Protective housing for a scanning device

Abstract

Detection device, comprising: a. a LiDAR scanning device; b. a protective housing surrounding the LiDAR scanning device and comprising at least one cover lens; characterized in that at least a part of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m -1 in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 1050 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 950 nm; and because the glass plate has a content, expressed as the total weight of glass percentages, of: SiO2 55 - 85 % Al2O3 0-30% B2O3 0-20 % Na2O 0 - 25 % CaO 0-20 % MgO 0-15% K2O 0-20 % BaO 0-20 % Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 % Cr2O3 exhibits 0.0001 - 0.06%; and by coating the glass plate with at least one near-infrared transparent layer that absorbs and / or reflects visible light, wherein the layer is a layer of black foil or film or a layer of black coating material with a transmittance in the visible optical range of at most 15% and a transmittance in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm of at least 85%.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a detection device comprising a LiDAR scanning device and a protective housing that surrounds or encloses the scanning device. The protective housing includes at least one cover lens. At least a portion of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m. -1 Manufactured in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm. The protective housing provides improved protection against deterioration from external influences, while maintaining excellent infrared transmittance. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Infrared-based remote sensing devices, such as LiDAR scanners, are technologies that measure the distance to a target by illuminating it with pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to create digital 3D representations of the target. These devices are commonly used in industrial, consumer, and other applications to detect motion, position, proximity, ambient light, speed, and direction. LiDAR scanners have a wide range of applications, which can be both airborne and land-based. Airborne LiDAR scanners are attached to an aircraft, such as an airplane, helicopter, drone, etc. Land-based applications can be either stationary or mobile.Stationary land-based scanning is actually the most common data collection method. Mobile scanning is used on a moving vehicle to collect data along a route.

[0003] LiDAR scanning devices are commonly used to create high-resolution maps, with applications in agriculture (e.g., for crop mapping or the appropriate application of expensive fertilizers); archaeology (e.g., to provide an overview of broad, continuous features that may be indistinguishable on the ground); autonomous vehicles (e.g., for obstacle detection and avoidance for safe navigation); atmospheric remote sensing and meteorology; military applications; physics and astronomy (e.g., for measuring the position of the moon, for creating precise global topographic surveys of planets); and robotics.for environmental perception and object classification to enable safe landing of robotic and manned vehicles with a high degree of precision; the combination of airborne and mobile land-based LiDAR scanning devices for detection and mapping; wind farm optimization, e.g., to increase the energy output of wind farms through accurate measurement of wind speeds and wind turbulence; the use of solar photovoltaics, e.g., to optimize solar photovoltaic systems at the city level by determining suitable roof areas and determining shading losses.

[0004] Particularly in the field of autonomous vehicles, the current industry trend is toward developing truly autonomous cars. To move closer to such a self-driving future, the number of sensors in vehicles will increase significantly. LiDAR scanning devices play a crucial role in this development by providing the necessary sensory feedback from the vehicle's 360° surroundings.

[0005] LiDAR scanners are used in a wide variety of conditions and environments. The positioning of these scanners is crucial for their optimal operation. They must be positioned to provide the broadest and most effective overview of the target being measured. For this reason, LiDAR scanners are generally highly exposed to the elements and can be damaged by these conditions, which can be very extreme and harsh. Therefore, it is essential to protect LiDAR scanners from deterioration caused by external influences.

[0006] Previous generations of LiDAR scan devices were based on the emission of one to a few light pulses. In contrast, the new generation of LiDAR offers high resolution based on the emission and reception of clusters of light pulses. These LiDAR scan devices require very high levels of infrared transmission to map physical features with very high resolution and to produce extremely accurate results. Therefore, the new generation of LiDAR scan devices places much higher demands on optical properties and is thus not fully compatible with conventional cover lenses in a protective housing.

[0007] Conventional cover lenses can be made of plastic and offer good infrared transmittance, but have very poor long-term durability. Plastics, in particular, offer low scratch resistance, poor mechanical strength, and poor long-term chemical resistance. Other conventional cover lenses can utilize special glazing with high infrared transmittance and good durability; however, this is very expensive and complex to manufacture and cannot be used in large dimensions. Still other conventional cover lenses are made from a standard glass plate. However, these do not provide the required infrared transmittance, especially for the new generation of LiDAR scanning devices.Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective and simple cover lens that provides excellent infrared transmission as well as the necessary mechanical and chemical resistance to the external environment.

