Glass for vehicle and camera unit

Abstract

To suppress visibility reduction of a visible light camera.SOLUTION: In a glass 1 for vehicle, a far-infrared ray transmission region B in which an opening part and a far-infrared ray transmission member arranged in the opening part are provided, and a visible light transmission region C which transmits visible light are formed in a light shielding region A2. The opening part is formed between an upper edge part 1a of the glass 1 for a vehicle and a first position P1 at which a distance from the upper edge part 1a is 30% of the length from the upper edge part 1a to a lower edge part 1b of the glass in a first direction from the upper edge part 1a to the lower edge part 1b, and formed between a second position P2 and a third position P3 in a second direction directing from a side edge part 1c to a side edge part 1d of the glass 1 for vehicle, a length L2a in the second direction from the second position P2 to the third position P3 is 55% of a length L2 from the side edge part 1c to the side edge part 1d, and a length of the longest straight line out of straight lines connecting two arbitrary points in a plane on a vehicle outside is 80 mm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle glass and a camera unit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for the purpose of improving the safety of automobiles, various sensors may be attached. Examples of sensors attached to automobiles include cameras, LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging), millimeter-wave radars, and infrared sensors.

[0003] Infrared rays are classified into near-infrared (for example, wavelength 0.7 μm to 2 μm), mid-infrared (for example, wavelength 3 μm to 5 μm), and far-infrared (for example, wavelength 8 μm to 13 μm) according to their wavelength bands. Examples of infrared sensors for detecting these infrared rays include touch sensors, near-infrared cameras and LiDAR for near-infrared, gas analysis and mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis (functional group analysis) for mid-infrared, and night vision and thermoviewers (hereinafter referred to as far-infrared cameras) for far-infrared.

[0004] Automobile window glass usually does not transmit far-infrared rays such as those with a wavelength of 8 μm to 13 μm. Therefore, far-infrared cameras have conventionally been installed outside the vehicle compartment, more specifically, in the front grille as in Patent Document 1 in many cases. However, when a far-infrared camera is installed outside the vehicle compartment, the structure becomes more complicated to ensure robustness, water resistance, dust protection, etc., leading to high costs. By installing the far-infrared camera inside the vehicle compartment and in the operating area of the wiper, the far-infrared camera is protected by the window glass, so such problems can be solved. However, as described above, since the window glass has a problem of low far-infrared transmittance, usually, far-infrared cameras are not arranged inside the vehicle compartment.

[0005] In order to meet the above requirements, Patent Document 2 discloses a window member in which a through-hole is formed in a part of the window glass and an infrared-transmissive member is filled in the through-hole.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0169491 [Patent Document 2] British Patent Application Publication No. 2271139 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] When a through-hole is formed in window glass and filled with an infrared-transmissive member as in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to appropriately set the position and size of the through-hole. In particular, when a visible light camera is also mounted in addition to a far-infrared camera, if optical distortion occurs around the through-hole, it may interfere with the visibility of the visible light camera, so the setting of the position and size of the through-hole becomes important. Therefore, in a vehicle glass having a through-hole filled with an infrared-transmissive member, it is required to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the visible light camera.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle glass and a camera unit capable of suppressing a decrease in the visibility of a visible light camera. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a vehicle glass according to the present disclosure is a vehicle glass including a light-shielding region, in which a far-infrared transmission region provided with an opening and a far-infrared transmission member disposed in the opening is formed, and a visible light transmission region that transmits visible light are formed. The opening is formed between the upper edge portion of the vehicle glass and a first position where the distance from the upper edge portion is 30% of the length from the upper edge portion to the lower edge portion in a first direction from the upper edge portion to the lower edge portion of the vehicle glass, and in a second direction from one side edge portion of the vehicle glass to the other side edge portion, between a second position on the one side edge portion side of the center of the vehicle glass and a third position located on the other side edge portion side of the center of the vehicle glass and having the same distance from the center as the second position. The length in the second direction from the second position to the third position is 55% of the length from the one side edge portion to the other side edge portion, and the length of the longest straight line connecting any two points in the plane on the outside of the vehicle is 80 mm or less.

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a camera unit according to the present disclosure includes the vehicle glass, a far-infrared camera, and a visible light camera. The far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass so as to be able to image an external thermal image through the far-infrared transmission region, and the visible light camera is attached to the vehicle glass so as to be able to image an external image through the visible light transmission region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility of the visible light camera.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment, and when there are multiple embodiments, those configured by combining each embodiment are also included. Also, numerical values include the range of rounding.

[0014] (Vehicle) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the vehicle glass according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle glass 1 according to this embodiment is mounted on the vehicle V. The vehicle glass 1 is a window member applied to the front glass of the vehicle V. That is, the vehicle glass 1 is used as the front window of the vehicle V, in other words, as a windshield. Inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle), a far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible-light camera CA2 are mounted. Note that the inside of the vehicle V (inside the vehicle) refers to, for example, the passenger compartment where the driver's seat is provided. The vehicle glass 1, the far-infrared camera CA1, and the visible-light camera CA2 constitute the camera unit 100 according to this embodiment. The far-infrared camera CA1 is a camera that detects far-infrared rays, and by detecting far-infrared rays from outside the vehicle V, it captures a thermal image of the outside of the vehicle V. The visible-light camera CA2 is a camera that detects visible light, and by detecting visible light from outside the vehicle V, it captures an image of the outside of the vehicle V. Note that the camera unit 100 may further include, for example, LiDAR or a millimeter-wave radar in addition to the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible-light camera CA2. Here, the far-infrared rays are, for example, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band of 8μm to 13μm, and the visible light is, for example, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band of 360nm to 830nm. Also, here, 8μm to 13μm, 360nm to 830nm mean 8μm or more and 13μm or less, 360nm or more and 830nm or less, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0015] (Vehicle glass) FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle glass according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B cross-section of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, hereinafter, the upper edge of the vehicle glass 1 is defined as the upper edge portion 1a, the lower edge is defined as the lower edge portion 1b, one side edge is defined as the side edge portion 1c, and the other side edge is defined as the side edge portion 1d. The upper edge portion 1a is an edge portion located on the upper side in the vertical direction when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V, and the lower edge portion 1b is an edge portion located on the lower side in the vertical direction when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The side edge portion 1c is an edge portion located on one side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V, and the side edge portion 1d is an edge portion located on the other side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. Hereinafter, among the directions parallel to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, the direction from the upper edge portion 1a toward the lower edge portion 1b is defined as the Y direction (first direction), and the direction from the side edge portion 1c toward the side edge portion 1d is defined as the X direction. In the present embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. Also, the direction orthogonal to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, that is, the thickness direction of the vehicle glass 1 is defined as the Z direction. The Z direction is, for example, the direction from the outside of the vehicle V toward the inside of the vehicle when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are along the surface of the vehicle glass 1. However, for example, when the surface of the vehicle glass 1 is a curved surface, it may be the direction tangent to the surface of the vehicle glass 1 at the center point O of the vehicle glass 1. Note that the center point O is the center position of the vehicle glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0016] The vehicle glass 1 has a light-transmitting region A1 and a light-shielding region A2 formed thereon. The light-transmitting region A1 is a region that occupies the central portion of the vehicle glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction, and is a region for securing the driver's field of view. The light-transmitting region A1 is a region that transmits visible light. The light-shielding region A2 is a region formed around the light-transmitting region A1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-shielding region A2 is a region that shields visible light. In the light-shielding region A2, a far-infrared transmitting region B and a visible light transmitting region C are formed in a portion on the upper edge 1a side of the light-shielding region A2, which is the light-shielding region A2a. The far-infrared transmitting region B is a region that transmits far-infrared rays, and is a region where the far-infrared camera CA1 is provided. That is, the far-infrared camera CA1 is provided at a position overlapping the far-infrared transmitting region B when viewed from the optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera CA1. The visible light transmitting region C is a region that transmits visible light, and is a region where the visible light camera CA2 is provided. That is, the visible light camera CA2 is provided at a position overlapping the visible light transmitting region C when viewed from the optical axis direction of the visible light camera CA2. Thus, since the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C are formed in the light-shielding region A2, it can be said that the light-shielding region A2 shields far-infrared rays except in the region where the far-infrared transmitting region B is formed, and shields visible light except in the region where the visible light transmitting region C is formed. Also, it can be said that the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C are surrounded by the light-shielding region A2a. It is preferable that the various sensors are protected from sunlight by providing the light-shielding region A2a around in this way. Also, since the wiring of the various sensors cannot be seen from outside the vehicle, it is preferable from the viewpoint of design. A detailed description of the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C will be given later.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle glass 1 includes a glass substrate 12, a glass substrate 14, an intermediate layer 16, and a light-shielding layer 18. In the vehicle glass 1, the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are laminated in this order in the Z direction. The glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are fixed (adhered) to each other via the intermediate layer 16. As the glass substrates 12 and 14, for example, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, etc. can be used. The intermediate layer 16 is an adhesive layer that adheres the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. As the intermediate layer 16, for example, a polyvinyl butyral (hereinafter also referred to as PVB) modified material, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) based material, a urethane resin material, a vinyl chloride resin material, etc. can be used. More specifically, the glass substrate 12 includes one surface 12A and the other surface 12B, and the other surface 12B is in contact with one surface 16A of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (adhered) to the intermediate layer 16. Also, the glass substrate 14 includes one surface 14A and the other surface 14B, and one surface 14A is in contact with the other surface 16B of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (adhered) to the intermediate layer 16. Thus, the vehicle glass 1 is a laminated glass in which the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are laminated. However, the vehicle glass 1 is not limited to laminated glass, and may be, for example, a configuration including only one of the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. In this case, the intermediate layer 16 may not be provided either. Hereinafter, when the glass substrates 12 and 14 are not distinguished, they are described as the glass substrate 10.

