Far infrared transmitting unit and vehicle glass

Abstract

This invention facilitates attachment to glass while improving water-stopping performance. The present invention is provided with: a far-infrared transmitting member that is disposed in an opening formed in a glass substrate; and a frame member that fixes the far-infrared transmitting member to the glass substrate. The frame member has a first holding part held between the far-infrared transmitting member and the glass substrate. The first holding part has a first portion formed from a first material, and a second portion formed from a second material different from the first material and having a lower softening temperature than the first material. The second portion is provided radially on the outside of the first portion.

Description

Far-infrared transmission unit and vehicle glass

[0001] The present invention relates to a far-infrared transmission unit and a vehicle glass.

[0002] In recent years, various sensors have been installed in automobiles to improve safety. Examples of sensors that can be installed in automobiles include cameras, LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging), millimeter-wave radar, and infrared sensors.

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

[0004] Because automobile window glass typically does not transmit far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm, far-infrared cameras have traditionally been installed outside the vehicle cabin, more specifically, in the front grille, as in Patent Document 1, for example. However, when installing a far-infrared camera outside the vehicle cabin, the structure becomes more complex to ensure robustness, water resistance, dust resistance, etc., leading to higher costs. By installing a far-infrared camera inside the vehicle cabin, especially in the wiper operating area, the far-infrared camera is protected by the window glass and dirt can be wiped away, solving this problem. However, as mentioned above, due to the problem that window glass does not transmit far-infrared rays, far-infrared cameras were not typically installed inside the vehicle cabin.

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

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0169491 UK Patent Application Publication No. 2271139

[0007] When a through hole is drilled in a window glass and filled with an infrared-transparent member as in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to interpose a sealing frame member between the through hole in the window glass and the infrared-transparent member for the purposes of impact resistance, anti-fouling, soundproofing, protection of the adhesive from the external environment, etc. However, when a frame member is provided and an adhesive or the like is injected to improve watertightness, the attachment work to the window glass may become complicated.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a far-infrared transmission unit and a vehicle glass that can be easily attached to a glass while improving water-stopping properties.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the far-infrared transmitting unit according to the present disclosure comprises a far-infrared transmitting member arranged in an opening formed in a glass base, and a frame member that fixes the far-infrared transmitting member to the glass base, wherein the frame member has a first holding part that is sandwiched between the far-infrared transmitting member and the glass base, and the first holding part has a first part formed of a first material and a second part formed of a second material that is different from the first material and has a softening temperature lower than that of the first material, and the second part is provided radially outward of the first part.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the vehicle glass according to the present disclosure is a vehicle glass having a glass base, a light-shielding area, and a far-infrared transmitting unit according to the present disclosure attached thereto, wherein the light-shielding area is formed with an opening formed in the glass base, and a far-infrared transmitting area in which the far-infrared transmitting unit arranged in the opening is provided.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the water-stopping property and to easily attach the film to the glass.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a vehicle glass according to a first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a far-infrared transmitting region of the vehicle glass. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame member of the vehicle glass. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the frame member of the vehicle glass. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a far-infrared transmitting region of the vehicle glass according to the first modified example. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a far-infrared transmitting region of the vehicle glass according to the second modified example. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a far-infrared transmitting region of the vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame member of the vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view of the frame member of the vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member in a vehicle glass according to a second embodiment. Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a far-infrared transmitting region in a vehicle glass according to a third embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member in a vehicle glass according to the third embodiment. Fig. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a vehicle glass according to the third embodiment.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present invention also includes combinations of the embodiments. Numerical values ​​include rounded ranges. Furthermore, when a numerical range is indicated by connecting upper and lower limits with ~, the range includes both the upper and lower limits. For example, "X to Y" means X or greater and Y or less. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, physical properties and dimensions are described as values ​​at room temperature, i.e., 5°C to 35°C.

[0014] (First embodiment) (Vehicle) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a vehicle glass according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle glass 1 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V. The vehicle glass 1 is a window member that is applied to the windshield of the vehicle V. That is, the vehicle glass 1 is used as the front window of the vehicle V, in other words, as a windshield. A far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible light camera CA2 are mounted inside (interior of) the vehicle V. The inside (interior of) the vehicle V refers to, for example, the interior of the vehicle where the driver's seat is located.

[0015] The vehicle glass 1, the far-infrared camera CA1, and the visible light camera CA2 constitute the camera unit 100 according to the first embodiment. The far-infrared camera CA1 is a camera that detects far-infrared rays. The far-infrared camera CA1 captures a thermal image of the exterior of the vehicle V by detecting far-infrared rays from the exterior of the vehicle V. The visible light camera CA2 is a camera that detects visible light. The visible light camera CA2 captures an image of the exterior of the vehicle V by detecting visible light from the exterior of the vehicle V. In addition to the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, the camera unit 100 may further include, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or a millimeter-wave radar. Here, far-infrared rays refer to, for example, electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the range of 8 μm to 13 μm, and visible light refers to, for example, electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the range of 360 nm to 830 nm.

[0016] (Vehicle Glass) FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, hereinafter, the upper edge of the vehicle glass 1 will be referred to as an upper edge portion 1a, the lower edge as a lower edge portion 1b, one side edge as a side edge portion 1c, and the other side edge as a side edge portion 1d. The upper edge portion 1a is an edge portion located on the upper side in the vertical direction when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in a vehicle V. The lower edge portion 1b is an edge portion located on the lower side in the vertical direction when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in a vehicle V. The side edge portion 1c is an edge portion located on one side when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in a vehicle V. The side edge portion 1d is an edge portion located on the other side when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in a vehicle V.

[0017] Hereinafter, among directions parallel to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, the direction from the upper edge 1a to the lower edge 1b is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction from the side edge 1c to the side edge 1d is referred to as the X direction. In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other. The direction perpendicular to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, i.e., the thickness direction of the vehicle glass 1, is referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, one direction along the Z direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. The Z1 direction (first direction) is the thickness direction of the glass base 10 described below, and is, for example, the direction from the exterior side of the vehicle V toward the interior side when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in the vehicle V. The Z2 direction (second direction) is, for example, the direction from the interior side of the vehicle V toward the exterior side when the vehicle glass 1 is installed in the vehicle V. The X and Y directions are along the surface of the vehicle glass 1, but if the surface of the vehicle glass 1 is curved, for example, the X and Y directions may be directions tangent to the surface of the vehicle glass 1 at the center point O of the vehicle glass 1. The center point O is the center position of the vehicle glass 1 when the vehicle glass 1 is viewed from the Z direction.

