Window glass for vehicle

Abstract

A window glass for a vehicle includes: a laminated glass having a first glass plate, a second glass plate, and an intermediate film and provided in an opening of a vehicle body; a thin electrical component member provided between a second main surface of the first glass plate and a third main surface of the second glass plate; wiring, which is wiring having a plurality of first end parts connected to the thin electrical component member and a plurality of second end parts connected to a wiring harness on the vehicle body side, that extends along a third main surface, a second side surface, and a fourth main surface between the plurality of first end parts and plurality of second end parts; a flexible substrate having an insulating layer on which wiring is provided; and a housing provided over the fourth main surface of the second glass plate and the surface of the extending portion of the flexible substrate or provided on the surface of the extending portion of the flexible substrate, and surrounding the plurality of second end portions. The housing has a partition wall portion for partitioning the plurality of second end portions.

Description

Vehicle window glass

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to vehicle glazings.

[0002] a flexible substrate having a first substrate portion provided between the second and third main surfaces; and a second substrate portion provided across the second side surface and the fourth main surface, the second substrate portion including a power supply terminal to which a power supply line that supplies power from the vehicle body is connected, the second substrate portion being integrally formed with the first substrate portion and being provided across the second side surface and the fourth main surface; a functional member provided between the second and third main surfaces and receiving power via the first substrate portion of the flexible substrate; a sealed container having a frame portion that surrounds the second substrate portion at the first side surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface; and a sealing member that seals a space surrounded by the first side surface, the second side surface, the fourth main surface, and the frame portion. This vehicle window glass efficiently forms a sufficient seal at the joint between the two glass sheets (the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet) and at the connection between the power supply line and the power supply terminal on the vehicle window glass (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2024-020823 A

[0004] However, if the flexible substrate extends further inward (toward the interior side) than the adhesive that adheres the laminated glass to the opening in the vehicle body, there is a risk that multiple terminals on the interior side of the flexible substrate may short-circuit due to condensation, dust, etc.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle window glass that can suppress short circuits between multiple terminals on the interior side of a flexible substrate connected to a thin electrical component provided between two glass sheets of laminated glass.

[0006] a first glass plate having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first side surface; a second glass plate having a third main surface, a fourth main surface, and a second side surface; and an intermediate film provided between the second main surface and the third main surface, the first glass plate being provided in an opening of a vehicle body; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; wiring having a plurality of first ends connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second ends connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side, the wiring extending along the third main surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface between the plurality of first ends and the plurality of second ends; and an insulating layer on which the wiring is provided; and a housing provided across the fourth main surface and a surface of an extending portion of the flexible substrate extending along the fourth main surface, or provided on the surface of the extending portion, surrounding the plurality of second ends, the housing having a partition wall portion that separates the plurality of second ends.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle window glass that can suppress short circuits between multiple terminals on the interior side of a flexible substrate that is connected to a thin electrical component provided between two glass sheets of laminated glass.

[0008] 1A and 1B . A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass of an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment where an FPC and a housing are provided. A diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment, and showing a cross section as viewed from the arrows A-A in FIGS. 1A and 1B . A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an FPC and a housing of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment disassembled. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass of an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of a vehicle window glass of a modified embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass of a modified embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass of a modified embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the vehicle window glass of the present disclosure is applied will be described. In the following, the same elements will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0010] In the following, the length, width, thickness, etc. of each part may be exaggerated to make the configuration easier to understand. Furthermore, terms such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, etc., are allowed to deviate to the extent that the effect of the embodiment is not impaired.

[0011] 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion of the vehicle window glass 100 where an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 130 and a housing 140 are provided.

[0012] In the following description, the XYZ coordinate system is defined. The direction parallel to the X axis (X direction), the direction parallel to the Y axis (Y direction), and the direction parallel to the Z axis (Z direction) are perpendicular to one another. The +Z direction side of the laminated glass 110 is the exterior side of the vehicle body 10. The Z axis extends in the normal direction of the laminated glass 110. In the following description, a planar view refers to viewing an object in the XY plane in the direction in which the Z axis extends.

[0013] Fig. 1A shows an example of a vehicle window glass 100 as viewed from the interior side of a vehicle body 10 toward the exterior side. In Fig. 1A, the vehicle window glass 100 is shown as a flat plate, but the vehicle window glass 100 may be curved in any one or more directions.

[0014] The vehicle window glass 100 is attached to an opening 11 in a vehicle body 10. In Fig. 1A, the area around the opening 11 in the vehicle body 10 is shown.

[0015] The opening 11 is a window frame for mounting the vehicle window glass 100, and is provided with a flange. In one example, the vehicle window glass 100 is mounted to the opening 11 from the outside of the vehicle, but may also be mounted from the inside of the vehicle.

[0016] 1A, the planar shape of the laminated glass 110 is generally rectangular, but the planar shape of the laminated glass 110 is not limited to rectangular and may be, for example, an irregular rectangular shape, a quadrangular shape such as a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or any other shape. The planar shape here refers to the shape of a predetermined region of the laminated glass 110 when viewed from the normal direction of the fourth main surface 112B (see FIG. 2) on the indoor side of the laminated glass 110.

[0017] The vehicle window glass 100 can be used, for example, as a roof glass, rear glass, side glass, quarter glass, extra glass, windshield, etc. of a vehicle. The extra glass is glass that is attached below the rear glass of the vehicle to improve the rearward visibility of the driver. The vehicle here refers to, for example, an electric vehicle (EV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid vehicle (HV), a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, or other automobile. The vehicle may also be a train or steam locomotive.

[0018] Although the embodiment in which the vehicle window glass 100 is fixed to the opening 11 is described here, the laminated glass 110 may be provided so as to be slidable relative to the vehicle body 10. For example, when the laminated glass 110 is used as a roof glass or a side glass, it may be configured so as to be openable and closable relative to the opening 11 by a drive mechanism such as a motor or regulator provided on the vehicle body 10 side.

[0019] <Vehicle Window Glass 100> The vehicle window glass 100 includes a laminated glass 110, a light control panel 120, an FPC 130, and a housing 140. The light control panel 120 is an example of a thin electrical component. The FPC 130 is an example of a flexible substrate.

[0020] Here, as an example, a configuration in which the thin electrical component is the dimming panel 120 will be described, but the thin electrical component is not limited to the dimming panel 120. The thin electrical component may be a functional film, a heating wire or a conductive film for heating, or the like, and the dimming panel 120 is an example of a functional film. Thin electrical components other than the dimming panel 120 will be described later.

[0021] In the following, a description will be given using FIGS. 2 and 3A to 3D in addition to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the vehicle window glass 100, and is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line A-A in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Fig. 2 shows a flange 12 provided at an opening 11 of a vehicle body 10.

[0023] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the housing 140. Fig. 3C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration in which the FPC 130 and the housing 140 are disassembled. Fig. 3C shows the double-sided tape 145 and the wire harness 20 in addition to the FPC 130 and the housing 140.

