Vehicle glazing and optical device for LIDAR

The diverging lens in the glazing system addresses the challenges of lidar placement by increasing angular apertures without enlarging its footprint, optimizing the lidar's field of view and reducing obstruction.

FR3166332A3Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-20SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-17
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The placement of lidar behind a vehicle windshield, particularly a sloping one, poses challenges due to its bulkiness and the need to reserve an area for the transmission of near-infrared beams, which alters the field of view and obstructs the driver's vision.

Method used

A glazing system with a diverging lens is used to increase the vertical and horizontal angular apertures of the lidar beam without increasing its footprint on the windshield, allowing for a narrower source field of view while maintaining a larger angular aperture at the output.

Benefits of technology

The diverging lens system enhances the angular apertures of the lidar beam, reducing its spatial extent on the windshield and preserving the beam's cross-sectional shape, thus minimizing obstruction and optimizing the lidar's field of view.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing system comprising a vehicle window (100), the window having a near-infrared transmission window (111), and an optical device. According to the invention, the optical device comprises a diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), the diverging lens (20) having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in a characteristic plane and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1
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Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle glazing and optical device for LIDAR

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle glazing associated with a lidar placed in the passenger compartment.

[0002] Laser remote sensing (LIDAR or lidar), an acronym for the English expression "light detection and ranging" or "laser detection and ranging" (i.e., in French "detection and estimation of distance by light" or "by laser"), is being considered for road vehicles, particularly autonomous ones, to improve safety.

[0003] Recently, it has been proposed to place a lidar behind the windshield of a road vehicle to protect it from external conditions. However, this placement of the lidar behind a windshield, particularly a sloping one, presents several difficulties. The lidar is generally installed in the upper part of the passenger compartment (upper windshield area) so that the beams emitted and received by the lidar pass through the glazing in an area close to the upper longitudinal edge of the glazing. On the one hand, the lidar is quite bulky and must be positioned so as not to obstruct the driver's view. On the other hand, the lidar generates a near-infrared beam with a field of view that has a vertical and horizontal angular aperture. Projecting the beam onto the glazing requires reserving an area of ​​the glazing for the transmission of this near-infrared beam (called the near-infrared transmission window).

[0004] In practice, the manufacturer of the LIDAR provides that the beam emitted by the lidar presents a given vertical field of view around a median direction of pointing.

[0005] Document WO2023 / 274854 discloses a glazing comprising a lidar oriented towards the inner face of the inclined glazing of a road vehicle and a prism placed on the inner face of the glazing, to increase the vertical opening of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. However, while this prism does allow adjustment of the angular opening at the glazing's exit point only in the vertical direction, it alters the cross-section of the field of view at the glazing's exit point.

[0006] It is desirable to propose an alternative glazing without the aforementioned drawback and even by further reducing the spatial extent (the footprint) of the lidar reference beam on the glazing.

[0007] The present invention proposes a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing, particularly for road vehicles, the glazing, particularly a windshield, particularly a curved one, the glazing comprising: a first sheet of glass (particularly clear) intended to form the outer glazing with a first main external face and a second main face oriented towards the passenger compartment, and, when the glazing is laminated, comprising a second sheet of glass intended to form the inner glazing with a third main face oriented towards the second main face and a fourth main face oriented towards the passenger compartment, and a polymer laminate interlayer (in particular polyvinyl butyral PVB or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer EVA or thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) disposed between the second inner main face and the third main face, in particular the glazing being intended to form an angle of inclination (|3) of less than 90 degrees and even of at most 60 or 50 degrees, with a horizontal axis (Z) (in a plane characteristic of the glazing) in the vehicle, in particular the glazing having an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge.

[0008] The glazing system has a near-infrared transmission window at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range in particular from 800nm ​​to 1800nm, in particular from 850nm to 1600nm, in particular 905±30nm, 940±30nm, 1310±30nm, 1550±30nm, (the near-infrared transmission window being suitable for receiving an emission beam at said working wavelength from a lidar intended to be disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle).

[0009] In particular, the emission beam has, at the output of the lidar, a median direction of pointing and extends over a field of view source of vertical angular aperture VFOV1 determined in a characteristic plane of the glazing, the characteristic plane comprising a normal to the glazing and a vertical axis (Y) in the vehicle and of horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane, the perpendicular plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis (X) transverse to the median direction of pointing.

[0010] The glazing system also includes an optical device transparent at the working wavelength LB1 intended to provide an external field of view (in particular after the near-infrared transmission window).

[0011] The optical device comprises a diverging lens, the diverging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface (face A), and a second surface, called the front surface (face B) oriented outwards, opposite the first surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces being concave and preferably unadjusted, the diverging lens having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the diverging lens (in particular collinear with the median direction of the pointing) and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the diverging lens and perpendicular to the first reference plane (and in particular collinear with the median direction of the pointing), the second angular magnification being different from the first magnification angular and preferably the second angular magnification being greater than the first angular magnification.

[0012] At the exit of the diverging lens, the lidar emission beam has an external field of view of vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and horizontal angular aperture VFOV2.

[0013] Advantageously, the diverging lens is arranged and configured so that the emission beam at the output of the system has an external field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the source field of view and so that the emission beam at the output of the system has an external field of view with a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of the source field of view.

[0014] The diverging lens preferably operates in open space (in air).

[0015] The lens is, in particular, located wholly or partly outside the passenger compartment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the front surface is arranged flush or protruding from the first main face, and in particular the diverging lens is wholly or partly outside the outer glazing with a possible transparent blade spaced from the front surface (forming a protection).

[0017] The diverging lens is preferably a single piece. The diverging lens is, for example, formed from one of the following materials: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), preferably extra-clear glass, PC (polycarbonate), PU (polyurethane), or any other mineral or organic material known to those skilled in the art for its use in optical lenses. The diverging lens has, for example, a thickness at its center of between 1 cm and 4 cm.

[0018] In all cases, the first surface of the diverging lens is arranged so as to receive the emitted beam over the entire source field of view, that is, over the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. For this purpose, the first surface (a vertex) is located at a distance, denoted dl, from the light source (real or virtual). The distance dl is generally between 50 mm and 300 mm, for example, 210 mm. And the second surface (a vertex), or front surface, is located at a distance, denoted d2, from the first principal face of the glazing, projecting from the first principal face of the glazing. The distance d2 is generally between 0 mm and 200 mm, for example, 110 mm.

[0019] The lidar is preferably located entirely within the passenger compartment (inner side of the glazing). Alternatively, the lidar is located partially within a partial hole in the glazing (of the second layer) or within a through hole in the glazing, particularly laminated glazing.

[0020] Unlike a prism, which provides a single magnification, a diverging lens allows the vertical angular aperture and the aperture to be increased independently. The horizontal angular width of the lidar beam exiting the glazing is reduced while substantially preserving the shape of the cross-section (particularly its rectangular shape) of the field of view exiting the glazing. Such a glazing system increases the horizontal angular width HF0V2 of the external field of view of the emitted beam relative to the horizontal angular width HF0V1 of the source field of view. It also increases the vertical angular width VF0V2 of the external field of view of the emitted beam relative to the vertical angular width VF0V1 of the source field of view. The spatial extent (the footprint) of the lidar reference beam on the glazing (and therefore the size of the required masking layer) can thus be limited both horizontally and vertically.

[0021] In particular, the glazing system with diverging lens makes it possible to obtain an emission beam having a uniform intensity distribution over a field of view of approximately rectangular shape at the output of the glazing system.

[0022] Advantageously, such a glazing system also allows the median direction of the pointing at the exit of the glazing to be modified relative to the median direction of the pointing at the entrance of the optical device.

[0023] The glazing system makes it possible, in particular, to increase the vertical angular aperture of the source field of view without increasing or even reducing the lidar beam footprint on the glazing. In this way, it is possible to use a lidar with a relatively narrow source field of view while maintaining a sufficiently large angular aperture at the output of the glazing system. Furthermore, the glazing system with the diverging lens allows for modification of the inclination of the lidar beam incident on the inner surface of the glazing, thereby reducing the lidar's footprint inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0024] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the glazing system according to the invention (and more broadly of the features of the diverging lens according to the invention for the glazing system and / or lidar), taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, are as follows.

[0025] The diverging lens preferably operates in free space in air, and even though the diverging lens is mechanically bonded to the glazing (the diverging lens having a possible functional coating, in particular a protective or anti-reflective one). In particular, the diverging lens is, for example, mechanically bonded to the glazing (including to a plate in a hole in the glazing) at the periphery of the front and rear surfaces (free faces) of the lens, for example at least by a lateral face: upper and / or lower face, etc.

[0026] The diverging lens may have lateral faces that are preferably flat: a top face, a bottom face and two faces perpendicular to the top face superior to the inferior surface. One or more of the lateral surfaces allows, for example, the diverging lens to be placed in an opto-mechanical frame and aligned with the lidar reference plane and / or the characteristic plane of the glazing. For example, the superior surface and / or the inferior surface and / or two other lateral surfaces are flat.

