Vehicular glass

Abstract

The present invention suppresses formation of a gap between an inner peripheral surface of an opening and a frame member holding an infrared transmission member. This vehicular glass (1) comprises: a glass member (10) in which an opening (19) penetrating from a surface on a first direction side to a surface on a second direction side opposite to the first direction is formed; a transmission member (20) that is disposed on the inner side of the opening (19) and transmits far infrared rays; and a frame member (30) that holds the outer periphery of the transmission member (20) and is disposed on the inner side of the opening (19). The frame member (30) has a flexible contact part (33) that protrudes toward the inner peripheral surface of the opening (19) and comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening (19) following flexural deformation.

Description

Vehicle glass

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle glass.

[0002] Various sensors may be installed on vehicles such as automobiles to improve their safety. Examples of sensors installed on vehicles include cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), millimeter-wave radar, and infrared sensors.

[0003] Infrared radiation is classified into near-infrared (e.g., wavelengths 0.83 μm to 2 μm), mid-infrared (e.g., wavelengths 3 μm to 5 μm), and far-infrared (e.g., wavelengths 8 μm to 13 μm) based on its wavelength range. Infrared sensors that detect these infrared rays include touch sensors, near-infrared cameras, and LiDAR for the near-infrared, gas analysis and mid-infrared spectroscopy (functional group analysis) for the mid-infrared, and night vision and thermoviewers (hereinafter referred to as far-infrared cameras) for the far-infrared.

[0004] By installing a far-infrared camera inside the vehicle, specifically within the wiper's operating area, the camera is protected by the window glass, and dirt and other contaminants can be wiped away, thus ensuring robustness, water resistance, and dust resistance. However, vehicle windows typically do not transmit far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a through-hole is made in a part of the window glass, and a frame member holding a far-infrared transmitting member is fitted into the through-hole.

[0005] International Publication No. 2024 / 069105

[0006] Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a structure in which a frame member holding an infrared-transmitting member is fitted into an opening formed in window glass, if the frame member is designed to be the same size as the opening, depending on dimensional variations, excessive pushing force may be required to fit it in, or the frame member may not be able to be fitted into the opening at all. If the frame member is made smaller than the opening to account for dimensional variations, a gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the opening and the frame member.

[0007] If there is a gap between the inner surface of the opening and the frame member, several problems arise, such as foreign matter such as dust adhering to the surface of the window glass accumulating in the gap, which can reduce the wiping performance of the wiper; water seeping into the gap and causing deterioration; and the design being compromised if the frame member is misaligned by the gap.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide vehicle glass that can suppress the formation of a gap between the inner circumferential surface of an opening and a frame member that holds an infrared-transmitting member.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the vehicle glass according to this disclosure comprises a glass member having an opening formed therein that penetrates from the surface on the first direction side to the surface on the second direction side opposite to the first direction, a far-infrared-transmitting member disposed inside the opening, and a frame member that holds the outer circumference of the transmittance member and is disposed inside the opening, wherein the frame member has a flexible contact portion that protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening with bending deformation.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening and the frame member that holds the infrared-transmitting member.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment mounted on a vehicle. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration when a far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the far-infrared transmission region in the vehicle glass. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flexible contact portion of the frame member. Figure 9 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the far-infrared transmission region. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the planar shape of the flexible contact portion of the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the sixth embodiment.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments, and if there are multiple embodiments, they may be constructed by combining each embodiment. Numerical values ​​include a range of rounding. When a numerical range is indicated by connecting the upper and lower limits with ~, this range includes the upper and lower limits. That is, for example, "X to Y" means that it is X or greater and Y or less. In this embodiment, the lower and upper limits can be combined as appropriate. That is, for example, if a lower limit is listed for a certain parameter and an upper limit is listed for that parameter, the lower limit may be any value selected from the listed lower limits, and the upper limit may be any value selected from the listed upper limits. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, physical properties and dimensions will be described as values ​​at room temperature, i.e., between 5°C and 35°C.

[0013] (First Embodiment) (Vehicle) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle glass according to the first embodiment mounted on a vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle glass 1 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V. The vehicle glass 1 is a window member applied to the windshield of the vehicle V. That is, the vehicle glass 1 is used as the front windshield of the vehicle V, or in other words, as a windshield. Inside the vehicle V, a far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible light camera CA2 are mounted. The inside of the vehicle V refers to, for example, the interior of the vehicle where the driver's seat is located.

[0014] The vehicle glass 1, far-infrared camera CA1, and visible light camera CA2 constitute the camera unit 100. The far-infrared camera CA1 is a camera that detects far-infrared rays. The far-infrared camera CA1 captures a thermal image of the outside of the vehicle V by detecting far-infrared rays from outside 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 outside of the vehicle V by detecting visible light from outside 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, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or millimeter-wave radar. Here, far-infrared rays refer to, for example, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band of 8 μm to 13 μm, and visible light refers to, for example, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band of 380 nm to 830 nm.

[0015] (Vehicle Glass) Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of vehicle glass according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the upper edge of the vehicle glass 1 will be referred to as the upper edge portion 1a, the lower edge as the lower edge portion 1b, one side edge as the side edge portion 1c, and the other side edge as the side edge portion 1d. The upper edge portion 1a is the edge portion located on the vertically upper side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The lower edge portion 1b is the edge portion located on the vertically lower side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The side edge portion 1c is the edge portion located on one side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The side edge portion 1d is the edge portion located on the other side when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V.

[0016] Hereinafter, among the directions parallel to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, the direction from the upper edge 1a to the lower edge 1b will be defined as the Y direction, and the direction from the side edge 1c to the side edge 1d will be defined as the X direction. In the first embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal. The direction perpendicular to the surface of the vehicle glass 1, that is, the thickness direction of the vehicle glass 1, will be defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, one direction along the Z direction will be defined as the Z1 direction (first direction), and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction will be defined as the Z2 direction (second direction). The Z1 direction is, for example, the direction from the inside to the outside of the vehicle V when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The Z2 direction is, for example, the direction from the outside to the inside of the vehicle V when the vehicle glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The X direction and the Y direction are along the surface of the vehicle glass 1, but for example, if the surface of the vehicle glass 1 is curved, they may be directions that are 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 central position of the vehicle glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0017] The vehicle glass 1 has a light-transmitting region A1 and a light-blocking region A2. The light-transmitting region A1 is the central part of the vehicle glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-transmitting region A1 is the region that ensures the driver's field of view. The light-transmitting region A1 is the region that transmits visible light. The light-blocking region A2 is the region that is formed around the light-transmitting region A1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-blocking region A2 is the region that blocks visible light and ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light). Within the light-blocking region A2a, which is the part on the upper edge 1a side of the light-blocking region A2, a far-infrared transmitting region B and a visible light transmitting region C are formed.

[0018] The far-infrared transmission region B is a region that transmits far-infrared rays and is the region in which the far-infrared camera CA1 is installed. That is, the far-infrared camera CA1 is installed in a position that overlaps with the far-infrared transmission region B when viewed from the optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera CA1. The visible light transmission region C is a region that transmits visible light and is the region in which the visible light camera CA2 is installed. That is, the visible light camera CA2 is installed in a position that overlaps with the visible light transmission region C when viewed from the optical axis direction of the visible light camera CA2. Thus, in this embodiment, the far-infrared transmission region B (the opening 19 described later) is formed within the light-shielding region A2a, which is the part of the light-shielding region A2 that is on the upper edge 1a side of the center point O (for example, in the vicinity of the upper edge 1a). However, the far-infrared transmission region B (the opening 19 described later) is not limited to being formed within the light-shielding region A2a, but may be formed in any region on the surface of the glass member 10. For example, the far-infrared transmission region B (the opening 19 described later) may be formed at a position closer to the lower edge 1b than the center point O of the glass member 10 (for example, in the vicinity of the lower edge 1b). The same applies to the visible light transmission region C.

[0019] As described above, the light-shielding region A2 has a far-infrared transmitting region B and a visible light transmitting region C. Therefore, the light-shielding region A2 blocks far-infrared rays in areas other than where the far-infrared transmitting region B is formed, and blocks visible light in areas other than 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. This surrounding light-shielding region A2a is preferable because it protects the various sensors from sunlight. It is also preferable from a design standpoint because the wiring of the various sensors is not visible from outside the vehicle. A detailed explanation of the far-infrared transmitting region B and the visible light transmitting region C will be given later.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle glass 1 comprises a glass member 10. The glass member 10 is the main body portion of the vehicle glass 1 that constitutes the windshield of the vehicle V. The glass member 10 may be single-pane glass or laminated glass, but in this embodiment, the glass member 10 is laminated glass in which a first glass base 12 provided on the outside of the vehicle and a second glass base 14 provided on the inside of the vehicle are laminated with an intermediate layer 16 in between. Specifically, the glass member 10 comprises a first glass base 12, a second glass base 14, an intermediate layer 16, and a light-shielding layer 18. In the vehicle glass 1, the first glass base 12, the intermediate layer 16, the second glass base 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are laminated in this order in the Z2 direction. The first glass base 12 and the second glass base 14 are fixed (bonded) to each other via the intermediate layer 16.

