such as those described are added.

(207) As a variant, a luminous window may be formed with such an insulating glazing structure and light sources. The mounting profile (just like the positioning profile) may be modified.

(208) FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 200 that is a door of a piece of refrigerating equipment in a variant of the preceding embodiment described in FIG. 1.

(209) Only differences relative to the refrigerating equipment door 100 are described. The refrigerating equipment door 200 differs as follows from the refrigerating equipment door 100.

(210) The positioning profile 7 is made of a plurality of securely fastened parts, because: the first lateral portion is an opaque sheet 71 such as a thin black single-sided adhesive tape as already describedone portion 71b of which is adhesively bonded to the first exterior face 12 over the width D01 and one portion 71a of which is adhesively bonded to the bottom part (to its back face); the bottom portion 72 is a strip of rectangular cross section; a separator 7a, which is for example made of metal, is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion 72 and to the first seal 6.

(211) The edge face 13 is here aligned with the other edge faces 13, 13.

(212) The separator may also comprise an opaque coating on its internal surface (space 74 side) facing the second lateral surface 75b.

(213) As a variant, a profile of L-shaped cross section, for example an extrudate, forms the bottom portion with a thicker zone (the rim) adhesively bonded to the mastic 6.

(214) As a variant, the first lateral portion 71 is an adhesively bonded metal sheet of 50 to 100 m thicknessfor example an aluminum sheet adhesively bonded by a black double-sided adhesive tape over the width D01.

(215) FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a luminous glazing assembly 300 that is a door of a piece of refrigerating equipment in a variant of the embodiment described in FIG. 1.

(216) Only differences relative to the refrigerating equipment door 100 are described. The refrigerating equipment door 300 differs as follows from the refrigerating equipment door 100.

(217) The edge face 13 is here aligned with the first and second edge faces 13, 13.

(218) The positioning profile 7 is made of a plurality of securely fastened parts because the first lateral portion 71 is an opaque sheet such as a thin black single-sided adhesive tape such as already describedone portion 71b of which is adhesively bonded to the first exterior face 12 over the width D01 and one portion 71a of which is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion (to its back face).

(219) The rim or fastening part 7a is hollow and of rectangular (or square) cross section, the bottom portion 72 forming a lateral extension of this fastening part.

(220) The second portion of the profile 7 does not extend as far as the second exterior face 12 (fourth face). For example, it is a question of an L-shaped profile against the third edge face 13.

(221) An opaque, black or even white enamel 19 is added to the fourth face 12 in order to mask the first seal 6 and spacer 6.

(222) FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a piece of refrigerating equipment 1000 with the luminous refrigerating equipment door of the type already described in FIG. 1 but with diodes on two opposite sides of the insulating glazing unit.

(223) This piece of refrigerating equipment is here a cabinet comprising shelves 1001 (dotted lines) and two doors each comprising a luminous insulating and laminated glazing unit comprising an exterior first main face 12 on the user side (visible here), an internal second main face (shelf side) and an edge made up of four edge faces. The longitudinal edge faces of the edge are vertical. The framing profile is a rectangular frame fastened to the periphery of the insulating glazing unit 1, 1, 1. The frame comprises four jambs that abut at the corners of the insulating glazing unit. The two longitudinal jambs 7a and 7b are identical and vertical. Two lateral jambs 7c and 7d are horizontal. The first and second light sources 4, 4 (masked) are in the interior volume of the first longitudinal jamb 7a and in the interior volume of the second longitudinal jamb 7b, respectively.

(224) Each door can be opened toward the exterior by virtue of a pivot 7p on the upper and lower jambs 7c, 7d.

(225) The first features 5 (word, etc.) and the second features 5 (logo, etc.) are on either side of the visual location of a shelf.

(226) Various static or dynamic two-color luminous zones are possible for differentiating products classed by type and/or promotion.

(227) As shown in FIG. 1b (front view of a refrigerating equipment door from the side of the first face 12), the first features 5, 50 form the image of the product and the second features 5, 50 the names of the type of products on the shelf (ice cream, sorbet for example) on either side of the name.

(228) As shown in FIG. 1c (front view of a refrigerating equipment door from the side of the first face 12), the first features 5 form the image of the product and thereabove the second features 5, 50 the name of the type of product on the shelf (drinks).

(229) As shown in FIG. 1d (front view of a refrigerating equipment door from the side of the first face 12), the first features 5, 50 form with the second features 5, 50 a two-color logo (an M interleaved with a W).

(230) As shown in FIG. 1e (front view of a refrigerating equipment door from the side of the first face 12), the first features 5, 50 and the second features 5, 50 signal the promotions of the month.