[0018] The light-shielding layer 18 includes one surface 18A and the other surface 18B, and one surface 18A is in contact with and fixed to the other surface 14B of the glass substrate 14. The light-shielding layer 18 is a layer that shields visible light. As the light-shielding layer 18, for example, a ceramic light-shielding layer or a light-shielding film can be used. As the ceramic light-shielding layer, for example, a ceramic layer made of a conventionally known material such as a black ceramic layer can be used. As the light-shielding film, for example, a light-shielding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a light-shielding polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, a light-shielding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, etc. can be used.

[0019] In the present embodiment, in the vehicle glass 1, the side where the light-shielding layer 18 is provided is the inner side (inside the vehicle) of the vehicle V, and the glass substrate 12 is on the outer side (outside the vehicle) of the vehicle V. However, it is not limited thereto, and the light-shielding layer 18 may be on the outer side of the vehicle V. Further, when the laminated glass is composed of the glass substrates 12 and 14, the light-shielding layer 18 may be formed between the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14.

[0020] The light-shielding region A2 is formed by providing the light-shielding layer 18 on the glass substrate 10. That is, the light-shielding region A2 is a region where the glass substrate 10 includes the light-shielding layer 18. That is, it can be said that the light-shielding region A2 is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are laminated. On the other hand, the light-transmitting region A1 is a region where the glass substrate 10 does not include the light-shielding layer 18. That is, it can be said that the light-transmitting region A1 is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass substrate 14 are laminated and the light-shielding layer 18 is not laminated.

[0021] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the visible light transmission region C is, like the light-transmitting region A1, a region where the glass substrate 10 does not include the light-shielding layer 18 in the Z direction. That is, it can be said that the visible light transmission region C is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass substrate 14 are laminated and the light-shielding layer 18 is not laminated.

[0022] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle glass 1 has an opening 19 that penetrates from one surface (here, surface 12A) to the other surface (here, surface 14B) in the Z direction. A far-infrared transmitting member 20 is provided in the opening 19. The region where the opening 19 is formed and the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is provided is the far-infrared transmitting region B. That is, the far-infrared transmitting region B is the region of the opening 19 and the region where the far-infrared transmitting member 20 disposed in the opening 19 is provided. Also, no light-shielding layer 18 is provided in the far-infrared transmitting region B. That is, in the far-infrared transmitting region B, the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are not provided, and the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is provided in the formed opening 19.

[0023] The far-infrared transmitting member 20 preferably has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays with a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 25% or more, more preferably 40% or more, still more preferably 50% or more, still more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 85% or more. Also, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 preferably has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays with a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 100% or less. In order to improve the average transmittance of far-infrared rays to 85% or more, it is preferable to provide an antireflection film. By the average transmittance of far-infrared rays being within this numerical range, far-infrared rays can be appropriately transmitted, and the performance of the far-infrared camera CA1 can be sufficiently exhibited.

[0024] The material of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ZnS, Ge, Si, chalcogenide glass, and the like. A preferable composition of the chalcogenide glass is in atomic percentage, Ge + Ga: 7% to 25%, Sb: 0% to 35%, Bi: 0% to 20%, Zn: 0% to 20%, Sn: 0% to 20%, Si: 0% to 20%, La: 0% to 20%, S + Se + Te; 55% - 80%, Ti; 0.005% - 0.3%, Li + Na + K + Cs; 0% - 20%, F + Cl + Br + I; 0% - 20% by composition. And this glass preferably has a glass transition point (Tg) of 140°C to 550°C.

[0025] The method of attaching the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 to the opening 19 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be attached with an adhesive such as a urethane-based adhesive and / or an acrylic-based adhesive. Generally, since the thermal expansion difference between the window glass of an automobile and the far-infrared ray transmitting member is large, it is preferable to select an adhesive that can alleviate this and has excellent adhesive strength, impact resistance, and environmental resistance characteristics. In order to improve the environmental resistance characteristics, the adhesive surface on the outside of the vehicle may be protected with a resin or the like.

[0026] It is preferable that there is a gap of 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm between the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 and the opening 19. The gap here refers to the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the opening 19 and the outer peripheral surface of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. By setting the gap to 0.2 mm or more, it is possible to appropriately suppress the optical distortion of the vehicle glass 1 or the breakage of at least one of the vehicle glass 1 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 due to the thermal expansion difference between the glass substrate 10 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. Also, by setting the gap to 1.5 mm or less, the adhesive strength and impact resistance of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 can be appropriately maintained. Note that this gap is more preferably 0.3 mm or more, even more preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1.2 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less.

[0027] The far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 preferably has its outer surface on the vehicle side formed flush (continuously) with the outer surface of the light-shielding region A2. In other words, the outer surface 20A of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is formed so as to be continuous with the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12. By making the surface 20A of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 continuous with the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12 in this way, it is possible to suppress the wiping effect of the wiper from being impaired. In addition, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the design property of the vehicle V is impaired due to the presence of a step, or that dust or the like accumulates on the step. Furthermore, the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is preferably formed in accordance with the curved surface shape of the vehicle glass 1 to which it is applied. The forming method of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, but polishing or mold forming is selected according to the curved surface shape and the member.

