Eyeglass lenses and eyeglasses

Abstract

To provide an antibacterial eyeglass lens. [Solution] A spectacle lens having a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a water-repellent layer in that order, and further having a metal-containing layer between the inorganic layer and the water-repellent layer, wherein the metal contained in the metal-containing layer is silver and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to eyeglass lenses and eyeglasses. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-327622 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In recent years, the need for antibacterial properties has been increasing. Under these circumstances, if eyeglass lenses can be given a function that suppresses the growth of bacteria (i.e., antibacterial properties), the added value of eyeglass lenses can be increased.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide spectacle lenses that have antibacterial properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is, It has a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a water-repellent layer in this order. A metal-containing layer is further provided between the inorganic layer and the water-repellent layer. The metal contained in the above metal-containing layer is Silver (hereinafter also referred to as "the first metal") and, One or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium (hereinafter also referred to as the "second metal"), Eyeglass lenses, Regarding.

[0007] The above-mentioned metal-containing layer can function as an antibacterial layer to impart antibacterial properties to eyeglass lenses. By having such a layer, the eyeglass lenses can exhibit antibacterial properties. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an antibacterial spectacle lens and spectacles equipped with such a spectacle lens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vacuum deposition apparatus equipped with an electron gun. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Eyeglass lenses] The following provides a more detailed explanation of the above-mentioned eyeglass lenses.

[0011] <Metal-containing layer> The above-mentioned eyeglass lens has a metal-containing layer between the inorganic layer and the water-repellent layer, and the metal contained in this metal-containing layer is silver and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium.

[0012] The above metal-containing layer contains silver (Ag) as the first metal and one or more metals other than silver as the second metal. The second metal is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and titanium (Ti), and is preferably one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, and gold, and more preferably platinum. In one form, the above metal-containing layer may contain only one metal selected from the above group as the second metal, and in another form, it may contain two or more metals.

[0013] The metal in the metal-containing layer may exist in the form of an elemental metal or an alloy, an inorganic or organic compound, or a metal ion. Silver can exist in multiple forms in the metal-containing layer. The same applies to the second metal. The inventors believe that at least a portion of the first metal, silver, can ionize through oxidation to exhibit antibacterial properties, and that this contributes to the metal-containing layer functioning as an antibacterial layer. Furthermore, the inventors believe that selecting a second metal that has the effect of controlling the progression of silver oxidation contributes to enhancing the persistence of antibacterial properties. However, the present invention is not limited to the inferences described herein.

[0014] The above-mentioned metal-containing layer can, in one embodiment, be a metal-containing inorganic layer. In the present invention and this specification, "inorganic layer" means a layer containing an inorganic substance, preferably a layer mainly composed of an inorganic substance. Here, the main component is the component that makes up the largest amount in the layer, and usually accounts for about 50% to 100% by mass, and more preferably about 90% to 100% by mass, of the mass of the layer. The same applies to the main component described later. The metal-containing inorganic layer can contain the first metal and the second metal in the form of inorganic substances such as elemental metals, alloys, and inorganic compounds. Inorganic substances are preferred as components for layers provided in eyeglass lenses, which are often subjected to heating processes during the manufacturing process, because they have high thermal stability and tend not to decompose easily.

[0015] The above metal-containing layer is a layer positioned between the above inorganic layer and the above water-repellent layer, and can be formed on the inorganic layer by a film-forming method selected from the group consisting of a dry film-forming method and a wet film-forming method. Examples of the dry film-forming method include physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition methods, and examples of the wet film-forming method include coating methods and the like. From the viewpoint of ease of forming a metal-containing layer of a thin film excellent in film thickness uniformity, the dry film-forming method is preferable as the film-forming method of the above metal-containing layer, and the physical vapor deposition method is more preferable. Examples of the physical vapor deposition method include evaporation methods, sputtering methods, and the like, and the evaporation method is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of forming a metal-containing layer of a thin film excellent in film thickness uniformity, the electron beam (EB; Electron Beam) evaporation method is more preferable.