[0021] The glass substrate may be inorganic glass or organic glass. Examples of inorganic glass include soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, and quartz glass, which can be used without particular restriction. Among these, soda-lime glass is particularly preferred in terms of manufacturing cost and moldability. For example, in the case of inorganic glass, glass plates formed by the float process are preferred. When the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are inorganic glass, the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 may be either untempered glass or tempered glass. Tempered glass may be either physically tempered glass or chemically tempered glass. Untempered glass is obtained by forming molten glass into a plate and slowly cooling it. Tempered glass is obtained by forming a compressive stress layer on the surface of untempered glass. Tempered glass may be either physically tempered glass or chemically tempered glass. In the case of physically strengthened glass, the glass surface may be strengthened by creating a compressive stress layer on the glass surface due to the temperature difference between the glass surface and the inside of the glass, through operations other than slow cooling, such as air-cooled strengthening, where a uniformly heated glass plate is rapidly cooled from a temperature near its softening point during bending. In the case of chemically strengthened glass, the glass surface may be strengthened after bending by creating compressive stress on the glass surface by methods such as ion exchange. Known molding techniques such as gravity molding, press molding, and roller molding may be used for bending the glass substrate. Glass that absorbs ultraviolet or infrared rays may also be used. Furthermore, the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 may be transparent or colored. The plate thickness of the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, even more preferably 1 mm or more, even more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and most preferably 2 mm or more. Furthermore, the plate thickness of the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less. The intermediate layer 16 is an adhesive layer that bonds the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14.As the intermediate layer 16, known materials such as polyvinyl butyral (hereinafter also referred to as PVB) modified material, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) material, urethane resin material, and vinyl chloride resin material can be used. The intermediate layer 16 may also contain functional particles such as ultraviolet absorbers, infrared absorbers, adhesion enhancers, antioxidants, and light stabilizers. The intermediate layer 16 may be transparent or colored. The intermediate layer 16 may also have a multilayer structure of two or more layers. More specifically, the first glass substrate 12 includes one surface 12A (the surface on the Z1 direction) and the other surface 12B (the surface on the Z2 direction), and the other surface 12B is in contact with one surface 16A (the surface on the Z1 direction) of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (adhered) to the intermediate layer 16. The second glass substrate 14 includes one surface 14A (the surface facing the Z1 direction) and the other surface 14B (the surface facing the Z2 direction), and the one surface 14A is in contact with the other surface 16B (the surface facing the Z2 direction) of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (bonded) to the intermediate layer 16. Thus, the vehicle glass 1 is a laminated glass in which the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are laminated. However, the vehicle glass 1 is not limited to laminated glass, and may be a configuration that includes only one of the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 (i.e., a single-pane glass). In this case, the intermediate layer 16 may not be provided. The intermediate layer 16 may contain a heat-generating film (PET substrate), a heating device, an antenna, a liquid crystal device, a dimming device, an image projection layer, an emitting layer, a heat-reflective layer, etc. Hereinafter, when the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as glass substrates. When the vehicle glass 1 is installed in a vehicle, the vehicle glass 1 may have a curved shape that protrudes outwards from the vehicle. The curved shape of the vehicle glass 1 from the periphery to the center may be a curved shape in only one direction, a curved shape in two perpendicular directions, or a curved shape in three or more directions. The thickness of the vehicle glass 1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, even more preferably 4.5 mm or more, even more preferably 5 mm or more, and most preferably 6 mm or more.Furthermore, the thickness of the vehicle glass 1 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, even more preferably 8 mm or less, and most preferably 7 mm or less. In this embodiment, the upper and lower limits can be combined as appropriate. Also, if the vehicle glass 1 is laminated glass, the above thickness may be read as the total thickness of the laminated glass.

[0022] The light-shielding layer 18 is a layer that shields visible light (wavelength 380 nm to 830 nm). The light-shielding layer 18 may be provided in a band shape along the periphery of the vehicle glass 1. This suppresses the deterioration of aesthetics due to refraction of the glass substrate. The light-shielding layer 18 is also a layer that shields ultraviolet rays (wavelength 300 nm to 380 nm). This suppresses the exposure of components that are susceptible to deterioration by ultraviolet rays (e.g., the intermediate layer 16) to sunlight. Preferably, the light-shielding layer 18 also shields infrared rays (wavelength 830 nm to 2000 nm). Shielding is achieved, for example, by absorbing the target light ray. For example, the visible light transmittance and ultraviolet light transmittance of the light-shielding layer 18 are 5% or less, preferably 3% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and even more preferably substantially 0%. The degree of shielding may vary depending on the wavelength of the light ray. The transmittance of light at each wavelength can be measured, for example, using an ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Corporation, product name: U-4100).

[0023] The light-shielding layer 18 is configured as a substantially opaque layer. For example, a ceramic light-shielding layer or a light-shielding film can be used as the light-shielding layer 18. For example, a ceramic layer made of a conventionally known material such as a black ceramic layer can be used as the ceramic light-shielding layer. For example, a light-shielding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a light-shielding polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, a light-shielding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, etc. can be used as the light-shielding film. The light-shielding layer 18 includes one surface 18A (the surface on the Z1 direction side) and the other surface 18B (the surface on the Z2 direction side). In the example of Figure 3, one surface 18A is fixed in contact with the other surface 14B of the second glass substrate 14, but it is not limited to this. For example, the light-shielding layer 18 may be provided on the Z2 direction side of the surface 12B of the first glass substrate 12. In other words, the light-shielding layer 18 may be provided on the surface 14B of the second glass substrate 14, on the surface 12B of the first glass substrate 12, or on both surfaces 14B and 12B.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the side of the vehicle glass 1 on which the light-shielding layer 18 is provided is the interior side (Z2 direction side), and the first glass substrate 12 is the exterior side (Z1 direction side). However, it is not limited to this, and the light-shielding layer 18 may be provided on the exterior side of the vehicle V. If the vehicle glass 1 is made of laminated glass of a first glass substrate 12 and a second glass substrate 14, the light-shielding layer 18 may be formed between the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14. That is, the light-shielding layer 18 may be formed on, for example, the surface 12B or the surface 14A, or it may be embedded inside the intermediate layer 16.

[0025] The light-shielding region A2 is formed by providing a light-shielding layer 18 on the glass member 10. In other words, the light-shielding region A2 is the region in which the glass member 10 is equipped with a light-shielding layer 18. Specifically, the light-shielding region A2 is the region in which the first glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the second glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are laminated. On the other hand, the light-transmitting region A1 is the region in which the glass member 10 is not equipped with a light-shielding layer 18. Specifically, the light-transmitting region A1 is the region in which the first glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the second glass substrate 14 are laminated, but the light-shielding layer 18 is not laminated.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the visible light transmission region C, like the light-transmitting region A1, is a region in the Z direction where the glass member 10 does not have a light-shielding layer 18. That is, the visible light transmission region C is a region where the first glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the second glass substrate 14 are laminated, and the light-shielding layer 18 is not laminated.

[0027] (Far-infrared transmitting unit) As shown in Figure 3, the glass member 10 has an opening 19 that penetrates from the inner surface (surface 18B in the Z2 direction) to the outer surface (surface 12A in the Z1 direction). The opening 19 is formed in the light-shielding region A2a. The light-shielding region A2a surrounds the opening 19. A far-infrared transmitting unit U is provided inside the opening 19. The region where the opening 19 is formed and the far-infrared transmitting unit U is provided is the far-infrared transmitting region B. The light-shielding layer 18 is not provided in the far-infrared transmitting region B. That is, in the far-infrared transmitting region B, the first glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the second glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are not provided, and the far-infrared transmitting unit U is provided in the formed opening 19.

[0028] The far-infrared transmission unit U comprises a transmission member 20 and a frame member 30 provided on the periphery of the transmission member 20. In the following description, when the transmission member 20 is viewed from the Z direction, the direction toward the geometric center of the opening 19 may be described as the radially inward direction, and the direction away from the geometric center may be described as the radially outward direction.

[0029] (Transmitting Member) The transmitting member 20 is positioned inside the opening 19 and transmits far-infrared rays. The average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm is higher for the transmitting member 20 than for the glass member 10. The average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm is higher for the transmitting member 20 than for the frame member 30. Preferably, the average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm for the transmitting member 20 is 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, it is preferable that the average transmittance of far-infrared rays with wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm for the transmitting member 20 is 100% or less. In order to make the average transmittance of far-infrared rays 85% or more, it is preferable to provide an anti-reflective coating. When the average transmittance of far-infrared rays is within this numerical range, far-infrared rays are transmitted appropriately, and the performance of the far-infrared camera CA1 can be fully demonstrated. Furthermore, the transmittance of far-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 permeable member 20 is not particularly limited, but examples include ZnS, Ge, Si, and chalcogenide glass. A preferred composition of chalcogenide glass is one in which, in atomic percent, 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%. Preferably, this glass has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 140°C to 550°C. The permeable member 20 is more preferably composed mainly of at least one of Si and Ge. Here, "main component" may refer to a content of 50% by mass or more of the permeable member 20 as a whole.

