Laminated Glass

Abstract

This laminated glass has: a pair of glass plates; a middle film which is located between the pair of glass plates; and a functional element which is located between the pair of glass plates and is in contact with the middle film. The functional element has at least one conductive film, and at least one electrode electrically connected to the conductive film. The functional element has an electrode formation part in which the electrode is formed, and an electrode non-formation part in which the electrode is not formed. The functional element has a first reference surface which is in contact with the middle film on one side of the pair of glass plates in the electrode non-formation part, and a second reference surface which is in contact with the middle film on the other side of the pair of glass plates. When t1 [mm] represents the average value of the height of the electrode formation part with reference to the first reference surface, t2 [mm] represents the average value of the height of the electrode formation part with reference to the second reference surface, and w [mm] represents the length of the electrode in the short direction; 0≤w×t1≤0.7 and 0≤w×t2≤ 0.7 (where 3≤w≤20) are satisfied. The functional element is a dimming element or an electric heating element. The dimming element has: substrates which face each other and on which a conductive film is disposed; and a dimming layer which is disposed between the substrates facing each other and includes one or more selected from the group consisting of suspended particle devices, guest host liquid crystals, photochromics, electrochromics, and electrokinetics.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laminated glass. [Background technology]

[0002] Laminated glass in which an electrically conductive functional element is encapsulated in an interlayer is known for use in automobile and railway windowpanes. The functional element is, for example, a light control element or an electric heating element. These functional elements are generally provided with electrodes for passing electricity through the functional layer, and the electrodes are encapsulated in the laminated glass together with the functional layer.

[0003] However, when electrodes are enclosed in laminated glass, a difference occurs between the thickness of the functional element in the part where no electrodes are formed and the thickness of the functional element in the part where electrodes are formed. This difference can deteriorate the degassing property during the production of the laminated glass, resulting in appearance defects such as air residue and bubbles in the interlayer.

[0004] In view of this, as a countermeasure against the deterioration of degassing properties, for example, increasing the thickness of the electrode to alleviate stress concentration in the electrode lead-out wiring has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, adjusting the thickness deviation by devising the configuration of the intermediate film has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4060249 [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-326763 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the conventional countermeasures have been insufficient in improving the degassing properties around the electrodes.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to improve degassing properties around electrodes in laminated glass in which a functional element is encapsulated in an interlayer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The laminated glass comprises a pair of glass sheets, an interlayer film located between the pair of glass sheets, and a functional element located between the pair of glass sheets and in contact with the interlayer film, the functional element each having at least one conductive film and at least one electrode electrically connected to the conductive film, the functional element having an electrode-formed portion where the electrode is formed and an electrode-non-formed portion where the electrode is not formed, and comprising a first reference surface that contacts the interlayer film on one side of the pair of glass sheets of the electrode-non-formed portion and a second reference surface that contacts the interlayer film on the other side of the pair of glass sheets, and where t1 [mm] is the average value of the height of the electrode formation portion relative to the second reference plane, t2 [mm] is the average value of the height of the electrode formation portion relative to the second reference plane, and w [mm] is the length of the short side of the electrode, the functional element satisfies 0≦w×t1≦0.7 and 0≦w×t2≦0.7 (with the proviso that 3≦w≦20), and the functional element is a dimming element or an electric heating element, and the dimming element has substrates on which a conductive film is formed, which are arranged opposite each other, and a dimming layer consisting of any one or more selected from the group consisting of a suspended particle device, a guest-host liquid crystal, a photochromic, an electrochromic, and an electrokinetic, which is arranged between the opposing substrates. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, in a laminated glass in which a functional element is encapsulated in an interlayer, degassing properties around the electrodes can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of laminated glass according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating recesses formed in electrode non-formation portions. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 7 of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an example and a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example and a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each drawing, the size and shape may be partially exaggerated to make the contents of the present invention easier to understand.

[0012] A vehicle is typically an automobile, but also refers to any moving body having glass, including trains, ships, aircraft, etc.

[0013] In addition, a plan view refers to a specified area of ​​the laminated glass viewed from the normal direction of the surface of the laminated glass facing the vehicle interior, and a planar shape refers to the shape of a specified area of ​​the laminated glass viewed from the normal direction of the surface of the laminated glass facing the vehicle interior.

[0014] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the laminated glass is attached to a vehicle and is visually recognized from outside the vehicle interior, and Fig. 1(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1(a).

[0015] 1, a laminated glass 10 is a laminated glass for vehicles that includes a glass plate 11, a glass plate 12, an interlayer film 13, a shielding layer 14, and a light control element 15. However, the shielding layer 14 is provided as necessary.

[0016] 1, the laminated glass 10 is shown in a flat shape, but the laminated glass 10 may be curved in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. Alternatively, the laminated glass 10 may be curved only in the longitudinal direction or curved only in the lateral direction.

[0017] In addition, in FIG. 1, the laminated glass 10 is rectangular, but the planar shape of the laminated glass 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be any shape including a trapezoidal shape.

[0018] The laminated glass 10 can be used, for example, as a roof glass, rear glass, rear side glass, rear quarter glass, roof glass, extra glass, etc. for a vehicle. The extra glass is glass that is attached to the rear side of a vehicle in order to improve the rear visibility of the driver of the vehicle.

[0019] The glass plate 11 is an interior glass plate that faces the interior side of the vehicle when the laminated glass 10 is installed in the vehicle. The glass plate 12 is an exterior glass plate that faces the exterior side of the vehicle when the laminated glass 10 is installed in the vehicle. The glass plates 11 and 12 may have a predetermined curvature.

[0020] The glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12 are a pair of glass plates facing each other, and the intermediate film 13 and the light control element 15 are located between the pair of glass plates. The glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12 are fixed together with the intermediate film 13 and the light control element 15 sandwiched therebetween.

[0021] The interlayer film 13 is a film that bonds the glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12. The interlayer film 13 includes, for example, an interlayer film 131 that bonds to the glass plate 11, an interlayer film 132 that bonds to the glass plate 12, and a frame-shaped interlayer film 133 that is located between the interlayer film 131 and the interlayer film 132 and surrounds the outer periphery of the light control element 15.

[0022] However, the interlayer film 13 may have an interlayer film 131 bonded to the glass plate 11 and an interlayer film 132 bonded to the glass plate 12, and may not have the interlayer film 133. Even when the interlayer film 133 is not included, the outer periphery of the light control element 15 is surrounded by the interlayer films 131 and / or 132 during pressure bonding in the manufacturing process of the laminated glass 10.

[0023] When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the interlayer films 131, 132, and 133, they will be simply referred to as the interlayer film 13. The glass plate 11, the glass plate 12, and the interlayer film 13 will be described in detail later.

[0024] The shielding layer 14 is an opaque layer, and can be provided, for example, in a strip shape along the peripheral edge of the laminated glass 10. The shielding layer 14 is, for example, an opaque (for example, black) colored ceramic layer. The shielding layer 14 may be a colored interlayer or film having light-shielding properties, or a combination of a colored interlayer and a colored ceramic layer. The colored film may be integrated with an infrared reflective film or the like.

[0025] The presence of the opaque shielding layer 14 in the laminated glass 10 can suppress deterioration due to ultraviolet light of a resin such as urethane that holds the peripheral portion of the laminated glass 10 to the vehicle body. In addition, the electrodes and electrode extraction wiring electrically connected to the light control element 15 can be concealed so as to be difficult to see from the outside and / or inside of the vehicle.

[0026] The shielding layer 14 can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing a fusible glass frit containing a black pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then firing the paste, but is not limited thereto. The shielding layer 14 may also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing a black or dark color pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then drying the ink.

