Vehicle window glass

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle window glass that suppresses attenuation of intensity of light used in an optical device mounted on a vehicle, and is easier to handle even if a component unit is provided. The vehicle window glass includes a laminated glass in which two glass sheets are bonded with an interlayer film, and a component unit in which at least a camera is mounted at a part of a peripheral edge portion of the laminated glass, and in a case where the laminated window glass is mounted to a vehicle, an in-vehicle glass sheet located on an in-vehicle side is hollowed out at the part of the peripheral edge portion of the laminated glass where the component unit is arranged, and the component unit has a shape in which an in-vehicle side surface of the laminated glass and an in-vehicle side surface of the component unit are brought to the same plane at least in an area where a urethane sealant for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle is applied at a boundary between the laminated glass and the component unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle window glass, and more particularly to vehicle window glass having component units for mounting vehicle components. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, optical devices such as FIR (Far-infrared) cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, radar, and optical sensors have been installed on the inner surfaces of vehicle windows, such as windshields, for the purpose of assisting driving. Therefore, component units for mounting these optical devices onto vehicle windows are under development.

[0003] However, vehicle windows are typically laminated glass composed of two panes of glass, which suffers from attenuation of near-infrared or far-infrared radiation used in FIR cameras and LiDAR systems. Therefore, replacing these two panes with glass that easily transmits infrared radiation has been considered. However, replacing these panes with glass that easily transmits infrared radiation would cause the vehicle interior to overheat. Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0060906 describes a method of providing a cutout from at least a portion of one edge of two laminated glass panes towards the center, with an IR lens installed in this cutout. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0060906, an IR lens is mounted in a cutout of laminated glass using a subframe. At the junction of this subframe and the vehicle window glass, a height difference occurs between the outer and inner surfaces of the vehicle window glass. Therefore, when applying polyurethane sealant to the inner surface of the vehicle window glass around its perimeter for mounting it to a vehicle, this height difference leads to poor workability. In other words, the operation of the vehicle window glass may become difficult.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window glass that suppresses the attenuation of light intensity used in optical devices installed in vehicles, and is easier to operate even when equipped with component units.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle window glass comprising: a glass consisting of two glass panels bonded together with an interlayer film, and a component unit for mounting a vehicle component including an optical device at least on a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass. When the laminated glass is mounted on a vehicle, at least the interior glass panel located on the inside of the vehicle is hollowed out in the portion of the periphery of the laminated glass where the component unit is disposed. The component unit has a shape such that the interior surface of the laminated glass and the interior surface of the component unit are flush with each other, at least at the boundary between the laminated glass and the component unit, in the area where the adhesive for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle is applied.

[0007] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the component unit may have a shape in which there is no height difference between the inner surface and the outer surface of the vehicle window glass in the peripheral area of ​​the vehicle window glass, in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle.

[0008] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the component unit may be equipped with the optical device in the wiper wiping area of ​​the vehicle window glass.

[0009] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the interior glass panel of the laminated glass may have a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass in which the component unit is disposed hollowed out. The component unit may have a plate-like member adhered to the interior surface of the exterior glass panel located on the exterior of the laminated glass. The plate-like member may have an area covering the hollowed-out portion of the interior glass panel of the laminated glass.

[0010] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, both the inner and outer glass panels of the laminated glass may be hollowed out in the portion of the periphery where the component unit is disposed. The component unit may have a plate-shaped member that can be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass. The plate-shaped member may have a shape at the boundary between the laminated glass and the plate-shaped member, where the outer surface of the laminated glass and the outer surface of the plate-shaped member are on the same surface.

[0011] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the plate-shaped member is a tempered glass capable of transmitting infrared rays. The member unit may have a reinforcing plate at the boundary between the tempered glass and the laminated glass, which backs the inner surface of the tempered glass and the inner surface of the laminated glass. The tempered glass, the laminated glass, and the reinforcing plate may be joined by an adhesive.

[0012] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the component unit may also have a shielding layer formed on the inner surface of the tempered glass, at least in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the optical path of the optical device.

[0013] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the plate-shaped member can be formed of resin, and at least a portion of the plate-shaped member corresponding to the optical path of the optical device can be formed of resin capable of transmitting infrared light.

[0014] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the portion of the plate-shaped member other than the portion formed of resin capable of transmitting infrared rays may be formed of colored resin.

[0015] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, the portion of the plate-shaped member other than the portion formed of resin capable of transmitting infrared rays may be formed of metal.

[0016] In the aforementioned vehicle window glass, at the boundary between the portion formed of infrared-transmitting resin and the portion formed of metal, the outer surface of the portion formed of infrared-transmitting resin and the outer surface of the portion formed of metal may be on the same surface.

[0017] This invention provides a vehicle window that suppresses the attenuation of light intensity used in optical devices installed in vehicles and is easier to operate even with component units.

[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass of Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass of Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass of Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass of Embodiment 3.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass of Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In this specification, the term "approximately" to describe a shape refers to a shape whose corners are rounded, a shape whose part has been cut out, a shape whose part has been modified, or a shape to which arbitrary small shapes have been added.

[0026] In this manual, unless otherwise specified, “up and down,” “left and right,” and “horizontal and vertical” refer to what passengers in a vehicle with vehicle windows are seeing.

