Vehicle glazing comprising an optical sensor window module with integrated means for an active cleaning

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle glazing (100) with an optical sensor window module, the vehicle glazing (100) comprising an external main face (F1) configured to be directed toward an outside (10) of a vehicle and an internal main face (F2, F4) configured to be oriented toward a passenger compartment side (11), and, wherein the optical sensor window module is formed in a peripheral zone of the vehicle glazing (100) and arranged in a traversing hole between the internal main face (F2, F4) and the external main face (F1), which traversing hole is delimited by a side wall of the vehicle glazing (100), wherein the optical sensor window module comprises a holder part (5) which is at least fixed to the side wall of the vehicle glazing (100), and an insert (2) made of material having a crystalline structure, which is at least transparent in a sensor- adapted range of wavelengths, preferably in a range of wavelengths A in the infrared spectrum above 3 µm, wherein the insert (2) comprises an exterior face configured to be directed toward the outside (10) of the vehicle and an interior face configured to be oriented toward the passenger compartment side (11) and is fixed within the traversing hole by the holder part (5), wherein the holder part (5) comprises at least one integrated channel (6) for a cleaning fluid having a protruding end with an outlet opening (9) directed to the exterior face of the insert (2) and having an interior end which is connectable to a cleaning fluid supply. The invention also relates to an optical sensor arrangement device (200) comprising the vehicle glazing (100).

Description

[0001] Vehicle glazing comprising an optical sensor window module with integrated means for an active cleaning

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle glazing with an integrated improved optical sensor window module, comprising a crystalline insert and an integrated means for an active cleaning, in particular a channel for a cleaning fluid, in particular for an optical sensor arrangement device in a vehicle.

[0003] In response to new automotive vehicle safety standards, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), and camera sensors are developed. For future automated driving features, in particular requiring Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Pedestrian Autonomous Emergency Braking (PAEB) systems to work reliably both day and night, also glazings for autonomous vehicles and the associated technologies are constantly evolving.

[0004] In this context many vehicles are equipped with various optical sensors. Examples of optical sensors are camera systems such as video cameras, night vision, thermal cameras, image intensifiers or passive infrared detectors such as FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) or LiDAR. The camera systems can use light in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and infrared wavelength range (IR). Camera-based systems are used to provide a wide range of safety functions, including adaptive cruise control, obstacle detection, lane departure warning, and support for autonomous operation. Objects, vehicles and pedestrians can be precisely detected even in poor weather conditions, such as darkness and fog. Conventionally, thermal sensors have been placed behind the grille, exposing them to mud, dirt shocks and other elements. Positioning visible and IR (thermal) sensing systems in particular behind the windshield within the compartment increased the reliability of AEB by improved visibility in all scenarios. In order to have a high, forward field of view, optical sensors like cameras, therefore are currently typically mounted high on the windshield and preferably in the windshield wiper area.

[0005] A clear and undistorted field of view is critical to the function of an optical, camerabased sensor system. Thus, to ensure optimal function of the optical sensors a clean and contamination free field of view is absolutely essential. For example dust or other debris from the environment, in particular in the sensor field of view, interfere with functionality of corresponding sensors since they reduce the performance of the vision of the optical sensor system. The sensor image quality can be deteriorated both in reduced transmission, sensitivity, contrast and sharpness but also cause stray light phenomena. To keep the sensor field of view and sensor window clear and clean, it is currently preferred to position sensor windows in the wiper areas, in particular in a windshield. However, also with the use of the wiper system, at least often moisture is left on the surface or debris on the wiper blades cause scratches on the sensor window, each being a nuisance to the function and detecting performance of optical sensors. Additionally, it is also desired to keep the sensor windows as clean as possible, without using the wiper function and also to have sensor windows in other positions of a vehicle, outside a wiper area and to keep the sensor windows as clean as possible.

[0006] US 2023 / 271566 A1 discloses a vehicle resin member including: a resin member having an opening that passes from a first surface on the outside of a vehicle to a second surface on the inside of the vehicle, a transmission member exposed on the first surface through the opening, and a sensor provided in a first direction from the first surface toward the second surface with respect to the transmission member.