[0024] When the vehicle window glass 100 is attached to the flange 12 of the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10, a urethane sealant 30 (see FIG. 2 ) is applied. The urethane sealant 30 is an example of an adhesive. The urethane sealant 30 is applied in a frame shape along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. The urethane sealant 30 is applied over the shielding layer 114 provided on the fourth main surface 112B of the laminated glass 110 and the FPC 130. That is, in the frame-shaped portion along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view, in the section where the FPC 130 is present, the urethane sealant 30 is applied to the surface on the −Z direction side of the FPC 130, and in the section where the FPC 130 is not present, the urethane sealant 30 is applied to the surface on the −Z direction side of the shielding layer 114. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the section where the FPC 130 is present. Since the urethane sealant 30 is applied over the shielding layer 114 and the FPC 130, the laminated glass 110 can be firmly fixed to the vehicle body 10.

[0025] In a plan view, the inside of the frame-shaped urethane sealant 30 of the vehicle window glass 100 is the interior side, and the outside of the urethane sealant 30 is the exterior side. In Figure 2, the -Y side of the urethane sealant 30 is the interior side, and the +Y side of the urethane sealant 30 is the exterior side.

[0026] In Figure 2, interior panels and the like on the interior side of the vehicle body 10 are omitted, but the FPC 130 and the housing 140 are covered by interior panels and the like on the interior side of the vehicle body 10 and are therefore not visible from the interior side.

[0027] <Laminated Glass 110> The laminated glass 110 has a first glass plate 111, a second glass plate 112, an intermediate film 113, and a shielding layer 114. The laminated glass 110 is formed by bonding the first glass plate 111 provided on the exterior side of the vehicle body 10 to the second glass plate 112 provided on the interior side of the vehicle body 10 via the intermediate film 113 disposed between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. A light control panel 120 and an FPC 130 are provided in a portion between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112.

[0028] The total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is preferably 2.8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is the thickness of the laminated glass 110 between the first main surface 111A on the outdoor side of the first glass plate 111 and the fourth main surface 112B on the indoor side of the second glass plate 112. If the total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is 2.8 mm or more, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. Furthermore, if the total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is 10 mm or less, sufficient transmittance can be ensured without the mass becoming too large. Note that the total thickness here and the thickness described below refer to the length in the Z direction.

[0029] <First Glass Pane 111 and Second Glass Pane 112> The first glass pane 111 and the second glass pane 112 are transparent, flat glass panes. The first glass pane 111 has a first main surface 111A on the outdoor side, a second main surface 111B on the indoor side, and a first side surface 111C. The first side surface 111C is an end surface connecting the first main surface 111A and the second main surface 111B. The second glass pane 112 has a third main surface 112A on the outdoor side, a fourth main surface 112B on the indoor side, and a second side surface 112C. The second side surface 112C is an end surface connecting the third main surface 112A and the fourth main surface 112B. The first glass pane 111 and the second glass pane 112 may be flat or curved in one or more arbitrary directions.

[0030] The first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 may be inorganic glass or organic glass. Examples of inorganic glass that can be used include, without particular limitation, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, and quartz glass. From the viewpoint of scratch resistance, the first glass plate 111 is preferably inorganic glass. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of manufacturing cost and formability, the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are particularly preferably soda-lime glass. When the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are soda-lime glass, clear glass, green glass and UV-cut green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron, privacy glass, and the like can be used.

[0031] When the first glass sheet 111 and the second glass sheet 112 are inorganic glass, the first glass sheet 111 and the second glass sheet 112 may be either untempered glass or tempered glass. Untempered glass is produced by forming molten glass into a plate shape and slowly cooling it. Tempered glass is produced by forming a compressive stress layer on the surface of untempered glass, and may be either air-cooled tempered glass or chemically tempered glass.

[0032] If the tempered glass is physically tempered glass (e.g., air-cooled tempered glass), the glass surface may be tempered by generating a compressive stress layer on the glass surface due to the temperature difference between the glass surface and the interior of the glass, such as by rapidly cooling a uniformly heated glass sheet from a temperature near its softening point during bending. If the tempered glass is chemically tempered glass, the glass surface may be tempered by generating compressive stress on the glass surface using an ion exchange method or the like after bending. Furthermore, glass sheets that absorb ultraviolet or infrared light may be used as the first glass sheet 111 and the second glass sheet 112. The first glass sheet 111 and the second glass sheet 112 are preferably transparent, but may also be colored to the extent that transparency is not impaired.

[0033] On the other hand, examples of materials for organic glass include transparent resins such as polycarbonate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.

[0034] The laminated glass 110 may have a curved shape such that the exterior side is convex when attached to the vehicle body 10. The laminated glass 110 may have a single-curve shape bent in only one direction, or a compound-curve shape bent in two directions. The two directions are, for example, the up-down direction when the laminated glass 110 is attached to the vehicle body 10 and the left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Gravity forming, press forming, roller forming, or the like is used to bend the laminated glass 110. When the laminated glass 110 is bent to a predetermined curvature, the radius of curvature of the laminated glass 110 may be 1,000 mm or more and 100,000 mm or less.

[0035] Furthermore, when the laminated glass 110 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the thickness of the first glass sheet 111 located on the exterior side and the thickness of the second glass sheet 112 located on the interior side may be the same or different. The thickness of the first glass sheet 111 is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 4.2 mm or less, and more preferably 1.1 mm or more and 3.6 mm or less. When the thickness of the first glass sheet 111 is 1.0 mm or more, the strength such as resistance to flying stones is sufficient, and when it is 3.6 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 110 is not too large, which is preferable in terms of fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The thickness of the second glass sheet 112 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less. When the thickness of the second glass sheet 112 is 0.3 mm or more, the second glass sheet 112 is easy to handle, and when it is 2.7 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 110 is not too large. It is preferable that the thickness of each of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 is 1.8 mm or less, since this allows the laminated glass 110 to achieve both lightweight and sound insulation. If the thickness of the second glass plate 112 is 1.0 mm or less, the second glass plate 112 may be chemically strengthened glass. If the second glass plate 112 is chemically strengthened glass, it is preferable that the compressive stress value of the glass surface is 300 MPa or more and the depth of the compressive stress layer is 2 μm or more. The thickness here preferably refers to the thickness of the thinnest portion of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112.

[0036] The first glass plate 111 preferably has sufficient impact resistance for use in a vehicle. The impact resistance here can be evaluated, for example, using the impact resistance test in UN R43. The impact resistance test is a test to determine whether a safety glass, such as laminated glass for automobiles, has the necessary adhesiveness or strength to withstand the impact of a small, hard flying object. Specifically, the test is performed by maintaining the laminated glass (safety glass) at a predetermined temperature, placing the first main surface 111A of the first glass plate 111 on a support frame, and then gravity-dropping a steel ball from a predetermined height onto the laminated glass.

[0037] At least one of the first main surface 111A of the first glass plate 111 and the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112 may be provided with a coating that has water-repellent properties and UV- and infrared-blocking properties, a coating that has low reflectivity, low radiation properties, antifouling properties, or a coating that has anti-condensation properties. At least one of the second main surface 111B of the first glass plate 111 and the third main surface 112A of the second glass plate 112 may be provided with a coating that blocks UV and infrared rays, has low radiation properties, absorbs visible light, or is colored. A low-radiation coating may be formed on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112.