[0031] The transmissive member 20 has a surface 20A on the vehicle outer side (Z1 direction side), a surface 20B on the vehicle inner side (Z2 direction side), and an outer peripheral end face 21. The transmissive member 20 may be coated on the surface 20A or the surface 20B. For example, an antireflection film may be provided on the surface 20A. As the antireflection film, an antireflection film of 3 to 12 layers is preferable, and the material is not particularly limited, but Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe, As ｘ S ｙ 、As ｘ Se ｙ 、metal oxides (Al ｘ O ｙ 、Bi ｘ O ｙ 、CeO ｘ 、CuO, HfO ｘ 、MgO, SiO, SiO ｘ 、NiO, TiO, TiO ｘ 、Ti ｘ O ｙ 、Y ｘ O ｙ 、ZrO ｘ ), hydrocarbon, diamond-like carbon (DLC), metal fluoride (MgF ｘ 、CaF ｘ 、SrF ｘ [[ID=�0]]、BaF ｘ 、PbF ｘ 、LaF ｘ 、YF ｘ )is preferable (x, y are arbitrary positive numbers). The layer of the antireflection film on the most Z1 direction side is preferably a film having a Mohs hardness of 7 or more and a high transmittance of far infrared rays from the viewpoint of scratch resistance. The layer of the antireflection film on the most Z1 direction side is particularly preferably a ZrO ｘ film.

[0032] The shape of the transmissive member 20 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a plate shape adapted to the shape of the opening 19. That is, for example, when the opening 19 is circular, the transmissive member 20 is preferably disc-shaped (cylindrical). Further, from the viewpoint of design, the surface shape of the transmissive member 20 on the Z1 direction side may be processed to conform to the curvature of the outer surface shape of the first glass substrate 12. Furthermore, for reasons such as achieving both a wider viewing angle of the far-infrared camera CA1 and improved mechanical characteristics, the transmissive member 20 may be formed in a lens shape. With such a configuration, it is preferable because even if the area of the transmissive member 20 is small, far-infrared rays can be efficiently condensed. In this case, the number of lens-shaped transmissive members 20 is preferably 1 to 3, and typically 1 is preferable. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the lens-shaped transmissive member 20 is pre-aligned and modularized and integrated with a housing or bracket 40 that adheres the far-infrared camera CA1 to the vehicle glass 1.

[0033] In the vehicle glass 1 of the first embodiment, the opening 19 on the surface (surface 18B) on the Z2 direction side has the same configuration as the opening 19 on the surface (surface 12A) on the Z1 direction side, and the shape of the transmissive member 20 is also made the same as the area on the surface on the Z2 direction side and the surface on the Z1 direction side in accordance with this. In other words, there is no step provided on the inner wall of the opening 19, and the inner wall of the opening 19 extends along the thickness direction of the vehicle glass 1. By adopting such a configuration, the manufacture of the glass member 10 and the transmissive member 20 becomes easy. Furthermore, when the glass member 10 is a laminated glass including the first glass substrate 12 (on the Z1 direction side) and the second glass substrate 14 (on the Z2 direction side), the opening 19 includes a first opening 12a formed in the first glass substrate 12 and a second opening 14a formed in the second glass substrate 14. The opening 19 is formed by overlapping the first opening 12a of the first glass substrate 12 and the second opening 14a of the second glass substrate 14. In this case, the first opening 12a of the first glass substrate 12 may be overlapped with the second opening 14a of the second glass substrate 14, and the transmissive member 20 adapted to the size of the first opening 12a of the first glass substrate 12 may be disposed within the first opening 12a of the first glass substrate 12.

[0034] From the perspective of strength, the thickness of the transmissive 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 transmissive member 20 is not particularly limited, but is usually 5.0 mm or less. The thickness here is the length of the transmissive member 20 in the Z direction.

[0035] (Frame member) The frame member 30 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the opening 19 of the glass member 10 and the transmissive member 20. The frame member 30 holds the outer periphery of the transmissive member 20 and is disposed inside the opening 19. The shape of the frame member 30 is not particularly limited. When the transmissive member 20 is disc-shaped, it is formed in a cylindrical shape and disposed at the peripheral edge of the transmissive member 20. The frame member 30 includes a holding portion 3 formed inside the opening 19 to hold the transmissive member 20, and a fixing portion 32 fixed to the surface (surface 18B) on the Z2 direction side of the glass member 10 around the opening 19. The frame member 30 may be composed of a single member or a plurality of members. The frame member 30 composed of a plurality of members may include, for example, a first member including the holding portion 31 and a second member including the fixing portion 32. The frame member 30 composed of a plurality of members may be composed of, for example, a first member on the Z1 direction side and a second member on the Z2 direction side. The frame member 30 may be composed of three or more members. In the first embodiment, the frame member 30 is composed of a single member including the holding portion 31 and the fixing portion 32.

[0036] The holding portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the peripheral edge of the transparent member 20. The holding portion 31 is positioned between the transparent member 20 and the glass member 10. The holding portion 31 has a shape that follows the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 faces the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 of the glass member 10. The inner circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 faces the outer circumferential end surface 21 of the transparent member 20. A recess 31A is formed at the Z1 direction end of the inner circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 to hold the outer circumferential portion of the transparent member 20. The transparent member 20 fits into the recess 31A. In the recess 31A, the holding portion 31 holds the outer circumferential end surface 21 and the outer circumferential portion of the surface 20B of the transparent member 20. Adhesive may be provided between the outer circumferential portion of the transparent member 20 and the recess 31A. The length of the holding portion 31 in the Z direction is greater than or equal to the total thickness of the glass member 10. The surface of the holding portion 31 in the Z1 direction is exposed to the outside of the vehicle within the opening 19. In other words, the surface of the holding portion 31 in the Z1 direction constitutes the outer surface (Z1 direction side) 30A of the frame member 30. The end of the holding portion 31 in the Z2 direction is connected to the fixing portion 32.

[0037] The fixing portion 32 is formed on the Z2 direction side of the holding portion 31. The fixing portion 32 extends radially outward from the Z2 end of the holding portion 31. The fixing portion 32 is provided around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 and is ring-shaped (flange-shaped). The fixing portion 32 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 of the glass member 10. In other words, the outer dimensions of the fixing portion 32 are larger than the opening 19. When the frame member 30 is attached to the glass member 10, the fixing portion 32 is positioned on the Z2 direction side of the surface of the glass member 10 (the surface 18B of the light-shielding layer 18) and faces the surface 18B. Adhesive 50 is provided between the fixing portion 32 and the surface 18B. The adhesive 50 hardens while in contact with the glass member 10 and the fixing portion 32, respectively, thereby fixing the frame member 30 to the glass member 10. The frame member 30 is attached to the opening 19 of the glass member 10 by adhesive 50 at the fixing portion 32.

[0038] The constituent material of the frame member 30 is not particularly limited. At least a portion of the frame member 30 may be made of resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, AES (Acrylonitrile ethylene styrene) resin, rigid polyvinyl chloride (rigid PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). When the frame member 30 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS, AES, or rigid polyvinyl chloride, a molding method such as injection molding can be applied. At least a portion of the frame member 30 may be formed from an elastomer such as ethylene propylene monomer (EPDM), flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC), thermoplastic polyvinyl elastomer (TPVC), thermoplastic polyethylene elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), vinylidene fluoride fluororubber (FKM), tetrafluoroethylene-purple vinyl ether fluororubber (FFKM), or silicone rubber. Here, FKM and FFKM are elastomers defined in ASTM:D1418. By using an elastomer as a constituent material of the frame member 30, the watertightness between the glass member 10 and the permeable member 20 can be improved.Furthermore, at least a portion of the frame member 30 may be formed from a fluororesin such as ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) or PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes). ETFE is a copolymer having units derived from ethylene and units derived from tetrafluoroethylene. ETFE may further contain units derived from a monomer having adhesive functional groups as a third component. PFA is a copolymer having units derived from tetrafluoroethylene and units derived from perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether). PFA may further contain units derived from a monomer having adhesive functional groups as a third component. ETFE and PFA are preferred as constituent materials for the frame member 30 due to their excellent moldability, and the adhesion is further improved by including an adhesive third component. As the monomer having adhesive functional groups, monomers having carboxyl groups, acid anhydride groups, or carboxylic acid halide groups are preferred, and unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydrides are more preferred. Examples of unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydrides include itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (Hymic anhydride), and maleic anhydride. Monomers having adhesive functional groups may have one adhesive functional group alone or two or more. ETFE may optionally have units derived from ethylene, TFE, and other monomers other than monomers having adhesive functional groups. Examples of other monomers include fluoroolefins (excluding tetrafluoroethylene) and fluoro(alkyl vinyl ethers). PFA may optionally have units derived from TFE, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ethers), and other monomers other than monomers having adhesive functional groups. Examples of other monomers include fluoroolefins (excluding tetrafluoroethylene). Furthermore, the frame member 30 is preferably black. This improves aesthetics.

