Spectacle lenses and spectacles

Abstract

The present invention provides a spectacle lens having, in order, a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a hydrophobic layer, and further having a metal-containing layer between the inorganic layer and the hydrophobic layer, the metal-containing layer containing silver and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to spectacle lenses and eyeglasses. Background Technology

[0002] Eyeglass lenses typically have a structure in which one or more functional layers are formed on the surface of the lens substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-327622. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In recent years, the demand for antibacterial properties has been increasing. Under these circumstances, if eyeglass lenses can be endowed with the function of inhibiting bacterial growth (i.e., antibacterial properties), the added value of eyeglass lenses can be increased.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass lens with antibacterial properties.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to an eyeglass lens,

[0011] It consists of a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a hydrophobic layer, in sequence.

[0012] A metal-containing layer is also present between the inorganic layer and the hydrophobic layer.

[0013] The metal contained in the metal-containing layer is:

[0014] Silver (hereinafter also referred to as the "first metal"); and

[0015] A metal selected from one or more of the following: platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium (hereinafter also referred to as "second metal").

[0016] The metal-containing layer functions as an antibacterial layer to impart antibacterial properties to eyeglass lenses. Because of this layer, the eyeglass lenses exhibit antibacterial properties.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an antibacterial spectacle lens and eyeglasses having the spectacle lens. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vacuum evaporation apparatus with an electron gun. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [Eyeglass lenses]

[0021] The following is a more detailed explanation of the aforementioned eyeglass lenses.

[0022] <Containing a metal layer>

[0023] The aforementioned eyeglass lens has a metal-containing layer between the inorganic layer and the hydrophobic layer. The metal-containing layer contains silver and one or more metals selected from platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc and titanium.

[0024] The aforementioned metal-containing layer includes silver (Ag) as the first metal and one or more metals other than silver as the second metal. The second metal is selected from platinum (Pt), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and titanium (Ti), preferably selected from platinum, palladium, and gold, and more preferably platinum. In one embodiment, the aforementioned metal-containing layer may include only one metal selected from these metals as the second metal; in another embodiment, the aforementioned metal-containing layer may include two or more metals as the second metal.

[0025] Examples of the metals present in the aforementioned metal-containing layer include: metal monomers or alloys, inorganic or organic compounds, and metal ions. Silver can exist in various forms within the aforementioned metal-containing layer. This also applies to the second metal. The inventors believe that silver, as the first metal, can exert antibacterial properties by at least a portion being ionized through oxidation, which helps the aforementioned metal-containing layer function as an antibacterial layer. Furthermore, the inventors believe that selecting a metal that has the effect of controlling the oxidation progress of silver as the second metal helps improve the durability of the antibacterial properties. However, the present invention is not limited to the speculations described in this specification.

[0026] In one embodiment, the aforementioned metal-containing layer can be a metal-containing inorganic layer. In this invention and specification, "inorganic layer" refers to a layer containing inorganic matter, preferably a layer containing inorganic matter as a main component. Here, "main component" refers to the component that occupies the largest proportion in the layer, typically a component occupying about 50% to 100% by mass relative to the mass of the layer, and more preferably a component occupying about 90% to 100% by mass. The same applies to the main components described later. The metal-containing inorganic layer can contain a first metal and a second metal in the form of inorganic substances such as metal monomers, alloys, or inorganic compounds. Inorganic substances are preferred as components constituting layers applied to spectacle lenses that undergo frequent heating processes during manufacturing.

[0027] The aforementioned metal-containing layer is located between the aforementioned inorganic layer and the aforementioned hydrophobic layer, and can be formed on the inorganic layer by a film formation method selected from dry film formation methods and wet film formation methods. Examples of dry film formation methods include physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), while examples of wet film formation methods include coating methods. From the viewpoint of easily forming a metal-containing layer with excellent film thickness uniformity, the aforementioned film formation method for the metal-containing layer is preferably a dry film formation method, and more preferably a physical vapor deposition method. Examples of physical vapor deposition methods include evaporation and sputtering, with evaporation being preferred. From the viewpoint of easily forming a metal-containing layer with excellent film thickness uniformity, electron beam (EB) evaporation is more preferably.