[0007] US 8 322 776 B2 discloses an automobile vehicle having a bodywork in which a member or panel is mounted and is operationally cleaned without wipers, a frame being associated with its perimeter or contour. The surface of the member or panel which is external in operation is water-repellent. Ejector means associated with the member or panel comprise: a first plurality of openings or nozzles for the discharge of a liquid provided in the frame, oriented towards the external surface of the member or panel, a second plurality of openings or nozzles for the discharge of a gaseous fluid also provided in the frame and interspersed with the openings or nozzles of the first plurality, a first manifold duct provided in the frame and communicating with at least part of the liquid discharge openings or nozzles, and a second manifold duct provided in the frame and communicating with at least part of the discharge openings or nozzles of the gaseous fluid.

[0008] US 2007 / 216768 A1 discloses a system comprising a windshield with a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side, said top side having a notch shape formed therein, and an insert having an IR transmissive portion being coupled to said top side within said notch so that the top side with the insert forms a continuous side. JP 2014 008868 A discloses a rear window formed by a resin member, and a through hole formed at an upper end part of the rear window. A cylindrical nozzle attachment part is formed around the through hole on an outer surface of the rear window. An injection nozzle for injecting a cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the rear window is attached to the nozzle attachment part.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle glazing for an optical sensor arrangement device, in particular comprising an improved optical sensor window module with optimized reliability and accuracy of the detection by the sensor arrangement to provide in particular a good and efficient cleaning in the field of view of the sensor.

[0010] The object of the present invention is accomplished by a vehicle glazing according to independent claim 1 and by a device according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0011] The present invention relates to an improved vehicle glazing with an optical sensor window module, the vehicle glazing comprising an external main face configured to be directed toward an outside of the vehicle and an internal main face configured to be oriented toward a passenger compartment side, and, wherein the optical sensor window module is formed in a peripheral zone of the vehicle glazing and arranged in a traversing hole between the internal main face and the external main face, which traversing hole is delimited by a side wall of the vehicle glazing, wherein the optical sensor window module comprises a holder part which is at least fixed to the side wall of the vehicle glazing, and an insert made of material having a crystalline structure, which is at least transparent in a sensor-adapted range of wavelengths, preferably in a range of wavelengths A in the infrared spectrum above 3 pm, wherein the insert comprises an exterior face configured to be directed toward the outside of the vehicle and an interior face configured to be oriented toward the passenger compartment side and is fixed within the traversing hole by the holder part, wherein the holder part comprises at least one integrated channel for a cleaning fluid having a protruding end with an outlet opening directed to the exterior face of the insert and having an interior end which is connectable to a cleaning fluid supply.