[0016] Electron beam deposition is a film deposition method in which an electron beam is irradiated from an electron gun onto a deposition source in a vacuum, heating and vaporizing the deposition material contained in the deposition source, and depositing it onto the object to be deposited, thereby forming a deposited film. In contrast, there is also a deposition method in which the deposition material is heated and vaporized by heating the internal atmosphere of the deposition apparatus using a heating means (heater, etc.) placed inside the deposition apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "thermal deposition method"). In the thermal deposition method, the object to be deposited, placed inside the deposition apparatus, is also heated. On the other hand, as will be described later, a plastic lens substrate is preferred as the lens substrate for eyeglass lenses, but a plastic lens substrate can deform when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, when performing film deposition on a plastic lens substrate using the thermal deposition method, it is preferable to set the heating temperature considering the suppression of deformation of the plastic lens substrate. On the other hand, the heating temperature set in this way may not necessarily be suitable for the deposition material, so it may not be easy to form a thin film with excellent uniformity of film thickness. Alternatively, it may be necessary to select a deposition material that can be vaporized at the set heating temperature, which may limit the types of deposition materials that can be used. In contrast, in electron beam deposition, the deposition material is heated by irradiating the deposition source with an electron beam, so a deposited film can be formed without exposing the object to be deposited to high temperatures, as in the above-mentioned thermal deposition method. From this viewpoint, electron beam deposition is particularly preferred as a method for depositing the metal-containing layer. Specific embodiments of the electron beam deposition method for depositing the metal-containing layer will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0017] As the deposition source, a deposition source containing a first metal and a second metal can be used. Such a deposition source can be prepared, for example, by the following method. A solution containing particles of a first metal, silver (silver particles), is prepared (hereinafter also referred to as the "solution of the first metal"). Such a solution may be, for example, an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion of silver particles. The concentration of silver particles in the solution of the first metal may be, for example, in the range of 1,000 to 10,000 ppm. In this invention and specification, ppm is based on mass. Separate from the above solution, prepare a solution containing one or more kinds of particles of a second metal (hereinafter also referred to as "the solution of the second metal"). Such a solution can be, for example, an aqueous solution and can be an aqueous dispersion of particles of the second metal. Also, as the solution of the second metal, only one kind of solution containing one or more kinds of particles of the second metal can be used, or two or more kinds of solutions containing one or more kinds of particles of the second metal can be used. In any case, the concentration of the particles of the second metal in the solution of the second metal can be, for example, in the range of 1000 to 10000 ppm. Here, when the solution of the second metal contains two or more kinds of particles of the second metal, the above concentration refers to the concentration of the total of those two or more kinds of metal particles. As each of the above solutions, for example, commercially available products that are commercially available as aqueous dispersions of metal particles can be used as they are, or commercially available products can be diluted and used. After thus preparing the above solution, impregnate the carrier with the above solution. The above plurality of kinds of solutions may be impregnated into the carrier separately, simultaneously, or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a plurality of kinds of solutions may be impregnated into the carrier. The liquid volume of the solution of the first metal to be impregnated into the carrier can be, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 ml. The liquid volume of the solution of the second metal to be impregnated into the carrier can be, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 ml. Also, with respect to the liquid volume of the solution of the first metal, the liquid volume of the solution of the second metal can be in the range of 0.1 to 5 times. Here, when two or more kinds of solutions are used as the solution of the second metal, the above liquid volume refers to the total liquid volume of those two or more kinds of solutions. Examples of the method of impregnating the carrier with the solution include a method of injecting or spraying the solution onto the carrier, a method of immersing the carrier in the solution, and the like. Also, the above carrier can be, for example, a porous body and can be made of, for example, metal, alloy, or ceramic. Specific examples of the porous body include a sintered filter. The sintered filter can be a sintered body obtained by sintering powder materials such as metal powder, alloy powder, and ceramic powder. After impregnating the carrier with the above solution, the first metal particles and the second metal particles can be supported on the carrier by drying them using a known method.

[0018] From the viewpoint of being easily vaporized by electron beam irradiation, the particle size of each of the above metal particles is preferably 1 nm to 10 nm, and more preferably 1 nm to 5 nm.

[0019] Electron beam deposition can be performed in a vacuum deposition apparatus equipped with an electron gun. A schematic diagram of an example of such a vacuum deposition apparatus is shown in Figure 1. Inside the vacuum deposition apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 (generally called the "vacuum chamber"), the object to be deposited 11 and the electron gun 3 are arranged opposite each other with the deposition source 2 in between. The surface of the object to be deposited 11 on the deposition source side is the surface of the inorganic layer on which the metal-containing layer 14 will be deposited. The electron beam can be generated by passing a heating current through a filament provided in the electron gun 3. The heating current can be set according to the configuration of the electron gun used, the type of deposition material, etc. In addition, irradiation conditions such as the electron beam irradiation time can be set according to the desired film thickness, etc. When the electron beam EB generated from the electron gun is irradiated onto the deposition source 2, the deposition material contained in the deposition source is heated and vaporized, and deposited on the surface of the object to be deposited 11 to form the metal-containing layer 14. When using a deposition source in which first metal particles and second metal particles are supported on a carrier, as described above, the first metal particles and second metal particles, which are the deposition material, are heated and vaporized by electron beam irradiation, thereby forming a metal-containing layer 14 on the object to be deposited 11 as a deposited film containing these metals. The inside of the vacuum chamber is, for example, an atmospheric environment, and the internal pressure can generally be set to the pressure at which vacuum deposition is performed, for example, 2 × 10⁻⁶ -2 The Pa can be less than or equal to Pa. The electron beam deposition process is performed one or more times, and can be performed two or more times using the same or different types of deposition sources. For example, by performing electron beam deposition two or more times using the same or different types of deposition sources, a metal-containing layer with a thicker film thickness can be formed.