[0027] Implementation Method 1

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the vehicle window glass 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 Corresponding to Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the vehicle window glass 1 cut along line II-II is a cross-sectional view seen from the left side of the vehicle. The vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment only needs to have a shape suitable for installation on a vehicle. Figure 1 In the example shown, it is roughly trapezoidal in shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, Figure 1 The shape of the vehicle window glass 1 shown is an example; other shapes may also be present in this embodiment. Figure 1 The shape shown is different from that of a vehicle window glass. In addition, the vehicle window glass 1 includes laminated glass 10 and a component unit 11 on a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass 10 for mounting vehicle components containing optical devices.

[0029] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle window glass 1 may have a resin molded part 12 on the outermost periphery of the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1.

[0030] As an example, the resin molded part 12 is installed on the upper part of the vehicle window glass 1 using a known double-sided tape or adhesive. Examples of materials for the molded part 12 include synthetic resins such as olefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

[0031] Then, as Figure 2As shown, when the vehicle window glass 1 is installed onto the vehicle body panel 60, a polyurethane sealant 50, acting as an adhesive, is applied to the inner surface of the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1. Specifically, the polyurethane sealant 50 is applied around the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1 at a position further inward than the molding part 12 on the inner surface of the vehicle window glass 1. Thus, the vehicle window glass 1 and the metal body panel 60 are bonded together by the polyurethane sealant 50. At this time, the molding part 12 abuts against the body panel 60. The molding part 12 prevents the polyurethane sealant 50 from being seen from the outside of the vehicle, thereby improving the appearance design of the vehicle window glass 1 and the vehicle with the vehicle window glass 1 installed. Furthermore, in the event of a gap between the vehicle window glass 1 and the body panel 60, wind and rain that may enter through the gap during driving can be prevented from entering the vehicle interior through the molding part 12 and the polyurethane sealant 50. In addition, a primer for glass can be applied between the vehicle window glass 1 and the polyurethane sealant 50 to promote adhesion between them. Furthermore, a primer for coating surfaces or a resin primer can be applied between the body panel 60 and the polyurethane sealant 50 to promote adhesion between them.

[0032] Laminated glass 10 Figure 2 The laminated glass 10 is formed by bonding two glass panels 101 and 102 together. Specifically, the laminated glass 10 is formed by bonding an inner glass panel 101 located on the inside of the vehicle and an outer glass panel 102 located on the outside of the vehicle, separated by an interlayer film 103. Furthermore, the laminated glass 10 may also have a shielding layer on at least one of the peripheral portions of the inner surface of the inner glass panel 101 and the peripheral portions of the inner surface of the outer glass panel 102. Figure 1 In the example, a shielding layer 104 is formed at the periphery of the inner surface of the inner glass panel 101.

[0033] Glass plates 101 and 102 can be either inorganic glass or organic glass. As inorganic glass, materials such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, and quartz glass can be used without particular restrictions. Among these, soda-lime glass is particularly preferred from the perspective of manufacturing cost and formability. The forming method of glass plates 101 and 102 is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of inorganic glass, glass plates formed by processes such as float glass are preferred.

[0034] If glass plates 101 and 102 are inorganic glass, then glass plates 101 and 102 can be either unstrengthened glass or strengthened glass. Unstrengthened glass is glass made by forming molten glass into a plate shape and then annealing it. Strengthened glass is glass made by forming a compressive stress layer on the surface of unstrengthened glass, and can be either air-strengthened glass or chemically strengthened glass.

[0035] When the tempered glass is physically tempered (e.g., air-cooled tempered glass), the glass sheet, after being uniformly heated during bending, can be tempered by operations other than annealing, such as rapid cooling from a temperature near its softening point. This utilizes the temperature difference between the glass surface and the interior of the glass to generate compressive stress on the glass surface, thereby strengthening the glass surface. When the tempered glass is chemically tempered, compressive stress can be generated on the glass surface after bending using methods such as ion exchange, thereby strengthening the glass surface. Furthermore, glass sheets 101 and 102 can be made of glass that absorbs ultraviolet or infrared radiation. Glass sheets 101 and 102 are preferably transparent, but they can also be colored to a degree that does not impair transparency.

[0036] The laminated glass 10 can be a curved shape that protrudes outwards from the vehicle when installed on it. The laminated glass 10 can have a single-curved shape, bent in only one direction, or a multi-curved shape, bent in two directions (e.g., the vertical direction when the laminated glass 10 is installed on the vehicle and the horizontal direction orthogonal to that vertical direction). Gravity forming, pressure forming, or roll forming can be used in the bending forming of the laminated glass 10. When the laminated glass 10 is bent with a specified curvature, the radius of curvature of the laminated glass 10 can be between 1000 mm and 100,000 mm.

[0037] The interlayer 103 of the laminated glass 10 can be, as an example, a known thermoplastic resin film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA). The interlayer 103 of the laminated glass 10 can be transparent or colored. The interlayer 103 can also be composed of two or more layers.

