VEHICLE GLAZING WITH OPTICAL DEVICE FOR LIDAR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing (100), the glazing having a transmission window (111) in a near-infrared range and a diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), opposite the first surface, the second surface (22) being intended to be oriented towards the outside of the glazing, at least one of said first and second surfaces, the diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial section of the structured surface, the set of structures form an alternation of facets (210) and counter-facets (211).The diverging lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive said emission beam (70) from the LIDAR on the facets of the structures and all or part of the structures, called reference structures, each have facets at an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the diverging lens, the angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value increases with the radial distance, each having a height which varies with distance from the optical axis such that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE GLAZING WITH OPTICAL DEVICE FOR LIDAR

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

[0002] Laser remote sensing (LIDAR), an acronym for the English expression "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging 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 wide vertical and horizontal angle. The footprint of the beam on the glazing requires reserving an area of ​​the glazing, called the near-infrared transmission window, for the transmission of this near-infrared beam..

[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 unit 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 increase the angular opening at the glazing's exit, it does not reduce the LIDAR's footprint in the horizontal direction.

[0006] It is desirable to propose an alternative glazing without the aforementioned drawback and even further reducing the footprint of the LIDAR 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 laminate interlayer of polymer material (in particular polyvinyl butyral PVB or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer EVA -thermoplastic or cross-linked- 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 plane.

[0008] The glazing system has a near-infrared transmission window at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, in particular from 800 nm to 1800 nm, and more specifically from 850 nm to 1600 nm, including 905 ± 30 nm, 940 ± 30 nm, 1310 ± 30 nm, and 1550 ± 30 nm. The near-infrared transmission window is suitable for receiving an emission beam at said working wavelength from a LIDAR intended to be located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In particular, the glazing (especially the windshield) has an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge, and the near-infrared transmission window is located in a peripheral area near (at the edge of) the upper longitudinal edge.

[0009] In particular, the emitted beam has an incident median pointing direction (IP) defined just before the glazing (for example, substantially horizontal) and a source field of view (at the LIDAR output and even possibly after deflection if the so-called outgoing median pointing direction of the LIDAR is inclined with respect to the incident median direction) with an initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and an initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. The initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 is determined, in particular, in a characteristic plane including the incident median pointing direction (IP). The initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 is determined, in particular, in a plane including the incident median pointing direction (IP) and perpendicular to the aforementioned characteristic plane.

[0010] The glazing system also includes an optical device transparent at the working wavelength LB1, preferably (whole or part) on the passenger compartment side—preferably within the passenger compartment—intended to provide an external field of view (particularly beyond the near-infrared transmission window). The glazing can be considered optically neutral.

[0011] The optical device comprises (and even consists of) a diverging lens having an optical axis, preferably of subcentimeter thickness (and even of at most 5 mm), in particular measured at the optical axis (most often the minimum thickness). The lens can be defined by a first direction, called its length, and a second direction, called its width, normal to the length (and preferably less than the length). The lens preferably has a useful area (defined as the area receiving the beam) of length and width less than or equal to the total length and total width of the lens.

[0012] The diverging lens extends along a plane normal to the optical axis and has a first surface (the innermost one, receiving the beam from the LIDAR source) and a second surface opposite the first surface and oriented outwards, and at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured (preferably the first surface). The structured surface comprises a set of raised structures concentric around said optical axis. According to a radial cross-section of the structured surface, the set of structures forms an alternation of facets and counter-facets.

[0013] Each facet (and counter-facet) of the reference structure has a rank k (k an integer) greater than or equal to 1 and increasing as it moves away from the optical axis.

[0014] The diverging lens is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam on the facets of the structures (preferably on the majority or even all of the facets of the useful area) so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0015] More specifically, the diverging lens is arranged so as to receive the emission beam on the facets of the structures (preferably on the majority or even all of the facets), of the useful area) and all or part of the structures, called reference structures, have (in the radial cutting plane of the lens) facets each, forming an angle Ak with the plane of the diverging lens, the angle Ak in absolute value of the facets has an increasing variation with the radial distance rk, and each (of the facets) has a height which varies (progressively, preferably continuously) away from the optical axis, so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0016] Thanks in particular to the reference facets forming a segmented face of the lens and collecting the entire beam, the glazing system makes it possible to increase both the vertical and horizontal angular aperture of the source field of view by 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 having a sufficiently large angular aperture at the output of the glazing system.

[0017] The optical axis is preferably substantially horizontal, and even the median direction of incident pointing is collinear with the optical axis.

[0018] The angular magnification can be at least 2 and in particular at most 20, for example 10.

[0019] The shape of the field of view can be preserved, in particular the intersection of the external field of view with a plane perpendicular to the median direction of the pointing incident to the windshield (IP) can remain (substantially) rectangular.

[0020] In particular, the vertical footprint (of width or height W1) of the beam transmitted by the diverging lens through the near-infrared transmission window of the glazing system is at most 10cm or 5cm or 1.5cm and / or is reduced by at least 7, 12 or 15 cm compared to the case without the lens.

[0021] In particular, the horizontal footprint (of length Ll) of the beam transmitted by the diverging lens through the near-infrared transmission window of the glazing system is at most 25cm or 15cm or 5cm and / or is reduced by at least 10 or 15 cm compared to a configuration without the lens.

[0022] Each facet (receiver) locally deflects the beam and contributes to the optical function of the lens. HFOV2 can be equal to at least 2HFOV1 and even 5HFOV1 and even 10HFOV1. And / or VFOV2 can be equal to at least 2VFOV1 and even 5VFOV1 and even 10VFOV1.

[0023] For simplicity of design, it is preferred that the reference structures (at least the facets) have rotational symmetry.

[0024] Preferably the reference structures are contiguous or spaced from "neutral" structures (outside the beam area).

[0025] Preferably, each reference facet of rank k has a vertex Sk (the most raised point of the structure) and a base Bk (the least raised point).

[0026] The angle Ak is preferably the (acute) angle between the plane of the lens and a segment (real or fictitious) between the base Bk of the facet and the vertex Sk of the facet.

[0027] The angle Ak can vary from one reference structure to another preferably consecutive reference structure.

[0028] The height of each structure, particularly the reference structure, is progressive and preferably linear. The apex Sk is further from the optical axis than the base Bk (flared structure).

[0029] Each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk, which varies (progressively) with the radial distance rk, preferably increasing. The peak-valley height Hk (at the normal to the lens plane) is the difference in altitude between the apex Sk of the facet and the base Bk of the facet.

[0030] The lens according to the invention is of the Fresnel lens type. Contrary to the classical approach of designing a Fresnel face with a peak height Since the valley of facets is constant, the lens is preferably of variable peak height Hk and better increasing with rank k. This choice is guided by the need to have good resolution of the LIDAR over the entire beam divergence range and therefore over the entire (useful) width of the lens.

[0031] When the first surface is the structured surface, the peak-valley height Hk preferably exhibits an increasing variation (for example continuous) with the radial distance rk (or in other words with the rank k of the reference facet).

[0032] For example, a minimum peak-valley height Hkmin is defined as being at least 0.001 mm and preferably at most equal to p / 2, p / 3 (p being the pitch of the reference structures) and / or at most equal to 0.05 mm, and a maximum peak-valley height Hkmax is defined as being subcentimetric and even at most 5 mm or 2 mm or even 1.5 mm and at least 0.1 mm. In particular, the maximum peak-valley height Hkmax is at a radial distance rk of at least 10 mm from the center. And even the total thickness of the lens (constant or variable) is subcentimetric.

[0033] Advantageously, the structured surface is the first surface, and all or part of the facets of the reference structures are flared, said height (of each flared facet) increasing (significantly) with respect to the optical axis. Optionally, the second surface is flat or curved.

[0034] Alternatively, although less divergent and with a heterogeneous intensity distribution, the structured surface is the second surface, and all or part of the facets of the reference structures remain flared. Possibly the first surface is flat or curved.

[0035] Preferably, the reference structures, and even all the structures (in the useful area), are contiguous, with facets and counter-facets connected, for example, by edges or even a platform. The reference structures form, in particular (alternating), valleys and peaks. The valley is not necessarily V-shaped, but in particular exhibits a curvature defined by a radius of curvature Rvl. The peak is not necessarily sharp (forming an edge), but in particular exhibits a curvature defined by a radius of curvature Rsl. These radii may depend on the manufacturing process. Rsl can be very close to 0, for example, approximately 0.5 μm. Rvl can be equal to at least Ipm (for example, greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of a milling cutter head).

[0036] A reference structure preferably has a triangular cross-section (in radial section), particularly sharp at the apex, or with a slight rounding to the aforementioned radius of curvature Rsl. Optionally, the cross-section may be truncated triangular (approximately parallel to the plane of the lens) to form a platform separating the facet from the counter-facet.

[0037] In particular, it is preferable that the area of ​​the facet which receives the beam be on the lower half of the facet if it is desired to limit stray light.

[0038] For simplicity, it is preferred that the majority or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or even all of the reference structures (in the useful area) have a section of the same shape, in particular (of the type) triangular or even truncated triangular (forming a plateau in particular parallel to the plane of the lens).

[0039] For simplicity (within the useful area), it is preferred that the majority, or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, of the facets of the reference structures, or even all the facets of the reference structures (or even of all the structures within the useful area), have a radial cross-sectional profile that is a straight or curved line (concave, convex), in particular aspherical or even freeform. The straight (or curved) line may have local micro-roughness (manufacturing defects, for example), preferably less than 10⁻¹⁹ m². The facets (and even counter-facets) may be polished if necessary.