[0039] The adhesive 50 provided between the frame member 30 and the glass member 10 is formed of an adhesive such as a urethane adhesive or a modified silicone adhesive. This improves load-bearing capacity, heat resistance, and cold resistance, and improves adhesive strength and shear strength. The adhesive 50 is provided along the periphery of the opening 19 in the fixing part 32. For example, the adhesive 50 is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the fixing part 32. This ensures watertightness between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30. The adhesive 50 may be formed discontinuously at multiple locations along the periphery of the opening 19.

[0040] (Far-infrared transmission region) Next, the far-infrared transmission region B will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the far-infrared transmission region B is formed near the upper edge 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 transmission member 20 are formed near the upper edge 1a of the vehicle glass 1 in the Y direction and near the center of the vehicle glass 1 in the X direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the transmissive member 20 of the far-infrared transmission region B has a length DA of the longest straight line connecting any two points in the plane on the Z1 side that 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 opening 19 of the far-infrared transmission region B preferably has a length DB of the longest straight line connecting any two points in the plane on the Z1 side that is 84 mm or less. The length DB is more preferably 74 mm or less, even more preferably 69 mm or less, and even more preferably 54 mm or less. The length DB is preferably 29 mm or more, more preferably 34 mm or more, and even more preferably 39 mm or more. By setting the length DA of the transparent member 20 and the length DB of the opening 19 within this range, it is possible to maintain the image quality of the far-infrared camera CA1 while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the vehicle glass 1 and suppressing the amount of transparency distortion around the opening 19. Furthermore, considering the expansion of each material within the operating temperature range, appropriate lengths DA and DB are determined so that distortion does not occur. In addition, a gap may be provided in advance as a countermeasure against distortion due to expansion. If the shape of the Z1-side surface of the transparent member 20 is circular, lengths DA and DB correspond to the diameter of the Z1-side surface. Here, lengths DA and DB refer to the lengths of the vehicle glass 1 when it is mounted on the vehicle V. For example, if the glass is bent to form the shape for mounting on the vehicle V, lengths DA and DB will be the lengths after bending. The same applies to the explanation of dimensions and positions other than lengths DA and DB unless otherwise specified.

[0042] (Visible Light Transmission Region) Next, the visible light transmission region C will be described. As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the visible light transmission region C be located near the far-infrared transmission region B. Specifically, the center of the far-infrared transmission region B as viewed from the Z direction is defined as the center point OB, and the center of the visible light transmission region C as viewed from the Z direction is defined as the center point OC. If the shortest distance between the far-infrared transmission region B (aperture 19) and the visible light transmission region C as viewed from the Z direction is defined as distance L, then it is preferable that distance L is greater than 0 mm and 100 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or more and 80 mm or less. By positioning the visible light transmission region C within this range relative to the far-infrared transmission region B, it is possible to capture images at close range with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of transmission distortion in the visible light transmission region C, and enabling the visible light camera CA2 to capture images appropriately. By capturing images of nearby locations with the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible-light camera CA2, the processing load on the data obtained from each camera is reduced, and the routing of power and signal cables is also optimized.

[0043] It is preferable that the visible light transmission region C and the far-infrared transmission region B are located side by side in the X direction. That is, it is preferable that the visible light transmission region C is not located on the Y-direction side of the far-infrared transmission region B, but is aligned with the far-infrared transmission region B in the X direction. By arranging the visible light transmission region C side by side with the far-infrared transmission region B in the X direction, the visible light transmission region C can be positioned near the upper edge 1a. Therefore, the driver's field of view in the light-transmitting region A1 can be appropriately secured.

[0044] Preferably, the visible light transmission region C is located near the upper edge 1a in the Y direction and near the far infrared transmission region B in the X direction, similar to the far infrared transmission region B. By positioning the visible light transmission region C in this location, it is possible to capture images of close positions with the far infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, while suppressing the amount of transmission distortion in the visible light transmission region C, allowing the visible light camera CA2 to capture images appropriately.

[0045] (Camera Unit Configuration) Next, the configuration of the camera unit 100, more specifically, an example of the configuration when the far-infrared camera CA1 is attached to the vehicle glass 1, will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration when the far-infrared camera is attached to the vehicle glass.

[0046] The far-infrared camera CA1 is mounted on 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 installed inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle) at a position facing the far-infrared transmission region B. The type of far-infrared camera CA1 is not particularly limited, and any known far-infrared camera can be used. As shown in Figure 5, the far-infrared camera CA1 is mounted on the vehicle glass 1 by, for example, a bracket 40. The far-infrared camera CA1 is usually mounted so that the optical axis LX is approximately horizontal.

[0047] The visible light camera CA2 is mounted on the vehicle glass 1 so that it can capture images of the outside through the visible light transmission area C of the vehicle glass 1. The visible light camera CA2 is installed inside the vehicle V (inside the vehicle) at a position facing the visible light transmission area C. It is preferable that the visible light camera CA2 is mounted 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 perfectly parallel, but also cases where they are slightly deviated from parallel by an error margin. 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 almost coincide, which is preferable when combining images obtained from these cameras for information processing.

[0048] (Structure of the frame member) Next, the details of the structure of the frame member 30 will be described. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the far-infrared transmission region in the vehicle glass. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flexible contact portion of the frame member. Figure 9 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the far-infrared transmission region.

[0049] In the vehicle glass 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the frame member 30 that holds the transparent member 20 is arranged inside the opening 19 in the glass member 10. Considering the dimensional variations of the opening 19 and the frame member 30, the design value of the outer diameter size of the holding portion 31 arranged inside the opening 19 is smaller than that of the opening 19. As a result, a gap CL1 is formed between the frame member 30 (holding portion 31) and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. Furthermore, the frame member 30 according to the first embodiment has a flexible contact portion 33 that protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 with bending deformation. This flexible contact portion 33 closes the gap CL1 between the frame member 30 (holding portion 31) and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0050] The flexible contact portion 33 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the frame member 30, specifically at a location on the inside of the opening 19. That is, the flexible contact portion 33 is provided on the holding portion 31 and protrudes radially outward from the holding portion 31. The holding portion 31 has the flexible contact portion 33 and an opposing outer circumferential surface 34 that faces the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 with a gap CL1 between them. The holding portion 31 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 without any gap at the flexible contact portion 33. Therefore, when fitting the frame member 30 into the opening 19, the portion of the flexible contact portion 33 locally contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. On the other hand, when fitting the frame member 30 into the opening 19, the portion of the opposing outer circumferential surface 34 remains in non-contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0051] In this embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a of the opening 19. That is, the flexible contact portion 33 is provided at a position opposite to the first glass substrate 12 which constitutes the surface 12A on the Z1 direction side (outside the vehicle) of the glass member 10. The flexible contact portion 33 extends from the edge of the Z1 direction side surface 30A of the holding portion 31 toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The flexible contact portion 33 closes the gap at the contact position PC between the holding portion 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a. The flexible contact portion 33 isolates the gap CL1 in the area on the inside of the vehicle (Z2 direction side) from the outside of the vehicle (Z1 direction side) than the contact position PC.

[0052] The opposing outer peripheral surface 34 is located on the Z2 direction side (inside the vehicle) of the holding portion 31 than the flexible contact portion 33. In other words, on the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 31, the flexible contact portion 33 is located furthest towards the Z1 direction side (outside the vehicle). The inner peripheral surface of the intermediate layer 16 and the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 14a of the second glass substrate 14 are exposed in the gap CL1 on the Z2 direction side of the contact position PC. The outer dimensions D11 at the location where the opposing outer peripheral surface 34 is formed on the holding portion 31 are smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 19. Here, the outer dimensions D11 represent the minimum outer dimensions of the opposing outer peripheral surface 34. The outer dimensions D11 are smaller than the outer dimensions D12 at the location where the flexible contact portion 33 is formed. The gap CL1 corresponds to a margin that takes into account the dimensional variations of the opening 19 and the dimensional variations of the frame member 30. The gap CL1 prevents interference between the opposing outer surface 34 and the intermediate layer 16 or the second glass substrate 14. In this way, the holding portion 31 contacts the inner surface of the opening 19 only at the flexible contact portion 33, and the opposing outer surface 34 does not contact the inner surface of the opening 19. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the entire outer circumference of the holding portion 31 contacts the inner surface of the opening 19, the force required to fit the frame member 30 into the opening 19 can be reduced.