[0020] Incidentally, Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-327622 (Patent Document 1), mentioned above, states that the thickness of the surface hardened film formed by curing the antibacterial coating agent is preferably 0.5 μm or more (see paragraph 0019 of the said publication). However, such a thick layer can greatly affect the reflective and / or transmission characteristics of the spectacle lens, so it is presumed that if such a layer is provided on the spectacle lens to impart antibacterial properties, the optical design of the existing product must usually be significantly altered. In contrast, from the viewpoint of imparting antibacterial properties to spectacle lenses by including a layer that can function as an antibacterial layer without changing or significantly altering the optical design of the existing product, it is preferable that the thickness of the metal-containing layer be thin in order to reduce the influence of the presence of the metal-containing layer on the reflective and / or transmission characteristics of the spectacle lens. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the metal-containing layer is preferably 5 nm or less, more preferably 4 nm or less, and even more preferably 3 nm or less (for example, 1 nm to 3 nm). In the present invention and this specification, the thickness of the metal-containing layer is the physical thickness. This also applies to the various thicknesses in the present invention and this specification. Regarding the thickness of the metal-containing layer, in the case of spectacle lenses in which two or more layers of the same or different types of metal-containing layers are laminated by two or more deposition processes, the thickness refers to the total thickness of those two or more layers. The electron beam deposition method described earlier is a preferred deposition method for forming a deposited film with a thickness within the above range and excellent uniformity of thickness. The thickness of the various layers contained in the spectacle lens, such as the metal-containing layer, and the thickness of the lens substrate can be determined, for example, by cross-sectional observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0021] Next, the lens substrate and various layers included in the above-mentioned eyeglass lens will be described.

[0022] <Lens substrate> The lens substrate for eyeglass lenses can be a plastic lens substrate or a glass lens substrate. A glass lens substrate can be, for example, an inorganic glass lens substrate. As a lens substrate, a plastic lens substrate is preferred from the viewpoint of being lightweight, less prone to breakage, and easy to handle. Examples of plastic lens substrates include styrene resins such as (meth)acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, allyl resin, allyl carbonate resin such as diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate resin (CR-39), vinyl resin, polyester resin, polyether resin, urethane resin obtained by the reaction of an isocyanate compound with a hydroxyl compound such as diethylene glycol, thiourethane resin obtained by the reaction of an isocyanate compound with a polythiol compound, and cured products (generally called transparent resins) obtained by curing a curable composition containing a (thio)epoxy compound having one or more disulfide bonds in the molecule. As a lens substrate, an undyed one (colorless lens) or a dyed one (dyed lens) may be used. The refractive index of the lens substrate can be, for example, about 1.60 to 1.75. However, the refractive index of the lens substrate is not limited to the above range, and may be within the above range or outside of it. In the present invention and this specification, refractive index refers to the refractive index for light with a wavelength of 500 nm. Furthermore, the lens substrate may be a lens with refractive power (a so-called prescription lens) or a lens without refractive power (a so-called non-prescription lens).

