Vehicle window glass

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle window glass capable of maintaining the strength of a laminated glass even when a functional member is enclosed in the laminated glass. One aspect of the vehicle window glass (1) of the present disclosure includes a first glass plate (11) disposed on the outside of a vehicle, a second glass plate (12) disposed on the inside of the vehicle, a first interlayer (13) disposed between the first glass plate (11) and the second glass plate (12), and a functional member (14) disposed between the first glass plate (11) and the second glass plate (12). The functional member (14) has a structure in which a dielectric layer (21) and a conductor layer (22) are laminated. The vehicle window glass (1) includes a region (20) in which the second glass plate (12), the first interlayer (13), the dielectric layer (21), and the conductor layer (22) are laminated in this order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle window glass. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of motor vehicles and other mobile devices capable of high-capacity communication using 4G-LTE / 5G frequency bands for infotainment and highly automated driving has accelerated. Therefore, there is a growing trend towards equipping vehicles with conductor-equipped antennas to transmit and receive radio waves on specified frequencies.

[0003] For example, to obtain information about what's ahead of the vehicle, researchers have also studied mounting such antennas on vehicle windows such as windshields. From a safety perspective, regulations require motor vehicle windshields to use laminated glass, which consists of an intermediate layer sandwiched between two glass panels. Techniques for embedding antennas within such laminated glass are now known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which an antenna for terrestrial bands II to V is disposed inside a composite glass plate and powered by a flat conductor. Furthermore, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a structure in which an antenna suitable for transmitting and receiving high-frequency radio waves (e.g., 28 GHz) is disposed inside laminated glass / multilayer glass and connected via transmission lines / signal conductors and powered by the outside of the glass. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-514836 Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2020 / 230819 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-519524 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] As mentioned above, when a membrane-like antenna (functional component) is encapsulated in laminated glass, the strength of the laminated glass against impacts from the outside of the vehicle is reduced in the area where the antenna is located, and it cannot maintain the strength that laminated glass should have, raising concerns that the safety of laminated glass cannot be guaranteed.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a window glass for a vehicle that can maintain the strength of the laminated glass against impacts from the outside of the vehicle even when functional components are encapsulated in the laminated glass. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0008] One aspect of the vehicle window glass disclosed herein has the following configuration. [1] A type of vehicle window glass, which is a vehicle window glass installed in an opening of a vehicle, wherein... The vehicle window glass has the following features: The first glass panel located on the outside of the vehicle, The second glass panel is located on the inside of the vehicle. A first intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and A functional component configured between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. The functional component has a structure consisting of a dielectric layer and a conductor layer stacked together. The vehicle window glass includes regions stacked in the order of the second glass plate, the first intermediate layer, the dielectric layer, and the conductor layer. [2] As described in [1], for vehicle windows, wherein, The functional component also has an adhesive layer. The vehicle window glass includes regions stacked in the order of the second glass plate, the first intermediate layer, the dielectric layer, the conductor layer, and the adhesive layer. [3] As described in [2], the vehicle window glass, wherein the adhesive layer is in contact with the first glass plate. [4] As described in [2], a vehicle window glass, wherein a second intermediate layer is disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer. [5] As described in [4], the thickness of the first intermediate layer disposed between the second glass plate and the dielectric layer is substantially the same as the thickness of the second intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer. [6] As described in [2], for vehicle window glass, wherein, The conductor layer, viewed from above, has the following characteristics: linear portion, and A first cutout portion that is surrounded by the linear portion and cut out in the thickness direction of the conductor layer. [7] As described in [6], the vehicle window glass has a second cutout at a position where it overlaps with the first cutout of the conductor layer when viewed from above. [8] As described in [7], the vehicle window glass has a third cutout at a position where, when viewed from above, it overlaps with the first cutout of the conductor layer and the second cutout of the dielectric layer. [9] As described in [8], the vehicle window glass is filled with the material of the first intermediate layer in the first to third hollow portions of the functional component.

[10] The vehicle window glass as described in any one of [6] to [9], wherein the adhesive layer is in contact with the first glass plate.