[0038] Furthermore, when installing the laminated glass 10 onto a vehicle, the thickness of the outer side glass panel 102 (located on the outside of the vehicle) and the thickness of the inner side glass panel 101 (located on the inside of the vehicle) can be the same or different. The thickness of the outer side glass panel 102 is preferably between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. If the thickness of the outer side glass panel 102 is 1.0 mm or more, the strength, such as resistance to flying stones, is sufficient; if it is below 3.0 mm, the weight of the laminated glass 10 will not be excessive, which is preferable in terms of vehicle fuel consumption. The thickness of the inner side glass panel 101 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 2.3 mm. Making the thickness of the inner side glass panel 101 above 0.3 mm improves operability, while below 2.3 mm prevents excessive weight. If the thicknesses of both the outer side glass panel 102 and the inner side glass panel 101 are 1.8 mm or less, it is preferable to achieve both lightweight and sound insulation properties of the laminated glass 10. Furthermore, if the thickness of the interior glass panel 101 is less than 1.0 mm, the interior glass panel 101 can also be chemically strengthened glass. When the interior glass panel 101 is chemically strengthened glass, it is preferable that the compressive stress value of the glass surface is 300 MPa or more and the depth of the compressive stress layer is 2 μm or more.

[0039] Furthermore, when glass plates 101 and 102 are acrylic glass, transparent resins such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate) can be used as materials for acrylic glass.

[0040] The shielding layer 104 can be formed, for example, by coating a ceramic color paste containing a molten glass frit with black pigment and then firing it. This prevents the adhesive and other materials coated on the laminated glass 10 from deteriorating due to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, various suitable films that are considered from the perspective of improving weather resistance and functionality such as improving hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can also be formed on the main surface of the laminated glass 10.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, both the inner glass panel 101 and the outer glass panel 102 of the laminated glass 10 can be hollowed out in the portion of the periphery of the laminated glass 10 where the component unit 11 is arranged. Figure 2 In the example, the laminated glass 10 and the component unit 11 are joined by an adhesive 21. Furthermore, the component unit 11 can mount a camera 30, which is an optical device, and a mirror mount 116 for mounting a mirror 40, which is a vehicle component other than an optical device, to a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass 10.

[0042] The adhesive 21 is preferably an adhesive with light resistance and other weather resistance properties. By using an adhesive with light resistance and other weather resistance properties as the adhesive 21, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 21 from deteriorating due to ultraviolet radiation from outside the vehicle. There are no particular limitations on the specific adhesive 21 used, but modified organosilicon, modified silicone, etc., can be used.

[0043] Component unit 11, for example Figure 2 The components shown may include tempered glass 111, reinforcing plate 112, shielding layer 113, camera bracket 114, camera cover 115, and lens mount 116 as plate-like members.

[0044] Figure 2 In the example, the tempered glass 111 has a shape that allows it to be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass 10. The tempered glass 111 can be any tempered glass capable of transmitting infrared light; its manufacturing method and material are the same as those of the glass plates 101 and 102, therefore its description is omitted. Tempered glass capable of transmitting infrared light refers to tempered glass with a transmittance of 50% or more for light with wavelengths between 0.5 μm and 1000 μm. By using tempered glass capable of transmitting infrared light as the tempered glass 111, the intensity of near-infrared or far-infrared light used in the camera 30 can be suppressed due to attenuation caused by the vehicle window glass 1. Furthermore, as described above, the two glass plates 101 and 102 of the laminated glass 10 can also be made of glass that absorbs ultraviolet or infrared light, thus preventing overheating inside the vehicle.

[0045] Furthermore, the tempered glass 111 is at least at the boundary between the laminated glass 10 and the component unit 11. Figure 1 The area where the polyurethane sealant 50 is applied at boundary X) for mounting the vehicle window glass 1 to the body panel 60 has a shape where the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the component unit 11 are flush with each other. In this specification, "flush with each other" means that the deviation between the two surfaces is less than 3.0 mm. Furthermore, in this specification, "having a shape flush with each other" means that the two surfaces have a thickness flush with each other when they are not bent, and a thickness and radius of curvature flush with each other when they are bent. Since there is no height difference between the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the component unit 11, it is possible to prevent workability degradation when applying the polyurethane sealant 50 around the perimeter of the vehicle window glass 1.

[0046] As described above, a vehicle window glass 1 can be provided that can suppress the attenuation of light intensity used in optical devices such as cameras 30 installed on vehicles, and is easy to operate even with component unit 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the tempered glass 111 may also have a shape in the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1, in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1 to the body panel 60, where there is no height difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the vehicle window glass 1. Here, the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1 to the body panel 60 refers to the area on the vehicle window glass 1 where at least the molding part 12 and the polyurethane sealant 50 are provided. In addition, in this specification, "no height difference" means that the unevenness of a surface is less than 3.0 mm. And "having a shape where there is no height difference on a surface" means that the surface has a thickness without height difference when the component is not bent, and has a thickness and radius of curvature without height difference when the component is bent. In other words, the combined thickness of the tempered glass 111 and the shielding layer 113 formed on the inner surface of the tempered glass 111 can be the same as the thickness of the laminated glass 10 in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1 to the body panel 60. Furthermore, the outer surface of the tempered glass 111 can have the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the laminated glass 10, and the inner surface of the shielding layer 113 can have the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the laminated glass 10. Therefore, the vehicle window glass 1 can be mounted onto the body panel 60 using the same method as a vehicle window glass without component unit 11.