[0028] Electron beam evaporation is a film formation method in which an electron beam is irradiated from an electron gun onto a evaporation source in a vacuum. The evaporation material contained in the evaporation source is heated and vaporized, then deposited onto the substrate to form a evaporated film. In contrast, another evaporation method involves heating the internal environment of the evaporation apparatus using a heating unit (heater, etc.) located within the apparatus, thereby heating and vaporizing the evaporation material (hereinafter referred to as "thermal evaporation method"). In the thermal evaporation method, the substrate to be formed within the evaporation apparatus is also heated. On the other hand, while plastic lens substrates are preferred for eyeglass lenses as described later, they may deform when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, when forming a film on a plastic lens substrate using the thermal evaporation method, it is preferable to set the heating temperature to suppress deformation of the plastic lens substrate. However, the heating temperature set in this way may not be suitable for the evaporation material, and therefore, it may be difficult to form a evaporated film with excellent uniformity in film thickness. Alternatively, a vapor deposition material capable of vaporizing at a set heating temperature should be selected, which may limit the types of vapor deposition materials that can be used. In contrast, in electron beam evaporation, since the vapor deposition material is heated by irradiating an electron beam into the evaporation source, the material to be deposited is not exposed to high temperatures as in the aforementioned heating evaporation method, thus enabling the formation of a vapor deposition film. Based on the above viewpoints, electron beam evaporation is particularly preferred as the aforementioned method for forming a film containing a metal layer. Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the aforementioned method for forming a film containing a metal layer based on electron beam evaporation will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0029] As a vapor deposition source, a vapor deposition source containing a first metal and a second metal can be used. This vapor deposition source can be prepared by, for example, the following method.

[0030] Prepare a solution containing silver particles (silver particles) as the first metal (hereinafter also referred to as "the solution of the first metal"). This solution can be, for example, an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion of the silver particles. The concentration of the silver particles in the solution of the first metal can be, for example, in the range of 1000 to 10000 ppm. In this invention and this specification, ppm is a mass reference.

[0031] In addition to the solution described above, a solution containing particles of one or more second metals (hereinafter also referred to as "the solution of the second metal") is prepared. This solution can be, for example, an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion of the second metal particles. Furthermore, as the solution of the second metal, only one solution containing particles of one or more second metals can be used, or two or more solutions containing particles of one or more second metals can be used. In either case, the concentration of the second metal particles in the solution of the second metal can be, for example, in the range of 1000 to 10000 ppm. Here, when the solution of the second metal contains particles of two or more second metals, the above concentration is set as the total concentration of the particles of the two or more metals.

[0032] For example, commercially available products that are aqueous dispersions of metal particles can be used directly as solutions, or commercially available products can be diluted for use.

[0033] After preparing the above solution, the solution is impregnated in a carrier. The various solutions can be impregnated separately in the carrier, simultaneously, or in a mixture of the solutions. The volume of the first metal solution impregnated in the carrier can be set to, for example, a range of 0.1 to 5.0 ml. The volume of the second metal solution impregnated in the carrier can be set to, for example, a range of 0.1 to 5.0 ml. Furthermore, the volume of the second metal solution can be set to be 0.1 to 5 times the volume of the first metal solution. Here, when using two or more solutions as the second metal solution, the above volume is set to the total volume of the two or more solutions.

[0034] Examples of methods for impregnating a solution with a carrier include injecting or spraying the solution into the carrier, and immersing the carrier in the solution.

[0035] Furthermore, the aforementioned carrier can be, for example, a porous material, and can be made of, for example, metal, alloy, or ceramic. A specific example of a porous material is a sintered filter. A sintered filter can be a sintered body formed by sintering powder materials such as metal powder, alloy powder, or ceramic powder.

[0036] By impregnating the above solution onto a carrier and then drying it using a known method, particles of the first metal and particles of the second metal can be loaded onto the carrier.

[0037] From the viewpoint that the metal particles can be easily vaporized by electron beam irradiation, the particle size of each of the above-mentioned metal particles is preferably 1 nm or more and 10 nm or less, more preferably 1 nm or more and 5 nm or less.

[0038] Electron beam evaporation can be performed in a vacuum evaporation apparatus equipped with an electron gun. Figure 1A schematic diagram of an example of this vacuum evaporation apparatus is shown.

[0039] exist Figure 1 Inside the vacuum evaporation apparatus 1 shown (commonly referred to as the "vacuum chamber"), the substrate 11 and the electron gun 3 are arranged facing each other across the evaporation source 2. The surface of the substrate 11 on the evaporation source side is the surface of an inorganic layer containing a metal layer 14. An electron beam is generated by passing a heating current through the filament of the electron gun 3. The heating current can be set according to the structure of the electron gun used, the type of evaporation material, etc. Furthermore, irradiation conditions such as the electron beam irradiation time can be set according to the desired film thickness. By irradiating the evaporation source 2 with the electron beam EB generated by the electron gun, the evaporation material contained in the evaporation source is heated and vaporized, deposited on the surface of the substrate 11 to form a metal layer 14. As a vapor deposition source, when using a vapor deposition source that holds particles of the first metal and the second metal on a carrier as described above, the particles of the first metal and the second metal, which are vapor deposition materials, are heated and vaporized by electron beam irradiation, thereby forming a metal-containing layer 14, which is a vapor deposition film containing these metals, on the substrate 11. The vacuum chamber can be, for example, an atmospheric environment; the internal pressure can be set to the pressure normally used for vacuum vapor deposition, for example, 2 × 10⁻⁶. -2 Pa is below 1. Electron beam evaporation can be performed once or more, and can also be performed twice or more using the same or different types of evaporation sources. For example, by using the same or different types of evaporation sources to perform electron beam evaporation twice or more, a thicker metal-containing layer can be formed.