[0040] The referent structures can be distributed regularly or irregularly. Rank k can form an arithmetic or non-arithmetic sequence.

[0041] The reference structures can be grouped in a first region of the useful area of ​​the lens: the paraxial region (close to the optical axis of the lens) and preferably also in a marginal region (peripheral, further from the optical axis of the lens). For example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the structures in the useful area are reference structures. And / or, for example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the reference structures are consecutive. For example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the reference structures are spaced at most 10, 5, 3, or 1 times the spacing of the reference structures.

[0042] According to the invention, the structured surface preferably has a paraxial region defined as a region with a maximum radial distance RM of at most 30mm and even of at most 20mm or of at most 15mm and for example of at least 2 times the pitch of the reference structure.

[0043] According to the invention, the structured surface preferably has a marginal region which can be defined as a region with a radial distance greater than RM.

[0044] According to the invention, the lens preferably has a central surface passing through the optical axis and adjacent (connected) to the structured surface (connected to the paraxial region), a (substantially) flat surface of equivalent radius preferably of at most equal to a minimum pitch of the reference structures (in particular the pitch pl in a paraxial region).

[0045] This flat central surface differs from the conventionally convex surface of a Fresnel lens. If H1 is considered the altitude of the first reference structure - of rank k=l- the central surface can be at the level of the first base or form a plateau (with a right-hand side) for example at an altitude less than or equal to H1 and even (Hl) / 2 and preferably at the altitude of the first base.

[0046] A reference level (for facet alignment) can be defined along the plane of the lens.

[0047] In a first configuration (with centered facets), the facets can be (approximately) centered at a reference level called the median level, i.e., at an altitude located at mid-height (Hk / 2), so the variable height is distributed on either side of this median altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0048] In a second configuration (with constant total thickness), the vertices are aligned with a reference level called the high level, i.e., a level at a maximum height Hmax. As with the first configuration, the bases do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the bases of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, convex or V-shaped.

[0049] In a third configuration (with constant remaining thickness), the bases are aligned with a reference level called the low level, i.e., a level whose altitude is located at a minimum height Hmin. As with the first configuration, the vertices do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0050] The alignment of the facets has no optical impact. The choice of configuration depends on manufacturing constraints and / or the mechanical strength of the lens. From a mechanical point of view, the third configuration (thickened structures) may be preferred.

[0051] The lens may have a remaining thickness, below the structured surface, for example, of at most 1 cm and preferably at least 0.5 mm and even 1 mm. The lens may be a single, partially structured piece. The lens may comprise a substrate (plane) transparent at the working wavelength and a layer transparent at the working wavelength having the structured surface (preferably a partially structured layer).

[0052] The diverging lens is preferably one piece. The diverging lens is for example formed in 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.

[0053] The facets (and / or counter-facets) can be bare or covered with a material.

[0054] In particular, the general shape of the lens (at least of the useful area) is distinct from a disk, notably it is polygonal. In particular, the length is greater than or equal to the width; if greater, naturally there are then more structures, particularly reference structures, along the length than along the width. The width can be equal to the plus half or a quarter of the length. The lens can be obtained from a lens with a disk-like structured surface (or even a flat peripheral surface), which has been cut to be rectangular or nearly rectangular, or even with a cut along only one of the longitudinal edges (a surface that is the sum of a semi-circular area and a rectangular area, for example). For instance, the long sides (longitudinal edges) can be straight and parallel, and the short sides (lateral edges) can be curved or straight and parallel.

[0055] Preferably the lens (which includes at least the useful area of ​​the structured surface) is rectangular, particularly when the source field of view is rectangular (wider than it is tall). The length is preferably (approximately) horizontal, and the lens is even vertical (the plane of the lens is normal to a horizontal plane ±1°).

[0056] It may be preferable for the structured surface to be dimensioned for different sets of HFOV1 and VHFOV1 or adapted to a predetermined set of HFOV1 and VHFOV1. As a precaution, the extreme periphery of the structured surface of the lens does not receive the beam. This is a neutral zone adjacent to the useful zone. For example, the neutral zone is 1 mm wide (or preferably 5 mm, and preferably at most 5 cm, or 1 cm) and 1 mm wide (or preferably 5 mm, and preferably at most 5 cm, or 10 cm). The structured surface (the extreme periphery) may also be adjacent to a flat area of ​​the lens (for example, at least 1 cm wide and at least 1 cm long), (framing all or part of the useful zone), for example, of greater thickness (forming a reinforcement) or being bonded to a counter plate. The lens can also extend, including a part called extension in one direction (along the length or width) to facilitate its attachment (to the LIDAR and / or the glazing).

[0057] Also, the perimeter of the useful area and / or the structured surface of the lens is non-circular. For example, if the lens is elongated and polygonal in shape, the vertices of the concentric structures, particularly reference structures, may form solid rings, for example circular or elliptical (or ovoid, etc.), or partial rings, in the form of two annular portions (for example, arcs of circles or elliptical portions). For example, the vertices (forming edges or rounded at their highest points) of the structures, particularly reference structures, in a paraxial region are solid rings, and the vertices (forming edges or rounded at their highest points) of the structures, particularly reference structures, in the periphery of a marginal region form two disjoint annular portions.

[0058] In particular, let N0 be the total number of structures along the length (at least in the useful area) and Na the number of reference structures along the length—having an angle Ak and a facet with a peak-valley height Hk. Preferably Na > 0.5 N0 (forming the majority of the structures in said set), better Na > 0.7 N0, Na > 0.9 N0, or even Na = N0. Preferably N0 is at least 100, 500, 800, 1000, 2000 (preferably at least 1000) and / or Na is at least 50, 250, 400, 500, 1000 (preferably at least 500). Naturally, NO depends on HFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0059] In particular, let NI be the total number of structures along the width (at least in the useful area) and Nb the number of reference structures along the width—having an angle Ak and a facet with a peak-valley height Hk. Preferably, Nb > 0.5 NI (majority of the structures in said set are reference), better still, Nb > 0.7 NI, Nb > 0.9 NI, or even Nb = Nl. Preferably, NI is at least 20 and at most 1000, 800, or even 500 (preferably at most 800), and / or Nb is at least 20. Naturally, NI depends on the VFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0060] In particular the useful area is of length of at least 3cm and even of at most 30cm and of width of at least 1mm and even of at most 5cm.

[0061] For manufacturing the lens, particularly a plastic one, micromachining (with a diamond tip) or injection molding (thermoplastic) into a mold is preferred. In the case of injection molding, it is best to keep the lens ends flat, without structures, to avoid edge effects. A molded lens can be mass-produced with high optical quality (in particular, excellent surface finish).

[0062] The variation of the angle Ak with the radial distance can be divided into two parts. In the first part (paraxial region), the variation is (approximately) linear, defined by a Pel slope greater (in absolute value) than 27 mm and less than 15° / mm up to a maximum of 5 mm, followed by asymptotic behavior with slower growth. Pel varies and decreases depending on the chosen lens size. The lower the HFOV1 and VFOV1 (for example, HFOV1 is at most 60.20°, 10° and VFOV1 is at most 10.5°, 3°), the smaller the lens size can be. The object-point distance dl from the lens has a greater influence on the Ak angles of the most peripheral structures.

[0063] Preferably (within the useful area), the maximum angle difference (difference between the maximum angle Amax and the minimum angle Amin) of all angles Ak is at least 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, in particular the maximum angle difference is between two reference structures that are separated (distance taken from one facet base to the other) by at least 10 mm and at most 100 mm, 80 mm, 50 mm. Preferably the minimum angle Ak Amin is at most 5° or even 1° and the maximum angle Ak Amax is at most 80° and even at least 70°.

[0064] The angle Ak of ​​the facets of reference structures increases for example progressively with the radial distance rk.

[0065] In a first preferred embodiment, each reference structure having a step, the step of all or part of the reference structures is substantially constant (preferably with a tolerance of ±step / 4).

[0066] The pitch can be constant per region (for example paraxial region and marginal region) in particular where each zone is at least 5mm wide.

[0067] In radial section of the structured surface, the pitch is preferably the length projected onto the plane of the structure's lens, or in other words the length between two adjacent bases when the reference structures are adjacent and contiguous.

[0068] Advantageously in this first mode, for a higher resolution near the central surface, reference structures (in a paraxial region) having a radial distance of at most 30mm and even 20mm or 15mm (and for example of at least 5 mm and / or the step pl) have a first step pl substantially constant, and peripheral reference structures (in a marginal region) have a second step substantially constant and greater than the first step pl in particular p2 is greater than 1.5 pl (and / or the gap p2-pl is at least 0.5 pl).

[0069] Preferably, all or part of the reference structures have a pitch (constant, pl and / or p2, or variable, continuously or by jumps) that is at least 0.01 mm or even at least 0.05 mm and / or is at most 1 mm or at most 0.5 mm. In particular, the pitch of the reference structures can be chosen according to the angular pitch of the LIDAR (constant or variable), which can be from 0.01 to 1° and in particular from 0.05 to 0.5°.

[0070] In a given region, the smaller the step p, the more progressive the variation of angle Ak.

[0071] For example, in a paraxial region, the reference facets of the reference structures have a first minimum angle Aminl and a first maximum angle Amaxl, and the difference between Amaxl and Aminl is at least 10°. For example, in a marginal (more peripheral) region, the reference facets of the peripheral reference structures have a second minimum angle Amin2 (preferably at most equal to Amax+5°) and a second maximum angle Amax2, and the difference between Amax2 and Amin2 is at least 20°.

[0072] In particular each reference structure has a step pk, the step is progressively variable (preferably increasing) with the radial distance rk.