[0038] That is, at least one of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 may have one or more of a water-repellent layer, an ultraviolet blocking layer, an infrared reflective layer, a low reflectivity layer, a low emissivity layer, a condensation prevention layer, a visible light absorbing layer, and a colored layer.

[0039] <Intermediate film 113> The intermediate film 113 is provided between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. The intermediate film 113 preferably surrounds the side surface of the dimming panel 120. The side surface of the dimming panel 120 is an end surface connecting the surface on the +Z direction side and the surface on the −Z direction side of the dimming panel 120. Note that a first end 132A of the wiring 132 of the FPC 130 is connected to the end on the +Y direction side of the dimming panel 120. Therefore, the intermediate film 113 surrounds not only the side surface of the dimming panel 120 but also the joint between the dimming panel 120 and the first end 132A and the portion of the FPC 130 located between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112.

[0040] The interlayer film 113 includes a first interlayer film 113A bonded to the first glass plate 111, a second interlayer film 113B bonded to the second glass plate 112, and a frame-shaped third interlayer film 113C positioned between the first interlayer film 113A and the second interlayer film 113B and surrounding the side surface of the dimming panel 120. In this example, the third interlayer film 113C surrounds the side surface of the dimming panel 120, but the third interlayer film 113C does not have to be provided. Even if the third interlayer film 113C is not provided, as long as the side surface of the dimming panel 120 is positioned more inward than the first side surface 111C of the first glass plate 111 or the second side surface 112C of the second glass plate 112 in a planar view, at least one of the first interlayer film 113A and the second interlayer film 113B will deform during pressure bonding in the manufacturing process of the laminated glass 110, thereby surrounding the side surface of the dimming panel 120. If the thickness of the dimming panel 120 is large, the difference in thickness between the area where the dimming panel 120 is present and the area outside the dimming panel 120 will be large when viewed in a plane, so it is preferable to provide a third intermediate film 113C to fill the difference in thickness.

[0041] As an example, a configuration will be described in which the first intermediate film 113A, the second intermediate film 113B, and the third intermediate film 113C are separate bodies that are joined together during the manufacture of the laminated glass 110. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the intermediate film 113 may be integral, for example, in cases where a highly fluid material is poured between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 to form the intermediate film 113.

[0042] Thermoplastic resins are often used for the intermediate film 113, and examples thereof include plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cycloolefin polymer resins, ionomer resins, etc. Furthermore, resin compositions containing modified hydrogenated block copolymers, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6065221, can also be suitably used.

[0043] Among these, plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins are preferably used as the material for the interlayer film 113 because they have an excellent balance of properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesive strength, penetration resistance, impact energy absorption, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These thermoplastic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The term "plasticized" in the plasticized polyvinyl acetal resin means that the resin has been plasticized by adding a plasticizer. The same applies to other plasticized resins.

[0044] However, when the light control panel 120 is enclosed in the interlayer 113, deterioration may occur due to a specific plasticizer depending on the type of enclosed material, and in such a case, it is preferable to use a resin that does not substantially contain that plasticizer. In other words, it may be preferable that the interlayer 113 does not contain a plasticizer. Examples of resins that do not contain plasticizers include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins.

[0045] Examples of the polyvinyl acetal resin include polyvinyl formal resin obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter also referred to as PVA) with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal resin in the narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, and polyvinyl butyral resin (hereinafter also referred to as PVB) obtained by reacting PVA with n-butylaldehyde. PVB is particularly preferred because of its excellent balance of properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesive strength, penetration resistance, impact energy absorbency, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These polyvinyl acetal resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0046] The intermediate film 113 may be a curable transparent resin also known as Optical Clear Resin (OCR) or a transparent adhesive sheet also known as Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA). The use of a curable transparent resin or a transparent adhesive sheet makes it possible to produce a laminate (laminated glass) at room temperature, which is more desirable. Resins such as acrylic, silicone, urethane acrylate, and epoxy resins are used as the curable transparent resin or transparent adhesive sheet. These curable transparent resins and transparent adhesive sheets may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0047] The material forming the intermediate film 113 is not limited to a thermoplastic resin. The intermediate film 113 may also contain functional particles such as an infrared absorbing agent, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a luminescent agent. The intermediate film 113 may also have a colored portion called a shade band.

[0048] The thickness of the interlayer film 113 is preferably 0.3 mm or more at its thinnest part. If the thickness of the interlayer film 113 at its thinnest part is 0.3 mm or more, the impact resistance required for the laminated glass 110 will be sufficient. The thickness of the interlayer film 113 is preferably 3 mm or less at its thickest part. If the maximum thickness of the interlayer film 113 is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 110 will not become too large. The maximum thickness of the interlayer film 113 is more preferably 2.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or less.

[0049] The thickness of the intermediate film 113 refers to the thickness of only the intermediate film 113 excluding the thickness of the dimming panel 120. Therefore, the thickness of the intermediate film 113 refers to the length obtained by subtracting the thickness of the dimming panel 120 from the thickness from the interface (second main surface 111B) of the first intermediate film 113A with the first glass plate 111 to the interface (third main surface 112A) of the second intermediate film 113B with the second glass plate 112.

[0050] The thickest part of the intermediate film 113 is, for example, a part that does not sandwich the dimming panel 120 (a part that does not overlap with the dimming panel 120 in a plan view). The thinnest part of the intermediate film 113 is, for example, a part that sandwiches the dimming panel 120 (a part that overlaps with the dimming panel 120 in a plan view).

[0051] Furthermore, it is desirable that the first intermediate film 113A, the second intermediate film 113B, and the third intermediate film 113C included in the intermediate film 113 are all formed of the same material, but some or all of the first intermediate film 113A, the second intermediate film 113B, and the third intermediate film 113C may be formed of different materials. For example, the first intermediate film 113A and the second intermediate film 113B may be formed of the same material, and the third intermediate film 113C may be formed of a different material.

[0052] To produce the interlayer film 113, for example, the above-mentioned resin material to be used for the interlayer film is appropriately selected and extruded in a heated, molten state using an extruder. The extrusion conditions, such as the extrusion speed of the extruder, are set to be uniform. The resin film produced by extrusion molding is then stretched as necessary to give it a curvature that matches the design of the laminated glass 110, thereby completing the interlayer film 113.

[0053] <Shielding Layer 114> The shielding layer 114 is an opaque layer. The shielding layer 114 is, for example, an opaque colored (e.g., black) ceramic layer. The shielding layer 114 may be a colored interlayer or colored film with light-blocking properties, or a combination of a colored interlayer and a colored ceramic layer. The colored film may be integrated with an infrared reflective film or the like. Here, "opaque" means that the visible light transmittance is 5% or less, preferably 3% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and may even be substantially 0%. The shielding layer 114 prevents ultraviolet degradation of resins such as urethane that hold the laminated glass 110 to the vehicle body 10.