[0008] It was surprisingly found that the protective housing of the present invention, comprising at least one cover lens, wherein at least part of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m -1 manufactured in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, it provides the required high level of infrared transmittance as well as the required mechanical resistance and chemical durability for a LiDAR scanning device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a detection device comprising (a) a LiDAR scanning device; (b) a housing that surrounds or encloses the LiDAR scanning device and includes at least one cover lens; characterized in that at least a part of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m -1 is produced in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 1050 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 950 nm.

[0010] The present invention further relates to the use of a cover lens consisting of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m. -1 manufactured in the wavelength range between 750 and 1650 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 1050 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 950 nm, to protect a LiDAR scanning device from deterioration caused by external influences. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The detection device of the present invention comprises a LiDAR scanning device and a protective housing surrounding the LiDAR scanning device. The protective housing comprises at least one cover lens, wherein at least a portion of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m. -1 is manufactured in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm.

[0012] The LiDAR scanning device of the present invention (also written as lidar, LIDAR, or LADAR – the acronym for "Light Detection and Ranging") is a technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with infrared (IR) laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor. The distance to the target is determined by recording the time between transmitted and backscattered pulses and by using the speed of light to calculate the distance traveled. It can then be used to create digital 3D representations of the target.

[0013] LiDARs have a wide range of applications, which can be airborne or land-based. These different types of applications require scanning devices ("scanners") with varying specifications based on the purpose of the data, the size of the area to be recorded, the desired measurement range, the cost of the equipment, and other factors.

[0014] In general, a LiDAR scanning device is an optoelectronic system composed of several main components: (1) At least one laser transmitter. It is preferred that the laser transmitter of the LiDAR scanning device of the present invention transmits substantially at an infrared wavelength of 700 nm to 1 mm, preferably at a near-infrared wavelength of 780 nm to 3 µm, more preferably in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm; (2) At least one receiver comprising a light collector (a telescope or other optics). Several scanning technologies are available, such as dual oscillating plane mirrors, combinations with polygon mirrors, and dual-axis scanning devices. The choice of optics influences the angular resolution and the detectable area. A pinhole mirror or a beam splitter can be used as a light collector.(3) At least one photodetector that converts the light into an electrical signal; and an electronic signal processing chain that extracts the desired information. In general, two main photodetector technologies are used: solid-state photodetectors, such as silicon avalanche photodiodes, or photomultipliers. LiDAR scanning devices mounted on mobile platforms such as aircraft or satellites may additionally require devices for determining their absolute position and orientation and therefore further include a positioning and / or navigation system.

[0015] Preferably, the LiDAR scanning device used in the present invention is a new-generation LiDAR scanning device based on a scanning, rotating, blinking, or solid-state LiDAR. Scanning or rotating LiDARs utilize moving laser beams, while blinking and solid-state LiDARs emit light pulses that are reflected by objects.

[0016] The protective housing can be made from any common material known for its use in protective housings, such as any suitable metal (aluminum, etc.), plastic (PVC, polyester-coated PVC, high-density polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) that is opaque and / or transparent, or combinations thereof. For better protection, the housing shape is generally related to the shape of the LiDAR scanning device. LiDAR scanning devices can consist of several different parts, which may be fixed or rotatable. The shape of typical LiDARs is that of a mushroom-shaped device that protrudes from the platform on which it is mounted.

[0017] The protective housing includes at least one cover lens. The housing may include two cover lenses, one for emission and the other for reflection, or more.

[0018] Visible light is defined here as light with wavelengths in the range of 400 to 700 nm.

[0019] According to the invention, the glass plate has an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m. -1 in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm. To quantify the low absorption of the glass plate in the infrared range, the absorption coefficient in this description is used in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm. The absorption coefficient is defined by the ratio between the absorbance and the optical path length traveled by electromagnetic radiation in a given environment. It is expressed as m -1 It is therefore independent of the thickness of the material, but is a function of the wavelength of the absorbed radiation and the chemical properties of the material.