[0027] 1, the shielding layer 14 is provided on the peripheral portion of the interior surface of the glass plate 11. However, the shielding layer 14 may be provided on the peripheral portion of the interior surface of the glass plate 12, or on both the peripheral portion of the interior surface of the glass plate 11 and the peripheral portion of the interior surface of the glass plate 12, as necessary.

[0028] The light control element 15 is an element capable of switching the light transmittance of the laminated glass 10. The light control element 15 may be disposed over substantially the entire laminated glass 10 or over only a portion of the laminated glass 10 as necessary. The planar shape of the light control element 15 is, for example, a rectangle smaller than the planar shape of the laminated glass 10. In the example of Fig. 1, the peripheral portion of the light control element 15 is positioned so as to overlap with the shielding layer 14 in a planar view.

[0029] The light control element 15 includes a substrate 151, a conductive film 152, a light control layer 153, a conductive film 154, a substrate 155, and an electrode 156, and is encapsulated in the intermediate film 13. That is, the light control element 15 is surrounded by the intermediate film 13.

[0030] The light control element 15 is, for example, in the form of a film. The thickness of the light control element 15 is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. An electrode lead-out wiring 16 for connecting the electrode 156 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156 of the light control element 15.

[0031] The substrates 151 and 155 are transparent resin layers. The thickness of the substrates 151 and 155 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0032] The substrates 151 and 155 can be formed of, for example, any material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide, polyether, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, aramid, polybutylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polyurethane, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0033] The conductive film 152 is formed on the surface of the base material 151 facing the glass plate 12, and is in contact with the surface of the light control layer 153 facing the glass plate 11. The conductive film 154 is formed on the surface of the base material 155 facing the glass plate 11, and is in contact with the surface of the light control layer 153 facing the glass plate 12. In other words, the conductive films 152 and 154 are a pair of conductive films that sandwich the light control layer 153 therebetween.

[0034] For example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) can be used as the conductive films 152 and 154. Examples of TCO include, but are not limited to, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO), and indium doped cadmium oxide.

[0035] Transparent conductive polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or poly(4,4-dioctylcyclopentadithiophene) can also be suitably used as the conductive films 152 and 154. Furthermore, as the conductive films 152 and 154, a laminated film of a metal layer and a dielectric layer, silver nanowires, a metal mesh of silver or copper, or the like can also be suitably used.

[0036] The conductive films 152 and 154 can be formed by using, for example, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method such as a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, etc. The conductive films 152 and 154 may also be formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method or a wet coating method.

[0037] The light-adjusting layer 153 is sandwiched between a substrate 151 on which a conductive film 152 is formed and a substrate 155 on which a conductive film 154 is formed. As the light-adjusting layer 153, for example, any one or more selected from the group consisting of a suspended particle device (SPD), a guest-host liquid crystal, a photochromic, an electrochromic, and an electrokinetic can be selected.

[0038] In other words, the dimming element 15 has a substrate 151 on which a conductive film 152 is formed, a substrate 155 on which a conductive film 154 is formed, which are arranged opposite each other, and a dimming layer 153 consisting of one or more selected from the group consisting of a suspended particle device, a guest-host liquid crystal, a photochromic, an electrochromic, and an electrokinetic, which is arranged between the opposing conductive films 152 and 154.

[0039] A typical SPD film can be used as a suspended particle device, which is constructed by sandwiching a polymer layer containing suspended particles that can be oriented by the application of a voltage between two substrates coated with a conductive film on the inside. When the power switch is turned on and a voltage is applied between the transparent conductive films, the suspended particles in the polymer layer are oriented, resulting in a high visible light transmittance and high transparency. When the power switch is turned off, the suspended particles in the polymer layer are not oriented, resulting in a low visible light transmittance and low transparency.

[0040] As the SPD film, for example, a commercially available product such as LCF-1103DHA (trade name, manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be used. Such commercially available products are supplied in a predetermined size, and are cut to the desired size before use. The thickness of the SPD film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less from the viewpoints of ease of handling and availability.

[0041] The electrode 156 is disposed, for example, at a position overlapping with the shielding layer 14 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the electrode 156 is inserted between the conductive film 152 and the conductive film 154. A first main surface and a second main surface of the electrode 156 are in contact with a film other than the intermediate film 13. Here, the first main surface of the electrode 156 is a surface facing the glass plate 11. Moreover, the second main surface of the electrode 156 is a surface opposite to the first main surface and facing the glass plate 12.

[0042] The electrode 156 is electrically separated into upper and lower parts via an insulating layer (not shown), one of the upper and lower parts is electrically connected to the conductive film 152, and the other of the upper and lower parts is electrically connected to the conductive film 154. Electricity is passed through the conductive films 152 and 154 to drive the light control layer 153. In other words, a first main surface of the electrode 156 contacts the conductive film 152, and a second main surface of the electrode 156 contacts the conductive film 154.

[0043] One pole of the electrode 156 is, for example, a positive pole, and is connected to the positive side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via the electrode lead-out wiring 16 electrically connected to the one pole of the electrode 156. The other pole of the electrode 156 is, for example, a negative pole, and is connected to the negative side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via the electrode lead-out wiring 16 electrically connected to the other pole of the electrode 156.

[0044] When a voltage is supplied to the light-controlling layer 153 from a power source such as a battery via the electrodes 156, the transmittance of the light-controlling layer 153 changes depending on the voltage.

[0045] The material of the electrode 156 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and examples of the material include metal materials. Examples of metal materials include gold, silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, titanium, iridium, zinc, magnesium, and tin. These metals may be plated, or may be formed into an alloy or a composite with resin.

[0046] From the viewpoints of cost and availability, copper ribbon, flat-braided copper wire, or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) can be suitably used for the electrode 156. The copper ribbon or flat-braided conductor wire may be plated with a metal other than copper.

[0047] The electrode 156 can be joined to the conductive films 152 and 154 by any of a conductive adhesive (conductive adhesive layer), an anisotropic conductive film, and solder. The electrode 156 may also be in direct contact with the conductive films 152 and 154 without using a conductive adhesive, an anisotropic conductive film, or solder. Alternatively, the electrode 156 may be formed by a printing method such as screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, or gravure printing.

[0048] The electrode 156 has a length and shape necessary and sufficient for passing electricity through the light control element 15. The shape of the electrode 156 is not particularly limited, but is generally substantially rectangular. Since the electrode 156 needs to be hidden by the shielding layer 14, it is disposed, for example, at either end (either short side side) in the longitudinal direction of the light control element 15 and substantially parallel to the peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0049] The electrode 156 is preferably disposed 10 mm or more inward, and more preferably 15 mm or more inward, from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12. Such an arrangement reduces the risk of moisture penetrating from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, causing corrosion of the electrode 156 or a short circuit between different potentials.

[0050] The length of the electrode 156 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 mm or more in order to ensure sufficient current-carrying function and to improve workability. As described below, there may be a plurality of electrodes 156, and these may be arranged on the same side or on opposing sides.

[0051] The length w of electrode 156 in the short side direction (= the width of electrode 156) is preferably 3 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferably 4 mm to 10 mm. By making the length w of electrode 156 in the short side direction 3 mm or more, the electrode 156 can be easily handled and can have a sufficient contact area with conductive films 152 and 154, allowing the electrode 156 to fully function. By making the length w of electrode 156 in the short side direction 20 mm or less, the electrode 156 can be easily concealed by the shielding layer 14, improving the design.

