Systems including glass windows and optical devices, and methods for obtaining optical devices.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a window system including a vehicle window (100), the window (100) including a transmission window (111) capable of receiving an emitted beam (70) at an operating wavelength in the near-infrared range. According to the invention, the optical device includes a prism element (20) associated with the window, the prism element (20) comprising a multi-layer stack including a first layer (21) having a first refractive index n1 and a second layer (22) having a second refractive index n2, the prism element (20) being arranged such that the second layer (22) is further outward than the first layer (21), and a structured surface (23) defined between the first layer (21) and the second layer (22), the structured surface (23) having a profile in a reference plane composed of a series of prisms (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to vehicle windows associated with lidar placed in the passenger compartment. Background Technology

[0002] LiDAR (or LiDAR, an abbreviation for "light detection and ranging") is envisioned for use with road vehicles, particularly autonomous road vehicles, to improve safety.

[0003] Recently, it has been proposed to place lidar behind the windshield of road vehicles to protect it from external conditions. However, this arrangement of lidar behind the windshield (especially a sloping windshield) presents several challenges. The lidar is generally mounted in the upper part of the passenger compartment (the upper area of ​​the windshield) so that the beam emitted and received by the lidar passes through the window in an area near the upper longitudinal edge of the window. On the one hand, the lidar occupies a considerable amount of space and must be positioned so as not to obstruct the driver's view. On the other hand, the lidar generates a near-infrared emission beam in a field of view with both vertical and horizontal aperture angles. Projecting the emission beam onto the window requires reserving an area in the window for transmitting the near-infrared emission beam (called the near-infrared transmission window). This reserved area is preferably as small as possible, especially in the vertical direction, so as not to obstruct the view through the window.

[0004] In practice, LiDAR manufacturers expect the beam emitted by the LiDAR to present a given vertical field of view around the center pointing direction.

[0005] Document WO2023 / 274854 describes a glass window comprising a lidar oriented to the inner surface of an angled glass window facing road vehicles and a prism placed on the inner surface of the glass window to increase the vertical aperture angle of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. However, the system is bulky and heavy.

[0006] The goal is to propose an alternative glass window that does not have the disadvantages mentioned above, but can still reduce the spatial range of the lidar emission beam on the windshield, while maintaining the vertical field of view of the lidar on the exit side of the glass window. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a glass window system comprising a vehicle window, particularly a road vehicle window, especially a windshield, particularly a curved windshield, comprising: a first glass sheet (particularly transparent) intended to form an outer glass window having a first main outer surface and a second main surface facing the passenger compartment; and, when the glass window is laminated (preferred embodiment), comprising a second glass sheet intended to form an inner glass window having a third main surface facing the second main surface and a fourth main surface facing the passenger compartment; and a laminated interlayer made of a polymeric material (particularly polyvinyl butyral PVB or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer EVA or thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) disposed between the second main inner surface and the third main surface, the glass window being intended to form an angle of inclination (β) of less than 90 degrees and even at most 60 degrees or 50 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis (X) (in a reference plane), particularly having an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge.

[0008] The glass window has a near-infrared transmission window with an operating wavelength in the near-infrared range, particularly in the range of 800 nm to 1800 nm, especially from 850 nm to 1600 nm, particularly 905 ± 30 nm and / or 1550 ± 30 nm. The transmission window is adapted to receive an emitted beam from a lidar vision system designed to be positioned in the passenger compartment of a vehicle at the operating wavelength. The emitted beam has a central pointing direction in a reference plane that serves as the lateral cross-sectional plane of the glass window (including the horizontal axis X), and the reference plane includes the normal to the glass window and the vertical axis (Z) in the vehicle (perpendicular to the horizontal axis).

[0009] In the near-infrared transmission window, the optical device (which has a first surface facing outward, referred to as the front surface, and a second surface facing the passenger compartment opposite to the first surface, referred to as the rear surface) extends the emitted beam over an internal field of view having an internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) determined inside the vehicle (upstream of the window) and an external field of view having an external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) when exiting the window.

[0010] According to the invention, the optical device includes a prism element associated with a glass window (attached to a second main surface of a first sheet, particularly within a selected laminated glass window; or associated with the glass window via a connection in a through-hole, particularly forming a notch in the glass window), the prism element comprising (and even consisting of) multiple layers stacked, the multiple layers stacking comprising: a first layer having a first refractive index n1 greater than 1.00 and even 1.2 at the operating wavelength; and a second layer having a second refractive index n2 at the operating wavelength that is at least 0.05 or 0.1 greater than the first refractive index n1 (particularly n2-n1 is 0.1).

[0011] The prism elements are arranged in a second layer that is further outward than the first layer, in particular the second layer is flush or nearly flush with the first main outer surface (with a free or connected exit surface to a main surface (such as a second or fourth main surface), or with the main outer surface of a support (in particular a multifunctional support, especially a substrate). The structured surface is defined between the first and second layers, and the structured surface presents a profile in a reference plane consisting of a series (preferably continuous) prisms, in particular the prisms have a thickness (height) in the millimeter or sub-millimeter range in the reference plane, and each prism has a preferably planar entry surface (connected to another surface by an edge).

[0012] The multi-prism element is arranged and configured to receive the emitted beam on the entrance faces of a series of prisms, each entrance face forming a given angle with the vertical axis in a reference plane, and such that the emitted beam at the system output has an external field of view with an external vertical aperture angle that is larger than the internal vertical aperture angle of the internal field of view.

[0013] In particular, multi-prism elements based on prism films and / or prism coatings can be thinner than macroprisms that collect the entire LiDAR beam. Furthermore, they can be integrally integrated into laminated glass windows even when bent, thus protecting them from external influences.

[0014] Preferably, the inner surface of the first layer and the outer surface of the second layer are parallel (planar or curved). The inner surface of the first layer and the outer surface of the second layer may follow the curvature of the glass window (especially laminated glass windows).

[0015] The first sheet (textured surface F2) and / or the second sheet (especially the textured surface F3) and / or the interlayer of the laminated glass window can form the first layer and / or the second layer.

[0016] Specifically, each prism has an entry face that is connected by an edge to another neutral face (i.e., a face without optical function), which is planar or optionally of any shape (if such a shape is simpler to manufacture). The prisms are arranged sequentially and advantageously adjacent to each other, and are connected in pairs by another edge, or alternatively by a valley.

[0017] Preferably, the prisms have a uniform height. Preferably, the height (thickness) of the prisms taken from the first and / or second layers (measured from the edge) is at most 1 mm, 500 μm, or 100 μm, and particularly, at least 20 μm.

[0018] Preferably, the total thickness of the prism element (including any substrate, particularly the polymer carrying a first and / or second layer different from the first or second glass sheet) is at most 1 cm, and even at most 5 mm or even 1 mm.

[0019] If it is within a laminated glass window, preferably, the total thickness of the prism element (including any substrate bearing a first and / or second layer different from the first or second glass sheet) is at most 1 mm, and even at most 0.5 mm or even 0.4 mm.

[0020] If the prism element is located in an opening in the support, especially in an opening in a multi-functional support, the main inner (planar) surface of the first layer may protrude toward the passenger compartment side (and even the access surface) if it is necessary to avoid the shadow effect.

[0021] The prism element can be bonded with an adhesive (faces F4, F2, support), the refractive index of which differs from that of the second layer by up to 0.1 (absolute value).

[0022] The lidar vision system is spaced apart from the glass window, particularly from the main interior surface of the glass window (F2 if single-layered, or F4 if laminated) or from the first layer (if the optics are located on or within a support (particularly a multi-functional support)), particularly not exceeding 8 cm, 5 cm, or 3 cm. Specifically, the lidar vision system is attached to the glass window and / or to the vehicle body and / or to a support, particularly a multi-functional support, or to a housing or cover (e.g., alone or together with other sensors or cameras).

[0023] The prism element can be located on the main surface of the glass window (especially laminated glass windows) or in a (complete) through-hole (especially forming a notch) in the glass window. The notch is either a dedicated one or a common notch, especially for accommodating multi-functional (multi-sensor) supports.

[0024] In this document, when referring to refractive index, numerical exponents or conventional numbers (n1 or n1, etc.) may be used; for degrees, degrees or the symbol ° may be used; and the terms “film” or “sheet” are used to refer to self-supporting elements (after lamination, the intermediate sheet becomes the adhesive layer). The term “layer” includes both sheets and coatings.

[0025] The glass window can be a single sheet and comprises sheets of glass or polymers (PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or polycarbonate (PC) or minerals). The glass window is preferably laminated.

[0026] Specifically, the midpoint of the emitted beam at the exit side (from the glass window) is deflected relative to the midpoint of the emitted beam at the entrance side (of the glass window), forming an exit angle i0 relative to the horizontal axis in the reference plane, where i0 = 0 ± 5 degrees, and even 0 ± 2 degrees.

[0027] Advantageously, the entry angle (α) of the entry face of each prism is selected such that the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than or equal to 26°, and even 30°. In particular, the entry angle (α) is at least -50° and less than 90°-β, and even less than 20° (based on n1 and n2).

[0028] The center pointing direction of the emitted beam has a non-zero incident angle i'' relative to the normal, and the incident angle i'' and the exit angle i0 are related by the following equation: .

[0029] Using this equation, the choice of the angle of incidence (minimum angle, optimal angle) can be obtained. This depends specifically on the pair n1, n2.

[0030] For a given refractive index n1 or n2, the angle of incidence can be chosen based on another refractive index n2 or n1.

[0031] According to specific and advantageous aspects, the first refractive index n1 is less than or equal to 1.52 and even greater than or equal to 1.20 (e.g., the second refractive index n2 is greater than or equal to 1.38 and less than or equal to 1.80), the tilt angle (β) and the second refractive index n2 are given, and in particular, the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is predetermined, and the entry angle (α) of the entry face of each prism is greater than or equal to the minimum entry angle α. min Minimum entry angle α: ±2 degrees or even ±1 degree min Based on the variable first refractive index x=n1, it is calculated according to one of the following polynomial curves C1, C3 to C7, based on the second refractive index n2, based on the tilt angle (β), and even based on FOV2 (which is particularly greater than or equal to 26° or 30°): The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n² = 1.52 ± 0.03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.60±0.05, excluding 1.55. The tilt angle is 20±5 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.03. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n² = 1.52 ± 0.03. The tilt angle is 60±5 degrees, excluding 55 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.80±0.15, excluding 1.65.

[0032] Therefore, a reference curve is selected based on n2, and the entry angle is derived. In the case of a first texturing layer with a fixed angle, the correct material with an appropriate exponent n1 can also be selected. Similarly, in the case of a second texturing layer with a fixed angle, the correct material with the exponent n1 of the first layer can also be selected.

