Windowpane for vehicles and method for manufacturing windowpane for vehicles

Abstract

Provided are: a windowpane for vehicles, which has high electrical reliability; and a method for manufacturing a windowpane for vehicles. A windowpane (100) for vehicles according to the present disclosure comprises: a laminated glass (110) which is provided in an opening part (11) of a vehicle body (10); a thin electrical member which is provided between a second main surface (111B) and a third main surface (112A); a first flexible substrate (130A) which has a first insulating layer (133A) and a plurality of first wiring lines (132A) each having a plurality of first terminals (132A1) and a plurality of second terminals (132A2); and a second flexible substrate (130B) which has a second wiring line (132B), a plurality of bypass diodes (135), a second insulating layer (131B), a plurality of third terminals (132B1), and a plurality of fourth terminals (132B2).

Description

Vehicle window glass and method for manufacturing vehicle window glass

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle window glass and a method for manufacturing vehicle window glass.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been window glass including laminated glass in which two glass plates are joined with an interlayer film, an electronic device provided between the two glass plates of the laminated glass, a flexible substrate having one end connected to the electronic device and provided between the two glass plates, and a plurality of bypass diodes provided between wirings extending from the other end side of the flexible substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2023 / 045945

[0004] By the way, in the conventional window glass, since a plurality of bypass diodes are provided between wirings extending from the other end side of a flexible substrate provided between two glass plates of laminated glass, when thermocompression bonding is performed on the laminated glass, the bypass diodes are affected by heat. Since the bypass diodes may deteriorate when heated, the electrical reliability decreases.

[0005] Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide vehicle window glass with high electrical reliability and a method for manufacturing vehicle window glass.

[0006] The vehicle window glass of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a laminated glass provided in an opening of a vehicle body, having a first glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface, a second glass plate having a third main surface and a fourth main surface, and an interlayer provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a first flexible substrate having a plurality of first wirings each having a plurality of first terminals connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second terminals located outside the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a first insulating layer on which the plurality of first wirings are provided; a second flexible substrate having a second wiring, a plurality of bypass diodes inserted in series with the second wiring, a second insulating layer on which the second wiring and the plurality of bypass diodes are provided and which seals the plurality of bypass diodes, a plurality of third terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side, and a plurality of fourth terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate.

[0007] This disclosure provides electrically reliable vehicle window glass and a method for manufacturing vehicle window glass.

[0008] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the vehicle window glass 100 of the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the cross section viewed from the line A-A in Figure 1A. This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration including the solar cell 120 and FPC 130. This figure shows an example of the configuration of FPC 130. This figure shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the first FPC 130A, and is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cross section viewed from the line B-B in Figure 3A. This figure shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the second FPC 130B, and is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cross section viewed from the line C-C in Figure 3A.

[0009] The following describes embodiments applying the vehicle window glass and the method for manufacturing the vehicle window glass described herein. In the following, the same elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] In the following, the length, diameter, thickness, etc., of each part may be exaggerated to make the structure easier to understand. Also, terms such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down should be used with a degree of deviation that does not impair the effect of the embodiment.

[0011] <Embodiment> Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle window glass 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cross section in the direction of arrow A-A in Figure 1A. Figure 1B shows a flange 12 and a wire harness 20 provided in the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10. Figure 1B also shows the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 130 of the vehicle window glass 100. The FPC 130 is not shown in Figure 1A, but as an example, it is provided at the end of the vehicle window glass 100 on the -Y direction side.

[0012] The following explanation defines and describes XYZ coordinates. The direction parallel to the X-axis (X direction), the direction parallel to the Y-axis (Y direction), and the direction parallel to the Z-axis (Z direction) are mutually orthogonal. The +Z direction side of the laminated glass 110 is the exterior side of the vehicle body 10. The Z-axis extends in the direction of the normal to the laminated glass 110. In the following, a plan view refers to viewing an object in the XY plane in the direction of the extension of the Z-axis. The +X direction is the front direction of the vehicle, and the +Y direction is the left direction of the vehicle.

[0013] Figure 1A shows an example of how the vehicle window glass 100 looks when viewed from above the vehicle body 10. In Figure 1A, the vehicle window glass 100 is shown as a flat plate, but the vehicle window glass 100 may be curved in any one direction or in two or more directions.

[0014] The vehicle window glass 100 is installed in the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10. Figure 1A shows the area around the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10.

[0015] The opening 11 is a window frame for installing a vehicle window glass 100, and is provided with a flange. The vehicle window glass 100 is installed in the opening 11 from the outside, for example, but it may also be installed from the inside.

[0016] Furthermore, although the planar shape of the laminated glass 110 is generally shown as rectangular in Figure 1A, the planar shape of the laminated glass 110 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, it may be an irregular rectangle, a trapezoid, or a triangular shape, or any other arbitrary shape. Here, the planar shape refers to the shape of the laminated glass 110 as viewed from the outside.

[0017] The vehicle window glass 100 can be applied to, for example, the roof glass, rear glass, rear side glass, quarter glass, extra glass, etc. of a vehicle, but here we will describe the form in which it is applied to the roof glass. Extra glass is glass that is installed below the rear glass of a vehicle in order to improve the rearward visibility of the vehicle driver. The vehicle referred to here is, for example, an EV (Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a HV (Hybrid Vehicle), a gasoline car, or a diesel car. The vehicle may also be a train or a steam locomotive.

[0018] Furthermore, although this description focuses on a configuration in which the vehicle window glass 100 is fixed to the opening 11, the laminated glass 110 may be slidably mounted relative to the vehicle body 10. For example, when the laminated glass 110 is used as a roof glass or side glass, it may be configured to open and close relative to the opening 11 by a drive mechanism such as a motor or regulator provided on the vehicle body 10 side.

[0019] <Vehicle window glass 100> The vehicle window glass 100 includes laminated glass 110, a solar cell 120, and an FPC 130. The solar cell 120 is an example of a thin electrical component. The FPC 130 includes an example of a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate, but details will be described later.

[0020] Here, as an example, we will describe a configuration in which the thin electrical component is a solar cell 120, but the thin electrical component is not limited to a solar cell 120. The thin electrical component may be a dimming panel, a functional film, or a heating element or conductive film, and the solar cell 120 is an example of a functional film.