[0028] The far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 may be coated on its outer surface or inner surface on the vehicle side. For example, an antireflection film may be provided on the outer surface (surface 20A) on the vehicle side. Furthermore, the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 may be provided with an antireflection film on at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface on the vehicle side, in other words, on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surfaces on the vehicle side. As the antireflection film, an antireflection film of 1 to 12 layers is preferable, an antireflection film of 3 to 12 layers is more preferable, and the material is not particularly limited, but Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, As 2 S 3 、As 2 Se 3 、metal oxides (Al 2 O 3 、Bi 2 O 3 、CeO 2 、CuO, HfO 2 、MgO, SiO, SiO 2 、TiO, TiO 2 、Ti 2 O 3 、Y 2 O 3 、ZrO 2 )、hydrogenated carbon, diamond-like carbon (DLC), metal fluoride (MgF 2 、CaF 2 、SrF 2 、BaF2 , PbF 2 , LaF 3 , YF 3 ) is preferred. From the viewpoint of scratch resistance, the outermost layer of the antireflection film is preferably a film having a Mohs hardness of 7 or more and a high transmittance of far-infrared rays. When the antireflection film is provided on the outermost surface (surface 20A), the outermost layer of the antireflection film is particularly preferably a DLC film.

[0029] Further, the shape of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a plate shape adapted to the shape of the opening 19. That is, for example, when the opening 19 is circular, the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is preferably a disk shape (cylindrical shape). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment, the area of the opening 19 on the inner surface of the vehicle is smaller than the area of the opening 19 on the outer surface of the vehicle, and the shape of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is also preferably such that the area on the inner surface of the vehicle is smaller than the area on the outer surface of the vehicle. By adopting such a configuration, the strength against impacts from the outside of the vehicle is improved. Furthermore, when the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment is a laminated glass including a glass substrate 12 (outer side of the vehicle) and a glass substrate 14 (inner side of the vehicle), the opening 19 is formed by overlapping the opening 12a of the glass substrate 12 and the opening 14a of the glass substrate 14. In this case, the area of the opening 12a of the glass substrate 12 may be made larger than the area of the opening 14a of the glass substrate 14, and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 adapted to the size of the opening 12a of the glass substrate 12 may be disposed within the opening 12a of the glass substrate 12. Further, from the viewpoint of strength, the thickness of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 8 is not particularly limited, but is usually 5.0 mm or less. Here, the thickness refers to the length of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 in the Z direction. Note that, for reasons such as achieving both a wider viewing angle of the far-infrared camera CA1 and improving mechanical characteristics, the far-infrared transmission member 20 may be formed in a lens shape. With such a configuration, it is preferable because far-infrared light can be efficiently condensed even if the area of the far-infrared transmission member 20 is small. In this case, the number of lens-shaped far-infrared transmission members 20 is preferably 1 to 3, and typically 2 is preferable. Further, the lens-shaped far-infrared transmission member 20 is preferably pre-aligned and modularized and integrated with a housing or a bracket that adheres the far-infrared camera CA1 to the vehicle glass 1.

[0030] (Far-infrared transmission region) Next, the far-infrared transmission region B will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the far-infrared transmission region B is formed in the vicinity of the upper edge portion 1a of the vehicle glass 1 in the Y direction and in the vicinity of the center of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction. Hereinafter, in the following, the position of the far-infrared transmission region B can be equivalently referred to as the opening 19 and the far-infrared transmission member 20 when there is no particular notice. Specific description will be given below.

[0031] The far-infrared transmission region B is provided between the upper edge portion 1a of the vehicle glass 1 and the first position P1 in the Y direction. The first position P1 is a position where the distance from the upper edge portion 1a in the Y direction is 30% of the length from the upper edge portion 1a to the lower edge portion 1b. In other words, let the length in the Y direction from the upper edge portion 1a to the lower edge portion 1b be the length L1, and the length in the Y direction from the upper edge portion 1a to the first position P1 be the length L1a. In this case, the length L1a is 30% of the length L1. Further, it is more preferable that the length L1a is 28% of the length L1, and even more preferable that it is 25% of the length L1. Note that the positions in the X direction of the upper edge portion 1a and the lower edge portion 1b, which are the reference for the length L1 here, are the same as the positions in the X direction of the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1, which are the reference for the length L1a. That is, for example, the length L1 may be the length in the Y direction between the upper edge portion 1a and the lower edge portion 1b at the central position in the X direction, and the length L1a may be the length in the Y direction between the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1 at the central position in the X direction. By providing the far-infrared transmission region B between the first position P1 at such a position and the upper edge portion 1a in the Y direction, the driver's field of view in the light transmission region A1 can be appropriately ensured.

[0032] Further, the far-infrared transmission region B is provided between the second position P2 and the third position P3 of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction. The second position P2 is located closer to the side edge portion 1c than the center point O of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction, and the third position P3 is located closer to the side edge portion 1d than the center point O of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction. The distance of the third position P3 from the center point O in the X direction is equal to that of the second position P2. In other words, the length L2a1 from the second position P2 to the center point O in the X direction is equal to the length L2a2 from the third position P3 to the center point O in the X direction. Also, the length from the second position P2 to the third position P3 in the X direction is 55% of the length from the side edge portion 1c to the side edge portion 1d. In other words, if the length in the X direction from the side edge portion 1c to the side edge portion 1d is the length L2, and the length in the X direction from the second position P2 to the third position P3 is the length L2a, then the length L2a is 55% of the length L2. Further, it is more preferable that the length L2a is 40% of the length L2, and even more preferable that it is 30% of the length L2. Here, the positions of the side edge portion 1c and the side edge portion 1d in the Y direction, which are the reference for the length L2, are the same as the positions of the second position P2 and the third position P3 in the Y direction, which are the reference for the length L2a. That is, for example, the length L2 may be the length in the X direction between the side edge portion 1c and the side edge portion 1d at the central position in the Y direction, and the length L2a may be the length in the X direction between the second position P2 and the third position P3 at the central position in the Y direction. By providing the far-infrared transmission region B between such a second position P2 and a third position P3 in the X direction, it will be located near the center in the X direction, suppressing an increase in the distortion around the opening 19 during the molding of the vehicle glass 1 and suppressing the possibility of affecting the image of the visible light camera CA2 disposed in the visible light transmission region C. That is, by providing the far-infrared transmission region B at this position, even when the visible light transmission region C is disposed near the far-infrared transmission region B, it becomes possible to appropriately perform imaging by the visible light camera CA2.

[0033] Thus, the far-infrared transmission region B, that is, the opening 19 and the far-infrared transmission member 20, are located between the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1 in the Y direction, and between the second position P2 and the third position P3 in the X direction. In other words, it can be said that the far-infrared transmission region B is provided within the region AR surrounded by the upper edge portion 1a, the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3.

[0034] Further, for the vehicle glass 1, it is preferable that the amount of perspective distortion in the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region B, that is, the periphery of the opening 19, is 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.18 or less, and even more preferably 0.15 or less. The amount of perspective distortion is measured, for example, by a method compliant with JIS R 3212. For example, the amount of perspective distortion is measured by projecting an image of a plurality of circular bodies from a projector onto a screen and measuring the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of the circular bodies projected onto the screen when the vehicle glass 1, which is the test specimen, is moved. Also, the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region B (opening 19) here refers to a position 0 mm to 200 mm radially outward from the outer periphery of the far-infrared transmission region B (opening 19) when viewed from the Z direction. The radial direction here is the radial direction with respect to the center of the far-infrared transmission region B (opening 19) when viewed from the Z direction. By setting the amount of perspective distortion in the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region B within this range, even when the visible light transmission region C is arranged near the far-infrared transmission region B, it becomes possible to appropriately perform imaging by the visible light camera CA2.