[0040] However, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-327622 (Patent Document 1) shown above, it is described that the thickness of the surface-cured film formed by curing an antibacterial coating agent is preferably 0.5 μm or more (see paragraph 0019 of that publication). However, it can be presumed that such a thick film layer may have a significant impact on the reflective and / or transmissive properties of eyeglass lenses. Therefore, when such a layer is provided on an eyeglass lens to impart antibacterial properties, it is usually necessary to make significant changes to the optical design of existing products. In contrast, from the viewpoint of enabling eyeglass lenses to have antibacterial properties by including a layer that functions as an antibacterial layer without making significant changes to the optical design of existing products, it is preferable that the thickness of the metal-containing layer is thin to reduce the impact of the presence of the metal-containing layer on the reflective and / or transmissive properties of the eyeglass lens. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the metal-containing layer is preferably 5 nm or less, more preferably 4 nm or less, and even more preferably 3 nm or less (e.g., 1 nm or more and 3 nm or less). In this invention and this specification, the thickness of the metal-containing layer is the physical film thickness. This also applies to the various thicknesses described in this invention and specification. For spectacle lenses with two or more metal-containing layers of the same or different types laminated through two or more film-forming processes, the thickness of the metal-containing layer is defined as the total thickness of the two or more layers. The electron beam evaporation method described above is a preferred film-forming method in terms of forming a thin film with a thickness within the aforementioned range and excellent film thickness uniformity. The film thicknesses of the various layers contained in the spectacle lenses containing metal layers, etc., and the thickness of the lens substrate can be determined by cross-sectional observation using, for example, a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0041] Next, the lens substrate and various layers contained in the above-mentioned eyeglass lenses will be described.

[0042] <Lens Substrate>

[0043] The lens substrate for eyeglass lenses can be either a plastic lens substrate or a glass lens substrate. Glass lens substrates can be, for example, made of inorganic glass. From the viewpoint of being lightweight, not easily broken, and easy to handle, a plastic lens substrate is preferred. Examples of plastic lens substrates include styrene resins (represented by (meth)acrylic resin), polycarbonate resins, allyl resins, diethylene glycol dielyl carbonate resin (CR-39), vinyl resins, polyester resins, polyether resins, polyurethane resins obtained by reacting isocyanate compounds with hydroxyl compounds such as diethylene glycol, thiopolyurethane resins obtained by reacting isocyanate compounds with polythiols, and cured products (commonly referred to as transparent resins) obtained by curing a curable composition containing a (thio)epoxide compound having one or more disulfide bonds within its molecule. Undyed lens substrates (colorless lenses) or dyed lens substrates (dyed lenses) can be used as lens substrates. The refractive index of the lens substrate can be, for example, around 1.60 to 1.75. However, the refractive index of the lens substrate is not limited to the above range; it can be within the above range or deviate from it. In this invention and this specification, the refractive index refers to the refractive index for light with a wavelength of 500 nm. Furthermore, the lens substrate can be a lens with refractive power (so-called a prescription lens) or a lens without refractive power (so-called a non-prescription lens).

[0044] Eyeglass lenses can be various types, including single-focal lenses, multifocal lenses, and progressive lenses. The type of lens is determined by the surface shapes of both sides of the lens substrate. Furthermore, the surface of the lens substrate can be convex, concave, or flat. In typical lens substrates and eyeglass lenses, the object-side surface is convex, and the eye-side surface is concave. However, this invention is not limited to this.

[0045] <Inorganic Layer>

[0046] The aforementioned spectacle lens has an inorganic layer on the lens substrate. In this invention and specification, "inorganic layer" refers to a layer containing inorganic matter as described above, preferably a layer containing inorganic matter as a main component. Regarding the main component, as described above, the inorganic layer can be a layer directly laminated to the surface of the lens substrate, or it can be a layer indirectly laminated to the surface of the lens substrate with one or more other layers in between. Examples of these other layers include a cured layer of a curable composition, usually referred to as a hard coating, and a base layer for improving adhesion, among other known layers. The type and thickness of these layers are not particularly limited and can be determined according to the desired function and optical properties of the spectacle lens.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aforementioned inorganic layer can be a multilayer film consisting of two or more inorganic layers. When the inorganic layer is a multilayer film, the aforementioned metal-containing layer is disposed on the uppermost inorganic layer (i.e., the inorganic layer furthest from the lens substrate). Examples of such multilayer films include those comprising one or more high-refractive-index layers and one or more low-refractive-index layers. This multilayer film can be an antireflective film that prevents the reflection of light of a specific wavelength or wavelength range, or a reflective film that reflects light of a specific wavelength or wavelength range. In this invention and specification, the terms "high" and "low" related to "high refractive index" and "low refractive index" are relative expressions. That is, a high-refractive-index layer refers to a layer with a higher refractive index than a low-refractive-index layer contained in the same multilayer film. In other words, a low-refractive-index layer refers to a layer with a lower refractive index than a high-refractive-index layer contained in the same multilayer film. The refractive index of the high-refractive-index material constituting the high-refractive-index layer can be, for example, 1.60 or higher (e.g., in the range of 1.60 to 2.40), and the refractive index of the low-refractive-index material constituting the low-refractive-index layer can be, for example, 1.59 or lower (e.g., in the range of 1.37 to 1.59). However, as mentioned above, the terms "high" and "low" related to high and low refractive indices are relative, and therefore the refractive indices of the high-refractive-index material and the low-refractive-index material are not limited to the ranges described above.