[0053] The flexible contact portion 33 is capable of bending deformation (elastic deformation). As shown in Figure 7, the flexible contact portion 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 in a bent-deformed state. Before the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, that is, when the flexible contact portion 33 is not bent-deformed, the outer dimensions of the holding portion 31 at the location where the flexible contact portion 33 is formed are larger than the inner diameter of the opening 19. When the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, the outer dimensions D12 of the holding portion 31 at the location where the flexible contact portion 33 is formed become equal to the inner diameter of the opening 19 due to the bending deformation of the flexible contact portion 33. In this way, the dimensional variation is absorbed in the flexible contact portion 33 by the bending deformation of the flexible contact portion 33. The flexible contact portion 33 can contact the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and close the gap CL1, regardless of whether the outer diameter of the holding portion 31 is larger or smaller than the design value, as the amount of deflection deformation changes.

[0054] The flexible contact portion 33 may be formed from the same material as the other parts of the frame member 30, or from a different material. Preferably, the flexible contact portion 33 contains at least one of the following: fiber-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, and polypropylene resin. This allows the flexible contact portion 33 to have high mechanical strength (toughness) that makes it difficult to break or fracture even when subjected to bending deformation. In the first embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 is integrally formed with the frame member 30 (holding portion 31). That is, the flexible contact portion 33 is formed from the same material as the holding portion 31 and the fixing portion 32. Preferably, the Shore hardness (Shore A hardness) of the flexible contact portion 33 is 20 or more and 100 or less, more preferably 50 or more and 95 or less, and even more preferably 65 or more and 90 or less. The Shore hardness is measured according to the measurement method specified in JIS K6253-1:2012.

[0055] The flexible contact portion 33 preferably has a structure that is easily deformed by bending when the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19. In Figure 8, the flexible contact portion 33 is shown in a state where it is not deformed by bending, and the outer shape of the glass member 10 with the frame member 30 fitted into the opening 19 is virtually shown by a dashed line.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the flexible contact portion 33 is inclined at an angle θ greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the surface 20A of the transparent member 20 on the Z1 direction side. The angle θ is the angle of the flexible contact portion 33 in its non-deformed state. The flexible contact portion 33 is inclined in the Z2 direction as it extends radially outward. In other words, the flexible contact portion 33 is pre-inclined in the direction of bending deformation (Z2 direction) when the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19 in the Z1 direction. The inclination of the flexible contact portion 33 makes it easier for the frame member 30 to bend and deform when fitted, and the required pushing force is reduced. As shown in Figure 7, when the frame member 30 is fitted, the flexible contact portion 33 bends in the direction in which the angle θ increases (Z2 direction) so as to follow the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0057] The angle θ of the flexible contact portion 33 with respect to the surface 20A is preferably greater than 0 degrees, more preferably 10 degrees or more, and even more preferably 20 degrees or more. The angle θ is preferably less than 90 degrees, more preferably 80 degrees or less, and even more preferably 70 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the upper and lower limit values ​​can be combined as appropriate. This prevents the bending deformation of the flexible contact portion 33 from becoming excessively large, and reduces the pressing force required when fitting the frame member 30.

[0058] The flexible contact portion 33 has a contact length LC of 5 mm or less with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface 20A on the Z1 direction side of the transparent member 20. The contact length LC is the length of the region in contact between the flexible contact portion 33 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 in the cross-section shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, when the undeformed flexible contact portion 33 is superimposed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 (see dashed line), the undeformed flexible contact portion 33 is shown to be embedded in the glass member 10. The contact length LC corresponds to the length of the portion of the undeformed flexible contact portion 33 that is embedded in the glass member 10. By having a contact length LC of 5 mm or less, the amount of deflection deformation of the flexible contact portion 33 is prevented from becoming excessive. The contact length LC is 0 mm or more, preferably greater than 0 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more. The contact portion length LC is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2 mm or less. This allows for the formation of a reliable contact state with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 by absorbing dimensional variations without excessively increasing the deformation amount of the flexible contact portion 33.

[0059] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the flexible contact portion 33 has a plate-like shape. As shown in Figure 8, the flexible contact portion 33 in its non-deformed state is an inclined plate shape. As shown in Figure 7, the flexible contact portion 33 in its deformed state is a plate-like shape that has been bent so that its tip is oriented in the Z2 direction along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. By making the flexible contact portion 33 plate-like, the ease of bending deformation can be easily adjusted by the thickness tc of the flexible contact portion 33. The thickness tc of the flexible contact portion 33 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more. The thickness tc is preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.2 mm or less. This makes it possible to reduce the pushing force required when fitting the frame member 30 by making it easy to bend deformation while ensuring the mechanical strength of the flexible contact portion 33.

[0060] In addition, the flexible contact portion 33 may further include other structures to facilitate bending deformation. For example, the thickness of the flexible contact portion 33 may decrease as it approaches the tip. The flexible contact portion 33 may have hollow voids formed inside or on its surface. The flexible contact portion 33 may have a structure (porous structure) in which voids and skeletal parts (partitions), such as a honeycomb structure, are mixed. However, from the viewpoint of watertightness, it is preferable that the flexible contact portion 33 does not include through holes connecting the surface on the Z1 direction side and the surface on the Z2 direction side. Alternatively, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the flexible contact portion 33, and a flexible material such as a sealing material may be filled into these through holes. These methods provide a flexible contact portion 33 that can be easily bent and deformed.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 9, the opening 19 of the glass member 10 is circular, and the transparent member 20 placed inside the opening 19 is also circular. The holding portion 31 of the frame member 30 that holds the transparent member 20 is cylindrical along the inner circumference of the opening 19. The outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 31 (flexible contact portion 33 and opposing outer circumferential surface 34) faces the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 in the radial direction. The fixing portion 32 is a flange that extends radially outward from the Z2 end of the holding portion 31 and is ring-shaped.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 has an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference. As a result, the flexible contact portion 33 can close the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 over its entire circumference. The flexible contact portion 33 is continuous over the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the holding portion 31. Therefore, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 is closed without any gaps at any position in the circumferential direction by contact between the flexible contact portion 33 and the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a. In addition, the gap CL1 between the opposing outer circumferential surface 34 and the second opening 14a on the Z2 direction side of the flexible contact portion 33 is formed over the entire circumference.

[0063] Furthermore, since the flexible contact portion 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference, the frame member 30 receives a reaction force from the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 against the elastic force of the flexible contact portion 33. As a result, the frame member 30 is positioned toward the center of the opening 19 by the reaction force from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. If the flexible contact portion 33 were absent, the position of the frame member 30 within the opening 19 might vary radially, but in the first embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 allows the frame member 30 to be positioned simply by fitting it into the opening 19. From the viewpoint of positioning the frame member 30, even if the flexible contact portion 33 is not formed in an annular shape over the entire circumference of the holding portion 31, it is preferable that the flexible contact portion 33 be provided at equal angular intervals around the entire circumference (360 degrees) of the frame member 30. The flexible contact portions 33 may be provided around the frame member 30 at, for example, three locations at 120-degree intervals, four locations at 90-degree intervals, or six locations at 60-degree intervals. This allows the frame member 30 to be positioned at the center of the opening 19 by the elastic force of the flexible contact portions 33.

[0064] (Step difference between each component) As described above, when assembling the vehicle glass 1, the frame member 30 is fitted inside the opening 19. At this time, before the adhesive 50 hardens, the Z-direction position of the frame member 30 and the transparent member 20 can be finely adjusted by adjusting the amount of pressure the adhesive 50 is applied by the fixing part 32 of the frame member 30.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the step D1 between the surface 20A on the Z1 side (outside the vehicle) of the transparent member 20 and the surface 30A on the Z1 side of the frame member 30 is 0.3 mm or less in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the transparent member 20. In other words, it is preferable that the surface 20A on the Z1 side of the transparent member 20 and the surface 30A on the Z1 side of the frame member 30 are formed flush (continuously). Also in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the step D2 between the surface 12A on the Z1 side of the glass member 10 and the surface 30A on the Z1 side of the frame member 30 is 1.0 mm or less in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the transparent member 20. In other words, it is preferable that the surface 12A on the Z1 side of the glass member 10 and the surface 30A on the Z1 side of the frame member 30 are formed flush (continuously). Furthermore, the Z1-direction surface 12A of the glass member 10, the Z1-direction surface 20A of the transparent member 20, and the Z1-direction surface 30A of the frame member 30 are surfaces exposed in the Z1 direction on the vehicle glass 1. By ensuring that the Z1-direction surfaces of the glass member 10, the transparent member 20, and the frame member 30 are continuous in this way, it is possible to suppress any impairment of the wiper's wiping effect. In addition, because the steps D1 and D2 are small, it is possible to suppress any impairment of the vehicle V's design due to the steps, and the accumulation of sand and dust on the steps.