[0048] In addition, component unit 11, such as Figure 2 As shown, the camera 30 can be mounted on the interior side of the vehicle window 1 such that the optical path (field of view of the camera 30) is located within the wiper wiper area of ​​the vehicle window 1. Specifically, in component unit 11, a camera bracket 114 is mounted on the interior surface of the tempered glass 111, corresponding to the wiper wiper area of ​​the vehicle window 1, using adhesive 22, and the camera 30 is mounted on the camera bracket 114. The same adhesive as adhesive 21 can be used as adhesive 22. By wiping the exterior surface of the tempered glass 111, corresponding to the optical path of the camera 30, with a wiper, dirt on the exterior surface of the tempered glass 111 can be prevented from affecting the image captured by the camera 30.

[0049] Furthermore, the tempered glass 111 may also have a shape at the boundary X between the laminated glass 10 and the tempered glass 111, where the outer surface of the laminated glass 10 and the outer surface of the tempered glass 111 are flush on the same surface. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2As shown, since the tempered glass 111 and the laminated glass 10 are bonded together by the adhesive 21, it is preferable that the outer surface of the laminated glass 10, the outer surface of the adhesive 21, and the outer surface of the tempered glass 111 are all on the same surface. This prevents the boundary X between the laminated glass 10 and the tempered glass 111 from affecting the wiper's wiping or causing dust or dirt to accumulate at that boundary X when the windshield wipers are used to clean the vehicle window 1. Furthermore, since the outer surface of the laminated glass 10, the outer surface of the adhesive 21, and the outer surface of the tempered glass 111 are all on the same surface, the wipers are less likely to be damaged even if they wipe the vehicle window 1 across the boundary X.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reinforcing plate 112 can back the inner surface of the reinforced glass 111 and the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 at the boundary X between the reinforced glass 111 and the laminated glass 10. Figure 2 In the example, the tempered glass 111, the laminated glass 10, and the reinforcing plate 112 are joined by an adhesive 21. Specifically, the reinforcing plate 112 is a plate-shaped member with a linearly projecting protrusion at approximately the center of the flat plate. Moreover, the reinforcing plate 112 backs the interior surfaces of the tempered glass 111 and the laminated glass 10 such that a portion extends between the laminated glass 10 and the tempered glass 111 joined by the protrusion. In this way, even if a camera 30 or a mounting mirror 40 of a certain weight is mounted on the tempered glass 111, damage to the bond between the tempered glass 111 and the laminated glass 10 can be prevented.

[0051] The reinforcing plate 112 can be formed, for example, by injection molding of a resin material incorporating glass fiber (e.g., a resin material incorporating 40% glass fiber (GF) in polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)).

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a shielding layer 113 can be formed on the inner surface of the reinforced glass 111, at least outside the portion corresponding to the optical path of the camera 30. In other words, the shielding layer 113 formed on the inner surface of the reinforced glass 111 can be formed in a manner that surrounds the field of view of the camera 30. Figure 2In the example, the camera bracket 114 is bonded to the inner surface of the shielding layer 113 formed on the inner surface of the tempered glass 111 by adhesive 22. Furthermore, a camera cover 115 covers the inner surface of the camera 30. The camera cover 115 can be formed in a manner that allows it to be detached from the camera bracket 114. Additionally, on the inner surface of the shielding layer 113, a mirror mount 116 is bonded to a position closer to the upper end of the vehicle window 1 than the camera bracket 114. Thus, the frame of the mirror 40 is bonded to the inner surface of the mirror mount 116. In this way, the shielding layer 113 prevents the bonding portion between the camera bracket 114 and the tempered glass 111 and the mirror mount 116 from being seen from outside the vehicle, thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle window 1 and the vehicle with the vehicle window 1 installed. The method of forming the shielding layer 113 is the same as that of the shielding layer 104, so its description is omitted.

[0053] The manufacturing method of the vehicle window glass 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0054] First, prepare flat inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 for bending and forming. The areas where each component unit 11 is located in the inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 are hollowed out (hollowing out process: S11). The hollowing out of the inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 can be done using known methods such as cutting tools or lasers.

[0055] Next, a ceramic color paste containing molten glass frit with black pigment is applied to the periphery of the hollowed-out inner glass panel 101 and / or outer glass panel 102, and then dried. Afterward, the inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 are heated above their softening point and bent into shape (glass bending process: S12). Simultaneously, the ceramic color paste is fired to form a shielding layer 104. The bent inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 are annealed. The bending of the inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 can be performed by overlapping and bending the two glass panels simultaneously, or by bending the inner glass panel 101 and outer glass panel 102 separately.

[0056] Then, as Figure 2As shown, the inner glass panel 101, the interlayer film 103, and the outer glass panel 102 are overlapped with the interlayer film 103 spaced between the inner glass panel 101 and the outer glass panel 102. Then, the stacked inner glass panel 101, interlayer film 103, and outer glass panel 102 are pre-pressed by depressurization heating and degassing using known rollers, rubber bags, rubber chambers, etc. After pre-pressing, the laminated body composed of the inner glass panel 101, interlayer film 103, and outer glass panel 102 is heated and pressurized in an autoclave to formally press it together, forming laminated glass (laminated glass forming process: S13). Here, the shape, thickness, and size of the laminated glass 10 are the same as those of laminated glass for vehicle windows without component unit 11.