[0048] Specifically, as a high-refractive-index material for forming a high-refractive-index layer, examples include mixtures of one or more oxides selected from zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2), tantalum oxide (e.g., Ta2O5), titanium oxide (e.g., TiO2), aluminum oxide (e.g., Al2O3), yttrium oxide (e.g., Y2O3), hafnium oxide (e.g., HfO2), and niobium oxide (e.g., Nb2O5). On the other hand, as a low-refractive-index material for forming a low-refractive-index layer, examples include mixtures of one or more oxides or fluorides selected from silicon oxide (e.g., SiO2), magnesium fluoride (e.g., MgF2), and barium fluoride (e.g., BaF2). In the above examples, for ease of explanation, oxides and fluorides are expressed in stoichiometric composition, but substances in which oxygen or fluorine is deficient or excessive in the stoichiometric composition can also be used as high-refractive-index or low-refractive-index materials.

[0049] Preferably, the high-refractive-index layer is a film mainly composed of a high-refractive-index material, and the low-refractive-index layer is a film mainly composed of a low-refractive-index material. Such a film (e.g., a vapor-deposited film) can be formed by using a film-forming material (e.g., a vapor-deposited material) mainly composed of the aforementioned high-refractive-index or low-refractive-index material. Sometimes, impurities are unavoidably mixed into the film and the film-forming material. Furthermore, other components, such as other inorganic substances or known additives that assist in film formation, may be included, provided that the function of the main component is not impaired. Film formation can be performed using known film-forming methods; from the viewpoint of ease of film formation, vapor deposition is preferred, and vacuum vapor deposition is more preferred. The antireflective film can be, for example, a multilayer film in which a total of 3 to 10 layers of high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index layers are alternately stacked. The thickness of the high-refractive-index layer and the thickness of the low-refractive-index layer can be determined according to the layer structure. In detail, the combination of layers in a multilayer film and the thickness of each layer can be determined through optical design simulation based on known methods, taking into account the refractive indices of the film-forming materials used to form the high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index layers, and the desired reflection and transmission characteristics that the multilayer film would impart to the spectacle lens. Furthermore, the multilayer film may include one or more layers primarily composed of conductive oxides (conductive oxide layers) at any location; preferably, these are vapor-deposited conductive oxide films formed by vapor deposition using a vapor deposition material primarily composed of conductive oxides.

[0050] In the aforementioned spectacle lens, the aforementioned metal-containing layer is disposed on the surface of the aforementioned inorganic layer. The aforementioned metal-containing layer can be a layer directly laminated to the surface of the aforementioned inorganic layer, or it can be a layer indirectly laminated to the surface of the aforementioned inorganic layer, with one or more other layers in between. Regarding the other layers, please refer to the preceding description.

[0051] <Hydrophobic layer>

[0052] In the aforementioned spectacle lens, a hydrophobic layer is provided on the surface of the metal-containing layer. In this invention and specification, "hydrophobic layer" refers to a layer that contributes to the hydrophobicity of the spectacle lens surface, or contributes to better hydrophobicity compared to the absence of such a layer. The hydrophobic layer can be a layer directly laminated onto the surface of the metal-containing layer, or it can be a layer indirectly laminated onto the surface of the metal-containing layer, with one or more other layers in between. Regarding the other layers, please refer to the preceding description.

[0053] The aforementioned hydrophobic layer can be laminated onto the metal-containing layer by using a film-forming material that functions as a hydrophobic agent. As a film-forming method, examples can be selected from dry film-forming methods and wet film-forming methods. Specific examples of dry film-forming methods and wet film-forming methods can be found in the preceding description.

[0054] In one embodiment, the hydrophobic layer described above can be a fluorine-based organic layer. Here, "based" is used to mean "comprising". Furthermore, in this invention and this specification, "organic layer" refers to a layer containing organic matter, preferably a layer containing organic matter as a main component. Regarding the main component, as described above.