[0035] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, for the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the far-infrared transmission region B, the length D1 of the longest straight line among the straight lines connecting any two points in the plane on the vehicle outer side is 80 mm or less. The length D1 is preferably 70 mm or less, more preferably 65 mm or less. Also, the length D1 is preferably 60 mm or more. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, for the opening 19 in the far-infrared transmission region B, the length D2 of the longest straight line among the straight lines connecting any two points in the plane on the vehicle outer side is 80 mm or less. The length D2 is preferably 70 mm or less, more preferably 65 mm or less. Also, the length D2 is preferably 60 mm or more. The length D2 can also be said to be the length of the longest straight line among the straight lines connecting any two points on the outer periphery of the opening 19 on the vehicle outer side surface (surface 12A) of the vehicle glass 1. By setting the length D1 of the far-infrared transmission member 8 and the length D2 of the opening 19 within this range, a decrease in the strength of the vehicle glass 1 can be suppressed, and the amount of perspective distortion around the opening 19 can also be suppressed. Note that the lengths D1 and D2 are the lengths corresponding to the diameter of the outer surface on the vehicle outer side when the shape of the outer surface of the far-infrared transmission member 20 is circular. Also, the lengths D1 and D2 here refer to the lengths in the state where the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. For example, when the glass is bent and processed into a shape for mounting on the vehicle V, the lengths D1 and D2 are the lengths in the state after the bending process. The same applies to the description of dimensions and positions other than the lengths D1 and D2 unless otherwise specified.

[0036] Further, the amount of far-infrared radiation reaching the far-infrared camera CA1 attached to the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment depends on the size of the largest circle among the circles formed inside the projection diagram obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera CA1. This will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region in the vehicle glass. FIG. 6 is a projection view projected onto the projection plane in FIG. 5 and a schematic view for explaining a circle. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle glass 1 is attached to the vehicle V in a state inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the normal horizontal direction H. On the other hand, the far-infrared camera CA1 is usually attached so that the optical axis LX is substantially horizontal. Therefore, the amount of far-infrared radiation reaching the far-infrared camera CA1 depends not only on the size of the far-infrared transmission member 20 but also on this angle α. Considering this, when examining the amount of far-infrared radiation reaching the far-infrared camera CA1, it is appropriate to examine the size of the projection view K1 obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the direction of the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 onto a projection plane K perpendicular to the optical axis LX. Further, since the field of view of the far-infrared camera CA1 is usually circular, as shown in FIG. 6, it is appropriate to examine the size of the largest circle K2 among the circles formed inside the projection view K1. The inventors repeated experiments and found that when the diameter of the largest circle K2 among the circles formed inside the projection view K1 is 12 mm or more, the decrease in the amount of far-infrared radiation reaching the far-infrared camera CA1 is suppressed, and the brightness reduction and blurring in the obtained thermal image are suppressed, and the sharpness of the thermal image can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, in the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment, among the circles formed inside the projection view K1 obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the direction of the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1, the diameter of the largest circle K2 is set to 12 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more. The projection view K1 obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the direction of the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 refers to a figure obtained by projecting the shape of the outer surface of the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the vehicle exterior side in the direction of the optical axis LX with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis LX.

[0037] Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region in the vehicle glass. Although it also depends on the size of the far-infrared transmission member 20 and the thickness of the glass substrate 10, when the inclination angle α with respect to the horizontal direction when attaching the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment to the vehicle V is too small, the following inconveniences occur. That is, when the angle α is too small, when observing the vehicle glass 1 in a direction parallel to the optical axis LX, the region including only the far-infrared transmission member 20, that is, the region not including the glass substrate 10 and the light-shielding layer 18 (region ARY in Fig. 7) becomes small. If this region ARY is too small, there is a risk that the sharpness of the thermal image obtained by the far-infrared camera CA1 cannot be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately select the angle α such that the region ARY is not too small. The angle α is preferably 20 degrees to 90 degrees. The angle α is more preferably 30 degrees or more, and even more preferably 35 degrees or more. Also, when the glass substrate 10 is a laminated glass including a glass substrate 12 (outer side of the vehicle) and a glass substrate 14 (inner side of the vehicle), as shown in Fig. 8, the center of the opening 12a of the glass substrate 12 and the center of the opening 14a of the glass substrate 14 may be appropriately shifted. By adopting such a configuration, even when the angle α is small, it is not necessary to excessively increase the size of the opening 12a or the opening 14a in order to ensure the size of the region ARY, so that particularly high strength and high sharpness can be achieved simultaneously.

[0038] (Visible light transmission region) Next, the visible light transmission region C will be described. In the visible light transmission region C, the average transmittance of visible light is preferably 70% to 100%. As shown in FIG. 2, the visible light transmission region C is preferably provided in the vicinity of the far-infrared light transmission region B. Specifically, taking the center of the far-infrared light transmission region B viewed from the Z direction as the center point OB, and the center of the visible light transmission region C viewed from the Z direction as the center point OC. In this case, the distance L3 between the center point OB and the center point OC is preferably 30 mm to 200 mm, and more preferably 50 mm to 150 mm. Note that the distance L3 refers to the shortest distance connecting the center point OB and the center point OC, and hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it also refers to the shortest distance connecting the two. Further, assuming that the shortest distance between the far-infrared light transmission region B (opening 19) and the visible light transmission region C when viewed from the Z direction is the distance L4, the distance L4 is preferably greater than 0 mm and 100 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm to 80 mm. By setting the visible light transmission region C at this position with respect to the far-infrared light transmission region B, it is possible to image images at a close position with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of perspective distortion in the visible light transmission region C and enabling appropriate imaging with the visible light camera CA2. Note that by imaging images at a close position with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, the load during arithmetic processing of data obtained from each camera is reduced, and the routing of power supplies and signal cables is also suitable.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the far-infrared transmission region and the visible light transmission region. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram when viewing the vehicle glass 1 from the vertical direction in the case where the optical axes LX and LY of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2 are in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the far-infrared camera CA1 is preferably provided such that the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B is located on the extension line of the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1, and the visible light camera CA2 is preferably provided such that the center point OC of the visible light transmission region C is located on the extension line of the optical axis LY of the visible light camera CA2. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the focal position S1a of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the inner surface of the vehicle glass 1 in the direction along the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 is defined as the distance d1, and the angle of view of the far-infrared camera CA1 is defined as the angle θ1. Also, the distance between the focal position S2a of the visible light camera CA2 and the inner surface of the vehicle glass 1 in the direction along the optical axis LY of the visible light camera CA2 is defined as the distance d2, and the angle of view of the visible light camera CA2 is defined as the angle θ2. In this case, the distance L3 between the center point OB and the center point OC preferably satisfies the following formula (1).

[0040] L3≧{d1·tan(θ1 / 2)+d2·tan(θ2 / 2)} ···(1)

[0041] By the distance L3 satisfying the formula (1), it is possible to suppress the field of view of the far-infrared camera CA1 from being included in the visible light transmission region C and the field of view of the visible light camera CA2 from being included in the far-infrared transmission region B, and it becomes possible to appropriately capture an image.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 2, it is preferable that the visible light transmission region C and the far-infrared transmission region B are arranged side by side in the X direction. That is, the visible light transmission region C is not located on the Y-direction side of the far-infrared transmission region B, and it is preferable that the visible light transmission region C is arranged side by side with the far-infrared transmission region B in the X direction. For example, the distance L3Y in the Y direction between the center point OC of the visible light transmission region C and the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B is preferably 0 mm to 25 mm or less. Note that the distance L3Y can also be said to refer to the distance in the Y direction between a plane orthogonal to the Y direction and passing through the center point OB and a plane orthogonal to the Y direction and passing through the center point OC. By arranging the visible light transmission region C side by side with the far-infrared transmission region B in the X direction, the visible light transmission region C can be arranged in the vicinity of the upper edge portion 1a. Therefore, the driver's field of view in the light transmission region A1 can be appropriately ensured.