[0033] According to another specific and advantageous aspect, the first refractive index n1 is less than or equal to 1.52, and even greater than or equal to 1.20, and even greater than or equal to 1.3 (the second refractive index n2 is particularly greater than or equal to 1.38 and less than or equal to 1.80), the tilt angle (β) and the second refractive index n2 are given, and in particular, the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is predetermined, and the entry angle (α) of the entry face of each prism is equal to the optimal entry angle ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the optimal entry angle being calculated based on the variable first refractive index x=n1 according to one of the following polynomial curves D1 to D7, particularly based on the second refractive index n2 and based on the tilt angle (β), and based on FOV2 (which is particularly greater than or equal to 26° or 30°): The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.60±0.05, excluding 1.55. The tilt angle is 20±5 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.03. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n² = 1.52 ± 0.03. The tilt angle is 60±5 degrees, excluding 55 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.80±0.15, excluding 1.65.

[0034] According to another specific and advantageous aspect, in particular, the first refractive index n1 is greater than or equal to 1.20 and even less than or equal to 1.52, the second refractive index n2 is preferably less than or equal to 1.80 and even greater than or equal to 1.38 or 1.52, the tilt angle (β) and the first refractive index n1 are given, and in particular the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is predetermined, the entry angle (α) of the entry face of each prism is greater than or equal to the minimum entry angle ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the minimum entry angle being calculated based on the second variable refractive index x=n2 according to one of the following polynomial curves E1 to E5, in particular based on the first refractive index n1 and based on the tilt angle (β), and even based on FOV2 (which is in particular greater than or equal to 26° or 30°): The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 20 ± 5 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 60 ± 5 degrees, excluding 55°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n1 is at least 1.48, and preferably less than or equal to 1.52.

[0035] According to another specific and advantageous aspect, in particular, the first refractive index n1 is greater than or equal to 1.20 and even less than or equal to 1.52, and the second refractive index n2 is preferably less than or equal to 1.80 and even greater than or equal to 1.38 or 1.52, the tilt angle (β) and the first refractive index n1 are given, and in particular the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is predetermined, the entry angle (α) of the entry face of each prism is equal to the optimal entry angle ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the optimal entry angle being calculated based on the second variable refractive index x=n2 according to one of the following polynomial curves F1 to F5, in particular based on the first refractive index n1 and based on the tilt angle (β), and even based on FOV2 (which is in particular greater than or equal to 26° or 30°): The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, excluding 25°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 20 ± 5 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 60 ± 5 degrees, excluding 55°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.48. The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, and n1 is at least 1.48 and preferably less than or equal to 1.52.

[0036] The structured surface can be structured in a single direction, and a series of (unidirectional) prisms have edges that are parallel to each other, in particular, along an axis at a maximum of 5 degrees or 2 degrees to the longitudinal axis.

[0037] The structured surface can be structured in at least two directions, and a series of (two-dimensional) prisms have two-dimensional polyhedral or pyramidal geometry.

[0038] The stack having a first layer and a second layer may include one or two films that are in direct or optical contact, or one or two coatings that are in direct or optical contact.

[0039] The first layer may contact the second layer, and the structured surface serves as the interface. Alternatively, the stack may include an interface layer (for optical contact) that is transparent at the operating wavelength, particularly for bonding and / or shielding, with the interface layer located between the first and second layers. The first layer has a structured surface that contacts the interface layer, and the second layer has another structured surface that is opposite and conformal to the textured surface and contacts the interface layer.

[0040] The interface layer can be, for example, an organic layer (resin), especially a cross-linked adhesive layer.

[0041] The structured surface is structured in a single direction, and a series of (unidirectional) prisms have edges parallel to each other, particularly along axes at a maximum of 10, 5, or 2 degrees to the longitudinal axis. The structured surface is structured in at least two directions, and a series of (two-dimensional) prisms have two-dimensional (polyhedral or pyramidal) geometry.

[0042] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the glass window system according to the invention, whether considered individually or in any technically possible combination, relate to the arrangement in the glass window system (preferably laminated) and the selection of the first and second layers. These will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0043] However, the second layer may be a first sheet with a second textured surface, and / or the first layer may be a second sheet with a third textured surface. Other configurations are preferred, such as making these sheets untextured (e.g., having a functional conformal coating, etc.).

[0044] In one embodiment, one of the first and second layers is textured to form a structured surface and is a partially textured coating, particularly on a glass or polymer (especially thermoplastic) film, or if the second layer is textured, it is a partially textured glass or polymer, particularly polycarbonate, or if the first layer is textured, it is a polyester, PMMA, glass, or fluoropolymer.

[0045] Specifically, one of the first and second layers is textured, thus forming a structured surface, particularly a partially textured film or coating, and the other of the first and second layers is optionally an adhesive crosslinked polymer layer (particularly an OCA adhesive), particularly the first layer being made of polyacrylate or silicone resin, and the second layer preferably being textured.

[0046] In one embodiment: - The second layer is glass, and the first layer is selected from PMMA film, adhesive, thermoplastic or cross-linked material layer, particularly EVA or PVB; or the second layer is polycarbonate film, and the first layer is selected from PMMA film, adhesive cross-linked material layer or laminated interlayer, particularly EVA or PVB. - and / or the first layer is a coating on glass or plastic, and the second layer is optionally a laminated interlayer of a laminated glass window, or an adhesive layer, or a support (plastic, glass window), particularly a multifunctional support located in a through-hole in a monolithic or laminated glass window, particularly in a through-hole forming a notch.

[0047] In one embodiment: - The glass window is laminated, with a second layer connected to the second main surface via an adhesive layer, which is either a laminated intermediate layer or has an intermediate layer opening aligned with the prism element. The second layer is connected to the second main surface via the adhesive layer, particularly forming a shielding layer; or, one of the first and second layers is formed in the laminated intermediate layer or adhesive layer of the laminated glass window, particularly forming a shielding layer, and the other of the first and second layers is textured, thus forming the structured surface, particularly a partially textured film or a partially textured coating.

[0048] - Alternatively, the second layer is connected to the rear main surface of the support (especially a multi-functional support) in the through-hole of the glass window (laminated or single-pane glass) via an adhesive layer that forms a shielding layer.

[0049] The second layer is possible: - Connected to the second main surface (in optical contact), preferably bonded or adhesively contacted with the glass window (preferably laminated glass window), - and / or a second layer arranged in the through-hole of the glass window (preferably a laminated glass window), particularly in the through-hole forming a notch, the prism element being wholly or partially located in the partial hole or through-hole of the glass window (preferably a laminated glass window), particularly connected to the glass window (via the inner wall of the through-hole) and / or connected to the (multifunctional) support arranged in the through-hole and connected to the glass window (preferably a laminated glass window) (connected to the inner wall of the glass window defining the through-hole).

[0050] A prism element (particularly a first layer or a portion of the first layer substrate, which is a textured coating) can be accommodated in a partial or through-hole of a glass window (particularly a laminated glass window), which is specifically connected to a (multi-functional) support integral with the glass window and in the through-hole (closed or open, forming a notch).

[0051] The first layer can be a support, especially a multifunctional support, or a prism element can be connected to the rear main surface of a (multifunctional) support that is transparent at the operating wavelength, or to the inner wall of a through opening in the support (especially a multifunctional support that is too opaque at the operating wavelength).

[0052] Support members (or plates) (especially multifunctional ones) can be formed and arranged to close through-holes in laminated glass windows, particularly forming notches. Preferably, the main outer surface of the support member is flush with or nearly flush with the first surface of the first glass sheet to form a continuous main outer surface for the glass window. The support member includes a near-infrared transmission window for lidar. For example, the support member includes a plastic material or glass that is transparent to the operating wavelength of the lidar. In particular, for multifunctional support members (glass, plastic, etc.), the support member can be monolithic or laminated, such as laminated glass with a glass or plastic (inner) sheet.

[0053] Support components, especially multifunctional support components (plastic, glass), can be up to 1 cm or even 5 mm thick.

[0054] The prism element is, for example, a membrane (partial) formed by molding and attached to the main inner surface of the support, for example, by adhesive.

[0055] The main internal surface of the prism element can be flush with the main internal surface of the second glass sheet to form a continuous main internal surface for the glass window.

[0056] For example, a multi-functional support member can be attached to a glass window (attached to surface F4 or F2) using a masking adhesive. The masking adhesive is, for example, black OCA glue in the visible light range. The masking adhesive also covers and protects the panel. Additionally, the masking adhesive makes it possible to conceal a LiDAR infrared vision system from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0057] The support (or plate) is particularly a multifunctional support, preferably carrying one or more functional elements, such as sensors, and / or having one or more transmission windows in the visible light range and far infrared range (5µm to 20µm and even 8µm to 15µm), which are particularly adjacent to the near infrared transmission windows (located in the upper part and even the central part of the glass window of the windshield, especially in the uncovered area of ​​the peripheral cover layer framing the glass window).

[0058] (Multifunctional) Support members can be, in particular, plastic, especially opaque, and colored, particularly black (containing carbon, etc.), especially for color continuity with the perimeter covering layer framing the window (limited chromatic deviation). For example, the support member can be polyamide 66 (PA66), or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), or ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer), or ABS / PC (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene / polycarbonate copolymer). Preferably, it is at least 1 mm thick and, for example, less than or equal to the thickness of the window, especially in the case of flow elements (especially notches).

[0059] The second layer may be located inside the laminated glass window (between the second and third surfaces), particularly the second layer is connected to the second main surface of the laminated glass window, and even the first layer is connected to the third main surface—or as a second sheet—and / or the prism element is accommodated in a through-hole of the glass window (particularly the laminated glass window), particularly connected to a support (particularly a multi-functional support) integral with the glass window, the hole being closed or open, forming a notch, or the prism element being located inside, the second layer being connected to the second surface of the monopane glass window or the fourth main inner surface of the laminated glass window.

[0060] In one embodiment, since the second glass or plastic sheet is transparent at the working wavelength, the first layer is connected to the third main surface via an adhesive layer that is transparent at the working wavelength (in particular via a laminated interlayer), and / or the second layer is connected to the second main surface via an adhesive layer that is transparent at the working wavelength (in particular via a laminated interlayer), or the second layer is bonded to the second main surface.

[0061] The prism element may be internal, with the second layer connected to the fourth main internal surface of the laminated glass window, or connected to the rear main surface of an insert disposed in or under a through-hole of the second glass sheet (laminated glass window), and preferably, the rear of the first layer includes an anti-reflective layer at the operating wavelength.

[0062] Laminated glass windows may include through-holes (particularly at the periphery, and therefore open) in the thickness of a second sheet, the system including inserts disposed in the through-holes; or the glass window may include (complete) through-holes in the thickness of a second glass sheet, an interlayer of the laminate, or a first glass sheet, the through-holes optionally forming (complete) notches, the system including supports disposed in the (complete) through-holes. Since the inserts or supports are transparent at the operating wavelength, the inserts or supports have a main surface connected to the first layer, particularly, the main surface is textured to form the structured surface, or the main surface has a coating that is textured to form the structured surface.

[0063] In a near-infrared transmission window, the glass window system may include an insert (sheet) that is transparent at the operating wavelength, particularly glass or plastic, which is disposed in or below a through-hole of a second glass sheet of the laminated glass window and connected to a second main surface. The insert forms a second layer or a first layer or is connected to a first layer, and preferably, the surface of the first layer opposite to the structured surface includes an anti-reflective layer at the operating wavelength.