[0023] Eyeglass lenses can be various types of lenses, such as single-vision lenses, multi-vision lenses, and progressive lenses. The type of lens is determined by the surface shape of both sides of the lens substrate. The surface of the lens substrate may be convex, concave, or flat. In typical lens substrates and eyeglass lenses, the surface facing the object is convex, and the surface facing the eyeball is concave. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0024] <Inorganic layer> The above-described spectacle lens has an inorganic layer on a lens substrate. In the present invention and this specification, the "inorganic layer" is a layer containing an inorganic substance, as previously described, and preferably a layer containing an inorganic substance as its main component. The main component is as previously described. The above-described inorganic layer may be a layer directly laminated on the surface of the lens substrate, or a layer indirectly laminated on the surface of the lens substrate via one or more other layers. Examples of the above-described other layers include one or more known layers such as a hard coat layer, a cured layer of a curable composition, and a primer layer provided to improve adhesion. The type and thickness of these layers are not particularly limited and can be determined according to the desired function and optical properties of the spectacle lens.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inorganic layer may be a multilayer film of two or more inorganic layers. When the inorganic layer is a multilayer film, the metal-containing layer is provided on the uppermost inorganic layer of this multilayer film (i.e., the inorganic layer furthest from the lens substrate). An example of such a multilayer film is a multilayer film containing one or more high refractive index layers and one or more low refractive index layers. Such a multilayer film may be an anti-reflective film having the property of preventing the reflection of light of a specific wavelength or light in a specific wavelength range, or a reflective film having the property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength or light in a specific wavelength range. In the present invention and this specification, "high" and "low" in relation to "high refractive index" and "low refractive index" are relative terms. That is, a high refractive index layer refers to a layer with a refractive index higher than that of a low refractive index layer included in the same multilayer film. In other words, a low refractive index layer refers to a layer with a refractive index lower than that of a high refractive index layer included in the same multilayer film. The refractive index of the high-refractive-index material constituting the high-refractive-index layer can be, for example, 1.60 or higher (e.g., in the range of 1.60 to 2.40), and the refractive index of the low-refractive-index material constituting the low-refractive-index layer can be, for example, 1.59 or lower (e.g., in the range of 1.37 to 1.59). However, as stated above, the terms "high" and "low" in relation to high and low refractive indices are relative, so the refractive indices of high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index materials are not limited to the above ranges.

[0026] Specifically, high refractive index materials for forming a high refractive index layer include one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2), tantalum oxide (e.g., Ta2O5), titanium oxide (e.g., TiO2), aluminum oxide (e.g., Al2O3), yttrium oxide (e.g., Y2O3), hafnium oxide (e.g., HfO2), and niobium oxide (e.g., Nb2O5). On the other hand, low refractive index materials for forming a low refractive index layer include one or more oxides or fluorides selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide (e.g., SiO2), magnesium fluoride (e.g., MgF2), and barium fluoride (e.g., BaF2). In the above examples, for convenience, oxides and fluorides are shown in stoichiometric composition, but materials with oxygen deficiencies or excesses in their stoichiometric composition can also be used as high or low refractive index materials.

[0027] Preferably, the high refractive index layer is a film mainly composed of a high refractive index material, and the low refractive index layer is a film mainly composed of a low refractive index material. Such a film (e.g., a vapor-deposited film) can be formed by depositing a film using a film-forming material (e.g., a vapor deposition material) mainly composed of the high refractive index material or the low refractive index material. The film and film-forming material may contain impurities that are inevitably mixed in, and may also contain other components, such as other inorganic substances or known additive components that play a role in assisting film formation, to the extent that they do not impair the function performed by the main component. Film formation can be carried out by known film formation methods, and from the viewpoint of ease of film formation, it is preferable to carry out the process by vapor deposition, and more preferably by vacuum deposition. The anti-reflective film can be, for example, a multilayer film in which a total of 3 to 10 layers of high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers are alternately stacked. The film thickness of the high refractive index layer and the film thickness of the low refractive index layer can be determined according to the layer configuration. More specifically, the combination of layers included in the multilayer film, and the thickness of each layer, can be determined by optical design simulation using known methods, based on the refractive index of the film-forming material for creating the high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index layers, and the desired reflection and transmission characteristics to be brought to the spectacle lens by providing the multilayer film. Furthermore, the multilayer film may include, at any position, one or more layers of conductive oxide (conductive oxide layers), preferably conductive oxide vapor-deposited films formed by vapor deposition using a vapor deposition material mainly composed of conductive oxide.

[0028] In the above-described eyeglass lens, the metal-containing layer is provided on the surface of the inorganic layer. The metal-containing layer may be a layer directly laminated on the surface of the inorganic layer, or it may be a layer indirectly laminated on the surface of the inorganic layer via one or more other layers. For other layers, please refer to the previous description.

[0029] <Water-repellent layer> In the above-described eyeglass lens, a water-repellent layer is provided on the surface of the metal-containing layer. In the present invention and this specification, "water-repellent layer" means a layer that contributes to the surface of the eyeglass lens exhibiting water repellency, or contributes to exhibiting better water repellency compared to a case without such a layer. The water-repellent layer may be a layer directly laminated on the surface of the metal-containing layer, or a layer indirectly laminated on the surface of the metal-containing layer via one or more other layers. For other layers, refer to the above description.