[0066] The step difference D1 between the surface 20A of the transparent member 20 on the Z1 direction side and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 on the Z1 direction side is more preferably 0.2 mm or less, even more preferably 0.15 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.1 mm or less. The step difference D2 between the surface 12A of the glass member 10 on the Z1 direction side and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 on the Z1 direction side is more preferably 0.5 mm or less, even more preferably 0.3 mm or less. The step difference D2 is more preferably 0.15 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.1 mm or less. As a result, the glass member 10, the transparent member 20, and the frame member 30 become even closer to being flush, so that the wiping effect of the wiper can be effectively suppressed.

[0067] The height of the step difference D1 in the thickness direction between the surface 20A of the transparent member 20 on the Z1 direction side and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 on the Z1 direction side, and the height of the step difference D2 in the thickness direction between the surface 12A of the glass member 10 on the Z1 direction side and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 on the Z1 direction side, can be measured, for example, using a laser displacement meter (Keyence Corporation, inline profile measuring instrument: LJ-X8200) by irradiating a laser into the area enclosed by a line segment 10 mm radially inward from the inner peripheral edge of the surface 30A of the frame member 30 and a line segment 10 mm radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the surface 30A of the frame member 30, and from the obtained step profile. As shown in Figure 7, the edges of the surface 20A of the transparent member 20, the surface 30A of the frame member 30, and the surface 10A of the glass member 10 may be chamfered. In that case, the heights of the steps D1 and D2 are the difference in the Z-direction position between the surface positions of the flat parts near the outer periphery, excluding the chamfered parts. The flat parts near the outer periphery are, for example, flat parts within a radius of 1 mm from the chamfered parts.

[0068] The transparent member 20 may be molded to match the curved shape of the vehicle glass 1 to which it is applied. This allows the surface of the transparent member 20 to be aesthetically smooth. The method of forming the transparent member 20 is not particularly limited, but polishing or mold forming can be selected depending on the curved shape and the member. When the transparent member 20 is formed by polishing, it is desirable to polish the transparent member 20 in parallel to improve its flatness accuracy. This flatness accuracy is an indicator of the reflective surface accuracy at a measurement wavelength of 632.8 nm, and it is preferable that the number of Newton lines is 2 or less. The ass, which indicates the difference in the number of Newton lines in the vertical and horizontal directions, is preferably 0.5 or less, and the distortion, which indicates the local distortion of the Newton fringes, is preferably 0.5 or less. This allows the far-infrared camera CA1 to acquire far-infrared images without distortion. Here, the number of Newton lines, ass, and distortion can be measured according to the instructions of JIS B0091:2010 and ISO 14999-4:2007, and the number of fringes, wavelength, or nanometers are used as units.

[0069] (Method for manufacturing vehicle glass) The method for manufacturing vehicle glass 1 is not particularly limited, but one example is described below. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing vehicle glass according to the first embodiment.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, first, a far-infrared transmission unit U is prepared in which a glass member 10 with an opening 19 formed thereon and a transparent member 20 are held in a frame member 30 (step S10). For example, to make the far-infrared transmission unit U, a mold matching the completed far-infrared transmission unit U is prepared, a pre-made transparent member 20 is placed in the mold, and a resin frame member 30 is formed around the transparent member 20 by injection molding. In injection molding, the inner surface of the mold corresponding to the surface 30A of the frame member 30 is aligned with the surface 20A of the transparent member 20, so that the step difference D1 between the surface 20A of the transparent member 20 and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 is 0.3 mm or less. Alternatively, the frame member 30 is prepared separately from the transparent member 20, and the transparent member 20 is fitted into the recess 31A on the inner circumference side of the holding part 31. During assembly, adhesive is placed in the recess 31A, and the assembly is performed with the surfaces 20A and 30A in contact with a flat jig, for example, so that the step D1 between the surface 20A of the transparent member 20 and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 is 0.3 mm or less. By any of these methods, a far-infrared transmitting unit U equipped with a transparent member 20 and a frame member 30 can be manufactured. Adhesive 50 is applied to the surface of the fixing part 32 on the Z1 direction side. The adhesive 50 is applied in an annular shape, for example, so as to be continuous around the entire circumference of the annular fixing part 32.

[0071] Next, the far-infrared transmission unit U (frame member 30 holding the transmission member 20) is fitted into the opening 19 of the glass member 10 (step S12). The far-infrared transmission unit U is fitted into the opening 19 of the glass member 10 from the Z2 direction towards the Z1 direction. At this time, the flexible contact portion 33 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and deforms to conform to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. As the frame member 30 is fitted into the inside of the opening 19, the adhesive 50 of the fixing portion 32 comes into contact with the Z2 direction surface 18B of the glass member 10. At this time, for example, a jig 71 is applied to the surface 12A of the glass member 10 and the surface 30A of the frame member 30, either in a flat shape or matched to the curved shape of the surface 12A of the glass member 10, and the adhesive 50 is compressed until the surface 30A of the frame member 30 comes into contact with the jig 71. This adjusts the relative position of the frame member 30 in the Z direction with respect to the glass member 10 so that the step difference D2 between the surface 12A of the glass member 10 and the surface 30A of the frame member 30 is within 1.0 mm.

[0072] Next, the far-infrared transmitting unit U, which is placed inside the opening 19 of the glass member 10, is fixed with adhesive 50 (step S14). That is, the adhesive 50 is cured while maintaining the relative position between the glass member 10 and the far-infrared transmitting unit U. The curing method of the adhesive 50 is determined according to the type (components) of adhesive 50 used. Curing methods include, for example, vaporizing the solvent over time, reacting with moisture in the air, curing by heating, melting the adhesive 50 by heating and then curing it as it cools, adding a curing agent, or irradiating with light such as ultraviolet light.

[0073] The above process completes the manufacturing of one example of vehicle glass 1.

[0074] The glass member 10 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. First, a flat first glass substrate 12 and a second glass substrate 14 are prepared, and a first opening 12a and a second opening 14a are formed in them. Then, the flat first glass substrate 12 with the first opening 12a and the flat second glass substrate 14 with the second opening 14a are bent to a shape that fits the windshield of the vehicle V. The bent first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are then joined together via an intermediate layer 16 to form laminated glass. After forming the laminated glass, the intermediate layer 16 may be removed by thermal or chemical means only in the portion that overlaps the first opening 12a and the second opening 14a to create communication. The light-shielding layer 18 may be formed at any stage, for example, before bending. The light-shielding layer 18 may also not be formed at all. Alternatively, the opening 19 may be formed after joining the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14. In the manufacturing of the glass member 10 in this case, a flat first glass substrate 12 and a second glass substrate 14 are prepared, then a light-shielding layer 18, such as a black ceramic splice material, is applied to the second glass substrate 14, and the first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are bent. Next, the bent first glass substrate 12 and the second glass substrate 14 are joined via an intermediate layer 16 to form laminated glass. After that, the first opening 12a and the second opening 14a are formed in the laminated glass at the same time. This forms the opening 19.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the second embodiment. The vehicle glass 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the frame member 30 is provided with a first portion 131 and a second portion 132 made of different materials.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11, in the second embodiment, the frame member 30 includes a first portion 131 fixed to the glass member 10 and a second portion 132 supported by the first portion 131.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 11, the frame member 30 has a first portion 131 on the Z2 direction side (inside the vehicle) and a second portion 132 on the Z1 direction side (outside the vehicle). The fixing portion 32 is provided on the first portion 131. A portion of the holding portion 31 on the Z2 direction side is provided on the first portion 131. A portion of the holding portion 31 on the Z1 direction side is provided on the second portion 132. The flexible contact portion 33 is formed on the second portion 132.

[0078] The first part 131 is made of a first material. The second part 132 is made of a second material that is softer than the first material. The first part 131 and the second part 132 may be made of different materials, or they may be made of the same material but of different grades with different hardness (e.g., Shore A hardness). Therefore, when comparing the first part 131 and the second part 132, the first part 131 has high rigidity, while the second part 132 is easily elastically deformable. For this reason, by forming the first part 131, including the fixing part 32, from the first material with high rigidity, the frame member 30 can be firmly fixed to the glass member 10. In addition, even if an external force is applied to the frame member 30 or the transparent member 20, displacement or deformation of the frame member 30 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by forming the second part 132, including the flexible contact part 33, from the second material that is easily elastically deformable, a flexible contact part 33 that is easily deflected can be obtained. Therefore, the gap between the opening 19 and the frame member 30 can be properly sealed.

[0079] The first material constituting the first part 131 is, for example, rigid PVC. This increases the rigidity of the first part 131, thereby improving its load-bearing capacity and impact resistance.

[0080] The second material constituting the second portion 132 is, for example, fiber-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, or olefin resin (for example, polypropylene resin). This makes it possible to increase the mechanical strength (toughness) of the second portion 132 including the flexible contact portion 33 while allowing it to bend and deform.

[0081] The frame member 30 can be formed, for example, by injection molding using a two-color molding method of resin material, so as to integrally include the first portion 131 and the second portion 132. Alternatively, the frame member 30 can be formed, for example, by separately creating the first portion 131 and the second portion 132 as separate parts and combining them by joining methods such as bonding or fastening.