[0064] Specifically, the insert (sheet) has a main surface oriented toward the second main surface, the main surface being textured, so that the insert forms a first layer or has a textured coating forming the first layer, or has an adhesive layer forming the first layer or attaching the first layer, and preferably, the main surface of the insert oriented toward the passenger compartment includes an anti-reflective layer at the operating wavelength.

[0065] Preferably, the glazing system includes a peripheral cover layer (mineral coating, such as enamel, black ink on the second surface or intermediate layer (especially PVB)) connected to the second main surface, and / or another cover layer on the surface of a support (especially a multi-functional support) located in a through-hole (and therefore a full hole) of the glazing window (preferably a laminated glazing window) or in an insert located in a through-hole (partial hole) of the second sheet, wherein the near-infrared transmission window has an opening (through opening or closed opening) in the cover layer and even optionally in another cover layer.

[0066] For example, in the area of ​​the through-hole in the second sheet (around the optical device), the peripheral masking layer may protrude up to 1 cm, 5 mm or 1 mm.

[0067] Preferably, in the near-infrared transmission window, the glass window includes a functional layer, which is preferably a shielding layer (or a heating layer), particularly disposed in the openings of the (peripheral) shielding layer, located upstream or downstream of the prism element, or forming part of the prism element. Specifically, the shielding layer is adhesive (e.g., made of a cross-linked material), connecting the prism element to one of the main surfaces of the glass window, or the main surfaces of supports (particularly multifunctional supports) in the through-holes of the laminated glass window, or the main surfaces of inserts in the through-holes of the second sheet of the laminated glass window, or connecting the first textured layer to the second textured layer.

[0068] In a near-infrared transmission window, the glass window may include a functional layer (particularly a heating layer or a hydrophobic layer) which is located upstream or downstream of the prism element, or forms part of the prism element, or serves as an anti-reflective layer.

[0069] The glass window system may include a lidar infrared vision system, which includes a light source and a detection device, wherein the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) is less than 26 degrees, particularly between 10 and 20 degrees, and wherein the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is at least 5° larger than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1), and even 10° larger.

[0070] Different types of lidar exist based on the aperture angle, spatial range, and / or scanning range of the emitted beam. A lidar beam may be emitted along a unidirectional optical axis of a two-dimensional scan, or the beam may extend along layers scanning in the lateral direction, or the beam may be a flash beam that illuminates a spatial volume without beam scanning. Preferably, the lidar beam is oriented in the center direction at the exit side of the glass window such that it is approximately parallel to the ground, i.e., horizontal.

[0071] The lidar infrared vision system can be housed in a shell, for example, made of plastic or metal. This shell can form a cover for the lidar, and more broadly, a cover for a set of components (sensor components, camera) in that area, and thus cover the area of ​​the camera and sensor.

[0072] The shell is attached to the main inner surface of the window, particularly the fourth surface of the second glass sheet (especially the fourth main surface of the second glass sheet of the laminated window), or to a support, particularly a multi-functional support (or plate) for the window. Advantageously, the shell is removable. The shell is attached, for example, to the support or the innermost main surface of the window by clamping, and / or to vehicle components (the interior trim and / or body of the vehicle passenger compartment), such as the vehicle roof panel. For example (in its upper portion), the shell is attached to the inner surface of the window (surface F4 for the laminated window) by means of a body panel drilled for this purpose.

[0073] The table below shows examples of material pairs used for the first and second layers, where their refractive index at 905 nm serves as a guide. In the case of cross-linked adhesive layers or dense coatings (low refractive index), this can be adjusted by selecting materials; or in the case of porous coatings, it can be adjusted by porosity.

[0074] An adhesive (transparent to the operating wavelength of LIDAR) or even a masking interface layer may be placed between the first and second layers, which are not adhesive and therefore have the same texture, for example, between two polymer films (such as PC (second layer) and PMMA (first layer)), or between a polymer film (PC, PMMA) and glass (the second layer is a second sheet or part thereof), or between glass (the first layer is a first sheet) and a PMMA film (second layer).

[0075] As an example of a coating that forms the first layer on the textured second layer, it is possible to select, for example, an optional cross-linked adhesive layer or a low refractive index layer (porous layer, porous resin or silica, or low refractive index material, such as resin), such as a fluoropolymer film.

[0076] The transmission window can be multispectral, particularly in the near-infrared and visible light ranges (e.g., allowing the use of sensors that operate in the visible light range, and in this case, without adding a shielding layer in the visible light range), and / or in the far-infrared range, with wavelengths higher than the operating wavelength of the lidar (e.g., allowing the use of a thermal imager or another infrared sensor).

[0077] The present invention also proposes a method for obtaining the prism element for a glass window system, the prism element having a first layer with refractive index n1 and a second layer with refractive index n2, the method comprising: -Based on the exit angle i and entry angle α of the downstream pointing direction of the glass window relative to the horizontal plane, the incident angle i'' of the upstream LiDAR pointing direction of the glass window relative to the normal of the glass window is defined, i'' being defined according to the following equation EQ1: Where β is the tilt angle, at the operating wavelength, n2 is greater than n1, particularly the first refractive index n1 is less than or equal to 1.52, and preferably greater than or equal to 1.20, and the second refractive index n2 is greater than or equal to 1.38, and preferably less than or equal to 1.80. - The internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) of the lidar's internal field of view is determined by the following equation EQ2, while the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the lidar's external field of view is fixed: Where i0 is the emission angle of the laser radar's center pointing direction (45) downstream of the glass window relative to the horizontal plane, preferably i0 = 0 ± 5 degrees, and even 0 ± 2 degrees.

[0078] - Determine the minimum entry angle α min This results in an external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) that is greater than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) defined theretheretherein. In particular, FOV1 is at most 30°. Preferably, the difference between the external vertical aperture angle and the internal vertical aperture angle is at least 5°, and even at least 7°.

[0079] - and / or determine the optimal entry angle α opt To maximize the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view relative to the internal field of view (FOV1), an angle equal to α is chosen. opt Preferred angles are ±10 degrees, or even ±8 degrees or ±5 degrees.

[0080] The present invention also proposes a method for obtaining the prism element for a glass window system, the prism element having a first layer with refractive index n1 and a second layer with refractive index n2, the method comprising: - Determine the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) given by the following equation EQ3: Where FOV1 is the internal vertical aperture angle. Where i''0 is the incident angle of the laser radar's midpoint pointing direction (45) upstream of the glass window relative to the normal of the glass window. i(α,i'') is given by equation EQU4. At the operating wavelength, n2 is greater than n1, particularly the first refractive index n1 is less than or equal to 1.52, and preferably greater than or equal to 1.20, and the second refractive index n2 is greater than or equal to 1.38, and preferably less than or equal to 1.80.

[0081] Where β is the tilt angle of the glass window relative to the horizontal plane. - Determine a minimum entry angle α such that the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1). In particular, FOV1 is at most 30° or 26°. Preferably, the difference between the external and internal vertical aperture angles is at least 5° and even at least 7°.

[0082] - and / or determine the optimal angle α opt To maximize the field of view relative to the inner vertical aperture angle (FOV1), the outer vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is chosen to be equal to α. opt Preferred angles are ±10 degrees, or even ±8 degrees or ±5 degrees.

[0083] Of course, various features, variations and embodiments of the present invention may be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they do not conflict with or exclude each other. Attached Figure Description

[0084] The invention and how it can be practiced will be clearly explained in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (given as a non-limiting example).

[0085] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Consequently, it should be understood that when features mentioned in a claim are followed by reference numerals, these numerals are included merely to improve the comprehensibility of the claim and in no way limit the scope of the claim. Regarding the drawings: Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional side view of a laminated vehicle window with internal prism elements and an infrared lidar vision system is shown. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the prism element is shown; Figure 3 Two examples of portions of a multi-prism element comprising a one-dimensional prism network are schematically shown in perspective. Figure 4 Two examples of portions of a multi-prism element comprising a two-dimensional pyramidal network are schematically shown in perspective view; Figure 5 The simulated curve of the incident angle i'' of the beam emitted on the glass window with an entry angle α of the prism and the vertical axis based on the prism element is shown, wherein the first refractive index n1 of the prism element has a different value and the second refractive index n2 is fixed. Figure 6 The simulated curves of the external vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the emitted beam based on the angle α between the prism and the vertical axis of the prism element are shown for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1 of the prism element and the second refractive index n2. Figure 7 The fitted curves are shown for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1, tilt angle β, and external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) based on the minimum angle of the prism entry surface with the second refractive index n2, where; Figure 8 The fitted curves for the optimal angle of the prism entrance face based on the second refractive index n2 are shown for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1, tilt angle β, and external vertical aperture angle (FOV2). Figure 9 The simulation curves of the incident angle i'' of the beam emitted from the glass window, based on the angle α between the prism of the multi-prism element and the vertical axis, are shown for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2 of the multi-prism element. Figure 10 The simulation curves of the external vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the emitted beam based on the angle α between the prism and the vertical axis of the prism element are shown for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2 of the multi-prism element, with the first refractive index n1 fixed. Figure 11 The fitted curves for the minimum angle of the prism entrance face based on the first refractive index n1 are shown for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2, tilt angle β, and external vertical aperture angle (FOV2). Figure 12 The fitted curves for the optimal angle of the prism entry surface based on the first refractive index n1 are shown for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2, tilt angle β, and external vertical aperture angle (FOV2). Figure 13 A cross-sectional side view schematically illustrates a laminated glass window and a lidar infrared vision system according to a first embodiment, wherein a prism element is arranged between two glass sheets of the laminated glass window; Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional side view is shown. Figure 13 Detailed view of the prism element laminated or assembled between two intermediate layers (e.g., made of PVB) of the laminated glass window; Figure 15 A glass window including a prism element, according to a variation of the first embodiment, is schematically shown in a cross-sectional side view. Figure 16 A schematic front view of a glass window including a prism element according to a first embodiment or a second embodiment is shown; Figure 17 A cross-sectional side view schematically illustrates a laminated glass window and a lidar infrared vision system according to a second embodiment, wherein the inner glass sheet of the laminated glass window includes through holes, and wherein a prism element is formed, for example by molding, in an insert inserted into the through holes; Figure 18 A detailed cross-sectional side view of a glass window including a prism element according to a variation of the second embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 19 A detailed cross-sectional side view of a glass window including a prism element according to another variation of the second embodiment is schematically shown; Figure 20 A detailed cross-sectional side view of a glass window including a prism element, according to yet another variation of the second embodiment, is schematically shown. Figure 21 A detailed cross-sectional side view of a glass window including a prism element according to another variation of the second embodiment is schematically shown; Figure 22 A laminated glass window and a lidar infrared vision system according to a third embodiment are schematically shown in a cross-sectional side view, wherein prism elements are arranged on the main inner surface of the glass window; Figure 23 A schematic front view of a glass window including a prism element according to a third embodiment is shown; Figure 24 A glass window and a lidar infrared vision system according to a fourth embodiment are schematically shown in a cross-sectional side view, wherein a prism element is arranged on the second main inner surface of the glass window; Figure 25A glass window and a lidar infrared vision system according to a fifth embodiment are schematically shown in a cross-sectional side view, wherein the laminated glass window includes a through hole forming a notch on one edge of the glass window, and wherein a prism element is located in a support that inserts into the notch; Figure 26 Previous view showed Figure 25 Glass windows; Figure 27 A cross-sectional side view schematically illustrates a glass window including a prism element according to a sixth embodiment, wherein the laminated glass window includes a notch on one edge of the glass window, a support (which is another glass or plastic sheet) inserted into the notch, and wherein the prism element is attached to the inner surface of the support of the notch. Figure 28 Previous view showed Figure 27 The glass window.