[0052] The thickness of the electrode 156 is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm. By making the thickness of the electrode 156 0.05 mm or more, sufficient strength can be obtained, and the occurrence of defects such as disconnection can be suppressed. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the electrode 156 0.4 mm or less, the thickness deviation between the electrode and other parts is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the stress generated in the glass plates 11 and 12, and reduces the risk of the glass plates 11 and 12 breaking.

[0053] 1(b), the light control element 15 has an electrode-formed portion where the electrode 156 is formed, and an electrode-non-formed portion where the electrode 156 is not formed. Here, the electrode-formed portion is a portion that overlaps with the electrode 156 in a plan view, and does not include an inclined portion (a portion whose thickness decreases with increasing distance from the electrode 156) around the electrode 156. Moreover, all portions other than the electrode-formed portion are electrode-non-formed portions.

[0054] The light control element 15 also has a first reference surface 158 and a second reference surface 159 which are references for determining the height of the electrode-forming portion. The first reference surface 158 is a surface which is in a non-electrode-forming portion and which contacts the intermediate film 131 on the glass plate 11 side in a portion of the light control element 15 where the thickness is substantially constant.

[0055] Here, the height of the electrode formation portion when first reference plane 158 is used as a reference may be lower (when the height is in the negative direction) or higher (when the height is in the positive direction) than first reference plane 158, when the glass plate 11 side of first reference plane 158 is taken as the positive direction; however, whether the height is in the positive or negative direction is not an issue here, and the issue is the magnitude of the absolute value of the height of the electrode formation portion when first reference plane 158 is used as a reference. Therefore, hereinafter, the average value of the height of the electrode formation portion when first reference plane 158 is used as a reference means the average value of the absolute values ​​of the height of the electrode formation portion when first reference plane 158 is used as a reference.

[0056] Similarly, the height of the electrode formation portion when second reference plane 159 is used as a reference may be lower (when the height is in the negative direction) or higher (when the height is in the positive direction) than second reference plane 159 when the glass plate 12 side of second reference plane 159 is taken as the positive direction, but whether the height is in the positive or negative direction is not an issue here, and the issue is the magnitude of the absolute value of the height of the electrode formation portion when second reference plane 159 is used as a reference. Therefore, hereinafter, the average value of the height of the electrode formation portion when second reference plane 159 is used as a reference means the average value of the absolute values ​​of the height of the electrode formation portion when second reference plane 159 is used as a reference.

[0057] The portion where the thickness of the light control element 15 is substantially constant is a portion in the electrode non-forming portion excluding the inclined portion around the electrode 156 in Fig. 1(b) and the recess 15x exposing the side wall of the electrode 156A2 in Fig. 3 described later. Therefore, the inclined portion around the electrode 156 and the recess 15x described later are not included in the first reference plane 158.

[0058] The second reference surface 159 is a surface that is in contact with the intermediate film 132 on the glass plate 12 side in a portion where the light control element 15 has a substantially constant thickness and is an electrode-free portion. Therefore, the second reference surface 159 does not include the inclined portion around the electrode 156.

[0059] 1(b), t1 indicates the average value [mm] of the height (absolute value) of the electrode formation part when the first reference surface 158 of the light control element 15 is used as a reference. Also, t2 indicates the average value [mm] of the height (absolute value) of the electrode formation part when the second reference surface 159 of the light control element 15 is used as a reference. Also, w indicates the length [mm] of the electrode 156 in the short side direction.

[0060] In this case, in the laminated glass 10, t1, t2, and w are determined so as to satisfy the formula (1): 0≦w×t1≦0.7 and 0≦w×t2≦0.7 (with the proviso that 3≦w≦20).

[0061] That is, 3≦w≦20, and the value [mm] obtained by multiplying the length w [mm] of the electrode 156 in the short side direction by the average value t1 [mm] of the height (absolute value) of the electrode formation portion based on the first reference plane 158 2 ] is 0 [mm 2 ] or more 0.7[mm 2 In addition, t1 and w are determined so that the average value t2 [mm] of the height (absolute value) of the electrode formation portion based on the second reference plane 159 is multiplied by the length w [mm] of the short side of the electrode 156. 2 ] is 0 [mm 2 ] or more 0.7[mm 2 ]t2 and w are determined so that:

[0062] When the length w of the electrode 156 in the short-side direction is not constant (provided that 3≦w≦20), t1 and t2 are determined so that the average value of w satisfies formula (1).

[0063] Although details will be described later, to obtain the laminated glass 10, a laminate is prepared by sequentially laminating the glass plate 11, the interlayer 131, the light control element 15, the interlayer 133, the interlayer 132, and the glass plate 12. The prepared laminate is then placed, for example, in a rubber bag, and pre-press-bonded by heating while the inside of the rubber bag is subjected to reduced pressure suction (degassing treatment), and if necessary, the pre-press-bonded laminate is placed, for example, in an autoclave and heated and pressurized for main adhesion (main pressure bonding).

[0064] If there is a large thickness deviation around the electrodes as in the conventional case, deaeration is impaired in the process of producing the laminated glass 10, resulting in defects in appearance such as bubbles and air pockets.

[0065] In contrast, when t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1) in the laminated glass 10, the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced, and therefore, in the process of producing the laminated glass 10, degassing defects around the electrodes can be suppressed (improved discharge of residual air), and appearance defects such as bubbles and residual air can be prevented.

[0066] It is preferable that t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1), and that t1≦0.15 [mm] and t2≦0.15 [mm]. By satisfying this requirement, degassing defects around the electrodes can be further suppressed in the process of producing the laminated glass 10.

[0067] In the past, the relationship between the length of the electrode in the short direction, the step between the electrode non-formation part and the electrode formation part, and degassing property had not been considered. The definition of formula (1) is based on new findings arrived at by the inventors as a result of repeated investigations.

[0068] Here, the glass plate 11, the glass plate 12, and the interlayer film 13 will be described in detail.

[0069] [Glass plate] The glass plates 11 and 12 may be inorganic glass or organic glass. As the inorganic glass, for example, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, quartz glass, etc. can be used without any particular limitation. The glass plate 12 located on the outer side of the laminated glass 10 is preferably inorganic glass from the viewpoint of scratch resistance, and is preferably soda-lime glass from the viewpoint of formability. When the glass plates 11 and 12 are soda-lime glass, clear glass, green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron components, and UV-cut green glass can be suitably used.

[0070] The inorganic glass may be either unstrengthened glass or tempered glass. Unstrengthened glass is obtained by forming molten glass into a plate shape and slowly cooling it. Tempered glass is obtained by forming a compressive stress layer on the surface of unstrengthened glass.

[0071] The tempered glass may be either physically tempered glass such as air-cooled tempered glass or chemically tempered glass. In the case of physically tempered glass, the glass surface can be tempered by generating a compressive stress layer on the glass surface due to the temperature difference between the glass surface and the inside of the glass by an operation other than slow cooling, such as rapidly cooling a glass sheet uniformly heated in bending from a temperature near the softening point.

[0072] In the case of chemically strengthened glass, for example, after bending, the glass surface can be strengthened by generating a compressive stress on the glass surface by an ion exchange method or the like. Glass that absorbs ultraviolet or infrared rays may be used, and further, although it is preferable that the glass is transparent, a glass plate that is colored to the extent that the transparency is not impaired may be used.

[0073] On the other hand, examples of materials for organic glass include transparent resins such as polycarbonate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.

[0074] The shape of the glass plates 11 and 12 is not particularly limited to a rectangular shape, and may be processed into various shapes and curvatures. Gravity forming, press forming, roller forming, etc. are used for bending the glass plates 11 and 12. The forming method of the glass plates 11 and 12 is also not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of inorganic glass, glass plates formed by a float method or the like are preferable.