[0021] Examples of the solar cell 120 include silicon solar cells such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous silicon; perovskite solar cells; organic solar cells such as dye-sensitized solar cells; and compound solar cells such as gallium arsenide-based solar cells, CIS solar cells, and CIGS solar cells. Monocrystalline silicon solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and CIGS solar cells are preferred as the solar cell 120, monocrystalline silicon solar cells and perovskite solar cells are more preferred, and monocrystalline silicon solar cells are particularly preferred.

[0022] In the following explanation, we will use Figures 2 and 3A to 3C in addition to Figures 1A and 1B.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example of a circuit configuration including a solar cell 120 and an FPC 130. Figure 3A shows an example of the configuration of the FPC 130. The FPC 130 has a first FPC 130A and a second FPC 130B. Figure 3B shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the first FPC 130A, and shows an example of the configuration of the cross-section taken along the line B-B in Figure 3A. Figure 3C shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the second FPC 130B, and shows an example of the configuration of the cross-section taken along the line C-C in Figure 3A.

[0024] When the vehicle window glass 100 is attached to the flange 12 of the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10, a urethane sealant 30 (see Figure 1B) is applied. The urethane sealant 30 is an example of an adhesive. The urethane sealant 30 is applied in a frame-like manner along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. The urethane sealant 30 is applied across the shielding layer 114 provided on the fourth main surface 112B of the laminated glass 110 and the FPC 130. That is, in the section of the frame-like portion along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view where the FPC 130 is present, the urethane sealant 30 is applied to the surface of the FPC 130 on the -Z direction side, and in the section where the FPC 130 is not present, the urethane sealant 30 is applied to the surface of the shielding layer 114 on the -Z direction side. Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the section where the FPC 130 is present. Since the urethane sealant 30 is applied to both the shielding layer 114 and the FPC 130, the laminated glass 110 can be firmly fixed to the vehicle body 10. Alternatively, the urethane sealant 30 may be applied to the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112 instead of the shielding layer 114.

[0025] In a plan view, the inside of the frame-shaped urethane sealant 30 within the vehicle window glass 100 is the interior side, and the outside of the urethane sealant 30 is the exterior side. In Figure 1B, the side of the urethane sealant 30 in the +Y direction is the interior side, and the side of the urethane sealant 30 in the -Y direction is the exterior side.

[0026] In Figure 1B, the interior panels on the inside of the vehicle body 10 are omitted, but the FPC 130 is covered by the interior panels on the inside of the vehicle body 10 and is therefore not visible from the inside.

[0027] <Laminated Glass 110> Laminated glass 110 has a first glass plate 111, a second glass plate 112, an interlayer 113, and a shielding layer 114. Laminated glass 110 is formed by bonding a first glass plate 111, which is provided on the exterior side of the vehicle body 10, and a second glass plate 112, which is provided on the interior side of the vehicle body 10, via an interlayer 113 placed between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. In addition, a solar cell 120 and an FPC 130 are provided in a portion between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. Note that a Low-e film using a metal film or a conductive oxide film may be provided on the fourth main surface 112B on the interior side of the second glass plate 112, but this is omitted in Figure 1B.

[0028] The total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is preferably 2.8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is the thickness of the laminated glass 110 between the first main surface 111A on the outdoor side of the first glass plate 111 and the fourth main surface 112B on the indoor side of the second glass plate 112. If the total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is 2.8 mm or more, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. If the total thickness of the laminated glass 110 is 10 mm or less, sufficient light transmittance can be ensured and the mass will not become too large. Note that the total thickness here, and the thickness described thereafter, refers to the length in the Z direction.

[0029] <First glass plate 111 and second glass plate 112> The first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are transparent, plate-shaped glass plates. The first glass plate 111 has a first main surface 111A on the outdoor side, a second main surface 111B on the indoor side, and a first side surface 111C. The first side surface 111C is an end surface connecting the first main surface 111A and the second main surface 111B. The second glass plate 112 has a third main surface 112A on the outdoor side, a fourth main surface 112B on the indoor side, and a second side surface 112C. The second side surface 112C is an end surface connecting the third main surface 112A and the fourth main surface 112B. The first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 may be flat or curved in any one direction or two or more directions.

[0030] The first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 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 are used without particular limitation. From the viewpoint of scratch resistance, the first glass plate 111 is preferably inorganic glass. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and moldability, the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are particularly preferably soda-lime glass. When the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are soda-lime glass, clear glass, green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron, UV-cut green glass, privacy glass, etc., can be used. If the thin electrical component is a solar cell 120, to improve power generation efficiency, the first glass plate 111 is preferably clear glass containing a predetermined amount or less of iron, or high-transparency glass.

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

[0032] If the tempered glass is physically tempered glass (for example, air-cooled tempered 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, such as by rapidly cooling a uniformly heated glass plate from a temperature near its softening point during bending. If the tempered glass is chemically tempered glass, the glass surface may be strengthened after bending by creating compressive stress on the glass surface by an ion exchange method or the like. In addition, the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 may be glass plates that absorb ultraviolet or infrared rays. The first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 are preferably transparent, but they may be glass plates that are colored to an extent that does not impair transparency.

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

[0034] The laminated glass 110 may have a curved shape such that the exterior side is convex when it is attached to the vehicle body 10. The laminated glass 110 may have a single-bend shape formed by bending in only one direction, or it may have a double-bend shape formed by bending in two directions. These two directions are, for example, the vertical direction and the left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical direction when the laminated glass 110 is attached to the vehicle body 10. Gravity forming, press forming, or roller forming can be used to bend the laminated glass 110. When the laminated glass 110 is bent to a predetermined curvature, the radius of curvature of the laminated glass 110 may be between 1,000 mm and 100,000 mm.

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

[0036] The first glass plate 111 preferably has sufficient impact resistance for use in vehicles. This impact resistance can be evaluated, for example, using the impact resistance test in UN R43. The impact resistance test is used to determine whether safety glass, such as laminated glass for automobiles, has the necessary adhesion or strength against the impact of small, hard flying objects. Specifically, the test is performed by holding the laminated glass (safety glass) at a predetermined temperature, then placing the first glass plate 111 with its first main surface 111A facing upwards on a support frame, and allowing a steel ball to fall naturally from a predetermined height.