[0073] More broadly, any sequence of step widths can be suitable by properly adapting the peak-valley height. However, a constant step (or a constant step per zone) may be simpler to model and manufacture.

[0074] Advantageously, in order to limit a shading problem due to the height of the facets and even to limit stray light due to single or multiple reflections on counter-facets, the first surface is preferably the structured surface. The counter-facets of the reference structures are inclined—have a controlled inclination—each presenting an acute angle dk with the lens plane, dk being variable (from at most 90° to at least 50°), with the radial distance rk (from the base of the counter-facet). In particular, the variation is progressive, dk is defined (in radians). by the following formula: ak- 2 - ) ± 0-09 rad (5°), with dl distance between object point and point 01 on the first surface passing through the optical axis and (rk radial distance from the base of the counter facet).

[0075] dk also defined from the angle = ) of the counter facet of the Reference structure k with respect to the optical axis. The base of the counterfacet of the reference structure k is further away than the vertex Sk. It is therefore a truncation of a structure with a straight counterstep.

[0076] The angle dk is preferably the (acute) angle between the lens plane and a segment (preferably a real segment) between the base of the counterfacet (lowest point) and the apex of the counterfacet (highest point, for example at an edge or dome). dk depends on the distance dl between the object point and the lens and on the size of the lens. The variation of the angle dk with the radial distance is preferably linear.

[0077] Illumination maps show sharper edges with inclined counter-facets. At the edges of the field, there is proportionally less stray light (better signal detection by the LIDAR).

[0078] For simplicity's sake, it is preferred (in the useful area) that the majority or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% of the counter-facets of the reference structures or even all the counter-facets of the reference structures (or even of all the structures in the useful area) have a radial section profile which is globally a straight line rather than curved (concave, convex), in particular aspherical or "freeform".

[0079] The lens is preferably external to the LIDAR and even vertical (preferably with a horizontal optical axis and a median pointing direction passing through the optical axis). The lens is preferably as close as possible to the glazing. A superior longitudinal edge (the most advanced edge of the lens, particularly if vertical) between the second surface and the edge of the lens may touch the glazing (forming a contact line) or be separated by a distance of at most 5 cm or 1 cm. The lens may be integral with the LIDAR. The lens (at least the active area) may be separated from the glazing (outside the aforementioned contact line) and optionally have a peripheral reinforcing portion around the active area.

[0080] The diverging lens (at least the useful area), preferably vertical, is (operates) preferably in free space (in air).

[0081] The diverging lens is preferably external to the LIDAR and is wholly or partly located within the passenger compartment. The diverging lens may be in a marginal area of ​​the glazing, particularly the windshield; the lens may be vertical and even its length may be substantially horizontal.

[0082] In particular, the diverging lens is, for example, mechanically linked to the glazing (including to a plate on the inner face of the glazing (in particular face F4 if glazing laminated or in a hole through the glazing) and / or to LIDAR at the periphery of the useful area of ​​the first and second surfaces (of the free faces) of the lens: upper and / or lower face etc.

[0083] The glazing system may include, in particular, a support (multi-sensor) or plate on the inner face of the glazing (F4 if laminated glazing), possibly perforated at the near-infrared transmission window and possibly forming a base for the infrared vision system. For example, the plate is opaque, made of tinted (black) plastic.

[0084] The plate includes one or more areas for one or more other sensors such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, a thermal camera, and even a base-shaped housing for these sensors. If necessary, the plate is also perforated for optical transmission. A Lidar housing can be attached to the plate and / or to the main internal surface of the glazing and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. This plate can be partially masked (excluding the visible and infrared transmission windows, for example) by the opaque masking layer (in contact with surface F2).

[0085] The support or plate is in particular multifunctional, preferably carrying one or more functional elements such as sensors and / or with one or more transmission windows in the visible, in the far infrared from 5pm to 20pm and even 8pm to 15pm, transmission window(s) in particular adjacent to the near infrared transmission window (in an upper and even central part of the glazing, of the windshield, in particular in a spare part of the peripheral masking layer framing the glazing).

[0086] The multi-functional support or mounting plate can be attached (to face F4 or F2), for example, using a masking adhesive on the glazing. The masking adhesive is, for example, a black OCA adhesive visible to the naked eye. The masking adhesive also serves to mask and protect the mounting plate. Furthermore, the masking adhesive conceals the lidar infrared vision system from view from outside the vehicle.

[0087] The support or plate, particularly a multi-functional one, may be made of a plastic, especially an opaque one, filled with colorants, particularly black (carbon-filled, etc.), especially to ensure color continuity with the peripheral masking layer surrounding the glazing (thus limiting the color difference). The support may be, for example, polyamide 66 (PA66), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), AS A (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), or ABS / PC (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate). It is preferably at least 1 mm thick and, for example, less than or equal to the thickness of the glazing, particularly in the case of a through hole (especially a notch) in the glazing housing it.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the platform is transparent to the wavelength LB1 of the lidar radiation; it can then be opposite the lens, the beam is refracted through the stage preferably downstream of the lens (internal, in the passenger compartment).

[0089] The lidar infrared vision system can be placed in a housing, for example made of plastic or metal. This housing can form a cover for the Lidar and more broadly for a set of elements (sensor components, camera(s) in this area) and thus cover areas of camera(s), sensor(s).

[0090] The housing is, for example, attached to the innermost main face of the glazing, in particular the fourth main face, or to a support, particularly a multi-function one (or mounting plate), fixed to the glazing, in particular to the fourth main face. Advantageously, the housing is removable. The housing is attached, for example, by clips, to said support or mounting plate, or to the innermost main face of the glazing (for example, the fourth main face) and / or to a component of the vehicle (the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment and / or to the bodywork), for example, to the roof of the vehicle. For example (in its upper part), the housing is attached to the inner face of the glazing (face F4 for laminated glazing) through a hole in the bodywork.

[0091] The transmission window can be multispectral, in particular in the near-infrared and in the visible (for example to allow the use of a sensor operating in the visible and in this case, no camouflage layer is added in the visible) and / or in the far-infrared at a higher wavelength than the working wavelength of the LIDAR (for example to allow the use of a thermal camera or another infrared sensor).

[0092] The glazing may be monolithic and comprise a sheet of glass or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer, or even polycarbonate (PC) or mineral. The glazing is preferably laminated and has a first and second sheet of glass.

[0093] In particular, the second surface of the lens has a free face, for example, the second surface being positioned at a distance from the glazing (in particular, at a distance from the second principal face or, when the glazing is laminated, at a distance from the fourth principal face of the glazing or even at a distance from a hole in the glazing). Preferably, the first surface (preferably the structured surface) has a free face, for example, at a distance from a LIDAR. In particular, the diverging lens is at a distance from the glazing, in particular from the inner principal face of the glazing (F2 if single or F4 if laminated, without a hole), in particular by a maximum of 8 cm, 5 cm, 3 cm, 1 cm, or 5 mm. In the case of laminated glazing with a through hole in the second glass pane, the diverging lens may be at a distance from the flush surface of the principal face F2.In the case of laminated glazing with a through hole in the first and second sheets of glass, the diverging lens can be at a distance from a multi-function support, housed in the through hole, in particular of no more than 8 cm or 5 cm or 3 cm or 1 cm or 5 mm.

[0094] For example, particularly when the diverging lens is external to the LIDAR and at a distance from the glazing (which may be perforated, with the lens opposite this hole, or even all or part of it inside the hole), an origin point Oi of the first surface at the intersection of the optical axis of the diverging lens is placed at a distance di from the light source of the LIDAR (real or virtual source, i.e., the point from which the rays emerging from the LIDAR appear to originate). The distance di is preferably at most 300 mm, or better yet 200 mm, and even in a range from 20 mm to 150 mm.

[0095] For example, when the diverging lens (possibly external to the LIDAR) is at a distance from the glazing (possibly perforated, with the lens opposite this perforation), an origin point O2 of the second surface is placed at a distance d2 from the main internal face of the glazing (F2 or F4) or from a possible insert in a perforation of the second sheet (flush or slightly below the surface of face F4 and / or flush or slightly below the surface of face F3), the lens being opposite this internal face or the lens being at a distance d2 from the perforation (partial or through) of the glazing. Preferably, the diverging lens is positioned to minimize the distance d2. The distance d2 is taken along the optical axis of the lens. Preferably, the distance d2 is at most 50 mm, or even at most 20 mm or 10 mm. This minimization of the d2 distance makes it possible to reduce the size of the LIDAR system and the footprint.

[0096] The diverging lens can alternatively be positioned wholly or partly outside the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, the second surface is flush with or protrudes from the first main face, and in particular, the diverging lens is wholly or partly outside the outer glazing, with an optional transparent blade spaced away from the second surface (forming a protective barrier). In particular, the diverging lens is spaced away from the glazing (outside the glazing), notably opposite the outer main face of the glazing (Fl) or a hole in the glazing, in particular spaced at a maximum of 8 cm, 5 cm, 3 cm, or 1 cm.

[0097] In all cases, the first surface of the diverging lens is arranged so as to receive the emission beam over the entire source field of view, i.e. over the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and over the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0098] According to a particular aspect, the diverging lens is disposed at least partially in a partial hole (hole in the second sheet of glass) or through hole in the glazing, in particular laminated, the diverging lens being linked at its periphery to the first main face or to a support in particular multifunctional.

[0099] Preferably, the diverging lens is spaced away from the glazing, possibly fixed to the glazing, and is:

[0100] - opposite the fourth main face of the laminated glazing,

[0101] - or opposite, and even partially in a through hole of the second sheet of glass, in particular forming a notch, hole possibly including a transparent part at the working wavelength linked to the second main face,

[0102] - or opposite a support (or plate), in particular multifunctional, transparent at the working wavelength and linked to the glazing via a wall delimiting a hole passing through the glazing, in particular laminated glazing.