[0055] A fluorine-based organic layer can be deposited on the aforementioned metal-containing layer by using a fluorine-based organic substance as a film-forming material. As a preferred film-forming method for forming the fluorine-based organic layer, a dry film-forming method is preferred, and a vapor deposition method is more preferred. Fluorine-based organic substances tend to have lower boiling points compared to the vapor deposition materials described above for forming metal-containing layers; therefore, a heated vapor deposition method is preferred. By immersing a solution containing a fluorine-based organic substance in a carrier and then performing a drying process, a vapor deposition source holding the fluorine-based organic substance on the carrier can be prepared. The method for preparing the vapor deposition source can also be appropriately referred to the preceding description regarding the formation of the metal-containing layer.

[0056] Examples of fluorine-based organic compounds include m-difluorotoluene (C6H4(CF3)2).

[0057] In addition, examples of fluorinated organosilanes represented by the following general formula (1) can also be cited as fluorinated organic substances.

[0058] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0059]

[0060] In the above general formula (1), Rf is a straight-chain or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably CF3-, C2F5-, or C3F7-. R1 is a hydrolyzable group, preferably, for example, a halogen atom, -OR3, -OCOR3, -OC(R3)=C(R4)2, -ON=C(R3)2, or -ON=CR5. More preferably, a chlorine atom, -OCH3, or -OC2H5. Here, R3 is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group, R4 is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a lower aliphatic hydrocarbon group), and R5 is a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. R2 is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group. The monovalent organic group is preferably an inactive group. The monovalent organic group is more preferably a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. X is an iodine atom or a hydrogen atom, and Y is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (e.g., a lower alkyl group). Z is a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group. a, b, c, and d are each independently an integer in the range of 0 to 200, preferably an integer in the range of 1 to 50. e is 0 or 1. m and n are each independently an integer in the range of 0 to 2, preferably 0. p is an integer greater than or equal to 1, preferably an integer in the range of 1 to 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the molecular weight (weight-average molecular weight Mw) of the fluorinated organosilanes represented by general formula (1) is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 5 × 10⁻⁶. 2 ~1×10 5 The range or 5×10 2 ~1×10 4 The range.

[0062] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the fluorinated organosilane compound represented by the above general formula (1) can be a fluorinated organosilane compound represented by the following general formula (2).

[0063] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0064]

[0065] In the above general formula (2), R1, Y, and m have the same meaning as in the above general formula (1). q is an integer in the range of 1 to 50, and r is an integer in the range of 1 to 10.

[0066] The thickness of the aforementioned hydrophobic layer can be, for example, 30 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 20 nm or less, or 15 nm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the aforementioned hydrophobic layer can be, for example, 5 nm or more, or 10 nm or more. Additionally, the contact angle with water at the surface of the hydrophobic layer can be, for example, 100° or more and 120° or less. The aforementioned hydrophobic layer can, for example, be located as the outermost layer on one or both sides of an eyeglass lens.

[0067] A laminate comprising at least the aforementioned inorganic layer, the aforementioned metallic layer, and the aforementioned hydrophobic layer can be formed on at least one surface of the lens substrate, or it can be formed on two surfaces. For example, the laminate can be located on the object side of the spectacle lens, the laminate can be located on the eyeball side of the spectacle lens, or the laminate can be located on both the object side and the eyeball side of the spectacle lens. When the laminate is located on both sides of the spectacle lens, the laminate on the object side and the laminate on the eyeball side can be the same laminate or different laminates.

[0068] In the aforementioned eyeglass lens, the metal-containing layer functions as an antibacterial layer, thereby exhibiting antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the eyeglass lens has a hydrophobic layer, thus exhibiting hydrophobicity and preventing, for example, watermarks on the lens. The aforementioned inorganic layer functions as, for example, an antireflective film, thereby enabling the eyeglass lens to have antireflective properties against light of specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges.

[0069] [Glasses]

[0070] One aspect of the present invention relates to eyeglasses having the aforementioned spectacle lenses. Details regarding the spectacle lenses included in the eyeglasses are as described above. Known techniques can be applied to the frame and other components of the aforementioned eyeglasses.

[0071] Example

[0072] The present invention will be further described below through embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the implementation methods shown in the embodiments.

[0073] In the following, SiO2 layer refers to a vapor-deposited film formed by using silicon oxide as the vapor deposition material, and ZrO2 layer refers to a vapor-deposited film formed by using zirconium oxide as the vapor deposition material. Each vapor deposition material is a vapor deposition material formed solely from the oxides described, except for unavoidable impurities.

[0074] [Example 1]

[0075] <Fabrication of Lens Substrates with Hard Coating>

[0076] On the entire surface of the object-side (convex) of a plastic lens substrate manufactured using spectacle lens monomer (MR8 manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals), a hard coating liquid containing inorganic oxide particles and silicon compounds is applied by spin coating. The coating is then heated and cured in an oven at 100°C for 60 minutes to form a single-layer hard coating with a film thickness of 3 μm.