[0054] The shielding layer 114 can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing a black pigment and a fusible glass frit onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then firing the paste, but is not limited to this. The shielding layer 114 may also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing a black or dark color pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing, inkjet printing, or the like, and then drying the ink.

[0055] As an example, the shielding layer 114 is provided in a strip shape along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1A , the shielding layer 114 is provided in a strip shape along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. The shielding layer 114 is visible from the outdoor side of the laminated glass 110.

[0056] 2, for example, the shielding layer 114 is formed on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112. For example, the outer edges of the shielding layer 114 are located on the outer edges of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. Furthermore, the shielding layer 114 partially overlaps with the light control panel 120 in a plan view.

[0057] The width of the shielding layer 114 may be sufficient as long as it is wide enough to conceal the portion of the FPC 130 extending along the fourth main surface 112B, the wire harness 20, and the like. The portion of the FPC 130 extending along the fourth main surface 112B is referred to as the extending portion 130A. The extending portion 130A is the portion of the FPC 130 that is attached to the fourth main surface 112B via the shielding layer 114 and double-sided tape 134. The width of the shielding layer 114 is the width in the Y direction in FIG. 2 and the width of the rectangular annular band-shaped portion in FIG. 1A. In other words, the width of the shielding layer 114 is the width in the direction perpendicular to the inner edge of the rectangular annular shielding layer 114 in a plan view.

[0058] The shielding layer 114 is not limited to being formed on the fourth main surface 112B, and may be formed on the second main surface 111B of the first glass plate 111 or the third main surface 112A of the second glass plate 112. The shielding layer 114 may be formed by a combination of the second main surface 111B and the fourth main surface 112B, the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A, or the third main surface 112A and the fourth main surface 112B. The shielding layer 114 may be provided on the surface of the first intermediate film 113A or the second intermediate film 113B, or may be embedded inside the first intermediate film 113A or the second intermediate film 113B.

[0059] The light control panel 120 is an example of a thin electrical component and a functional film. The thinness means that the light control panel 120 has a thickness thin enough to be disposed between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 of the laminated glass 110.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1A , for example, the dimming panel 120 has a rectangular shape in a plan view and is arranged so as to fit inside the outer edge of the rectangular laminated glass 110 in a plan view. Here, a form in which the dimming panel 120 has a rectangular shape in a plan view will be described, but the shape of the dimming panel 120 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape. The dimming panel 120 may have an irregular rectangular shape or any shape that matches the shape of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. Furthermore, the dimming panel 120 may have any shape that fits inside the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 without matching the shape of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view.

[0061] The dimming panel 120 is, for example, a component whose transmittance changes depending on the power supplied via the FPC 130. Here, as an example, a form will be described in which the transmittance of the dimming panel 120 changes between two stages, a high state and a low state, depending on whether or not power is supplied via the two wirings 132 of the FPC 130. When power is supplied via the wirings 132 of the FPC 130, the dimming panel 120 is turned on and enters a high transmittance state, and when the power supply is cut off, the dimming panel 120 is turned off and enters a low transmittance state. Switching between supplying power and not supplying power via the two wirings 132 plays the role of a control signal that switches the dimming panel 120 on and off.

[0062] However, the dimming panel 120 may be a panel whose transmittance changes depending on the duty ratio of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) pulse signal, and may be, for example, a resin or glass panel to which a dimming device whose transmittance changes depending on the duty ratio of a PWM pulse signal is attached. Other dimming devices that can be used include suspended particle devices (SPDs), polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs), guest-host liquid crystals, photochromic devices, electrochromic devices, and electrokinetic devices.

[0063] When the transmittance of the dimming panel 120 changes in two stages, the dimming panel 120 is transparent when the transmittance is high, and changes to an opaque state such as gray when the transmittance is low, and is in a state where it does not transmit much light. Furthermore, when the dimming panel 120 is driven by a PWM pulse signal, the transmittance can be controlled in multiple stages between the transparent state and the opaque state, and as an example, the transmittance of the dimming panel 120 is minimum when the duty ratio of the PWM pulse signal is 0%.

[0064] The light control panel 120 is provided in a region that blocks the opening 11, of the entire region of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. This is because the light control panel 120 is arranged in a position that is visible from the exterior and interior sides of the vehicle body 10. When the laminated glass 110 is provided so as to be slidable relative to the vehicle body 10, the light control panel 120 only needs to be provided in a region, of the entire region of the laminated glass 110, that blocks the opening when the laminated glass 110 is completely closed relative to the vehicle body 10. This is because the light control panel 120 is arranged in a position that is visible from the exterior and interior sides of the vehicle body 10 when the laminated glass 110 is completely closed relative to the vehicle body 10.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the thin electrical component is not limited to the light control panel 120, but may be a functional film other than the light control panel 120, or a heating wire or conductive film for heating, or the like.

[0066] The functional film is a component that imparts additional functions to the laminated glass 110. Examples of functional films other than the light control panel 120 include light-emitting display films and solar cell films. The light-emitting display film is a film-like display device in which pixels composed of light-emitting elements are arranged, and images can be displayed by passing electricity through the light-emitting elements of each pixel. The light-emitting elements include organic EL (electroluminescence) elements and inorganic EL elements. The solar cell film is a film in which photoelectric conversion elements that convert light energy into electricity are formed.

[0067] Furthermore, examples of heating wires include a heating wire that functions as a defogger to remove fogging (water droplets) from the surface of the vehicle window glass 100, and a heating wire that functions as a de-icer to efficiently melt ice or snow that has adhered to the outer surface of the vehicle window glass 100. These heating wires are, for example, made of tungsten wire. The pitch between the heating wires is, for example, approximately 2 mm. When the heating wire functions as a de-icer, the value of the current passed through the heating wire may be set higher (for example, approximately twice as high) than when the heating wire functions as a defogger. Therefore, the heating wire that functions as a de-icer is thicker than the heating wire that functions as a defogger. The heating wire that functions as a defogger is, for example, a plurality of heating wires extending horizontally, and, for example, arranged at equal intervals. The heating wire that functions as a de-icer is, for example, a plurality of heating wires extending vertically (up and down), which is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and, for example, arranged at equal intervals.

[0068] Furthermore, examples of the conductive film for heating include a transparent conductive film that functions as a defogger or deicer. Such a transparent conductive film can be used instead of the above-mentioned heating wire. Examples of the transparent conductive film include a metal film such as an Ag film, a metal oxide film such as an ITO (indium tin oxide) film, or a resin film containing conductive particles. The transparent conductive film may be a laminate of multiple types of films.

[0069] Furthermore, when a heating wire or a heating conductive film is provided as a thin electrical component between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, an anti-fogging film may be provided on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112. The anti-fogging film is, for example, a film that contains a water-absorbent polymer or a hydrophilic polymer and has high water absorption properties.

[0070] When the thin electrical component is a functional film, a heating wire, or a conductive film for heating, it becomes possible to provide a vehicle window glass 100 including various types of thin electrical components.

[0071] <FPC 130> The FPC 130 is provided to transmit power, control signals, etc. to the thin electrical component. Here, a configuration in which the vehicle window glass 100 includes the FPC 130 will be described, but instead of the FPC 130, a cable or the like in which an insulating coating is applied to wiring (conductive wire) may be used.