[0018] The vehicle glass 1 is formed with a light-transmitting region A1 and a light-shielding region A2. The light-transmitting region A1 is a region that occupies the central portion of the vehicle glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-transmitting region A1 is a region that ensures the driver's field of vision. The light-transmitting region A1 is a region that transmits visible light. The light-shielding region A2 is a region that is formed around the light-transmitting region A1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-shielding region A2 is a region that blocks visible light. Within the light-shielding region A2a, which is the portion of the light-shielding region A2 on the upper edge portion 1a side, a far-infrared light-transmitting region B and a visible light-transmitting region C are formed.

[0019] The far-infrared transmitting region B is a region that transmits far-infrared rays and is a region where the far-infrared camera CA1 is provided. That is, the far-infrared camera CA1 is provided at a position that overlaps with the far-infrared transmitting region B when viewed from the optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera CA1. The visible light transmitting region C is a region that transmits visible light and is a region where the visible light camera CA2 is provided. That is, the visible light camera CA2 is provided at a position that overlaps with the visible light transmitting region C when viewed from the optical axis direction of the visible light camera CA2.

[0020] In this way, the light-shielding region A2 has the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C formed therein, so that the light-shielding region A2 blocks far-infrared rays except in the region where the far-infrared transmitting region B is formed, and blocks visible light except in the region where the visible light transmitting region C is formed. The far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C are surrounded by a light-shielding region A2a. The provision of the light-shielding region A2a around the periphery is preferable because it protects the various sensors from sunlight. It is also preferable from the standpoint of design because it makes the wiring of the various sensors invisible from outside the vehicle. A detailed description of the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C will be given later.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle glass 1 includes a glass substrate 12 (first glass substrate), a glass substrate 14 (second glass substrate), an intermediate layer 16, and a light-shielding layer 18. The vehicle glass 1 has the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 laminated in this order in the Z direction. The glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are fixed (bonded) to each other via the intermediate layer 16.

[0022] The glass substrates 12, 14 may be made of, for example, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or the like. The intermediate layer 16 is an adhesive layer that bonds the glass substrates 12, 14 together. The intermediate layer 16 may be made of, for example, a modified polyvinyl butyral (hereinafter also referred to as PVB) material, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)-based material, a urethane resin material, or a vinyl chloride resin material. More specifically, the glass substrate 12 includes one surface 12A and another surface 12B, and the other surface 12B is in contact with one surface 16A of the intermediate layer 16 and fixed (adhered) to the intermediate layer 16. The glass substrate 14 includes one surface 14A and another surface 14B, and the one surface 14A is in contact with the other surface 16B of the intermediate layer 16 and fixed (adhered) to the intermediate layer 16. As described above, the vehicle glass 1 is a laminated glass in which the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are laminated together. However, the vehicle glass 1 is not limited to a laminated glass, and may be, for example, a single sheet of glass including only one of the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. When a single sheet of glass is used, the intermediate layer 16 does not need to be provided. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the glass substrates 12 and 14, the single sheet of glass is referred to as the glass substrate 10. When a single sheet of glass is used as the vehicle glass 1, it is preferable that the single sheet of glass be tempered. The tempering may be air-cooled tempering or chemical tempering, with air-cooled tempering being preferred. When an opening 19 (described later) is provided in the vehicle glass 1, it is preferable that the opening 19 is formed in the single sheet of glass before the tempering treatment, and then the single sheet of glass with the opening 19 formed therein is tempered.

[0023] The light-shielding layer 18 is a layer that blocks visible light. This prevents the refraction of light from damaging the aesthetic appearance of the glass substrate 10. The light-shielding layer 18 can be, for example, a ceramic light-shielding layer or a light-shielding film. The ceramic light-shielding layer can be, for example, a ceramic layer made of a conventionally known material, such as a black ceramic layer. The light-shielding film can be, for example, a light-shielding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a light-shielding polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, or a light-shielding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film. The light-shielding layer 18 includes one surface 18A and another surface 18B. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the one surface 18A is fixed in contact with the other surface 14B of the glass substrate 14, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the light-shielding layer 18 may be provided on the Z1 direction side of the surface 12B of the glass substrate 12. In this case, the light-shielding layer 18 does not need to be provided on the glass substrate 14.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the side of the vehicle glass 1 on which the light-shielding layer 18 is provided faces the interior side of the vehicle V (the Z1 direction side), and the glass substrate 12 faces the exterior side of the vehicle V (the Z2 direction side), but this is not limiting, and the light-shielding layer 18 may also be on the exterior side of the vehicle V. When the vehicle glass 1 is configured as a laminated glass of the glass substrates 12, 14, the light-shielding layer 18 may be formed between the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14.

[0025] The light-shielding region A2 is formed by providing the light-shielding layer 18 on the glass base 10. That is, the light-shielding region A2 is a region in which the glass base 10 is provided with the light-shielding layer 18. That is, the light-shielding region A2 is a region in which the glass base 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass base 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are laminated. On the other hand, the light-transmitting region A1 is a region in which the glass base 10 is not provided with the light-shielding layer 18. That is, the light-transmitting region A1 is a region in which the glass base 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass base 14 are laminated, and the light-shielding layer 18 is not laminated.

[0026] 4, the visible light transmitting region C, like the light transmitting region A1, is a region in the Z direction where the glass base 10 does not include the light blocking layer 18. In other words, the visible light transmitting region C is a region where the glass base 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass base 14 are laminated, and where the light blocking layer 18 is not laminated.

[0027] (Far-infrared transmission unit) Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region of the vehicle glass. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5 , the vehicle glass 1 has an opening 19 formed therein, penetrating from one surface (surface 12A) to the other surface (surface 14B) in the Z direction. A far-infrared transmission unit U is provided within the opening 19. That is, the vehicle glass 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle glass in which the far-infrared transmission unit U according to this embodiment is provided in the opening 19. The region in which the opening 19 is formed and the far-infrared transmission unit U is provided is the far-infrared transmission region B. That is, the far-infrared transmission region B is a region in which the opening 19 and the far-infrared transmission unit U disposed within the opening 19 are provided. The far-infrared transmission region B does not have a light-shielding layer 18. That is, the far-infrared transmission region B does not have the glass base 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass base 14, or the light-shielding layer 18, and the far-infrared transmission unit U is provided in the formed opening 19.

[0028] The far-infrared transmitting unit U includes a far-infrared transmitting member 20 and a frame member 30 provided on the periphery of the far-infrared transmitting member 20. In the following description, the direction toward the geometric center when the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is viewed from the Z direction may be referred to as the radially inward direction, and the direction away from the geometric center may be referred to as the radially outward direction.

[0029] (Far-infrared Transmitting Member) The far-infrared transmitting member 20 preferably has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays having a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 25% or more, more preferably 40% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 85% or more. Furthermore, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 preferably has an average transmittance of far-infrared rays having a wavelength of 8 to 13 μm of 100% or less. In order to improve the average transmittance of far-infrared rays to 85% or more, it is preferable to provide an anti-reflection film. Having the average transmittance of far-infrared rays within this range allows for appropriate transmission of far-infrared rays, enabling the far-infrared camera CA1 to fully demonstrate its performance. The transmittance of infrared rays can be measured, for example, using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (manufactured by ThermoScientific, product name: Nicolet iS10).