[0077] <Production of Multi-Layer Anti-Reflective Film>

[0078] Next, the lens substrate with the aforementioned hard coating is placed in a vacuum evaporation apparatus, and a multilayer antireflective film (total thickness: approximately 400–600 nm) is formed on the entire surface of the hard coating by vacuum evaporation, consisting of a total of 7 layers (total thickness: approximately 400–600 nm) of "SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer". The " / " symbol indicates that the part written to the left of the " / " is directly stacked with the part written to the right. This is also the case in the following description.

[0079] Eyeglass lenses with a layered structure of "lens substrate / hard coating / multi-layer anti-reflective film (inorganic layer, inorganic material content: 90% by mass)" were manufactured in this way.

[0080] <Fabrication of Metallic Layers>

[0081] (Preparation of the vapor deposition source)

[0082] An aqueous dispersion containing silver particles with a particle size of 2–5 nm was prepared at a concentration of 5000 ppm as the first metal solution.

[0083] As a solution of the second metal, an aqueous dispersion containing platinum particles with a particle size of 2 to 5 nm was prepared at a concentration of 5000 ppm.

[0084] Using a 18mm diameter disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) as a carrier, the sintered filter was dried for 1 hour in an atmospheric oven at an internal temperature of 65–75°C after 0.5ml of a first metal solution was injected. After repeating this process twice (total injection volume of the first metal solution into the carrier: 1.0ml), a second metal solution of 0.5ml was injected, and the filter was dried for 1 hour in an atmospheric oven at an internal temperature of 65–75°C. After repeating this process twice (total injection volume of the second metal solution into the carrier: 1.0ml), a vapor deposition source for silver and platinum particles (vapor deposition materials) was prepared and supported on the sintered filter.

[0085] (Metal-containing film formation based on electron beam evaporation)

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, a spectacle lens with the aforementioned multilayer antireflective film and the aforementioned evaporation source are arranged inside the vacuum chamber of the vacuum evaporation apparatus. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber is set to 2 × 10⁻⁶. -2 Below Pa, the electron beam irradiation conditions are set to an electron beam output (heating current) of 38 mA and an electron beam irradiation time of 150 seconds, irradiating the vapor deposition source from an electron gun. By irradiating the source with an electron beam in this way, the silver and platinum particles can be heated and vaporized, forming a vapor-deposited film containing silver and platinum particles on the surface of the aforementioned multilayer antireflective film. In this way, a metal-containing layer (a metal-containing inorganic layer containing metals: silver and platinum, and an inorganic content of 90% by mass or more) is formed on the surface of the aforementioned multilayer antireflective film.

[0087] <Creation of the hydrophobic layer>

[0088] (Preparation of the vapor deposition source)

[0089] As a fluorine-based organic substance, a solution containing m-difluorotoluene was prepared.

[0090] Using a disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) with a diameter of 18 mm as a carrier, after injecting 0.25 ml of the above solution, the sintered filter was dried for 1 hour in an atmospheric oven with an internal temperature of 50°C.

[0091] In this way, a vapor deposition source for m-difluorotoluene (vapor deposition material) was prepared and supported on a sintered filter.

[0092] (Film formation of hydrophobic layer based on heating evaporation method)

[0093] like Figure 1As shown, a spectacle lens with the aforementioned metal layer and the aforementioned evaporation source are disposed inside the vacuum chamber of the vacuum evaporation apparatus.

[0094] Will Figure 1 The electron gun was replaced with a halogen heater, which controlled the internal temperature of the vacuum chamber to 650°C. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber was set to 2 × 10⁻⁶. -2 A hydrophobic layer was formed at a pressure below Pa using a heated vapor deposition method. By heating the chamber in this way, m-difluorotoluene can be vaporized, and a vapor-deposited film containing m-difluorotoluene can be formed on the surface of the metal-containing layer. In this way, a hydrophobic layer (hydrophobic agent: m-difluorotoluene) with a thickness of 10 to 20 nm was formed on the surface of the metal-containing layer.

[0095] Through the above processes, an eyeglass lens of Example 1 with a layer structure of "lens substrate / hard coating / multilayer antireflective film (inorganic layer) / metal-containing layer / hydrophobic layer (fluorine-based organic layer, organic matter content: 90% by mass)" was produced.

[0096] [Comparative Example 1]

[0097] Except that no metal layer was fabricated, a spectacle lens of Comparative Example 1 with a layer structure of "lens substrate / hard coating / multilayer antireflective film (inorganic layer) / hydrophobic layer" was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0098] [Example 2]

[0099] In addition to fabricating the metal layer by the following method, similar to Example 1, an eyeglass lens of Example 2 with a layer structure of "lens substrate / hard coating / multilayer antireflective film (inorganic layer) / metal layer / hydrophobic layer" was fabricated.

[0100] <Fabrication of Metallic Layers>

[0101] (Preparation of the vapor deposition source)

[0102] An aqueous dispersion containing silver particles with a particle size of 2–5 nm was prepared at a concentration of 5000 ppm as the first metal solution.