[0057] Next, an unstrengthened glass sheet capable of fitting into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass 10 is prepared. A ceramic color paste containing molten glass frit with black pigment is applied to the unstrengthened glass, dried, and then heated above the softening point of the glass sheet before bending it into shape. Simultaneously, the ceramic color paste is fired to form a shielding layer 113. If the strengthened glass sheet 111 is physically strengthened glass, after being heated above its softening point and bent into shape, it is rapidly cooled and air-cooled to strengthen it, resulting in strengthened glass sheet 111. If the strengthened glass sheet 111 is chemically strengthened glass, after being heated above its softening point and bent into shape, it is annealed. Then, after annealing, the glass sheet undergoes chemical strengthening treatment to obtain strengthened glass sheet 111 (strengthened glass forming process: S14).

[0058] Next, while backing the inner surface of the tempered glass 111 and the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 with the reinforcing plate 112, the tempered glass 111 and the laminated glass 10 are joined with adhesive 21 (joining process: S15). At this time, since the tempered glass 111 and the laminated glass 10 are joined while backing the inner surface of the tempered glass 111 and the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 with the flat reinforcing plate 112, the joined tempered glass 111 and laminated glass 10 are easily aligned.

[0059] Then, the camera bracket 114 is bonded to the inner surface of the shielding layer 113 using adhesive 22 (camera bracket bonding step: S16). The camera bracket 114 can be bonded using known double-sided tape, or adhesive 22 and double-sided tape can be used together. The mirror mount 116 is also bonded to the inner surface of the shielding layer 113 (mirror mount bonding step: S17).

[0060] The vehicle window glass 1 of Embodiment 1 can be manufactured as described above. Furthermore, the order of the above-described processes is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately modified.

[0061] Implementation Method 2

[0062] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the vehicle window glass 1A of Embodiment 2. Figure 3 Corresponding to Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the vehicle window glass 1 cut by cut line II-II is a cross-sectional view seen from the left side of the vehicle. The difference between the vehicle window glass 1A of Embodiment 2 and the vehicle window glass 1 of Embodiment 1 is that it includes component unit 13 instead of component unit 11. The difference between component unit 13 of Embodiment 2 and component unit 11 of Embodiment 1 is that it includes a plate-shaped component 131 instead of tempered glass 111, reinforcing plate 112, shielding layer 113, camera bracket 114, and mirror mount 116. Therefore, in the following description, components in Embodiment 2 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are marked with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] The plate-shaped member 131 may include a transmissive portion 132 formed of a resin capable of transmitting infrared light and a shielding portion 133 formed of a colored resin. The transmissive portion 132 may occupy at least a portion of the plate-shaped member 131 corresponding to the optical path of the camera 30. The plate-shaped member 131 may have a shape corresponding to the tempered glass 111, reinforcing plate 112, shielding layer 113, camera bracket 114, and lens mount 116 of Embodiment 1. The plate-shaped member 131 may also be formed by integrally molding the transmissive portion 132 and the shielding portion 133 using a molding die having a shape corresponding to the plate-shaped member 131 (two-color molding). The resin used to form the transmissive portion 132 is not particularly limited, but polycarbonate or the like may be used. The resin used to form the shielding portion 133 is also not particularly limited, but polycarbonate, ABS resin, or the like may be used. By using a plate-shaped member 131 with a transmission section 132 instead of the reinforcing glass 111, the intensity of near-infrared and far-infrared rays used in the camera 30 can be further prevented from being attenuated by the vehicle window glass 1A.

[0064] The plate-shaped member 131 has a shape where, at least at the boundary X between the laminated glass 10 and the plate-shaped member 131, in the area where the polyurethane sealant 50 is applied for mounting the vehicle window glass 1A to the body panel 60, the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the plate-shaped member 131 are on the same plane. Since there is no height difference between the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the plate-shaped member 131, workability degradation when applying the polyurethane sealant 50 around the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1A can be prevented.

[0065] Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 131 may have a shape in the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1A, in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1A to the body panel 60, such that there is no height difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the vehicle window glass 1A. In other words, the plate-shaped member 131 may have the same thickness and radius of curvature as the laminated glass 10 in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1A to the body panel 60. Therefore, the vehicle window glass 1A can be mounted to the body panel 60 using the same method as a vehicle window glass without the member unit 13.

[0066] In addition, component unit 13, such as Figure 3 As shown, the camera 30 is mounted on the inside of the vehicle window 1 in such a way that the optical path of the camera 30 (the field of view of the camera 30) is located in the wiper-wiping area of ​​the vehicle window 1A. By wiping the outer surface of the transmissive portion 132 of the plate member 131 with the wiper, dirt on the outer surface of the plate member 131 can be prevented from affecting the image captured by the camera 30.