[0030] The above-mentioned water-repellent layer can be deposited on the metal-containing layer by performing a film-forming treatment using a film-forming material capable of functioning as a water-repellent agent. Film-forming methods include those selected from the group consisting of dry film-forming methods and wet film-forming methods. Specific examples of dry and wet film-forming methods can be found in the previous description.

[0031] The above water-repellent layer can be, in one form, a fluorine-based organic layer. Here, "system" is used to mean "containing". Furthermore, in the present invention and this specification, "organic layer" refers to a layer containing an organic substance, preferably a layer containing an organic substance as its main component. The main component is as described above.

[0032] A fluorine-based organic layer can be deposited on the metal-containing layer by performing a film deposition process using a fluorine-based organic substance as the film-forming material. A preferred film deposition method for forming the fluorine-based organic layer is the dry film deposition method, with vapor deposition being more preferable. Since fluorine-based organic substances tend to have lower boiling points than the vapor deposition materials that can be used to form the metal-containing layer described above, the use of a heated vapor deposition method is also preferable. A vapor deposition source on which the fluorine-based organic substance is supported can be prepared by impregnating a support with a solution containing the fluorine-based organic substance and then drying it. For methods of preparing the vapor deposition source, refer to the previous description regarding the formation of the metal-containing layer as appropriate.

[0033] Examples of fluorinated organic substances include metaxylenehexafluoride (C6H4(CF3)2).

[0034] Furthermore, as an example of a fluorine-based organic substance, a fluorine-based organosilane compound represented by the following general formula (1) can also be mentioned.

[0035] [ka]

[0036] In the above general formula (1), Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably CF3-, C2F5-, or C3F7-. R1 is a hydrolyzable group, preferably a halogen atom, -OR3, -OCOR3, -OC(R3)=C(R4)2, -ON=C(R3)2, or -ON=CR5. More preferably a chlorine atom, -OCH3, or -OC2H5. Here, R3 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, R4 is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a lower aliphatic hydrocarbon group), and R5 is a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. R2 is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group. The monovalent organic group is preferably an inert group. The monovalent organic group is more preferably a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. X is an iodine atom or a hydrogen atom, and Y is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (e.g., a lower alkyl group). Z is a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group. a, b, c, and d are each independent integers in the range of 0 to 200, preferably in the range of 1 to 50. e is 0 or 1. m and n are each independent integers in the range of 0 to 2, preferably 0. p is an integer of 1 or more, preferably in the range of 1 to 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the molecular weight (weight-average molecular weight Mw) of the fluorine-based organosilane compound represented by general formula (1) is not particularly limited; for example, 5 × 10 2 ~1 × 10 5 Range or 5×10 2 ~1 × 10 4It can be within the range of

[0038] Furthermore, the fluorine-based organosilane compound represented by the above general formula (1) can, in one form, be a fluorine-based organosilane compound represented by the following general formula (2).

[0039] [ka]

[0040] In the above general formula (2), R1, Y, and m are equivalent to those in the above general formula (1). q is an integer in the range of 1 to 50, and r is an integer in the range of 1 to 10.

[0041] The thickness of the water-repellent layer can be, for example, 30 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 20 nm or less, or 15 nm or less. Alternatively, the thickness of the water-repellent layer can be, for example, 5 nm or more, or 10 nm or more. Furthermore, the contact angle with water on the surface of the water-repellent layer can be, for example, 100° or more and 120° or less. The water-repellent layer can be positioned as the outermost layer on one or both sides of an eyeglass lens, for example.

[0042] A laminate comprising at least the inorganic layer, the metal-containing layer, and the water-repellent layer can be formed on at least one surface of a lens substrate, or on both surfaces. For example, the laminate can be located on the object side of the spectacle lens, on the eyeball side of the spectacle lens, or on both the object side and the eyeball side of the spectacle lens. When the laminate is located on both sides of the spectacle lens, the laminate on the object side and the laminate on the eyeball side can be the same laminate or different laminates.

[0043] The above-mentioned eyeglass lens has a metal-containing layer that can function as an antibacterial layer, thereby exhibiting antibacterial properties. Furthermore, because the above-mentioned eyeglass lens has a water-repellent layer, it can also exhibit water-repellent properties, thereby preventing, for example, water stains on the lens. The above-mentioned inorganic layer can function as an anti-reflective film, for example, thereby providing the eyeglass lens with anti-reflective properties for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range.

[0044] [glasses] One aspect of the present invention relates to eyeglasses equipped with the above-mentioned spectacle lenses. Details of the spectacle lenses included in these eyeglasses are as previously described. Regarding the frame and other components of these eyeglasses, known technologies can be applied. [Examples]

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the examples.