[11] Vehicle window glass as described in any one of [6] to [9], wherein a second intermediate layer is disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

[12] As described in

[11] , the thickness of the first intermediate layer disposed between the second glass plate and the dielectric layer is substantially the same as the thickness of the second intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

[13] Vehicle window glass as described in any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the conductor layer is a flat conductor with slits formed thereon.

[14] As described in any one of [1] to

[13] , the vehicle window glass, wherein the functional component is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves of a specified frequency.

[15] As described in

[14] , the vehicle window glass, wherein the antenna has a power supply electrode and a ground electrode on the conductor layer. Invention Effects

[0024] According to this disclosure, a vehicle window glass can be provided that maintains the strength of the laminated glass against impacts from the outside of the vehicle, even when functional components are enclosed in the laminated glass. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 A top view showing an example of the configuration of a functional component. Figure 6 A top view showing an example of the configuration of a functional component. Figure 7 for Figure 5 An enlarged top view of area A. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the manufacturing process of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 9 A top view illustrating another example of the configuration of a functional component. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the structure of the vehicle window glass in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0026] <Implementation Method 1> The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. (See attached image.) Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment includes a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate layer (first intermediate layer) 13 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and a functional component 14 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12.

[0027] The functional component 14 has a configuration consisting of a dielectric layer 21 and a conductor layer 22 stacked together. The vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment includes a region 20 comprising a second glass panel 12, an intermediate layer 13, a dielectric layer 21, and a conductor layer 22 stacked in that order. Furthermore, in regions outside region 20, the first glass panel 11 and the second glass panel 12 are bonded together via the intermediate layer 13. The vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment is a vehicle window glass installed at an opening in a vehicle, and can be applied, for example, to at least one of a vehicle's windshield, rear window, side window, and sunroof.

[0028] The vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment can be either planar or curved. Alternatively, it can be a shape that includes both planar and curved surfaces. The first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 can each be a flat plate or a curved plate. A curved plate can be a single-curved shape bending in one direction or a three-dimensional shape bending in two or more directions. A three-dimensional shape can, for example, be a multi-curved shape bending in two orthogonal directions. In the following example, the case where both the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are configured as flat plates will be described; however, the same description can also be applied to cases where at least one is configured as a curved plate.

[0029] The outer edge shapes of the first glass panel 11 and the second glass panel 12, viewed from above, can be any shape, such as preferably rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular. In this embodiment, when the vehicle window glass 1 is installed on a vehicle, the first glass panel 11 is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle, and the second glass panel 12 is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle.

[0030] The first and second glass plates 11 and 12 may be made of transparent inorganic glass, for example. The first and second glass plates 11 and 12 may be made of soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, quartz glass, etc. The first and second glass plates 11 and 12 may be manufactured using methods such as float glass or melting glass, but are not limited to these methods.

[0031] The thickness of each of the first and second glass panels 11 and 12 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm from the viewpoint of resistance to flying stone impacts, more preferably 1.1 mm to 2.6 mm, and even more preferably 1.7 mm to 2.1 mm. The thicknesses of the first and second glass panels 11 and 12 can be the same or different from each other. For example, the thickness of the first glass panel 11 disposed on the outer side of the vehicle can be greater than the thickness of the second glass panel 12 disposed on the inner side of the vehicle. Increasing the thickness of the first glass panel 11 disposed on the outer side of the vehicle in this way increases the strength of the vehicle window 1 against objects flying towards it.

[0032] The interlayer 13 is configured to be sandwiched between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The thickness of the interlayer 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.10 mm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the interlayer 13 is preferably 0.50 mm or more, more preferably 0.70 mm or more. By ensuring the thickness of the interlayer 13 is within this range, the transparency of the vehicle window glass can be ensured, and the weight of the vehicle window glass can be prevented from becoming excessive.

[0033] The intermediate layer 13 can be made of materials including, for example, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), cyclic olefin polymers, polyurethane resins, and polyvinylidene fluoride resins (PVDF). Furthermore, a plasticizer can be added to the intermediate layer 13. Examples of plasticizers include monobasic and polybasic organic esters, organic ester plasticizers, organophosphoric acid plasticizers, and organophosphorous acid plasticizers.