[0027] The diverging lens may have lateral faces, in particular flat ones, comprising an upper face and a lower face. In particular, the first reference plane passes through the upper and lower faces (in particular, is a vertical plane and / or is a plane of symmetry of the lens), and even the lower and upper faces are horizontal.

[0028] In particular the diverging lens is opposite an upper and even central part of the glazing, in particular the windshield.

[0029] For better optical operation, the diverging lens has front and rear surfaces which have free faces, therefore exposed to the air, spaced away from the glazing rather than bonded (glued) to the glazing.

[0030] The front surface of the diverging lens may be bare (thus directly forming the free surface) or may have a functional layer (mono- or multi-layered) such as a coating (preferably a conformal coating) or a film (adhesive, etc.) whose outer surface forms the free surface. The rear surface of the diverging lens may be bare (thus directly forming the free surface) or may have a functional layer (mono- or multi-layered) such as a functional coating (preferably a conformal coating) or a film (adhesive, etc.) whose outer surface forms the free surface.

[0031] In particular, the diverging lens has on the front surface (having a free face) and / or on the rear surface (having a free face) a surface treatment or a functional layer forming an anti-reflective element or being a hydrophobic layer, for example based on a fluorinated compound, or anti-fouling or forming a hard coat, for example DLC layer, based on amorphous carbon, (or “diamond like carbon” in English) -having a high hardness-in particular of a thickness of at least 10 nm or 20 nm and preferably from 50 nm to 300 nm and even at most 100 nm.

[0032] Preferably, the diverging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface (face A) and / or on the second surface (face B).

[0033] The anti-reflective treatment (of the coating or even structuring type) can be applied by various technologies such as: liquid deposition, particularly in sol-gel form, macroporous layer, notably of porous silica; PVD deposition (for "Physical Vapor Deposition"), for example, a layer, particularly of silica, deposited by magnetron; coating by plasma; microstructuring, etc. In the case of a (first or second) curved surface, plasma coating is preferred because this technique allows for 3D deposition of optical quality on a small element.

[0034] In the case of a macroporous silicon layer or porous silica layer, a refractive optical index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm are preferred for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm.

[0035] In the case of a curved surface, plasma coating is preferred because: 3D deposition, optical quality, on small element.

[0036] Preferably, the diverging lens has a hard coat on the front surface, particularly when exposed to the outside.

[0037] The diverging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80% or 85%.

[0038] The diverging lens preferably has a centimeter height in the first reference plane, and a centimeter dimension, and even a centimeter thickness, in the plane perpendicular to the first reference plane.

[0039] In particular, the first angular magnification in absolute value is less than the second angular magnification and preferably the second angular magnification is strictly greater than 2 and even greater than 5 or 10.

[0040] Preferably, the rear surface (first surface) is concave and of class C2, the rear surface being twice differentiable and of continuous derivatives and optionally the front surface (second surface) is concave and of class C2, the front surface being twice differentiable and of continuous derivatives.

[0041] Advantageously, the second angular magnification is greater than 2.0 and even 5 or 10 in absolute value and even the first angular magnification is greater than 2.0 in absolute value.

[0042] Preferably, the diverging lens has an optical axis, a first plane of symmetry of the diverging lens passing through the optical axis (which is preferably the first reference plane), and a second plane of symmetry of the diverging lens passing through the optical axis and being perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry (which is preferably the second reference plane). In particular, the first plane of symmetry of the diverging lens is located in the characteristic plane of the glazing. For example

[0043] In particular, at least one surface among the first surface (back surface) and the second surface (front surface) of the diverging lens is concave.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the first surface (rear surface) is concave and the second surface (front surface) is flat.

[0045] In particular, at least one of said first surface and second surface is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three, where N is an integer, the polynomial equation describing the first surface or the second surface being written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in mm in an orthonormal coordinate system (O;X, O;Y, O;Z), the O;Z axis being parallel to the optical axis of the diverging lens, the point O; with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the surface i considered and the optical axis of the diverging lens, p and q being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and apq being the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient apq being expressed in mm, and where _ Y _ F are dimensionless, x — -and v — 7 R g with R0 equal to 30 mm and R being between 10 mm and 60 mm.

[0046] In particular, at least one of said first and second surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree four or higher in which the odd-order coefficients are all zero. The fact that the odd-order coefficients are all zero confers symmetry to said surface. In particular, the diverging lens has an optical axis, the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis, and the diverging lens has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the first surface (face A, rear surface) is a surface defined by the following eighth-degree polynomial equation: z(x,y) = -25.502 x2 -5.4996 x4 - 17.460 x6 - 0.89593 x8 - 7.6410 y2 - 12.530 x2*y2 + 1.4422 x4*y2 + 13.012 x6*y2 + 0.34126 y4 - 34.060 x2*y4 + 36.118 x4*y4 + 25.538 x2 *y6 and the second surface (face B) is planar, where x and y represent Cartesian coordinates in an orthonormal frame (X, Y, Z), the Z axis being parallel to the optical axis of the diverging lens. All odd-order coefficients are negative.

[0048] Alternatively, the diverging lens is arranged and configured to modify a median pointing direction of a lidar reference beam exiting the glazing. In particular, at least one of said first and second surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree three or higher in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero. In this case, said surface is not symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane or the vertical plane.

[0049] According to a particular aspect, the diverging lens is configured to transmit a beam with a median pointing direction substantially horizontal (inclined less than 5°, 2° with respect to a horizontal plane) and even to receive the median pointing direction of the reference beam of a lidar substantially horizontal (inclined less than 5°, 2° with respect to a horizontal plane).

[0050] Preferably, the lidar is disposed at a distance from the main inner face of the glazing and the diverging lens is disposed in particular at another distance from the main outer face of the glazing, the distances being adapted to reduce the size L of the vertical projection window of the lidar emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing and / or the width W of the horizontal projection window of the lidar emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing.

[0051] According to another particular aspect, a reference beam having, at the lidar output, a median direction of pointing and extending over an initial field of view of initial vertical angular aperture determined in a characteristic plane comprising a normal to the glazing and a vertical axis in the vehicle and of initial horizontal angular aperture determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis transverse to the median direction of pointing, in the near-infrared transmission window, the reference beam at the output of the front surface has an external field of view of vertical angular aperture in the characteristic plane and of horizontal angular aperture in the perpendicular plane,The diverging lens is arranged and configured so that the external vertical angular aperture is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture and so that the external horizontal angular aperture is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture, and preferably the initial horizontal angular aperture is at most 20°.

[0052] In particular, the reference beam having, at the output of the lidar, a median direction of pointing inclined with respect to a horizontal axis, the system further comprises a deflector disposed upstream of the first surface (rear surface) of the diverging lens (in particular in the passenger compartment), the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface of the diverging lens.

[0053] Preferably, the diverging lens comprises a functional layer or a surface treatment preferably anti-reflective at the working length, and / or hydrophobic or antifouling on the first surface and / or on the second surface and / or a hard coat on the second surface.

[0054] In particular, the diverging lens is spaced from the glazing (outside the glazing), in particular opposite the main external face of the glazing (Fl) or a hole in the glazing (housing a plate), in particular spaced at most 8 cm or 5 cm or 3 cm or 1 cm apart.

[0055] In particular, the diverging lens includes a peripheral extension linked to the first main face (by fixing, screwing etc).

[0056] The diverging lens can be fixed to a support in particular via one or more lateral faces support in particular fixed to the glazing (directly or fixed to a plate in a hole in the glazing).

[0057] According to a particular aspect, the diverging lens is disposed at least partially in a partial hole (hole in the first sheet of glass) or through hole in the glazing, in particular laminated, the diverging lens being linked at the periphery to the first main face or to a support in particular multifunctional.

[0058] In this case, preferably, the point located at the intersection of the first surface and the optical axis of the diverging lens is located in projection from the main internal face of the glazing.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the diverging lens is fixed to the glazing and / or to a support, particularly a multi-functional one, or to a housing or cover (individual or common to other sensors, to one or more other cameras, for example). In particular, the diverging lens is disposed in a partial or through (complete) hole in the glazing, particularly laminated glazing, or the diverging lens is then in particular attached to the first main face or to a support, particularly a multi-functional one.

[0060] In particular, the glazing system comprises a plate having a plate (individual or multi-sensor) in a hole through the glazing and transparent to the working wavelength, the diverging lens facing said plate, the second surface being projecting from said plate.

[0061] In the present text concerning a refractive index, a numerical index or a standard number (neither or nor etc.) is used interchangeably; for degrees, deg. or the symbol ° are used interchangeably; the term film or sheet is used interchangeably to designate a self-supporting element (an interleaving sheet becomes an adhesive layer after lamination). The term layer includes a sheet or a coating.

[0062] The glazing can be monolithic and comprises a sheet of glass or polymer (PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or polycarbonate (PC) or mineral. The glazing is preferably laminated.