[0037] Furthermore, at least one of the first main surface 111A of the first glass plate 111 and the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112 may be coated with a film having water-repellent, ultraviolet and infrared-cutting functions, a film having low reflectivity, low emissivity, stain resistance, or condensation prevention properties. Also, at least one of the second main surface 111B of the first glass plate 111 and the third main surface 112A of the second glass plate 112 may be coated with a film having ultraviolet and infrared-cutting, low emissivity, visible light absorption, coloring, etc. Furthermore, a low-emissivity coating may be formed on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112.

[0038] In other words, at least one of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 may have one or more of the following: a water-repellent layer, an ultraviolet-blocking layer, an infrared-reflecting layer, a low-reflectance layer, a low-emissivity layer, a condensation-preventing layer, a visible light-absorbing layer, and a colored layer.

[0039] <Interlayer 113> The interlayer 113 is provided between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. Preferably, the interlayer 113 surrounds the side surface of the solar cell 120. The side surface of the solar cell 120 is the end face connecting the surface on the +Z direction side and the surface on the -Z direction side of the solar cell 120. The terminal 121 located on the -Y direction side of the solar cell 120 is connected to the terminal 132A1 of the wiring 132A of the first FPC 130A. For this reason, the interlayer 113 surrounds not only the side surface of the solar cell 120, but also the joint between terminal 121 and terminal 132A1, and the portion of the FPC 130 located between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112.

[0040] The interlayer 113 has a first interlayer 113A that is joined to the first glass plate 111, a second interlayer 113B that is joined to the second glass plate 112, and a frame-shaped third interlayer 113C that is located between the first interlayer 113A and the second interlayer 113B and surrounds the side surface of the solar cell 120. In this example, the third interlayer 113C surrounds the side surface of the solar cell 120, but the third interlayer 113C is not required. Even if the third interlayer 113C is not provided, if the side surface of the solar cell 120 is located inward in a plan view from the first side surface 111C of the first glass plate 111 or the second side surface 112C of the second glass plate 112, then at least one of the first interlayer 113A and the second interlayer 113B will deform during the heat bonding process in the manufacturing process of the laminated glass 110, thereby surrounding the side surface of the solar cell 120. When the thickness of the solar cell 120 is large, the difference in thickness between the part where the solar cell 120 is located and the part outside the solar cell 120 becomes large in a plan view. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a third interlayer film 113C to bridge the thickness difference.

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

[0042] As the interlayer 113, thermoplastic resins are often used, such as plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cycloolefin polymer resins, and ionomer resins. In addition, resin compositions containing modified block copolymer hydrides described in Japanese Patent No. 6065221 can also be suitably used.

[0043] Among these materials for the intermediate film 113, a plasticized polyvinyl acetal - based resin is preferably used because it has an excellent balance of various properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesion, puncture resistance, impact energy absorption, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These thermoplastic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the above - mentioned plasticized polyvinyl acetal - based resin, "plasticized" means that it is plasticized by the addition of a plasticizer. The same applies to other plasticized resins. Also, when the vehicle window glass 100 includes the solar cell 120 as a thin - type electrical component and the transparency of the second intermediate film 113B and the third intermediate film 113C is not required, the second intermediate film 113B and the third intermediate film 113C may be opaque and colored.

[0044] However, when encapsulating the solar cell 120 in the intermediate film 113, depending on the type of the encapsulated object, it may be deteriorated by a specific plasticizer. In that case, it is preferable to use a resin that does not substantially contain such a plasticizer. That is, there may be cases where it is preferable that the intermediate film 113 does not contain a plasticizer. Examples of the resin that does not contain a plasticizer include ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer - based resins.

[0045] Examples of the above - mentioned polyvinyl acetal - based resins include polyvinyl formal resins obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as PVA) with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal - based resins in a narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, polyvinyl butyral resins (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as PVB) obtained by reacting PVA with n - butyraldehyde, etc. Among them, particularly, PVB is preferably used because it has an excellent balance of various properties such as transparency, weather resistance, strength, adhesion, puncture resistance, impact energy absorption, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and sound insulation. These polyvinyl acetal - based resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

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

[0047] The material forming the intermediate film 113 is not limited to thermoplastic resins. Further, the intermediate film 113 may contain functional particles such as infrared absorbers, ultraviolet absorbers, and luminescent agents. Further, the intermediate film 113 may have a colored portion, or a colored intermediate film and a clear intermediate film may be combined to form the intermediate film 113.

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

[0049] Note that the thickness of the intermediate film 113 refers to the thickness of only the intermediate film 113 excluding the thickness of the solar cell 120. Therefore, the thickness of the intermediate film 113 refers to the length obtained by subtracting the thickness of the solar cell 120 from the thickness from the interface (second main surface 111B) of the first intermediate film 1​​​​

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

[0052] <Shielding layer 114> The shielding layer 114 is an opaque layer. The shielding layer 114 is, for example, an opaque colored (e.g., black) ceramic layer. The shielding layer 114 may be a light-shielding colored interlayer or colored film, or a combination of a colored interlayer and a colored ceramic layer. The colored film may be integrated with an infrared reflective film or the like. Opaque here means that the visible light transmittance is 5% or less, preferably 3% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and also includes substantially 0%. The shielding layer 114 suppresses the deterioration of the resin, such as urethane, that holds the laminated glass 110 to the vehicle body 10 due to ultraviolet rays.

[0053] The shielding layer 114 can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing a black pigment and a fusible glass frit onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then firing it, but is not limited to this. The shielding layer 114 may also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing a black or dark-colored pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing, inkjet printing or the like, and then drying it.

[0054] As an example, the shielding layer 114 is provided in a strip shape along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1A, the shielding layer 114 is provided in a strip shape along the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 in a plan view. The shielding layer 114 is visible from the outside of the laminated glass 110.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1B, the shielding layer 114 is formed, for example, on the second main surface 111B of the first glass plate 111 and the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112. Here, as an example, the shape and size of the two shielding layers 114 formed on the second main surface 111B and the fourth main surface 112B are assumed to be the same in plan view, but they may be different. For example, the outer edge of the shielding layer 114 is located on the outer edge of the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112. Also, in plan view, the shielding layer 114 partially overlaps with the solar cell 120.

[0056] The width of the shielding layer 114 should be sufficient to conceal the portion of the FPC 130 that extends along the fourth main surface 112B, as well as the wire harness 20, etc. The portion of the FPC 130 that extends along the fourth main surface 112B connects the first FPC 130A and the second FPC 130B. The first FPC 130A is an example of a first flexible substrate, and the second FPC 130B is an example of a second flexible substrate.