[0030] The material of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ZnS, Ge, Si, and chalcogenide glass. A preferred composition of chalcogenide glass is, in atomic %, Ge+Ga: 7% to 25%, Sb: 0% to 35%, Bi: 0% to 20%, Zn: 0% to 20%, Sn: 0% to 20%, Si: 0% to 20%, La: 0% to 20%, S+Se+Te: 55% to 80%, Ti: 0.005% to 0.3%, Li+Na+K+Cs: 0% to 20%, and F+Cl+Br+I: 0% to 20%. This glass preferably has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 140°C to 550°C.

[0031] In this manner, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is attached to the opening 19 via the frame member 30, as described below. It is preferable that the Z2-direction surface of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is formed flush (i.e., continuous) with the Z2-direction surface (surface 12A) of the light-shielding region A2. In the present disclosure, flush means, for example, that the difference in level between the surfaces is less than 0.3 mm. In other words, the Z2-direction surface 20A of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is attached so as to be continuous with the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12. The difference in level between the surfaces of the vehicle glass 1 can be measured, for example, by using a laser displacement meter (Keyence Corporation, inline profile measuring instrument: LJ-X8200) to irradiate a laser onto the surface 12A of the glass substrate, the entire surface 31c of the cylindrical portion 33, and the entire surface 20A of the far-infrared transmitting member, and then from the obtained step profile. By connecting the outer periphery of the surface 20A of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 to the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12 in this manner, the wiping effect of the wiper is prevented from being impaired and deterioration of the wiper blade due to wear can be suppressed. Furthermore, the presence of steps can be prevented from impairing the design of the vehicle V, and the risk of sand and dust accumulating on the steps can be suppressed. Furthermore, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 may be shaped to match the curved surface shape of the vehicle glass 1 to which it is applied. This allows the surface of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 to be designed to be smooth. The method for shaping the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, but polishing or molding is selected depending on the curved surface shape and the member. When the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is formed by polishing, it is desirable to parallel-polish the far-infrared transmitting member 20 to improve flatness accuracy. The flatness accuracy is an index of reflective surface accuracy at a measurement wavelength of 632.8 nm, and is preferably within 2 Newton lines. The astigmatism, which indicates the difference in the Newtonian number between the vertical and horizontal directions, is preferably within 0.5 lines, and the quirks, which indicate local distortion of the Newtonian fringes, are preferably within 0.5 lines. This allows the far-infrared camera CA1 to capture far-infrared images without distortion. Here, the Newtonian number, astigmatism, and quirks can be measured according to the instructions of JIS B0091:2010 and ISO 14999-4:2007. The Newtonian number, astigmatism, and quirks are expressed in units of the number of fringes, wavelength, and nanometers, respectively.

[0032] The far-infrared transmitting member 20 may be coated on the surface on the Z2 direction side or the surface on the Z1 direction side. For example, an anti-reflection film may be provided on the surface on the Z2 direction side (surface 20A). The anti-reflection film is preferably an anti-reflection film having 3 to 12 layers, and the material is not particularly limited, but may be Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, As, ２ S ３ , As ２ Se ３ , metal oxides (Al ２ O ３ , Bi ２ O ３ , CeO ２ , CuO, HfO ２ , MgO, SiO, SiO ２ , NiO, TiO, TiO ２ , Ti ２ O ３ , Y ２ O ３ , ZrO ２ ), hydrogenated carbon, diamond-like carbon (DLC), metal fluoride (MgF ２ , CaF ２ , SrF ２ , BaF ２ , PbF ２ , LaF ３ , Y.F. ３ From the viewpoint of scratch resistance, the layer closest to the Z2 direction of the antireflection film is preferably a film having a Mohs hardness of 7 or more and high transmittance for far-infrared rays. It is particularly preferable that the layer closest to the Z2 direction of the antireflection film is a diamond-like carbon film.

[0033] The shape of the far-infrared transparent member 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a plate-like shape that matches the shape of the opening 19. That is, for example, if the opening 19 is circular, the far-infrared transparent member 20 is preferably disk-shaped (or cylindrical). From the standpoint of design, the surface shape of the far-infrared transparent member 20 on the Z2 direction side may be processed to match the curvature of the outer surface shape of the glass substrate 12. Furthermore, for reasons such as achieving both a wider viewing angle of the far-infrared camera CA1 and improved mechanical properties, the far-infrared transparent member 20 may be lenticular. This configuration is preferable because it allows efficient collection of far-infrared light even when the area of ​​the far-infrared transparent member 20 is small. When the far-infrared transparent member 20 is lenticular, the number of lenticular far-infrared transparent members 20 is preferably one to three, and typically one. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the lens-shaped far-infrared transmitting member 20 is pre-aligned and modularized, and is integrated with a housing or bracket that adheres the far-infrared camera CA1 to the vehicle glass 1.

[0034] In the vehicle glass 1 of this embodiment, the opening 19 on the surface on the Z1 direction side is preferably configured the same as the opening 19 on the surface on the Z2 direction side, and the shape of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is preferably configured so that the areas of the surfaces on the Z1 direction side and the Z2 direction side are the same accordingly. In other words, the inner wall of the opening 19 is not provided with a step, and the inner wall of the opening 19 extends along the thickness direction of the vehicle glass. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the vehicle glass 1 and the far-infrared transmitting member 20. Furthermore, when the vehicle glass 1 of this embodiment is a laminated glass including a glass base 12 on the Z2 direction side and a glass base 14 on the Z1 direction side, the opening 19 is formed by overlapping the opening 12a of the glass base 12 and the opening 14a of the glass base 14. In this case, the opening 12a of the glass base 12 is made to overlap with the opening 14a of the glass base 14, and a far-infrared transmitting member 20 that matches the size of the opening 12a of the glass base 12 is placed inside the opening 12a of the glass base 12.

[0035] From the viewpoint of strength, the thickness of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.0 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is not particularly limited, but is usually 5.0 mm or less. The thickness here refers to the length of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in the Z direction.

[0036] (Frame Member) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame member in a vehicle glass. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member in a vehicle glass. The frame member 30 is interposed between the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 and the glass base 10 and functions as a sealant. The frame member 30 is disposed between the inner wall of the opening 19 in the glass base 10 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. The shape of the frame member 30 is not particularly limited. However, when the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is disk-shaped, the frame member 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape and disposed on the periphery of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. The frame member 30 has a cylindrical portion 33 disposed between the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 and the glass base 10, and a first flange portion 35 formed on the Z1 direction side of the cylindrical portion 33. The cylindrical portion 33 has a first holding portion 31 that holds the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20, and a second holding portion 32 that is formed on the Z1 direction side of the first holding portion 31 and holds the glass base 10. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the peripheral edge of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 .