[0072] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the FPC 130 is provided on one side of the outer edges of the laminated glass 110 and the light control panel 120, which are rectangular in plan view.

[0073] 2, the FPC 130 has a substrate 131, wiring 132, and a coverlay 133. As an example, two wirings 132 are provided on the substrate 131. As shown in FIG. 1B, the substrate 131 has a notch 131A formed between the two wirings 132 on the side where the second end 132B of the wiring 132 is located. The notch 131A is a portion cut out in the +Y direction from the end of the extension portion 130A on the −Y direction side of the substrate 131, at the center of the width of the substrate 131 in the X direction.

[0074] Two wirings 132 are formed on one surface of the substrate 131 and are covered with a coverlay 133. The substrate 131 and the coverlay 133 are fixed to each other by laminating them with the wirings 132 sandwiched therebetween or by bonding them with an adhesive.

[0075] The coverlay 133 has a notch 133A formed between the two wirings 132 on the side where the second end 132B of the wiring 132 is located. The notch 133A is a portion cut out in the +Y direction from the end of the extension portion 130A on the -Y direction side of the coverlay 133 at the center of the X direction width of the coverlay 133. The width in the X direction, length in the Y direction, and shape of the notch 133A are the same as the width in the X direction, length in the Y direction, and shape of the notch 133A. Because the position of the notch 133A in a plan view is the same as the position of the notch 131A in a plan view, in a laminated state, the notches 131A and 133A are integrated as a single notch. The width in the X direction of the notches 131A and 133A is wider than the width in the X direction of the partition wall portion 142.

[0076] The substrate 131 and the coverlay 133 are made of, for example, a flexible resin film such as polyimide, and the wiring 132 is, for example, wiring formed by patterning copper foil or the like. Note that both the substrate 131 and the coverlay 133 may be considered as the substrate. The substrate 131 and the coverlay 133 are examples of insulating layers.

[0077] Each wiring 132 has a first end 132A (see FIG. 2) and a second end 132B (see FIGS. 1B, 2, and 3C). The wiring 132 is covered by the substrate 131 and the coverlay 133 between the first end 132A and the second end 132B. The first end 132A and the second end 132B are portions of the wiring 132 exposed on the substrate 131 after the coverlay 133 has been removed. The second end 132B functions as a terminal to which the connector 21 of the wire harness 20 is connected.

[0078] A portion of the FPC 130 on the first end 132A side is sandwiched between the second intermediate film 113B and the third intermediate film 113C between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 at the end on the +Y direction side of the laminated glass 110. The first end 132A is connected to a terminal (not shown) at the end on the +Y direction side of the dimming panel 120. As an example, the FPC 130 and the dimming panel 120 have an overlapping portion between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, but there may be no overlapping portion.

[0079] The FPC 130 is bent twice along the second side surface 112C from the portion on the first end 132A side to the second end 132B, and extends along the third main surface 112A, the second side surface 112C, and the fourth main surface 112B.

[0080] An extension portion 130A of the FPC 130 that extends along the fourth main surface 112B is attached to the shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape 134 (see FIG. 2), for example. A portion of the FPC 130 on the second end portion 132B side is located at the end of the extension portion 130A on the −Y direction side. Therefore, for example, the portion of the FPC 130 on the second end portion 132B side is attached to the shielding layer 114 of the second glass plate 112 with double-sided tape 134. Because the shielding layer 114 is formed on the fourth main surface 112B, the second end portion 132B is provided on the fourth main surface 112B via the shielding layer 114, the substrate 131, and the double-sided tape 134.

[0081] In this manner, the FPC 130 extends along the third main surface 112A, the second side surface 112C, and the fourth main surface 112B between the first end 132A and the second end 132B.

[0082] The connector 21 provided at one end of the wire harness 20 is connected to the second end 132B by solder. For example, a lead-free solder such as silver-tin solder or silver-tin-copper solder can be used as the solder. The connector 21 may be connected to the second end 132B by welding, bonding with a conductive adhesive, or by fusing. Alternatively, the wires of the wire harness 20 may be directly connected to the second end 132B without using the connector 21.

[0083] 1B , for example, two wirings 132 are provided on the FPC 130. The two wirings 132 are stripe-shaped conductors extending along the Y direction, and are symmetrical with respect to a line extending in the Y direction through the center of the X direction of the FPC 130. The two wirings 132 are connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the light control panel 120.

[0084] The number of wires 132 may be set appropriately depending on the number of terminals of the thin electrical component, and the FPC 130 may have wires 132 for transmitting control signals and the like in addition to the wires 132 for transmitting power. The shape of the FPC 130 in a plan view may be any shape.

[0085] The double-sided tape 134 (see FIG. 2 ) may be, for example, any double-sided tape that can adhere the FPC 130 to the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112. Alternatively, an adhesive layer or the like may be used instead of the double-sided tape 134.

[0086] The FPC 130, which has a structure in which the wiring 132 provided on the substrate 131 is covered with the coverlay 133, is very thin and highly flexible. Therefore, it is very easy to route the wiring 132 from the end on the +Y direction side of the light control panel 120 provided between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, along the second side surface 112C and the fourth main surface 112B, and connect it to the connector 21 of the wire harness 20. Furthermore, the ease of routing leads to improved electrical reliability of the wiring 132, because breakage or damage to the wiring 132 is less likely to occur. Using the FPC 130 makes it possible to easily route the wiring 132 and improve its electrical reliability.

[0087] 1B and 2 , the housing 140 is provided across the surface of the shielding layer 114 and the surface (surface on the −Z direction side) of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130. Therefore, the housing 140 cannot be seen from the outdoor side of the laminated glass 110.

[0088] Because the shielding layer 114 is formed on the fourth main surface 112B, the portion of the housing 140 that is provided on the surface of the shielding layer 114 is provided on the fourth main surface 112B via the shielding layer 114. In other words, the housing 140 is provided across the fourth main surface 112B and the surface (surface on the −Z direction side) of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130.

[0089] Before describing the specific configurations of the frame portion 141 and the partition wall portion 142, materials from which the housing 140 can be made will be described. The housing 140 is made of resin, for example. The resin used for the housing 140 is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin (hard resin) or a fiber-reinforced resin. Examples of resin include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyamide (PA). Examples of fiber-reinforced resin include polybutylene terephthalate reinforced with glass fiber (GF). The housing 140 may also be made of polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), or the like.

[0090] 1B , the frame 141 is the portion of the housing 140 excluding the partition wall 142 in a plan view, and has, for example, a rectangular ring shape in a plan view. The partition wall 142 is located in the center of the frame 141 in the X direction, and is a wall that connects a wall that extends in the X direction on the −Y direction side of the frame 141 with a wall that extends in the X direction on the +Y direction side of the frame 141.

[0091] Frame 141 is a portion of housing 140 that surrounds two second ends 132B in a plan view. As an example, an end face on the +Z direction side of a portion of frame 141 that extends in the Y direction on the −X direction side and an end face on the +Z direction side of a portion of frame 141 that extends in the Y direction on the +X direction side are fixed to shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape 145.