[0012] The vehicle glazing of the invention advantageously has an optical sensor window module formed in a peripheral zone and arranged in a traversing hole between the internal main face and the external main face, comprising an improved insert having an exterior face, which can advantageously actively be cleaned by applying a cleaning fluid thereon via the at least one integrated channel and its outlet opening at the protruding end positioned adjacent and directed to the insert. In the context of the invention, the term “having a protruding end with an outlet opening” is to be understood that the end of the at least one integrated channel oriented toward the outside of the vehicle protrudes the exterior face of the insert, and the at least one integrated channel is bent in this protruding part, wherein a flow of a cleaning fluid is redirected so as to be applied to the exterior face of the insert through the outlet opening. The cleaning fluid can be a liquid, for example water or an aqueous cleaning solution, for example pressurized cleaning water. According to another embodiment, the cleaning fluid can be gaseous, for example air, preferably pressurized air. Thus, the cleaning fluid can be applied to the exterior face of the insert and thereby, adhered dirt or dust can be removed, and / or for example air is blown to the exterior face under pressure to dry remaining moisture or to remove cleaning liquid. According to the invention, a cleaning of the optical sensor window from dirt or moisture can be provided independently from the wiper system. It is possible to keep the optical sensor window in the vehicle glazing clear and clean and to provide an easier active cleaning, for example by applying a cleaning fluid, without or in addition to a usual wiper system. Thus, the vehicle glazing of the invention can improve the reliability of collision mitigation systems by detecting pedestrians in adverse visibility conditions, particularly at night, when more than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur. It will also be possible for example, to reduce incidences of false positive alarms, like cars automatically braking when there is no danger, creating a risk of rear-end collisions, due to moisture or debris on the optical sensor window, negatively affecting the sensor performance.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the holder part of the optical sensor window module is made of a polymer material, preferably containing a polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA66), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-polycarbonate (ABS-PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), mixtures, block polymers, and / or copolymers thereof. The holder part with one or more integrated channel(s) for a cleaning fluid supply can, for example be manufactured in a 3D printing process, which is known in the art. The holder part is formed in dimension and geometry adapted and matching to the traversing hole in the vehicle glazing. The insert is positioned in the traversing hole in the holder part and is preferably fixed thereto by an optically clear adhesive. The holder part is at least fixed to the side wall of the traversing hole in the vehicle glazing, preferably by an optically clear adhesive.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the exterior face of the insert is flush with the external main face of the vehicle glazing and the interior face of the insert is flush with the internal main face of the vehicle glazing. With this arrangement, the accumulation of dirt particles at the faces of the insert can be easily avoided. Further, said arrangement allows for a particularly strong fixing of the insert within the traversing hole by the holder part.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one integrated channel is formed in the holder part on top and / or at the bottom and / or in side positions of the insert. The term “on top”, “at the bottom” or “side position” refer to a mounted position of the vehicle glazing, for example, in a mounted windshield, “on top” means the integrated channel is formed above the insert, closer to the roof side of the vehicle, accordingly “at the bottom” means the integrated channel is formed below the insert closer to the motor side of the vehicle.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one integrated channel and / or the outlet opening of the protruding end independently of one another can have a round, oval, square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, according to an embodiment having the same or different geometry and dimensions. For example, the dimensions of the outlet opening might be smaller compared to those of the at least one integrated channel, in particular the part of the at least one integrated channel extending within the holder part. In an embodiment, the at least one integrated channel and / or the outlet opening have a round cross-sectional shape, wherein the diameter can be from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, for example 2 mm or 3 mm. The diameter of the at least one integrated channel can have the same dimensions or for example a tapered shape along its extension, for example with a narrowing diameter close to the outlet opening, in particular in the part protruding the exterior face of the insert. In an embodiment, the at least one integrated channel extending within the holder part can have a cylindrical shape. If the at least one integrated channel and / or the outlet opening have a rectangular cross- sectional shape, independently of one another, the height H can be from 0.5 to 5 mm and the width W can be from 1 to 40 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the at least one integrated channel and the outlet opening can be of any geometry and dimension suitable for the respective cleaning fluid to be used.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet opening of the at least one integrated channel is a nozzle, preferably a spray nozzle or jet nozzle for liquid and / or gaseous cleaning fluids. The nozzles can for example provide for a better and / or more specific distribution to the exterior face of the insert and thus for a more effective cleaning and / or drying.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, the at least one channel is a main channel fully divided into a plurality of sub-channels, for example two sub-channels, preferably of a different diameter, preferably each interior end of the sub-channels independently connectable to a cleaning fluid supply. The term “fully divided” in the context of the invention means the integrated channel is divided in its whole extension through the holder part from the interior end to the outlet opening. Thus, in this embodiment with the same optical sensor window module it is for example possible to apply different cleaning fluids at the same time or successively. For example a cleaning liquid might be applied first and afterwards the external face of the insert can be dried with pressurized air. This provides for an effective, better and faster cleaning of the optical sensor window.

[0019] In another embodiment of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the holder part has an interior end with a collar formed thereon, which lies flat on the internal main face of the vehicle glazing and preferably is fixed thereto for example by an optically transparent adhesive. This provides for an easier handling in the manufacture process and a stable, durable and safer mounting of the optical sensor window module within the glazing is ensured.

[0020] A liquid optical transparent I clear adhesive is preferably chosen from acrylate adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, poly-epoxides, silicone adhesives, and / or silane crosslinking polymer adhesives, mixtures and / or copolymers thereof. In one embodiment, a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic layer is provided on the exterior face of the insert, thereby providing hydrophobic, water-repellent properties. Thus, in addition to the possible active cleaning according to the invention, a passive cleaning means is provided. The hydrophobic / oleophobic layer thereby also preferably provides dirt repellent and / or self-cleaning functionality, as the surface shows a non-wettability character (water-repellent), this also implying dust-resistance and anti-fog properties, as well as at least adhered dirt or dust can be easily washed off the surface, for example by rain or a cleaning liquid applied thereon.