[0034] The functional component 14 has a structure consisting of a dielectric layer 21 and a conductor layer 22 stacked together. The dielectric layer 21 can be made of a resin film with a specified thickness. For example, the dielectric layer 21 can be made of a TAC (cellulose triacetate) film.

[0035] The conductor layer 22 can be made of a conductive material such as metal. The shape of the conductor layer 22 can be determined according to the function of the functional component 14. For example, if the functional component 14 is an antenna, the shape of the conductor layer 22 can be determined according to the frequency band of the radio waves to be transmitted or received. For example, the conductor layer 22 can be a flat conductor with slits for antennas. In addition, the functional component 14 can also be a heater, in which case the conductor layer 22 can be made of heating wire with a specified resistance value.

[0036] The vehicle window glass 1 of this embodiment is constructed such that, in the region 20 where the functional component 14 is provided, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate layer 13, a dielectric layer 21, and a conductor layer 22 are stacked in that order. In other words, the functional component 14 is disposed on the side of the first glass plate 11, and the intermediate layer 13 is disposed between the second glass plate 12 and the functional component 14.

[0037] In this embodiment, by employing such a configuration, even when the functional component 14 is encapsulated within the laminated glass, a vehicle window glass capable of maintaining the strength of the laminated glass can be provided. Specifically, in this embodiment, an intermediate layer 13 is disposed between the second glass panel 12 and the functional component 14 (dielectric layer 21). Therefore, even if an impact from the outside of the vehicle is applied to the first glass panel 11 in the region 20 where the functional component 14 is located, the intermediate layer 13 can maintain the bonding of the second glass panel 12. Thus, it is possible to prevent the second glass panel 12 from breaking and causing fragments of the second glass panel 12 to scatter into the vehicle interior, or for an impacting object to penetrate the second glass panel 12. Furthermore, the vehicle window glass 1 is stacked in the region 20 where the functional component 14 is located in the following order: second glass panel 12, intermediate layer 13, dielectric layer 21, and conductor layer 22. Therefore, even if the conductor layer 22 is damaged due to an impact from the outside of the vehicle, i.e., the side of the first glass panel 11, the dielectric layer 21, being located between the conductor layer 22 and the intermediate layer 13, can prevent the damaged conductor layer 22 from cutting through the intermediate layer 13, thus preventing the second glass panel 12 from breaking and scattering into the inside of the vehicle. Furthermore, if a plasticizer is added to the intermediate layer 13, and the dielectric layer 21 is located between the conductor layer 22 and the intermediate layer 13, it can prevent the intermediate layer 13 from being corroded by the plasticizer added to it.

[0038] In this embodiment, when forming the vehicle window glass 1, the first glass plate 11, the functional component 14, the intermediate layer 13, and the second glass plate 12 are stacked in this order and placed in a vacuum bag, such as a rubber bag. Then, the vacuum bag is connected to an exhaust system to depressurize and degas (de-gas) the pressure inside the vacuum bag to a pressure reduction (absolute pressure) of approximately -65 kPa to -100 kPa, and then heated and pressurized at a temperature of approximately 70°C to 110°C. Furthermore, a pressing process involving heating and pressurizing at a temperature of approximately 100°C to 140°C and a pressure of 0.6 MPa to 1.3 MPa can be performed to obtain the vehicle window glass 1 with excellent durability. However, the method for forming the vehicle window glass 1 is not limited to this method; other manufacturing methods can also be used to form the vehicle window glass 1.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, it may also be as follows... Figure 2As shown in the vehicle window 1a, the functional component 14 further includes an adhesive layer 23. That is, the functional component 14 may also be configured to be formed by stacking the dielectric layer 21, the conductor layer 22, and the adhesive layer 23 in this order. In this case, the vehicle window 1a is constructed such that in the region 20 where the functional component 14 is provided, the second glass plate 12, the intermediate layer 13, the dielectric layer 21, the conductor layer 22, and the adhesive layer 23 are stacked in that order.