[0020] In the case of glass, the absorption coefficient (µ) at a chosen wavelength λ can be calculated from a measurement of the transmittance (T) and the refractive index n of the material, where the values ​​of n, ρ and T are a function of the selected wavelength λ: μ=−1Thickness⋅ln[−(1−ρ)2+(1−ρ)4+4⋅T2⋅ρ22⋅T⋅ρ2] with ρ=(n−1)2 / (n+1)2.

[0021] The glass plate according to the invention preferably has an absorption coefficient in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, which is commonly used in optical technologies related to the invention, and which, compared to conventional glasses (such as “clear glass”, where this coefficient is on the order of about 30 m -1 (is) very low. In particular, the glass plate according to the invention has an absorption coefficient in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm of less than 5 m. -1 on.

[0022] Preferably, the glass plate has an absorption coefficient of less than 3 m. -1 or even less than 2 m -1 and even more so from less than 1 m -1 or even less than 0.8 m -1 on.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glass plate has an absorption coefficient of the aforementioned values ​​in the wavelength range of 750 to 1050 nm, preferably from 750 to 950 nm.

[0024] Low absorption offers the additional advantage that the final IR transmittance is less affected by the optical path within the material. This means that with large field-of-view (FOV) sensors and wide aperture angles, the perceived intensity at different angles (in different areas of the image) will be more uniform.

[0025] According to the invention, the glass plate is made of a glass that can belong to different categories, with the special feature that it has an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m. -1 in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm. The glass can therefore be a soda-lime glass, an aluminosilicate glass, a borosilicate glass, etc.

[0026] Preferably, the glass plate with a high level of transmittance for near-infrared radiation is an extra clear glass.

[0027] Preferably, the base glass composition of the invention comprises a total content, specified as weight percentages of the glass: SiO2 55 - 85 % Al2O3 0 - 30% B2O3 0 - 20 % Na2O 0 - 25 % CaO 0-20 % MgO 0-15 % K2O 0 - 20 % BaO 0 - 20 %.

[0028] More preferably, the base glass composition according to the invention comprises a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: SiO2 55 - 78 % Al2O3 0-18% B2O3 0-18% Na2O 0-20 % CaO 0-15% MgO 0-10% K2O 0-10% BaO 0-5%.

[0029] For reasons of lower manufacturing costs, it is preferred that at least one glass plate according to the invention be made of soda-lime glass. Advantageously, the base glass composition according to this embodiment comprises a content, specified as the total weight of glass percentages: SiO2 60 - 75 % Al2O3 0-6% B2O3 0-4% CaO 0 - 15% MgO 0 - 10% Na2O 5 - 20 % K2O 0 - 10% BaO 0 - 5 %.

[0030] In addition to its basic composition, the glass can contain other components, the type and quantity of which can be adjusted depending on the desired effect.

[0031] One solution proposed in the invention for obtaining a very transparent glass in the near-infrared (IR) with a weak or no influence on its aesthetics or color is the combination of a low iron and chromium content within a range of specific contents in the glass composition.

[0032] According to a first embodiment, the glass plate therefore preferably has a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total Fe (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 % Cr2O3 0,0001 - 0,06 %.

[0033] Such glass compositions, in which small amounts of iron and chromium are combined, showed particularly good performance with regard to infrared transmittance and exhibit high transmittance in the visible spectrum and a low tint, similar to a glass described as "extra clear".

[0034] Suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2014 / 128016 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.1 SiO2 72 CaO 9 K2O 0,3 Na2O 14 SO3 0,3 Al2O3 0,8 MgO 4,2 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 100 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 20-200 ppm

[0035] Other suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2014 / 180679 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.2 SiO2 72 CaO 8,2 K2O 0,01 Na2O 14 SO3 0,3 Al2O3 1 MgO 4,5 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 100-120 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 3-13 ppm

[0036] Other suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 011040 A1 and WO 2015 / 011042 A1, which are incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.3 SiO2 80 B2O3 13 K2O 1,2 Na2O 3,5 Al2O3 2,3 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 100 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 50 ppm