[0075] The thickness of the glass plate 12 at its thinnest portion is preferably 1.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. When the thickness of the glass plate 12 is 1.1 mm or more, the strength such as resistance to flying stones is sufficient, and when the thickness is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 10 does not become too large, which is preferable in terms of fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The thickness of the glass plate 12 at its thinnest portion is more preferably 1.8 mm or more and 2.8 mm or less, further preferably 1.8 mm or more and 2.6 mm or less, further preferably 1.8 mm or more and 2.2 mm or less, and further preferably 1.8 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0076] The thickness of the glass plate 11 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less. When the thickness of the glass plate 11 is 0.3 mm or more, the glass plate 11 is easy to handle, and when the thickness is 2.3 mm or less, the weight does not become too large.

[0077] Furthermore, the glass sheets 11 and 12 may be flat or curved. However, if the glass sheets 11 and 12 are curved and the thickness of the glass sheet 11 is not appropriate, forming two sheets of glass with particularly deep curvatures as the glass sheets 11 and 12 will result in a mismatch between the shapes of the two sheets, which will have a significant effect on the glass quality, such as residual stress after compression bonding.

[0078] However, by setting the thickness of the glass plate 11 to 0.3 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less, the glass quality such as residual stress can be maintained. Setting the thickness of the glass plate 11 to 0.3 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less is particularly effective in maintaining the glass quality of deeply curved glass. The thickness of the glass plate 11 is more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.1 mm or less, and further preferably 0.7 mm or more and 1.9 mm or less. Within this range, the above-mentioned effects become more remarkable.

[0079] A coating having water repellency and ultraviolet and infrared blocking properties, or a coating having low reflection and low radiation properties may be provided on the outer side of the glass plates 11 and / or 12. In addition, a coating having ultraviolet and infrared blocking properties, low radiation properties, visible light absorption properties, coloring properties, etc. may be provided on the side of the glass plates 11 and / or 12 that contacts the interlayer film 13.

[0080] When the glass sheets 11 and 12 are curved inorganic glass, the glass sheets 11 and 12 are bent after being formed by a float method and before being bonded with the interlayer film 13. The bending is performed by softening the glass by heating. The heating temperature of the glass during bending is about 550°C to 700°C.

[0081] [Interlayer] Thermoplastic resins are often used for the intermediate film 13, and examples of such thermoplastic resins include those conventionally used for this type of application, such as plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cycloolefin polymer resins, ionomer resins, etc. Also suitable for use is a resin composition containing a modified hydrogenated block copolymer, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6065221.

[0082] Among these, plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins are preferably used because they have an excellent balance of various properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesive strength, penetration resistance, impact energy absorption, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These thermoplastic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The term "plasticized" in the plasticized polyvinyl acetal resin means that it is plasticized by adding a plasticizer. The same applies to other plasticized resins.

[0083] However, when the light control element 15 is encapsulated in the intermediate film 13, the encapsulated material may be deteriorated by a specific plasticizer depending on the type of the encapsulated material, and in such a case, it is preferable to use a resin that does not substantially contain the plasticizer. That is, it may be preferable that the intermediate film 13 does not contain a plasticizer. Examples of resins that do not contain a plasticizer include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins.

[0084] Examples of the polyvinyl acetal resin include polyvinyl formal resin obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "PVA" as necessary) with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal resin in the narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, and polyvinyl butyral resin (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "PVB" as necessary) obtained by reacting PVA with n-butylaldehyde, and the like. In particular, PVB is preferred because it has an excellent balance of various properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesive strength, penetration resistance, impact energy absorption, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These polyvinyl acetal resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0085] However, the material forming the intermediate film 13 is not limited to a thermoplastic resin. The intermediate film 13 may also contain functional particles such as an infrared absorbing agent, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, a luminescent agent, etc. The intermediate film 13 may also have a colored portion called a shade band.

[0086] The thickness of the interlayer film 13 is preferably 0.5 mm or more at its thinnest part. If the thickness of the interlayer film 13 at its thinnest part is 0.5 mm or more, the impact resistance required for the laminated glass 10 is sufficient. The thickness of the interlayer film 13 is preferably 3 mm or less at its thickest part. If the maximum thickness of the interlayer film 13 is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 10 does not become too large. The maximum thickness of the interlayer film 13 is more preferably 2.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or less.

[0087] The interlayer film 13 may have four or more layers. For example, the sound insulation of the laminated glass 10 can be improved by forming the interlayer film from four or more layers and making the shear modulus of any layer other than the layers on both sides smaller than the shear modulus of the layers on both sides by adjusting the plasticizer or the like. In this case, the shear modulus of the layers on both sides may be the same or different.

[0088] Although it is preferable that the interlayer films 131, 132, and 133 included in the interlayer film 13 are all formed of the same material, some or all of the interlayer films 131, 132, and 133 may be formed of different materials. For example, the interlayer film 133 may be made of a material whose shear modulus is smaller than that of the interlayer films 131 and 132. When the shear modulus of the interlayer film 133 is smaller than that of the interlayer films 131 and 132, the sound insulation of the laminated glass 10 can be improved. Note that even when the shear modulus of the interlayer film 131 is smaller than that of the interlayer films 132 and 133, the sound insulation of the laminated glass 10 can be improved. Even when the shear modulus of the interlayer film 132 is smaller than that of the interlayer films 131 and 133, the sound insulation of the laminated glass 10 can be improved. Even when the shear modulus of the interlayer film 132 is smaller than that of the interlayer films 131 and 133, the sound insulation of the laminated glass 10 can be improved. However, from the viewpoint of adhesion to the glass plates 11 and 12, or functional materials to be incorporated into the laminated glass 10, it is desirable that 50% or more of the thickness of the interlayer 13 be made of the above materials.

[0089] To produce the interlayer film 13, for example, the above-mentioned resin material that will become the interlayer film is appropriately selected and extruded in a heated and molten state using an extruder. The extrusion conditions, such as the extrusion speed of the extruder, are set to be uniform. Thereafter, the extruded resin film is stretched as necessary to give curvature to the upper and lower sides according to the design of the laminated glass 10, thereby completing the interlayer film 13.

[0090] [Laminated Glass] The total thickness of the laminated glass 10 is preferably 2.8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the total thickness of the laminated glass 10 is 2.8 mm or more, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. If the total thickness of the laminated glass 10 is 10 mm or less, sufficient transmittance can be obtained and haze can be reduced.

[0091] The plate misalignment between the glass plates 11 and 12 is preferably 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less, on at least one side of the laminated glass 10. Here, the plate misalignment between the glass plates 11 and 12 refers to the amount of misalignment between the end of the glass plate 11 and the end of the glass plate 12 in a plan view.

[0092] It is preferable that the misalignment between the glass plates 11 and 12 be 1.5 mm or less along at least one side of the laminated glass 10 in order to avoid impairing the appearance. It is even more preferable that the misalignment between the glass plates 11 and 12 be 1.0 mm or less along at least one side of the laminated glass 10 in order to avoid impairing the appearance.

[0093] To manufacture the laminated glass 10, the interlayer film 13 and the light control element 15 are sandwiched between glass plates 11 and 12 to form a laminate. Then, for example, this laminate is placed in a rubber bag and bonded at a temperature of about 70°C to 110°C in a vacuum with a gauge pressure of -65 kPa to -100 kPa. The heating conditions, temperature conditions, and lamination method are appropriately selected in consideration of the properties of the light control element 15, for example, so that it does not deteriorate during lamination.