[0040] The adhesive layer 23 can be made of, for example, a transparent adhesive material, i.e., an optical adhesive (OCA: Optical Clear Adhesive). The adhesive layer 23 can be made of, for example, acrylic, silicone, epoxy, or urethane acrylate optical adhesives. The adhesive layer 23 is bonded to the first glass plate 11. For example, the functional component 14 can also be bonded to the first glass plate 11 using the adhesive layer 23. When manufacturing the vehicle window glass 1a, by pre-bonding the functional component 14 to the first glass plate 11 using the adhesive layer 23, displacement of the functional component 14 relative to the first glass plate 11 can be suppressed when the vehicle window glass 1a is heated and pressurized, causing the interlayer 13 to melt.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, it may also be as follows... Figure 3 As shown in the vehicle window glass 1b, an intermediate layer 18 (second intermediate layer) is disposed between the first glass panel 11 and the adhesive layer 23. Thus, by providing the intermediate layer 18 between the first glass panel 11 and the adhesive layer 23, the strength of the vehicle window glass can be improved. For example, when manufacturing the vehicle window glass 1b, by arranging the intermediate layer 13 and the intermediate layer 18 in a manner that sandwiches the functional component 14, the intermediate layers 13 and 18 can be disposed on both sides of the functional component 14.

[0042] For example, the intermediate layer 13 disposed between the second glass plate 12 and the dielectric layer 21 may be configured such that its thickness is substantially the same as the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the adhesive layer 23. Here, "substantially the same" means that the thickness difference between the intermediate layers 13 and 18 is within 10%. Similar to the thickness of the intermediate layer 13, the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 is preferably 0.50 mm or more, more preferably 0.70 mm or more. Furthermore, the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 is preferably 1.10 mm or less.

[0043] <Implementation Method 2> Next, implementation method 2 will be described. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the functional components of the vehicle window glass according to Embodiment 2. Figure 4 for Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown is taken at section line IV-IV. In the vehicle window glass 2 of Embodiment 2, the configuration of functional component 15 differs from that described in Embodiment 1. Other than this, the configuration is the same as that of the vehicle window glass described in Embodiment 1; therefore, the same components are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle window glass 2 of this embodiment has a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate layer (first intermediate layer) 13 sandwiched between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and a functional component 15 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12.

[0045] The functional component 15 has a structure consisting of a dielectric layer 21, a conductor layer 22, and an adhesive layer 23 stacked together. The vehicle window glass 2 of this embodiment includes a region stacked in the order of a second glass panel 12, an intermediate layer 13, a dielectric layer 21, a conductor layer 22, and an adhesive layer 23. Typically, the adhesive layer 23 is bonded to the first glass panel 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the essential components constituting the functional component 15 are the dielectric layer 21 and the conductor layer 22; the adhesive layer 23 can be omitted. In this case, in the functional component 15, the dielectric layer 21 and the conductor layer 22 are stacked sequentially, starting from the side closer to the intermediate layer 13.

[0046] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, functional component 15 has a linear portion 16 and a cutout portion 17 in a top view of the first glass plate 11. The cutout portion 17 is surrounded by the linear portion 16 and is cut out in the thickness direction of functional component 15. In other words, conductor layer 22 has the linear portion 16 and the cutout portion 17 (first cutout portion) surrounded by the linear portion 16 and cut out in the thickness direction of conductor layer 22. Dielectric layer 21 has a cutout portion 17 (second cutout portion) at a position where it overlaps with the cutout portion 17 of conductor layer 22 in a top view. Adhesive layer 23 has a cutout portion 17 (third cutout portion) at a position where it overlaps with the cutout portion 17 of conductor layer 22 and the cutout portion 17 of dielectric layer 21 in a top view. In this embodiment, the cutout portion 17 (first to third cutout portions) of functional component 15 is filled with the material of intermediate layer 13. In addition, in the case where the cutout portion 17 is not included (i.e., only the linear portion 16), Figure 4 The sectional view shown is a continuous cross-sectional shape of each layer of the functional component 15 in the horizontal direction.

[0047] Figure 5The functional component 15 shown is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves at a specified frequency. The functional component 15 includes a power supply electrode 31 and a ground electrode 32. Furthermore, the cutout portion 17 is a gap when the intermediate layer 13 is not filled with material. In this embodiment, the functional component 15 functions as an antenna.