[0037] Other suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 011041 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.4 SiO2 60 B2O3 8 MgO 5 CaO 8 Al2O3 19 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 100 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 50 ppm

[0038] Other suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 011043 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.5 SiO2 57,7 K2O 6 Na2O 4,3 Al2O3 7 BaO 8 ZrO2 3 SrO 7 MgO 2 CaO 5 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 100 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 50 ppm

[0039] Other suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 011044 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 1.6 SiO2 68,42 MgO 4,49 K2O 14,94 Na2O 0,71 CaO 9,32 Al2O3 1,84 SO3 0,27 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 0,01 Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 (ppm) 15-50-100

[0040] According to a second embodiment, the glass plate has a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total Fe (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 % Cr2O3 0,0015 - 1 % Co 0,0001 - 1 %.

[0041] Such chromium- and cobalt-based glass compositions exhibited particularly good performance with regard to infrared reflection, while simultaneously offering interesting possibilities in terms of aesthetics / color (from bluish neutrality to intense coloration, even opacity). Suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 091106 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate compositions described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 SiO2 71,71 71,71 71,71 71,71 CaO 8,24 8,24 8,24 8,24 K2O 0,02 0,02 0,02 0,02 Na2O 14,2 14,2 14,2 14,2 SO3 0,33 0,33 0,33 0,33 Al2O3 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 MgO 4,5 4,5 4,5 4,5 Total iron, expressed as Fe2O3 125 ppm 86 ppm 92 ppm 82 ppm Total chromium, expressed as Cr2O3 44 ppm 65 ppm 6882 ppm 5070 ppm Co 3.5 ppm 41 ppm 651 ppm 5169 ppm

[0042] According to a third embodiment, the glass plates have a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,02 - 1 % Cr2O3 0,002 - 0,5 % Co 0,0001 - 0,5 %.

[0043] Preferably, the composition according to this embodiment comprises: 0.06 % < Total iron ≤ 1 %.

[0044] Such chromium-cobalt-based compositions are used to obtain colored glass plates in the blue-green range, which are comparable to commercially available blue and green glasses in terms of color and light transmission, but exhibit particularly good infrared reflection performance. Suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2016 / 202606 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate compositions described below. Composition A (wt% of composition) 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 SiO2 71,71 71,71 71,71 71,71 CaO 8,24 8,24 8,24 8,24 K2O 0,02 0,02 0,02 0,02 Na2O 14,2 14,2 14,2 14,2 SO3 0,33 0,33 0,33 0,33 Al2O3 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 MgO 4,5 4,5 4,5 4,5 Total iron (Fe2O3) (ppm) 400-690 323-432 310-460 200-740 Total chromium (Cr2O3) (ppm) 330-545 230-840 176-490 97-182 Co (ppm) 29-42 36-152 44-71 27-35

[0045] According to a fourth embodiment, the glass plate has a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 1 % Cr2O3 0,001 - 0,5 % Co 0,0001 - 0,5 %. See 0,0003 - 0,5 %.

[0046] Such glass compositions based on chromium, cobalt, and selenium have proven to be particularly efficient with regard to infrared reflection and simultaneously offer interesting possibilities in terms of aesthetics / color (gray-neutral to slightly tinted, intense in the gray-bronze range). Suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2016 / 202689 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described here. Composition A (wt% of composition) 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 SiO2 71,71 71,71 71,71 71,71 71,71 CaO 8,24 8,24 8,24 8,24 8,24 K2O 0,02 0,02 0,02 0,02 0,02 Na2O 14,2 14,2 14,2 14,2 14,2 SO3 0,33 0,33 0,33 0,33 0,33 Al2O3 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 MgO 4,5 4,5 4,5 4,5 4,5 Total iron (Fe2O3) (ppm) 200-431 670-690 206-400 750 480 Total chromium (Cr2O3) (ppm) 133-288 460-800 137-200 111 167-168 Co (ppm) 68-70 204-215 45-38 36 44-45 Se (ppm) 200-468 256-560 341-566 74 48-53 Ni (ppm) 0 0-656 0-41 0 0

[0047] According to a first alternative embodiment, the glass plate has a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 % CeO2 0,001 - 1 %.