[0021] The hydrophobicity (and if applicable an oleophobicity) property, also referred to as non-wettability of a substrate, which according to an embodiment of the invention is the exterior surface of the insert of the optical sensor window, is proportionately greater the higher the contact angle between a hydrophilic or oleophilic liquid and this substrate is, for example according to the invention at least 90° for water. The liquid then has a tendency to flow easily, in the form of drops, on the substrate, by simple gravity if the substrate, for example the insert in a windshield, is inclined, or for example under the effect of aerodynamic forces in the case of a vehicle in motion. Thus, the optical sensor window, in particular the crystalline insert in the field of view of an optical sensor or camera, shows high and durable transparency having an exterior surface from which liquids, such as water, run-off.

[0022] As used herein, the term “contact angle” refer to the angle tangent at the point where a liquid drop contacts a substrate. The term “substrate” as used herein refers preferably to the insert, but is not necessarily limited only thereto. When used to describe the insert and wetting characteristics of said substrate, the terms “hydrophobic” and “hydrophobicity” refer to the state in which the contact angle between the substrate and a water droplet is preferably greater than 90°. Similarly, the terms “oleophobic” and “oleophobicity” refer to a state in which the contact angle between a substrate and an oil droplet is greater than 90°. The hydrophobic layer according to an embodiment of the invention might also have oleophobic properties. The contact angle can be measured by using a contact angle measurement device at 20 °C under static conditions.

[0023] Known agents which can be used with an embodiment of the invention for imparting this hydrophobicity / oleophobicity property of the exterior surface of the crystalline insert are, for example, fluorinated alkylsilanes as described in patent applications EP 0 492 417 A2, EP 0 492 545 A2 and EP 0 672 779 A2. According to these documents, this layer may be obtained by applying to the surface of a substrate a solution containing fluorinated organosilanes in a nonaqueous organic solvent. As nonaqueous organic solvent, document EP 0 492 545 A2 in particular mentions n-hexadecane, toluene, xylene, etc. These solvents are particularly suitable for a fluorinated chlorosilane. It is also possible, according to said document, to use a methyl or ethyl alcohol as solvent when the fluorinated silane is a fluorinated alkoxysilane.

[0024] Common hydrophobic / oleophobic agents are, in particular, alkylsilanes in which the alkyl group comprises at least one perfluorinated end, i.e. consisting of a group F3C — (CF2)n — , in which n is a positive integer or zero. For these, patent EP0719743A1 indicates perfluorinated carbons and suitable solvents.

[0025] It is also known practice from the abovementioned patent application EP 0 492 545 A2 to increase the adhesion of the hydrophobic / oleophobic coating by subjecting the substrate to a priming treatment before applying the coating. This treatment consists in forming a thin intermediate layer using “priming agents” or “primers”, which are silicon compounds containing at least two hydrolysable functions. In a known manner, one of the two hydrolysable functions enables chemical bonding to the substrate via an oxygen atom linked to the silicon atom; the second hydrolysable function enabling the fixing of the hydrophobic / oleophobic agent. The compounds SiCk, SiHCh, Sib Ch and Cl — (SiChOjnSiCh, n being an integer between 1 and 4, are mentioned in patent application EP 0492 545 A2 as priming agents.

[0026] Patent EP 0 944687A1 more particularly describes rain-repellent coatings developed via a liquid route and comprising a priming layer or sublayer based on silica sol-gel obtained from a precursor of the Si(OEt)4or SiCktype and a functional layer based on perfluoroalkylsilane.

[0027] In order to further improve the mechanical strength properties of the hydrophobic coating, patent EP 1 102 825A1 describes a composition for a hydrophobic / oleophobic coating incorporating in the same layer both a fluorinated alkylsilane and a bis-silane. Hydrophobic coatings which are also suitable to be used with an embodiment of the invention comprise two layers: one priming layer applied directly on said substrate and comprising Si-R3-Si, R3 being selected among the group consisting of linear, branched, or aromatic alkyl chains, preferably linear, wherein the number of carbon atoms binding the two silicon atoms is less than 6 and preferably between 1 and 4; a coating layer bound to said priming layer and comprising an alkylsilane at a hydrophobic / oil-repellent perfluorinated terminal. Such coatings and a method for production thereof for example on glass, glass ceramic substrates are, for example described in US 8,092,913 B2. Such hydrophobic coatings show a good UV resistance performance, mechanical strength and also a good performance in saline corrosion, as measured by the neutral salt spray test (BSN). The specifications imposed on the subject by the vehicle manufacturers and measured for example by the BSN test, according to the NF ISO 9227 standard.