[0048] The dielectric layer 21 of the functional component 15 (see reference) Figure 4 It can be made of a resin film with a specified thickness. For example, the dielectric layer 21 can be made of a TAC (cellulose triacetate) film.

[0049] The conductor layer 22 can be constructed using a mesh conductor. For example, the conductor layer 22 can be constructed using a mesh of copper foil or aluminum foil. By using a mesh conductor to construct the conductor layer 22, the field of vision of the occupants can be ensured. The shape of the conductor layer 22 (the shape of the antenna) can be determined according to the frequency band of the transmitted and received waves. In addition, in this specification, the mesh shape formed by the linear portion 16 and the perforated portion 17 is described as "mesh".

[0050] The adhesive layer 23 can be made of, for example, a transparent adhesive material, i.e., an optical adhesive (OCA). The adhesive layer 23 can be made of, for example, acrylic, silicone, epoxy, or urethane acrylate optical adhesives.

[0051] For example, in this embodiment, a conductor layer 22 and an adhesive layer 23 may be stacked on the dielectric layer 21, and an antenna pattern (see reference) may be used. Figure 5 The mold is used to punch the laminate to form a functional component (antenna) 15 with a cutout portion 17.

[0052] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in the functional component 15 of this embodiment, from a top view of the first glass plate 11, the line width W1 of the linear portion 16 is preferably 7 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less. Furthermore, from a top view of the first glass plate 11, the length W2 of the hollow portion 17 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 4 mm or more. Additionally, from a top view of the first glass plate 11, the ratio of the area of ​​the hollow portion 17 to the area of ​​the region surrounded by the outer edge of the functional component 15 is preferably in the range of 4.5% to 45%, more preferably in the range of 20% to 45%, and even more preferably in the range of 30% to 45%. By adopting this configuration, the strength required for laminated glass can be maintained, and the safety of the laminated glass can be ensured.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, in the functional component 15, from the top view of the first glass plate 11, when a rectangular region 38 containing the minimum area of ​​the functional component 15 is given, the length of at least one side of the rectangular region 38 is preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, and even more preferably 40 mm or more. Furthermore, the maximum value of the length of one side is not particularly limited; for example, 150 mm or less can be cited.

[0054] Figure 7 for Figure 5 An enlarged top view of area A. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, from a top view of the first glass plate 11, the conductor layer 22 constituting the linear portion 16 may include a portion composed of mesh-like fine lines inside the linear portion 16. Thus, by constituting the linear portion 16 with mesh-like fine lines, the transmittance of the functional component 15 can be improved, and the field of vision of the occupant can be ensured. In other words, in this embodiment, by forming the linear portion 16 and the perforated portion 17 into a mesh and constituting the linear portion 16 with mesh-like fine lines, the transmittance of the functional component 15 can be effectively improved, and the field of vision of the occupant can be ensured. Furthermore, the width of the mesh-like fine lines can be exemplified as being in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm. This further maintains the strength required for laminated glass, ensuring the safety of the laminated glass. In addition, in this embodiment, the linear portion 16 may not be mesh-like; in this case, it can be constituted with solid fine lines. Furthermore, the width of the solid fine lines can be exemplified as being in the range of 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, from a top view of the first glass plate 11, in the functional component region surrounded by the outer edge of the functional component 15, the cutout portions 17 can be arranged in a matrix along the directions of two orthogonal sides. The directions of the two orthogonal sides are not limited to those along the two outer edges of the rectangular region 38; they can be any direction. For example, the two orthogonal sides could be such that the cutout portions 17 are arranged in a matrix at a 45° angle relative to the outer edge of the rectangular region 38. Furthermore, in the region including the functional component 15 from a top view of the first glass plate 17, the cutout portions 17 can also be arranged with an irregular outer edge shape. In other words, the cutout portions 17 can be randomly arranged in the region including the functional component 15.