[0067] Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 131 may have a shape at the boundary X between the laminated glass 10 and the plate-shaped member 131, where the outer surface of the laminated glass 10 and the outer surface of the plate-shaped member 131 are on the same surface (on the same plane). Specifically, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, since the plate-shaped member 131 and the laminated glass 10 are joined by the adhesive 21, it is preferable that the outer surface of the laminated glass 10, the outer surface of the adhesive 21, and the outer surface of the plate-shaped member 131 are all on the same surface. This prevents the boundary X between the laminated glass 10 and the plate-shaped member 131 from affecting the wiper's wiping or causing dust or dirt to accumulate at that boundary X when the vehicle window glass 1A is wiped by the windshield wipers. Furthermore, since the outer surface of the laminated glass 10, the outer surface of the adhesive 21, and the outer surface of the plate-shaped member 131 are all on the same surface, the windshield wipers are less likely to be damaged even if they wipe the vehicle window glass 1 across the boundary X.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the shielding portion 133 of the plate-shaped member 131 may include a protrusion 133A, which extends in a plate shape from the boundary X between the plate-shaped member 131 and the laminated glass 10 toward the inner surface of the laminated glass 10. The inner surface of the laminated glass 10 is backed by the protrusion 133A. Therefore, due to the increased area of ​​the adhesive 21 that joins the plate-shaped member 131 and the laminated glass 10, damage to the bond between the tempered glass 131 and the laminated glass 10 can be prevented even when a camera 30 or a mounting mirror 40 of a certain weight is mounted on the plate-shaped member 131.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the shielding portion 133 may occupy at least the portion of the plate-shaped member 131 other than the portion corresponding to the optical path of the camera 30. That is, the shielding portion 133 of the plate-shaped member 131 may be formed in a manner that surrounds the field of view of the camera 30, i.e., the transmission portion 132. Figure 3 In the example, the shielding portion 133 may have a shape corresponding to the camera bracket 114, and the camera cover 115 may be formed in a manner that allows it to be detached from the portion of the shielding portion 133 corresponding to the camera bracket 114. Furthermore, the shielding portion 133 has a shape corresponding to the mirror mount 116, and the frame of the mirror 40 is attached to the portion of the shielding portion 133 corresponding to the mirror mount 116. Thus, by means of the shielding layer 133, the adhesive portion where the camera 30 and the mirror 40 are attached to the plate member 131 can be prevented from being seen from outside the vehicle, thereby improving the appearance design of the vehicle window glass 1A and the vehicle equipped with the vehicle window glass 1A.

[0070] The manufacturing method of the vehicle window glass 1A according to Embodiment 2 is described below. In the manufacturing method of the vehicle window glass 1A, the hollowing process S21, the glass bending and forming process S22, and the laminated glass forming process S23 are the same as S11, S12, and S13 described above, so their description is omitted.

[0071] Next, a plate-shaped member 131 that can be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass 10 is prepared (plate-shaped member forming process: S24). The manufacturing method of the plate-shaped member 131 is as described above, and therefore omitted.

[0072] Next, while backing the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 with the protrusion 133A of the shielding portion 133, the plate-shaped member 131 is joined to the laminated glass 10 using adhesive 21 (joining process: S25). At this time, since the plate-shaped member 131 is joined to the laminated glass 10 while backing the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 with the protrusion 133A that extends in a flat plate shape, the joined plate-shaped member 131 and the laminated glass 10 are easily aligned.

[0073] The vehicle window glass 1A of Embodiment 2 can be manufactured as described above. Furthermore, the order of the above processes is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately modified.

[0074] Variations

[0075] The following describes a variation of the vehicle window glass 1A according to Embodiment 2. In the variation of the vehicle window glass 1A, the shielding portion 133 of the component unit 13 can be formed of metal. By replacing the resin shielding portion 133 with a metal shielding portion 133, the strength of the component unit 13 is increased, and heavier vehicle components such as optical equipment can be mounted on the vehicle window glass 1A. The metal used to form the shielding portion 133 is not particularly limited, but metals such as those coated with electrodeposition on rolled steel sheets can be used. Furthermore, the transmissive portion 132 may have a shape at the boundary between the transmissive portion 132 and the shielding portion 133, where the outer surface of the transmissive portion 132 and the outer surface of the shielding portion 133 are on the same surface (on the same side). In this way, when wiping the vehicle window glass 1A with a windshield wiper, the boundary between the transmissive portion 132 and the shielding portion 133 can be prevented from affecting the wiping of the windshield wiper or accumulating dust and dirt at the boundary. Furthermore, in the transmission section 132, since the outer surface of the transmission section 132 and the outer surface of the shielding section 133 are on the same surface at the boundary between the transmission section 132 and the shielding section 133, the windshield wipers are not easily damaged even if they wipe the vehicle window glass 1 in a manner that crosses the boundary.

[0076] Implementation Method 3

[0077] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating the vehicle window glass 1B of Embodiment 3. Figure 5 Corresponding to Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the vehicle window glass 1B cut by the cutting line VV is a cross-sectional view seen from the left side of the vehicle. The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that only the inner glass panel 101 of the laminated glass 10 is hollowed out. Furthermore, the difference between the vehicle window glass 1B of Embodiment 3 and the vehicle window glass 1 of Embodiment 1 is that a plate-shaped member 14 replaces the component unit 11. The difference between the plate-shaped member 14 of Embodiment 3 and the plate-shaped member 11 of Embodiment 1 is that a plate-shaped member 141 replaces the tempered glass 111, the reinforcing plate 112, the shielding layer 113, the camera bracket 114, and the mirror mount 116. Therefore, in the following description, components in Embodiment 3 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are marked with the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted.

[0078] The interior glass panel 101 of the laminated glass 10 may be hollowed out at the periphery where the component unit 14 is located. Since the exterior glass panel 102 of the laminated glass 10 is not hollowed out, a height difference is prevented from forming on the exterior surface of the vehicle window glass 1B. This prevents interference with the wiper operation when wiping the vehicle window glass 1B with the wipers.