[0046] In the following, the SiO2 layer is a vapor-deposited film formed using silicon oxide as the deposition material, and the ZrO2 layer is a vapor-deposited film formed using zirconium oxide as the deposition material. Each deposition material consists only of the oxides described, excluding impurities that inevitably become mixed in.

[0047] [Example 1] <Fabrication of lens substrates with hard coat layer> A hard coat solution containing inorganic oxide particles and a silicon compound was applied to the entire surface (convex side) of a plastic lens substrate manufactured using a monomer for eyeglass lenses (MR8, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) by spin coating. The solution was then heated and cured in a furnace at a temperature of 100°C for 60 minutes to form a single layer of hard coat with a thickness of 3 μm.

[0048] <Fabrication of multilayer anti-reflective coatings> Next, the lens substrate on which the hard coat layer was formed was placed in a vacuum deposition apparatus, and a multilayer anti-reflective film consisting of a total of seven layers (total thickness: approximately 400-600 nm) of "SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer / ZrO2 layer / SiO2 layer" was formed on the entire surface of the hard coat layer by vacuum deposition. The notation " / " indicates that the part described to the left of the " / " and the part described to the right are directly laminated. This point is also the same in the following description. In this way, we fabricated eyeglass lenses having a layer structure consisting of "lens substrate / hard coat layer / multilayer anti-reflective coating (inorganic layer, inorganic substance content: 90% by mass or more)".

[0049] <Fabrication of metal-containing layers> (Preparation of the vapor deposition source) As the first metal solution, an aqueous dispersion containing silver particles with a particle size of 2-5 nm at a concentration of 5000 ppm was prepared. As a second metal solution, an aqueous dispersion containing platinum particles with a particle size of 2-5 nm at a concentration of 5000 ppm was prepared. A disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) with a diameter of 18 mm was used as the support. 0.5 ml of the first metal solution was injected into this sintered filter, and it was dried in an air oven at an internal temperature of 65-75°C for 1 hour. This process was repeated twice (total amount of the first metal solution injected into the support: 1.0 ml), after which 0.5 ml of the second metal solution was injected and it was dried in an air oven at an internal temperature of 65-75°C for 1 hour. This process was repeated twice (total amount of the second metal solution injected into the support: 1.0 ml) to prepare a vapor deposition source on which silver particles and platinum particles (vapor deposition materials) were supported on the sintered filter.

[0050] (Deposition of metal-containing layers by electron beam deposition) As shown in Figure 1, the spectacle lens with the multilayer anti-reflective coating formed on it and the deposition source were placed inside the vacuum chamber of the vacuum deposition apparatus. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber was 2 × 10⁻⁶ -2The electron beam irradiation conditions were set to be below Pa, with an electron beam output (heating current) of 38 mA and an electron beam irradiation time of 150 seconds, and the electron beam was irradiated from the electron gun toward the deposition source. By irradiating with the electron beam in this way, the silver particles and platinum particles can be heated and vaporized, and a vapor-deposited film in which silver particles and platinum particles are deposited on the surface of the multilayer anti-reflective film can be formed. In this way, a metal-containing layer (metal-containing inorganic layer, containing metals: silver and platinum, inorganic substance content: 90% by mass or more) was deposited on the surface of the multilayer anti-reflective film.

[0051] <Preparation of a water-repellent layer> (Preparation of the vapor deposition source) A solution containing metaxylene hexafluoride as a fluorine-based organic substance was prepared. A disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) with a diameter of 18 mm was used as the support material. After injecting 0.25 ml of the above solution into this sintered filter, it was dried in an air oven at an internal temperature of 50°C for 1 hour. In this way, a vapor deposition source was prepared in which metaxylene hexafluoride (vapor deposition material) was supported on a sintered filter.

[0052] (Formation of a water-repellent layer by thermal vapor deposition) As shown in Figure 1, the spectacle lens with the metal-containing layer formed on it and the deposition source were placed inside the vacuum chamber of the vacuum deposition apparatus. In Figure 1, the electron gun is replaced with a halogen heater, and the internal ambient temperature inside the vacuum chamber is controlled to 650°C by the halogen heater, and the pressure inside the vacuum chamber is 2 × 10⁻⁶ -2 A water-repellent layer was formed by a thermal deposition method at a pressure of Pa or less. By heating the chamber in this way, the metaxylene hexafluoride could be heated and vaporized, forming a deposited film on the surface of the metal-containing layer in which metaxylene hexafluoride was deposited. In this way, a water-repellent layer (water repellent: metaxylene hexafluoride) with a thickness of 10-20 nm was formed on the surface of the metal-containing layer.