[0086] The attached diagram is not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0087] Figure 1 A vehicle window (preferably a road vehicle windshield) is schematically shown in a reference plane, for example, a laminated glass window having a first outermost main surface 11 (referred to as F1) and a main inner surface 14 (F4 or F2 if it is a single-pane window). For clarity, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a level ground. An orthogonal XYZ reference system is shown, where the Z-axis is vertical, the X-axis and Y-axis are horizontal, and the X-axis lies in the reference plane. The reference plane is taken to include the normal to the laminated glass window and the vertical axis Z in the vehicle. The positive directions of the angles used in this disclosure are also shown. Advantageously, the reference plane passes through the middle of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glass window and is the plane of symmetry of the glass window.

[0088] Laminated glass windows are installed on these windows or are designed for use on vehicles such as road vehicles (cars, trucks, public transport vehicles: buses, coaches) or rail vehicles (particularly those with a maximum speed of up to 90 km / h or up to 70 km / h, especially subway trains and trams). Laminated glass windows are particularly suitable for windshields, or rear windows and even side windows (including rear corner windows). However, laminated glass windows may have at least one radius of curvature to allow for bending. E indicates the thickness of the laminated glass window, 100. The thickness E is generally less than or equal to 1 cm, for example 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm.

[0089] Glass windows 100, 200, 201 to 204, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1000 are mounted or intended to be mounted on vehicles at an angle (denoted by β), wherein the horizontal axis lies within the reference plane under consideration. The angle β is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and even up to 60 degrees, generally between 15° and 20° and 60°, preferably between 20° and 50°, for example, 23° or 30° for motor vehicle windshields. As mentioned above, the angle β is given a positive sign herein.

[0090] Glass windows 100, 200, 201 to 204, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1000 have, for example, upper longitudinal edges 10 and lower longitudinal edges 10' that are parallel to each other and even parallel to the ground. The reference plane herein is the side cross-sectional plane of the glass window, encompassing the normal to the glass window and the vertical axis Z in the vehicle. The reference plane preferably passes through the middle of the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the middle of the lower longitudinal edge 10'.

[0091] The infrared lidar vision system 7 is positioned inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, spaced apart from and behind the laminated glass window.

[0092] In a known manner, the infrared vision system 7 includes a light source 71 and a detection device 72. The light source 71 is arranged and configured to generate a near-infrared emission beam 70. The emission beam 70 is emitted at an operating wavelength LB1, with a spectral range of 800 nm to 1800 nm, particularly 850 nm to 1600 nm, especially 905 ± 30 nm and / or 1550 ± 30 nm. The detection device 72 is arranged next to the light source 71 and configured to detect reflected radiation within at least a portion of the lidar field of view outside the vehicle. Depending on the type of lidar used, the emission beam 70 is emitted in one direction and scans in two lateral dimensions, or the emission beam 70 extends along a sheet and scans in a single direction transverse to the sheet, or the emission beam 70 is a flash beam and does not use scanning. Regardless of whether scanning is used, the emission beam 70 has a given vertical aperture angle and a horizontal aperture angle.

[0093] In an application example, the infrared vision system 7 is positioned behind the laminated glass window forming the windshield of a motor vehicle, facing a near-infrared transmission window 111, which is transparent to the emitted beam of the infrared vision system 7, and preferably located in the upper portion and even the central portion of the windshield. A cross-sectional view shows examples of the windshield window 111 in various embodiments, and the arrangement and orientation of the infrared vision system 7. In this window 111, the infrared vision system is oriented at an angle relative to the windshield surface, particularly relative to the fourth principal surface 14 (F4) of the second glass sheet 2. Specifically, the light source 71 can be oriented at an angle θ relative to a direction parallel to the ground, i.e., slightly tilted towards the sky, and preferably such that the angle of incidence is close to the normal to the windshield surface. In other words, the LIDAR light source 71 can be oriented towards the sky at an angle θ, having a field of view suitable for its function. The detection device 72 is oriented generally parallel to the light source 71.

[0094] In a specific and preferred embodiment, the glass window is a laminated glass window, comprising: - A first glass sheet 1, intended to form an exterior glass window, having a first main outer surface oriented outward (referred to as F1) and a second main inner surface 12 oriented toward the passenger compartment (referred to as F2); for motor vehicles, the first glass sheet 1 preferably has a thickness of up to 4 mm, and even up to 3 mm or 2.5 mm – particularly 2.1 mm, 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm – and preferably at least 0.7 mm or 1 mm; - A laminated interlayer 3 made of polymer, having a main surface oriented toward the second main internal surface 12 and a main surface opposite to the main surface 38; the laminated interlayer 3 is single or multilayer, optionally neutral, transparent, ultra-transparent or colored (especially gray or green), preferably made of thermoplastic polymer material, and more preferably made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), preferably for road vehicles, with a thickness of up to 1.8 mm, more preferably up to 1.2 mm, and even up to 0.9 mm (and more preferably at least 0.3 mm, and even at least 0.6 mm), the laminated interlayer 3 optionally being acoustic type, and / or optionally having a wedge-shaped cross-section tapering from the top to the bottom of the glass window (especially the windshield) for use in a head-up display (HUD); and - The second glass sheet 2, which is intended to form an interior glass window, has a third main surface 13 (referred to as F3) oriented toward the second main interior surface 12 of the first glass sheet 1, and a fourth main surface 14 (referred to as F4) oriented toward the passenger compartment.

[0095] In particular, the first glass sheet 1, which is silica-based, sodium-calcium-based, sodium-calcium-silica-based, aluminosilicate-based, or borosilicate-based, has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) of up to 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably up to 0.03% (300 ppm) and up to 0.015% (150 ppm), and especially greater than or equal to 0.005% by weight. The redox value of the first glass sheet is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15, and especially between 0.2 and 0.30, particularly between 0.25 and 0.30. OPTWHITE glass with a thickness of 1.95 mm is particularly preferred.

[0096] For road vehicles, the thickness of the second glass sheet 2 is preferably less than the thickness of the first glass sheet 1, even up to 3 mm or 2 mm - particularly 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm - or even up to 1.3 mm, and preferably at least 0.7 mm. The sum of the thicknesses of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet is preferably strictly less than 5 mm or 4 mm, even 3.7 mm.

[0097] exist Figures 13 to 14 In an example of the first embodiment shown, the laminated glass window 1000 includes: - A first glass sheet 1, intended to form an exterior glass window, having a first main exterior surface 11 (F1) and a second main interior surface 12 (F2) oriented toward the passenger compartment; for motor vehicles, the first glass sheet 1 preferably has a thickness of up to 4 mm, and even up to 3 mm or 2.5 mm – particularly 2.1 mm, 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm – and preferably at least 0.7 mm or 1 mm; - A laminated interlayer 3 made of polymer material has a front main surface oriented toward the second main inner surface 12 and a rear main surface opposite to the front main surface; the laminated interlayer 3 is a single layer or multiple layers; herein, the laminated interlayer 3 includes at least one upper interlayer 31 (having an outermost front surface), a lower interlayer 32 (having an innermost rear surface), and a prism element 20 (in this document, internal, located between the upper interlayer 31 and the lower interlayer 32), optionally neutral, transparent, or ultra-transparent, optionally used to shield lidar, and preferably made of polymer material. A thermoplastic material, and more preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), is located particularly on the outer side of the near-infrared transmission window of the lidar, preferably for road vehicles, with a thickness of up to 1.8 mm, more preferably up to 1.2 mm, and even up to 0.9 mm (and more preferably at least 0.3 mm, and even at least 0.6 mm). The laminated interlayer 3 is optionally acoustic, and / or optionally has a wedge-shaped cross-section tapering from the top to the bottom of the laminated glass window (particularly the windshield) for use in a head-up display (HUD); and - Second glass sheet 2, which is intended to form an interior glass window, has a third main surface 13 (F3) oriented toward the second main interior surface 12 of the first glass sheet 1, and a fourth main surface 14 (F4) oriented toward the passenger compartment.

[0098] This article combines Figures 13 to 16 and Figure 22 In the first configuration shown, the second glass sheet 2 (particularly based on silica, soda-lime, soda-lime silica, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate) is as transparent as the first glass sheet at the LIDAR operating wavelength; for example, it has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) of at most 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably at most 0.03% (300 ppm), and at most 0.015% (150 ppm), and particularly greater than or equal to 0.005% by weight. The redox value of the second glass sheet is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15, and particularly between 0.2 and 0.30, especially between 0.25 and 0.30. OPTWHITE glass with a thickness of 1.95 mm is particularly preferred.

[0099] Combining later Figures 17 to 21 , Figure 24 And even Figures 25 to 28 In the second construction described in detail, the second glass sheet 2, particularly silica-based, sodium-calcium-based, preferably sodium-calcium-silica-based, or even aluminosilicate-based or borosilicate-based, has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) of at least 0.4%, and preferably at most 1.5% by weight. The second glass sheet 2 is, for example, based on glass manufactured by the applicant and called TSA1x (0.5% to 0.6% iron), TSA2+, TSA3+ (0.8% to 0.9% iron), TSA4+ (1% iron), TSA5+, and is, for example, green. For example, a TSA3+ glass with a thickness of 1.6 mm is selected. For transmitting the LIDAR beam, the second glass sheet 2 is perforated, and preferably, inserts (mounts) are arranged in and / or below the through-holes, connected to the second main internal surface 12, and optionally forming inserts for prism elements, or prism elements connected to the inserts (on the front or rear side of this portion).

[0100] Advantageously, at least in the near-infrared transmission window, the glass sheet is made of near-infrared transparent glass, for example, as described in patent documents WO2018015312 and / or WO2018178278.

[0101] In particular, in embodiments where there are no holes in the first glass sheet, the first glass sheet 1 is made of transparent glass or even ultra-transparent glass. In embodiments where there are no holes in the second glass sheet, the second sheet is also made of transparent glass or even ultra-transparent glass.