[0094] Furthermore, by carrying out a pressure bonding treatment under conditions of heating and pressing at 100°C to 150°C and an absolute pressure of 0.6 MPa to 1.3 MPa, for example, it is possible to obtain a laminated glass 10 with even greater durability. However, in some cases, in order to simplify the process and in consideration of the properties of the material to be filled in the laminated glass 10, this heating and pressing step may not be used.

[0095] In addition to the interlayer 13 and the light control element 15, films or devices having functions such as heating, infrared reflection, light emission, power generation, light control, touch panel, visible light reflection, scattering, decoration, and absorption may be provided between the glass plates 11 and 12, so long as the effects of the present application are not impaired. Furthermore, the surface of the laminated glass 10 may have a film having functions such as anti-fogging, water repellency, heat shielding, and low reflection. Furthermore, the surface of the glass plate 11 facing the vehicle exterior and the surface of the glass plate 12 facing the vehicle interior may have a film having functions such as heat shielding and heat generation.

[0096] Thus, in the laminated glass 10, t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1), and thus the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced. As a result, in the process of producing the laminated glass 10, degassing defects around the electrodes can be suppressed (improved exhaust performance of residual air), and appearance defects such as bubbles and residual air can be prevented.

[0097] First Modification of the First Embodiment In Modification 1 of the first embodiment, an example of laminated glass including a light control element having an electrode structure different from that of the first embodiment is shown. Note that in Modification 1 of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those of the already described embodiments may be omitted.

[0098] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment, and Fig. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the laminated glass is attached to a vehicle and is visually recognized from outside the vehicle interior, and Fig. 2(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 2(a).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2, the laminated glass 10A differs from the laminated glass 10 (see FIG. 1) in that the light control element 15 is replaced with a light control element 15A.

[0100] The light control element 15A has a pair of electrodes 156A1 and 156A2, which is different from the light control element 15 (see FIG. 1) having one electrode 156. The light control element 15A has the same configuration as the light control element 15 except for the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2.

[0101] An electrode lead-out wiring 161 for connecting the electrode 156A1 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156A1, and an electrode lead-out wiring 162 for connecting the electrode 156A2 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156A2.

[0102] The electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 are disposed, for example, at positions overlapping with the shielding layer 14 in a plan view. The electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 are disposed in a portion where the light control element 15A is half-cut.

[0103] In detail, the electrode 156A1 is disposed so that a first main surface thereof contacts the surface of the conductive film 152 exposed by partially removing the base material 155, the conductive film 154, and the light control layer 153. The second main surface of the electrode 156A1 contacts the intermediate film 132. The electrode 156A2 is disposed so that a second main surface thereof contacts the surface of the conductive film 154 exposed by partially removing the base material 151, the conductive film 152, and the light control layer 153. The first main surface of the electrode 156A2 contacts the intermediate film 131. Here, the first main surfaces of the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 are surfaces facing the glass plate 11 side. The second main surfaces of the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 are surfaces opposite to the first main surfaces and facing the glass plate 12 side.

[0104] The electrode 156A1 is, for example, a positive electrode, and is connected to the positive side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via an electrode lead-out wiring 161. The electrode 156A2 is, for example, a negative electrode, and is connected to the negative side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via an electrode lead-out wiring 162.

[0105] When a voltage is supplied to the light-adjusting layer 153 from a power source such as a battery via the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2, the transmittance of the light-adjusting layer 153 changes depending on the voltage.

[0106] The material of the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2, the method of bonding them to the conductive film, and the length, width, and thickness are the same as those exemplified for the electrode 156 in the first embodiment.

[0107] Since the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 need to be hidden by the shielding layer 14, they are arranged, for example, at both longitudinal ends (both short side sides) of the dimming element 15A and approximately parallel to the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0108] The electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 are preferably disposed 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more, inward from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12. Such an arrangement can reduce the risk of moisture penetrating from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, causing corrosion of the electrodes 156A1 and 156A2, or causing a short circuit between electrodes of different potentials.

[0109] In the laminated glass 10A, t1, t2, and w are determined to satisfy formula (1), similarly to the laminated glass 10. However, in the laminated glass 10A, since there is no step on the second reference surface 159 side, t2 = 0. Note that when the length of the short side of the electrode 156A1 is w1 and the length of the short side of the electrode 156A2 is w2, and w1 ≠ w2, each of w1 and w2 satisfies formula (1).

[0110] Thus, the connection between the electrode and the conductive film is not particularly limited, and may be an insertion type electrode as shown in FIG. 1, or a half-cut type electrode as shown in FIG.

[0111] In either case, when t1, t2, and w of the laminated glass satisfy formula (1), the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced, which makes it possible to suppress degassing defects around the electrodes (improve the ability to remove residual air) in the process of producing the laminated glass, and to prevent defects in appearance such as bubbles and residual air.

[0112] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1) and t1≦0.15 mm. By satisfying this requirement, degassing defects around the electrodes can be further suppressed in the process of producing the laminated glass 10A.

[0113] However, in the case of a laminated glass 10A having a half-cut electrode, it is more preferable that t1≦0.15 mm and the following requirement described with reference to FIG. 3 be satisfied.

[0114] 3 is a diagram illustrating a recess formed in an electrode non-forming portion, in which E1 indicates an electrode forming portion and E2 indicates an electrode non-forming portion.

[0115] Since the laminated glass 10A has a half-cut electrode, a recess 15x exposing the side wall of the electrode 156A2 is formed at the end of the electrode non-forming portion E2 on the electrode forming portion E1 side in a longitudinal cross section parallel to the short side direction of the electrode 156A2 as shown in Fig. 3 (the same applies to the end on the electrode 156A1 side). The recess 15x is recessed from the first reference surface 158 side of the electrode non-forming portion E2 toward the conductive film 154 side, and the bottom surface is formed by the conductive film 154.

[0116] Here, as an example, a case will be considered in which, when the bottom surface of the recess 15x is used as a reference, at least one of the height t3 of the first side wall of the recess 15x, which is the side wall of the electrode 156A2, and the height t4 of the second side wall on the electrode non-forming portion E2 side facing the first side wall, is greater than 0.15 mm. In this case, a shorter distance wx between the first side wall and the second side wall is preferable in terms of improving degassing properties. Specifically, a distance wx between the first side wall and the second side wall of 5 mm or less is preferable in terms of having little effect on degassing, a distance of 3 mm or less is preferable in terms of having even less effect on degassing, and a distance of 2 mm or less is preferable in terms of having even less effect on degassing.

[0117] As another example, consider a case where the height t3 of the first side wall of the recess 15x, which is the side wall of the electrode 156A2, and the height t4 of the second side wall on the electrode non-forming portion E2 side facing the first side wall are both greater than 0.15 mm when the bottom surface of the recess 15x is used as a reference. In this case as well, a shorter distance wx between the first side wall and the second side wall is preferable in terms of improving degassing. Specifically, a distance wx between the first side wall and the second side wall of 5 mm or less is preferable in terms of having little effect on degassing, a distance of 3 mm or less is preferable in terms of having even less effect on degassing, and a distance of 2 mm or less is preferable in terms of having even less effect on degassing.

[0118] Second Modification of the First Embodiment In Modification 2 of the first embodiment, an example of laminated glass including a light control element having an electrode arrangement different from that of Modification 1 of the first embodiment is shown. Note that in Modification 2 of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the already described embodiments may be omitted.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, and shows a schematic view of the laminated glass attached to a vehicle and viewed from outside the vehicle interior.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 4, the laminated glass 10B differs from the laminated glass 10A (see FIG. 2) in that the light control element 15A is replaced with a light control element 15B.