[0048] Such suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 071456 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate composition described below. Composition B (wt% of composition) 1 SiO2 72 CaO 8,2 K2O 0,01 Na2O 14 SO3 0,3 Al2O3 1,0 MgO 4,5 Fe2O3 (ppm) 100 CeO2 (ppm) 85-670-4600

[0049] According to another alternative embodiment, the glass has a composition comprising a content specified as the total weight of glass percentages: Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 %; and one of the following components: - Manganese (calculated as MnO) in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 1 wt.%; - Antimony (expressed as Sb2O3) in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 1 wt.%; - Arsenic (expressed as As2O3) in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 wt.%, or - Copper (expressed as CuO) in an amount ranging from 0.0002 to 0.1 wt.%.

[0050] Such suitable glass compositions are described in WO 2015 / 172983 A1, which is incorporated into the present application by reference, such as the glass plate compositions described below. Composition C (wt% of composition) 1 2 3 SiO2 72 72 72 CaO 8,2 8,2 8,2 K2O 0,01 0,01 0,01 Na2O 14 14 14 SO3 0,3 0,3 0,3 Al2O3 1,0 1,0 1,0 MgO 4,5 4,5 4,5 Fe2O3 (ppm) 100 100 100 MnO (ppm) 225-467-1809 0 0 Sb2O3 (ppm) 0 781-1542 0 CuO (ppm) 0 0 65-80

[0051] According to the present invention, the glass plate of the cover lens within the protective housing can be in the form of flat plates or can be curved.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass plate has a light transmittance in the visible wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm that is less than its value in the near-infrared transmittance wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm. In particular, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the light transmittance in the visible range is less than 10% and the near-infrared transmittance is greater than 50%.

[0053] It was found that the cover lens, manufactured from the glass plate according to the present invention, provides the combined required properties of very high infrared transmittance, necessary for new generations of LiDAR scanning devices, as well as the required protective properties against deterioration due to external influences. The cover lens, manufactured from the glass plate according to the present invention, provides the necessary mechanical resistance to deformation, scratching, and / or breakage. It also offers excellent long-term chemical resistance, UV protection, and anti-aging properties. Furthermore, such cover lenses can be processed easily and economically. They also enable the production and use of lenses with reduced weight and large dimensions.

[0054] It may be advantageous to add one or more useful functionalities to the glass plate of the cover lens of the present invention.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glass plate can be coated with at least one IR-transparent absorbing (tinted) and / or reflective coating to conceal the unsightly sensor element from the outside while simultaneously ensuring a good level of operational performance. This coating can, for example, consist of at least one layer of a black film or foil, or a layer of a black coating material, which has no (or only very low) transmittance in the visible optical range but high transmittance in the infrared range of interest for the application. Preferably, such a coating would have a transmittance in the visible optical range of at most 15% and a transmittance in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm of at least 85%.Such a coating material can be produced from organic compounds, such as commercially available products manufactured by Seiko Advance Ltd. or Teikoku Printing Ink Mfg. Co. Ltd., which can achieve a transmittance of < 5% in the 400 to 750 nm range and > 70% in the 850 to 950 nm range. Depending on its durability, the coating can be applied to the outer and / or inner surface(s) of the cover lens.

[0056] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the glass plate can be coated with a multilayer coating optimized to selectively reflect the visible spectrum while maintaining high IR transmittance. This aims to achieve properties similar to those found, for example, in a Kromatix® product. These properties ensure low overall IR attraction of the entire system when such a layer is deposited on a suitable glass composition. Depending on its durability, the coating can be applied to the outer and / or inner surface(s) of the cover lens.

[0057] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glass plate is coated with at least one anti-reflective layer. An anti-reflective layer according to the invention can, for example, be a layer based on porous silicon oxide with a low refractive index, or it can be composed of several layers (a stack), in particular a stack of alternating layers of a dielectric material with low and high refractive indices, terminating in a layer with a low refractive index. Such a coating can be provided on the outer and / or inner surface of the cover lens. A textured glass plate can also be used. Etching or coating techniques can also be employed to prevent reflection.Preferably, when both surfaces are coated, the reflection of the treated surface would decrease by at least 1% and preferably by at least 2% within the relevant wavelength range.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a reflection protection layer according to the invention can, for example, be a layer based on a refractive index gradient layer, which is deposited, for example, by an ion implantation technique.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a combination of the aforementioned anti-reflective coatings can be provided on the outer and / or inner surface of the cover lens. Preferably, the coatings are deposited by PVD (soft coating). Consequently, a coating that reflects in the visible range and also exhibits anti-reflective properties in the IR range can be obtained.