[0053] Through the above process, an eyeglass lens of Example 1 was manufactured having a layer structure consisting of "lens substrate / hard coat layer / multilayer anti-reflective film (inorganic layer) / metal-containing layer / water-repellent layer (fluorine-based organic layer, organic substance content: 90% by mass or more)".

[0054] [Comparative Example 1] A spectacle lens of Comparative Example 1 was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a metal-containing layer was not created. The lens had a layer structure of "lens substrate / hard coat layer / multilayer anti-reflective film (inorganic layer) / water-repellent layer".

[0055] [Example 2] An eyeglass lens of Example 2 was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the metal-containing layer was prepared by the following method. The lens had a layer structure of "lens substrate / hard coat layer / multilayer anti-reflective film (inorganic layer) / metal-containing layer / water-repellent layer".

[0056] <Fabrication of metal-containing layers> (Preparation of the vapor deposition source) As the first metal solution, an aqueous dispersion containing silver particles with a particle size of 2-5 nm at a concentration of 5000 ppm was prepared. As a second metal solution, an aqueous dispersion containing platinum particles with a particle size of 2-5 nm at a concentration of 5000 ppm was prepared. A disc-shaped sintered filter (material: SUS) with a diameter of 18 mm was used as the support. 0.5 ml of the first metal solution was injected into this sintered filter, and it was dried in an air oven at an internal temperature of 65-75°C for 1 hour. This process was repeated twice (total amount of the first metal solution injected into the support: 1.0 ml), after which 0.5 ml of the second metal solution was injected and it was dried in an air oven at an internal temperature of 65-75°C for 1 hour. This process was repeated twice (total amount of the second metal solution injected into the support: 1.0 ml) to prepare a vapor deposition source on which silver particles and platinum particles (vapor deposition materials) were supported on the sintered filter. Thus, two deposition sources were prepared.

[0057] (Deposition of metal-containing layers by electron beam deposition) As shown in Fig. 1, a spectacle lens having the multilayer antireflection film formed thereon and one of the two evaporation sources were disposed in a vacuum chamber of a vacuum evaporation apparatus. The pressure in the vacuum chamber was set to 2 × 10 -2 Pa or less, and electron beam irradiation conditions were set such that the electron beam output (heating current) was 38 mA and the electron beam irradiation time was 150 seconds, and the electron beam was irradiated from an electron gun toward the evaporation source. Thus, the first electron beam evaporation treatment was carried out. The remaining one of the two evaporation sources was disposed in the vacuum chamber, and the second electron beam evaporation treatment was carried out under the same conditions as the first electron beam evaporation treatment. By irradiating the electron beam in this way, silver particles and platinum particles can be heated and vaporized, and a vapor deposition film in which silver particles and platinum particles are deposited can be formed on the surface of the multilayer antireflection film. By carrying out the two electron beam evaporation treatments as described above, a metal-containing layer (metal-containing inorganic layer, contained metals: silver and platinum, content rate of inorganic substance: 90 mass% or more) was formed on the surface of the multilayer antireflection film.

[0058] [Antibacterial property test] For each of the spectacle lenses of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 1, an antibacterial property test was carried out in accordance with JIS Z 2801:2012. Specifically, three sample pieces were cut out from each spectacle lens for initial evaluation of antibacterial property, water resistance evaluation, and light resistance evaluation. The size of the sample piece was 50 mm × 50 mm. The initial evaluation was carried out by the following method. The test pieces cut out from each spectacle lens were placed in a sterilized petri dish with the surface on which the various layers were laminated facing upward. Then, 0.4 ml of a bacterial solution containing 1.0 × 10 5 to 4.0 × 10 5 test bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) was dropped onto the central portion of the above surface of the sample, and covered with a polyethylene film cut to a size of 40 mm × 40 mm. After leaving this petri dish in an environment with a relative humidity of 90% or more for 24 hours, the viable cell count per 1 cm 2 was measured. The water resistance evaluation will be carried out using the following method. After performing a water resistance test according to Category 1 of the water resistance test section of the SIAA (Society of International Antimicrobial Agents for Products) Sustainability Test Method (2018 edition) on test pieces cut from each eyeglass lens, the same treatment as described above is performed, and the number of viable bacteria is measured. Lightfastness evaluation will be carried out using the following method. For each test piece cut from the eyeglass lens, a lightfastness test of Category 1, as described in the water resistance test section of the SIAA (Society of International Antimicrobial Agents) Sustainability Test Method (2018 edition), is performed, followed by the same treatment as described above, and the number of viable bacteria is measured.