[0121] The light control element 15B differs from the light control element 15A (see FIG. 2) having a pair of electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 in that the light control element 15B has a pair of electrodes 156B1 and 156B2. The configuration of the light control element 15B is the same as that of the light control element 15A except for the electrodes 156B1 and 156B2.

[0122] An electrode lead-out wiring 161 for connecting the electrode 156B1 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156B1, and an electrode lead-out wiring 162 for connecting the electrode 156B2 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156B2.

[0123] The material, the method of bonding to the conductive film, the length, width, and thickness of the electrodes 156B1 and 156B2 are the same as those exemplified for the electrode 156 in the first embodiment.

[0124] Since electrodes 156B1 and 156B2 need to be concealed by the shielding layer 14, they are arranged, for example, at either end (either short side) of the longitudinal direction of the dimming element 15B, approximately parallel to the peripheral portions (edges) of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0125] The electrodes 156B1 and 156B2 are preferably disposed 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more, inward from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12. Such an arrangement can reduce the risk of moisture penetrating from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, causing corrosion of the electrodes 156B1 and 156B2, or causing a short circuit between electrodes of different potentials.

[0126] In the laminated glass 10B, t1, t2, and w are determined to satisfy formula (1) in the same manner as in the laminated glass 10A. However, in the laminated glass 10B, there is no step on the second reference surface 159 side, so t2 = 0. Note that when the length of the short side of the electrode 156B1 is w1 and the length of the short side of the electrode 156B2 is w2, and w1≠w2, each of w1 and w2 satisfies formula (1).

[0127] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1) and t1≦0.15 mm. By satisfying this requirement, degassing defects around the electrodes can be further suppressed in the process of producing the laminated glass 10B.

[0128] Similarly to the laminated glass 10A, in a longitudinal section parallel to the short direction of the electrodes, the laminated glass 10B has recesses at the ends of the electrode non-forming parts on the electrode forming part side that expose the side walls of the electrodes 156B1 and 156B2.

[0129] In this case, as in the laminated glass 10A, when at least one of the heights of the first side wall and the second side wall of the recess is greater than 0.15 mm, a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall of 5 mm or less is preferable in that it has little effect on degassing, a distance of 3 mm or less is preferable in that it has even less effect on degassing, and a distance of 2 mm or less is preferable in that it has even less effect on degassing.

[0130] Furthermore, even if both the height of the first side wall and the height of the second side wall of the recess are greater than 0.15 mm, it is preferable that the distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is 5 mm or less, as this has little effect on degassing, preferably 3 mm or less, as this has even less effect on degassing, and preferably 2 mm or less, as this has even less effect on degassing.

[0131] In this manner, the pair of electrodes may be arranged facing each other on the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, or may be arranged in a row with a predetermined distance between them on the same side of the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0132] In either case, when t1, t2, and w of the laminated glass satisfy formula (1), the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced, which makes it possible to suppress degassing defects around the electrodes (improve the ability to remove residual air) in the process of producing the laminated glass, and to prevent defects in appearance such as bubbles and residual air.

[0133] <Modification 3 of the First Embodiment> In Modification 3 of the first embodiment, another example of laminated glass including a light control element having an electrode arrangement different from that of Modification 1 of the first embodiment is shown. Note that in Modification 3 of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the already described embodiments may be omitted.

[0134] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a laminated glass according to a third modification of the first embodiment, and shows a schematic view of the laminated glass attached to a vehicle and viewed from outside the vehicle interior.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5, the laminated glass 10C differs from the laminated glass 10A (see FIG. 2) in that the light control element 15A is replaced with a light control element 15C.

[0136] The light control element 15C differs from the light control element 15A (see FIG. 2) having a pair of electrodes 156A1 and 156A2 in that the light control element 15C has a pair of electrodes 156C1 and 156C2. The configuration of the light control element 15C is the same as that of the light control element 15A except for the electrodes 156C1 and 156C2.

[0137] An electrode lead-out wiring 161 for connecting the electrode 156C1 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156C1, and an electrode lead-out wiring 162 for connecting the electrode 156C2 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156C2.

[0138] The material, the method of bonding to the conductive film, the length, width, and thickness of the electrodes 156C1 and 156C2 are the same as those exemplified for the electrode 156 in the first embodiment.

[0139] Since electrodes 156C1 and 156C2 need to be concealed by the shielding layer 14, they are arranged, for example, at either end (either long side) of the short side of the dimming element 15C, approximately parallel to the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0140] The electrodes 156C1 and 156C2 are preferably disposed 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more, inward from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12. Such an arrangement can reduce the risk of moisture penetrating from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, causing corrosion of the electrodes 156C1 and 156C2, or causing a short circuit between electrodes of different potentials.

[0141] In the laminated glass 10C, t1, t2, and w are determined to satisfy formula (1), similarly to the laminated glass 10A. However, in the laminated glass 10C, there is no step on the second reference surface 159 side, so t2 = 0. Note that when the length of the short side of the electrode 156C1 is w1 and the length of the short side of the electrode 156C2 is w2, and w1≠w2, each of w1 and w2 satisfies formula (1).

[0142] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1) and t1≦0.15 mm. By satisfying this requirement, degassing defects around the electrodes can be further suppressed in the process of producing the laminated glass 10C.

[0143] Similarly to the laminated glass 10A, the laminated glass 10C has recesses exposing the side walls of the electrodes 156C1 and 156C2 at the ends of the electrode non-forming parts on the electrode forming part side in a longitudinal section parallel to the short side direction of the electrodes.

[0144] In this case, as in the laminated glass 10A, when at least one of the heights of the first side wall and the second side wall of the recess is greater than 0.15 mm, a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall of 5 mm or less is preferable in that it has little effect on degassing, a distance of 3 mm or less is preferable in that it has even less effect on degassing, and a distance of 2 mm or less is preferable in that it has even less effect on degassing.

[0145] Furthermore, even if both the height of the first side wall and the height of the second side wall of the recess are greater than 0.15 mm, it is preferable that the distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is 5 mm or less, as this has little effect on degassing, preferably 3 mm or less, as this has even less effect on degassing, and preferably 2 mm or less, as this has even less effect on degassing.

[0146] In this way, the pair of electrodes may be arranged to face each other at both ends of the light control element in the longitudinal direction, or may be arranged in a row at a predetermined interval at either end of the light control element in the longitudinal direction, or may be arranged in a row at a predetermined interval at either end of the light control element in the lateral direction.

[0147] In either case, when t1, t2, and w of the laminated glass satisfy formula (1), the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced, which makes it possible to suppress degassing defects around the electrodes (improve the ability to remove residual air) in the process of producing the laminated glass, and to prevent defects in appearance such as bubbles and residual air.

[0148] Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment In the fourth modification of the first embodiment, an example of laminated glass provided with an electric heating element is shown. Note that in the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the embodiments already described may be omitted.

[0149] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a laminated glass according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment, and Fig. 6(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the laminated glass is attached to a vehicle and is visually recognized from outside the vehicle interior, and Fig. 6(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 6(a).

[0150] Referring to FIG. 6, the laminated glass 10D differs from the laminated glass 10A (see FIG. 2) in that the light control element 15A is replaced with an electric heating element 15D.

[0151] The electric heating element 15D is an element capable of heating the laminated glass 10D. The electric heating element 15D may be disposed over substantially the entire laminated glass 10D or over only a portion of the laminated glass 10D, as necessary. The electric heating element 15D has a planar shape of, for example, a rectangle. For example, the outer edge of the electric heating element 15D is located at a position overlapping the shielding layer 14 in a planar view.