[0056] As explained above, in this embodiment, an intermediate layer 13 is disposed between the second glass panel 12 and the functional component 15 (dielectric layer 21). Therefore, even if the first glass panel 11 is subjected to an impact from the outside of the vehicle in the area where the functional component 15 is located, the intermediate layer 13 can maintain the bonding of the second glass panel 12. Thus, it is possible to prevent the second glass panel 12 from breaking and causing fragments of the second glass panel 12 to scatter into the vehicle interior, or for an impacting object to penetrate the second glass panel 12.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the manufacturing process of the vehicle window glass according to this embodiment. When forming the vehicle window glass 2 of this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the first glass plate 11, functional component 15, intermediate layer 13, and second glass plate 12 are stacked in this order and placed in a vacuum bag, such as a rubber bag. Then, the vacuum bag is connected to an exhaust system to depressurize and degas the bag by reducing the pressure to approximately -65 kPa to -100 kPa (absolute pressure), and then heated and pressurized at a temperature of approximately 70°C to 110°C. Further, a pressing process is performed at a temperature of approximately 100°C to 140°C and a pressure of 0.6 MPa to 1.3 MPa. Through this manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture products such as… Figure 8 The image below shows a vehicle window 2.

[0058] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, before heating and pressurizing, the cutout portion 17 of the functional component 15 is void. Then, by heating and pressurizing the laminate, the intermediate layer 13 melts, and a portion of the intermediate layer 13 flows into the cutout portion 17, resulting in a structure with... Figure 8 The following diagram shows the composition of a vehicle window glass 2.

[0059] At this point, the material of the intermediate layer 13 filling the hollow portion 17 reaches the first glass plate 11 and bonds to it. Therefore, the strength of the vehicle window glass 2 can be maintained more effectively. Furthermore, the method of forming the vehicle window glass 2 is not limited to this method; other manufacturing methods can also be used to form the vehicle window glass 2.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a top view showing another configuration example of the functional component 15. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the dielectric layer 21 may have a portion disposed further outward than the outer edge of the conductor layer 22. With this configuration, the dielectric layer 21 (TAC film) can be held during the configuration of the functional component 15, thus facilitating the operation of the functional component 15 during manufacturing. Furthermore, Figure 9In the functional component 15 shown, the cutout 17 is also a gap. Furthermore, since the dielectric layer 21, which is disposed further outward than the outer edge of the conductor layer 22, is transparent to visible light, the visibility of the occupants can also be ensured.

[0061] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 10 In the vehicle window glass 2a shown, an intermediate layer (second intermediate layer) 18 is disposed between the functional component 15 and the first glass plate 11. For example, the intermediate layer 18 may also be made of the same material as the intermediate layer 13. If the intermediate layer 18 is made of the same material as the intermediate layer 13, it is preferable in terms of suppressing strain caused by temperature changes, since the coefficient of linear expansion is the same.

[0062] In formation Figure 10 When manufacturing the vehicle window glass 2a shown, the first glass plate 11, the intermediate layer 18, the functional component 15, the intermediate layer 13, and the second glass plate 12 are stacked in this order. Then, by heating and pressurizing the stacked body, the intermediate layers 13 and 18 are melted, a portion of the intermediate layers 13 and 18 flows into the perforated portion 17, and simultaneously the intermediate layers 13 and 18 are joined together to form a structure with the following characteristics: Figure 10 The vehicle window glass 2a shown is configured as follows.

[0063] For example, the intermediate layer 13 disposed between the second glass plate 12 and the dielectric layer 21 may be configured such that its thickness is substantially the same as the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the adhesive layer 23. Here, "substantially the same" means that the thickness difference between the intermediate layers 13 and 18 is within 10%. Similar to the thickness of the intermediate layer 13, the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 is preferably 0.50 mm or more, more preferably 0.70 mm or more. Furthermore, the thickness of the intermediate layer 18 is preferably 1.10 mm or less.

[0064] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 11 The vehicle window glass 3 shown includes an antenna as a functional component 15, which has a power supply electrode 31 and a ground electrode 32. The power supply electrode 31 and the ground electrode 32 are connected to a transmission line 43. The transmission line 43 is embedded in the intermediate layer 13 and extends from the end between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Furthermore, Figure 11 The diagram shows the configuration where transmission line 43 is connected to ground electrode 32, but power supply electrode 31 is connected to a separate transmission line (not shown). Furthermore, Figure 11 The illustration of the hollowed-out part 17 is omitted.