[0082] Figure 11 shows an example where the first part 131 and the second part 132 are divided into the Z1 direction side and the Z2 direction side, but the design is not limited to this. For example, the first part 131 may be a flanged cylindrical shape that includes the fixing part 32 and the radially inner part (inner cylinder) of the holding part 31. The second part 132 may also be a flanged cylindrical shape that includes the flexible contact part 33 and the radially outer part (outer cylinder) of the holding part 31. In this case, the holding part 31 has a double-tube-like structure consisting of the first part 131 and the second part 132, with the cylindrical second part 132 fitting onto the outer circumference of the cylindrical first part 131. Alternatively, for example, the first part 131 may include the fixing part 32 and the part of the holding part 31 excluding the flexible contact part 33, and the second part 132 may be the part of the flexible contact part 33. In this case, since the second portion 132 does not include anything other than the flexible contact portion 33, the second material constituting the second portion 132 can be a material suitable for the flexible contact portion 33.

[0083] (Third Embodiment) Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the third embodiment. In the vehicle glass 1 according to the third embodiment, the shape of the flexible contact portion 33 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0084] As shown by the dotted line in Figure 12, the flexible contact portion 33 according to the third embodiment has a convex shape with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section when the frame member 30 is not fitted into the opening 19, that is, when the flexible contact portion 33 is not deformed by bending. When the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, the flexible contact portion 33 deforms by bending such that the apex of the convex shape is crushed by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, and thus it adheres tightly to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0085] Since the flexible contact portion 33 has an arc-shaped convex form when it is not deformed, it is less likely to catch on the peripheral edge of the opening 19 when the flexible contact portion 33 enters the inside of the opening 19. As a result, the force required to push the frame member 30 into the opening 19 is reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, in the plate-like shape of the first embodiment described above, the flexible contact portion 33 deforms (bends) so as to curve toward the Z2 direction, whereas in the convex shape of this third embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 deforms (compresses) so as to be crushed toward the radially inward direction. Therefore, even if the amount of deflection deformation becomes large due to dimensional variations, the possibility of cracking (fracturing) in the flexible contact portion 33 is small.

[0087] The flexible contact portion 33 has a thickness tc in the Z direction at its base (the connection portion with the holding portion 31). The thickness tc of the flexible contact portion 33 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more. The thickness tc is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.2 mm or less. The thickness tc of the flexible contact portion 33 corresponds to the diameter of the flexible contact portion 33 in its arc-shaped cross-section in its non-deformed state (see dotted line). In other words, the amount of protrusion of the flexible contact portion 33 in its non-deformed state corresponds to half the thickness tc of the flexible contact portion 33. By setting the size of the thickness tc within this range, dimensional variations can be sufficiently absorbed, and the pushing force when fitting the frame member 30 into the opening 19 will not be excessive.

[0088] Similar to the first embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 extends from the Z1-direction surface 30A of the holding portion 31 toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The flexible contact portion 33 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a of the opening 19. Furthermore, it is preferable that the flexible contact portion 33 has an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference.

[0089] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the fourth embodiment. The vehicle glass 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a plurality of flexible contact portions 33 are provided.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, in the fourth embodiment, the frame member 30 has a plurality of flexible contact portions 33 in the Z direction. In the example in Figure 13, two flexible contact portions 33 are provided: a first contact portion 33A and a second contact portion 33B. The number of flexible contact portions 33 is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0091] The first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B are aligned along the Z direction in the holding portion 31. This improves the sealing performance between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30. The first contact portion 33A extends from the surface 30A on the Z1 direction side of the holding portion 31 toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The first contact portion 33A is continuous with the surface 30A and is located on the Z1 side of the holding portion 31. The second contact portion 33B is located in the vicinity of the first contact portion 33A on the Z2 direction side. Both the first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B are in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a of the opening 19. Therefore, a gap CL1 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 14a and the opposing outer circumferential surface 34 on the Z2 direction side of the second contact portion 33B.

[0092] The cross-sectional shapes (undeformed shapes) of the first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment described above, and are arc-shaped convex shapes that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 31. In the example of Figure 13, the thickness tc of the first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B is smaller than that of Figure 12, so it can be said that they are more accurately described as convex shapes with an elongated elliptical cross-section.

[0093] Similar to the first embodiment, the first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B preferably have an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and make contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference.

[0094] (Fifth Embodiment) Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the boundary between the glass member and the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the fifth embodiment. The vehicle glass 1 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the flexible contact portion 33 has a cross-sectional shape that is bent in a zigzag pattern.

[0095] As shown by the dotted line in Figure 14, the flexible contact portion 33 according to the fifth embodiment has a zigzag cross-sectional shape that has been bent multiple times before the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, that is, before the flexible contact portion 33 has been deformed by bending. In other words, the flexible contact portion 33 has a shape that can expand and contract radially like a spring. When the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, the flexible contact portion 33 deforms by bending so as to be folded by the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, and thus adheres tightly to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0096] The flexible contact portion 33 is composed of a series of plate portions inclined in opposite directions. In the example shown in Figure 14, the flexible contact portion 33 has a first plate portion 133A connected to the holding portion 31, a second plate portion 133B connected to the first plate portion 133A, and a third plate portion 133C connected to the second plate portion 133B. The first plate portion 133A is inclined diagonally in the Z1 direction from the holding portion 31 and connects to the second plate portion 133B at its radially outer tip. The second plate portion 133B is inclined diagonally in the Z2 direction from the first plate portion 133A and connects to the third plate portion 133C at its radially outer tip. The third plate portion 133C is inclined diagonally in the Z1 direction from the second plate portion 133B, and its radially outer tip is the outermost part of the flexible contact portion 33 in the radial direction. The third plate portion 133C is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a of the opening 19. The connection between the first plate portion 133A and the second plate portion 133B, and the connection between the second plate portion 133B and the third plate portion 133C, form a zigzag-shaped bending point. When the flexible contact portion 33 receives a radial compressive force from the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, it deforms by bending so that the first plate portion 133A and the second plate portion 133B move closer together, and the second plate portion 133B and the third plate portion 133C move closer together (i.e., they fold at the bending point).

[0097] Since the flexible contact portion 33 has a zigzag cross-sectional shape in its non-deformed state, it can be made to exhibit a larger amount of deflection deformation in response to radial compressive force compared to a convex shape such as the one shown in Figure 12. Therefore, it can easily absorb dimensional variations in the frame member 30 and the opening 19.

[0098] The number of plate portions constituting the flexible contact portion 33 is not particularly limited; for example, the flexible contact portion 33 may include only a first plate portion 133A and a second plate portion 133B. A fourth plate portion may be further connected to the tip of the third plate portion 133C. Also, although Figure 14 shows an example in which the first plate portion 133A is inclined in the Z1 direction, the first plate portion 133A may be inclined in the Z2 direction, the second plate portion 133B may be inclined in the Z1 direction, and the third plate portion 133C may be inclined in the Z2 direction.

[0099] Similar to the first embodiment, the flexible contact portion 33 preferably has an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference.

[0100] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the planar shape of the flexible contact portion of the frame member in the vehicle glass according to the sixth embodiment. The vehicle glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the flexible contact portion 33 is provided discontinuously around the frame member 30.

[0101] As shown in Figure 15, the flexible contact portion 33 according to the sixth embodiment is composed of a plurality of protrusions 134 arranged circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 at multiple locations. In a plan view from the Z direction, the plurality of protrusions 134 project radially outward from the holding portion 31 and each contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The plurality of protrusions 134 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the entire circumference of the holding portion 31, and the flexible contact portion 33 as a whole has a gear-like shape.

[0102] As shown by the dotted line in Figure 15, before the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, that is, before the flexible contact portion 33 is deformed by bending, the multiple protrusions 134 each have a triangular shape in a plan view from the Z direction. The tips of the multiple protrusions 134 are deformed by bending (compression deformation) due to contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. When the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, the radially outer vertices (tips) of the multiple protrusions 134 are deformed by bending, causing them to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. The planar shape of the protrusions 134 is not limited to a triangular shape, but may also be trapezoidal, semicircular (semi-elliptical), etc.

[0103] In the sixth embodiment, since the flexible contact portion 33 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 at the tips of the multiple protrusions 134, a gap CL2 is formed in the portion between the multiple protrusions 134 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the flexible contact portion 33 is not limited to a configuration that completely seals the space between the frame member 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 around its entire circumference, and there may be a gap CL2 in the portion where the flexible contact portion 33 is not formed. Even in this case, the gap between the frame member 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 can be reduced compared to the case where the flexible contact portion 33 is not formed on the frame member 30. Furthermore, compared to the case where the flexible contact portion 33 is formed in a continuous annular shape around the entire circumference of the frame member 30, the individual protrusions 134 are more easily deformed by bending, so the force required to insert the frame member 30 into the opening 19 can be effectively reduced.