[0152] The electric heating element 15D is in the form of a film including a base material 155, a heat generating portion 154D, and electrodes 156D1 and D2, and is enclosed in the intermediate film 13. That is, the electric heating element 15D is surrounded by the intermediate film 13.

[0153] The heat generating portion 154D can be formed from a conductive film of, for example, gold, silver, copper, tin-doped indium oxide, or the like. The heat generating portion 154D can be formed by, for example, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method such as a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, or an ion plating method. The heat generating portion 154D may also be formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method or a wet coating method.

[0154] A heating wire or a metal mesh may be used as the heating portion 154D. The material of the heating wire or the metal mesh is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and examples thereof include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, and tungsten, and an alloy containing two or more metals selected from this group.

[0155] An electrode lead-out wiring 161 for connecting the electrode 156D1 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156D1, and an electrode lead-out wiring 162 for connecting the electrode 156D2 to an external circuit is connected to the electrode 156D2.

[0156] The first main surfaces of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are in contact with the intermediate film 131. The second main surfaces of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are in contact with the surface of the heat generating portion 154D. Here, the first main surfaces of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are surfaces facing the glass plate 11. In addition, the second main surfaces of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are surfaces opposite to the first main surfaces and facing the glass plate 12.

[0157] The electrode 156D1 is, for example, a positive electrode, and is connected to the positive side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via an electrode lead-out wiring 161. The electrode 156D2 is, for example, a negative electrode, and is connected to the negative side of a power source such as a battery mounted on the vehicle via an electrode lead-out wiring 162.

[0158] When a voltage is supplied to the heating part 154D from a power source such as a battery via the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2, the amount of heat generated by the heating part 154D is varied according to the voltage. When the heating part 154D generates heat, it has the effect of unfreezing the moisture adhering to the laminated glass 10D (melting ice) and clearing the fog (defogging).

[0159] The material, the method of bonding to the conductive film, the length, width, and thickness of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are the same as those exemplified for the electrode 156 in the first embodiment.

[0160] Since the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 need to be concealed by the shielding layer 14, they are arranged, for example, at both longitudinal ends (both short side sides) of the electric heating element 15D and approximately parallel to the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0161] Since the electric heating element 15D requires uniform current distribution, it is preferable that the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are arranged over the entire area of ​​the sides of the electric heating element 15D as shown in Fig. 5(a). On the other hand, in the case of a functional element such as the light control element 15 that exhibits a function by applying a voltage, the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 may be arranged only on a part of the sides as shown in Fig. 2(a) and the like.

[0162] The electrodes 156D1 and 156D2 are preferably disposed 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more, inward from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12. Such an arrangement can reduce the risk of moisture penetrating from the peripheral edges of the glass plates 11 and 12, causing corrosion of the electrodes 156D1 and 156D2, or causing a short circuit between electrodes of different potentials.

[0163] In the laminated glass 10D, t1, t2, and w are determined to satisfy formula (1) in the same manner as in the laminated glass 10A. However, in the laminated glass 10D, there is no step on the second reference surface 159 side, so t2 = 0. Note that when the length of the short side of the electrode 156D1 is w1 and the length of the short side of the electrode 156D2 is w2, and w1≠w2, each of w1 and w2 satisfies formula (1).

[0164] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1) and t1≦0.15 mm. By satisfying this requirement, degassing defects around the electrodes can be further suppressed in the process of producing the laminated glass 10D.

[0165] Thus, in laminated glass, the functional element to be encapsulated in the interlayer is not limited to a light control element, and may be, for example, an electric heating element. Even when an electric heating element is encapsulated in the interlayer of laminated glass, the thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced by making the t1, t2, and w of the laminated glass satisfy the formula (1). Therefore, in the process of producing the laminated glass, it is possible to suppress degassing defects around the electrodes (improve the exhaust performance of residual air), and prevent appearance defects such as bubbles and residual air from occurring.

[0166] In addition to the dimming element and the electric heating element, examples of functional elements that can be encapsulated in the interlayer film of laminated glass include organic electro-luminescence (EL), inorganic electro-luminescence (EL), light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal display elements, solar cells, and the like, which are manufactured on a substrate or bonded or adhered to a substrate.

[0167] Even when these functional elements are encapsulated in the interlayer of laminated glass, thickness deviation around the electrodes is reduced if the t1, t2, and w of the laminated glass satisfy formula (1). Therefore, in the process of producing the laminated glass, degassing defects around the electrodes can be suppressed (improved evacuation of residual air), and appearance defects such as bubbles and residual air can be prevented.

[0168] The laminated glass 10D shown in FIG. 6 may be modified into a laminated glass 10E shown in FIG. 7, a laminated glass 10F shown in FIG. 8, or a laminated glass 10G shown in FIG.

[0169] In the laminated glass 10E shown in Fig. 7, the electric heating element 15E has an electrode 156D3 that is stepped from the inside to the outside of the electric heating element 15E. In the laminated glass 10F shown in Fig. 8, the electric heating element 15F has an electrode 156D4 that is inclined in a wedge shape from the inside to the outside of the electric heating element 15F.

[0170] 9, a base material 155G of an electric heating element 15G also functions as an interlayer film, and a second reference surface 159 side of the base material 155G is directly bonded to a glass plate 12. A first reference surface 158 side of the base material 155G is bonded to a glass plate 11 via an interlayer film 13. When the base material 155G also functions as an interlayer film, the materials exemplified as the materials for the interlayer film, such as PVB, can be used as the material for the base material 155G.

[0171] Each of the laminated glasses 10E, 10F, and 10G also exhibits the same effects as the laminated glass 10D when t1, t2, and w satisfy formula (1).

[0172] [Example] Examples and Comparative Examples will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples. Among them, Examples 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12 are Examples, and Examples 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 13 are Comparative Examples.

[0173] (Example 1) A glass sheet (inside glass sheet) that would become the inner sheet when laminated glass was made and a glass sheet (outside glass sheet) that would become the outer sheet were prepared (manufactured by AGC, commonly known as VFL). The dimensions of the inside glass sheet and the outside glass sheet were 300 mm long x 300 mm wide x 2 mm thick.

[0174] Next, a polyethylene terephthalate film (PET film) of 220 mm length × 220 mm width was prepared as a functional element. Then, a PET film as an electrode was fixed along the edge of the PET film as a functional element. The size of each part of the PET film as an electrode was adjusted so that t1, t2, and w were the values ​​shown in the column of Example 1 in FIG. 10 (however, t2=0 in each example).

[0175] Next, two interlayer films (Solutia Japan PVB, thickness 0.38 mm) were prepared. Then, one interlayer film, a PET film likened to a functional element, and the other interlayer film were sandwiched in this order between the glass plate on the inside side of the vehicle and the glass plate on the outside side of the vehicle to prepare a laminate. The position of the PET film likened to a functional element was adjusted so that the distance from the edge of the glass plate to the edge of the PET film was 40 mm.

[0176] Next, the laminate was placed in a rubber bag and bonded at a temperature of about 70°C to 110°C in a vacuum with a gauge pressure of -65kPa to -100kPa. Then, it was heated and pressed under conditions of a temperature of 100°C to 150°C and an absolute pressure of 0.6MPa to 1.3MPa to prepare laminated glass for evaluation. Two types of laminated glass for evaluation were prepared, with the PET film acting as the electrode having a length of 100mm and 50mm.

[0177] (Examples 2 to 10) Laminated glass for evaluation was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the size of each part of the PET film used as an electrode was adjusted so that t1, t2, and w were the values ​​shown in the columns for Examples 2 to 10 in Fig. 10. Note that, like in Example 1, two types of laminated glass for evaluation were produced, one in which the length of the PET film used as an electrode was 100 mm and the other in which it was 50 mm.