[0065] Figure 12A cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a vehicle window glass according to an embodiment. Figure 12 The vehicle window glass 4 shown includes an antenna as a functional component 15, which has a power supply electrode 31 and a ground electrode 32. On the main surface of the second glass plate 12, opposite to the intermediate layer 13, a capacitively coupled power supply conductor 53 is arranged facing the power supply electrode 31 from a top-view perspective of the first glass plate 11, and a capacitively coupled ground conductor 54 is arranged facing the ground electrode 32. Furthermore, Figure 12 Although the diagram is omitted, it includes a transmission line connected to the power supply conductor 53 and the grounding conductor 54. Furthermore, Figure 12 The illustration of the hollowed-out part 17 is omitted. Example

[0066] The following describes the embodiments.

[0067] <Example 1> As a sample of Example 1, a sample with the following characteristics was prepared. Figure 2 The diagram shows the configuration of a vehicle window. Specifically, as the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, soda-lime glass plates with a length of 300 mm, a width of 300 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm are prepared. Furthermore, the soda-lime glass uses glass whose molar percentages based on oxides of each component meet the following ranges: 50% ≤ SiO2 ≤ 80% 0.1% ≤ Al2O3 ≤ 25% 3% ≤ R2O ≤ 30% (R2O represents the total amount of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O) 0% ≤ B2O3 ≤ 10% 0% ≤ MgO ≤ 25% 0% ≤ CaO ≤ 25% 0% ≤ SrO ≤ 5% 0% ≤ BaO ≤ 5% 0% ≤ ZrO2 ≤ 5% 0% ≤ SnO2 ≤ 5%.

[0068] In addition, a PVB film with a length of 300 mm, a width of 300 mm, and a thickness of 0.76 mm is prepared as the intermediate layer 13. In addition, an antenna with a length of 50 mm and a width of 126 mm is prepared as the functional component 14. The dielectric layer 21 of functional component 14 uses a 0.020 mm thick TAC film, the conductor layer 22 uses a 0.002 mm thick copper foil, and the adhesive layer 23 uses a 0.025 mm thick OCA. The conductor layer 22 has a line width of 1 mm, a lateral spacing of 5 mm, and a longitudinal spacing of 4 mm.

[0069] Subsequently, the first glass plate 11, functional component 14, intermediate layer 13, and second glass plate 12 were stacked sequentially, placed in a vacuum bag, and heated and pressurized at a pressure of 1 MPa and a temperature of 110°C to produce the vehicle window glass of Example 1. At this time, the functional component 14 is positioned in the center of the first glass plate 11 from a top-view perspective. The three samples of Example 1 are shown as Examples 1-1 to 1-3 (Examples). In addition, all samples of Examples 1-1 to 1-3 were prepared under the same conditions.

[0070] <Example 2> As a sample for Example 2, a device with... Figure 13 The vehicle window glass 101 shown is a comparative example. Figure 10 The vehicle window glass 101 shown includes a first glass plate 111, an intermediate layer 113, a functional component 114, and a second glass plate 112. The functional component 114 includes a dielectric layer 121, a conductor layer 122, and an adhesive layer 123. In the sample of Example 2, the adhesive layer 123 is connected to the second glass plate 112.

[0071] Specifically, the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are made of soda-lime glass with a length of 300 mm, a width of 300 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm (same as in Example 1). Furthermore, the intermediate layer 113 is a PVB film with a length of 300 mm, a width of 300 mm, and a thickness of 0.76 mm. Additionally, the functional component 114 is an antenna with a length of 50 mm and a width of 126 mm. The dielectric layer 121 of the functional component 114 uses a TAC film with a thickness of 0.020 mm, the conductor layer 122 uses copper foil with a thickness of 0.002 mm, and the adhesive layer 123 uses OCA with a thickness of 0.025 mm.

[0072] Next, the first glass plate 111, the intermediate layer 113, the functional component 114, and the second glass plate 112 were sequentially stacked. The stacked body was placed in a vacuum bag and subjected to heating and pressurization treatment at a pressure of 1 MPa and a temperature of 110°C to produce the vehicle window glass of Example 2. At this time, the functional component 114 was positioned in the center of the first glass plate 111 from a top-view perspective. The two samples of Example 2 are shown as Examples 2-1 to 2-2 (comparative examples). Furthermore, all samples of Examples 2-1 to 2-2 were prepared under the same conditions.