[0063] The invention also relates to a lens for a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing and a lidar, the lens being a diverging lens, the diverging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface, and a second surface, called the front surface, opposite the first surface, the front surface being intended to be oriented (and even placed) outside the glazing, at least one of said first and second surfaces being unadjusted and concave, the diverging lens having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the diverging lens and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the diverging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification and even greater.

[0064] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0065] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that when the features mentioned in the claims are followed by reference numerals, these numerals are included solely for the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and do not in any way limit the scope of the claims.

[0066] On the attached drawings:

[0067] [Fig.l] schematically represents, in lateral section view along a characteristic plane, a vehicle glazing according to a first embodiment, with a lidar type infrared vision system and a diverging lens;

[0068] [Fig.2] schematically represents, in longitudinal section view along a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane, the vehicle glazing of the first mode,

[0069] [Fig.3] shows a front view of an example of a windshield incorporating a lens diverging according to one embodiment, the laminated glazing possibly comprising a multi-functional support integrated on one edge of the glazing;

[0070] [Fig.4] schematically represents in perspective an example of a lens divergent having a first concave surface;

[0071] [Fig.5] schematically represents, in lateral section view along a second reference plane (left) of the lens and in longitudinal section view along a plane perpendicular to the second reference plane (right), the diverging lens of the [Fig.4];

[0072] [Fig.6] schematically represents, in lateral section view along a first plane of reference, the emission beam from the lidar emission source through the glazing emission window and through a diverging lens;

[0073] [Fig.7] schematically represents, in longitudinal section view along a second reference plane, the emission beam exiting the emission window of the glazing and passing through the diverging lens of the previous figure;

[0074] [Fig.8] shows graphs illustrating the horizontal angular opening (HFOV1) and the vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) of the emission beam from the lidar light source upstream of the diverging lens (left graph) and the aperture horizontal angular (HF0V2) and vertical angular aperture (VF0V2) of the emission beam at the output of the diverging lens (right graph);

[0075] [Fig.9] shows graphs illustrating an irradiance map at 500mm of the emission beam of the lidar source in 2D projection (top graph) and respectively an irradiance map of the emission beam after vertical and horizontal field of view enlargement in 2D projection at the output of the glazing system with diverging lens (bottom graph);

[0076] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to an example of a first embodiment, without a hole, with a diverging lens linked to the main external face of the glazing by one or more support(s);

[0077] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in lateral section view a laminated vehicle glazing according to a second embodiment in which the diverging lens is disposed partially in a hole through the first sheet of glass of the laminated glazing and linked to the second sheet of glass face of the laminated glazing by one or more support(s);

[0078] [Fig. 12] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a third embodiment in which the diverging lens is disposed partly in a hole through the glazing;

[0079] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without a hole, the diverging lens being arranged outside the vehicle;

[0080] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, and the diverging lens is arranged outside the vehicle;

[0081] [Fig. 15] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to another variant of the first embodiment with laminated glazing, without holes, and a diverging lens outside the vehicle, in which an optical deflector is arranged in the passenger compartment downstream of the lidar;

[0082] [Fig. 16] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to another example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a diverging lens outside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0083] [Fig. 17] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to another example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a diverging lens outside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a partial notch in the glazing, namely forming a hole in the second sheet of glass and in the interlayer sheet of lamination;

[0084] [Fig. 18] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to another example of the third embodiment in which the glazing has a through hole forming a notch and the lidar as well as the diverging lens are opposite the notch housing a plate;

[0085] [Fig. 19] shows in front view an example of a windscreen incorporating a diverging lens of the [Fig. 18];

[0086] [Fig.20] schematically represents in perspective a glazing system including a lidar and the transmit and receive beams passing through the diverging lens.

[0087] [Fig.21] schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window according to another example of implementation with laminated glazing and a diverging lens within the glazing in a through hole;

[0088] [Fig.22] schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window according to another example of embodiment with laminated glazing and a diverging lens in a hole through the glazing and in particular in a through orifice of a plate housed in the hole.

[0089] It should be noted that in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same reference numerals. The figures are not to scale.

[0090] In [Fig. 1] or [Fig. 13], a vehicle window (preferably a road vehicle windshield) is schematically represented in a characteristic plane, for example, laminated glass with a first principal face 11 (denoted Fl) at the outermost edge and a principal face 14 (denoted F4), or respectively 12 (denoted F2) in the case of single glazing. For clarity, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a horizontal surface. The characteristic plane is the lateral (i.e., transverse) cross-sectional plane, thus taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (to the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the lower longitudinal edge 18 of the glass if straight). An orthonormal coordinate system XYZ is shown, in which the Y-axis is vertical, the X and Z axes are horizontal, and the Z-axis lies in the characteristic plane. The characteristic plane includes a normal 50 to the glass and a vertical axis Y in the vehicle.The positive direction of the angles used in this disclosure is also shown. Advantageously, the characteristic plane passes through the midpoint of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and is a plane of symmetry of the glazing.

[0091] The vehicle on which the glazing is installed or intended is, for example, a road vehicle (car, truck, public transport: bus, coach) or a railway vehicle (in particular with a maximum speed of 90 km / h or 70 km / h, especially subways and trams). The glazing finds applications particularly in windshields, rear windows, and even side windows (including quarter windows). For clarity In the diagram, a flat pane of glass is shown. However, the glass may have at least one radius of curvature, making it curved. Let E be the thickness of the glass. 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 (inclusive).

[0092] The glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 400, 500 is installed or intended to be installed on a vehicle at an angle of inclination, denoted [3], with a horizontal axis in the characteristic plane considered. For clarity, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a horizontal surface. The angle of inclination [3] is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and even at most 60 degrees, generally between 15 and 20 and 60 degrees, preferably ranging from 20 to 50 degrees, for example, 23 or 30 degrees for a motor vehicle windshield. As indicated above, the angle of inclination [3] has a sign, which is positive here.

[0093] The glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 400, 500 has an upper longitudinal edge 10 and a lower longitudinal edge 18. The characteristic plane of the glazing is the lateral cross-sectional plane of the glazing comprising a normal 50 to the glazing and a vertical axis Y in the vehicle. The characteristic plane of the glazing preferably passes through the midpoint of the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the midpoint of the lower longitudinal edge 18.

[0094] An infrared vision system 7 is placed here a lidar inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, spaced out and behind the laminated or non-laminated glazing.

[0095] As is known, the infrared vision system 7 comprises 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 a working wavelength, LB1, within a spectral range from 800 nm to 1800 nm, in particular from 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 in at least a portion of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. The detection device 72 is generally oriented parallel to the light source 71.Depending on the type of lidar used, the emission beam 70 is emitted in a direction that is scanned in two transverse dimensions, or the emission beam 70 extends along a sheet that is scanned in a single direction transverse to the sheet, or the emission beam 70 is of the flash type and does not use scanning. With or without scanning, the emission beam 70 from the light source 71 extends over a source field of view having a vertical angular aperture, denoted VFOV1, and an internal horizontal angular aperture, denoted HFOV1, given. The vertical angular aperture VFOV1 ranges from 2 to 15 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, for example, 7 degrees. The internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 ranges from 10 to 25 degrees. Preferably less than 20 degrees, for example 17 degrees. In this document, the lidar reference beam is defined as the beam corresponding to the intersection of the emitted beam 70 and the reflected beam 170. The lidar reference plane comprises the median direction of point 40 and a vertical axis (Y). Preferably, the lidar reference plane coincides with the characteristic plane of the glazing.

[0096] Here, therefore, the beam section has been defined as a function of the spatial distribution of the transverse intensity or irradiance profile of the emission beam in a plane perpendicular to the median direction of point 40, the intensity or irradiance being measured in W / m2, the section being measured at 1 / e2 of the maximum intensity at the wavelength LB1. A rectangular or quasi-rectangular section is understood to be a beam having a rectangular transverse intensity profile distribution, as illustrated by white dashes in the example in [Fig.9].

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an application in which the infrared vision system 7 is placed behind the glazing forming the windshield of a motor vehicle, facing an area, here called the near-infrared transmission window 111, which is preferably located in the central and upper part of the windshield. The transmission window 111 is transparent to the emission beam of the infrared vision system 7. In this window 111, the infrared vision system is oriented at a certain angle of incidence with respect to the surface of the glazing, for example, the windshield, in particular the main inner face 14 of the glazing 100. In this example, the transmission window 111 is separated from the upper edge 10 of the glazing by the masking layer 5.

[0098] The glazing can be a glazing comprising a single sheet of glass (see [Fig. 1]). In this case, the glazing 100 has an external main face 11 referred to as Fl oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and an internal main face 12 referred to as F2 oriented towards the interior of the vehicle.