[0103] As a solution of the second metal, an aqueous dispersion containing platinum particles with a particle size of 2 to 5 nm was prepared at a concentration of 5000 ppm.

[0104] Using a 18mm diameter disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) as a carrier, the sintered filter was dried for 1 hour in an atmospheric oven at an internal temperature of 65–75°C after 0.5ml of a first metal solution was injected. After repeating this process twice (total injection volume of the first metal solution into the carrier: 1.0ml), a second metal solution of 0.5ml was injected, and the filter was dried for 1 hour in an atmospheric oven at an internal temperature of 65–75°C. After repeating this process twice (total injection volume of the second metal solution into the carrier: 1.0ml), a vapor deposition source for silver and platinum particles (vapor deposition materials) was prepared and supported on the sintered filter.

[0105] Two vapor deposition sources were prepared, as shown in the example.

[0106] (Metal-containing film formation based on electron beam evaporation)

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, a spectacle lens with the aforementioned multilayer antireflective film and one of the two aforementioned evaporation sources are arranged inside the vacuum chamber of the vacuum evaporation apparatus. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber is set to 2 × 10⁻⁶. -2 Below Pa, the electron beam irradiation conditions were set to an electron beam output (heating current) of 38 mA and an electron beam irradiation time of 150 seconds, irradiating the evaporation source from the electron gun. This was how the first electron beam evaporation process was performed.

[0108] The remaining one of the two evaporation sources was placed in a vacuum chamber, and a second electron beam evaporation process was performed under the same conditions as the first electron beam evaporation process.

[0109] By irradiating the silver and platinum particles with an electron beam in this way, the silver and platinum particles can be heated and vaporized, thus forming a vapor-deposited film with silver and platinum particles deposited on the surface of the aforementioned multilayer antireflective film.

[0110] By performing two electron beam evaporation processes as described above, a metal-containing layer (a metal-inorganic layer containing metals: silver and platinum, and an inorganic content of 90% by mass) is formed on the surface of the multilayer antireflective film.

[0111] [Antibacterial test]

[0112] For each spectacle lens of Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Example 1, an antibacterial test was conducted according to JIS Z 2801:2012.

[0113] Specifically, for the initial evaluation of antibacterial properties, water resistance, and lightfastness, three sample pieces were cut from each spectacle lens. The sample piece size was set to 50mm × 50mm.

[0114] The initial evaluation was conducted using the following methods.

[0115] Test pieces cut from each spectacle lens are placed in a sterilized petri dish with the side containing the stacked layers facing upwards. Then, a 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ sample is placed in the dish. 5 ~4.0×10 5 0.4 ml of bacterial suspension of one test bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) was dropped onto the center of the sample surface and covered with a polyethylene film cut to 40 mm × 40 mm. After placing the petri dish in an environment with a relative humidity of over 90% for 24 hours, the temperature was measured per 1 cm. 2 The number of live bacteria.

[0116] Water resistance evaluation was conducted using the following methods.

[0117] After performing the water resistance test as described in the section on water resistance testing of the SIAA (Antimicrobial Products Technical Association) Durability Test Method (2018 Edition) on the test pieces cut from each spectacle lens, the same treatment as described above was performed, and the viable count was measured.

[0118] Lightfastness evaluation was conducted using the following methods.

[0119] After performing the lightfastness test as described in the section on water resistance of the SIAA (Antimicrobial Products Technical Association) Durability Test Method (2018 edition) on the test pieces cut from each spectacle lens, the same treatment as described above was performed, and the viable count was measured.

[0120] The viable cell count of Comparative Example 1, measured using the various evaluation methods described above, is shown in Table 1.

[0121] [Table 1]

[0122] Table 1: Evaluation results of Comparative Example 1

[0123]

[0124] Regarding Example 1, the antibacterial activity value was calculated using the following formula based on the number of viable bacteria measured using the various evaluation methods described above.

[0125] Regarding Example 2, the antibacterial activity value was calculated using the following formula based on the number of viable bacteria measured using the various evaluation methods described above.

[0126] Antibacterial activity value = Ut - At

[0127] Ut: Logarithm of the viable bacteria count on the sample slide of Comparative Example 1

[0128] At: The logarithmic value of the viable bacteria count on the sample slide of Example 1 or Example 2.

[0129] Regarding antibacterial properties, SIAA specifies that an antibacterial activity value of 2.0 or higher indicates an antibacterial effect.

[0130] The evaluation results of Example 1 are shown in Table 2, and the evaluation results of Example 2 are shown in Table 3.

[0131] [Table 2]

[0132] Table 2: Evaluation Results of Example 1

[0133]

[0134] [Table 3]

[0135] Table 3: Evaluation Results of Example 2

[0136]

[0137] [Evaluation of reflection and transmission characteristics]

[0138] The perpendicular incident reflection spectral characteristics at the optical center of the object-side surface (convex side) of each spectacle lens in Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1 were measured.