[0043] Further, similar to the far-infrared transmission region B, the visible light transmission region C is preferably located between the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1 in the Y direction, and between the second position P2 and the third position P3 in the X direction. By arranging the visible light transmission region C at this position, it is possible to image images at a close position with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of perspective distortion in the visible light transmission region C and appropriately imaging an image with the visible light camera CA2.

[0044] (Configuration of the camera unit) Next, the configuration of the camera unit 100 according to the present embodiment, more specifically, a configuration example when the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example when a far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass.

[0045] The camera unit 100 of the present embodiment includes a vehicle glass 1, a far-infrared camera CA1, and a visible light camera CA2. The vehicle glass 1 is as described above. The far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to be able to image an external thermal image through the far-infrared transmission region B of the vehicle glass 1. The far-infrared camera CA1 is provided at a position facing the far-infrared transmission region B inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle). The type of the far-infrared camera CA1 is not particularly limited, and a known far-infrared camera can be used. As shown in FIG. 10, the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 by, for example, a bracket 30. The far-infrared camera CA1 is usually attached so that the optical axis LX is substantially horizontal.

[0046] In order to clarify the image (thermal image) obtained by the far-infrared camera CA1, it is preferable that the temperature of the far-infrared camera CA1 is kept constant. As a means for keeping the temperature of the far-infrared camera CA1 constant, increasing the heat insulation property inside the bracket 30 can be mentioned. To increase the heat insulation property inside the bracket 30, the inside of the bracket 30 can be kept in a vacuum or filled with a heat insulating material. That is, in the camera unit 100 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 via the bracket 30, and the inside of the bracket 30 is kept in a vacuum or filled with a heat insulating material. Also, as a means for keeping the temperature of the far-infrared camera CA1 constant, adjusting the temperature inside the bracket 30 by a temperature regulator can be mentioned. That is, in the vehicle glass 1 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 via the bracket 30, and further includes a temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature inside the bracket 30.

[0047] Note that the visible light camera CA2 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to be able to capture an external image through the visible light transmission region C of the vehicle glass 1. The visible light camera CA2 is provided at a position inside (inside the vehicle) of the vehicle V that faces the visible light transmission region C. The visible light camera CA2 is preferably attached such that the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the optical axis LY of the visible light camera CA2 are substantially parallel. Note that the term "substantially parallel" is a concept that includes not only the case where these optical axes are completely parallel but also the case where they deviate slightly from parallel by a certain degree of error. By doing so, since the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the center of the field of view of the visible light camera CA2 substantially coincide, it is preferable when combining and performing information processing on the images obtained from these cameras.

[0048] (Another example) Next, another example of the vehicle glass 1 and the camera unit 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In another example, at least one of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2 is a stereo camera. In another example, the description of the parts having the same configuration as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle glass according to another example of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a camera unit according to another example of the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the camera unit 100 includes a first visible light camera CA21 and a second visible light camera CA22 as a visible light camera CA2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle glass 1 has a first visible light transmission region C1 and a second visible light transmission region C2 formed as a visible light transmission region C. In this case, the far-infrared transmission region B is preferably located between the first visible light transmission region C1 and the second visible light transmission region C2 in the X direction. Also in this case, it is preferable that the first visible light transmission region C1, the far-infrared transmission region B, and the second visible light transmission region C2 are arranged in the X direction. That is, for example, the distance L5Y in the Y direction between the center point OC of the first visible light transmission region C1 and the second visible light transmission region C2 and the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B is preferably 0 mm to 25 mm or less. Note that the distance L5Y refers to the maximum distance among the distances in the Y direction between any two of the planes passing through the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B perpendicular to the Y direction, the plane passing through the center point OC of the first visible light transmission region C1 perpendicular to the Y direction, and the plane passing through the center point OC of the second visible light transmission region C2 perpendicular to the Y direction. Also, the distance L5 between the center point OC of the first visible light transmission region C1 and the center point OC of the second visible light transmission region C2 is preferably 5% to 80% of the distance L2 between the side edge portion 1c and the side edge portion 1d. Also, the distance between the center point OC of the first visible light transmission region C1 and the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B and the distance between the center point OC of the second visible light transmission region C2 and the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B are preferably equal. As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, the first visible light camera CA21 is provided at a position facing the first visible light transmission region C1 inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle). And the second visible light camera CA22 is provided at a position facing the second visible light transmission region C2 inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle). Therefore, the far-infrared camera CA1 is located between the first visible light camera CA21 and the second visible light camera CA22.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle glass according to another example of the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a camera unit according to another example of the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 14, the camera unit 100 includes a first far-infrared camera CA11 and a second visible-light camera CA22 as a far-infrared camera CA1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle glass 1 has a first far-infrared transmission region B1 and a second far-infrared transmission region B2 formed as a far-infrared transmission region B. In this case, it is preferable that the visible-light transmission region C is located between the first far-infrared transmission region B1 and the second far-infrared transmission region B2 in the X direction. Also in this case, it is preferable that the first far-infrared transmission region B1, the visible-light transmission region C, and the second far-infrared transmission region B2 are arranged in the X direction. That is, for example, the distance L6Y in the Y direction between the center points OB of the first far-infrared transmission region B1 and the second far-infrared transmission region B2 and the center point OC of the visible-light transmission region C is preferably 0 mm to 25 mm or less. Note that the distance L6Y refers to the maximum distance in the Y direction between any two of the planes perpendicular to the Y direction and passing through the center point OB of the first far-infrared transmission region B1, the plane perpendicular to the Y direction and passing through the center point OB of the second far-infrared transmission region B2, and the plane perpendicular to the Y direction and passing through the center point OC of the visible-light transmission region C. Also, the distance L6 between the center point OB of the first far-infrared transmission region B1 and the center point OB of the second far-infrared transmission region B2 is preferably 5% to 50% of the distance L2 between the side edge portion 1c and the side edge portion 1d. Also, the distance between the center point OB of the first far-infrared transmission region B1 and the center point OC of the visible-light transmission region C and the distance between the center point OB of the second far-infrared transmission region B2 and the center point OC of the visible-light transmission region C are preferably equal. As shown in FIG. 14, in this example, the first far-infrared camera CA11 is provided at a position facing the first far-infrared transmission region B1 inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle). And the second far-infrared camera CA12 is provided at a position facing the second far-infrared transmission region B2 inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle). Therefore, the visible-light camera CA2 is located between the first far-infrared camera CA11 and the second far-infrared camera CA12.