[0103] The LIDAR is preferably located entirely within the passenger compartment (inner side of the glazing). Optionally, 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.

[0104] 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 the LIDAR), taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, are as follows.

[0105] The diverging lens preferably operates in free space in air and even the diverging lens being mechanically linked to the glazing, (the diverging lens having a possible functional coating in particular protective or anti-reflective).

[0106] In particular the diverging lens is opposite an upper and even central part of the glazing, in particular the windshield.

[0107] For better optical operation, the diverging lens has first and second surfaces which have free faces, therefore exposed to the air, spaced away from the glazing rather than bonded (glued) to the glazing.

[0108] The first surface of the diverging lens can be bare (thus directly forming the free face) or has one or more functional layers (mono or multilayer) such as a functional coating (preferably conformal deposit) or a film (adhesive etc) whose external surface forms the free face.

[0109] The second surface of the diverging lens can be bare (thus directly forming the free face) or has a functional layer (mono or multilayer) such as a coating (preferably conformal deposit) or a film (adhesive etc) whose external surface forms the free face.

[0110] In particular, the diverging lens has on the second surface (having a free face) and / or on the first 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.

[0111] Preferably, the diverging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface and / or on the second surface.

[0112] The anti-reflective treatment (of the coating or even structuring type) can be provided by different technologies such as: liquid deposition, in particular in sol-gel form, macroporous layer in particular of porous silica; PVD deposition (for "Physical Vapor Deposition" in English or physical vapor phase deposition), for example layer, in particular of silica, deposited by magnetron; plasma coating; microstructuring, etc.

[0113] In the case of a (mono)layer, in particular a porous silica layer, an anti-reflective layer with an optical refractive index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm is preferred.

[0114] Preferably, the diverging lens has a hard coat on the second surface, particularly when exposed to the outside.

[0115] The diverging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, and even in a near-infrared range extending from at least 850 nm to 1600 nm, and even from 800 to 1800 nm. The diverging lens may be transparent in the visible spectrum, for example, with a high visible transmission of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, or conversely, have a low visible transmission of at most 10%, 5%, or 2%.

[0116] The LIDAR is disposed at a distance from the main internal face of the glazing and the diverging lens is in particular disposed at another distance from the main face, preferably internal, of the glazing, the distances being adapted to reduce the size L1 of the vertical projection window of the LIDAR emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing and / or the width W1 of the horizontal projection window of the LIDAR emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing.

[0117] For example, with regard to the LIDAR, the internal vertical angular aperture VFOV1 is preferably less than 12 degrees and even 10 degrees. And / or the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is preferably greater than 15 degrees, and even greater than or equal to 20 degrees, in particular 20 to 30°.

[0118] And / or, for example, the internal horizontal angular opening HFOV1 is preferably less than 70 degrees, and even less than 60° or even 20°. And preferably the external horizontal angular opening HFOV2 is preferably greater than 30 degrees, for example at least 80 degrees and even at least 100 degrees, in particular from 100 to 150 degrees.

[0119] According to a particular aspect, the diverging lens is configured to transmit the so-called reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 with a median direction of pointing substantially horizontal (inclined by less than 10° or even 5°) or 2° relative to a horizontal plane) and even to receive the median (incident) pointing direction of the reference beam from a substantially horizontal LIDAR (inclined by less than 10° or even 5° or 2° relative to a horizontal plane). Alternatively, the reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 having, at the output of the LIDAR, a median pointing direction inclined relative to a horizontal axis, for example by at least 10° or 15°, the system further includes a deflector (particularly in the cabin), arranged upstream of the first surface of the diverging lens, the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first (preferably structured) surface of the diverging lens, particularly with the median pointing direction horizontal after deflection.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The glazing advantageously comprises a peripheral masking layer linked to the second main face and possibly another masking layer on a main surface of a support, in particular multifunctional, in a hole through the laminated glazing, the near-infrared transmission window is in an opening of the masking layer and even of the possible other masking layer.

[0122] The masking layer is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel or lacquer coating. The masking layer is suitable for masking the LIDAR housing. The masking layer has a recess with dimensions larger than the length and width of the emission beam incident on the inner main face of the glazing. The recess in the masking layer allows the passage of the LIDAR emission beam and the reflected beam towards the detection device. The recess in the masking layer has, for example, a rectangular or trapezoidal shape (with two long horizontal sides and two short sides) or a polygonal shape.

[0123] In a particular embodiment, the diverging lens is fixed to the glazing and / or to a body and / or to a support (in particular multifunctional with other sensors, for example) 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 positioned (in whole or in part) opposite a partial or through (complete) hole in the glazing, in particular laminated glazing, the diverging lens is in particular attached to a support, in particular multifunctional, or the diverging lens is attached (peripherally) to the fourth principal surface of the glazing.

[0124] In particular, the glazing system comprises a plate having a plate (individual or multi-sensor) in a hole through the glazing (in the thickness) and transparent at the working wavelength, the diverging lens facing said plate.

[0125] In a particular embodiment, the diverging lens (preferably external to the LIDAR) faces a partial hole in the glazing (in the second glass pane or even in the laminated interlayer) with, preferably, an insert (transparent at the working wavelength, in particular flat or convex) in the partial hole. The insert may be flush or preferably slightly below the surface of face F2. And / or the insert may be flush or preferably slightly below the surface of face F3.

[0126] For example the insert is made of glass, in particular extra-clear glass as detailed in patent application WO2022 / 175634 or of polymer as detailed in patent application WO2022 / 175635.

[0127] The insert can be glued to the face F2 by the lamination interlayer (PVB, TPU, EVA or by a local adhesive (film or coating) for example TPU, EVA in an interlayer hole (preferably through).

[0128] The glazing may include a camouflage layer downstream of the second surface, for example a film or coating

[0129] - on face F2 or F3 or F4 or on a film (polymer, PET etc.) within the laminated glass

[0130] - on an insert, in the hole of the second sheet, as described in the application of patent WO2022 / 219273

[0131] - on a plate (or base plate) in a through hole (forming a notch) in the glazing (laminated),

[0132] The camouflage layer forms a selective filter transparent at the working wavelength and opaque in the visible (to mask the sparing, the transmission window).

[0133] 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.

[0134] In particular, the system includes upstream of the diverging lens, a LIDAR comprising a light source intended to be disposed in a vehicle cabin, the light source being capable of emitting said emission beam at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared domain and with the median direction of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1).

[0135] The invention also relates to a lens for a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing and a LIDAR with an emission beam having a source field of view with an initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and an angular aperture initial horizontal (HF0V1) and at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view with external vertical angular aperture (VF0V2) and external horizontal angular aperture (HF0V2), the lens being a diverging lens having an optical axis, the diverging lens having a first surface and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, the second surface being intended to be oriented towards the outside of the glazing, at least one of said first and second surfaces, the diverging lens having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and oriented outwards and extending along a plane normal to the optical axis, at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial section of the structured surface,The structures as a whole form an alternation of facets and counter-facets.

[0136] The diverging lens is arranged and configured so as to receive said LIDAR emission beam on the facets of the structures and all or part of the structures, called reference structures, have facets each with an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the diverging lens, the angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value increases with the radial distance, each having a height which varies away from the optical axis so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0137] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the glazing system as described above, the diverging lens being fixed (at the periphery of the functional area) to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle, and / or is fixed to a LIDAR in the passenger compartment, the LIDAR being linked to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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, where 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.

[0140] On the attached drawings:

[0141] [Fig.l] schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing according to a first example of a first embodiment, with a lidar type infrared vision system and a planar Fresnel type diverging lens;

[0142] [Fig.2] schematically represents, in longitudinal section view, the glazing of vehicle of the first mode,

[0143] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b respectively show a front view (first surface side) of the Fresnel-plane diverging lens according to the invention and a partial longitudinal section view of the Fresnel-plane diverging lens;

[0144] Fig. 3' shows three longitudinal cross-sectional views of diverging Fresnel-plane type lenses according to the invention;

[0145] [Fig.4] shows a front view of an example of a windscreen opposite a lens divergent of Fresnel-plane type according to a second example of the first embodiment, the laminated glazing possibly comprising a multi-function support (plate) mounted on an edge of the glazing;

[0146] [Fig.5] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a third example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, the diverging Fresnel-plane type lens being arranged inside the vehicle;

[0147] [Fig.6] schematically represents a vehicle window in a side section view according to a fourth example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, and the diverging Fresnel-plane type lens is arranged inside the vehicle;

[0148] [Fig.7] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a fifth example of the first embodiment with laminated glazing, without holes, and a Fresnel-plane type diverging lens inside the vehicle, in which an optical deflector is arranged in the passenger compartment downstream of the LIDAR;

[0149] [Fig.8] schematically represents a vehicle window in a side section view according to a first example of a second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane diverging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a part housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0150] [Fig.9] schematically represents a vehicle window in a side section view according to a second example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane diverging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0151] [Fig. 10] schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window according to a third example of the second embodiment with laminated glass and a Fresnel-plane type diverging lens inside 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;

[0152] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to an example of a third embodiment in which the glazing has a through hole forming a notch and the lidar as well as the Fresnel-plane type diverging lens are inside the vehicle opposite the notch housing a plate;

[0153] [Fig. 12] shows a front view example of a windscreen from [Fig. 11];

[0154] [Fig. 12'] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a first example of a fourth embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, the diverging Fresnel-plane type lens being arranged outside the vehicle;