[0104] In a plan view from the Z direction, it is preferable that the total length of the region (contact position PC) on the inner circumference of the opening 19 that is in contact with the flexible contact portion 33 (projection 134) is greater than the total length of the region of the gap CL2 that is not in contact with the flexible contact portion 33 (projection 134). This effectively reduces the gap CL2. Furthermore, when multiple flexible contact portions 33 are provided in the Z direction as shown in Figure 13, the multiple projections 134 constituting other flexible contact portions 33 may be arranged so as to overlap with the region of the gap CL2 formed between the multiple projections 134 constituting one flexible contact portion 33. This improves the sealing performance between the frame member 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19.

[0105] (Effects) As described above, the vehicle glass according to the first aspect of this disclosure comprises a glass member 10 having an opening 19 formed therein that penetrates from the surface on the Z1 direction side to the surface on the Z2 direction side opposite to the Z1 direction, a far-infrared transmitting member 20 disposed inside the opening 19, and a frame member 30 that holds the outer circumference of the transmitting member 20 and is disposed inside the opening 19, wherein the frame member 30 has a flexible contact portion 33 that protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 with bending deformation. According to this disclosure, the frame member 30 can be fitted inside the opening 19 by bringing the flexible contact portion 33 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and causing it to bend (elastic deformation). When the frame member 30 is fitted inside the opening 19, the flexible contact portion 33 is crushed and tightly adheres to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, so that no gap is generated between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30. Therefore, the formation of a gap between the inner surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 holding the infrared-transmitting member 20 can be suppressed. As a result, the accumulation of foreign matter such as dust in the gap is suppressed, and the deterioration of the wiper's wiping performance due to foreign matter is suppressed. In addition, the intrusion of water between the inner surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 is suppressed.

[0106] The vehicle glass according to the second aspect of this disclosure is the vehicle glass according to the first aspect, wherein the glass member 10 is a laminated glass in which a first glass substrate 12 and a second glass substrate 14, provided on the Z1 direction side, are laminated with an intermediate layer 16 in between. The opening 19 includes a first opening 12a formed in the first glass substrate 12 and a second opening 14a formed in the second glass substrate 14. The flexible contact portion 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 12a of the opening 19. As a result, when the first glass substrate 12 is on the outside of the vehicle, the intrusion of foreign matter and water into the inside of the opening 19 from outside the vehicle is suppressed. Therefore, deterioration of the end face of the interlayer exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 due to water and the like can be suppressed.

[0107] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle glass according to the first or second aspect, wherein the flexible contact portion 33 has an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 over its entire circumference. This allows the flexible contact portion 33 to seal the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 over its entire circumference. Therefore, even if the frame member 30 is made smaller than the opening 19 to account for dimensional variations, it is possible to prevent the formation of a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30. Since no gap is formed, a decrease in wiper wiping performance can be suppressed, and water intrusion between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, since the elastic force caused by the deformation of the flexible contact portion 33 acts on the frame member 30 from the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, the frame member 30 is positioned at the center of the opening 19. As a result, even if the frame member 30 is formed smaller than the opening 19, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic design from being compromised due to misalignment of the frame member 30.

[0108] A vehicle glass according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the frame member 30 includes a first portion 131 made of a first material and fixed to the glass member 10, and a second portion 132 made of a second material softer than the first material and supported by the first portion 131, and the flexible contact portion 33 is formed in the second portion 132. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the first portion 131 fixed to the glass member 10 while making the flexible contact portion 33 more easily flexible and deformable. As a result, it is possible to properly seal the gap between the opening 19 and the frame member 30, and to firmly fix the frame member 30 to the glass member 10, thereby suppressing displacement or deformation of the frame member 30 even when external forces act on the frame member 30 or the transparent member 20.

[0109] The fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the flexible contact portion 33 is inclined with respect to the surface 20A on the Z1 direction side of the transparent member 20 at an angle θ greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. As a result, when the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19, the flexible contact portion 33, being inclined beforehand, flexes and deforms to curve along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. This reduces the pushing force required to fit the frame member 30.

[0110] The vehicle glass according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the flexible contact portion 33 has a contact portion length LC with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 20A on the Z1 direction side of the transparent member 20, which is 5 mm or less. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the flexible contact portion 33 due to an excessively large contact portion length LC of the flexible contact portion 33, and to suppress an increase in the pushing force required to fit the frame member 30.

[0111] The vehicle glass according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the flexible contact portion 33 includes at least one of fiber-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, and polypropylene resin. As a result, the flexible contact portion 33 can be made to have high mechanical strength (toughness) that makes it difficult to break or fracture even when subjected to bending deformation.

[0112] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the step D2 between the surface 12A on the Z1 direction side of the glass member 10 and the surface on the Z1 direction side of the frame member 30 in the thickness direction of the transparent member 20 is 1.0 mm or less. This prevents the wiper from being hindered due to the step formed at the boundary between the glass member 10 and the frame member 30. Furthermore, it prevents the appearance (design) of the vehicle from being impaired by the step at the boundary between the glass member 10 and the frame member 30.

[0113] A vehicle glass according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the frame member 30 includes a holding portion 31 disposed inside the opening 19 and holding the transparent member 20, and a fixing portion 32 fixed to the Z2-direction surface of the glass member 10 around the opening 19. The holding portion 31 has a flexible contact portion 33 and an opposing outer peripheral surface 34 that faces the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 with a gap between them. As a result, the frame member 30 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 with the portion of the holding portion 31 that is the flexible contact portion 33, while the other portion of the opposing outer peripheral surface 34 does not contact the inner circumferential surface. As a result, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 can be closed while securing space (allowance) that takes into account dimensional variations, and the increase in the pushing force required to fit the frame member 30 can be effectively suppressed.

[0114] The vehicle glass according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle glass according to any of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the flexible contact portion 33 extends from the edge of the surface 30A on the Z1 direction side of the holding portion 31 toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19. Here, since the fixing portion 32 is fixed to the surface on the Z2 direction side of the glass member 10, the frame member 30 is fitted into the opening 19 of the glass member 10 from the Z2 direction side toward the Z1 direction. Since the Z1 direction side of the frame member 30 is exposed to the outside, by providing the flexible contact portion 33 from the surface 30A on the Z1 direction side of the holding portion 31 toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19, the outermost position of the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the opening 19 and the frame member 30 (holding portion 31) can be closed by the flexible contact portion 33.

[0115] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to those described herein. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned 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 embodiments described above.

[0116] 1 Vehicle glass 1a Upper edge 1b Lower edge 1c, 1d Side edges 10 Glass member 12 First glass substrate 12a First opening 14 Second glass substrate 14a Second opening 16 Intermediate layer 18 Light-shielding layer 19 Opening 20 Transmitting member 21 Outer peripheral end face 30 Frame member 31 Holding part 31A Recess 32 Fixing part 33 Flexible contact part 33A First contact part 33B Second contact part 34 Opposing outer peripheral surface 40 Bracket 50 Adhesive 100 Camera unit 131 First part 132 Second part A1 Light-transmitting area A2, A2a Light-shielding area B, X Far-infrared transmitting area C Visible light transmitting area CA1 Far-infrared camera CA2 Visible light camera CL1, CL2 Gap D1, D2 Step difference L Distance LC Contact area length tc Thickness U Far infrared transmission unit V Vehicle θ Angle

Claims

A glass member having an opening formed that penetrates from the surface on the first direction side to the surface on the second direction side opposite to the first direction, A far-infrared-transmitting member is arranged inside the aforementioned opening, The transparent member comprises a frame member that holds the outer circumference of the transparent member and is positioned inside the opening, The frame member has a flexible contact portion that protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening with bending deformation. Vehicle glass. 　 The glass member is a laminated glass in which a first glass substrate provided on the first direction side and a second glass substrate are laminated with an intermediate layer in between. The opening includes a first opening formed in the first glass substrate and a second opening formed in the second glass substrate. The flexible contact portion is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening among the openings. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The flexible contact portion has an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the opening and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the opening over its entire circumference. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The frame member includes a first portion made of a first material and fixed to the glass member, and a second portion made of a second material softer than the first material and supported by the first portion. The flexible contact portion is formed in the second portion. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The flexible contact portion is inclined with respect to the surface of the permeable member on the first direction side at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The flexible contact portion has a contact length of 5 mm or less with the inner circumferential surface of the opening in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface of the permeable member on the first direction side. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The flexible contact portion includes at least one of the following: fiber-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, and polypropylene resin. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 In the thickness direction of the transparent member, the difference in height between the surface of the glass member on the first direction side and the surface of the frame member on the first direction side is 1.0 mm or less. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The frame member includes a holding portion disposed inside the opening for holding the transparent member, and a fixing portion fixed to the surface of the glass member on the second side around the opening. The holding portion has the flexible contact portion and an opposing outer surface that faces the inner circumferential surface of the opening with a gap between them. Vehicle glass according to claim 1. 　 The flexible contact portion extends from the edge of the surface on the first direction side of the holding portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the opening, Vehicle glass according to claim 9.

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