[0099] In other specific embodiments, the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 400, 500 is a laminated glazing comprising (see figures 11 and 13 to 18): - a first sheet of glass 1 intended to form the outer glazing with a first outer principal face 11, called Fl, oriented outwards and a second inner principal face 12, called F2, oriented towards the passenger compartment; for a motor vehicle, the first sheet of glass 1 preferably has a thickness of at most 4 mm, and even at most 3 mm or 2.5 mm, - in particular 2.1 mm, 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm and 1.4 mm - and preferably of at least 0.7 mm or 1 mm (inclusive); - a lamination interlayer 3 made of polymer material having a principal face 38 oriented towards the second inner principal face 12 and a principal face 39 opposite the principal face 38; the lamination interlayer 3 is single- or multi-layered, optionally neutral, clear, extra-clear or tinted, particularly grey or green, made of polymer material, preferably thermoplastic and even better polyvinyl butyral (PVB), preferably for a road vehicle with a thickness of no more than 1.8 mm, better no more than 1.2 mm and even no more than 0.9 mm (and better at least 0.3 mm and even at least 0.6 mm), the laminate interlayer 3 is optionally acoustic and / or optionally has a cross-section decreasing in a wedge shape from the top to the bottom of the glazing (in particular a windshield) for a head-up display (HUD); and - a second sheet of glass 2 intended to form the interior glazing with a third main face 13 called F3 oriented towards the second internal main face 12 of the first sheet of glass 1 and a fourth main face 14 oriented towards the passenger compartment called F4.

[0100] In the case of laminated glazing, the first external principal face of the first sheet of glass 1 forms the external principal face 11 of the glazing and the fourth principal face of the second sheet of glass 2 forms the internal principal face 14 of the glazing.

[0101] The first sheet of glass 1, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, silica-soda-lime, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of not more than 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably not more than 0.03% (300 ppm) and not more than 0.015% (150 ppm), and in particular greater than or equal to 0.005%. The redox potential of the first sheet of glass is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15, and in particular between 0.2 and 0.30, and in particular between 0.25 and 0.30. In particular, an OPTWHITE glass 1.95 mm thick is chosen.

[0102] The second glass sheet 2, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, preferably silicic soda-lime, or even aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, preferably has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of at least 0.4% and preferably not more than 1.5%. The second glass sheet 2 may be tinted. The second glass sheet 2 is, for example, based on a glass manufactured by the Applicant called TSAnx (0.5 to 0.6% iron), TSA2+, TSA3+ (0.8 to 0.9% iron), TSA4+ (1% iron), TSA5+, for example, green. A TSA3+ glass 1.6 mm thick is chosen, for example.

[0103] For a road vehicle, the second glass sheet 2 is preferably thinner than the first glass sheet 1, even by no more than 3mm or 2mm - in particular 1.9mm, 1.8mm, 1.6mm and 1.4mm - or even by no more than 1.3mm, and preferably by at least 0.7mm, the sum of the thicknesses of the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet preferably being strictly less than 5mm or 4mm, even 3.7mm (including terminals).

[0104] Advantageously, at least in the near-infrared transmission window 111, the glass sheet or sheets are made of glass transparent in the near infrared, as for example described in patent documents WO2018015312 and / or WO2018178278.

[0105] In particular, in the embodiment(s) without a hole in the first or second sheet of glass (figures 1-2, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15) the first sheet of glass 1 is made of clear or extra-clear glass and the second sheet is also made of clear or extra-clear glass.

[0106] The windshield of a road vehicle in particular is curved. In a conventional and well-known way, the windshield is obtained by hot lamination of the first, second sheets of glass 1, 2 and the lamination interlayer 3. For example, a lamination interlayer 3 made of clear (or tinted) PVB of 0.38mm or 0.76mm thickness is chosen.

[0107] The glazing system includes an optical device arranged along the optical path of the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar. According to this disclosure, the optical device includes a diverging lens 20. The diverging lens 20 has a first surface 21, referred to as the rear surface or face A, and a second surface 22, opposite the first surface 21. The second surface 22, referred to as the front surface or face B, is oriented outwards, in particular being positioned at a distance from the first principal face 11 of the glazing, projecting from the first principal face of the glazing. The diverging lens 20 preferably operates in free space, in air. The diverging lens 20 is preferably a single piece. The diverging lens 20 is, for example, made of one of the following materials: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), extra-clear glass, PC (polycarbonate), PU (polyurethane).For example, the diverging lens 20 has a thickness at the center of between 1 cm and 4 cm (inclusive).

[0108] According to this disclosure, at least one surface among the first surface 21 and the second surface is a concave surface without rotational symmetry about an optical axis and unruly, that is, a surface that is not generated by the movement of a straight line whose endpoints lie along two curves or a curve and a point. In other words, at least one of the two surfaces 21, 22 (preferably the front surface at least) is not a planar surface, nor a cylindrical surface, nor a conical surface, nor a hyperboloid surface. For example, at least one of the two surfaces 21, 22 is defined by a polynomial equation of degree three or higher. In particular, at least one of the two surfaces 21, 22 is defined by a polynomial equation of degree four. We further detail an example of a diverging lens 20, in which one of the two surfaces is defined by a polynomial equation of degree eight.

[0109] The diverging lens 20 is arranged in the lidar reference plane to receive the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar 7. For example, the lens diverging lens 20 is arranged on the median direction of the point 40 of the light source 71. Alternatively, one or more optical components are arranged between the light source 71 and the diverging lens 20 so as to redirect the emission beam towards the diverging lens 20.

[0110] In one application, the diverging lens 20 further allows the median direction of the pointed beam 45 to be modified. For example, one or both surfaces 21, 22 of the diverging lens are polynomial surfaces of degree three or higher with non-nuisance odd orders. For example, both surfaces 21, 22 of the diverging lens 20 are of order four or higher with nuisance odd orders, and the diverging lens 20 is coupled to a redirection means such as a mirror 75 or a prism. The redirection means is preferably positioned between the lidar 7 and the main inner face 12, 14 of the glazing, as illustrated in [Fig. 15]. In this case, the lidar can, for example, advantageously point downwards to reduce its footprint inside the vehicle.

[0111] In [Fig. 15], an optical device comprising an optical deflector 75, for example a plane reflector mirror at the working wavelength, is shown, arranged between the light source 71 and the main internal face 12, 14 of the glazing 140. The optical deflector 75 allows the lidar to be placed as close as possible to the glazing and / or the orientation of the median direction of pointing 40 to be adjusted.

[0112] In all cases, the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 is arranged so as to receive the emitted beam 70 over the entire source field of view, i.e., over the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and over the internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. For this purpose, the vertex of the first surface 21 is located at a distance, denoted dl, from the light source 71 (real or virtual). The distance dl is preferably between 50 mm and 300 mm (inclusive), for example, 210 mm. As indicated above, the vertex of the second surface 22, or front surface, is located at a distance, denoted d2, from the first main face 11 of the glazing, projecting from the first main face of the glazing. The distance d2 is preferably at most 200 mm, preferably greater than 0.1 mm (inclusive of terminals), for example 110 mm.

[0113] Furthermore, the diverging lens 20 is designed to exhibit a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane of the lens, here denoted plane YZ or PRuj (see Figures 1 and 4), and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a plane perpendicular to the first reference plane, the perpendicular plane being here denoted plane XZ or PrEF2 (see Figures 2 and 4). The first reference plane PREEi of the diverging lens 20 is transverse to the first surface 21 and to the second surface 22. Advantageously, the first plane of reference PREFi and the perpendicular plane PreF2 of the diverging lens 20 each have a normal to the first surface 21 and a normal to the second surface 22. Preferably, the diverging lens 20 is arranged so that the first reference plane of the lens coincides with the reference plane of the lidar.

[0114] Furthermore, the diverging lens 20 is designed to exhibit an asymmetrical angular optical magnification, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification and, moreover, greater. In other words, the diverging lens 20 does not exhibit rotational symmetry about its optical axis 25, unlike a spherical or aspheric lens of revolution. For a diverging lens, the angular magnification is positive. However, here we consider the angular magnification in absolute value. In particular, the second angular magnification is greater than the first angular magnification.In this way, the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 has a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the field of view on the source side and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of the field of view on the source side.

[0115] The first angular magnification is the ratio between the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface of the diverging lens 20 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the lidar emission beam 70 incident on the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 arranged in the characteristic plane of the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310. The first angular magnification is the angular magnification of the diverging lens 20 in the characteristic plane YZ of the glazing system. The YZ plane is, for example, a vertical plane.

[0116] The second angular magnification is defined as the ratio between the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface of the diverging lens 20 and the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar incident on the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 arranged in the characteristic plane of the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310. In other words, the second angular magnification is the angular magnification of the diverging lens 20 in the plane XZ orthogonal to the characteristic plane of the glazing system and including the median direction of the point 40 of the emission beam 70. The plane XZ is, for example, a horizontal plane.

[0117] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the emission beam 70 is transmitted through the glazing 100, here approximated as a plate with flat, parallel faces that does not modify the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 or the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 at the exit of the glazing 100. The emission beam exiting the transmission window 111 is refracted through the first surface 21 and then the second surface 22 of the lens diverging lens 20 then propagates in free space. The resulting emission beam at the output of the diverging lens 20 has a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 that are respectively larger than those of the light source 71. Furthermore, thanks to the diverging lens 20, the angular magnification of the field of view is greater in the horizontal plane than in the vertical plane.