[0155] [Fig.12”] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a second example of the fourth embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, with a hole in the first sheet, the diverging Fresnel-plane type lens being disposed outside the vehicle;

[0156] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in longitudinal section view, along the X axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of a diverging Fresnel-plane type lens according to the invention in a first example, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance x to the center of the lens;

[0157] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in lateral section view, along the Y axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of a diverging Fresnel-plane type lens of the first example, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance y to the center of the lens;

[0158] [Fig. 15] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of Fresnel-plane type lenses according to the invention, each curve showing the angle of inclination of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the radial distance

[0159] [Fig. 16] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances source and Fresnel-plane type lens according to the invention, each curve showing the angle of inclination of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the radial distance;

[0160] [Fig. 17] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of Fresnel-plane type lenses according to the invention, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the entrance surface with the structured surface (high surface of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center of the lens);

[0161] [Fig. 18] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances source and Fresnel-plane type lens according to the invention, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the input surface with the structured surface (high surface of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center of the lens);

[0162] [Fig. 19] represents 3 partial cross-sectional views of a plane Fresnel-type lens according to the invention following three facet alignment configurations;

[0163] [Fig.20] represents a partial cross-sectional view of a plane Fresnel-type lens according to the invention with two distinct pitch regions;

[0164] [Fig.21] represents a partial cross-sectional view of a plane Fresnel-type lens according to the invention with inclined counter facets;

[0165] [Fig.22] schematically represents in longitudinal section view, along the X axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of a diverging Fresnel-plane type lens according to the invention with inclined counter facets in a second example, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance x to the center of the lens.

[0166] [Fig.23] is a detail view of [Fig.22];

[0167] [Fig.24] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different source distances and a Fresnel-plane type lens according to the invention with inclined counter facets in a second example, each curve showing the angle of inclination of the counter facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center.

[0168] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same reference numerals. The figures are not to scale.

[0169] Figure 1 schematically represents a partial view of vehicle glazing (preferably a road vehicle windshield), for example, laminated glazing with a first outermost principal face 11 (denoted Fl) and an inner principal face 14 (denoted F4), or alternatively 12 (denoted F2) if it is single glazing. For clarity, the vehicle is assumed to be on a horizontal surface. The lateral (or transverse) cutting plane is thus taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (to the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the lower longitudinal edge of the glazing 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 cutting plane. The plane includes a normal 50 to the glazing and a vertical axis Y within the vehicle. Advantageously, the plane passes through the middle of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and is a plane of symmetry of the glazing.

[0170] 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 no more than 90 km / h or no more than 70 km / h, in particular (subways, trams). Glazing finds applications particularly in windshields, rear windows, and even side windows (including quarter windows). For clarity, flat glazing is shown in the figures. However, glazing can have at least one radius of curvature, making it curved. Let E be the thickness of the glazing. The thickness E is generally less than or equal to 1 cm, for example, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm (inclusive).

[0171] The glazing 100 is installed or intended to be installed on a vehicle at an angle of inclination, denoted [3], with a horizontal axis in the cutting plane. For clarity, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a level surface. The angle of inclination [3] is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at most 60 degrees, generally between 15 and 20 and preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, for example, 23 or 30 degrees for a motor vehicle windshield. The angle of inclination [3] has a sign, which is positive here.

[0172] The glazing 100 has an upper longitudinal edge 10 and a lower longitudinal edge (not visible).

[0173] An infrared vision system 7 is placed here a lidar inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, spaced out and behind the laminated (or single) glazing.

[0174] The infrared vision system 7 comprises a light source 71 and a detection device. The light source 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, specifically 905 nm ± 30 nm, 940 nm ± 30 nm, 1310 nm ± 30 nm, and 1550 nm ± 30 nm. The detection device is arranged beside or below 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 is generally oriented parallel to the light source.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 an initial vertical angular aperture, denoted VFOV1, and an initial horizontal angular aperture, denoted HFOV1, data.

[0175] 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 and at the periphery. The transmission window 111, which is a region laminated glazing is transparent to the emission beam of the infrared vision system 7.

[0176] The glazing 100 has a peripheral masking layer 5 bonded to the second main face 12. The masking layer is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel coating or lacquer. The masking layer is suitable for masking the lidar housing. The masking layer has a recess with dimensions greater than the length L1 and the width W1 of the emission beam incident on the inner main face of the glazing 14 F4. The recess in the masking layer allows the passage of the lidar emission beam and the reflected beam towards the detection device. The recess in the masking layer 5 has, for example, a rectangular or trapezoidal shape with two long horizontal sides and two short sides. In this example, the transmission window 111 is therefore separated from the upper edge 10 of the glazing by the masking layer 5.There may be several other savings, for example, to form other optical transmission windows.

[0177] The 100 laminated glass comprises, in more detail:

[0178] - a first sheet of glass 1 intended to form the outer glazing with a first main external face 11 called Fl oriented outwards and a second main internal 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 4mm, and even at most 3mm or 2.5mm, - in particular 2.1mm, 1.9mm, 1.8mm, 1.6mm and 1.4mm- and preferably of at least 0.7mm or 1mm (inclusive of terminals); - a lamination interlayer 3 made of polymer material having a main face oriented towards the second main internal face 12 and a main face opposite to the main face;The laminate 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 made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), preferably for a road vehicle with a thickness of at most 1.8 mm, better at most 1.2 mm and even at most 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 inner 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The first glass sheet 1 and the second glass sheet 2, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, silica soda-lime, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, have 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 glass sheet 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. An OPTWHITE glass is chosen in particular.

[0181] The first glass sheet and the second glass sheet (not perforated) are made of glass transparent in the near infrared, such for example with a glass composition as described in patent documents WO2018015312 and / or WO2018178278.

[0182] For a road vehicle, the second sheet of glass 2 is preferably thinner than the first sheet of glass 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 no less than 0.7mm, the sum of the thicknesses of the first sheet of glass and the second sheet of glass being preferably strictly less than 5mm or 4mm, even 3.7mm (including terminals).

[0183] 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 in clear (or tinted) PVB of 0.38mm or 0.76mm thickness is chosen.

[0184] The glazing can alternatively be glazing comprising a single sheet of glass. In this case, the glazing has an external main face 11 called Fl oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and an internal main face 12 called F2 oriented towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0185] An optical device is arranged along the optical path of the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar; here, it is located in the passenger compartment. This optical device comprises, and is even made up of, a diverging lens 20, which is a thin Fresnel-type lens. In this first example, it is located in the passenger compartment and protected from the outside by the glazing. The lens is external to the lidar and is vertical.

[0186] The diverging lens 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22. Opposite the first surface 21, the second surface 22 is oriented outwards and is positioned at a distance from the main face F4 14 of the glazing. An optical axis is defined intersecting the first surface at point 01 and the second surface at point 02.

[0187] The diverging lens 20 also has a longitudinal optical axis transverse 45 to the first surface 21 and to the second surface 22. The optical axis of the diverging lens 20 is here collinear with the median direction of pointing 40 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar.

[0188] The diverging lens 20 is, for example, 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). The diverging lens 20 has, for example, a subcentimeter thickness at its center. More precisely, at least one surface between the first surface 21 and the second surface has a structured Fresnel-type surface. Preferably, it is the first surface, and the second surface is flat or curved. The lens is said to be a planar Fresnel-type lens.

[0189] The diverging lens 20 is arranged in the reference plane of the lidar to receive the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar 7. The second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 is therefore located opposite the near-infrared transmission window 111.

[0190] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the transmission emission beam is refracted through the first surface 21 and then the second surface 22 of the diverging lens 20 and then propagates in free space. For improved optical performance, the diverging lens therefore has first and second surfaces 21, 22 with free faces exposed to air, separated from the glazing and the lidar.

[0191] Thus, at the output of the diverging lens 20, an emission beam is obtained having an external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than VFOV1 and an external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than HFOV1. The emission beam 70 is transmitted through the glazing 100, here considered as a plate with flat and parallel faces, which does not modify the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 or the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2.

[0192] This diverging lens 20 makes it possible to reduce the size L1 of the vertical projection window of the lidar emission beam into the glazing transmission window 111 and the width W1 of the horizontal projection window of the lidar emission beam into the glazing transmission window 111, while multiplying the horizontal and vertical angular openings.

[0193] 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., from the point from which the rays emerging from the LIDAR appear to originate). The distance dl is preferably at most 300 mm or 200 mm, for example 110 mm.

[0194] The second surface 22 is placed at a distance d2 from the main internal face 14 of the glazing. The distance d2 is preferably at most 30 mm or even at most 10mm. The diverging lens is preferably placed to minimize the d2 distance. This minimization of the d2 distance reduces the size of the LIDAR system and the size of the footprint.

[0195] A superior longitudinal edge (the most advanced of the lens) between the second surface 22 and the edge of the lens 20 may touch the glazing (forming a line of contact, symbolized by point 03 on [Fig.1]) or be spaced at most 5cm or 1cm apart.

[0196] The lens 20 (at least the useful area) may be spaced away from the glazing (excluding the aforementioned contact line) and optionally have a peripheral reinforcing portion around the useful area. The lens may be integral with the LIDAR and / or the glazing. The diverging lens is, for example, fixed to the glazing and / or to a body and / or to a support, particularly a multi-functional one, for example, with other sensors.

[0197] The diverging lens 20 forms, in the reference YZ plane, a virtual image 74 of the light source 71 at a given distance from point Oi of the first surface 21 along the optical axis of the median direction of the point ([Fig. 1]). There is also an intermediate virtual image 73 which is the image of the source 71 by the first surface 21, an image further from the lens than the image 74.