[0037] The cylindrical portion 33 is formed in a stepped shape such that the inner diameter on the vehicle interior side is smaller than the inner diameter of the first retaining portion 31. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first retaining portion 31 of the cylindrical portion 33 is a cylindrical member extending in the Z direction. The second retaining portion 32 is a cylindrical member extending in the Z direction from a radially inner peripheral edge of the first retaining portion 31. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the second retaining portion 32 has a tapered inner circumferential surface 32a, and is formed so that the inner diameter on the Z2 direction side is smaller than the inner diameter of the first retaining portion 31. The second retaining portion 32 extends radially inward beyond the inner diameter of the first retaining portion 31 so as to contact the surface 20B on the Z1 direction side of the far-infrared transmitting member 20. By adopting this shape, when the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 33 in the manufacture of the far-infrared-transmitting unit U, the surface 20B on the Z1 direction side of the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 is supported by the step between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32, so that the position of the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 in the Z direction relative to the cylindrical portion 33 can be easily determined, making it easier to manufacture the far-infrared-transmitting unit U.

[0038] The first flange 35 is a portion that protrudes in the Z1 direction from the far-infrared transmitting member 20 and the glass base 10 when the frame member 30 is attached to the vehicle glass 1. The first flange 35 extends radially outward relative to the first holding portion 31. With this shape, when fitting the far-infrared transmitting unit U into the glass base 10 in the manufacture of the vehicle glass 1, the surface of the glass base 10 on the Z1 direction side (surface 18B) is supported by the first flange 35. This makes it easy to determine the position of the far-infrared transmitting unit U in the Z direction relative to the glass base 10, facilitating the manufacture of the far-infrared transmitting unit U.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 7 , the first retaining portion 31 includes a first portion 301 made of a first material and second portions 302A and 302B made of a second material different from the first material and having a softening temperature lower than that of the first material. In the first embodiment, the second portion 302A is a portion on the radially inner side of the first retaining portion 31 in the Z2 direction, the second portion 302B is a portion on the radially outer side of the first retaining portion 31 in the Z2 direction, and the first portion 301 is a portion of the first retaining portion 31 other than the second portions 302A and 302B. As a result, the first portion 301 made of the hard first material improves friction resistance and impact resistance, while the second portions 302A and 302B made of the soft second material improve sealing performance. Here, the softening temperature refers to the glass transition point (Tg). The softening temperature can be measured by known analytical methods such as "JIS K 0129 General rules for thermal analysis" and "JIS K 6240 Raw rubber - Determination of glass transition temperature by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)."

[0040] The first material preferably has a glass transition point (Tg) of 30°C or higher, more preferably 40°C or higher, and even more preferably 50°C or higher. By setting the Tg of the first material within this range, deformation can be suppressed even when exposed to high temperatures, such as exposure to direct sunlight. Examples of the first material include resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, AES (Acrylonitrile ethylene styrene) resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Furthermore, the first material is preferably a thermoplastic resin, such as ABS, AES, or rigid polyvinyl chloride. This allows molding methods such as injection molding to be used to manufacture the portion of the frame member 30 made of the first material. The color of the first portion 301 is preferably black, which improves aesthetic appearance.

[0041] The second material preferably has a glass transition point (Tg) of 25°C or lower, more preferably 15°C or lower, and even more preferably 5°C or lower. By setting the Tg of the second material within this range, the second material becomes sufficiently soft, facilitating the production of the far-infrared transmission unit U. The second material preferably has a glass transition point (Tg) of -150°C or higher, more preferably -125°C or higher, and even more preferably -100°C or higher. By setting the Tg of the second material within this range, sealing properties can be maintained even when exposed to high temperatures, such as when exposed to direct sunlight. The second material may be, for example, an elastomer such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC), thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride elastomer (TPVC), thermoplastic polyethylene elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE), fluorinated ethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), vinylidene fluoride fluororubber (FKM), tetrafluoroethylene-fluorovinyl ether fluororubber (FFKM), or silicone rubber. Here, FKM and FFKM are elastomers defined by ASTM D1418. Using an elastomer as the second material can improve the watertightness of the second portions 302A and 302B. The second material is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer such as soft polyvinyl chloride or a vinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomer. This allows molding methods such as injection molding to be used to manufacture the portion of the frame member 30 made of the second material. The second material is preferably a halogen-containing elastomer such as soft PVC, TPVC, FEP, FKM, or FFKM. Here, halogen refers to a Group 17 element. The second material is more preferably an elastomer containing at least one of chlorine and fluorine.Examples of chlorine-containing elastomers include soft PVC. Examples of fluorine-containing elastomers include FEP, FKM, and FFKM. This improves the durability of the second portions 302A and 302B. Note that the second portions 302A and 302B may be made of different materials.

[0042] 7 , when the frame member 30 is not attached to the far-infrared transmitting member 20, the inner circumferential surface 302Aa of the second portion 302A is formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 301 (the inner circumferential surface 31a of the first holding portion 31). The outer circumferential surface 302Ab of the second portion 302A is embedded radially inward of the first portion 301. Furthermore, when the frame member 30 is not attached to the glass base 10, the outer circumferential surface 302Bb of the second portion 302B is formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 301 (the outer circumferential surface 31b of the first holding portion 31). The inner circumferential surface 302Ba of the second portion 302B is embedded radially outward of the first portion 301.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7 , the frame member 30 is attached so that the inner peripheral surface 31a of the first holding portion 31 contacts the peripheral portion (outer peripheral surface) of the far-infrared transparent member 20, and the surface 32c of the second holding portion 32 on the Z2 direction side contacts the surface 20B on the Z1 direction side of the far-infrared transparent member 20. That is, the frame member 30 is fixed to the far-infrared transparent member 20 by the inner peripheral surface 31a and the surface 32c. At this time, the second portion 302A is deformed so as to be crushed radially outward by the far-infrared transparent member 20, thereby improving the water-stopping property between the far-infrared transparent member 20 and the frame member 30. An adhesive layer may be provided between the frame member 30 and the far-infrared transparent member 20. For example, an adhesive may be applied as an adhesive layer to the inner peripheral surfaces 31a, 302Aa and the surface 32c to hold the far-infrared transparent member 20. In this case, the adhesion between the frame member 30 and the far-infrared transparent member 20 can be improved, thereby improving the water-stopping property of the frame member 30.