[0028] The hydrophobic coating according to an embodiment of the invention can in general be bonded to the pane either by chemical bonds or by physical absorption. The application on the insert can for example be done by spreading and / or spraying and / or wipe-on techniques, as well as known in the field or else, if applicable by atmospheric or vacuum plasma deposition. Depending on the hydrophobic coating, curing or crosslinking of the hydrophobic coating can be necessary. This can be done preferably by UV radiation, thermal treatment, or atmospheric humidity.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic coating provided on the exterior surface of the insert is a water repellent and anti-dust coating as described in US10,508,054 B2. This coating includes a mineral oxide layer, for example a silica layer, of 0.1 to 20 pm thickness, 30 to 90% of the volume of which consists of 20 to 300 nm open pores that are distributed uniformly throughout the thickness of the layer, and almost all of which are connected to one another, the internal and external surface of the layer being functionalized with a compound containing a perfluoroalkyl or alkyl functional group, then saturated with a hydrophobic oil that impregnates the functionalized porous layer and forms a film on the surface of the insert. The hydrophobic oil comprises a fluorinated oil or a non-fluorinated silicone. It impregnates the porous silica layer and forms a film on the surface thereof by virtue of the affinity (noncovalent bonds) with the compound containing a perfluoroalkyl or alkyl functional group, i.e. the compound grafted to the surface of the pores (this graft modifies the (internal and external) surface tension of the mineral oxide layer). This leads to a planar hydrophobic layer of liquid and / or semi-liquid semi-solid nature. The porous layer makes it possible to obtain a durable maintenance of the hydrophobic oil by virtue of its impregnation into the porous layer. A used liquid pore-forming agent composition and the one or more mineral oxide precursors can for example be deposited on the insert by roller, spraying, dip-coating, screen printing with adjustment of the rheology or by inkjet.

[0030] In general, the advantage of the hydrophobic / oleophobic coating of the exterior face of the insert according to an embodiment is twofold. Firstly, it allows drops of water or of other liquid to flow on vertical or inclined vehicle glazing easier, for example by gravity or under the effect, as the case may be, of aerodynamic forces, for example in the case of a vehicle in motion. Furthermore, these drops that flow incorporate soiling, like dust particles, and entrains it, providing for a long-lasting, optically transparent and clear sensor field (beam path of the sensor). In addition, it facilitates the active cleaning by the active cleaning, which is possible according to the invention.

[0031] The insert according to the invention is made of material having a crystalline structure, which is at least transparent in a sensor-adapted range of wavelengths, preferably at least in a range of wavelengths A in the infrared spectrum above 3 pm. In the context of the invention “sensor-adapted range of wavelengths” is the working wavelengths of the sensor which is intended to be used with the vehicle glazing in an optical, viewing sensor arrangement (viewing system), for example comprising a thermal camera.

[0032] Generic thermal (“infrared”) cameras detect radiation in some part of the infrared range of wavelengths (infrared band) that runs from roughly 900 nm to 15 pm. However, the thermal cameras developed for L2+ use cases and L3 autonomous vehicles are usually infrared cameras that detect in the 3 pm to 5 pm or 6 pm (MWIR) or 7 pm to 14 pm (LWIR) bands. Thus, the preferred range of wavelengths A according to the invention at least comprises the working wavelength (bands) of such thermal camera.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment the range of wavelengths A extends at least from 4 pm to 14 pm, preferably at least from 5 pm to 12 pm.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment of the vehicle glazing, the hydrophobic layer is a mono- or multilayer hydrophobic coating or a hydrophobic surface structure on the exterior face of the insert, each at least transparent in the range of working wavelengths of a sensor, preferably at least transparent in the range of wavelengths A. In addition, the hydrophobic coating preferably is also transparent in the range of wavelengths B.

[0035] The hydrophobic layer, being the exterior surface to the atmosphere of the insert according to an embodiment is preferably positioned generally flush or slightly set back with the external main face of the vehicle glazing.

[0036] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a hydrophobic coating used as hydrophobic layer has a total thickness in a range D of at least 1 nm, preferably from 1 nm to 20 pm, for example from 10 nm to 500 nm, or from 10 nm to 300 nm, or at least 20 nm, preferably from 20 nm to 20 pm.