[0198] In particular, the diverging lens has on the second surface (having a free face) and / or on the first surface (having a free face) a surface treatment or a functional layer forming an anti-reflective element or being a hydrophobic layer, or anti-fouling or forming a hard coat.

[0199] Preferably, the diverging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface and / or on the second surface.

[0200] In the case of a (mono)layer, in particular a porous silica layer, an anti-reflective layer with an optical refractive index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm is preferred.

[0201] The diverging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, and even in a near-infrared range extending from at least 850 nm to 1600 nm, and even from 800 to 1800 nm. The diverging lens may be transparent in the visible spectrum, for example, with a high visible transmission of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, or conversely, have a low visible transmission of at most 10%, 5%, or 2%. Preferably, the total thickness of the lens (at least at the center) is subcentimeter.

[0202] The lens may have a remaining thickness, below the structured surface for example, of at most 1 cm (and preferably at least 0.5 mm and even 1 mm). The lens may be a single piece with the (first) surface partially structured within its thickness. The The lens may comprise a substrate and a layer having a structured surface (preferably partially structured).

[0203] In particular, the general shape of the lens (at least of the useful area) is distinct from a disk, notably being polygonal. In particular, the length is greater than the width; naturally, there are therefore more structures, especially reference structures, along the length than along the width. The lens can be obtained from a lens with a disk-like structured surface (and even with a flat peripheral surface), which has been cut to be rectangular or substantially rectangular. For example, the long sides (longitudinal edges) can be straight and parallel, and the short sides (lateral edges) can be curved or straight and parallel.

[0204] For example, the lens (including the useful area of ​​the structured surface) is rectangular, particularly when the source field of view is rectangular (wider than it is tall). The length (longitudinal edge) is preferably (approximately) horizontal. In all examples, the given widths and lengths of the lens are at least the lengths and widths of the useful area, preferably the structured area (slightly larger than the useful area). The total length and width of the lens can be customized (for mounting, etc.).

[0205] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b respectively show a front view (first surface side) of the Fresnel-plane diverging lens according to the invention and a partial longitudinal section view of the Fresnel-plane diverging lens.

[0206] The planar Fresnel diverging lens 20 extends along a plane normal to the optical axis 45. The first surface 21 has (in the useful area, receiving the beam) a structured surface, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial (for example longitudinal) section of the structured surface, the set of structures form an alternation of facets 211 and counter-facets 212 preferably contiguous and of similar shape section.

[0207] Here the lens is rectangular (due to the choice of cut) with two straight and parallel longitudinal edges 202, 203 and two curved or straight lateral edges 204, 205 (dotted lines). The lens can be extended in length and / or width (beyond the useful area) as needed.

[0208] The lens also has a central surface 201 passing through the optical axis (and containing the point 01) and adjacent (connected) to the structured surface, a (substantially) flat surface of a given equivalent radius. For example, the central surface is a disk.

[0209] The diverging lens 20 is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam on the central surface and facets of the structures and all or part of the structures (preferably all the structures), called reference structures, present facets, each having an angle Ak with respect to the plane of the diverging lens. A structure is defined by its rank k. The angle Ak of ​​the facets, in absolute value, increases with the radial distance. The reference structures each have a height that varies (increases) with distance from the optical axis such that the external vertical angular aperture VF0V2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VF0V1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HF0V2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HF0V1.

[0210] The facets of the reference structures are flared, with said height increasing away from the optical axis.

[0211] In particular, the maximum angular deviation of the set of angles Ak is at least 40°, in particular the variation of Ak in a paraxial region is substantially linear.

[0212] Each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk (between the base Sk and the apex Sk), Hk increases with the radial distance with preferably a maximum peak-valley height of at most 5mm.

[0213] Each reference structure has a pitch p, in particular which is at least 0.1 mm and at most 1 mm; the pitch of the reference structures is substantially constant here. The equivalent radius of the central section is, for example, preferably at most equal to the pitch p of the reference structures.

[0214] The counter facets 212 of the reference structures each present with the plane of the lens an angle dk here which is everywhere equal to 90° (normal counter facets, straight).

[0215] It may be preferable for the structured surface to be dimensioned for different sets of HFOV1 and VHFOV1 or adapted to a predetermined set of HFOV1 and VHFOV1. As a precaution, the extreme periphery of the structured surface of the lens does not receive the beam. This is a neutral zone adjacent to the useful zone. For example, the neutral zone is of width (1 mm or better 5 mm, and preferably at most 5 cm, 1 cm) and of width 1 mm or better 5 mm and preferably at most 5 cm, 10 cm.

[0216] The vertices of the concentric structures form in particular solid rings, for example circular or elliptical (or ovoid etc) or partial, in the form of the two annular portions, (for example arcs of circles or elliptical portions).

[0217] More specifically, the vertices (forming edges or rounded at the highest points) of the structures in a paraxial region are solid rings and the vertices (forming edges or rounded at the highest point) of peripheral structures in a marginal region form two disjoint annular portions.

[0218] In particular, let N0 be the total number of structures along the length (at least in the useful area). Preferably, N0 is at least 1000. Naturally, N0 depends on the HFOV 1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0219] In particular, let NI be the total number of structures along the width (at least in the useful area). Preferably, NI is at least 20 and preferably at most 800. Naturally, NI depends on the VFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0220] In particular the useful area is of length of at least 3cm and even of at most 30cm and of width of at least 1mm and even of at most 5cm.

[0221] The lens can also extend, include a part called extension in one direction (along the length or the width) to facilitate its attachment (to the LIDAR and / or to the glazing in particular to a plate).

[0222] Fig. 3' shows three longitudinal cross-sectional views of diverging Fresnel-plane type lenses according to the invention.

[0223] In configuration a), the lens 20 is monobloc or alternatively with a substrate and a partially structured layer (symbolized by the dotted line).

[0224] In a configuration b), the lens 20 is monobloc but has a thicker peripheral reinforcement zone for example by means of a plate 24 glued to the second flat surface by means of an adhesive 25, in an area adjacent to the useful area which may be opposite the extreme periphery of the structured surface and / or opposite a flat area of ​​the first surface 21.

[0225] The structured surface (the extreme periphery) can thus be adjacent to a flat area of ​​the lens (for example, at least 1 cm wide and at least 1 cm long), framing all or part of the useful area,

[0226] In a less preferred configuration c), the monobloc lens 20 is attached to a transparent plate (with parallel faces) via a layer 25' or alternatively comprises a substrate and a partially structured layer and an interface layer (of constant thickness) may be intercalated.

[0227] Fig. 4 shows a front view (inner face side) of a windscreen opposite a Fresnel-plane diverging lens according to a second example of the first embodiment, the laminated glazing here comprising a multi-function support called a rectangular 80 plate, for example, mounted on an edge of the glazing on face F4 14.

[0228] The plate 80 is attached to the rear main face 14 of the glazing, for example by bonding, and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. It is, for example, rectangular in shape, with longitudinal edges 801, 802, and lateral edges 803, 804 of the plate 80. For example, the plate is an opaque plastic, filled with colorants, in particular black (filled with carbon, etc.). The plate may be opposite a large area of ​​the masking layer or extend over the masking layer, which has one or more dedicated areas. For example, the opaque plate includes a first opening (in dotted lines), for example rectangular (or trapezoidal), extending from a first area of ​​the masking layer (with longitudinal edges 501, 502, and lateral edges 503, 504 forming the transmission window 111.

[0229] The opaque plate 80 may include other areas here in the form of through-holes in the thickness 601, 602 to allow optical transmission from one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, openings in the extension of other spares in the masking layer or even another opening 603 for a thermal camera, an opening in the extension of a through hole in the laminated glazing filled with a material transparent to the far IR if necessary, for example a ZnS crystal.

[0230] Fig. 5 schematically represents a side-section view of a vehicle glazing 110 (shown here as curved) according to a second example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without a hole, the Fresnel-plane type diverging lens being arranged inside the vehicle.

[0231] It differs from glazing 100 in that a functional layer 5', for example a solar control layer, is on face F3 13 of the second glass pane, with a gap if necessary in the transmission window area 111. For example, the detection device 72 is arranged below the light source 71. The lamination interlayer, for example made of PVB, has an outer main face 31 in adhesive contact with face 12 and an outer main face in adhesive contact with face 12.

[0232] If necessary (for more transparency) in the transmission window area, the PVB interlayer 3 may have an opening filled with a more transparent material (especially at 1550nm) for example TPU or EVA (thermoplastic or crosslinked).

[0233] The LIDAR infrared vision system 7 and the lens 20 are in a housing 8, for example made of plastic or metal. The housing 8 is attached by a fastening means (not shown) in a removable manner, for example by clipping. The housing 8 is attached, for example (fully) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass sheet 2 by the fastening means in a removable manner, for example by clipping.

[0234] Fig. 6 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window according to a third example of the first embodiment in which the window is laminated, without holes, and the Fresnel-plane type diverging lens is arranged inside the vehicle.

[0235] It differs from the previous glazing 100 in that the functional layer is optionally omitted and in that it comprises an opaque plate 80 (multi-sensor, for example, analogous to that described in [Fig. 4]) with an opening opposite the near-infrared transmission window 111. The edge with point 03 of the lens 20 may be spaced or in contact with face 14 F4. Also, a more or less large portion of the lens 20 (always vertical) is in the opening of the plate.

[0236] The housing 8 is fixed to the plate 80 (or to the face F4 directly) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing (on face 14) via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extruded etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the glazing 120. According to an embodiment the housing 8 is fixed entirely to the plate 80 (in a removable manner).