[0051] (Method for manufacturing vehicle glass) Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the vehicle glass 1 will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the vehicle glass according to the present embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 15, when manufacturing the vehicle glass 1, flat glass substrates 12 and 14 are prepared, and openings 12a and 14a are formed therein (step S10). Then, each of the flat glass substrates 12 and 14 in which the openings 12a and 14a are formed is bent (step S12) to have a shape that fits the windshield of the vehicle V. Then, the bent glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are joined via an intermediate layer 16 to form a laminated glass (step S14). In this case, the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are joined such that the opening 12a and the opening 14a communicate with each other and the intermediate layer 16 is not formed at the communicating portion. Note that the intermediate layer 16 may be removed and made to communicate only at the portion overlapping the opening 12a and the opening 14a by thermal or chemical means after forming the laminated glass. Thereby, the opening 12a and the opening 14a communicate with each other, and an opening 19 is formed. Then, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is filled into the opening 19 (step S16), and the manufacturing of the vehicle glass 1 is completed. Note that a light-shielding layer 18 may be further formed. The light-shielding layer 18 may be formed at any stage from step S10 to step S16, for example, it may be formed before the bending process.

[0052] As described above, the vehicle glass 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light-shielding region A2, and a far-infrared transmission region B and a visible light transmission region C that transmits visible light are formed in the light-shielding region A2. The far-infrared transmission region B is provided with an opening 19 and a far-infrared transmission member 20 disposed in the opening 19. The opening 19 is formed between the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1 in the Y direction (the first direction) from the upper edge portion 1a to the lower edge portion 1b of the vehicle glass 1. The first position P1 is a position where the distance from the upper edge portion 1a is 30% of the length from the upper edge portion 1a to the lower edge portion 1b. Further, the opening 19 is formed between the second position P2 and the third position P3 in the X direction (the second direction) from the side edge portion 1c to the side edge portion 1d of the vehicle glass 1. The second position P2 is located closer to the side edge portion 1c than the center point O of the vehicle glass 1, and the third position P3 is located closer to the side edge portion 1d than the center point O of the vehicle glass 1. The third position P3 is equal in distance from the center point O in the X direction to the second position P2. Further, the length from the second position P2 to the third position P3 is 55% of the length from the side edge portion 1c to the side edge portion 1d. Further, for the opening 19, the length D2 of the longest straight line among the straight lines connecting any two points in the plane on the outside of the vehicle is 80 mm or less. The vehicle glass 1 is formed with a far-infrared transmission region B for the far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible light transmission region C for the visible light camera CA2. Then, the position of the opening 19 in the far-infrared transmission region B is set between the upper edge portion 1a and the first position P1 in the Y direction, between the second position P2 and the third position P3 in the X direction, and the length D2 is set to 80 mm or less. By forming the opening 19 in this way, it is possible to keep the amount of perspective distortion around the opening 19 small. Therefore, according to the vehicle glass 1, the visible light transmission region C can be arranged near the far-infrared transmission region B, and it is possible to image the images of nearby positions with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of perspective distortion in the visible light transmission region C so that the visible light camera CA2 can appropriately image the image. Further, by providing the far-infrared transmission member 20 in the opening 19 to form the far-infrared transmission region B, the far-infrared camera CA1 can be arranged inside the vehicle, and the far-infrared camera CA1 can appropriately image the thermal image.

[0053] Also, the amount of perspective distortion around the opening 19 is preferably 0.2 or less. By setting the amount of perspective distortion around the opening 19 within this range, the visible light transmission region C can be arranged near the far-infrared transmission region B, and an appropriate image can be captured by the visible light camera CA2.

[0054] Also, the distance L3 between the center point OC of the visible light transmission region C and the center point OB of the far-infrared transmission region B is preferably 200 mm or less. By setting the distance L3 within this range, the visible light transmission region C can be arranged near the far-infrared transmission region B, and an appropriate image can be captured by the visible light camera CA2.

[0055] Also, the visible light transmission region C and the far-infrared transmission region B are preferably arranged side by side in the X direction. Thereby, the visible light transmission region C can be arranged near the upper edge portion 1a, and an appropriate field of view of the driver in the light transmission region A1 can be ensured.

[0056] Also, the far-infrared transmission member 20 preferably has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays with a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 25% or more. Therefore, according to the vehicle glass 1, an appropriate thermal image can be captured by the far-infrared camera CA1.

[0057] Also, the far-infrared transmission member 20 preferably contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of ZnS, Ge, Si, and chalcogenide glass. By using this material for the far-infrared transmission member 20, an appropriate thermal image can be captured by the far-infrared camera CA1.

[0058] Also, the outer surface of the far-infrared transmission member 20 on the vehicle exterior side is provided with an antireflection film of 3 to 12 layers, and the outermost layer of the antireflection film is preferably a diamond-like carbon film. By providing such an antireflection film on the far-infrared transmission member 20, an appropriate thermal image can be captured by the far-infrared camera CA1.

[0059] Further, it is preferable that the outer surface of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is formed to be continuous with the outer surface of the light-shielding region A2. By configuring the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in this way, it is possible to suppress the risk that the wiping effect of the wiper is impaired, the design property of the vehicle V is impaired due to the presence of a step, or dust or the like accumulates on the step.

[0060] Further, it is preferable that the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is attached by at least one of a urethane-based adhesive and an acrylic-based adhesive. Therefore, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 can be appropriately attached.

[0061] Further, it is preferable that the area of the opening 19 on the inner surface is smaller than the area of the opening 19 on the outer surface. According to this vehicle glass 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength against an impact from the outside of the vehicle.

[0062] The vehicle glass 1 is attached to a vehicle V including a far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible-light camera CA2. Among the circles formed inside the projection diagram K1 obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in the direction of the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA, it is preferable that the diameter of the largest circle K2 is 12 mm or more, and the average thickness of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is 1.5 mm or more. By configuring the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in this way, the strength of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 can be appropriately ensured.

[0063] The camera unit 100 according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle glass 1, a far-infrared camera CA1, and a visible-light camera CA2. The far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to be able to image an external thermal image through the far-infrared transmitting region B. The visible-light camera CA2 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to be able to image an external image through the visible-light transmitting region C. By including the vehicle glass 1 having the configuration described above, this camera unit 100 enables the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible-light camera CA2 to image images at a close position, and suppresses the amount of perspective distortion in the visible-light transmitting region C, so that the visible-light camera CA2 can appropriately image an image.

[0064] In addition, in the camera unit 100, it is preferable that the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the optical axis LY of the visible light camera CA2 are substantially parallel, and the distance between the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA and the optical axis LY of the visible light camera CA2 is 200 mm or less. By arranging the far-infrared camera CA and the visible light camera CA2 in this way, an image can be appropriately captured.

[0065] In addition, the camera unit 100 includes, as the visible light camera CA2, a first visible light camera CA21 and a second visible light camera CA22, and it is preferable that the far-infrared camera CA1 is located between the first visible light camera CA21 and the second visible light camera CA22. By arranging the cameras in this way, an image can be appropriately captured.

[0066] In addition, the camera unit 100 includes, as the far-infrared camera CA1, a first far-infrared camera CA11 and a second far-infrared camera CA12, and the visible light camera CA2 is located between the first far-infrared camera CA11 and the second far-infrared camera CA12. By arranging the cameras in this way, an image can be appropriately captured.

[0067] In addition, the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 via the bracket 30, and it is preferable that the inside of the bracket 30 is kept in a vacuum or filled with a heat insulating material. By arranging the far-infrared camera CA1 in this way, a thermal image can be appropriately captured.

[0068] In addition, the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 via the bracket 30, and it is preferable that the far-infrared camera CA1 further includes a temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature inside the bracket 30. By arranging the far-infrared camera CA1 in this way, a thermal image can be appropriately captured.