[0037] In an alternative preferred embodiment the hydrophobic layer is a micro- and / or nano scaled hydrophobic structure and / or pattern in or on the exterior face of the insert. For example, for an excellent hydrophobicity and water-repellent property of a surface, bumps with sizes of a few micrometers (> 5 pm) with superimposed nanostructures have already proven to be suitable. The hydrophobic structure can be produced by a mechanical surface treatment of the exterior surface of the insert, for example by structuring with ultrashort pulse lasers. Thus, the hydrophobicity of the exterior face in the crystalline material of the insert can be achieved by structuring, for example by laser ablation or etching, alone, an additional coating is not necessary. A Nanosecond and Femtosecond laser machining process has been found to be a very promising cost- effective method for surface structuring due to its high efficiency and contactless characteristics.

[0038] Alternatively, a suitable hydrophobic pattern can be generated on the exterior face of the insert, for example made from a transparent polymer-based material. For example such hydrophobic polymer structure can be prepared via 3D printing, screen printing or photolithography methods. Fabrication of a polymer-based structure can be achieved by using (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology with a curable transparent polymer material.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the vehicle glazing according to the invention, the range of wavelengths A extends at least from 4 pm to 12 pm, preferably at least from 5 pm to 10 pm. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the material of the insert and / or the hydrophobic layer is transparent and exhibits an infrared optical transmission of at least 50% and better still of at least 60%, 65% or 70% in the range A, in particular a variation in infrared optical transmission of at most 5% or 3% or 2% (flat spectrum) in the range A.

[0040] According to the invention, the material of the insert has a crystalline structure, preferably a cubic crystal structure, and is preferably transparent in the visible region at a reference wavelength of between 500 nm and 600 nm and preferably from 540 nm or 550 nm to 600 nm, more preferably in a range B from 550 nm to 600 nm, preferably with a light transmission of at least 25% and more preferably of at least 30% or even more preferred at least 40% or at least 60% in the range B. In particular, a variation in light transmission of at most 5% or 2% (flat spectrum) in the range B is preferred. The material can even be transparent from the start of the range B up to the end of the range A, and even preferably with a variation in transmission of at most 8% or 5% (flat spectrum) over this entire range of wavelengths.

[0041] The light transmission is measured for the reference wavelength or better still for the range B with a spectrophotometer, such as the Perkin-Elmer Lambda-35. The light transmission can be measured according to the standard ISO 9050:2003 using illuminant D65 and can be the total transmission (in particular integrated over the visible region and weighted by the curve of sensitivity of the human eye), taking into account both direct transmission and possible diffuse transmission, the measurement being carried out, for example, using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere, the measurement at a given thickness subsequently being converted, if appropriate, to the reference thickness of 4 mm according to the standard ISO 9050:2003. The infrared optical transmission is measured for the range A by a Fourier spectrometer, such as the BrukerVertex-70.

[0042] For more safety, preferably, the modulus of rupture of the insert is greater than 20 MPa and even than 40 MPa.

[0043] Preferably, the equivalent diameter of the hole (constant or variable in thickness) and the equivalent diameter of the insert (constant or variable in thickness) are each at most 5 cm and even at most 3 cm. Preferably, the shape of the hole is circular, oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, rectangular, a square or hexagonal. A round or oval shape of the hole is preferred as the tension in the surrounding pane(s) of the glazing is higher and more local stress peaks occur when sharp angles (corners) are formed.

[0044] A hole (and insert) size which is too high can damage the mechanical strength of a glazing (windshield, and the like), with consequences for the safety of passengers. Furthermore, the diameter of the insert is preferably at least 5 mm.

[0045] Preferably, the insert is not or only slightly hygroscopic, in particular with a solubility value at 20° C of at most 0.2 g in 100 ml of water.

[0046] The material of the insert might be a single crystal material. In a preferred embodiment the material of the insert is polycrystalline. Advantageously, the material of the insert according to the invention is preferably a polycrystalline material easier to manufacture than a single crystal.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment the material of the insert is chosen from: a zinc compound comprising selenium and / or sulfur or a compound comprising barium fluoride or calcium fluoride. Without limiting the invention the material of the insert can for example also be chosen from: diamond, sapphire (AI2O3), germanium (Ge) or silicon (Si) or a compound comprising the same.