[0118] In some embodiments, the diverging lens 20 is entirely disposed on the outer side of the glazing (see figures 1-2, 6-7, 10, 13-16). In other embodiments, the diverging lens 20 is disposed in a partial hole in the glazing on the outer side (figures 11) or in a through hole (figures 12, 21, 22) in the glazing.

[0119] The lidar 7 is located in the passenger compartment. In particular, it is positioned opposite the inner face of the glazing (Figures 1, 2, 13, 14, 15). In other embodiments, the lidar 7 is positioned opposite a partial hole in the glazing on the inner side (see Figures 16, 17), or a through hole ([Fig. 18]) in the glazing, with the lidar 7 at a distance or partially within said hole.

[0120] In a first embodiment, the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 does not have a hole or notch to allow the lidar emission beam to pass through, nor to house at least partially the diverging lens 20 or the lidar 7. The diverging lens 20 is located outside the passenger compartment and the lidar 7 is located inside the passenger compartment. In this case, the emission beam propagates in free space (in air) between the main external face 11 of the glazing 10 and the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20. The first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 is located opposite the near-infrared transmission window 111, the first surface 21 being spaced from the main external face 11 or Fl of the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140.The vertex or point 221 of the second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 on the median direction of the point 45 exiting the glazing is placed at a distance d2 from the main external face 11 of the glazing 10 (see figures 1 and 2).

[0121] Figures 4-5 show a diverging lens 20 according to an exemplary embodiment, from different views. The diverging lens 20 has a first concave surface 21 and a second flat surface 22. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 have non-spherical shapes and lack rotational symmetry about the optical axis 25 of the lens 20. The shape of the first surface 21 and the shape of the second surface 22 are designed and optimized so that the emission beam 70 from the lidar incident on the first surface has a horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, respectively a vertical angular aperture VFOV1, and the emission beam refracted through the diverging lens 20 has, at the exit of the second surface 22, a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, and respectively a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than the aperture vertical angular magnification VFOV1. Preferably, the diverging lens 20 is designed to have a horizontal angular magnification greater than its vertical angular magnification.

[0122] In one embodiment, the diverging lens 20 is optimized using light intensity simulation software at the output of the glazing system. The shape of the first surface 21 and / or the second surface 22 are optimized as a function of parameters so as to define a figure of merit defining homogeneity of irradiance or intensity over the field of view of the lidar at the output of the glazing system.

[0123] Particularly advantageously, the diverging lens 20 comprises an anti-reflective coating 27 on the first surface 21 and / or an anti-reflective coating 28 on the second surface 22. The anti-reflective coating 27, 28 comprises, for example, a porous silica-based layer having a thickness adapted according to the wavelength LB1 of the lidar.

[0124] Anti-reflective treatment (coating or structuring type) can be applied using various technologies such as: liquid deposition, particularly in sol-gel form, macroporous layer, notably of porous silica; PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), for example, a layer, particularly of silica, deposited by magnetron; plasma coating; microstructuring, etc. In the case of treatment on a concave surface, plasma coating is preferred because this technique allows for 3D deposition, of optical quality, on a small element.

[0125] A macroporous silicon layer or porous silica layer is preferred, with a refractive optical index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm or with a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm.

[0126] Since the diverging lens 20 is located wholly or partly outside the passenger compartment, its surfaces (at least the front surface) are generally exposed to external elements and dust. Alternatively or additionally, the diverging lens 20 has a hydrophobic or self-cleaning and / or antifouling external coating and / or a hard coat on the first surface 21 and / or on the second surface 22. An example of a hard coat is, for example, a layer of carbon in the form of diamond-like carbon.

[0127] The diverging lens 20 is without rotational symmetry so as to exhibit a different angular magnification in the first reference plane and in the second reference plane perpendicular to the first reference plane, in particular greater in the second reference plane. This lens configuration divergent 20 allows different values ​​for the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 at the output of the divergent 20 lens. A single divergent 20 lens thus allows independent adjustment of the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of the emission beam at the output of the glazing system.

[0128] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of a diverging lens 20, which is here an asymmetric diverging lens. The diverging lens 20 has a first concave surface 21 and a second flat surface 22. The diverging lens 20 also has a longitudinal optical axis 25 transverse to the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The diverging lens 20 further presents flat lateral faces: an upper face 23, a lower face 24, and two faces 26 perpendicular to the upper face 23 and / or the lower face 24. On the sides of the first surface 21, the diverging lens 20 also has flat facets 29 parallel to the second surface 22. The lateral faces 23, 24, 26 and / or facets 29 allow the diverging lens 20 to be placed in an opto-mechanical mount and aligned with respect to the characteristic plane YZ.Preferably, the optical axis 25 of the diverging lens 20 is aligned with the median direction of the pointed beam 40 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar. Preferably, the upper face 23, the lower face 24 and / or both faces 26 is / are planar.

[0129] The external dimensions of the diverging lens 20 are approximately 37 mm (between facets 29 and face 22), approximately 85 mm (between lateral faces 26), and approximately 39 mm (between lateral faces 23 and 24). The aperture of the first surface 21 between facets 29 in the plane passing through the X-axis and the optical axis 25 is approximately 35 mm along the X-axis.

[0130] The diverging lens 20 asymmetrically increases the vertical and horizontal angular apertures of the lidar emission beam 70. For example, the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 are less than 20 degrees. The diverging lens produces an emission beam with a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than twice the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 and, respectively, a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than twice the vertical angular aperture VFOV1, the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 being different from the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 at the output of the diverging lens.For example, the lens in Figures 4-5 transforms an emission beam with a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of 7 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of 9.6 degrees into an emission beam with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of 26 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of 120 degrees. In this example, the vertical angular magnification (first . angular magnification) is in absolute value equal to 3.7 and the horizontal angular magnification (second angular magnification) is in absolute value equal to 12.5. The use of this diverging lens makes it possible to reduce the footprint of the beam on the glazing by a factor of 5 vertically and 38 horizontally.

[0131] Preferably, the diverging lens 20 operates in free space, in air.

[0132] In the first embodiment (illustrated in figures 1-2, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15), the An asymmetrically shaped diverging lens 20 is positioned entirely outside the passenger compartment, along the optical path of the lidar beam emerging from the outer main face of the glazing. The diverging lens 20 is fixed, for example by adhesive, to a support 80, 82, 83 or an opto-mechanical mount, preferably via the lateral faces 23, 24 and / or 26, which are inoperative for the optical transfer function of the asymmetric diverging lens (see, for example, [Fig. 10]). The support 82 or the mount is, for example, fixed to the glazing or the passenger compartment. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 10], the diverging lens 20 is also fixed, via its lower face 24, to a support 84 (of a suitable shape, prism-shaped, etc.) which is itself fixed, for example, by an adhesive 85, to the outer main face 11 Fl of the glazing.Preferably, a transparent blade 32 is positioned at the exit of the diverging lens 20 and the support 84 so as to protect the surfaces of these elements from external dust. The transparent blade 32 is, for example, fixed to the support 82.

[0133] For example, the vertex 211 of the first surface 21 is placed at an optical distance di from the light source 71 of the lidar (real or virtual source, i.e., the point from which the rays emerging from the lidar appear to originate) and the vertex 221 of the second surface 22 is placed at a distance d2 from the outer principal face 11 of the glazing. The asymmetric diverging lens 20 forms, in the reference YZ plane, a virtual image 73 of the light source 71 at a distance d3 from the point 211 of the first surface 21 along the optical axis of the median direction of the pointing ([Fig. 1]). Similarly, the asymmetric diverging lens 20 forms, in the plane XZ orthogonal to the characteristic plane, a virtual image 74 of the light source 71 at a distance d4 from the point 211 of the first surface 21 along the optical axis of the median direction of the point ([Fig.2]).The distance d3 is different from the distance d4 due to the asymmetrical shape of the diverging lens 20.

[0134] The asymmetric diverging lens 20 is preferably configured and arranged to reduce the footprint or obstruction of the lidar emission beam 70 on the transmission window 111 of the glazing system 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310. To this end, the asymmetric diverging lens 20 is preferably arranged so as to reduce, in particular, the distance d3 and / or the distance d4 and / or the distance di between the light source 71 and the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20. In one embodiment example, this configuration of the diverging lens 20 makes it possible to reduce by a factor of about three the size L of the vertical projection window of the lidar emission beam into the glazing transmission window 111 and by a factor of about nine the width W of the horizontal projection window of the lidar emission beam into the glazing transmission window 111, while multiplying by at least two the horizontal and vertical angular openings.

[0135] In the case of laminated glazing, the glazing advantageously comprises a masking layer 5 disposed between the first glass sheet 1 and the lamination interlayer 3 (see Figures 2, 3, 13-19). The masking layer 5 is bonded to the second internal principal face 12 of the first glass sheet 1. The masking layer 5 is also bonded to the principal face 38 of the lamination interlayer 3. The masking layer 5 is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel coating or a lacquer. The masking layer 5 is suitable for masking the lidar housing 8. The masking layer 5 has a masking area with dimensions larger than the size L and the width W of the emission beam incident on the internal principal face of the glazing. The space in the masking layer 5 allows the passage of the emission beam 70 from the lidar and the reflected beam towards the detection device 72.The masking layer area, for example, has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape with two long horizontal sides 501, 502 and two short sides (see front view figures).