[0069] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] First, an example of analyzing the perspective distortion amount will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the analysis results of the perspective distortion amount around the opening when the position and size of the opening are changed. In this analysis, a cross-sectional shape passing through the center of the opening is extracted 200 mm before and after from the center of the opening, and a fourth-order polynomial approximation curve is calculated. For a common vehicle glass model, the difference is taken to calculate the relative perspective distortion amount. In Example 1, the outer diameter of the opening was 50 mm, and the coordinates of the center point of the opening were (12.8, 21.7). In Example 2, the outer diameter of the opening was 50 mm, and the coordinates of the center point of the opening were (31.3, 21.7). In Example 3, the outer diameter of the opening was 50 mm, and the coordinates of the center point of the opening were (62.5, 21.7). In Example 4, the outer diameter of the opening was 75 mm, and the coordinates of the center point of the opening were (15.0, 21.7). In Example 5, the outer diameter of the opening was 100 mm, and the coordinates of the center point of the opening were (17.2, 21.7). Example 6 is a reference example where no opening was provided. Note that the outer diameter of the opening is the outer diameter in the case where the vehicle glass is in a flat plate state without bending, and can be said to be a value corresponding to the length D2 of the present embodiment. Also, the coordinates of the center point of the opening are based on the intersection of the Y-axis passing through the center point O of the vehicle glass and the upper edge of the vehicle glass as the origin (0, 0), indicating the distances in the X and Y directions from the origin. That is, the center point of the opening in Example 1 is 12.8% away from the origin in the X direction with respect to half of the total length of the vehicle glass in the X direction (distance L2 in FIG. 2), and 21.7% away from the origin in the Y direction with respect to the total length of the vehicle glass in the Y direction (distance L1 in FIG. 2).

[0071] In this analysis, for the models of Examples 1 to 5, the maximum perspective distortion amount was calculated by analysis. As shown in FIG. 16, since the perspective distortion amount is maximum in the vicinity of the opening, it can be said that the maximum perspective distortion amount refers to the perspective distortion amount around the opening. A perspective distortion amount of 0.2 or less was considered qualified. As shown in Fig. 16, in Examples 1, 2, and 4, the perspective distortion amount is 0.2 or less, and in Examples 3 and 5, the perspective distortion amount is greater than 0.2. That is, it can be seen that Examples 1, 2, and 4, where the opening is located near the center in the X direction and the diameter is less than 100 mm, are examples in which the perspective distortion amount around the opening can be kept small. On the other hand, Examples 3 and 5, where the opening is located away from the center in the X direction or the diameter is as large as 100 mm, are comparative examples, and it can be seen that the perspective distortion amount around the opening becomes large.

[0072] Next, examples in which the drop ball strength evaluation and the thermal image evaluation were performed will be described.

[0073] (Preparation of far-infrared transmitting member) Cylindrical far-infrared transmitting members (far-infrared transmitting members A to Q) and an elliptical far-infrared transmitting member R made of Si, Ge, ZnS, or chalcogenide glass with different sizes were prepared. The materials, diameters L, and thicknesses t of the respective far-infrared transmitting members are shown in Tables 1 to 3. Note that the far-infrared transmitting member J was manufactured as follows. First, glass raw materials were mixed so as to be 6.0% Ga, 24.0% Sb, 4.0% Sn, 62.0% S, 2.0% Cs, and 2.0% Cl in atomic percentage notation, enclosed in a quartz glass tube with an inner diameter of 25 mm, heated to 750 °C, and melted for 4 hours. Then, the melted glass was rapidly cooled and slowly cooled, the obtained ingot was cut together with the quartz glass tube, and polished to obtain the far-infrared transmitting member J. In addition, the far-infrared transmitting member O has an antireflection film composed of 5 layers of Ge, Si, and YF on the outer surface of the vehicle, the far-infrared transmitting member P has an antireflection film composed of 2 layers of DLC and Si on the outer surface of the vehicle and 5 layers of ZnS and Ge on the inner surface of the vehicle, and the far-infrared transmitting member Q has an antireflection film composed of 1 layer of DLC on the outer surface of the vehicle and 2 layers of ZnS and Ge on the inner surface of the vehicle, which were respectively applied by a vapor deposition method. 3 Furthermore, the far-infrared transmitting member R is an elliptical columnar shape with a minor axis of 36 mm, a major axis of 63 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm in Si, and L described in Table 3 indicates the major axis.

[0074] ​(Measurement of the average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 to 13 μm) The infrared transmission spectrum of each far-infrared ray transmission member was measured using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (manufactured by Thermo Scientific, product name: Nicolet iS10), and the average transmittance at wavelengths of 8 to 13 μm was obtained from the obtained infrared transmission spectrum. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0075] (Manufacture of the window member) (Example 7) First, a laminated glass in which PVB with a thickness of 0.76 mm was disposed between soda-lime glasses with a size of 300 mm × 300 mm and a thickness of 2.0 mm was prepared. Next, a through-hole with a diameter of 14 mm was formed with a point 100 mm away from the center of the laminated glass in the direction of the side as the center. Next, using a urethane-based adhesive, the far-infrared ray transmission member A was attached to the through-hole so as to be flush with the outer surface, and the window member of Example 7 was obtained. The urethane-based adhesive was cured by drying at room temperature for 5 days.

[0076] (Examples 8 and 9) The window members of Examples 8 and 9 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the diameter of the through-hole was 26.5 mm and the far-infrared ray transmission members B and C were attached respectively.

[0077] (Example 10) The window member of Example 10 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 9, except that an acrylic-based adhesive was used. The acrylic-based adhesive was cured by drying at 120°C for 1 hour and then at room temperature for 5 days.

[0078] (Examples 11 to 14) The window members of Examples 11 to 14 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 8, except that the far-infrared ray transmission members D to G were attached respectively.

[0079] (Example 15) The window member of Example 9 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 14, except that an acrylic-based adhesive was used. The acrylic-based adhesive was cured by drying at 120°C for 1 hour and then at room temperature for 5 days.

[0080] (Examples 16 to 19) Window members of Examples 16 to 19 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 8, except that far-infrared transmission members H to K were attached respectively.

[0081] (Examples 20, 21) Window members of Examples 20 and 21 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the diameter of the through-hole was 51.5 mm and far-infrared transmission members L and M were attached respectively.

[0082] (Example 22) Window members of Example 22 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the diameter of the through-hole was 91.5 mm and a far-infrared transmission member N was attached.

[0083] (Examples 23 to 25) Window members of Examples 23 to 25 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the diameter of the through-hole was 51.5 mm and far-infrared transmission members O, P, and Q were attached respectively.

[0084] (Example 26) Window members of Example 26 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 7, except that the through-hole had an elliptical shape with a minor diameter of 34.5 mm and a major diameter of 64.5 mm and a far-infrared transmission member R was attached.

[0085] (Drop ball strength evaluation) Using the window members of Examples 7 to 26, the following drop ball strength evaluations 1 and 2 were performed. For any of the tests, a favorable result was evaluated as "○", and a result that was not favorable in either one of the tests was evaluated as "×". The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Drop ball strength evaluation 1) Evaluation was performed using a drop ball device and a support frame in accordance with the impact resistance test in JIS R3211, 3212-2015. First, after maintaining the window member in a room kept at a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% for 4 hours, it was fixed with a support frame so that the outer surface faced upward. Next, a 226 g steel ball was dropped from a height of 10 m onto the center of the window member. At this time, if the steel ball did not penetrate the window member and the total mass of the peeling fragments from the opposite side of the impact surface was 15 g or less, it was regarded as a favorable result. (Drop Ball Strength Evaluation 2) A test was conducted in the same manner as Drop Ball Strength Evaluation 1 except that a 509 g steel ball was used. A favorable result was obtained if the far-infrared transmission member did not break or detach from the window member and the total mass of the peeling fragments from the opposite side of the impact surface was 15 g or less.