[0044] The frame member 30 is attached so that the outer peripheral surface 31b of the first holding portion 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32b of the second holding portion 32 contact the inner peripheral surface of the opening 12a of the glass base 12, and the surface 35a of the first flange portion 35 on the Z2 direction side of the portion protruding radially outward contacts the surface 18B of the light-shielding layer 18. That is, the frame member 30 is fixed to the glass base 10 (glass base 12, 14) by the outer peripheral surfaces 31b, 32b, and surface 35a. At this time, the second portion 302B is deformed so as to be crushed radially inward by the glass base 10 (glass base 12), thereby improving the water-stopping property between the frame member 30 and the glass base 10. Note that an adhesive may be applied to the outer peripheral surfaces 31b, 302Bb, the outer peripheral surface 32b, and surface 35a to hold the glass base 10.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the Z2-direction side surface 31c of the first retaining portion 31 is preferably formed flush with (continuous with) the Z2-direction side surface 20A of the far-infrared transparent member 20 and the Z2-direction side surface 12A of the glass substrate 12. In other words, the Z2-direction side surface 31c of the first retaining portion 31 is attached so as to be continuous with the Z2-direction side surface 20A of the far-infrared transparent member 20 and the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12. By having the Z2-direction side surface 31c of the first retaining portion 31 be continuous with the Z2-direction side surface 20A of the far-infrared transparent member 20 and the surface 12A of the glass substrate 12 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the wiping effect of the wiper from being impaired. In addition, it is possible to prevent the presence of a step from impairing the design of the vehicle V and the risk of sand and dust accumulating on the step. When determining whether the surface 31c on the Z2 direction side of the first holding portion 31 and the surface 20A on the Z2 direction side of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 are flush with each other, the step between the surfaces of the far-infrared transmitting unit U can be measured, for example, by using a laser displacement meter (Keyence Corporation, in-line profile measuring instrument: LJ-X8200) to irradiate the entire surface 31c of the tubular portion 33 and the entire surface 20A of the far-infrared transmitting member with a laser, and then measuring the step profile obtained.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 7 , the first portion 301 has a surface 31c on the Z2 direction side of the first holding portion 31. That is, the surface 31c on the Z2 direction side of the first holding portion 31 is formed of the first material. In other words, the second portions 302A and 302B are provided on the Z1 direction side of the surface (surface 31c) on the Z2 direction side of the first portion 301. As a result, when the far-infrared transmission unit U is attached to the glass base 10, the Z2 direction side surfaces of the second portions 302A and 302B are covered by the first portion 301. As a result, the second portions 302A and 302B can improve the water blocking properties, while the first portion 301 can improve the abrasion resistance of the surface 31c on the Z2 direction side of the first holding portion 31.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the first portion 301, the second holding portion 32, and the first flange 35 are continuously formed from the first material. This improves impact resistance. Note that the first portion 301, the second holding portion 32, and the first flange 35 may be separate members or may be formed from different materials.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 , the length (inner diameter) of the longest straight line connecting any two points on the inner circumference of the frame member 30 on the Z2-direction side facing the opening 19 is defined as inner diameter D. The inner diameter D is preferably 18 mm or more and 76 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or more and 70 mm or less, and even more preferably 30 mm or more and 60 mm or less. The inner diameter D is the inner diameter of the frame member 30 on the Z2-direction side, in other words, the inner diameter of the second holding portion 32. By ensuring that the inner diameter D falls within this range, the area covered by the far-infrared transmitting member 20 can be maintained within an appropriate range. Here, the inner diameter D refers to the length of the far-infrared transmitting unit U when it is attached to the glass substrate 10. For example, when the glass is bent to have a shape suitable for installation in the vehicle V, the inner diameter D refers to the length of the glass after bending. The same applies to dimensions and positions other than the inner diameter D unless otherwise specified.

[0049] The outer diameter DL is the length (outer diameter) of the longest straight line connecting any two points on the outer periphery of the frame member 30 on the Z1-direction surface facing the opening 19. The outer diameter DL is preferably 22 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 29 mm to 94 mm, and even more preferably 34 mm to 84 mm. Having the outer diameter DL within this range prevents the width of the frame member 30 from becoming too large. Note that if the vehicle glass 1 is not laminated glass, the frame member 30 may be tapered so that the outer diameter DL decreases from the Z2-direction side to the Z1-direction side.

[0050] (Far-infrared ray transmitting region) Next, the far-infrared ray transmitting region B will be described. As shown in Fig. 2 , the far-infrared ray transmitting region B is formed near the upper edge portion 1a of the vehicle glass 1 in the Y direction and near the center of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction. The opening 19 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 are formed near the upper edge portion 1a of the vehicle glass 1 in the Y direction and near the center of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3 , the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in the far-infrared transmitting region B has a length DA of the longest straight line connecting any two points in the plane on the Z2 direction side, which is 80 mm or less. The length DA is preferably 70 mm or less, more preferably 65 mm or less, and even more preferably 50 mm or less. The length DA is preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, and even more preferably 35 mm or more. The length DA can also be said to be the length of the longest straight line connecting any two points on the inner circumference of the first holding portion 31 of the frame member 30 in the same plane perpendicular to the Z direction, i.e., the inner diameter of the first holding portion 31. The opening 19 in the far-infrared transmitting region B has a length DB of the longest straight line connecting any two points in the plane on the Z2 direction side, which is preferably 80 mm or less. The length DB is more preferably 70 mm or less, even more preferably 65 mm or less, and even more preferably 50 mm or less. The length DB is preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, and even more preferably 35 mm or more. The length DB can also be considered the length of the longest straight line connecting any two points on the periphery of the opening 19 on the Z2-direction surface (surface 12A) of the vehicle glass 1. The length DB can also be considered the length of the longest straight line connecting any two points on the periphery of the first retaining portion 31 of the frame member 30 in the same plane perpendicular to the Z direction, i.e., the outer diameter of the first retaining portion 31. By setting the length DA of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 and the length DB of the opening 19 within these ranges, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the vehicle glass 1 and reduce the amount of perspective distortion around the opening 19 while maintaining the image quality of the far-infrared camera. Furthermore, the lengths DA and DB are determined appropriately to prevent distortion, taking into account the expansion of each material within the operating temperature range. Furthermore, a gap may be provided in advance as a countermeasure against distortion due to expansion. When the shape of the surface on the Z2 direction side of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 is circular, the lengths DA and DB are lengths corresponding to the diameter of the surface on the Z2 direction side. Here, the lengths DA and DB refer to the lengths of the vehicle glass 1 when it is mounted on the vehicle V. For example, when the glass is bent into a shape to be mounted on the vehicle V, the lengths DA and DB are the lengths of the glass after bending.The same applies to the descriptions of dimensions and positions other than the lengths DA and DB unless otherwise specified.