[0057] The FPC 130 is attached to the fourth main surface 112B on the outside of the laminated glass 110 via the shielding layer 114 of the fourth main surface 112B and double-sided tape. The width of the shielding layer 114 is the width in the Y direction in Figure 1B, and the width of the rectangular annular band-shaped portion in Figure 1A. In other words, the width of the shielding layer 114 is the width in the direction perpendicular to the inner edge of the rectangular annular shielding layer 114 in a plan view.

[0058] Furthermore, the shielding layer 114 is not limited to being formed on the second main surface 111B and the fourth main surface 112B, but may be formed on either the second main surface 111B or the fourth main surface 112B, or on the third main surface 112A only. The shielding layer 114 may be formed in combination on the second main surface 111B and the fourth main surface 112B, the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A, or the third main surface 112A and the fourth main surface 112B. In addition, the shielding layer 114 may be provided on the surface of the first interlayer 113A or the second interlayer 113B, or it may be embedded inside the first interlayer 113A or the second interlayer 113B.

[0059] <Solar Cell 120> The solar cell 120 is an example of a thin electrical component and a functional film. "Thin" means having a thickness that is thin enough to be placed between the two first glass plates 111 and the second glass plate 112 of the laminated glass 110.

[0060] The solar cell 120 is constructed by wiring multiple solar cells together. As shown in Figure 1A, the solar cell 120 is, for example, rectangular in plan view and is positioned to fit inside the outer edge of the rectangular laminated glass 110 in plan view. Here, we describe a configuration in which the solar cell 120 is rectangular in plan view, but the shape of the solar cell 120 in plan view is not limited to rectangular. The solar cell 120 may have a region with solar cells and a region without solar cells in plan view. Furthermore, the solar cell 120 may be an irregular rectangular shape or any arbitrary shape to match the shape of the laminated glass 110 in plan view, or it may be any shape that fits inside the outer edge of the laminated glass 110 without matching the shape of the laminated glass 110 in plan view.

[0061] The solar cell 120 is, for example, a device that generates electricity by photoelectric conversion of light transmitted through the first glass plate 111 and the first interlayer film 113A. For example, the solar cell 120 is provided in the area that covers the opening 11 of the entire area of ​​the laminated glass 110 in a plan view, but it may also be provided in a configuration that covers only a part of the area of ​​the laminated glass 110.

[0062] Terminal 121, located on the -Y direction side of the solar cell 120, is connected to terminal 132A1 of wiring 132A of the first FPC 130A. Since the wire harness 20 is connected to the FPC 130, the solar cell 120 is connected to the vehicle's electronic equipment and battery, etc., via the FPC 130 and the wire harness 20.

[0063] <Circuit configuration including solar cell 120 and FPC 130> As shown in Figure 2, the solar cell 120 has multiple clusters 120A. The solar cell 120 has two or more clusters 120A, but Figure 2 shows three clusters 120A as an example. Each cluster 120A includes multiple photoelectric conversion elements. Here, we describe a configuration in which the vehicle window glass 100 includes one set of solar cell 120 and FPC 130, but the vehicle window glass 100 may include two or more sets of solar cell 120 and FPC 130.

[0064] The solar cell 120 is connected to a positive (+) wire harness 20 and a negative (-) wire harness 20 via an FPC 130. The two wire harnesses 20 are connected to the vehicle's electronic equipment, battery, etc.

[0065] In Figure 2, the FPC 130 is shown in a simplified form, omitting all but the three bypass diodes 135. The FPC 130 has the same number of bypass diodes 135 as the clusters 120A of the solar cell 120. In Figure 2, three bypass diodes 135 are shown to represent three clusters 120A. The three bypass diodes 135 are connected in parallel to each of the three clusters 120A. That is, one bypass diode 135 is connected in parallel to each cluster 120A. Furthermore, the three bypass diodes 135 have a rectification direction from the side of the FPC 130 connected to the negative polarity (-) wire harness 20 to the side connected to the positive polarity (+) wire harness 20.

[0066] When the three clusters 120A are generating power, current flows between the two wire harnesses 20 through a path in which the three clusters 120A are connected in series. Also, when no light is hitting any of the clusters 120A and they are not generating power, or when any of the clusters 120A fail, current flows through the bypass diode 135 connected in parallel to that cluster 120A. This is because the cluster 120A acts as a resistor, consuming the power generated by the other clusters 120A and suppressing heat generation.

[0067] <FPC130> The FPC130 is provided to connect the solar cell 120 and the wire harness 20 and to extract the power generated by the solar cell 120. As an example, the FPC130 is provided on one side of the outer edge of the laminated glass 110, as shown in Figure 1B. In Figure 3A, the FPC130 is simplified to show a configuration having two bypass diodes 135. The FPC130 having two bypass diodes 135 corresponds to a solar cell 120 containing two clusters 120A. Here, the number of bypass diodes 135 is N. N is an integer of 2 or more. The number of bypass diodes 135 N is equal to the number of clusters 120A. In the case of vehicle window glass 100, the integer N is preferably 2 or 3.

[0068] Figure 3A shows the portion of the FPC 130 provided on the fourth main surface 112B. As shown in Figure 3A, the FPC 130 has a first FPC 130A and a second FPC 130B. Figure 3A shows the state before connecting the first FPC 130A, the second FPC 130B, and the two wire harnesses 20. Figure 3A shows the entire second FPC 130B, but shows a portion of the first FPC 130A on the terminal 132A2 side. The portion of the first FPC 130A on the terminal 132A1 side, opposite to terminal 132A2, is sandwiched between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, as shown in Figure 1B.

[0069] The second FPC 130B is positioned on the indoor side (the +Y direction side in Figure 1B) of the urethane sealant 30 shown in Figure 1A. The first FPC 130A straddles the urethane sealant 30 (see Figure 1A) and is connected to the second FPC 130B on the indoor side. The position where the first FPC 130A straddles the urethane sealant 30 is indicated by the dashed line D in Figure 3A. In Figure 3A, the part of the first FPC 130A on the +Y direction side of the dashed line D is located on the indoor side of the urethane sealant 30, and the part on the -Y direction side of the dashed line D is located on the outdoor side of the urethane sealant 30.