[0092] The frame 141 also has two recesses 141A (see FIGS. 2 and 3A to 3C) on the +Z-direction end face of the wall extending in the X-direction on the -Y-direction side. The two recesses 141A are provided for passing two wire harnesses 20 connected to the two second end portions 132B. Because the FPC 130 has a thickness of, for example, approximately 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, it can be sandwiched between the +Z-direction end face of the wall extending in the X-direction on the +Y-direction side of the frame 141 and the shielding layer 114 without providing any recesses. Therefore, the frame 141 does not have a recess on the +Z-direction end face of the wall extending in the X-direction on the +Y-direction side. In contrast, the wire harness 20 has a diameter of, for example, approximately 3 mm to 8 mm, and therefore the frame 141 has a recess 141A provided therein for passing the wire harness 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the frame portion 141 needs only to surround the two second end portions 132B and have a size sufficient to accommodate the connector 21 connected to the second end portions 132B within the space divided into two by the partition wall portion 142.

[0094] <Partition Wall 142> The partition wall 142 extends in the Y direction at the center of the frame 141 in the X direction in a plan view. Both ends of the partition wall 142 on the −Y direction side and +Y direction side in a plan view are connected to the frame 141. The partition wall 142 is located in the cutouts 131A and 133A of the FPC 130 and is provided on the surface of the shielding layer 114 on the −Z direction side through the cutouts 131A and 133A. The end face of the partition wall 142 on the +Z direction side is fixed to the surface of the shielding layer 114 on the −Z direction side with double-sided tape 145. Because the shielding layer 114 is provided on the fourth main surface 112B, the partition wall 142 is connected to the fourth main surface 112B via the shielding layer 114. That is, the partition wall 142 is connected to the fourth main surface 112B.

[0095] Since the notches 131A and 133A of the FPC 130 are provided between the two second ends 132B in a plan view, the partition wall 142 is provided between the two second ends 132B and separates the two second ends 132B. Here, separating the two second ends 132B means separating the space in which the frame 141 surrounds the two second ends 132B, and means that no gap exists between the partition wall 142 and the shielding layer 114.

[0096] The housing 140 having the above configuration can be attached to the laminated glass 110 as follows. First, the connectors 21 at the ends of the two wire harnesses 20 are connected to the two second ends 132B of the extension portion 130A of the FPC 130, which is fixed to the shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape 134 (omitted in FIG. 3C ). The second ends 132B and the connectors 21 may be connected by soldering, for example. Then, the housing 140 is aligned with the laminated glass 110, and the housing 140 is adhered to the shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape 145.

[0097] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, a structure is completed in which the two second ends 132B are surrounded by the housing 140 and the two second ends 132B are separated by the partition wall portion 142.

[0098] The partition wall 142 separates the two second ends 132B for the following reason: Condensation may occur in the portion of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130 that is closer to the interior of the vehicle than the urethane sealant 30, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions inside the vehicle body 10. Condensation is more likely to occur in metal members than in resin members, so condensation may occur at the second end 132B. Furthermore, dust and other particles generated inside the vehicle may adhere to the portion of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130 that is closer to the interior of the vehicle than the urethane sealant 30.

[0099] If the partition wall portion 142 were not present, there would be no wall or the like between the two second ends 132B, and moisture or dust produced by condensation could adhere between the two second ends 132B, which could cause a short circuit between the two second ends 132B.

[0100] In contrast, the vehicle window glass 100 of the embodiment includes the housing 140 having the partition wall portion 142 that separates the two second ends 132B, so that even if moisture or dust caused by condensation occurs at or near the second ends 132B, it is possible to prevent the two second ends 132B from being short-circuited by the moisture or dust, etc. For this reason, the two second ends 132B are separated by the partition wall portion 142.

[0101] Furthermore, by connecting the partition wall portion 142 to the shielding layer 114 through the cutout portions 131A and 133A, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture, dust, etc. from traveling along the surface of the FPC 130 and accumulating between the two second ends 132B, thereby preventing the two second ends 132B from shorting out. Furthermore, by adhering the end face on the +Z direction side of the partition wall portion 142 to the shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape 145, the adhesion between the partition wall portion 142 and the shielding layer 114 is improved, thereby more effectively preventing the two second ends 132B from shorting out due to moisture, dust, etc. Furthermore, by having the frame portion 141 of the housing 140, it is possible to prevent dust, etc. from adhering to the two second ends 132B.

[0102] Furthermore, since both ends of the partition wall portion 142 in the Y direction are connected to the frame portion 141, the space inside the housing 140 in which the two second ends 132B exist is divided, which more effectively prevents the two second ends 132B from shorting out due to moisture, dust, etc.

[0103] Furthermore, by positioning the ends of cutouts 131A and 133A on the +Y direction side outside housing 140, the entire partition wall 142 in the Y direction passes through cutouts 131A and 133A and is adhered to shielding layer 114 by double-sided tape 145, which more effectively prevents short-circuiting of two second ends 132B due to moisture, dust, etc. Furthermore, by having frame 141 that surrounds two second ends 132B in housing 140, a structure can be realized that makes it difficult for dust, etc. to adhere to two second ends 132B.

[0104] It is preferable that the FPC 130 has cutouts 131A and 133A, and that the partition wall 142 is adhered to the shielding layer 114 via the cutouts 131A and 133A with double-sided tape 145; however, the FPC 130 does not have to have the cutouts 131A and 133A. For example, if the FPC 130 does not have the cutouts 131A and 133A, the end face of the partition wall 142 on the +Z direction side may be adhered to the surface of the FPC 130 on the −Z direction side of the portion between the two second end portions 132B with the double-sided tape 145. Even with this configuration, the adhesion between the partition wall 142 and the surface of the FPC 130 on the −Z direction side of the portion between the two second end portions 132B is improved, so that the two second end portions 132B can be more effectively prevented from shorting due to moisture, dust, or the like.

[0105] Furthermore, if almost no gap occurs between the partition wall portion 142 and the shielding layer 114 or the FPC 130 without using the double-sided tape 145, the end face on the +Z direction side of the partition wall portion 142 does not need to be adhered to the shielding layer 114 or the FPC 130 with the double-sided tape 145. This is because, by adhering any part of the end face on the +Z direction side of the frame portion 141 to the shielding layer 114 or the FPC 130 with the double-sided tape 145, if almost no gap occurs between the partition wall portion 142 and the shielding layer 114 or the FPC 130, it is possible to prevent the two second end portions 132B from being short-circuited due to moisture, dust, or the like.

[0106] As described above, the housing 140, which is provided across the fourth main surface 112B and the surface of the extension portion 130A of the FPC 130, has a partition wall portion 142 that separates the two second end portions 132B, thereby preventing the two second end portions 132B from short-circuiting due to moisture, dust, etc.

[0107] Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle window glass 100 that can suppress short circuits between multiple terminals (second end 132B) on the interior side of the FPC 130 that are connected to a thin electrical component (e.g., a dimming panel 120) that is provided between two glass plates (e.g., a first glass plate 111 and a second glass plate 112) of the laminated glass 110.