[0079] The plate-shaped member 141 may have a shape corresponding to the tempered glass 111, the reinforcing plate 112, the shielding layer 113, the camera bracket 114, and the lens mount 116. Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 141 also has an opening 141A that opens in a portion corresponding to the optical path of the camera 30. In other words, the optical path of the camera 30 contains only the exterior glass panel 102 of the laminated glass 10, in addition to air. This allows for the suppression of the attenuation of near-infrared and far-infrared radiation used in the camera 30 due to the vehicle window glass 1B.

[0080] The plate-shaped member 141 has an area covering the cut-out portion of the inner side glass panel 101 of the laminated glass 10. Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 141 is bonded to the inner side surface of the outer side glass panel 102 of the laminated glass 10 by means of adhesive 23. Specifically... Figure 5 In the example, the outer surface of the vehicle other than the opening 141A of the plate member 141 is bonded to the inner surface of the outer glass panel 102 by adhesive 23. This increases the bonding area between the outer glass panel 102 and the plate member 141, thus strengthening the bond between the laminated glass 10 and the component unit 14. Furthermore, the same adhesive as adhesive 21 can be used as adhesive 23.

[0081] The plate-shaped member 141 may be formed of colored resin or metal. The colored resin or metal used to form the plate-shaped member 141 may also be the material described in Embodiment 2.

[0082] At least at the boundary between the laminated glass 10 and the plate-like member 141 ( Figure 4 At the boundary X' shown, in the area where the polyurethane sealant 50 is applied for mounting the vehicle window glass 1A to the body panel 60, the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the plate member 141 are oriented on the same plane. Since there is no height difference between the interior surface of the laminated glass 10 and the interior surface of the plate member 141, workability degradation when applying the polyurethane sealant 50 around the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1B can be prevented.

[0083] Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 141 may have a shape in the periphery of the vehicle window glass 1B, in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1B to the body panel 60, such that there is no height difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the vehicle window glass 1B. In other words, the combined thickness of the plate-shaped member 141, the outer glass panel 102, and the adhesive 23 may be the same as the thickness of the laminated glass 10 in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1B to the body panel 60. Furthermore, the inner surface of the plate-shaped member 141 may have the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass 1B to the body panel 60. Therefore, the vehicle window glass 1B can be mounted to the body panel 60 using the same method as a vehicle window glass without the member unit 13.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, component unit 14 can also mount camera 30 to the wiping area of ​​vehicle window glass 1B. By wiping the outer surface of the vehicle exterior glass panel 102, which corresponds to the optical path of camera 30, with a windshield wiper, dirt on the outer surface of the vehicle exterior glass panel 102 can be prevented from affecting the image captured by camera 30.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the plate-shaped member 141 may include a protrusion 141B that extends in a plate shape from the boundary X' between the plate-shaped member 141 and the laminated glass 10 toward the inner surface of the laminated glass 10. The inner surface of the laminated glass 10 is backed by the protrusion 141B. Therefore, due to the increased area of ​​the adhesive 23 that bonds the plate-shaped member 141 and the laminated glass 10, damage to the bond between the plate-shaped member 141 and the laminated glass 10 can be prevented even when a camera 30 or a mounting mirror 40 of a certain weight is mounted on the plate-shaped member 141.

[0086] In addition, plate-shaped member 141, such as Figure 5 As shown, the camera cover 115, having a shape corresponding to the camera bracket 114, is formed in a manner that allows it to be detached from the portion of the plate member 141 corresponding to the camera bracket 114. Furthermore, the plate member 141 has a shape corresponding to the mirror mount 116, and the mirror frame of the mirror 40 is attached to the portion of the plate member 141 corresponding to the mirror mount 116. Therefore, since the plate member 141 is formed of colored resin or metal, the adhesive portion where the camera 30 and the mirror frame of the mirror 40 are attached to the plate member 141 can be prevented from being seen from outside the vehicle. This improves the appearance design of the vehicle window glass 1B and the vehicle equipped with the vehicle window glass 1B.

[0087] The manufacturing method of the vehicle window glass 1B according to Embodiment 3 is described below. In the manufacturing method of the vehicle window glass 1B, the glass bending and forming process S32 and the laminated glass forming process S33 are the same as those described in S12 and S13 above, so their description is omitted.

[0088] First, a flat inner glass panel 101 and an outer glass panel 102 are prepared before bending and forming. The areas where each component unit 14 is located in the inner glass panel 101 are hollowed out (hollowing-out process: S31). The method for hollowing out the inner glass panel 101 is the same as in S11, and can be done using known methods such as cutting tools or lasers. After the hollowing-out process S31, the glass bending and forming process S32 and the laminated glass forming process S33 are performed.

[0089] Subsequently, a plate-shaped member 141 capable of fitting into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass 10 is prepared (plate-shaped member forming process: S34). The plate-shaped member 141 can be formed by filling a forming mold having a shape corresponding to the plate-shaped member 141 with molten resin material or metal material and then solidifying the resin material or metal material.

[0090] Next, while backing the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 with the protrusion 141B of the plate-shaped member 141, the plate-shaped member 141 is joined to the laminated glass 10 using adhesive 23 (joining process: S35). At this time, since the inner surface of the laminated glass 10 is backed with the protrusion 141B that extends in a flat plate shape while joining the plate-shaped member 141 to the laminated glass 10, the joined plate-shaped member 141 and the laminated glass 10 are easily aligned.