[0178] (Example 11 to Example 13) As the functional element, an SPD film (manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) with a 90 μm thick light control layer was used, and as the electrode, a 70 μm thick copper tape was used. The electrode was prepared by half-cutting the SPD film to expose one side of the transparent conductive film, and attaching the copper tape thereto. Two types of gaps between the copper tape and the SPD film were prepared, 3 mm (Example 11) and 5 mm (Examples 12 and 13). In addition, two types of electrode heights were prepared, 70 μm (Examples 11 and 12) and 210 μm (Example 13). The electrode with a height of 210 μm was prepared by stacking three sheets of 70 μm copper tape. Except for this, laminated glass for evaluation was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. As in Example 1, two types of laminated glass for evaluation were prepared, with electrode lengths of 100 mm and 50 mm. (However, t2=0 in each example).

[0179] (evaluation) For each of the laminated glasses for evaluation produced in Examples 1 to 13, the presence or absence of bubbles and air residue in the interlayer was confirmed.

[0180] The evaluation method was to conduct a bake test (120°C, 2 hours) on the laminated glass for evaluation, and visually check the presence or absence of bubbles and air bubbles in the interlayer after the bake test. If bubbles or air bubbles were found in the interlayer, it was rated as × (fail), and if neither bubbles nor air bubbles were found in the interlayer, it was rated as ◯ (pass).

[0181] The evaluation results are shown in Figure 10, along with the values ​​of t1, t2, and w of the PET film used as an electrode. Also, the results are shown in Figure 11, along with the values ​​of t1, t2, t3, t4, w, and wx of the copper tape actually used as an electrode. Note that the evaluation results were identical when the PET film used as an electrode was 100 mm or 50 mm long, so the length of the PET film used as an electrode is not shown in Figure 10. The evaluation results were identical when the copper tape used as an electrode was 100 mm or 50 mm long, so the length of the copper tape used as an electrode is not shown in Figure 11.

[0182] 10 and 11, when w×t1 was 0.375, 0.42, 0.5, 0.625, and 0.7, no bubbles or air bubbles were found in the interlayer film, and the evaluation results were ◯ (pass). On the other hand, when w×t1 was 0.75, 0.875, 1, 1.25, 1.26, and 1.3, bubbles or air bubbles were found in the interlayer film, and the evaluation results were × (fail).

[0183] From these results, it can be said that if t1 and w satisfy 0≦w×t1≦0.7 (with the proviso that 3≦w≦20), poor degassing around the electrodes can be suppressed (improving the ability to remove residual air), and the occurrence of bubbles or residual air in the intermediate film can be prevented.

[0184] In addition, since the effect on degassing is considered to be the same on the t1 side and the t2 side, it can be said from this result that when t2 is not 0, if t2 and w satisfy 0≦w×t2≦0.7 (however, 3≦w≦20), it is possible to suppress poor degassing around the electrodes (improve the ability to exhaust residual air) and prevent bubbles or residual air from forming in the intermediate film.

[0185] 11, when t1 was 0.07 mm, t2 was 0 mm, t3 was 0.07 mm, t4 was 0.22 mm, and wx was 3 mm or 5 mm, no bubbles or air bubbles were found in the interlayer, and the evaluation result was ◯ (pass).On the other hand, when t1 was 0.21 mm, t2 was 0 mm, t3 was 0.21 mm, t4 was 0.22 mm, and wx was 5 mm, bubbles or air bubbles were found in the interlayer, and the evaluation result was × (fail).

[0186] From these results, it can be said that in a half-cut electrode, if at least one of the following (1) and (2) is satisfied, poor degassing around the electrode can be further suppressed (improved exhaust performance of residual air), and the occurrence of bubbles or residual air in the intermediate film can be further prevented.

[0187] (1) t1≦0.15[mm] and t2≦0.15[mm], (2) At least one of t3 and t4 is greater than 0.15 mm and wx≦5 [mm].

[0188] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0189] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-206824, filed on November 15, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G Laminated Glass 11, 12 Glass plate 13, 131, 132, 133 Interlayer 14 Shielding layer 15, 15A, 15B, 15C Dimming element 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G Heating elements 16, 161, 162 electrode lead wiring 151, 155, 155G base material 152, 154 Conductive film 153 Photochromic Layer 154D Heat generating part 156, 156A1, 156A2, 156B1, 156B2, 156C1, 156C2, 156D1, 156D2, 156D3, 156D4 electrode 158 1st reference plane 159 2nd reference plane

Claims

1. A pair of glass plates; an interlayer film positioned between the pair of glass sheets; a functional element located between the pair of glass plates and in contact with the interlayer film, The functional element includes at least one conductive film and at least one electrode electrically connected to the conductive film; The functional element is The electrode-formed portion has the electrode formed thereon, and the electrode-non-formed portion has no electrode formed thereon, a first reference surface in contact with the intermediate film on one side of the pair of glass sheets in the electrode-free portion, and a second reference surface in contact with the intermediate film on the other side of the pair of glass sheets, where t1 [mm] is an average value of the height of the electrode formation portion when the first reference plane is used as a reference, t2 [mm] is an average value of the height of the electrode formation portion when the second reference plane is used as a reference, and w [mm] is a length in the short side direction of the electrode, the following conditions are satisfied: 0≦w×t1≦0.7 and 0≦w×t2≦0.7 (with the proviso that 3≦w≦20); the functional element is a dimming element or a heating element, The light control element is A substrate on which a conductive film is formed, the substrate being disposed opposite to each other; and a light control layer disposed between the opposing substrates, the light control layer being made of one or more selected from the group consisting of suspended particle devices, guest-host liquid crystals, photochromic devices, electrochromic devices, and electrokinetic devices.

2. 2. The laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein t1≦0.15 [mm] and t2≦0.15 [mm].

3. a recess exposing a side wall of the electrode is formed at an end of the non-electrode portion on the electrode formation portion side in a longitudinal cross section parallel to a short side direction of the electrode, 3. The laminated glass according to claim 2, wherein, when a bottom surface of the recess is used as a reference, at least one of a height of a first side wall of the recess which is a side wall of the electrode and a height of a second side wall facing the first side wall on the side of the electrode non-formed portion is greater than 0.15 mm, and a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall in a direction parallel to a short side direction of the electrode is 5 mm or less.

4. a recess exposing a side wall of the electrode is formed at an end of the non-electrode portion on the electrode formation portion side in a longitudinal cross section parallel to a short side direction of the electrode, When a bottom surface of the recess is used as a reference, a height of a first side wall of the recess, which is a side wall of the electrode, and a height of a second side wall facing the first side wall on the side of the electrode non-formation portion are both greater than 0.15 mm, The laminated glass according to claim 2 , wherein a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall in a direction parallel to a short side direction of the electrode is 5 mm or less.

5. 5. The laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein the electrode has a length in a longitudinal direction of 5 mm or more.

6. The laminated glass according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second principal surfaces of the electrode are in contact with a film other than the interlayer film.

7. The laminated glass according to claim 1 , wherein the first principal surface or the second principal surface of the electrode is in contact with the interlayer film.

8. The laminated glass according to claim 1 , wherein the functional element has a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

9. 9. The laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are made of one or more of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, titanium, iridium, zinc, magnesium, and tin.

10. The laminated glass according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode is joined to the conductive film by any one of a conductive adhesive material, an anisotropic conductive film, and solder.

11. The laminated glass according to claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are disposed 10 mm or more inward from peripheral edges of the pair of glass plates.

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