[0136] In particular, at least one of said first surface 21 and second surface 22 is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three, where N is an integer, the polynomial equation describing the first surface or the second surface being written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in mm in an orthonormal coordinate system (O;X, O;Y, O;Z), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis of the diverging lens, the point O; with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the considered surface i and the optical axis of the diverging lens, pdq being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and apq being the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient apq being expressed in mm, and where s and v are dimensionless (also denoted x, y), with R0 equal to 30 mm and R being between 10 mm and 60 mm.

[0137] We will now describe in detail an example of an embodiment in which the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 is defined by a polynomial equation of degree three or higher, in particular of degree eight, and the second surface 22 is planar. The light source 71 is placed at a distance di of 110 mm from the point 211 on the optical axis 25 of the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20. The light source 71 generates an emission beam having a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of 7.0 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV of 9.4 degrees.

[0138] The first surface 21 is defined by a polynomial of degree eight whose coefficients are defined in the following table 1.

[0139] [Tables 1] (mîïO .ri X^ X3 X3 -•< X X5 ri 558

[0140] In Table 1, all x coefficients of order greater than eight are null, all y coefficients of order greater than six are null, and all odd-order coefficients are also null. In other words, the first surface 21 is defined by the following eighth-degree polynomial equation: z(x, y) = -25.502 x2 -5.4996 x4 - 17.460 x6 - 0.89593 x8 - 7.6410 y2 - 12.530 x2*y2 + 1.4422 x4*y2 + 13.012 x6*y2 + 0.34126 y4 - 34.060 x2*y4 + 36.118 x4*y4 + 25.538 x2*y6, where x and y represent the Cartesian coordinates normalized to R (i.e., dimensionless) in an orthonormal coordinate system OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis 25 of the diverging lens 20 and the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the first surface 21 and the optical axis 25 of the diverging lens. The first surface 21 has a symmetry with respect to the plane XOiZ and another symmetry with respect to the plane YOiZ.However, the first surface 21 does not exhibit rotational symmetry with respect to the Z axis, the respective coefficients in x2, x4, x6, x8 being different from the respective coefficients in y2, y4, y6, y8.

[0141] The second surface 22 is here planar. Alternatively, the second surface 22 is defined by another polynomial of degree greater than or equal to three, for example of degree four, six or eight.

[0142] A diverging lens 20 is manufactured by numerically controlled 3D machining and / or molding. Its first surface 21 is defined by the eighth-degree polynomial equation indicated above, and its second surface 22 is planar. The diverging lens 20 is, for example, made from a machinable block of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). An emission beam 70 is generated at the output of the glazing system equipped with this diverging lens 20. This beam has a median direction, pointed horizontally here, a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of approximately 26 degrees, and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of approximately 120 degrees. In this example, the vertical angular magnification is 3.7 and the horizontal angular magnification is 12.5.

[0143] Figure 8 shows graphs illustrating asymmetric angular magnification of the diverging lens having the first surface 21 defined by the eighth-degree polynomial indicated above and the second plane surface 22. The curves in [Fig. 8] are obtained by numerical simulation. In practice, the intensity can be measured as a function of the aperture angle using a far-field goniometer.

[0144] In the left-hand graph of [Fig. 8], the intensity slices of the emission beam from the lidar light source 71 upstream of the diverging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle with respect to the median direction of the pointing (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the characteristic plane (vertical plane YZ), and the intensity slices of the emission beam from the lidar upstream of the diverging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle with respect to the median direction of the pointing in the plane orthogonal (horizontal plane XZ) to the characteristic plane. In this graph, the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 is estimated at 5 degrees and the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 at approximately 8 degrees.

[0145] In the graph on the right of [Fig. 8], the intensity slices of the emission beam exiting the diverging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle with respect to the median direction of the pointing (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the characteristic plane (vertical plane YZ), and the intensity slices of the emission beam exiting the diverging lens 20 as a function of the angle with respect to the median direction of the pointing (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the plane orthogonal (horizontal plane XZ) to the characteristic plane. In this graph, the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is estimated at approximately 26 degrees and the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 at approximately 115 degrees.

[0146] By comparing [Fig. 8] on the left and [Fig. 8] on the right, the increase of approximately a factor of fourteen in the horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) of the emission beam exiting the glazing compared to the horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) of the emission beam from the lidar light source is clearly observed. (right-hand graph). Furthermore, it is observed that the intensity per angle slice remains almost constant after enlarging the field of view over virtually the entire horizontal aperture. The increase of approximately a factor of four in the vertical angular aperture (VF0V2) of the emission beam exiting this diverging lens 20 is also clearly observed, compared to the vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) of the emission beam from the lidar light source. Moreover, it is observed that the intensity per angle slice remains almost constant after enlarging the field of view over virtually the entire vertical aperture.

[0147] Remarkably, it is thus possible to use a lidar having a very small internal field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, for example 10 deg. or even 8 deg. or 7 deg. vertically and 20 degrees, or even 15 degrees or 9 degrees horizontally, while obtaining an enlarged external field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV2, for example here 26 deg. vertically and 115 degrees.

[0148] Fig. 9 (top graph) shows an irradiance map (in W / mm²) of the emission beam of the lidar source measured in 2D projection in a plane perpendicular to the median direction of lidar pointing at a distance of 680 mm from the emission source without the diverging lens 20. The extent of the field of view is limited to an approximately elliptical area whose minor axis has a length of approximately 750 mm along the vertical axis (Y) and whose major axis has a length of approximately 760 mm along the horizontal axis (X).

[0149] Figure 9 (bottom graph) shows an irradiance map (in W / mm²) of the beam The emission pattern of the same light source combined with a diverging lens 20 has a first surface 21 defined by the polynomial equation indicated above and a second flat surface 22. The irradiance map is measured here in 2D projection onto a plane perpendicular to the median direction of the lidar's pointing, at a distance of 680 mm from the emission source combined with the diverging lens 20, and at 460 mm in front of the diverging lens 20. This results in an asymmetrical enlargement of the vertical and horizontal field of view at the exit of the glazing in 2D projection (right-hand graph). After asymmetrical enlargement, the field of view extends over a roughly rectangular area with a width of approximately 1200 mm along the vertical axis (Y) and a length of approximately 1800 mm along the horizontal axis (X).Enlarging the field of view of the emission beam exiting the glazing with the diverging lens 20 allows a larger field of view to be covered without increasing the size L or the width W of the projection window of the lidar emission beam 70 onto the main internal face 12, 14 of the glazing. The size L is expressed as a function of . the distance d3 according to the following formula: L=2*d3*tan(VFOV2 / 2) and the width W as a function of the distance d4 according to the following formula: W=2*d4*tan(HFOV2 / 2).

[0150] The invention offers an additional advantage, which is that it allows the lidar beam cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the beam propagation axis to be approximately rectangular in shape, rather than circular, elliptical, or distorted as would be obtained after passing through a spherical, aspherical, or cylindrical lens. A beam cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the beam propagation axis with an approximately rectangular shape is desirable, in particular, for detecting objects close to the vehicle at the edge of the field of view, such as pedestrians.

[0151] Remarkably, it is thus possible to use a lidar having an internal rectangular field of view with very small vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, while obtaining an external rectangular field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 each magnified by a different amount. For example, the angular magnification of the vertical angular aperture is in absolute value greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 2.0, and the angular magnification of the horizontal angular aperture is in absolute value greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 2.0, for example, on the order of 4.0.For example, the internal vertical angular aperture VFOV1 ranges from 2 to 15 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, for example 7 degrees, and the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 ranges from 3 to 45 degrees, preferably greater than 15 degrees, for example 20 degrees. The internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 ranges from 10 to 25 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, for example 17 degrees, and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 ranges from 12 to 120 degrees, preferably greater than 30 degrees, for example 80 degrees.

[0152] As indicated above, in the first embodiment, to transmit the LIDAR beam, the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 includes a transmission window 111 in a reserved area of ​​the glazing which is free of holes or notches.

[0153] In the second and third embodiments, respectively, described below with reference to Figures 11-12 and 16-18, for transmitting the LIDAR beam, the glazing 200, 300 is perforated by a partial hole 30, or respectively a through hole 31 (complete) of the glazing, in particular forming a notch. The partial hole 30 or the through hole 31, in particular the notch, is dedicated individually either to the diverging lens or to the LIDAR or is a common hole or notch housing a support, in particular a multi-function (multi-sensor) support.

[0154] Preferably, a support 80, such as a plate (in particular, multi-functional), is disposed at least partially in the partial or through hole and / or protruding from the first or fourth main face, the support 80 being attached to the glazing or to the edge of the partial or through hole. Preferably, the diverging lens 20 is attached (by bonding or direct adhesive contact) to this support on its lower face, its upper face, or one of its lateral faces. More specifically, the second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 is located at a distance from the first main face 11, protruding from the first main face 11 of the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310.