[0091] The vehicle window glass 1B of Embodiment 3 can be manufactured in the manner described above. Furthermore, the order of the above-described processes is not limited to the order described above and can be appropriately modified.

[0092] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications, alterations and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art are obviously included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0093] Those skilled in the art can combine implementation methods 1, 2, and 3 as needed.

[0094] As will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure, the embodiments of this disclosure can be modified in many ways. Such modifications should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications will obviously be included within the scope of the appended claims for those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vehicle window glass, comprising: Two glass panels separated by a laminated glass interlayer, and At least a component unit containing vehicle components with optical equipment is installed on a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass. When the laminated glass is installed on a vehicle, the portion of the interior glass panel located on the inside of the vehicle where the component unit is disposed at the periphery of the laminated glass is hollowed out. The component unit includes a plate-shaped component bonded to the inner surface of the outer side glass panel located on the outer side of the laminated glass. The plate-like member has a shape that allows it to be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the interior glass panel of the laminated glass. The plate-like member of the component unit, at the boundary between the laminated glass and the plate-like member, in the area where the polyurethane sealant for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle is applied, has a shape in which the inner surface of the laminated glass and the inner surface of the component unit are on the same plane. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" refers to a situation where the deviation between the two surfaces is less than 3.0 mm. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" means that when the two surfaces are not bent, they have the thickness to converge on the same surface; when the two surfaces are bent, they have both the thickness and radius of curvature to converge on the same surface. The plate-shaped member has an opening that is open in a portion corresponding to the optical path of the optical device. The plate-shaped component is formed of colored resin or metal.

2. A vehicle window glass, comprising: Two glass panels separated by a laminated glass interlayer, and At least a component unit containing vehicle components with optical equipment is installed on a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass. The portion of the laminated glass where the component unit is disposed at the periphery is hollowed out. The component unit includes a plate-shaped component with a shape that can be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass. The plate-like member of the component unit, at the boundary between the laminated glass and the plate-like member, in the area where the polyurethane sealant for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle is applied, has a shape in which the inner surface of the laminated glass and the inner surface of the component unit are on the same plane. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" refers to a situation where the deviation between the two surfaces is less than 3.0 mm. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" means that when the two surfaces are not bent, they have the thickness to converge on the same surface; when the two surfaces are bent, they have both the thickness and radius of curvature to converge on the same surface. The plate-shaped component is reinforced glass capable of transmitting infrared light. The component unit has a reinforcing plate at the boundary between the tempered glass and the laminated glass, which backs the inner surface of the tempered glass and the inner surface of the laminated glass. The tempered glass, the laminated glass, and the reinforcing plate are joined together by an adhesive.

3. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 2, wherein, The component unit also includes a shielding layer formed on the inner surface of the reinforced glass, except for the portion corresponding to the optical path of the optical device.

4. A vehicle window glass, comprising: Two glass panels separated by a laminated glass interlayer, and At least a component unit containing vehicle components with optical equipment is installed on a portion of the periphery of the laminated glass. The portion of the laminated glass where the component unit is disposed at the periphery is hollowed out. The component unit includes a plate-shaped component with a shape that can be fitted into the hollowed-out portion of the laminated glass. The plate-like member of the component unit, at the boundary between the laminated glass and the plate-like member, in the area where the polyurethane sealant for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle is applied, has a shape in which the inner surface of the laminated glass and the inner surface of the component unit are on the same plane. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" refers to a situation where the deviation between the two surfaces is less than 3.0 mm. "Two surfaces converging on the same surface" means that when the two surfaces are not bent, they have the thickness to converge on the same surface; when the two surfaces are bent, they have both the thickness and radius of curvature to converge on the same surface. In the plate-shaped member, at least the portion of the plate-shaped member corresponding to the optical path of the optical device is formed of a resin capable of transmitting infrared light, and the portion of the plate-shaped member other than the portion formed of the resin capable of transmitting infrared light is formed of metal.

5. The vehicle window glass as described in any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein, The plate-shaped member of the component unit has a shape in which there is no height difference between the outer surface of the laminated glass and the outer surface of the component unit in the peripheral portion of the vehicle window glass, in the area for mounting the vehicle window glass to the vehicle.

6. The vehicle window glass as described in any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein, The optical device is mounted on the inside of the vehicle window glass in such a way that the optical path of the optical device is located in the wiper wiping area of ​​the vehicle window glass.

7. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 4, wherein, At the boundary between the portion formed of infrared-transmitting resin and the portion formed of metal, the outer surface of the portion formed of infrared-transmitting resin and the outer surface of the portion formed of metal are on the same plane.

8. The vehicle window glass as described in any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein, The laminated glass has a shielding layer on at least one of the periphery of the inner surface of the inner glass panel located inside the vehicle and the periphery of the inner surface of the outer glass panel located outside the vehicle.

9. The vehicle window glass as described in any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein, The optical device has a camera, and the plate-like member has a camera bracket for mounting the camera.

10. The vehicle window glass as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein, The plate-shaped member has a plate-shaped protrusion extending from the boundary between the plate-shaped member and the laminated glass toward the inner surface of the laminated glass.

Images