[0048] For example, with an excellent transmission from about 2 pm to 14 pm, sensor windows made of crystalline germanium cover both the usual MWIR (3-5pm) and LWIR (8-12pm) optical and thermal wavebands, while being opaque to visible light. Thus, an insert made of crystalline Germanium might be used for the sensor window, when transmission in the visible range B is not needed or undesired.

[0049] There are for example two methods, known in the art, to prepare germanium single crystals: one is the Czochralski method, and the other is the zone melting method.

[0050] The material of the insert is, for example, chosen from: a compound comprising a multispectral zinc sulfide, especially obtained after hot isostatic pressing, a compound comprising a zinc selenide, a compound comprising barium fluoride, as described for example in WO2021 / 043838A1 . For more transparency, the thickness EO of the insert can be less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 15 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0051] Preferably, the material of the insert exhibits a purity (by weight) of at least 99.99% or also of at least 99.995% and more preferably 99.999% and / or is devoid of inclusions and / or of crystal defects with a size of greater than 20 pm or even than 12 pm or 10 pm.

[0052] The insert is, for example, colorless or tinted, while remaining transparent in range of working wavelengths of the sensor, for example at least in the range of wavelengths A, in particular yellow or orange.

[0053] The material of the insert has preferably a cubic crystal structure.

[0054] In an embodiment, the material of the insert according to the invention is chosen from a following material, preferably a polycrystalline material, in particular obtained by chemical vapor deposition: a zinc compound comprising selenium and / or sulfur or a compound comprising barium fluoride indeed even a compound comprising thallium bromide-iodide, such as that of KRS-5 (Thallium Bromide-iodide) type, and in particular the material of the insert is chosen from: a compound comprising a multispectral zinc sulfide, especially obtained after hot isostatic pressing (treatment by an isostatic press under the temperature preferably of at least 800° C), in particular including selenium, such as ZnSxSei.xwith x preferably of at least 0.97, better still of at least 0.99 and even better still of at least 0.998, a compound comprising a zinc selenide, especially ZnSe, in particular including sulfur, such as ZnSeySi-ywith y of at least 0.97, better still of at least 0.99 and even better still at least 0.998, a compound comprising barium fluoride, in particular including calcium and / or strontium, in particular Bai-j.jCaiSrjF2 with i+j strictly less than 1 , i and j each preferably of at most 0.25, better still of at most 0.03 or even better still of at most 0.005 or also Bai.jCajF2 with i strictly less than 1 and preferably of at most 0.25, better still of at most 0.03 or even better still of at most 0.005, especially BaF2. Zinc sulfide with a multispectral (MS) grade is a recent material. It can be polycrystalline and obtained by carrying out (in particular after formation by chemical vapor deposition CVD starting from zinc vapor and H2S gas) a hot isostatic pressing (HIP). This appears to suppress defects in the crystal lattice, in particular to remove hexagonal phase crystallites by converting them into the cubic main phase, to reduce the volumes of pores and to homogenize the stoichiometry to thus attain the transparency in the visible region. Its structure is micro(poly)crystalline, comprising grains generally of 10 to 50 pm. As indicated in the paper “Recrystallization Behavior of Zinc Chalcogenides during Hot Isostatic Pressing”, E. M. Gavrishchuk et al., Inorganics Materials, Vol. 50, No. 3, 2014, the HIP can be in an argon atmosphere between 810°C and 1200°C and under a pressure of 89 to 200 MPa for a period of time of 1 to 22 h.

[0055] The transmission of the multispectral zinc sulfide can be broad spectrum with a flat spectrum. The transmission is in particular greater than 60% from 0.5 pm to 10 pm.

[0056] Multispectral zinc sulfide is chemically inert, (virtually) non hygroscopic with a solubility value at 20° C of less than 0.005 g in 100 ml of water.

[0057] The refractive index of multispectral ZnS is, for example, between 2.1 and 2.3 in the range A and, in the visible region, between 2.3 and 2.6.

[0058] Multispectral (in particular polycrystalline) zinc sulfide is admittedly generally less hard than conventional (monospectral) zinc sulfide but this remains acceptable in the light of the abovementioned optical advantages.

[0059] The modulus of rupture of the multispectral zinc sulfide insert can be greater than 60 or 65 MPa.

[0060] Multispectral zinc sulfide is generally more resistant than zinc selenide (and less resistant than conventional zinc sulfide).