[0073] Impact Resistance Test An impact resistance test was performed on the samples of Example 1 and Example 2. Specifically, each sample was stored at a temperature of -20°C for 4 hours. Thereafter, the sample was placed on a horizontally supported support frame such that the first glass plates 11, 111 faced upward. Thereafter, a steel ball with a diameter of 38 mm and a weight of 227 g was dropped onto the sample from a height of 9 m to conduct the impact resistance test. After the test, a case where the steel ball did not penetrate the sample and the total weight of peeled fragments was 15 g or less was determined as acceptable.

[0074] <Test Results> The test results are shown in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, among the samples of Examples 1-1 to 1-3, the total weight of peeled fragments was 15 g or less, and all samples were determined to be acceptable. On the other hand, among the samples of Examples 2-1 to 2-2, the total weight of peeled fragments was more than 15 g, and all samples were determined to be unacceptable. The reason why the samples of Examples 2-1 to 2-2 were determined to be unacceptable is considered to be a decrease in the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 123 (OCA) when the samples were stored at a low temperature. On the other hand, in the samples of Examples 1-1 to 1-3, it is considered that the strength of the window glass for vehicles can be maintained because the intermediate layer 13 (PVB) is bonded to the second glass plate 12.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] The present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments, and it is obvious that the scope of the invention defined by the claims of the present application includes various modifications, corrections, and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art.

[0077] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-68896 filed on April 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Description of Symbols

[0078] 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 2a, 3, 4 Window glass for vehicles 11 First glass plate 12 Second glass plate 13 Intermediate layer (first intermediate layer) 14, 15 Functional members 16 Linear portion 17 Hollow portion 18 Intermediate layer (second intermediate layer) 21 Dielectric layer 22 Conductor layer 23 Adhesive layer 31 Power supply electrode 32 Ground electrode 38 Rectangular region 43 Transmission Lines 53 Power supply conductor section 54 Grounding conductor section.

Claims

1. A vehicle window glass, which is a vehicle window glass installed in an opening of a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle window glass has the following features: The first glass panel located on the outside of the vehicle, The second glass panel is located on the inside of the vehicle. A first intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and A functional component configured between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. The functional component has a structure consisting of a dielectric layer and a conductor layer stacked together. The vehicle window glass includes regions stacked in the order of the second glass plate, the first intermediate layer, the dielectric layer, and the conductor layer.

2. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 1, wherein, The functional component also has an adhesive layer. The vehicle window glass includes regions stacked in the order of the second glass plate, the first intermediate layer, the dielectric layer, the conductor layer, and the adhesive layer.

3. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 2, wherein, The adhesive layer is in contact with the first glass plate.

4. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 2, wherein, A second intermediate layer is disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

5. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 4, wherein, The thickness of the first intermediate layer disposed between the second glass plate and the dielectric layer is substantially the same as the thickness of the second intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

6. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 2, wherein, The conductor layer, viewed from above, has the following characteristics: linear portion, and A first cutout portion that is surrounded by the linear portion and cut out in the thickness direction of the conductor layer.

7. The vehicle window glass as described in claim 6, wherein, The dielectric layer has a second cutout at a position overlapping the first cutout of the conductor layer when viewed from above.

8. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The adhesive layer, when viewed from above, has a third cutout at a position where it overlaps with the first cutout of the conductor layer and the second cutout of the dielectric layer.

9. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The first to third hollow portions of the functional component are filled with the material of the first intermediate layer.

10. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The adhesive layer is in contact with the first glass plate.

11. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 6, wherein, A second intermediate layer is disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

12. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The thickness of the first intermediate layer disposed between the second glass plate and the dielectric layer is substantially the same as the thickness of the second intermediate layer disposed between the first glass plate and the adhesive layer.

13. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conductor layer is a flat conductor with slits formed.

14. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The functional component is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves at a specified frequency.

15. The vehicle window glass as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The antenna has a power supply electrode and a ground electrode on the conductor layer.

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