[0139] In addition, the vertical incident reflection spectral characteristics at the optical center of the concave surface of each spectacle lens in Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Example 1 were measured from the ocular side.

[0140] The spectral shapes of the transmission spectra, convex-side reflection spectra, and concave-side reflection spectra of Examples 1 and 2 at wavelengths of 380–780 nm, obtained from the measurement results, are basically consistent with the spectral shapes of each spectrum of Comparative Example 1.

[0141] Based on the measurement results, the visible light reflectance was calculated according to JIS T 7334:2011, and the visible light transmittance was calculated according to JIS T 7333:2005. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0142] [Table 4]

[0143] Table 4: Visible light reflectance and visible light transmittance of spectacle lenses from Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1

[0144] Visible light reflectance (convex side) Visible light reflectance (concave side) Visible light transmittance Comparative Example 1 0.51％ 0.49％ 98.5％ Example 1 0.50％ 0.47％ 98.5％ Example 2 0.47％ 0.45％ 98.4％

[0145] The results shown in Table 4 confirm that the presence of a metal layer in the eyeglass lenses of Examples 1 and 2 has almost no effect on the reflective and transmissive properties of the eyeglass lenses.

[0146] When cross-sectional observation of the eyeglass lenses of Examples 1 and 2 was performed using SEM, it was confirmed that the thickness of the metal-containing layer was less than 3 nm (specifically, more than 1 nm and less than 3 nm). Through the above cross-sectional observation, it was also confirmed that the metal-containing layer with excellent uniformity of film thickness was formed as a continuous layer without any unformed portions.

[0147] Finally, let's summarize the above aspects.

[0148] According to one aspect, an eyeglass lens is provided, which sequentially comprises a lens substrate, an inorganic layer and a hydrophobic layer, wherein a metal-containing layer is further provided between the inorganic layer and the hydrophobic layer, and the metal-containing layer comprises silver and one or more metals selected from platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc and titanium.

[0149] The aforementioned spectacle lens can be an antibacterial spectacle lens. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the aforementioned spectacle lens can be a spectacle lens that exhibits excellent antibacterial properties. It can also be a spectacle lens with excellent durability of antibacterial properties (e.g., water resistance, light resistance).

[0150] In one embodiment, the inorganic layer can be a multilayer film consisting of two or more inorganic layers.

[0151] In one embodiment, the hydrophobic layer can be a fluorine-based organic layer.

[0152] In one embodiment, the thickness of the aforementioned metal-containing film can be less than 5 nm.

[0153] In one embodiment, the aforementioned metal-containing layer can be a metal-containing inorganic layer.

[0154] In one embodiment, the metal-containing layer can be a vapor-deposited film of a vapor-deposited material, and the vapor-deposited material can be particles of the metal.

[0155] According to one aspect, it is possible to provide eyeglasses having the aforementioned spectacle lenses.

[0156] The various aspects and methods described in this specification can be combined in any combination to form two or more.

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is not shown by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include the meaning of the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0158] Industrial availability

[0159] One aspect of the present invention is useful in the field of eyeglass lens and eyeglass manufacturing.

Claims

1. A spectacle lens, comprising, in sequence, a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a hydrophobic layer. A metal-containing layer is also present between the inorganic layer and the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer is a layer directly laminated on the surface of the metal-containing layer. The inorganic layer is a multilayer film consisting of two or more inorganic layers. The multilayer film comprises one or more high-refractive-index layers and low-refractive-index layers. The metal-containing layer is a layer directly laminated on the surface of the inorganic layer. The metal contained in the metal-containing layer is: Silver; and Selected from one or more metals including platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium. Some or all of the metal in the metal-containing layer exists in the form of an elemental metal or an alloy. The thickness of the metal-containing film is greater than 1 nm and less than 5 nm.

2. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrophobic layer is a fluorine-based organic layer.

3. The spectacle lens according to claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the hydrophobic layer is less than 30 nm and more than 5 nm.

4. The spectacle lens according to claim 2, wherein, On the surface of the hydrophobic layer, the contact angle with water is greater than 100° and less than 120°.

5. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the metal in the metal-containing layer is ionized by oxidation.

6. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thickness of the metal-containing film is less than 4 nm.

7. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thickness of the metal-containing film is greater than 1 nm and less than 3 nm.

8. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metal-containing layer is formed by stacking two or more layers of the same or different types of metal-containing layers through two or more film-forming processes.

9. The spectacle lens according to claim 8, wherein, The thickness of the metal-containing layer is the total thickness of two or more metal-containing layers.

10. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metal-containing layer is a metal-containing inorganic layer.

11. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metal-containing layer is a vapor-deposited film of a vapor-deposited material, which is particles of the metal.

12. A pair of eyeglasses having a lens as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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