[0070] <First FPC 130A> As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first FPC 130A has a substrate 131A, a plurality of wirings 132A, and a coverlay 133A. The substrate 131A and the coverlay 133A are examples of first insulating layers, and the plurality of wirings 132A are examples of plurality of first wirings. The number of wirings 132A is N+1, which is one more than the number N of bypass diodes 135. Figure 3A shows three wirings 132A. The first FPC 130A may be divided into three sections corresponding to the three wirings 132A.

[0071] The wiring 132A is formed on one surface of the substrate 131A and is covered by the coverlay 133A. The substrate 131A and the coverlay 133A are fixed to each other by lamination with the wiring 132A sandwiched between them, or by bonding them with an adhesive. The wiring 132A has an outdoor terminal 132A1 (see Figure 1B) and an indoor terminal 132A2 (see Figure 3A), and extends between terminals 132A1 and 132A2. The space between terminals 132A1 and 132A2 is covered by the substrate 131A and the coverlay 133A. The first FPC 130A may be fixed in a configuration other than the one in which the substrate 131A and the coverlay 133A are fixed by lamination or adhesive with the wiring 132A sandwiched between them.

[0072] Terminal 132A1 is an example of a first terminal, and terminal 132A2 is an example of a second terminal. Terminal 132A1 is connected to terminal 121 of the solar cell 120 (see Figure 1B). Terminal 132A2 is connected to terminal 132B2 of the second FPC 130B. Note that terminal 132A1 and terminal 121 of the solar cell 120 (see Figure 1B) may be connected via copper foil wire or the like (not shown).

[0073] Figure 3B shows a configuration in which both terminals 132A1 and 132A2 protrude from the substrate 131A and coverlay 133A, as an example. However, terminals 132A1 and / or 132A2 may also be exposed from an opening provided in the substrate 131A or coverlay 133A, as an example. When terminals 132A1 and / or 132A2 are exposed from an opening provided in the substrate 131A or coverlay 133A, the configuration is the same as that of terminals 132B1 and 132B2 shown in Figure 3C.

[0074] The substrate 131A and coverlay 133A are, for example, made of a flexible resin film such as polyimide, and the wiring 132A is, for example, wiring patterned with copper foil. Note that both substrate 131A and coverlay 133A may be considered as a single substrate. Furthermore, substrate 131A and coverlay 133A may also contain heat dissipation fillers.

[0075] The portion of the first FPC 130A on the terminal 132A1 side (see Figure 1B) is sandwiched between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 at the -Y direction end of the laminated glass 110, with terminal 132A1 connected to terminal 121 of the solar cell 120, between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 113B. For example, terminals 132A1 and 121 may overlap between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, but they may not overlap.

[0076] The first FPC 130A is bent twice along the second side surface 112C from the terminal 132A1 side (see Figure 1B) to the terminal 132A2 side (see Figure 3A), and extends along the third main surface 112A, the second side surface 112C, and the fourth main surface 112B.

[0077] The portion of the first FPC 130A that extends along the fourth main surface 112B is, for example, attached to the shielding layer 114 with double-sided tape. Alternatively, the portion of the first FPC 130A that extends along the fourth main surface 112B may be attached to the fourth main surface 112B with double-sided tape.

[0078] <Second FPC 130B> As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the second FPC 130B has a substrate 131B, wiring 132B, a coverlay 133B, and bypass diodes 135. The substrate 131B and the coverlay 133B are examples of the second insulating layer, and the wiring 132B is an example of the second wiring. The wiring 132B extends in the X direction, and N bypass diodes 135 are inserted in series. The wiring 132B is divided into N+1 sections in the X direction. In Figure 3A, since two bypass diodes 135 are inserted in series, the wiring 132B is divided into three sections in the X direction.

[0079] The wiring 132B is formed on one surface of the substrate 131B and is covered by the coverlay 133B together with the bypass diode 135. The substrate 131B and the coverlay 133B are fixed to each other by lamination with the wiring 132B and the bypass diode 135 sandwiched between them, or by bonding them with an adhesive.

[0080] The coverlay 133B has two openings 133B1 and three openings 133B2. The two openings 133B1 and the three openings 133B2 are arranged in the order of one opening 133B1, three openings 133B2, and one opening 133B1, from the +X direction side to the -X direction side. The one opening 133B1 and the one opening 133B2 are provided in the wiring 132B furthest to the +X direction of the three divided wiring 132B. The one opening 133B2 is provided in the central wiring 132B in the X direction of the three divided wiring 132B. The one opening 133B1 and the one opening 133B2 are provided in the wiring 132B furthest to the -X direction of the three divided wiring 132B.

[0081] The two openings 133B1 expose the two terminals 132B1 of the wiring 132B. Terminals 132B1 are the portions of the wiring 132B that are exposed through the openings 133B1. A connector 21 of the wire harness 20 with positive polarity (+) is connected to the terminal 132B1 on the +X direction side. The terminals 132A2 of the three wirings 132A of the first FPC 130A are each connected to the three terminals 132B2. A connector 21 of the wire harness 20 with negative polarity (-) is connected to the terminal 132B1 on the -X direction side. The two terminals 132B1 are an example of multiple third terminals to which the connector 21 of the wire harness 20 can be connected. The three terminals 132B2 are an example of multiple fourth terminals to which the three terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A can each be connected. The three terminals 132B2 are positioned at both ends of each of the two bypass diodes 135. Additionally, one terminal 132B2 is provided between two adjacent bypass diodes 135. For N bypass diodes 135, N+1 terminals 132B2 are provided.

[0082] The substrate 131B and coverlay 133B are, for example, made of a flexible resin film such as polyimide, and the wiring 132B is, for example, wiring patterned with copper foil. Note that both substrate 131B and coverlay 133B may be considered as a single substrate. Furthermore, substrate 131B and coverlay 133B may also contain a heat dissipation filler.

[0083] The multiple bypass diodes 135 have a rectification direction from one end of the wiring 132B on the -X axis side toward the other end on the +X side. Also, the rated current value of the second FPC 130B is, for example, 5A or more.

[0084] As described above, the second FPC 130B is provided on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112 together with the portion of the first FPC 130A on the terminal 132A2 side, and is connected to the first FPC 130A.

[0085] Furthermore, the length of the wiring 132B of the second FPC 130B in the extending direction (X direction) can be set to an appropriate length depending on the arrangement of the cells, the shape of the laminated glass 110, etc.

