VEHICLE SUNROOF WITH SWITCHABLE GLAZING AND SIDE-FIRING LIGHT EMITTING DIODES AND/OR METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle window (e.g., sunroof). Side-firing LEDs are provided between first and second substantially parallel substrates and emit light towards central regions of the window. A liquid-crystal inclusive switchable film is provided between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystals are sized such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates. The switchable film is operable in at least first and second modes, with the window in the first mode having a visible transmission of less than 1%, and with the window in the second mode having a visible transmission of 7-15%. The switchable film and the LEDs are operable independently of one another in connection with the LEDs emitting light and the switchable film controlling visible transmission therethrough.

主权项

1. A sunroof for a vehicle, comprising:
first and second glass substrates substantially parallel to one another; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) provided between the first and second substrates and being configured to emit light towards central regions of the sunroof; a light scattering layer provided between the first and second substrates, the light scattering layer having light scatterers disposed therein, the light scatterers being sized and arranged in the light scattering layer and relative to the LEDs such that light received from the LEDs is redirected in a direction substantially normal to major surfaces of the first and second substrates.