[0155] The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, is for example rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and comprises a first long side 301 or so-called upper longitudinal edge closest to the edge of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing, preferably parallel to this edge 10, a second long side 302 or so-called lower longitudinal edge (furthest from the edge of the upper longitudinal edge 10, near the central area) parallel to the first long side, with a length of at most 25 cm or 20 cm and preferably greater than that of the first long side, for example 14 cm, and two short sides 303, 304 or straight or oblique lateral edges (see [Fig. 19]). The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, may have rounded corners.

[0156] Alternatively, the partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, forms a notch on an edge, for example the upper edge 10, of the glazing (see Figures 17 and 18, 19). In Figures 17 and 18, 19, the edges 301, 302, 303, 304 of the partial hole 30, or respectively of the through hole 31, can be seen.

[0157] Furthermore, Figures 13 to 22 illustrate various integration methods for a diverging lens 20 and / or the lidar system within a pane of glass. These figures share the following common elements. The laminated glass 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 310, 400, 500 comprises a first sheet of glass 1, a lamination interlayer 3, and a second sheet of glass 2. The infrared vision system 7 is housed in a casing 8, for example, made of plastic or metal. In various embodiments, the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are arranged side by side in a vertical plane, in a horizontal plane, or in a plane inclined to a horizontal plane.

[0158] The housing 8 is fixed by a fastening means in a removable manner, for example by clipping. The housing 8 is fixed, for example (entirely) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass sheet 2 by the fastening means in a removable manner, for example by clipping. Alternatively, the housing 8 is fixed to a support 80, preferably multifunctional (a multi-sensor plate, with antenna, etc.) fixed (glued) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass sheet 2. According to another embodiment, the housing 8 is fixed to face F4 or to support 80 and also to a vehicle component, for example, the vehicle roof, in particular to the interior trim of the vehicle passenger compartment and / or to the bodywork 160, which is bonded to the periphery of the glazing (on face 14 or face 12 if there is a partial hole, or on support 80 if there is a through hole in the glazing) using an adhesive 60 (see Figures 14 and 17). A gasket 161 (extruded, etc.), preferably with a lip 162, is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the glazing (and even the support 80 if applicable, see Figures 14 and 17).

[0159] Particularly advantageously, as shown in [Fig.3] the glazing system includes a support or plate 80 (on face F4) possibly perforated at the right of the transmission window 111 possibly forming a base for the infrared vision system 7.

[0160] The plate 80 may include areas for one or more other sensors 601, 602, 603, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, a thermal camera, and even a base for these sensors. If necessary, the plate is perforated in the optical transmission. The plate 80 is connected to the rear main face 14 of the glazing and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the plate 80 is transparent to the LB1 wavelength of the lidar radiation.

[0162] According to other embodiments, the plate 80 is opaque or absorbing at the wavelength LB 1 of the lidar radiation, the plate 80 having a through hole or notch through which the emission beams 70 and reception beams 76 of the infrared vision system 7 pass.

[0163] In an example illustrated in [Fig. 10], the diverging lens 20 is here fixed by means of one or two other supports 82, 84 to the main external face 11 of the glazing. In this example, the upper face 23 of the diverging lens 20 is fixed to the support 82 and the lower face 24 of the diverging lens 20 is fixed to the support 84. The support 82, 84 is fixed, for example, by bonding to the outer face of the main external face 11. Preferably, the support 82 and / or 84 includes means for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the diverging lens to align the optical axis 25 of this diverging lens with the median direction of the pointing 40 of the light source 71. In addition, the support 82 and / or 84 preferably includes means for adjusting the position of the diverging lens 20 so as to adjust the distance between the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20 and the main external face 11 of the glazing.

[0164] In an example of the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 11], the glazing 200 is a laminated glazing having a partial hole 30 in the laminated glazing to form, in the characteristic plane, the near-infrared transmission window 111 capable of allowing the lidar emission beam to pass through. The partial hole 30 is formed on the outer side of the glazing, the partial hole passing through the first sheet of glass and the interlayer sheet 3. The second glass sheet 2 is here intact, i.e. without a hole or notch opposite the hole in the first glass sheet 1 and in the interlayer 3. The diverging lens 20 is positioned outside the passenger compartment and opposite the partial hole, here partly within the partial hole 30. On the optical axis 25, the point 221 of the second surface 22 of the diverging lens is located at a distance d2 from the third principal face 13 of the second glass sheet 2 opposite the partial hole in the glazing 200. In this case, the emission beam propagates in free space within the partial hole 30 between the third principal face 13 of the second glass sheet 2 and the first surface 21 of the diverging lens 20. On the [Fig. 11], the partial hole 30 is closed, that is to say away from the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing 200.

[0165] In an example of the third embodiment (see [Fig. 12]), the diverging lens 20 is fixed by its upper face 23, here flat, to the support 82, which is inserted at least partially into the through hole 31. The lower face 24, here flat, of the diverging lens 20 is fixed, for example by gluing, to one long side 302 of the through hole 31. The support 82 is fixed, for example by gluing, to another long side of the through hole 31. In this way, the diverging lens 20 is connected to the glazing 300.

[0166] In an example of the first embodiment illustrated in relation to [Fig. 14], the glazing system includes a support or plate 80 with a hole at the transmission window 111 and optionally forming a base for the lidar 7. The plate 80 optionally forms a base for one or more other sensors such as a rain sensor, visible camera, etc. The plate 80 is connected to the rear main face 14 of the glazing and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0167] In another example of the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 17], the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are, for example, attached to a support 81 which is itself attached to the housing 8 or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The diverging lens 20 is located outside the vehicle. Preferably, the support 81 includes means for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the light source 71 to align the median direction of the pointing 40 with the optical axis 25 of this diverging lens 20. Furthermore, the support 81 preferably includes means for adjusting the position of the assembly formed by the lidar system (source 71 and detector 72) with respect to the inner main face 12, 14 of the glazing 220 so as to adjust the distance between the inner main face 12, 14 of the glazing and the source 71.These adjustment means make it possible to reduce the footprint of the incident emission beam on the main internal face of the glazing 220 while making it possible to increase the horizontal and vertical angular opening of the emission beam exiting the glazing via the diverging lens 20. For a beam with a rectangular cross-section, the beam footprint is generally defined by the projection of this rectangle of length L and width W onto the glazing.

[0168] According to another aspect, the diverging lens 20 is fixed, for example, by bonding its lower face 24 to an opto-mechanical support 82 and / or a base 83, 84 (see description in relation to Figures 10-12). The base 83, 84 allows the diverging lens 20 to be fixed to the outer main face ([Fig. 10]), or to be housed on the third main face 13 of the second glass sheet 2 opposite a partial hole or notch in the first glass sheet 1 and the lamination interlayer 3 ([Fig. 11]). This opto-mechanical mounting allows the diverging lens 20 to be placed as close as possible to the outer main face 11 of the glazing, while permitting a reduction in the distance d2.

[0169] The various fixing systems 80, 82, 83, 84 of the diverging lens also apply, depending on the specific case, to the embodiments related to figures 13 to 18.

[0170] In another variant of the second embodiment (see Figures 16, 17), the glazing is laminated glass having a partial hole 30 passing through the second glass sheet 2 and optionally the interlayer sheet 3 of the laminated glass to form the transmission window 111. The diverging lens 20 is here positioned on the outside opposite the partial hole 30. In [Fig. 16], the partial hole 30 is a closed hole located away from the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing. In this example, the first glass sheet 1 and the interlayer sheet 3 do not have a hole aligned with the partial hole 30 that passes through the second glass sheet 2 and the interlayer sheet 3. In [Fig. 17], the hole 30 forms a notch on the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing.

[0171] In a third embodiment (see Figures 18-19), the glazing has a full hole or through hole 31 in the characteristic plane to form a near-infrared transmission window 111 capable of allowing the lidar emission beam to pass through. The through hole 31 forms a notch open, for example, on the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and, for example, closed on three other sides 302, 303, 304.

[0172] In the example illustrated in Figures 18-19, the through-hole 31 in the glazing is closed by a plate 80, here transparent at wavelength LB1, in particular with parallel faces, of constant thickness. The plate 80 has an internal principal face and an external principal face. Preferably, the through-hole 31 is closed around its perimeter, for example by sides 301, 302, 303, 304. The plate 32 is fixed by bonding around the periphery of the through-hole 31 so as to close the through-hole 31 on the outside and to ensure the sealing of the glazing 300.

[0173] In the example illustrated in Figures 18-19, the infrared vision system 7 is located inside the passenger compartment, opposite the through-hole of the plate 80, or even at least partially inside the through-hole 31. The emission beam The light 70 propagates in free space between the light source 71 and the inner main face of the plate 80 through the through hole. The first surface 21 of the diverging lens is positioned at a distance from the outer main face of the plate 80. In other words, the emitted beam propagates in free space between the outer main face of the plate 80 and the first surface 21 of the diverging lens.