[0052] (Visible Light Transmission Region) Next, the visible light transmission region C will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 , the visible light transmission region C is preferably provided near the far-infrared light transmission region B. Specifically, the center of the far-infrared light transmission region B as viewed from the Z direction is defined as center point OB, and the center of the visible light transmission region C as viewed from the Z direction is defined as center point OC. If the shortest distance between the far-infrared light transmission region B (opening 19) and the visible light transmission region C as viewed from the Z direction is defined as distance L, distance L is preferably greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm, and more preferably greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 80 mm. By positioning the visible light transmission region C within this range relative to the far-infrared light transmission region B, it is possible to capture images at close positions with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of perspective distortion in the visible light transmission region C, allowing the visible light camera CA2 to capture appropriate images. By capturing images of nearby locations using the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, the load when processing the data obtained from each camera is reduced, and the routing of power and signal cables is also optimized.

[0053] Returning to Fig. 2, the visible light transmitting region C and the far-infrared transmitting region B are preferably positioned side by side in the X direction. That is, the visible light transmitting region C is preferably not positioned on the Y direction side of the far-infrared transmitting region B, but is preferably aligned with the far-infrared transmitting region B in the X direction. By arranging the visible light transmitting region C next to the far-infrared transmitting region B in the X direction, the visible light transmitting region C can be positioned near the upper edge portion 1a. Therefore, the driver's field of view in the light transmitting region A1 can be appropriately ensured.

[0054] Like the far-infrared transmitting region B, the visible light transmitting region C is preferably located near the upper edge portion 1a in the Y direction and near the far-infrared transmitting region B in the X direction. By locating the visible light transmitting region C in this position, it becomes possible to capture images at close positions with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of perspective distortion in the visible light transmitting region C, allowing the visible light camera CA2 to capture an appropriate image.

[0055] (Configuration of camera unit) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the camera unit 100 of this embodiment, more specifically, a configuration example in which the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which the far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass.

[0056] The camera unit 100 of this embodiment includes a vehicle glass 1, a far-infrared camera CA1, and a visible light camera CA2. The vehicle glass 1 is as described above. The far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to capture an external thermal image through the far-infrared transmission region B of the vehicle glass 1. The far-infrared camera CA1 is provided inside the vehicle V (on the Z1 direction side of the vehicle glass 1) at a position facing the far-infrared transmission region B. The type of far-infrared camera CA1 is not particularly limited, and a known far-infrared camera can be used. As shown in FIG. 8 , the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 by, for example, a bracket 40. The far-infrared camera CA1 is usually attached so that its optical axis LX is approximately horizontal.

[0057] The visible light camera CA2 is attached to the vehicle glass 1 so as to capture an image of the outside through the visible light transmission area C of the vehicle glass 1. The visible light camera CA2 is provided inside the vehicle V (on the Z1 direction side of the vehicle glass 1) at a position facing the visible light transmission area C. The visible light camera CA2 is preferably attached so that the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the optical axis of the visible light camera CA2 are approximately parallel. "Approximately parallel" is a concept that includes not only cases where these optical axes are completely parallel, but also cases where they are slightly deviated from parallelism by an amount within a margin of error. By doing so, the optical axis LX of the far-infrared camera CA1 and the center of the field of view of the visible light camera CA2 approximately coincide, which is preferable when combining images obtained from these cameras for information processing.

[0058] (Method for manufacturing vehicle glass) The method for manufacturing the vehicle glass 1 is not particularly limited, but an example thereof will be described below. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the method for manufacturing the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment.

[0059] As shown in the example of FIG. 9 , when manufacturing the far-infrared transmission unit U, the frame member 30 is assembled to the peripheral edge of the far-infrared transmission member 20 from the Z1 direction side (step S10). At this time, the second portion 302A is assembled so that it is crushed and deformed radially outward by the far-infrared transmission member 20. As a result, the elasticity of the second portion 302A brings the inner circumferential surface 302Aa of the second portion 302A into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the far-infrared transmission member 20. Therefore, the far-infrared transmission unit U can be easily manufactured without applying high thermal or mechanical loads while improving the watertightness between the far-infrared transmission member 20 and the frame member 30. In the example of FIG. 9 , the far-infrared transmission member 20 is held by the inner circumferential surface 31a of the first holding portion 31 and the surface 32c of the second holding portion 32 on the Z2 direction side. As a result, the surface 20A on the Z2 direction side of the far-infrared transmission member 20 and the surface (surface 31c) on the Z2 direction side of the tubular portion 33 are flush with each other.

[0060] Then, the far-infrared transmission unit U, which is the far-infrared transmission member 20 to which the frame member 30 is attached, is placed in the opening 19 (step S12). At this time, the second portion 302B is assembled so that it is crushed and deformed radially inward by the glass substrate 10. As a result, the elasticity of the second portion 302B causes the outer peripheral surface 302Bb of the second portion 302B to closely contact the inner wall of the opening of the glass substrate 10. Therefore, the vehicle glass 1 can be easily manufactured without applying a high thermal load or a high mechanical load while improving the watertightness between the glass substrate 10 and the frame member 30. In the example of FIG. 9 , the glass substrate 10 is held by the outer peripheral surface 31b of the first holding portion 31, the outer peripheral surface 32b of the second holding portion, and the surface 35a on the Z2 direction side of the first flange 35. As a result, the surface 12A on the Z2 direction side of the glass base 12, the surface 20A on the Z2 direction side of the far-infrared transmitting member 20, and the surface (surface 31c) on the Z2 direction side of the tubular portion 33 become flush with each other. After this process, the tubular portion 33, the glass base 12, and the intermediate layer 16 may be fused together by heat treatment at a temperature lower than the temperature at which thermal degradation of the intermediate layer 16 occurs. This can further improve sealing properties. The manufacturing of the vehicle glass 1 is completed through the above processes.

[0061] Here, the glass substrate 10 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. First, flat glass substrates 12 and 14 are prepared, and openings 12a and 14a are formed therein. Then, the flat glass substrates 12 and 14 with the openings 12a and 14a formed therein are each bent to a shape that fits the windshield of the vehicle V. The bent glass substrates 12 and 14 are then bonded together via an intermediate layer 16 to form laminated glass. In this case, the glass substrates 12 and 14 are bonded together so that the openings 12a and 14a communicate with each other, but without the intermediate layer 16 being formed at the communicating portion. After the laminated glass is formed, the intermediate layer 16 may be removed by thermal or chemical techniques only at the portions that overlap the openings 12a and 14a to form the communication between them. This allows the openings 12a and 14a to communicate with each other, forming an opening 19. The light-shielding layer 18 may be formed at any stage, for example, before bending. Alternatively, the light-shielding layer 18 may not be formed at all. The opening 19 may be formed after bonding the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. In this case, the glass substrate 10 is manufactured by preparing the flat glass substrates 12 and 14. Next, a black ceramic print material, for example, is applied to the glass substrate 14 as the light-shielding layer 18, and then bending the glass substrates 12 and 14. Next, the bent glass substrates 12 and 14 are bonded together via the intermediate layer 16 to form laminated glass. The openings 12a and 14a are then formed in the laminated glass at the same time. This results in the opening 19.