[0102] Specifically, the windshields of road vehicles are curved. In a conventional and known manner, the windshield is obtained by hot laminating a first glass sheet 1, a second glass sheet 2, and a laminated interlayer 3. For example, a 0.76 mm or 0.38 mm thick transparent PVB laminated interlayer 3 is selected herein. Alternatively, the laminated interlayer may have partial or through-holes in the near-infrared transmission window, wherein the interlayer holes are aligned with through-holes 4 in the second sheet (see...). Figures 18 to 21 Within this through-hole and even the intermediate layer hole, the prism element can be connected to the second main internal surface 12 via an adhesive layer (a thinner PVB intermediate layer (e.g., plasticizer-free PVB or with less than 30% plasticizer) or an EVA adhesive layer or other OCA (film or coating), and optionally form a shielding layer.

[0103] like Figures 13 to 28 As shown, the laminated glass window is arranged to receive the near-infrared emission beam 70 from the lidar 7 in the transmission window 111, particularly in the uncovered area of ​​the usual cover layer 5 (upper longitudinal edge 501, lower edge 502), and even in the typically optional solar control layer 15 (layered with a silver layer) inside the glass window (on the second main inner surface 12 or the third main inner surface 13, or on a polymer carrier film, particularly polyester). The near-infrared transmission window may be located in an extended region of the enamel layer, typically at the center and top (the lower limit 50 of this extended region).

[0104] In the reference plane, the lidar emission beam 70 has a central pointing direction 40 and extends over an internal field of view with a defined vertical aperture angle FOV1. For example, the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 is at most 30 degrees or 25 degrees, and is preferably non-zero. Alternatively, since the emission beam 70 is collimated, the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 is zero (FOV1 = 0 degrees).

[0105] Figure 1 Infrared vision system 7 is shown in two different positions and orientations. The dashed line shows a lidar 7 with a horizontal center pointing direction 40 and an internal vertical aperture angle FOV1. The internal vertical aperture angle of the emitted beam 70 is shown in the reference plane (…). Figure 1 The laser beam 70 propagating inside the vehicle extends between extreme straight lines or edge rays 41 and 42 in the plane. The internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 is the sum of the angle between the center direction 40 of the laser beam 70 propagating inside the vehicle and the upper edge ray 41 (also known as half aperture angle 0.5*FOV1) and the angle between the center direction 40 of the laser beam 70 propagating inside the vehicle and the lower edge ray 42 (also known as half aperture angle 0.5*FOV1).

[0106] The emitted beam 70 is refracted through a conventional laminated glass window (i.e., without the prism element 20 of this disclosure), through a laminated glass window of thickness E (assuming it is constant in the reference plane), and exits through the first main outer surface 11 (dashed line) with a horizontal center pointing direction 45 and its internal vertical aperture angle FOV1. The center pointing direction 45 is parallel to the horizontal center pointing direction 40 and is simply offset due to refraction through the laminated glass window 100 of thickness E. The vertical aperture angle of the emitted beam at the exit side of the first main outer surface 11 extends between the straight lines corresponding to the upper edge ray 43 and the lower edge ray 44 in the reference plane. The upper edge ray 43 is parallel to the upper edge ray 41, and correspondingly, the lower edge ray 44 is parallel to the lower edge ray 42. Therefore, the vertical aperture angle of the emitted beam exiting from the first main outer surface 11 is equal to the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 of the emitted beam 70 incident on the laminated glass window lacking the prism element. The upper edge ray 43 and the lower edge ray 44 represent the limits of the pointing direction outside the vehicle when the lidar scans the vertical field of view.

[0107] According to this disclosure, the laminated glass window 100 includes a transmission window 111 that is transparent to near-infrared radiation, which includes a prism element 20 that is transparent to the operating wavelength of LIDAR.

[0108] exist Figures 13 to 16 In the first embodiment shown, the prism element 20 is internal, i.e., arranged inside the laminated glass window, and connected to the second main internal surface 12 of the first glass sheet 1. According to Figure 15 In a variation of the first embodiment shown, the prism element 20 is incorporated into the second main internal surface 12, which forms a structured surface 23 (the second sheet forms the second layer), and the structured surface 23 is connected to the laminated intermediate layer 3, thus forming the first layer.

[0109] In other embodiments, the prism element 20 is located outside the laminated glass window and is arranged internally on the passenger compartment side by being connected to the fourth main surface 14 or the second main surface 12, or by being located in the opening of the multifunctional support or on the main inner surface of the multifunctional support, or even in a variant not shown, by being incorporated into the fourth main inner surface 14 (the second sheet forms the second layer) that forms the prism interface.

[0110] Now we will combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 This section explains the optical operation of a glass window equipped with a prism element and a lidar-type infrared vision system. Figure 1In the diagram, the lidar 7 is shown as a solid line, with its central pointing direction 40 tilted at an angle (denoted as θ) relative to the horizontal axis and having the same vertical aperture angle FOV1. The prism element 20 is arranged and configured to receive the emitted beam 70, and to deflect the central pointing direction 45 of the emitted beam emanating from the first main outer surface 11 towards the lower longitudinal edge 18 of the laminated glass window 100 at a negative exit angle (advantageously equal to -θ). Furthermore, at the exit side of the first main outer surface 11 of the laminated glass window 100, the emitted beam 70 has an external field of view, whose external vertical aperture angle FOV2 is greater than the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1.

[0111] Figure 2 An example of a prism element 20 according to the present disclosure is schematically shown in a reference plane of a laminated glass window.

[0112] The prism element 20 includes a first layer 21 having a first refractive index n1 and a second layer 22 having a second refractive index n2 greater than n1. The first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2 are generally between 1.20 and 1.80. The second layer 22 may contact the first layer 21 along an interface to define a structured surface 23. More specifically, the structured surface 23 has a profile in a reference plane formed by a series of prisms 24. Each prism 24 has an entry face 25, which is connected to another face 26 by an edge 27. Each face 26 is a neutral face, i.e., without optical function. Faces 26 are planar, or optionally of any shape (if this shape is easier to manufacture). The prisms are arranged sequentially and advantageously adjacent to each other, and are paired by another edge, or alternatively paired by valleys. Figure 2 or Figure 10 In the example shown, all prisms are identical and have the same orientation. In this document, the entry face 25 of each prism is closer to the lower longitudinal edge 18 of the laminated glass window 100 than the other face 26 of the prism 24.

[0113] In one exemplary embodiment (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, prism 24 in the same series of prisms is one-dimensional and has edges 27 that are parallel to each other. For example, all edges 27 lie in a plane parallel to the ground, such as a horizontal plane. In this way, the multi-prism element does not change the horizontal aperture angle of the lidar emission beam.

[0114] Depending on a particular aspect, all the prisms 24 of the polyprism element 20 form the same angle α with respect to the vertical axis Z.

[0115] The edges of a prism are sharp. Alternatively, the edges of a prism are rounded.

[0116] According to yet another specific aspect, prism 24 in the same series of prisms has a two-dimensional polyhedral or pyramidal geometry. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, a series of prisms 24 form protruding or recessed pyramids arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0117] exist Figures 13 to 14 In the first embodiment shown, the prism element 20 is arranged between two sheets or intermediate layers 31, 32 of the laminated intermediate layer 3 (particularly PVB). The upper intermediate layer 31 of the laminated intermediate layer 3 is arranged between the second main inner surface 12 of the first glass sheet 1 and the second layer 22 of the prism element 20. The lower intermediate layer 32 of the laminated intermediate layer 3 is arranged between the third main surface 13 of the second glass sheet 2 and the first layer 21 of the prism element 20.

[0118] For example, the second layer 22 of the prism element 20 is shaped (e.g., molded or textured) to form a structured prism surface 23, and then filled with a material having a first refractive index n1 to form the first layer 21. Alternatively, the first layer 21 of the prism element 20 is shaped (molded) or textured, and then filled with a material having a second refractive index n2 to form the second layer 22. According to yet another variation, the second layer 22 is formed from a first glass sheet 1, the second main surface 12 is textured in the window 111 to form the structured surface 23, and preferably, the first layer 21 is an adhesive layer.

[0119] Optionally, the prism element 20 includes an interface layer 29 disposed between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, which is transparent at the operating wavelength. In this example, the first layer 21 has a structured surface 23 in contact with the interface layer 29 (particularly an adhesive, optionally forming a shielding layer), and the second layer 22 has another structured surface 123 opposite to and conformally aligned with the textured surface 23, which is in contact with the interface layer 29. The structured surface 23 is always locally parallel to the other structured surface 123. As a result, the interface layer 29 does not deflect the lidar beam; only the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 participate in the lidar beam deflection calculation.

[0120] The prism element 20 is arranged such that the second layer 22 faces outwards on the side of the second main inner surface 12 of the first glass sheet 1. In the transmission window 111, the prism element 20 is partially planar, or follows the local curvature of the glass window. In the reference plane of the laminated glass window, the prism element 20 is inclined at the same tilt angle β as the laminated glass window 100. In this reference plane, the entrance surface 25 of each prism 24 (described herein) forms an angle α with the vertical axis Z. As previously stated, the angle α has a sign, which is positive (described herein).

[0121] The laminated glass window receives the lidar emission beam propagating along a central pointing direction 40 inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. The central pointing direction 40 forms an angle of incidence, denoted as i'', with the normal to the fourth principal surface 14 of the laminated glass window 100. The lidar emission beam is refracted and propagates within the first layer 21 of refractive index n1. A multi-prism element 20 is arranged and configured to receive the emission beam 70 on the entrance surface 25 of the prism 24. For example, to allow the lidar beam, which scans at an angle in a reference plane, to emit emission points in 0.5-degree angular steps, the prism dimensions are adjusted based on a distance d to receive the lidar emission points on a series of entrance surfaces 25 of the multi-prism element 20. This series of prisms generally includes more than three prisms.

[0122] The lidar beam is transmitted through a first layer with a refractive index n1, and then refracted through the prism's entry surface 25 toward a second layer with a refractive index n2 greater than n1. Depending on the variant, the lidar beam then transmits through the upper intermediate layer 31 and / or the first glass sheet 1. The central pointing direction 45 of the lidar beam emitted from the first main outer surface 11 forms an angle r with the normal to the first glass sheet 1. The angle r is calculated as -π / 2 - β - i, where the exit angle i represents the angle of the central pointing direction 45 outside the vehicle's passenger compartment relative to the horizontal plane. The relationship between the incident angle i'' and the exit angle i can be expressed by the following equation: Therefore, the prism element 20 increases the vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the emitted beam emitted from the first main outer surface 1 of the laminated glass window.

[0123] In this way, the incident angle i'' of the lidar beam inside the vehicle can be calculated based on the angle α between the prism and the vertical axis, with respect to the horizontal center-pointing direction 45 outside the vehicle. The target value, for example, 30 degrees, is defined for the vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the lidar beam outside the vehicle. This multi-prism device advantageously includes prisms 24, each forming an angle α of less than 90-β degrees.

[0124] A method for determining the angle α of the prism based on other parameters of the prism element 20 is now described.