[0174] The plate 80 is, for example, made of a transparent sheet at wavelength LB1, for example, extra-clear glass, and, for example, of the same thickness as the first glass sheet 1. According to a particular aspect applicable to this embodiment, a masking layer 88 (coating) is applied to the plate 80 (optionally transparent), opaque in the visible and near-infrared regions, for example, black in color, particularly at the working wavelength. The masking layer 88 protects against UV radiation, in particular the adhesive 60 if necessary.

[0175] Optionally, the optical device further comprises a blade 32 with flat, parallel faces disposed at the exit of the diverging lens 20. The blade 32 has a first face 321 facing the second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 and a second face 322 oriented outwards. Preferably, the blade 32 is fixed in a watertight manner to the supports 82, 83, to protect the diverging lens 20 from the external environment.

[0176] According to various embodiments, the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are arranged side by side in a vertical plane, in a horizontal plane or even in a plane inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0177] The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, is advantageously located in a peripheral central region along the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the laminated windshield. The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, may be located in another region of the windshield or even in another glazing of the vehicle, in particular the rear window.

[0178] The masking layer 5 has dimensions greater than or equal to those of the through-hole. Preferably, the masking layer 5 is positioned directly above the through-hole. The dimensions of the through-hole are adapted to allow the passage of the lidar emission beam 70 over the horizontal and vertical field of view of the lidar 7. The through-hole also allows the passage of the reflected beam towards the detection device 72 over the entire field of view of the lidar.

[0179] In another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 21], the through hole 31 in the glazing 400 is closed by the diverging lens 20 with its optical axis inclined with respect to the horizontal. The through hole 31 extends here through the first glass sheet 1, the interlayer sheet 3, and the second glass sheet 2. The diverging lens 20 is fixed here, for example, on its periphery via its lateral faces by any known means. A multi-function plate 80 (on face F4) is drilled at the location of the hole 31. In the first glass sheet 1, the through hole 31 has, if necessary, a shape complementary to the diverging lens 20. In this configuration, the lens is configured to modify the median direction of the pointing of a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing. The first surface 21 is a concave surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero, and the second flat surface is flush with the face 11. For example, the diverging lens is spaced from the lidar 7, the reference beam is inclined with respect to the horizontal at the exit of the lidar (and even, alternatively, at the exit of a deflector interposed between the lidar substantially parallel to the plane of the glazing or at a small angle and the diverging lens), and at the exit of the front surface 22 is substantially horizontal.

[0180] In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.22], the through hole 31 of the glazing 500 forms a notch which is closed by the diverging lens 20 with optical axis inclined with respect to the horizontal, the plate 80 and preferably a continuous gasket 61 between the support and the edges of the through hole 31. The through hole 31 extends here opposite each other through the first glass sheet 1, the interlayer sheet 3 and the second glass sheet 2. The diverging lens 20 is here fixed to a support 80, for example fixed to its sides 23, 24, 26. The diverging lens 20 and the support 80 are housed in the through hole 31. The front surface 22 of the diverging lens is flush with the main external face 11 of the glazing 500. In this configuration, the diverging lens is configured to modify a median pointing direction of a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing.The first surface or rear surface 21 is a concave surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero and the second surface is planar, in particular flush with the face 11. For example, the diverging lens is spaced at the lidar, the reference beam is inclined with respect to the horizontal at the exit of the lidar (and even alternatively at the exit of a deflector interposed between the lidar substantially parallel to the plane of the glazing or at a small angle and the diverging lens) and at the exit of the front surface 22 substantially horizontal.

[0181] In these last two embodiments, a protective blade spaced from the front surface 22 and fixed on the face Fl 11 can be added.

[0182] In all examples, a protective coating (hard layer) can be added to the front surface and / or an anti-reflective element to the rear surface.

[0183] The lens may include a lateral extension for fixing it to the glazing system.

Claims

Demands

1. A glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing unit (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 400, 500), the glazing unit comprising: a first sheet of glass (1) intended to form the outer glazing unit with a first external principal face (11) and a second principal face (12) facing the passenger compartment, and, when the glazing unit is laminated, comprising a second sheet of glass (2) intended to form the inner glazing unit with a third principal face (13) facing the second principal face (12) and a fourth principal face (14) facing the passenger compartment, and a lamination interlayer (3) made of polymer material disposed between the second principal face (12) and the third principal face (13), in particular the glazing unit being intended to form an angle of inclination (|3) of less than 90 degrees with a horizontal axis in the vehicle,the glazing system having a near-infrared transmission window (111) at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, and an optical device for providing an external field of view characterized in that: the optical device comprises a diverging lens (20), the diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21), called the rear surface, and a second surface (22), called the front surface, opposite the first surface and oriented outwards, at least one of said first and second surfaces being concave, the diverging lens (20) having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the diverging lens and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the diverging lens and perpendicular to the first reference plane,the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification.

2. System according to claim 1 wherein the first angular magnification in absolute value is less than the second angular magnification and preferably the second angular magnification is strictly greater than 2.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rear surface is concave and unadjusted and preferably the front surface is concave and unadjusted or the front surface is flat.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rear surface (21) is concave and of class C2 and in that optionally the front surface (22) is concave and of class C2, the front surface being twice differentiable and of continuous derivatives.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens is in free space.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the front surface (22) is arranged flush or projecting from the first principal face (11), and in particular the diverging lens is wholly or partly external to the outer glazing with an optional transparent blade (32) spaced from the front surface.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one of said first surface (21) and second surface (22) is a concave surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three, where N is an integer, in particular the polynomial equation describing the first surface or the second surface being written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in mm in an orthonormal frame (O;X, O;Y, O;Z), the O;Z axis being parallel to the optical axis of the diverging lens, the point O; of coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the surface i considered and the optical axis of the diverging lens, p and q being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and apq being the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient apq being expressed in mm, and where v are dimensionless, with RO equal to 30 mm and R being between 10 mm and 60 mm.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein at least one of said first surface (21) and second surface (22) is a concave surface defined by said polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four in which the odd-order coefficients are all zero, in particular the diverging lens (20) has an optical axis (25), the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis (25), and the lens divergent (20) has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis (25) and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry.

9. System according to any one of claims 7 or 8 wherein the first surface (21) is a concave surface defined by said polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four in which the odd order coefficients are all null, in particular the diverging lens (20) has an optical axis (25), the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis (25) and the diverging lens (20) has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis (25) and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry and in which the second surface (22) is planar.

10. System according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the first surface (21) is a surface defined by the following eighth degree polynomial equation: z(x,y) = -25.502 x2 -5.4996 x4 - 17.460 x6- 0.89593 x8 -7.6410 y2 - 12.530 x2*y2 + 1.4422 x4*y2 + 13.012 x6*y2 + 0.34126 y4 - 34.060 x2*y4 + 36.118 x4*y4 + 25.538 x2*y6 and wherein the second surface (22) is planar.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens is configured to transmit a reference beam at working wavelength LB1 with a substantially horizontal median pointing direction and even to receive the median pointing direction of said substantially horizontal beam.

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the diverging lens is arranged and configured to modify a median direction of pointing of a reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing, in particular at least the first surface is a concave surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero.

13. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a reference beam (70) at working wavelength LB1 has, upstream of the diverging lens, a median direction of point (40) inclined with respect to a horizontal axis, the system further comprises a deflector (75) disposed upstream of the first surface (21) of the diverging lens (20), the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface of the diverging lens (20).

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reference beam (70) having a median direction of pointing (40) and extending over an initial field of view of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) determined in a characteristic plane comprising a normal to the glazing and a vertical axis (Y) in the vehicle and of initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis (X) transverse to the median direction of pointing, in the near-infrared transmission window, the reference beam (70) exiting the front surface (22) having an external field of view of vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) in the characteristic plane and of horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) in the perpendicular plane,the diverging lens (20) being arranged and configured so that the external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and so that the external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1), and preferably the initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) is at most 20°.

15. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens (20) comprises, on the first surface (21) and / or on the second surface (22), a functional layer or a surface treatment preferably forming an anti-reflective element at the working length, or forming a hydrophobic or anti-fouling layer, or forming a hard layer.

16. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens is fixed to a support (80, 82, 83) in particular via one or more lateral faces (23, 24, 26) support in particular fixed to the glazing and / or wherein the diverging lens (20) is disposed at least partially in a partial hole (30) or through hole (31) of the glazing, in particular laminated.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glazing system comprises a plate (80) having a plate in a through hole in the glazing and transparent at the working wavelength, the diverging lens facing said plate outer side or the diverging lens being partially in a hole in said plate.

18. Lens for a glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing and a lidar, the lens being a diverging lens (20), the diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21), called the rear surface and a second surface (22), called the front surface, opposite the first surface, the front surface (22) being intended to be oriented towards the outside of the glazing, at least one of said first and second surfaces being concave and preferably unadjusted, the diverging lens (20) having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the diverging lens and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the diverging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification.

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