[0237] One or more optical components may be arranged between the light source 71 and the diverging lens 20 so as to redirect the emitted beam (whose median direction is pointed 40) towards the diverging lens 20. The redirection means may be a mirror or a prism. In this case, the LIDAR may, for example, advantageously point downwards to reduce its size inside the vehicle.

[0238] Figure 7 schematically represents, in cross-section, a vehicle window 130 according to a fourth example of the first embodiment with laminated glass, without a hole, and a Fresnel-plane diverging lens inside the vehicle, in which an optical deflector 75 is arranged in the passenger compartment downstream of the lidar; for example, a plane mirror reflecting the working wavelength. The optical deflector 75 allows the lidar to be positioned as close as possible to the window and / or the orientation of the median direction of the pointing 40 to be adjusted. The median direction of the pointing 40 is therefore aligned with the optical axis 45 after reflection on the deflector 75.

[0239] The first embodiment with a second integral glass sheet requires that the second glass sheet be transparent at the working wavelength. Furthermore (and independently), it may be envisaged, if necessary, that the lamination interlayer (PVB) be locally perforated (partial or, better, through-hole) and preferably replaced by a more transparent filling material (liquid or self-supporting film).

[0240] Figure 8 schematically represents, in cross-section, a vehicle window according to a first example of a second embodiment with laminated glass and a Fresnel-plane diverging lens 20 inside the vehicle, in which the lidar 7 is opposite a part called an insert 3' housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glass. For example, it is extra-clear tempered glass at least 0.3 mm thick, possibly with a camouflage coating on the outer main surface 33 and / or an anti-reflective coating on the inner main surface (towards the passenger compartment) 34.

[0241] The edge with point 03 may be spaced from the main face 34 of the insert or in contact.

[0242] Here, for example, the housing 8 is fully fixed to the plate 80 (in a removable manner). Of course, the plate is optional.

[0243] Furthermore, it may be envisaged, if necessary, that the laminate interlayer (PVB) be locally perforated (partial hole or better through hole) and preferably replaced by an adhesive filling material (liquid or self-supporting film for example TPU EVA) more transparent at the working wavelength and fixing the insert to the glazing.

[0244] It may be desirable that the second sheet of glass 2, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, preferably silicic soda-lime, or even aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, have a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of at least 0.4% and preferably not more than 1.5%. The second sheet of glass 2 may be tinted. The second sheet of glass 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. In this configuration, a through hole is made in the second sheet (at least or even in the interlayer) for the near-infrared transmission window 111.

[0245] Fig. 9 schematically represents a side-section view of vehicle glazing according to a second example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane diverging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing.

[0246] It differs from the previous glazing 200 by a 30 spacer hole and the absence of the insert.

[0247] Fig. 10 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window according to a third example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane type diverging lens inside 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 laminate opening laterally.

[0248] The housing 8 is fixed to the plate 80 (or to the face F4 directly) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing on the face 12 via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extruded etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the glazing 120. According to an embodiment the housing 8 is fixed entirely to the plate 80 (in a removable manner).

[0249] Figure 11 schematically represents, in a side section view, a vehicle window according to a third embodiment in which the window has a through hole forming a notch and the lidar, like the Fresnel-plane diverging lens, is inside the vehicle opposite the notch housing an 80' plate transparent at the working wavelength. [Fig. 12] shows a front view (front side F4) of an example of a windscreen from [Fig. 11].

[0250] The diverging lens 20 is thus opposite a plate 80 (for example, multifunctional, with transmission windows for various sensors) which is inserted at least partially into the through hole 30', 1'. For example, the plate 80 is bonded, for instance, by an adhesive 61, at least to the first glass sheet 1. The plate 80' is here made of a sheet transparent at wavelength LB1 (extra-clear glass, plastic, etc.) and, for example, of the same thickness as the first glass sheet 1. A masking layer 88 (coating) is, for example, applied to the plate 80', opaque in the visible and near-infrared regions, for example, black in color. The masking layer 88 protects the adhesive 60 from UV radiation, if necessary.

[0251] The plate 80 (with possibly opacified areas) may include areas 601, 602 suitable for optical transmission from one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, or even an opening 603 for a thermal camera (filled with a material transparent to far IR if necessary, for example a ZnS crystal).

[0252] The housing 8 is fixed to the face F4 directly (or to another plate 80) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing on the support 80' via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extrudate etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the support 80'.

[0253] It is preferable that the diverging lens be protected by the glazing (or an 80° support). However, a lens on the FL face side may be provided.

[0254] The partial hole (Figures 8 to 10) or, respectively, the through hole ([Fig. 1 1]), is, for example, rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The partial hole or, respectively, the through hole may have rounded corners.

[0255] Fig. 12 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing 400 according to a first example of a fourth embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without a hole, the diverging Fresnel-plane (vertical) type lens being arranged outside the vehicle.

[0256] The lower edge of the lens containing point C may be in contact with face Fl or slightly spaced.

[0257] The [Fig. 12] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing 400' according to a second example of the fourth embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, with a hole going through in the first sheet 1 or even in the interlayer 3, the diverging (vertical) Fresnel-plane type lens being disposed outside the vehicle.

[0258] The lower edge of the lens containing point C may be in contact with face F3 or slightly spaced away.

[0259] 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 and / or an anti-reflective element.

[0260] In all examples, the lens may include a lateral extension for fixing it to the glazing system.

[0261] In all examples the glazing may include a heating system opposite the near-infrared transmission window, for example a heating layer as described in patent application WO2022 / 208025. The Fl face may include an anti-reflective element.

[0262] EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0263] Table 1 below outlines the main design parameters of an automotive windshield with a rectangular internal plane Fresnel lens and a LIDAR in a first embodiment. The lens is manufactured by 3D CNC machining and / or molding. Source-lens distance dl 110mm Lens-glazing distance d2 8 mm HFOV2 120° VFOV2 26° HFOV1 16° VFOV1 2.6° Lens length 30 mm Lens width (height) 5 mm Thickness (at center) ~ 1 mm Material PMMA (machining ease) Refractive index at 905nm n= 1.4844 Lens pitch 0.01 mm Number of facets along x (lengthwise) 3000 Number of facets along y (widthwise ("height") 500 Counter-facet inclination 90° Table 1

[0264] The central surface is flat and has a diameter of 0.1 mm.

[0265] In this example, the angular magnification is 10. The use of this diverging lens makes it possible to reduce the beam footprint on the glazing by 181 mm vertically and 323 mm horizontally.

[0266] Of course, all other things being equal, if we increase the step by a factor x we ​​reduce the number of facets by x times, for example x=10 in table 2. Lens pitch (p) 0.1 mm Number of steps along x (lengthwise) 300 Number of steps along y (heightwise) 50 Table 2

[0267] [Fig. 13] represents in longitudinal section view, along the X axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of this diverging Fresnel-plane type lens (adjacent to the central plane zone 201) in this first embodiment example, in particular showing the peak valley height H as a function of the distance x to the center of the lens.

[0268] For better visualization the pitch has been increased to 0.5mm.

[0269] [Fig. 14] schematically represents, in lateral section view along the Y axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of the Fresnel-plane diverging lens (adjacent to the central plane area 201) of this first example, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance y to the center of the lens.

[0270] For better visualization the pitch has been increased to 0.5mm.

[0271] [Fig. 15] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 lens dimensions of Fresnel-plane type (influencing HFOV1 and VFOV1), each curve showing the angle of inclination A of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the radial distance r. Lens size HFOVlxVFOVl HFOV2xVFOV2 slope Pel(° / mm) 30x5mm 16°x2.6° 120°x26° 8.4 60x10mm 31°x5.2° 120°x26° 4.3 80x13mm 40°x7° 120°x26° 3.2 100x17mm 49°x9° 120°x26° 2.4 120x20mm 57°xl0° 120°x26° 2.0

[0272] The angle A of the facets of reference structures increases for example continuously with the radial distance (rather than by jump).

[0273] The variation of angle A with radial distance can be divided into two parts. In the first part (paraxial region), the variation is (approximately) linear, defined by a Pel slope greater than 27 mm and less than 157 mm up to a maximum of 5 mm, followed by asymptotic behavior with slower growth. Pel varies and decreases depending on the chosen lens size. The lower the HFOV1 and VFOV1 (for example, HFOV1 is at most 70°, 50°, 20° and VFOV1 is at most 12°, 10.5°, 3°), the smaller the lens size can be (at least the useful area, the textured surface). The object point distance dl of the lens has a greater influence on the angles A of the most peripheral structures.

[0274] Naturally the 30mm x5mm lens allows HFOV1 and VFOV1 to be particularly small.

[0275] The vertical footprint can be defined according to the following formula: _ W0xcos(g) sm(3-a)

[0276] with: - W0: the width of the lens - a: half of the target vertical divergence angle (VFOV / 2) - [3: the angle of inclination of the glazing. The horizontal footprint can be defined according to the following formula: ri _ d,

[0277] with: - L0: the length of the lens - d3: the distance between the image point and the glazing (inner surface) - d4: the distance between the image point and the lens (point 01). The following table shows the influence of the lens for the 5 sizes on the vertical footprint (and by comparison the maximum vertical footprint without lens) by placing the windshield at 110 mm from the source point at the optical axis. Lens size (LOxW 0) HFOVlx VFOV1 HFOV2x VFOV2 Vertical imprint on windshield angled at 22° without lens Vertical imprint on windshield angled at 22° with lens 30x5mm 16°x2.6° 120°x26° 213mm 32mm 60x10mm 31°x5.2° 120°x26° 213mm 62mm 80x13mm 40°x7° 120°x26° 213mm 81mm 100x17mm 49°x9° 120°x26° 213mm 106mm 120x20mm 57°x0° 120°x26° 213mm 125mm

[0278] The following table shows the influence of the lens for the 5 sizes on the horizontal footprint (and by comparison the maximum horizontal footprint without lens) by placing the windscreen at 110 mm from the source point at the optical axis. Lens size HFOVlx VFOV1 HFOV2x VFOV2 horizontal imprint on windshield inclined at 22° without lens horizontal imprint on windshield inclined at 22° with lens 30x5mm 16°x2.6° 120°x26° 381mm 58mm 60x10mm 31°x5.2° 120°x26° 381mm 116mm 80x13mm 40°x7° 120°x26° 381mm 154mm 100x17mm 49°x9° 120°x26° 381mm 193mm 120x20mm 57°x0° 120°x26° 381mm 232mm

[0279] [Fig. 16] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances source and Fresnel-plane type lens like that of the first example, each curve showing the angle of inclination A of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the radial distance r.