[0108] Although the above describes a configuration in which the FPC 130 has two second ends 132B, the FPC 130 may have three or more second ends 132B. In this case, it is sufficient that the housing 140 has a configuration in which a plurality of partition wall portions 142 are provided so that adjacent second ends 132B are all separated by the partition wall portions 142.

[0109] Also, in the above description, the housing 140 is provided across the fourth main surface 112B and the surface of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130. However, the housing 140 may be provided only on the surface of the extending portion 130A of the FPC 130. In this case, the housing 140 is located only in the portion that overlaps with the FPC 130 in a plan view, and does not overlap with the fourth main surface 112B or the shielding layer 114 in the portion where the FPC 130 is not present.

[0110] 3D, the housing 140 may also have a lid portion 143. The lid portion 143 has the same size as the frame portion 141 in a plan view and is provided on the −Z direction side of the frame portion 141. The lid portion 143 may be adhered to the frame portion 141 with double-sided tape 145 or the like, or may be formed integrally with the frame portion 141. When the housing 140 has the lid portion 143, the second end portion 132B is located within the space surrounded by the laminated glass 110 and the housing 140. Although there is a gap between the recess 141A and the wire harness 20, the structure makes it difficult for dust to enter the interior. This more effectively prevents the two second end portions 132B from shorting out due to moisture, dust, or the like.

[0111] <Modification of the embodiment> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a vehicle window glass 100M according to a modification of the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a cross section corresponding to Fig. 2. Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a housing of the vehicle window glass 100M. Fig. 5A is an exploded view, and Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view.

[0112] The vehicle window glass 100M includes a laminated glass 110, a light control panel 120, an FPC 130M, and a housing 140M. The vehicle window glass 100M differs from the vehicle window glass 100 (see FIG. 2 etc.) in the configuration of the housing 140M and the mounting position thereof.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 4 , the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side extends toward the interior of the vehicle body 10, away from the fourth main surface 112B of the laminated glass 110, and is curved so as to be located on the −Z direction side of the flange 12. The second end 132B is, for example, parallel to the XY plane. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the housing 140M has a protrusion 141MB1 that protrudes toward the +Z direction. The protrusion 141MB1 is inserted from below into the hole 12A of the flange 12 and secured by a clip 141MB3. In this manner, the housing 140M is attached in a suspended state to the flange 12. Because the protrusion 141MB1 is secured by the clip 141MB3, it does not fall out of the hole 12A.

[0114] 5A and 5B, the housing 140M has a first housing piece 141MA, a second housing piece 141MB, and a partition wall portion 142M. The housing 140M is box-shaped and has a storage portion 140MA surrounded by the housing 140M.

[0115] The first housing piece 141MA is located below (on the first side) the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side. The first housing piece 141MA has a recess 141MA1 through which the wire harness 20 passes. The second housing piece 141MB is located above (on the second side) the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side. The first housing piece 141MA and the second housing piece 141MB are aligned with each other and assembled by engaging the snap fits 141MA2 and 141MB2 to form a box shape. The housing 140M can be assembled easily by simply engaging the snap fits 141MA2 and 141MB2.

[0116] Here, the phrase "the first housing piece 141MA is located below (on the first side) the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side" means that the first housing piece 141MA is located below (on the first side) at least the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side, and may have a portion located above the second end 132B. Similarly, the phrase "the second housing piece 141MB is located above (on the second side) the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side" means that the second housing piece 141MB is located above (on the second side) the portion of the FPC 130M on the second end 132B side, and may have a portion located below the second end 132B.

[0117] The first housing piece 141MA and the second housing piece 141MB may have any shape as long as they are located on the first side and the second side of the portion of the second end 132B side of the FPC 130M, respectively, and are assembled to form the housing 140M having the accommodation portion 140MA. The recess 141MA1 may also be provided in the second housing piece 141MB.

[0118] As an example, the partition wall portion 142M extends in the Y direction at the center in the X direction of the surface on the +Z direction side of the first housing piece 141MA. As an example, the partition wall portion 142M is integral with the first housing piece 141MA, but the partition wall portion 142M and the first housing piece 141MA may be separate bodies, and the partition wall portion 142M may be adhered to the first housing piece 141MA with double-sided tape or the like. Alternatively, the partition wall portion 142M may be provided on the second housing piece 141MB and adhered to the first housing piece 141MA with double-sided tape or the like.

[0119] The partition wall 142M extends from the -Y end of the first housing piece 141MA to the +Y end, and is therefore located from the -Y end to the +Y end of the storage section 140MA. As shown in FIG. 5B , the +Z end face of the partition wall 142M abuts against the second housing piece 141MB. Therefore, the partition wall 142M divides the storage section 140MA into a -X side and a +X side.

[0120] By providing the partition wall portion 142M through the notches 131A and 133A, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture, dust, etc. from traveling along the surface of the FPC 130M and accumulating between the two second ends 132B, which could cause a short circuit between the two second ends 132B.

[0121] Furthermore, the housing 140M has a first housing piece 141MA and a second housing piece 141MB, and a partition wall portion 142M is provided through the notches 131A and 133A of the FPC 130M to connect the first housing piece 141MA and the second housing piece 141MB. This makes it difficult for dust to enter the first housing piece 141MA and the second housing piece 141MB, and by dividing the space between the two second ends 132B, it is possible to more effectively prevent short-circuiting of the two second ends 132B.

[0122] When assembling the FPC 130M, the housing 140M, and the wire harness 20, the connector 21 of the wire harness 20 and the second end 132B of the FPC 130M are connected by soldering, and the second end 132B of the FPC 130M and the connector 21 are placed on the surface of the first housing piece 141MA on the +Z direction side. In this state, the partition wall 142M is inserted between the notches 131A and 133A of the FPC 130M. Then, the second housing piece 141MB is attached to the +Z direction side of the first housing piece 141MA, completing the assembly. In this state, the wire harness 20 is inserted through the recess 141MA1, and the FPC 130M is sandwiched between the joint on the -Y direction side of the first housing piece 141MA and the second housing piece 141MB. The ends of the cutouts 131A and 133A on the −Y direction side are located outside the housing 140M.

[0123] Furthermore, when the protrusion 141MB1 of the second housing piece 141MB is inserted into the hole 12A of the flange 12 and fixed with a clip 141MB3, the housing 140M is held by the flange 12 as shown in FIG.

[0124] In the modified embodiment, the housing 140M has a partition wall portion 142M that separates the two second ends 132B, thereby preventing the two second ends 132B from short-circuiting due to moisture, dust, etc.

[0125] Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle window glass 100M that is capable of suppressing short circuits between a plurality of terminals (second ends 132B) on the interior side of an FPC 130M that is connected to a thin electrical component (e.g., a light control panel 120) that is provided between two glass sheets (e.g., a first glass sheet 111 and a second glass sheet 112) of the laminated glass 110. Specifically, the portion of the FPC 130M that is on the second end 132B side and that curves and extends below the flange 12 is covered with a housing 140M suspended from the flange 12, and the two second ends 132B are separated by a partition wall portion 142M, thereby suppressing short circuits between the two second ends 132B due to moisture, dust, and the like.