[0086] The connection between terminal 132B1 and connector 21 of the wire harness 20, and the connection between terminal 132B2 and terminal 132A2, can be made by soldering, for example. Lead-free solder such as silver-tin solder or silver-tin-copper solder can be used as solder. Alternatively, the connection can be made by bonding with a conductive adhesive, or by heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the wire harness 20 can be connected directly to terminal 132B1 without going through connector 21.

[0087] In the FPC 130 described above, the first FPC 130A has a structure in which the wiring 132A provided on the substrate 131A is covered with a coverlay 133A, making it very thin and highly flexible. For this reason, it is very easy to route the first FPC 130A from the +Y direction end of the solar cell 120, which is provided between the first interlayer 113A or the third interlayer 113C and the second interlayer 113B, along the second side surface 112C and the fourth main surface 112B, and connect it to the connector 21 of the wire harness 20. Furthermore, the ease of routing leads to an improvement in the electrical reliability of the wiring 132A, because it is less likely for the wiring 132A to break or be damaged. By using the first FPC 130A, it is possible to make the routing of the wiring 132A easier and improve its electrical reliability.

[0088] Figure 3A shows a configuration in which the solar cell 120 has two clusters 120A and two bypass diodes 135. If the solar cell 120 has three clusters 120A and three bypass diodes 135, the wiring 132A of the first FPC 130A can be increased to four, and the central part of the three divided sections of the wiring 132B of the second FPC 130B can be increased to two, so that the four wirings 132A can be connected to four terminals 132B2. If the solar cell 120 has four or more clusters 120A and four or more bypass diodes 135, similarly, the wiring 132A and the central part of the wiring 132B can be increased to one each.

[0089] Furthermore, one of the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B may be receptacleable. In this case, the other may be a connector that can be receptively connected.

[0090] <Manufacturing Method of Vehicle Window Glass 100> In the vehicle window glass 100, the second FPC 130B, which is equipped with a bypass diode 135, is separate from the first FPC 130A. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the vehicle window glass 100, the terminal 121 of the solar cell 120 and the terminal 132A1 of the first FPC 130A are connected, and then the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 of the laminated glass 110 are heated and pressed together while sandwiched between them, and then the second FPC 130B can be attached to the first FPC 130A.

[0091] In other words, the first FPC 130A, which has multiple terminals 132A1 connected to the solar cell 120, and the solar cell 120 are sandwiched together with the interlayer 113 between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, and then heat-pressed. After heat-pressing, the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B are connected.

[0092] In this way, since the second FPC 130B, which is equipped with the bypass diode 135, is not attached to the laminated glass 110 during the heat bonding process, the bypass diode 135 is not affected by the heat during the heat bonding process and is not subjected to pressure during the heat bonding process.

[0093] Therefore, degradation of the bypass diode 135 due to heat can be suppressed, and a highly reliable vehicle window glass 100 can be provided. In addition, since the bypass diode 135 is not pressurized during the heat-sealing process, there is no need to protect the bypass diode 135 during the heat-sealing process, making the manufacturing process simpler.

[0094] Furthermore, the connection between the first FPC 130A and the second FPC 130B may be protected by sealing or other means on the fourth main surface 112B of the second glass plate 112. For example, a frame-shaped member or the like that surrounds the connection between the first FPC 130A and the second FPC 130B can be fixed to the fourth main surface 112B, and the connection can be sealed by filling the inside of the frame-shaped member with silicone rubber or the like. By performing such sealing, the connection can be protected from condensation and the like, and a more reliable vehicle window glass 100 can be provided.

[0095] <Effects> One embodiment of the vehicle window glass 100 of the present disclosure comprises a first glass plate 111 having a first main surface 111A and a second main surface 111B, a second glass plate 112 having a third main surface 112A and a fourth main surface 112B, and an interlayer 113 provided between the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A, and is a laminated glass 110 provided in an opening 11 of a vehicle body 10, a solar cell 120 provided between the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A, and a plurality of terminals 132A1 connected to the solar cell 120 between the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A and a plurality of terminals 132A2 located outside the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112 respectively The first FPC 130A has a plurality of wirings 132A, a substrate 131A and a coverlay 133A on which the plurality of wirings 132A are provided, and the second FPC 130B has wiring 132B, a plurality of bypass diodes 135 inserted in series with the wiring 132B, a substrate 131B and a coverlay 133B on which the wiring 132B and the plurality of bypass diodes 135 are provided and which enclose the plurality of bypass diodes 135, a plurality of terminals 132B1 on which the wiring 132B can be connected to the wire harness 20 on the vehicle body 10 side, and a plurality of terminals 132B2 on which the wiring 132B can be connected to a plurality of terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A. With this configuration, the first FPC 130A, which has multiple terminals 132A1 connected to the solar cell 120, and the solar cell 120 are sandwiched together with the interlayer film 113 between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, and heat-press bonding is performed. After heat-press bonding, the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B can be connected. As a result, the bypass diode 135 is not affected by the heat during the heat-press bonding process.

[0096] Therefore, it is possible to provide electrically reliable vehicle window glass 100.

[0097] Furthermore, the wiring 132B is sealed by the substrate 131B and the coverlay 133B, and the substrate 131B and the coverlay 133B have multiple openings 133B1 and 133B2 that expose multiple terminals 132B1 and multiple terminals 132B2, and the multiple terminals 132B1 and multiple terminals 132B2 may be multiple parts of the wiring 132B that are exposed by the multiple openings 133B1 and 133B2. By exposing multiple parts of the wiring 132B with the multiple openings 133B1 and 133B2 provided in the coverlay 133B, they can be used as multiple terminals 132B2, thus providing a vehicle window glass 100 with a simple configuration and high electrical reliability.

[0098] Furthermore, the multiple terminals 132B2 may be positioned at both ends of each of the multiple bypass diodes 135. This allows for the provision of a vehicle window glass 100 with electrical reliability in a simple configuration.

[0099] Furthermore, a terminal 132B2 may be provided between two adjacent bypass diodes 135 among the multiple bypass diodes 135. This allows for the provision of a vehicle window glass 100 with a simple configuration and high electrical reliability.