[0060] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glass plate can be coupled to a heating system that enables the cover lens to be quickly defrosted or cleared of condensation under adverse external operating conditions. Such a heating system can be formed from a network of conductive wires, a conductive layer, or alternatively, a silver-printed network applied directly to the glass surface, provided a suitable power supply can be provided. Optionally, the system can also include a temperature sensor for dynamically triggering the heating function as needed.

[0061] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the glass plate can be coated with a hydrophobic layer that prevents water droplets from accumulating on the outer surface of the cover lens, thus ensuring suitable sensor operation in rainy conditions. Such a water-repellent coating can, for example, consist of thin molecular layers of fluoropolymers, which lower the surface energy and, among other effects, provide self-cleaning properties, dirt resistance, and improved moisture resistance.

[0062] Further suitable and advantageous functionalities can be added to the glass plate of the lens cover of the invention, in particular to provide supporting functions that further improve the good operation of the LiDAR scanning device. These supporting functions can include, for example: coupling with integrated detection functions for breakage, contamination, stains, rain, etc., or additional protective layers to prevent scratches, glare, stains, contamination, coatings, etc. Special filters for polarization, phase, or spectral discrimination could also be integrated. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2014 / 128016 A1

[0034] WO 2014 / 180679 A1

[0035] WO 2015 / 011040 A1

[0036] WO 2015 / 011042 A1

[0036] WO 2015 / 011041 A1

[0037] WO 2015 / 011043 A1

[0038] WO 2015 / 011044 A1

[0039] WO 2015 / 091106 A1

[0041] WO 2016 / 202606 A1

[0044] WO 2016 / 202689 A1

[0046] WO 2015 / 071456 A1

[0048] WO 2015 / 172983 A1

[0050]

Claims

[1] Detection device comprising: a. a LiDAR scanning device; b. a protective housing surrounding the LiDAR scanning device and comprising at least one cover lens; characterized by , that at least part of the cover lens is made of at least one glass plate with an absorption coefficient of less than 5 m -1 in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 1050 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 950 nm; and because the glass plate has a content, expressed as the total weight of glass percentages, of: SiO2 55 - 85 % Al2O3 0-30% B2O3 0-20 % Na2O 0 - 25 % CaO 0-20 % MgO 0-15% K2O 0-20 % BaO 0-20 % Total iron (expressed as Fe2O3) 0,002 - 0,06 % Cr2O3 exhibits 0.0001 - 0.06%; and by coating the glass plate with at least one near-infrared transparent layer that absorbs and / or reflects visible light, wherein the layer is a layer of black foil or film or a layer of black coating material with a transmittance in the visible optical range of at most 15% and a transmittance in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm of at least 85%. [2] Detection device according to claim 1, wherein the glass plate has an absorption coefficient of less than 1 m -1 in the wavelength range of 750 to 1650 nm, preferably in the range of 750 to 1050 nm, more preferably in the range of 750 to 950 nm. [3] Detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value of the light transmittance of the glass plate in the visible wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm is smaller than its value in the near-infrared transmittance wavelength range of [4] Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass plate is coated with at least one anti-reflective layer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of a layer based on porous silicon oxide with a low refractive index, several layers of alternating layers of a dielectric material with low and high refractive indices and terminating in a layer with a low refractive index, and mixtures thereof. [5] Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass plate is coupled to a heating system which is preferably selected from a network of conductive wires, a conductive layer, a silver printing network and combinations thereof. [6] Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass plate is coated with a hydrophobic layer, preferably thin molecular layers of fluoropolymers. [7] Detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the LiDAR scanning device is a scanning, rotating, blinking or solid-state LiDAR device that enables 3D mapping and emits a laser beam with a wavelength in the range between 750 and 1650 nm.