[0125] In relation to Figures 5 to 8 In a first instance of this method, the second refractive index n2 is considered to be fixed, preferably greater than or equal to 1.38 and less than or equal to 1.80. Therefore, the prism element 20 has a fixed first refractive index n1, and the second refractive index n2 is variable. For example, the second layer 22 herein is glass with a refractive index n2 equal to 1.52. The external vertical aperture angle FOV2 is also predetermined, and herein equals 30 degrees. Figure 5Multiple curves are shown, representing different values ​​of the first refractive index n1 between 1.20 and 1.60 based on the angle α between the prism 24 of the prism element 20 and the vertical axis Z: for example, n1 is equal to 1.20, 1.30, 1.40, 1.52 or 1.60. Figure 5 The curves showing that the first refractive index n1 of the first layer 21 is less than the refractive index of the second layer 22 (glass in this text) result in a positive incident angle i'', which reduces the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1. However, the curves corresponding to the first refractive index n1 of the first layer 21 (n1=1.60 or n1=1.52) being greater than or equal to the refractive index of the second layer 22 (n2=1.52) do not allow for a positive incident angle i''. The same method applies to other values ​​of the optical index n1. The possible value pairs (n1, α) corresponding to the minimum internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 are derived as shown in Table I below: n1 α (degree) 1.20 16 1.30 7 1.35 2 1.40 -5 1.45 -14 1.48 -21 Table I To obtain these value pairs, the curves for the external vertical aperture angle FOV2 are calculated by setting the value of the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1. Figure 6 Multiple curves are shown, with the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 equal to 30 degrees, and the values ​​of the first refractive index n1 being 1.20, 1.30, 1.40, and 1.60, respectively. The multiple curves represent the external vertical aperture angle FOV2. For each refractive index value n1 and for a given FOV1 value, these curves can be used to determine the range of entry angle values ​​α that maximize the vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the external field of view. In Table II below, for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1, the minimum entry angle α of the prism is indicated to obtain a value of FOV2 greater than FOV1. min And the maximum value αmax, and the optimal value α of the angle that maximizes the vertical aperture angle FOV2 relative to FOV1, which is equal to 30 degrees. opt : <![CDATA[n1]]> <![CDATA[α opt (degrees)]]> <![CDATA[α min (degrees)]]> <![CDATA[α max (degrees)]]> 1.20 16 -18 60 1.30 7 -24 60 1.35 2 -28 60 1.40 -5 -33 60 1.45 -14 -38 60 1.48 -21 -42 60 Table II By applying the method mentioned above, for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1, different values ​​of the tilt angle β, and different values ​​of the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view, the value of the minimum angle α based on the second refractive index n2 is calculated. min The fitted curve.

[0126] based on Figure 7 The second variable refractive index x=n2 shown in the figure yields the following polynomial fitting curves E1 to E6: Where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +20 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +45 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +60 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.48, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. , where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.48, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 26 degrees.

[0127] Similarly, for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1, and for different values ​​of the tilt angle β and the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view, the optimal value α of the angle based on the value of the second refractive index n2 is calculated. opt The fitted curve.

[0128] based on Figure 8 The second variable refractive index x=n2 shown in the figure yields the following polynomial fitting curves F1 to F6: Where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +20 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +45 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +60 degrees, n1 = 1.40, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.48, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. , where β = +30 degrees, n1 = 1.48, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 26 degrees.

[0129] In relation to Figures 9 to 12In a second example of this method, a first refractive index n1 is considered to be equal to, for example, 1.45, and a second refractive index n2 is greater than or equal to 1.20 and less than or equal to 1.52. Therefore, the prism element 20 has a fixed first refractive index n1, and the second refractive index n2 is variable. The external vertical aperture angle FOV2 is also predetermined, and in this document is equal to 30 degrees. Figure 9 Multiple curves are shown, representing different values ​​of the second refractive index n2 between 1.38 and 1.80, based on the angle of incidence i'' of the angle α between the prism 24 of the prism element 20 and the vertical axis Z, where n2 is greater than or equal to n1: for example, n2 is equal to 1.45, 1.48, 1.52, or 1.60. Figure 9 The curves corresponding to the second layer 22, which has a second refractive index n2 greater than that of the first layer 21, are shown, resulting in a positive incident angle i'', which reduces the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1. The same method is applied for other values ​​of the optical index n1. For each refractive index value n2 and for a given FOV1 value, these curves can be used to determine the range of angle values ​​α that increase the external vertical aperture angle FOV2. Table III below indicates the minimum angle α of the prism required to obtain a FOV2 value greater than FOV1 for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2. min And the maximum value αmax, and the optimal value α of the angle that maximizes the vertical aperture angle FOV2 relative to FOV1, which is equal to 30 degrees. opt : <![CDATA[n2]]> <![CDATA[α opt (degrees)]]> <![CDATA[α min (degrees)]]> <![CDATA[α max (degrees)]]> 1.45 50 -50 60 1.48 -24 -44 60 1.52 -14 -38 60 1.60 -1 -29 60 1.70 8 -21 60 1.80 14 -15 60 Table III To obtain these values, the curve of the external field of view vertical aperture angle FOV2 is calculated by setting the value of the internal vertical aperture angle FOV1 for different values ​​of the first refractive index n1. Figure 10 Multiple curves are shown, with values ​​of 1.45, 1.48, 1.52, and 1.60 for the second refractive index n1, representing the external vertical aperture angle FOV2. For each refractive index value n1 and for a given FOV1 value, these curves can be used to determine the optimal angle value α that maximizes the external vertical aperture angle FOV2 of the external field of view. opt The range. Table IV below indicates the optimal value of the angle α when FOV1 equals 30 degrees. opt The method minimizes the size L of the transmission window, along with the corresponding external vertical aperture angle FOV2. <![CDATA[n2]]> <![CDATA[α opt (degrees)]]> FOV2 (degrees) L(mm) 1.45 50 30 6.8 1.48 -24 27 4.7 1.52 -13 25 3.8 1.60 -1 22 2.9 1.70 8.00 21 2.4 1.80 14 20 2.2 Table IV By applying the method mentioned above, for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2, and for different values ​​of the tilt angle β and the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view, the value of the minimum angle α based on the first refractive index n1 is calculated. min The fitted curve.

[0130] based on Figure 11 The first variable refractive index x=n1 shown in the figure yields the following polynomial fitting curves C1 to C7: Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 26 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.60, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +20 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +45 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +60 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the vertical aperture angle (FOV1) is less than 30 degrees. , where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.80, and the vertical aperture angle (FOV1) is less than 30 degrees.

[0131] Similarly, for different values ​​of the second refractive index n2, and for different values ​​of the tilt angle β and the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view, the optimal value α of the angle based on the first refractive index n1 is calculated. opt The fitted curve.

[0132] based on Figure 12 The first variable refractive index x=n1 shown in the figure yields the following polynomial fitting curves D1 to D7: Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 26 degrees. Where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.60, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +20 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +45 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. Where β = +60 degrees, n2 = 1.52, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees. , where β = +30 degrees, n2 = 1.80, and the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is less than 30 degrees.

[0133] Figures 13 to 28 Various embodiments of the prism element 20, particularly separate from the glass sheets 1 and 2, are shown.

[0134] These figures include the following common elements. Laminated glass windows 200, 201 to 204, 300, 400, 500, 600 comprise a first glass sheet 1, a laminated interlayer 3, and a second glass sheet 2. An infrared vision system 7 is housed in a housing 8, for example, a housing made of plastic or metal. The housing 8 can be removably attached by attachment means (e.g., clamping). For example, the housing 8 is removably (e.g., by clamping) (fully) attached to the fourth main surface 14 of the second glass sheet 2 by attachment means. Alternatively, the housing 8 is attached to a support 80, preferably attached (bonded) to a multifunctional support (multi-sensor plate, with antenna, etc.) on the fourth main surface 14 of the second glass sheet 2. According to another variation, the shell 8 is attached to face F4 or to support 80, and to vehicle components such as the vehicle roof panel, particularly to the interior trim of the vehicle passenger compartment and / or to the body 160, which is bonded to the periphery of the window using adhesive 60 (or to face 14 or face 12 if partial holes exist; or to support 80 if through holes exist in the window). Preferably, a seal 161 (extrusion, etc.) with a lip 162 is located at the edge of the body 160 and the window (and even the edge of support 80, if applicable, see...). Figure 25 and Figure 27 )between.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are arranged side by side in a vertical plane. Figure 13 In the middle, in the horizontal plane or in the inclined plane Figure 22The laminated glass window advantageously includes a peripheral cover layer 5 (arranged between the first glass sheet 1 and the interlaminated layer 3). Specifically, the cover layer 5 is located on the second main inner surface F2 12 of the first glass sheet 1 (enamel, etc.). Alternatively, the cover layer 5 is located on the front main surface (ink on PVB) of the interlaminated layers 3, 31. The cover layer 5 is opaque to visible light and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as a layer of enamel or varnish. The cover layer 5 is capable of covering the housing 8 of the lidar. The cover layer 5 includes an uncovered area, the size of which is larger than the horizontal and vertical field of view of the lidar 7. The uncovered area in the cover layer allows the lidar's emitted beam 70 and reflected beam to pass toward the detection device 72. For example, the uncovered area of ​​the cover layer has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, having two horizontal long sides 501, 502 and two short sides (see front view).

[0136] According to the second embodiment and its variations, the prism element is manufactured separately (including at least one insert 9) and inserted into the through-hole 4 of the second glass sheet 2 (see...). Figures 17 to 21 ).exist Figures 17 to 21 In the various variations shown, the laminated glass window includes a through-hole 4 (closed herein) in the second glass sheet 2. The through-hole 4 is, for example, trapezoidal in shape and includes a first long side 401, or so-called upper longitudinal edge, which is closest to the edge face of the upper longitudinal edge of the glass window 10, preferably parallel to the edge face 10, for example, not exceeding 20 cm, and preferably spaced at least 5 cm or 6 cm from the edge face 10; a second long side 402, or so-called lower longitudinal edge (farthest from the edge face of the upper longitudinal edge 10, near the central region), which is parallel to the first long side, at most 25 cm or 20 cm long, and preferably longer than the first long side, for example, 14 cm; and two short sides or lateral edges, which are straight or inclined. For example, the height (between long sides 401 and 402) is at least 5 cm.

[0137] Figure 22 A glass window 300 according to a third embodiment is shown, wherein the prism element 20 is bonded to the fourth main surface 14 of the second glass sheet 2 using an adhesive, for example, forming a shielding layer 110. This embodiment has the advantage of not weakening the structure of the laminated glass window. In particular, the prism element 20 (block 9) is located within an opening 81 of a multifunctional support 80 drilled for this purpose. The through-hole 4 in the second sheet may have rounded corners. The through-hole 4 is advantageously located in the central peripheral area of ​​the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the laminated glass window forming the windshield. The closed or open through-hole 4 may be located in another area of ​​the windshield, or even in another glass window of the vehicle, particularly the rear window.