[0280] It is observed that the shape of the curves is similar. The greater the distance, the larger A is (at a given radial distance). However, the curves at 110 mm and 150 mm differ little.

[0281] [Fig. 17] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of Fresnel-plane type lenses analogous to the first example, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the entrance surface with the structured surface (high surface of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center of the lens).

[0282] [Fig. 18] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances source and Fresnel-plane type lens of the first example, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the input surface with the structured surface (high surface of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center of the lens).

[0283] The reconstructed profiles of the Fresnel-type lens according to the invention can be compared to those of equivalent aspheric macroscopic lenses of substantially greater thickness (several centimeters). This comparison highlights local differences in slope between the reconstructed surface of the Fresnel-type lens according to the invention and these aspheric macroscopic lenses, demonstrating the unique approach of the Fresnel-type lenses according to the invention in beam broadening with a thin optical element.

[0284] A reference level (of facet alignment) can be defined along the plane of the lens as a function of the reference level.

[0285] [Fig. 19] represents three partial section views of a Fresnel-type lens - plane 20 -with a structured entrance surface 21- according to three facet alignment configurations.

[0286] In a first configuration (with centered facets), the facets can be (approximately) centered at a reference level called the median level, i.e., at an altitude located at mid-height (Hk / 2), so the variable height is distributed on either side of this median altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0287] In a second configuration (with constant total thickness), the vertices are aligned with a reference level called the high, i.e., an altitude located at a maximum peak-valley height Hmax. As with the first configuration, the bases do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the bases of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, convex or V-shaped.

[0288] In a third configuration (with constant remaining thickness), the bases are aligned with a reference level called the low level, i.e., an altitude located at a minimum peak-valley height Hmin. As with the first configuration, the vertices do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0289] The alignment of the facets has no optical impact. The choice of configuration depends on manufacturing constraints and / or the mechanical strength of the lens. From a mechanical point of view, the third configuration (thickened structures) may be preferred.

[0290] [Fig.20] represents a partial cross-sectional view of a plane Fresnel-type lens according to the invention with two distinct pitch regions, a paraxial region (adjacent to the central region not shown) with a pitch p2 and a marginal region with a pitch pl greater than p2.

[0291] [Fig.21] represents a partial cross-sectional view of a plane Fresnel-type lens according to the invention with inclined counter facets 272.

[0292] The counter-facets 272 of the inclined reference structures each have with the lens plane an angle dk which varies with the radial distance rk and according to the following formula = (-|)j )± 0.09 rad with dl distance between object point 71 and point 01 on the first surface passing through the optical axis.

[0293] [Fig.22] schematically represents, in longitudinal section view, along the X axis, The profile of the structured entrance surface of a Fresnel-plane diverging lens according to a second embodiment which differs from the first in that it has counter inclined facets, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance x from the center of the lens. [Fig.23] is a detailed view of [Fig.22] showing the peak valley heights Hk.

[0294] [Fig.24] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different source distances and Fresnel-plane type lens in the second example, each curve showing the angle of inclination d of the counter facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center.

[0295] For a distance dl at 110mm, d varies from approximately 90° to 82°. For a distance dl at 150mm, d varies from approximately 90° to 84°. For a distance dl at 50mm, d varies from approximately 90° to 72°.

Claims

1. Demands Glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing (100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 400, 410), the glazing comprising: a first sheet of glass (1) intended to form the outer glazing with a first external principal face (11) and a second principal face (12) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and, when the glazing is laminated, comprising a second sheet of glass (2) intended to form the inner glazing with a third principal face (13) oriented towards the second principal face (12) and a fourth principal face (14) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and a lamination interlayer (3) of polymer material disposed between the second principal face (12) and the third principal face (13), in particular the glazing being intended to form an angle of inclination (|3) of less than 90 degrees with a horizontal axis,the glazing system having a near-infrared transmission window (111) at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, the near-infrared transmission window (111) being capable of receiving an emission beam (70) at said working wavelength from a LIDAR (7) intended to be disposed in the vehicle's passenger compartment, the emission beam (70) having a source field of view with an initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and an initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) and at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view with an external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) and an external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2), and an optical device transparent at the working wavelength LB1 intended to provide said external field of view characterized in that: the optical device comprises a diverging lens (20), having an optical axis (45),the diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) opposite the first surface and oriented outwards, and the lens extending along a plane normal to the optical axis, at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial section of the structured surface, the set of structures forms an alternation of facets (211) and counter-facets (212), each facet of the reference structure having, a rank k greater than or equal to 1 and increasing away from the optical axis the diverging lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam (70) on the facets of the structures and all or part of the structures, called reference structures, have facets each having an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the diverging lens, the angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value has an increasing variation with the radial distance, and each having a height which varies away from the optical axis so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

2. System according to claim 1 wherein the structured surface is the first surface, all or part of the facets of the reference structures are flared, with said height increasing away from the optical axis.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lens has a central surface (201) passing through the optical axis and adjacent to said set of said structures, a planar area of ​​equivalent radius preferably of at most equal to a minimum pitch of the reference structures.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the maximum deviation of angles of the set of angles Ak is at least 40°, in particular the variation of Ak in a paraxial region is substantially linear.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk, Hk being variable with the radial distance with preferably a maximum peak-valley height of at most 5mm and even wherein the total thickness of the lens is subcentrimetric.

6. System according to the preceding claim in which the first surface is the structured surface, the height Hk increases with the radial distance.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each reference structure having a pitch, in particular which is at least 0.1mm and at most 1mm, the pitch of all or part of the reference structures is substantially constant.

8. System according to the preceding claim in which paraxial reference structures, located in a paraxial region of the lens, have a substantially constant first step, and peripheral reference structures located in a marginal region of the lens have a substantially constant second step greater than the first step.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first surface is the structured surface, the counter facets of the reference structures are inclined, each presenting with the lens plane an angle dk, angle dk varying with the radial distance rk and defined according to the following formula: ) ± 0-09 rad with dl distance between object point and point on the first surface passing through the optical axis.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lens is external to the LIDAR, and is spaced away from the glazing, and in particular is vertical.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structured surface is in free space, and even the diverging lens, in particular vertical, is in free space.

12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the diverging lens is in a marginal area of ​​the glazing, in particular windscreen, the lens is vertical and even the length is substantially horizontal.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens is configured to transmit a so-called reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 with a median pointing direction preferably substantially horizontal and even to receive the median pointing direction substantially horizontal or wherein the so-called reference beam (70) at the working wavelength LB1 having, upstream of the diverging lens, a median pointing direction (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), in particular with the median pointing direction horizontal after deflection.

14. 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.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein it comprises a peripheral masking layer (5) linked to the second main face (12) and optionally another masking layer on a main surface of a support (80), in particular multifunctional, in a through hole of the laminated glazing, in particular wherein the near-infrared transmission window (111) is in an opening of the masking layer (5) and even of the optional other masking layer.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the near-infrared transmission window, the glazing comprises a functional layer which is preferably a camouflage layer, in particular disposed in the opening of a masking layer, downstream of the lens.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diverging lens is spaced from the glazing, optionally fixed to the glazing, and is: - opposite the fourth principal face (14) of the laminated glazing, - or opposite, and even partially in a hole (4) through the second sheet of glass, in particular forming a notch, the hole possibly comprising a piece transparent at the working wavelength linked to the second principal face, - or opposite a support (80'), in particular multifunctional, transparent at the working wavelength, and linked to the glazing via a wall delimiting a hole through (4') of the glazing, in particular laminated.

18. A system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising, upstream of the diverging lens, a LIDAR comprising a light source (71) intended to be disposed in a vehicle's passenger compartment, the light source (71) being capable of emitting said emission beam (70) at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range and with the median direction of (40) initial vertical angular opening (VFOV1) and initial horizontal angular opening (HFOV1).

19. Lens (20) for a glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing and a LIDAR with an emission beam (70) having a source field of view of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) and at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view of external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) and external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2), the lens being a diverging lens (20) having an optical axis (45), the diverging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) opposite the first surface and oriented outwards and extending along a plane normal to the optical axis, at least one of said first surface and second surface being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial section of the structured surface,The set of structures forms an alternation of facets (210) and counter-facets (211). The diverging lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive said emission beam (70) of the LIDAR on the facets of the structures. All or part of the structures, called reference structures, have facets, each with an angle Ak relative to said plane of the diverging lens. The angle Ak of ​​the facets, in absolute value, increases with the radial distance, each having a height that varies with distance from the optical axis so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOVL.

20. Vehicle comprising the glazing system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the diverging lens being fixed to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle, and / or is fixed to a LIDAR in the passenger compartment, the LIDAR being linked to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle.

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