[0086] (Thermal Image Visual Recognition Evaluation) Using the window members of Examples 7 to 26, the following thermal image visual recognition evaluation was conducted. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a thermal image indicating the positional relationship with a pedestrian in the test (thermal image visual recognition evaluation) conducted in the examples. First, the window member was installed at an angle of α from the horizontal plane. Next, a far-infrared camera (manufactured by Wuhan Guide Infrared, Cube417 (resolution: 400×300, horizontal field angle: 20°, vertical field angle: 15°, focal length: 19 mm)) was arranged so that the optical axis was horizontal and passed through the center of the far-infrared transmission member, and the housing was brought close to the window member until it contacted the window member. Next, at an outside air temperature of 26°C, a pedestrian arranged at a distance of 100 m from the window as shown in FIG. 17 was photographed with the far-infrared camera. A 20×30 pixel area centered on the pedestrian was cut out from the obtained thermal image, and the thermal image contrast was evaluated as "maximum brightness / minimum brightness" by image analysis. The larger the value of the thermal image contrast, the clearer the image obtained. If the value of the thermal image contrast is 3.0 or more, a pedestrian 100 m ahead can be sufficiently recognized. The window member of Example 7 was tested at α = 30°, 60°, and 90°. The window members of Examples 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 25 were tested at α = 30° and 45°. The window members of Examples 9, 12, 14, 17, 20 to 24, and 26 were tested at α = 30°. Note that Example 10 and Example 15 are examples that differ only in the type of adhesive from Example 9 and 14, respectively, and since it is considered that the results of the thermal image visual recognition evaluation are the same as these results, no tests were conducted. Also, in Example 26, the elliptical columnar window member had its minor axis arranged in the X-axis direction and its major axis arranged in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 3. Tables 1 to 3 show the value of α, the value of the diameter R of the largest circle inside the circle formed inside the projection diagram obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmission member in the optical axis direction, and the value of the thermal image contrast.

[0087] [Table 1]

[0088] [Table 2]

[0089] [Table 3]

[0090] The results of the drop ball strength evaluation for each example will be described below. In Examples 8, 13, and 20 that used far-infrared transmission members B, F, and L with a thickness t of 1 mm, the strength was not a preferable value. Also, in Example 22 that used far-infrared transmission member N with a thickness t of 3 mm but a diameter L of 90 mm, the strength was not a preferable value. On the other hand, Examples 7, 9 to 12, 14 to 19, 21, and 23 to 26 that used far-infrared transmission members A, C to E, G to K, M, and O to R with a thickness t of 1.5 mm or more and a diameter L of 80 mm or less had sufficiently high strength.

[0091] Also, the results of the thermal image visual recognition evaluation for each example will be described below. In the tests of Example 7 with α = 30° and 60° where R was 6.3 mm and 10.8 mm respectively, the thermal image contrast was not favorable. On the other hand, in the test of Example 7 with α = 90° where R was 12.5 mm, sufficient thermal image contrast was obtained. In the test of Example 12 using the far-infrared transmitting member E with an average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 to 13 μm being 14%, the thermal image contrast was not favorable. In the tests of Examples 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 to 26 where R was 12 mm or more and the average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 to 13 μm of the far-infrared transmitting member was 25% or more, sufficient thermal image contrast was obtained in all cases.

[0092] As is clear from the above results, those in which the thickness t of the far-infrared transmitting member is 1.5 mm or more, the diameter L is 80 mm or less, the average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 to 13 μm is 25% or more, and the diameter R of the largest circle inside the circle formed inside the projection diagram obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmitting member in the optical axis direction is 12 mm or more have both high strength and sufficient thermal image contrast.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited by the content of this embodiment. Further, the above-described components include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1 Vehicle glass 1a Upper edge portion 1b Lower edge portion 1c, 1d Side edge portions 10, 12, 14 Glass substrates 16 Intermediate layer 18 Light-shielding layer 19 Opening 20 Far-infrared transmitting member 100 Camera Unit A1 Translucent Region A2 Light-Shielding Region B Far-Infrared Transmission Region C Visible Light Transmission Region CA1 Far-Infrared Camera CA2 Visible Light Camera P1 First Position P2 Second Position P3 Third Position V Vehicle

Claims

1. A glass for a vehicle, An opening and a far-infrared transmitting region having a far-infrared transmitting member disposed in the opening are formed, The opening is In a second direction from one side edge portion to the other side edge portion of the vehicle glass, the glass is formed between a second position located on the one side edge side of the center of the vehicle glass and a third position located on the other side edge side of the center of the vehicle glass and a distance from the center equal to that of the second position, and a length in the second direction from the second position to the third position is 55% of a length from the one side edge portion to the other side edge portion, And, the longest straight line among the straight lines connecting any two points on the vehicle exterior surface is 80 mm or less in length. Vehicle glass.

2. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 , wherein a perspective distortion amount around the opening is 0.2 or less.

3. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the far-infrared transmitting member has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays having a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 25% or more.

4. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 , wherein the far-infrared transmitting member contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of ZnS, Ge, Si, and chalcogenide glass.

5. 5. The vehicle glass according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a vehicle exterior surface and a vehicle interior surface of the far-infrared transmitting member is provided with an anti-reflection film having 1 to 12 layers, and the outermost layer of the anti-reflection film on the vehicle exterior surface is a diamond-like carbon film.

6. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 , wherein an exterior surface of the far-infrared transmitting member is formed so as to be continuous with an exterior surface of the vehicle glass.

7. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 , wherein the far-infrared transmitting member is attached with at least one of a urethane-based adhesive and an acrylic-based adhesive.

8. The vehicle glass according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the opening on an inner surface of the vehicle is smaller than an area of ​​the opening on an outer surface of the vehicle.

9. 9. The vehicle glass according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle glass is attached to a vehicle equipped with a far-infrared camera, and among circles formed inside a projection obtained by projecting the far-infrared transmitting member in an optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera, a diameter of a largest circle is 12 mm or more, and an average thickness of the far-infrared transmitting member is 1.5 mm or more.

10. 10. The vehicle glass according to claim 1, wherein a distance between a center of a visible light transmitting region that transmits visible light and a center of the far-infrared light transmitting region is 200 mm or less.

11. The vehicle glass according to claim 10 , wherein the visible light transmitting region and the far-infrared light transmitting region are aligned in the second direction.

12. A vehicle glass according to claim 10 or 11, a far-infrared camera, and a visible light camera, The far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass so as to capture an external thermal image through the far-infrared transmitting area, and the visible light camera is attached to the vehicle glass so as to capture an external image through the visible light transmitting area.

13. 13. The camera unit according to claim 12, wherein an optical axis of the far-infrared camera and an optical axis of the visible light camera are approximately parallel to each other, and a distance between the optical axis of the far-infrared camera and the optical axis of the visible light camera is 200 mm or less.

14. 14. The camera unit according to claim 12, further comprising a first visible light camera and a second visible light camera as the visible light cameras, and the far-infrared camera is positioned between the first visible light camera and the second visible light camera.

15. 14. The camera unit according to claim 12, further comprising a first far-infrared camera and a second far-infrared camera as the far-infrared cameras, and the visible light camera is positioned between the first far-infrared camera and the second far-infrared camera.

16. 16. The camera unit according to claim 12, wherein the far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass via a bracket, and the bracket has an inside kept in a vacuum or filled with a heat insulating material.

17. The camera unit according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass via a bracket, and further comprises a temperature regulator for regulating a temperature inside the bracket.

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