[0138] According to such Figure 24In the fourth embodiment shown, the through-hole 4 is a partial notch, such as a trapezoidal or rectangular shape, preferably an opening on the roof panel, body 160 side (on the upper longitudinal edge 10). The through-hole 4 may have rounded corners. The through-hole 4 is advantageously located in the central peripheral area of ​​the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the laminated glass window forming the windshield. The closed or open through-hole 4 may be located in another area of ​​the windshield, or even in another glass window of the vehicle, particularly the rear window.

[0139] The size of the uncovered area of ​​the cover layer 5 is greater than or equal to the size of the through-hole 4. Preferably, the uncovered area of ​​the cover layer 5 is arranged to be aligned with the through-hole 4. The size of the through-hole 4 is suitable for the emitted beam 70 of the lidar to pass through the horizontal and vertical fields of view of the lidar 7. The through-hole also allows the reflected beam to pass toward the detection device 72 throughout the entire field of view of the lidar.

[0140] exist Figures 17 to 21 In the second embodiment and its variations shown, the laminated glass window 100 includes an insert 9 at least partially disposed in the through-hole 4. The insert 9 is made of a mineral material (particularly glass or glass-ceramic) or plastic (e.g., PMMA) that is transparent at least at the operating wavelength of the lidar. For example, a prism element 20 includes the insert 9. The prism element 20 herein is glued to the back main surface of a laminated interlayer 3, preferably made of PVB.

[0141] Insert 9 may be a first layer (which is textured) or have a textured coating.

[0142] Alternatively, aligned with the through-hole 4, the laminated intermediate layer 3 is locally thinned to form a more transparent upper intermediate layer 31, which is attached to the first glass sheet 1 on one side and to the front main surface of the prism element 20 including the insert 9 on the opposite side. Figure 18 ).

[0143] exist Figure 19 In the example shown, the prism element 20, including insert 9, has a front (outward) main connecting surface 91, which can be connected by, for example, a masking adhesive 110. Alternatively, the adhesive 110 forms a second layer 22, and the first layer is a textured insert or an insert with a textured coating facing surface F2.

[0144] exist Figure 20 In the example shown, the prism element 20, including insert 9, has a front main surface that is in direct adhesive contact with surface F2 12.

[0145] exist Figure 21In the example shown, the prism element 20, including insert 9, has a front main surface bonded to a thin adhesive layer, such as PVB, EVA, or OCA 31'. A masking film 110 is sandwiched between another thin adhesive layer on surface F2 12 and thin adhesive layer 31'.

[0146] Preferably, the prism element is spaced apart from the wall defining the through-hole 4. It can be placed before lamination (especially if an intermediate layer is retained, even if it becomes thinner), or it can be placed after lamination (especially if there is an OCA adhesive layer, particularly PSA).

[0147] exist Figure 13 In another example of the first embodiment shown, the laminated interlayer 3 includes a region of interlayer-free material aligned with the through-hole 4. In this example, the insert 9 includes a prism element 20 disposed between two sheets 16, 17 of PVB and / or OCA (optically clear adhesive).

[0148] exist Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the example of the second embodiment shown, the prism element 20 (insert 9) has a functional coating 110 on its surface on the passenger compartment side. For example, the functional coating 110 is an anti-reflective coating at the operating wavelength of the lidar. For example, such an IR anti-reflective layer is described in patent document WO2022 / 200735.

[0149] Advantageously, the first glass sheet 1, the laminated interlayer 3, and the prism element 20 (insert 9) having the anti-reflective element 110 have a total transmittance of at least 90.0% at the operating wavelength. Optionally, the glass window 100 further includes a functional layer 110 disposed on the second main inner surface 12 (F2) of the first glass sheet 1. Figure 21 For example, functional layer 110 is a heating layer or a shielding layer that is transparent in the IR. For example, patent document WO2022 / 208025 describes a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer that is transparent in the IR and allows for localized heating of the glass window. For example, patent document WO2022 / 219273 describes a shielding layer disposed between the surface F2 of the glass window and the front of the component. For example, patent document WO2023 / 118710 describes an adhesive shielding layer.

[0150] The shell 8 is preferably attached to the support 80 or plate by a removable attachment device, and the support 80 or plate is attached to the fourth main surface 14 of the second glass sheet 2.

[0151] Depending on specific and advantageous aspects that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the support 80 is a multifunctional support arranged to allow for the integral integration of multiple other sensors, such as a rain sensor 601 and / or an area for a thermal imager 602 and / or an area for a camera 603 operating in the visible light range. For example, sensors are arranged around the periphery of the plate 80, surrounding a prism element 20 dedicated to lidar (see...). Figure 23 , 28).

[0152] Figure 23 , Figure 26 and Figure 28 A front view of a glass window according to some embodiments is shown. Observe the edges 801, 802, 803, 804 of the support member 80, and the edges 401, 402, 403, 404 of the optional through-hole. Figure 27 and Figure 28 In the middle, the prism element 20 is mounted on the support 80 inside the vehicle.

[0153] Particularly advantageously, the window system includes a plate 80 that forms a base for the prism element 20 and optionally for one or more other sensors 601, 602, 603, such as a rain sensor, a visible light camera, etc. The plate 80 is connected to the main rear end 14 of the window and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. According to one exemplary embodiment, the plate 80 is transparent to lidar radiation, wherein the prism element is placed on the rear end of the plate 80, on the passenger compartment side, or even if textured, the plate forms a second layer. In this example, the plate includes shading strips arranged along its longitudinal edges to protect the window seals. According to another exemplary embodiment, the plate is opaque or absorptive to lidar radiation, wherein the plate 80 includes through-holes or notches in which the prism element is arranged.

[0154] Figures 25 to 28 The illustration shows glass windows according to the fifth and sixth embodiments, wherein the laminated glass window includes a complete through-hole 4, and even further herein, notches 4' through all the sheets (particularly the two glass sheets 1, 2, the interlayer 3, and the overlay 5) of the glass window 500, 600, and wherein a prism element 20 (preferably including an insert 9) is inserted into the through-hole and attached to a support, particularly a multifunctional support inserted into the notch 4'. Figure 27 , Figure 28A through-hole 4' or notch extends through the first glass sheet 1, the interlayer 3, and the second glass sheet 2 of the laminated glass window. A support member (or plate 80) is shaped and arranged to close the through-hole 4'. Preferably, the main outer surface of the support member 80 is flush with or nearly flush with the main outer surface 11 of the first glass sheet 1 to form a continuous main outer surface for the glass window 400 (see...). Figure 25 , Figure 27 ).

[0155] The support member 80 may form part of the near-infrared transmission window 111 for a lidar system. In this example, the support member 80 may be, for example, a plastic material or glass transparent to the operating wavelength of the lidar. The support member 80 may be integral or laminated, for example, laminated with a plastic film. According to an advantageous aspect, the support member 80 is disposed on the outside of the glass window ( Figure 27 , Figure 28 It may include a hydrophobic outer coating to prevent raindrops from adhering. Such hydrophobic coatings include, for example, fluoropolymers that impart self-cleaning, stain-resistant, and / or moisture-proof properties to the coating.

[0156] For example, the prism element 20 is formed by molding and attached to the main inner surface of the support 80 by an adhesive 6 (e.g., masking adhesive 110). Optionally, the main inner surface of the prism element 20 is flush with the main inner surface 12 of the second glass sheet 2 to form a continuous main inner surface of the glass window 600.

[0157] Figures 25 to 26 An example of a glass window 500 according to a fifth embodiment is shown, wherein the laminated glass window includes a total notch 4' at one edge (hereinafter referred to as the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glass window 400). The notch extends through all the sheets of the glass window 400, particularly the two glass sheets 1, 2, the interlayer 3, and the cover layer 5. In this variation, a support member 80 (opaque plastic with an opening 81 for receiving a prism element 20) is formed and arranged to close the notch 4'. Preferably, the main outer surface of the prism element 20 is flush with or nearly flush with the main outer surface 11 of the first glass sheet 1 to form a continuous main outer surface for the glass window 500. Optionally, a layer 101 is arranged on the main inner surface of the prism element 20 oriented toward the interior of the passenger compartment.

[0158] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, particularly as Figure 25 and Figure 27 As shown, the support plate 80 is attached to the glass window, for example by adhesive or by a seal 61.

[0159] Depending on specific aspects applicable to embodiments 500 and especially 600, a masking layer 82 (coating) is disposed on the (optionally transparent) support 80, and is opaque in the visible and near-infrared range, for example, black, particularly at the operating wavelength. The masking layer 82 protects the adhesive 60, particularly from UV radiation (if desired).

[0160] Depending on the specific aspect applicable to all embodiments, a shielding layer (adhesive or non-adhesive coating) is disposed on the front surface of the prism element 20, or on the support 80, or on surface F2 or F4. The shielding layer extends to cover at least the front surface of the prism element. Advantageously, the shielding layer extends to cover the surface of the uncovered area of ​​the shielding layer 5 to ensure the continuity of the shielding layer 5. The shielding layer is opaque in the visible light range, for example, black, and transparent in the near-infrared range, especially at the operating wavelength. The shielding layer takes the form of an adhesive film or coating.

Claims

1. A window system comprising a vehicle window (100 to 600), the window comprising: A first glass sheet (1) is designed to form an exterior glass window, having a first main exterior surface (11) and a second main surface (12) oriented toward the passenger compartment; Furthermore, when the glass window is laminated, it includes a second glass sheet (2) intended to form an interior glass window, having a third main surface (13) oriented toward the second main surface (12) and a fourth main surface (14) oriented toward the passenger compartment; and A laminated interlayer (3, 31) made of polymer material is disposed between the second main inner surface (12) and the third main surface (13). The glass window is designed to form an angle (β) of less than 90 degrees with the horizontal axis. The glass window has a near-infrared transmission window (111) operating at a wavelength in the near-infrared range. The near-infrared transmission window (111) is adapted to receive an emission beam (70) at the operating wavelength from a lidar vision system (7) intended to be arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The emission beam (70) has a central pointing direction (40) in a reference plane that serves as the lateral section plane of the glass window. The reference plane includes the normal to the glass window and the vertical axis (Z) of the vehicle. The optical device is located in the near-infrared transmission window, and the emitted beam (70) extends in an internal field of view with an internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) inside the vehicle, and has an external field of view with an external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) at the exit side of the glass window. Its features are: The optical device includes a prism element (20) associated with the glass window, the prism element (20) comprising a multi-layer stack, the multi-layer stack including a first layer (21) having a first refractive index n1 greater than 1.00 at the operating wavelength; and a second layer (22) having a second refractive index n2 greater than the first refractive index n1 at the operating wavelength, the prism element (20) being arranged such that the second layer (22) is further outward than the first layer (21), and a structured surface (23) is defined between the first layer (21) and the second layer. Between layers (22), the structured surface (23) has a profile in the reference plane consisting of a series of prisms (24), each prism (24) having an entrance face (25), and the multi-prism element (20) is arranged and configured to receive the emitted beam (70) on the entrance face (25) of the series of prisms (24), each entrance face (25) forming a given entrance angle (α) with the vertical axis (Z) in the reference plane, such that the outer vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than the inner vertical aperture angle (FOV1).