[0062] The far-infrared transmitting unit and the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment are not limited to those described above, but may be modified as described below.

[0063] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared transmitting region of the vehicle glass according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 10, in the first modification, the frame member 30A does not have the first flange portion 35.

[0064] Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared transmission region of the vehicle glass according to the second modification. As shown in Fig. 11, in the frame member 30A1 according to the second modification, the surface 31c of the first holding portion 31 on the Z2 direction side is formed of the second material. In the example of Fig. 11, the second portion 302A1 is provided in the first holding portion 31A so as to surround the inner peripheral side, the outer peripheral side, and the Z2 direction side of the first portion 301A1.

[0065] 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared ray transmitting region of a vehicle glass according to a second embodiment. The frame member 30B of the far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further has a second flange portion 34 on the Z2 direction side of the cylindrical portion 33.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 12 , the second flange 34 is disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the first retaining portion 31. The second flange 34 extends radially inward and radially outward relative to the first retaining portion 31. When the frame member 30B is attached to the vehicle glass 1, the second flange 34 covers the boundary between the far-infrared transmitting member 20 and the glass base 10 and protrudes from the far-infrared transmitting member 20 and the glass base 10 toward the outer side of the vehicle. In the example of Fig. 12 , the second flange 34 is formed in a shade shape in cross section.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the second flange 34 is formed of a first material. In the example of FIG. 12 , the first portion 301, the second holding portion 32, and the second flange 34 are continuously formed of the first material. In other words, the second portions 302A and 302B are provided on the Z1 direction side of the surface 34c of the second flange 34 on the Z2 direction side, which is formed of the first material. As a result, when the far-infrared transmission unit U is attached to the glass base 10, the Z2 direction surfaces of the second portions 302A and 302B are covered with the first portion 301. As a result, the first portion 301 made of the hard first material improves abrasion resistance and impact resistance, while the second portions 302A and 302B made of the soft second material improve sealing performance. The first portion 301, the second holding portion 32, and the second flange 34 may be separate members and may be made of different materials. The second flange 34 is not limited to being made of only the first material. For example, only the portion of the second flange 34 including the surface 34c may be made of the first material, and the remaining portions of the second flange 34 may be made of a material other than the first material.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame member in a vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view of the frame member in a vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the frame member 30B according to the second embodiment preferably has at least one groove formed on the surface on the Z2 direction side. In this embodiment, grooves 37 and 38 are formed on the surface on the Z2 direction side of the second flange 34. The grooves 37 and 38 are formed along the radial direction of the second flange 34. The grooves 37 and 38 are provided within the wiping range of the wipers of the vehicle V when they operate. In this embodiment, the groove 38 is located at the lower part (Y direction side) of the second flange 34. In this embodiment, the groove 37 is located at a position offset from the groove 38 by approximately 45° in the circumferential direction of the second flange 34, with the geometric center of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 serving as the rotation axis. The grooves 37 and 38 arranged in this manner enable water that has accumulated on the radially inner side of the frame member 30B on the Z2 direction side surface of the frame member 30B to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the frame member 30B.

[0069] 15 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member in a vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15 , the interior surface 34a of the radially inwardly protruding portion of the second flange 34 is attached so as to contact the exterior surface 20A of the far-infrared-transmitting member 20. That is, the frame member 30B is fixed to the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 by the inner circumferential surface 31a, the surface 32c, and the surface 34a. As in the first embodiment, an adhesive layer may be provided between the frame member 30B and the far-infrared-transmitting member 20. For example, an adhesive may be applied to the inner circumferential surfaces 31a, 302Aa, the surface 32c, and the surface 34a to hold the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 in place. In this case, the adhesion between the frame member 30B and the far-infrared-transmitting member 20 can be improved, thereby improving the water-stopping properties of the frame member 30B.

[0070] 15 , the vehicle-interior surface 34b of the radially outwardly protruding portion of the second flange 34 is attached so as to be in contact with the vehicle-exterior surface 12A of the glass substrate 12. That is, the frame member 30B is fixed to the glass substrate 10 (glass substrate 12, 14) by the outer peripheral surface 31b, the outer peripheral surface 32b, and the surface 34b. Note that, as in the first embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the outer peripheral surfaces 31b, 302Bb, the outer peripheral surface 32b, and the surface 34b to hold the glass substrate 10 in place.

[0071] In the example of FIG. 15 , the radially inner peripheral edge of the second flange portion 34 is located radially outward of the radially inner peripheral edge of the second holding portion 32 .

[0072] 15 does not include the first flange 35 according to the first embodiment, but may be similarly provided in the second embodiment. In this case, the first portion 301, the second retaining portion 32, the first flange 35, and the second flange 34 may be continuously formed of the first material. Furthermore, the radially outer peripheral edge of the second flange 34 may be located radially inward of the radially outer peripheral edge of the first flange 35.

[0073] 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the far-infrared ray transmitting region of a vehicle glass according to a third embodiment. A frame member 30C of a far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to the third embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment in that a second holding portion 32 is made of a second material.

[0074] 17 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member in a vehicle glass according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the first portion 301C is the radially inner side of the first holding portion 31, and the second portion 302C is the radially outer side of the first holding portion 31. Even in this case, the first portion 301C made of the hard first material improves abrasion resistance and impact resistance, while the second portion 302C made of the soft second material improves sealing performance.

[0075] In the third embodiment, the first portion 301C and the second flange 34 are continuously formed from the first material, and the second portion 302C and the second retaining portion 32 are continuously formed from the second material. That is, the frame member 30C according to the third embodiment includes a ring-shaped component 30C1 having the first portion 301C and the second flange 34 and made of the first material, and a ring-shaped component 30C2 having the second portion 302C and the second retaining portion 32 and made of the second material. Note that, although the example in FIG. 17 does not include the first flange 35 according to the first embodiment, it may be provided in the third embodiment as well. In this case, the second portion 302C, the second retaining portion 32, and the first flange 35 may be continuously formed from the second material.

[0076] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for a vehicle glass according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , when the far-infrared transmitting unit U is disposed in the opening 19, a far-infrared transmitting member is placed on the Z2 direction side of the component 30C2 and disposed in the opening 19. The component 30C1 is then driven between the second portion 302C and the far-infrared transmitting member 20 to fit the component 30C1. At this time, the driven first portion 301C and the glass substrate 10 deform the second portion 302C by crushing it in the radial direction, thereby assembling the component 30C1. As a result, the elasticity of the second portion 302C brings the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface 31b) of the second portion 302C into close contact with the inner wall of the opening 19 of the glass substrate 10. Therefore, the vehicle glass 1 can be easily manufactured without applying high thermal or mechanical loads while improving the watertightness between the glass substrate 10 and the frame member 30C.