[0100] Furthermore, the number of bypass diodes 135 may be N (where N is an integer of 2 or more), and the number of terminals 132B2 may be N+1. Multiple wires 132A can be connected to the number of terminals 132B2 corresponding to the number of bypass diodes 135, making it possible to provide a vehicle window glass 100 with electrical reliability in a simple configuration.

[0101] Furthermore, N may be 2 or 3. By including a suitable number of bypass diodes 135, a vehicle window glass 100 with electrical reliability can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0102] Furthermore, the number of terminals 132B1 is two, and the two terminals 132B1 and the N bypass diodes 135 may be arranged in the order of one terminal 132B1, N+1 terminals 132B2, and one terminal 132B1 in the direction of extension of the wiring 132B. With this arrangement, the wire harness 20 and the multiple wirings 132A of the first FPC 130A can be easily and neatly connected, and a vehicle window glass 100 with electrical reliability can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0103] Furthermore, the substrate 131A or substrate 131B may be a polyimide layer. This allows for reliable insulation of the wiring 132B while also providing flexibility.

[0104] Furthermore, the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B may be connected by soldering, heat welding, or bonding with a conductive adhesive. This ensures reliable connection between the multiple terminals 132A2 and the multiple terminals 132B2, improving electrical reliability.

[0105] Furthermore, one of the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B may be receptable, and the other may be a connector that can be receptively joined. This ensures reliable connection between the multiple terminals 132A2 and the multiple terminals 132B2, improving electrical reliability.

[0106] Furthermore, the multiple bypass diodes 135 may have a rectification direction from one end to the other of the wiring 132B. The first FPC 130A, the second FPC 130B, and the wire harness 20 can be efficiently connected, improving electrical reliability.

[0107] Furthermore, the thin electrical component is a solar cell 120, and if the number of bypass diodes 135 is N (where N is an integer of 2 or more), the solar cell 120 may have N clusters 120A. Including the same number of bypass diodes 135 as clusters 120A, a vehicle window glass 100 with high electrical reliability can be provided.

[0108] Furthermore, the rated current value of the second FPC 130B may be 5A or more. When the thin electrical component is a solar cell 120 or the like, sufficient capacity can be secured for rectification, and a vehicle window glass 100 with high electrical reliability can be provided.

[0109] Furthermore, the substrate 131B and coverlay 133B of the second FPC 130B may also include a heat dissipation filler. By improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the second FPC 130B, the bypass diode 135 becomes less susceptible to heat, and a vehicle window glass 100 with high electrical reliability can be provided.

[0110] Furthermore, the substrate 131A and coverlay 133A of the first FPC 130A may include a heat dissipation filler. By improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the first FPC 130A, the bypass diode 135 becomes less susceptible to heat, and a vehicle window glass 100 with high electrical reliability can be provided.

[0111] A laminated glass 110 is provided in the opening 11 of the vehicle body 10, comprising a first glass plate 111 having a first main surface 111A and a second main surface 111B, a second glass plate 112 having a third main surface 112A and a fourth main surface 112B, and an interlayer 113 provided between the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A, and a solar cell 120 provided between the second main surface 111B and the third main surface 112A The first FPC 130A has a plurality of wirings 132A each having a plurality of terminals 132A1 connected to the solar cell 120 between surfaces 112A and a plurality of terminals 132A2 located outside the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, a substrate 131A and a coverlay 133A on which the plurality of wirings 132A are provided, wiring 132B, a plurality of bypass diodes 135 inserted in series with the wiring 132B, and A method for manufacturing a vehicle window glass 100, comprising a substrate 131B and coverlay 133B provided with wire 132B and a plurality of bypass diodes 135, which encapsulate the plurality of bypass diodes 135, and a second FPC 130B having a plurality of terminals 132B1 to which the wiring 132B can be connected to a wire harness 20 on the vehicle body 10 side, and a plurality of terminals 132B2 to which the wiring 132B can be connected to a plurality of terminals 132A2 of a first FPC 130A, wherein the first FPC 130A, having a plurality of terminals 132A1 connected to a solar cell 120 and the solar cell 120 together with an interlayer 113 are sandwiched between a first glass plate 111 and a second glass plate 112, and heat-press bonding is performed, and after heat-press bonding, the plurality of terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the plurality of terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B are connected. The first FPC 130A, which has multiple terminals 132A1 connected to the solar cell 120, and the solar cell 120, together with the interlayer film 113, are sandwiched between the first glass plate 111 and the second glass plate 112, and heat-press bonding is performed. After heat-press bonding, the multiple terminals 132A2 of the first FPC 130A and the multiple terminals 132B2 of the second FPC 130B can be connected. As a result, the bypass diode 135 is not affected by the heat during the heat-press bonding process.

[0112] Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing electrically reliable vehicle window glass.

[0113] While exemplary vehicle window glass of this disclosure has been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0114] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (Note 1) A window glass for a vehicle, comprising: a first glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass plate having a third main surface and a fourth main surface; an interlayer provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a first flexible substrate having a plurality of first wirings each having a plurality of first terminals connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second terminals located outside the first glass plate and the second glass plate; and a first insulating layer on which the plurality of first wirings are provided; and a second flexible substrate having a second wiring, a plurality of bypass diodes inserted in series with the second wiring, a second insulating layer on which the second wiring and the plurality of bypass diodes are provided and which seals the plurality of bypass diodes; a plurality of third terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to a wire harness on the vehicle side; and a plurality of fourth terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to the plurality of second terminals on the first flexible substrate. (Note 2) The vehicle window glass according to Note 1, wherein the second wiring is sealed by the second insulating layer, the second insulating layer has a plurality of openings that expose the plurality of third terminals and the plurality of fourth terminals, and the plurality of third terminals and the plurality of fourth terminals are a plurality of parts of the second wiring exposed by the plurality of openings. (Note 3) The vehicle window glass according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fourth terminals are provided so as to be located at both ends of each of the plurality of bypass diodes. (Note 4) The vehicle window glass according to Note 3, wherein one of the fourth terminals is provided between two adjacent bypass diodes among the plurality of bypass diodes. (Note 5) The vehicle window glass according to Note 4, wherein the plurality of bypass diodes is N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) of the bypass diodes, and the number of the plurality of fourth terminals is N+1. (Note 6) The vehicle window glass according to Note 5, wherein N is 2 or 3.(Note 7) The vehicle window glass according to Note 5, wherein the number of the plurality of third terminals is two, and the two third terminals and the N bypass diodes are arranged in the order of one third terminal, the N+1 fourth terminals, and one third terminal in the extending direction of the second wiring. (Note 8) The vehicle window glass according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the first insulating layer or the second insulating layer is a polyimide layer. (Note 9) The vehicle window glass according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate are connected by soldering, heat welding, or bonding with a conductive adhesive. (Note 10) The vehicle window glass according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein one of the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate is a receptable, and the other is a connector that can be joined to the receptable. (Note 11) The thin electrical component is a solar cell, and if the number of the plurality of bypass diodes is N (where N is an integer of 2 or more), the solar cell has N clusters, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 10. (Note 12) The rated current value of the second flexible substrate is 5A or more, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 11. (Note 13) The second insulating layer of the second flexible substrate includes a heat dissipation filler, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 12. (Note 14) The first insulating layer of the first flexible substrate includes a heat dissipation filler, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 13.(Note 15) Laminated glass provided in an opening of a vehicle body, comprising a first glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface, a second glass plate having a third main surface and a fourth main surface, and an interlayer provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a plurality of first wirings each having a plurality of first terminals connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second terminals located outside the first glass plate and the second glass plate; and a first insulating layer on which the plurality of first wirings are provided. A method for manufacturing a vehicle window glass, comprising: a second wiring; a plurality of bypass diodes inserted in series with the second wiring; a second insulating layer on which the second wiring and the plurality of bypass diodes are provided and which seals the plurality of bypass diodes; a plurality of third terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side; and a plurality of fourth terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate, wherein the plurality of first terminals of the first flexible substrate are connected to the thin electrical component, and the thin electrical component is sandwiched together with the interlayer between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and heat-pressed; and after the heat-pressed, the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate are connected.