2. The glass window system according to claim 1, wherein the center pointing direction (45) of the emission beam at the exit side is deflected relative to the center pointing direction (40) of the emission beam (70) at the entrance side, and the center pointing direction (45) of the emission beam at the exit side forms an exit angle i0 relative to the horizontal axis in the reference plane, wherein i0 = 0 ± 5 degrees, and even 0 ± 2 degrees, and the entrance angle (α) of the entrance surface (25) of each prism (24) is: the entrance angle (α) is at least -50° or -40° and less than 90°-β and / or even less than or equal to 40°, in particular, the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than or equal to 26° and even 30°.

3. The glass window system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first refractive index (n1) is less than or equal to 1.52 and preferably greater than or equal to 1.20, the tilt angle (β), the second refractive index n2 are given, and the entry angle (α) of the entry surface (25) of each prism (24) is greater than or equal to the minimum angle α. min ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the minimum angle α min Based on the first variable refractive index x=n1, calculate according to one of the following polynomial curves C1, C3 to C7: The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.60±0.05, excluding 1.

55. The tilt angle is 20±5 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n² = 1.52 ± 0.

03. The tilt angle is 60±5 degrees, excluding 55 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, n2=1.80±0.15, excluding 1.

65.

4. The glass window system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first refractive index n1 is less than or equal to 1.52, and even greater than or equal to 1.20, and even greater than or equal to 1.3, the tilt angle (β) and the second refractive index n2 are given, and the entry angle (α) of the entry surface (25) of each prism (24) is equal to the optimal angle α. opt ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the optimal angle α opt Based on the first variable refractive index x=n1, the following calculation is performed according to one of the following polynomial curves D1, D3 to D7: The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, and n2=1.60±0.05, excluding 1.

55. The tilt angle is 20±5 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n² = 1.52 ± 0.

03. The tilt angle is 60±5 degrees, excluding 55 degrees, and n2=1.52±0.

03. The tilt angle is 30±5 degrees, n2=1.80±0.15, excluding 1.

65.

5. The glass window system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second refractive index n2 is preferably less than or equal to 1.80, the tilt angle (β) and the first refractive index n1 are given, and the entry angle (α) of the entry surface (25) of each prism (24) is greater than or equal to the minimum entry angle α. min ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the minimum entry angle α min Based on the second variable refractive index x=n2, the following calculation is performed according to one of the polynomial curves E1 to E5: The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, excluding 25 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 20 ± 5 degrees, n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 45 ± 5 degrees, excluding 35 degrees, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 60 ± 5 degrees, excluding 55°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees and n1 is at least 1.

48.

6. The glass window system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second refractive index n2 is preferably less than or equal to 1.80, the tilt angle (β) and the first refractive index n1 are given, and the entry angle (α) of the entry surface (25) of each prism (24) is equal to the optimal entry angle α. opt ±2 degrees and even ±1 degree, the optimal entry angle α opt Based on the second variable refractive index x=n2, the following calculation is performed according to one of the polynomial curves F1 to F5: The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees, excluding 25°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 20 ± 5 degrees, n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 45 ± 10 degrees, excluding 35°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 60 ± 5 degrees, excluding 55°, and n1 = 1.40 + 0.08, excluding 1.

48. The tilt angle is 30 ± 5 degrees and n1 is at least 1.

48.

7. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structured surface (23) is structured in a single direction, and the series of prisms (24) in particular have edges (27) parallel to each other.

8. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (21) is in contact with the second layer (22), the structured surface (23) is an interface, or wherein the stack includes an interface layer (29) that is transparent at the operating wavelength, particularly an adhesive and / or shielding layer, the interface layer (29) being located between the first layer (21) and the second layer (22), the first layer (21) having a structured surface (23) in contact with the interface layer (29), and the second layer (22) having another structured surface (123) conforming to the textured surface (23), the other structured surface (123) being in contact with the interface layer (29).

9. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) is textured, thus forming the structured surface (23), and is a partially textured coating, particularly on a glass window or polymer, or a partially textured glass or polymer.

10. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) is textured to form the structured surface (23), in particular a partially textured film or coating, and the other of the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) is optionally an adhesive crosslinked polymer layer, in particular the first layer (21) is made of polyacrylate or silicone resin, and the second layer is preferably textured.

11. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer is glass and the first layer is selected from PMMA film, adhesive, thermoplastic or crosslinked material layer, particularly EVA or PVB; or the second layer is a polycarbonate film and the first layer is selected from PMMA film, adhesive crosslinked material layer or the lamination interlayer, particularly EVA or PVB; and / or the first layer is a coating on glass or plastic, and the second layer is optionally a lamination interlayer of the laminated glass window, or an adhesive layer, or even a support member, particularly a multifunctional support member, said support member being located in a through-hole of a monolithic or laminated glass window, particularly in a through-hole forming a notch.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass window is laminated, the second layer (22) is connected to the second main surface (12) by an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being a laminated interlayer (3), or the laminated interlayer (3) having an interlayer opening aligned with the prism element (20), the second layer (22) being connected to the second main surface (12) by an adhesive layer (6) forming a shielding layer, or wherein one of the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) is formed in the laminated interlayer (3) or adhesive layer of the laminated glass window, and the other of the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) is textured, thus forming the structured surface (23), in particular a partially textured film (9) or a partially textured coating, or wherein, The second layer (22) is connected to the support (80), in particular the rear main surface of the multifunctional support, in the through-hole of the glass window via an adhesive layer (110) that forms a shielding layer.

13. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (22) is connected to the second main surface (12), preferably bonded or adhesively contacting the glass window, the glass window being preferably a laminated glass window, and / or wherein, The prism element (20) is wholly or partially located in a portion of the hole or through-hole of the glass window, which is preferably a laminated glass window. In particular, the prism element is associated with the glass window and / or with the support member (80), particularly the multifunctional support member, which is arranged in the through-hole and associated with the glass window. In particular, the prism element is connected to the rear main surface of the support member, which is transparent at the working wavelength, or to the inner wall of the through-opening of the support member, particularly the multifunctional support member.

14. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (22) is located inside the laminated glass window, particularly the second layer (22) is connected to the second main surface (12) of the laminated glass window, and even the first layer is connected to the third main surface, or the prism element (20) is received in a through-hole of the glass window, particularly the laminated glass window, particularly connected to a support (80) integral with the glass window, particularly a multifunctional support, the hole being closed or open to form a notch, or the prism element (20) is located inside, and the second layer (22) is connected to the second surface of the monolithic glass window or the fourth main inner surface (14) of the laminated glass window.

15. The glass window system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second glass or plastic sheet (2) is transparent at the working wavelength, the first layer (21) is connected to the third main surface (13) of the laminated glass window by means of an adhesive layer that is transparent at the working wavelength, particularly by means of the lamination interlayer (3), or the first layer (21) is in adhesive contact with the third main surface (13), and / or the second layer (22) is connected to the second main surface (12) by means of an adhesive layer that is transparent at the working wavelength, particularly by means of the lamination interlayer (3), or the second layer (21) is in adhesive contact with the second main surface (12).

16. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the near-infrared transmission window, the glass window system includes an insert (9) that is transparent at the operating wavelength, particularly glass or plastic, the insert being disposed in or below a through-hole of a second glass sheet (2) of the laminated glass window and connected to a second main surface, the insert forming the second layer or the first layer or being connected to the first layer, and preferably, the main inner surface of the first layer (21) opposite the structured surface (27) includes an anti-reflective layer at the operating wavelength.

17. The glass window system according to the preceding claims, wherein the insert (9) has a main surface oriented toward the second main surface, the second main surface being textured (23), so that the insert forms the first layer (21) or has a textured coating forming the first layer (21), or has an adhesive layer forming the first layer (21) or attached to the first layer (21), and preferably, the main surface of the insert toward the passenger compartment includes an anti-reflective layer at the operating wavelength.

18. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass window system comprises a peripheral cover layer (5) connected to the second main surface (12), and an additional cover layer (82) optionally connected to the main surface of the support member (80) located in a through hole in the laminated glass window, particularly a multifunctional support member, and wherein the near-infrared transmission window is located in an opening in the cover layer (5), and even in an opening in the optional additional cover layer (82).

19. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass window in the near-infrared transmission window includes a functional layer, preferably a shielding layer, which is particularly disposed in the orifice of the shielding layer, located upstream or downstream of the prism element (20), or forming an insert of the prism element (20), and wherein, in particular, the shielding layer is adhesive, connecting the prism element to one of the main surface of the glass window, or the main surface of a support (80) in the through-hole of the laminated glass window, particularly a multifunctional support, or the main surface of an insert (9) in the through-hole of the second sheet of the laminated glass window, or connecting the first textured layer to the second textured layer.

20. A glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lidar infrared vision system, the infrared vision system comprising a light source (71) and a detection device (72), wherein preferably, the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is at least 5° larger than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1), and the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) is less than or equal to 26 degrees.

21. A method for obtaining a prism element for a glass window system according to any one of the preceding claims, the prism element having a first layer with refractive index n1 and a second layer with refractive index n2, the method comprising: -Based on the exit angle i and entry angle α of the downstream pointing direction (45) of the glass window relative to the horizontal plane, the incident angle i'' of the upstream pointing direction (45) of the lidar relative to the normal of the glass window is defined, i'' being defined according to the following equation EQ1: Where β is the tilt angle, and at the operating wavelength, n2 is greater than n1. - The internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) of the lidar's internal field of view is determined by the following equation EQ2, while the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the lidar's external field of view is fixed: Where i0 is the emission angle of the laser radar downstream of the glass window, with respect to the horizontal plane, preferably i0 = 0 ± 5 degrees, and even 0 ± 2 degrees. - Determine the minimum entry angle α min This is such that the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) defined theretherein, specifically, FOV1 is at most 30° or 26°, and preferably, the difference between the external vertical aperture angle and the internal vertical aperture angle is at least 5°. - and / or determine the optimal entry angle α opt To maximize the vertical aperture angle (FOV2) of the external field of view relative to the vertical aperture angle (FOV1) of the internal field of view, an angle equal to α is chosen. opt The preferred angle is ±10 degrees.

22. A method for obtaining a prism element for a glass window system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, said prism element having a first layer with refractive index n1 and a second layer with refractive index n2: - Determine the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) given by the following equation EQ3: Where FOV1 is the internal vertical aperture angle. Where i''0 is the incident angle of the middle pointing direction (45) of the upstream lidar of the glass window relative to the normal of the glass window. i(α,i'') is given by equation EQU4. At the operating wavelength, n2 is greater than n1. Where β is the tilt angle of the glass window relative to the horizontal plane. - Determine a minimum entry angle α such that the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) is greater than the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1). Specifically, FOV1 is at most 30° or 26°. Preferably, the difference between the external and internal vertical aperture angles is at least 5°. - and / or determine the optimal angle α opt To maximize the external vertical aperture angle (FOV2) relative to the internal vertical aperture angle (FOV1) of the field of view, an angle equal to α is chosen. opt The preferred angle is ±10 degrees.

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