[0059] Table 1 shows the number of viable bacteria measured in the various evaluations described above for Comparative Example 1.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] For Example 1, the antibacterial activity value was determined from the number of viable bacteria measured in the various evaluations described above using the following formula. For Example 2, the antibacterial activity value was determined from the number of viable bacteria measured in the various evaluations described above using the following formula.

[0062] Antimicrobial activity value = Ut - At Ut: Logarithm of the number of viable bacteria in the sample piece of Comparative Example 1 At: Logarithm of the number of viable bacteria in the sample from Example 1 or Example 2

[0063] Regarding antibacterial properties, the SIAA defines an antibacterial activity value of 2.0 or higher as indicating antibacterial effect.

[0064] The evaluation results for Example 1 are shown in Table 2, and the evaluation results for Example 2 are shown in Table 3.

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] [Table 3]

[0067] [Evaluation of Reflectivity and Transmission Properties] The direct incident reflection spectral characteristics at the optical center of the object-side surface (convex side) of each spectacle lens in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were measured from the object side. Furthermore, the direct incident reflection spectral characteristics at the optical center of the eye-side surface (concave side) of each spectacle lens in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were measured from the eye-side. The spectral shapes of the transmission spectra, convex-side reflection spectra, and concave-side reflection spectra of Examples 1 and 2 at wavelengths of 380 to 780 nm, obtained from the measurement results, were in close agreement with the spectral shapes of each spectrum of Comparative Example 1. From the measurement results, luminous reflectance was determined according to JIS T 7334:2011, and luminous transmittance was determined according to JIS T 7333:2005. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0068] [Table 4]

[0069] The results shown in Table 4 confirm that the metal-containing layer had little effect on the reflective and transmitted properties of the spectacle lenses in Examples 1 and 2.

[0070] Cross-sectional observation of each spectacle lens from Examples 1 and 2 using SEM confirmed that the thickness of the metal-containing layer was 3 nm or less (more specifically, between 1 nm and 3 nm). The above cross-sectional observation also confirmed that the metal-containing layer, which exhibits excellent uniformity in thickness, is formed as a continuous layer without any unformed film portions.

[0071] Finally, we will summarize each of the aforementioned aspects.

[0072] According to one embodiment, an eyeglass lens is provided, having a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a water-repellent layer in that order, further comprising a metal-containing layer between the inorganic layer and the water-repellent layer, wherein the metal contained in the metal-containing layer is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of silver, platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium.

[0073] The above-mentioned eyeglass lenses can be antibacterial. In one form, the above-mentioned eyeglass lenses can exhibit excellent antibacterial properties and can also be eyeglass lenses with excellent durability of antibacterial properties (e.g., water resistance, light resistance).

[0074] In one embodiment, the inorganic layer can be a multilayer film of two or more inorganic layers.

[0075] In one embodiment, the water-repellent layer can be a fluorine-based organic layer.

[0076] In one embodiment, the thickness of the metal-containing layer can be 5 nm or less.

[0077] In one embodiment, the metal-containing layer can be a metal-containing inorganic layer.

[0078] In one embodiment, the metal-containing layer may be a vapor-deposited film of a vapor deposition material, and the vapor deposition material may be particles of the metal.

[0079] According to one embodiment, eyeglasses equipped with the above-mentioned eyeglass lenses are provided.

[0080] The various embodiments and forms described herein can be combined in any combination of two or more.

[0081] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] One aspect of the present invention is useful in the field of manufacturing eyeglass lenses and eyeglasses.

Claims

1. It has a lens substrate, an inorganic layer, and a water-repellent layer in this order. The inorganic layer and the water-repellent layer further have a metal-containing layer, The water-repellent layer is a layer directly laminated on the surface of the metal-containing layer. The thickness of the water-repellent layer is 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less. The metal contained in the aforementioned metal-containing layer is Silver and, One or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and titanium, and An eyeglass lens in which, in the metal-containing layer, part or all of the metal exists in the form of a single metal or an alloy of metals.

2. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic layer is a multilayer film of two or more inorganic layers.

3. The spectacle lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water-repellent layer is a fluorine-based organic layer.

4. The spectacle lens according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the metal-containing layer is 5 nm or less.

5. The spectacle lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal-containing layer is a metal-containing inorganic layer.

6. The spectacle lens according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the metal-containing layer is a vapor-deposited film of a vapor-deposited material, and the vapor-deposited material is metal particles.

7. Eyeglasses equipped with eyeglass lenses according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images