[0115] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-015846, filed on 3 February 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0116] 10 Vehicle body 11 Opening 12 Flange 20 Wire harness 21 Connector 30 Urethane sealant (an example of adhesive) 100 Vehicle window glass 110 Laminated glass 111 First glass plate 111A First main surface 111B Second main surface 111C First side surface 112 Second glass plate 112A Third main surface 112B Fourth main surface 112C Second side surface 113 Interlayer 113A First interlayer 113B Second interlayer 113C Third interlayer 114 Shielding layer 120 Solar cell (an example of a thin electrical component) 120A Cluster 130 FPC 130A First FPC (an example of a first flexible substrate) 130B Second FPC (an example of a second flexible substrate) 131A Substrate (an example of a first insulating layer) 131B Substrate (example of second insulating layer) 132A Wiring (example of first wiring) 132A1 Terminal (example of first terminal) 132A2 Terminal (example of second terminal) 132B Wiring (example of second wiring) 132B1 Terminal (example of third terminal) 132B2 Terminal (example of fourth terminal) 133A Coverlay (example of first insulating layer) 133B Coverlay (example of second insulating layer) 133B1, 133B2 Aperture 135 Bypass diode

Claims

1. A laminated glass provided in an opening of a vehicle body, comprising: a first glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass plate having a third main surface and a fourth main surface; and an interlayer provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a first flexible substrate having a plurality of first wirings each having a plurality of first terminals connected to the thin electrical component between the second and third main surfaces and a plurality of second terminals located outside the first and second glass plates; and a first insulating layer on which the plurality of first wirings are provided; and a second flexible substrate having a second wiring, a plurality of bypass diodes inserted in series with the second wiring, a second insulating layer on which the second wiring and the plurality of bypass diodes are provided and which seals the plurality of bypass diodes; a plurality of third terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side; and a plurality of fourth terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate.

2. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the second wiring is sealed by the second insulating layer, the second insulating layer has a plurality of openings that expose the plurality of third terminals and the plurality of fourth terminals, and the plurality of third terminals and the plurality of fourth terminals are a plurality of portions of the second wiring exposed by the plurality of openings.

3. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fourth terminals are provided so as to be located at both ends of each of the plurality of bypass diodes.

4. The vehicle window glass according to claim 3, wherein one fourth terminal is provided between two adjacent bypass diodes among the plurality of bypass diodes.

5. The vehicle window glass according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of bypass diodes are N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) bypass diodes, and the number of the plurality of fourth terminals is N+1.

6. The vehicle window glass according to claim 5, wherein N is 2 or 3.

7. The vehicle window glass according to claim 5, wherein the number of the plurality of third terminals is two, and the two third terminals and the N bypass diodes are arranged in the order of one third terminal, the N+1 fourth terminals, and one third terminal in the extending direction of the second wiring.

8. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating layer or the second insulating layer is a polyimide layer.

9. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate are connected by soldering, heat welding, or bonding with a conductive adhesive.

10. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate is receptable, and the other is a connector that can be joined to the receptable.

11. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the thin electrical component is a solar cell, and the number of the plurality of bypass diodes is N (where N is an integer of 2 or more), and the solar cell has N clusters.

12. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the rated current value of the second flexible substrate is 5A or more.

13. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the second insulating layer of the second flexible substrate includes a heat dissipation filler.

14. The vehicle window glass according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating layer of the first flexible substrate includes a heat dissipation filler.

15. A method for manufacturing a vehicle window glass, comprising: a laminated glass provided in an opening in a vehicle body, having a first glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass plate having a third main surface and a fourth main surface; an interlayer provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a thin electrical component provided between the second main surface and the third main surface; a first flexible substrate having a plurality of first wirings each having a plurality of first terminals connected to the thin electrical component between the second main surface and the third main surface and a plurality of second terminals located outside the first and second glass plates; and a first insulating layer on which the plurality of first wirings are provided; and a second flexible substrate having a second wiring, a plurality of bypass diodes inserted in series with the second wiring, a second insulating layer on which the second wiring and the plurality of bypass diodes are provided and which seals the plurality of bypass diodes; a plurality of third terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to a wire harness on the vehicle body side; and a plurality of fourth terminals to which the second wiring can be connected to the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate, wherein A method for manufacturing a vehicle window glass, comprising: a first flexible substrate, to which the plurality of first terminals are connected, and the thin electrical component, sandwiched together with the interlayer film between a first glass plate and a second glass plate, and then performing heat and pressure bonding; and after the heat and pressure bonding, connecting the plurality of second terminals of the first flexible substrate and the plurality of fourth terminals of the second flexible substrate.

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