[0126] Although the above describes a configuration in which the FPC 130M has two second ends 132B, the FPC 130M may have three or more second ends 132B. In this case, it is sufficient that the housing 140M has a plurality of partition wall portions 142M so that adjacent second ends 132B are all separated by the partition wall portions 142M.

[0127] While exemplary vehicle window panes according to the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0128] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiments: (Supplementary Note 1) A vehicle window glass comprising: a first glass sheet having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first side surface; a second glass sheet having a third main surface, a fourth main surface, and a second side surface; and an interlayer film provided between the second and third main surfaces, the vehicle window glass being provided in an opening of a vehicle body; a thin electrical component provided between the second and third main surfaces; a flexible substrate having wiring having a plurality of first end portions connected to the thin electrical component between the second and third main surfaces and a plurality of second end portions connected to a wiring harness on the vehicle body side, the wiring extending along the third main surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface between the plurality of first end portions and the plurality of second end portions; and an insulating layer on which the wiring is provided; and a housing provided across the fourth main surface and a surface of an extending portion of the flexible substrate extending along the fourth main surface, or provided on the surface of the extending portion, the housing surrounding the plurality of second end portions, wherein the housing has a partition wall portion that separates the plurality of second end portions. (Supplementary Note 2) The vehicle window glass according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the insulating layer of the flexible substrate has a notch formed between the plurality of second ends, and the partition wall portion is connected to the fourth main surface through the notch. (Supplementary Note 3) The vehicle window glass according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the partition wall portion and the fourth main surface are bonded together. (Supplementary Note 4) The vehicle window glass according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the housing has a frame portion surrounding the plurality of second ends in a plan view, and a partition wall portion, and both ends of the partition wall portion in a plan view are connected to the frame portion.(Supplementary Note 5) A vehicle window glass comprising: a laminated glass to be provided in an opening of a vehicle body, the laminated glass having: a first glass plate having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first side surface; a second glass plate having a third main surface, a fourth main surface, and a second side surface; and an intermediate film provided between the second and third main surfaces; a thin electrical component provided between the second and third main surfaces; a flexible substrate having wiring having a plurality of first ends connected to the thin electrical component between the second and third main surfaces and a plurality of second ends connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side, the wiring extending along the third main surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface and extending away from the fourth main surface between the plurality of first ends and the plurality of second ends, and an insulating layer on which the wiring is provided; and a housing having an accommodating portion that accommodates a portion of the flexible substrate on the side of the plurality of second ends, and a partition wall portion that partitions between the plurality of second ends. (Appendix 6) The vehicle window glass according to Appendix 5, wherein the insulating layer of the flexible substrate has a notch formed between the plurality of second ends, and the partition wall portion is provided through the notch. (Appendix 7) The vehicle window glass according to Appendix 6, wherein the housing has: a first housing piece located on a first side of the portion of the flexible substrate close to the plurality of second ends; a second housing piece located on a second side of the portion of the flexible substrate close to the plurality of second ends; and a partition wall portion, wherein the partition wall portion is provided through the notch and connects the first housing piece and the second housing piece. (Appendix 8) The vehicle window glass according to any of Appendixes 1 to 7, wherein the thin electrical member is a functional film, or a heating wire or conductive film for heating. (Appendix 9) The vehicle window glass according to any of Appendixes 1 to 8, wherein the housing is provided more inward in a planar direction of the laminated glass than an annular adhesive that bonds the laminated glass to an opening in a vehicle body in a plan view of the laminated glass.

[0129] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-102525 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0130] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle body 11 Opening 12 Flange 20 Wire harness 21 Connector 30 Urethane sealant (an example of an adhesive) 100, 100M Vehicle window glass 110 Laminated glass 111 First glass plate 111A First main surface 111B Second main surface 111C First side surface 112 Second glass plate 112A Third main surface 112B Fourth main surface 112C Second side surface 113 Intermediate film 113A First intermediate film 113B Second intermediate film 113C Third intermediate film 114 Shielding layer 120 Light control panel (an example of a thin electrical component, a functional film) 130, 130M FPC (an example of a flexible substrate) 130A Extension portion 131 Substrate (an example of an insulating layer) 131A Notch 132 Wiring 132A First end 132B Second end 133 Coverlay (an example of an insulating layer) 133A Notch 134 Double-sided tape 140, 140M Housing 141 Frame 142 Partition wall 145 Double-sided tape

Claims

1. A vehicle window glass comprising: a first glass sheet having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first side surface; a second glass sheet having a third main surface, a fourth main surface, and a second side surface; and an intermediate film provided between the second main surface and the third main surface, the laminated glass being provided in an opening in a vehicle body; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a flexible substrate having wiring having a plurality of first ends connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second ends connected to a wiring harness on the vehicle body side, the wiring extending along the third main surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface between the plurality of first ends and the plurality of second ends, and an insulating layer on which the wiring is provided; and a housing provided across the fourth main surface and a surface of an extending portion of the flexible substrate that extends along the fourth main surface, or provided on the surface of the extending portion, surrounding the plurality of second ends, wherein the housing has a partition wall that separates the plurality of second ends.

2. A vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer of the flexible substrate has a notch formed between the plurality of second ends, and the partition wall portion is connected to the fourth main surface through the notch.

3. The vehicle window glass according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall portion and the fourth main surface are bonded together.

4. A vehicle window glass as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing has a frame portion that surrounds the plurality of second end portions in a plan view and the partition wall portion, and both ends of the partition wall portion in a plan view are connected to the frame portion.

5. A vehicle window glass comprising: a laminated glass to be installed in an opening of a vehicle body, the laminated glass having: a first glass sheet having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first side surface; a second glass sheet having a third main surface, a fourth main surface, and a second side surface; and an intermediate film installed between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component installed between the second main surface and the third main surface; wiring having a plurality of first ends connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second ends connected to a wiring harness on the vehicle body side, the wiring extending along the third main surface, the second side surface, and the fourth main surface and extending away from the fourth main surface between the plurality of first ends and the plurality of second ends, and an insulating layer on which the wiring is installed; and a housing having a housing portion to house the portions of the flexible substrate on the side of the plurality of second ends and a partition wall portion to separate the plurality of second ends.

6. A vehicle window glass as set forth in claim 5, wherein the insulating layer of the flexible substrate has a notch formed between the plurality of second ends, and the partition wall portion is provided through the notch.

7. A vehicle window glass as described in claim 6, wherein the housing has a first housing piece located on a first side of the portion of the flexible substrate that faces the second ends of the plurality of flexible substrates, a second housing piece located on a second side of the portion of the flexible substrate that faces the second ends of the plurality of flexible substrates, and the partition wall portion, and the partition wall portion is provided through the cutout portion and connects the first housing piece and the second housing piece.

8. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the thin electrical component is a functional film, or an electric heating wire or conductive film for heating.

9. A vehicle window glass as described in claim 1, wherein the housing is provided inward in the planar direction of the laminated glass relative to an annular adhesive that adheres the laminated glass to the opening in the vehicle body when viewed in plan.

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