[0077] (Effects) As described above, the far-infrared transmission unit U according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes the far-infrared transmission member 20 disposed in the opening 19 formed in the glass base 10, and the frame member 30 that fixes the far-infrared transmission member 20 to the glass base 10. The frame member 30 has a first holding portion 31 that is sandwiched between the far-infrared transmission member 20 and the glass base 10. The first holding portion 31 has a first portion 301 formed of a first material and a second portion 302 formed of a second material that is different from the first material and has a lower softening temperature than the first material. The second portion 302 is provided radially outward of the first portion 301. This allows the far-infrared transmission unit U to be easily attached to the glass base 10 while improving the watertightness between the glass base 10 and the frame member 30 by the second portion 302, thereby facilitating the production of vehicle glass.

[0078] The far-infrared transmission unit U according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmission unit U according to the first aspect, in which the second portion 302 protrudes radially outward from the surface of the first portion 301. This can further improve the watertightness between the glass base 10 and the frame member 30.

[0079] The far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second part 302 is further provided radially inward of the first part 301. This allows the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 to be easily attached to the frame member 30 while improving the watertightness between the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 and the frame member 30 by the second part 302, and makes it possible to easily manufacture the far-infrared ray transmitting unit U.

[0080] A far-infrared transmitting unit U according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmitting unit U according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the frame member 30 further includes a second holding portion 32 provided on the first holding portion 31 in a first direction (Z1 direction) that is the thickness direction of the far-infrared transmitting member 20, and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first holding portion 31. The far-infrared transmitting member 20 is provided radially inward of the first holding portion 31, and on the second direction side of the second holding portion 32 that is opposite to the first direction. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 in the thickness direction relative to the frame member 30.

[0081] A far-infrared transmission unit U according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmission unit U according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the second portion 302 is provided on the first direction side with respect to a surface of the first portion 301 on a second direction (Z2 direction) side opposite to the first direction (Z1 direction) that is the thickness direction of the far-infrared transmission member 20. The surface on the second direction side of the frame member 30 is flush with the surface on the second direction side of the far-infrared transmission member 20. As a result, the Z2 direction side of the second portion 302 is covered with the first material that is harder than the second material, thereby improving the wear resistance of the frame member 30.

[0082] A far-infrared transmission unit U according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmission unit U according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the frame member 30B has a flange portion (second flange portion 34) protruding in the second direction (Z2 direction) from a surface of the far-infrared transmission member 20 on the second direction side opposite to the first direction (Z1 direction) which is the thickness direction of the far-infrared transmission member 20. The flange portion (second flange portion 34) is formed of a first material. This allows the Z2 direction side of the second portion 302 to be covered with the first material which is harder than the second material, thereby improving the wear resistance of the frame member 30B.

[0083] A far-infrared transmitting unit U according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmitting unit U according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the frame member 30 has a flange portion (first flange portion 35) protruding from a surface (surface 18B) of the glass base 10 toward a first direction (Z1 direction) that is the thickness direction of the far-infrared transmitting member. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the glass base 10 relative to the frame member 30 in the thickness direction.

[0084] The far-infrared transmission unit U according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmission unit U according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the first material is a thermoplastic resin. This allows a molding method such as injection molding to be applied to manufacture the portion of the frame member 30 made of the first material, making it easy to manufacture the frame member 30.

[0085] A far-infrared transmission unit U according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared transmission unit U according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second material is a halogen-containing elastomer, thereby improving the durability of the second portions 302A and 302B.

[0086] The far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the far-infrared ray transmitting unit U according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which an adhesive layer is provided between the frame member 30 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. This can improve the adhesion between the frame member 30 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20, and can improve the water-stopping property of the frame member 30.

[0087] As described above, the vehicle glass 1 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle glass that has a glass base 10, is provided with a light-shielding region, and is attached with the far-infrared transmitting unit U according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. The light-shielding region is formed with an opening 19 formed in the glass base 10 and a far-infrared transmitting region in which the far-infrared transmitting unit U arranged in the opening 19 is provided. This makes it possible to easily attach the far-infrared transmitting unit U to the glass base 10 while improving the water-stopping property between the glass base 10 and the frame member 30 by the second part 302, and makes it possible to easily manufacture the vehicle glass.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0089] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle glass 1a Upper edge portion 1b Lower edge portion 1c, 1d Side edge portions 10, 12, 14 Glass base 16 Intermediate layer 18 Light-shielding layer 19 Opening 20 Far-infrared transmitting member 30 Frame member 31 First holding portion 32 Second holding portion 33 Cylindrical portion 34 Second flange portion 35 First flange portion 40 Bracket 100 Camera unit 301 First portion 302 Second portion A1 Light-transmitting region A2 Light-shielding region B Far-infrared transmitting region C Visible light transmitting region CA1 Far-infrared camera CA2 Visible light camera D Inner diameter U Far-infrared transmitting unit V Vehicle

Claims

1. An infrared transmitting member disposed in an opening formed in a glass substrate, and a frame member for fixing the infrared transmitting member to the glass substrate, the frame member having a first holding portion sandwiched between the infrared transmitting member and the glass substrate, the first holding portion having a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material different from the first material and having a lower softening temperature than the first material, the second portion being provided radially outside the first portion, an infrared transmitting unit.

2. The infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1, wherein the second portion projects radially outward from the surface of the first portion.

3. The infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is further provided radially inside the first portion.

4. The frame member further has a second holding portion provided on the first direction side, which is the thickness direction of the infrared transmitting member, with respect to the first holding portion and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first holding portion, the infrared transmitting member being provided radially inside the first holding portion and on the second direction side opposite to the first direction of the second holding portion, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

5. The second portion is provided on the first direction side with respect to the surface on the second direction side opposite to the first direction, which is the thickness direction of the infrared transmitting member of the first portion, and the surface on the second direction side of the frame member is flush with the surface on the second direction side of the infrared transmitting member, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

6. The frame member has a flange portion protruding toward the second direction from the surface on the second direction side opposite to the first direction, which is the thickness direction of the infrared transmitting member of the infrared transmitting member, the flange portion being formed of the first material, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

7. The frame member has a flange portion protruding toward the first direction side from the surface of the glass substrate in the thickness direction of the infrared transmitting member, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

8. The first material is a thermoplastic resin, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

9. The second material is an elastomer containing halogen, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

10. There is an adhesive layer between the frame member and the infrared transmitting member, the infrared transmitting unit according to claim 1.

11. A vehicle glass having a glass substrate, provided with a light-shielding region, to which the far-infrared transmission unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is attached, wherein a far-infrared transmission region is formed in the light-shielding region, the far-infrared transmission region being provided with an opening formed in the glass substrate and a far-infrared transmission unit disposed in the opening.

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