[0061] The multispectral zinc sulfide single crystal exists but is more difficult to synthesize (in particular obtained by the Bridgman method of recrystallization under pressure and at high temperature). An example of the manufacture of the multispectral zinc sulfide single crystal is given in the publication by Gavrishchuk et al., J. Crystal Growth, 457, 2017, pp. 275-281.

[0062] Multispectral and preferably polycrystalline zinc sulfide is advantageous in the light of its combination of chemical resistance, optical and mechanical properties.

[0063] As an example of a polycrystalline multispectral zinc sulfide, Cleartran™ is mentioned.

[0064] Mention may also be made of the multispectral ZnS product sold by I l-VI or Crystaltechno Ltd.

[0065] Preferably, the multispectral and preferably polycrystalline zinc selenide (ZnSe and more broadly ZnSxSei-x) exhibits a purity (by weight) of at least 99.99% or also of at least 99.995% and better still 99.999% and / or is devoid of inclusions (and / or of crystal defects) with a size of greater than 20 m or even than 12 pm or 10 pm.

[0066] Zinc selenide is less absorbent than multispectral zinc sulfide in the range B. Polycrystalline zinc selenide can also be obtained by CVD starting from zinc vapor and H2Se gas. The zinc selenide single crystal exists but is more difficult to synthesize (in particular obtained by the Bridgman method under high pressure).

[0067] Zinc selenide is chemically inert, (virtually) nonhygroscopic, in particular with a solubility value at 20° C of less than 0.005 g in 100 ml of water.

[0068] The transmission of (in particular polycrystalline) zinc selenide is broad spectrum and the spectrum is particularly flat. The transmission of (in particular polycrystalline) zinc selenide can be greater than 70% from 0.5 pm to 10 pm.

[0069] The modulus of rupture of the (in particular polycrystalline) zinc selenide insert is greater than 50 or 55 MPa.

[0070] The size of polycrystalline zinc selenide grains can be between 50 and 70 pm. Mention may be made, as vendors of polycrystalline zinc selenide, of Hellma, ll-VI or Crystaltechno Ltd.

[0071] An example of ZnSeySi-ysingle crystal predominantly made of zinc selenide is described in the publication by Kozielski et al., Journal of Crystal Growth, 30, 1975, pp. 86-92. Preferably, the polycrystalline zinc selenide (ZnSeySi-yand in particular ZnSe) exhibits a purity (by weight) of at least 99.99% or also of at least 99.995% and better still 99.999% and / or is devoid of inclusions (and / or of crystal defects) with a size of greater than 20 pm or even than 12 pm or 10 pm.

[0072] The barium fluoride can be a single crystal obtained, for example, by the Bridgman-Stockbarger technique.

[0073] Advantageously, the barium fluoride can be polycrystalline (ceramic) and obtained with the method of synthesis starting from barium fluoride single crystals which makes it possible to increase the mechanical strength (to limit the splitting of single crystals because of cleavage). An example of the manufacture of ceramic barium fluoride is given in the publication by Fedorov et al., Inorganic Materials, 50, 2014, pp. 738-744.

[0074] Barium fluoride is weakly hygroscopic, in particular with a solubility value at 20° C of less than 0.2 g in 100 ml of water. The modulus of rupture of the barium fluoride insert can be greater than 25 MPa. The transmission of the barium fluoride can be broad spectrum with a flat spectrum. The transmission of the barium fluoride can be greater than 80% from 0.5 pm to 10 pm. Mention may be made, as barium fluoride single crystal, of the product sold by Hellma or Crystaltechno Ltd.

[0075] Preferably, the preferably polycrystalline barium fluoride (Bai-j.jCaiSrjF2 or also BaCajF2 and in particular BaF2) exhibits a purity (by weight) of at least 99.99% or also of at least 99.995% and better still 99.999% and / or is devoid of inclusions (and / or of crystal defects) with a size of greater than 20 pm or even than 12 pm or 10 pm.

[0076] Preferably, for more stability, as described in the publication by Duvel et al., Solid State Sciences, 83, 2018, pp. 188- 191 , i and j are low; in particular, i is of at most 0.03 and j is of at most 0.03 and even better still i is of at most 0.005 and j is of at most 0.005.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the vehicle glazing of the invention is a monolithic glass pane with external main face and internal main face.

[0078] The pane preferably includes single-pane safety glass (ESG) or laminated safety glass (VSG).

[0079] In another preferred embodiment the vehicle glazing is a windshield of a passenger car.

[0080] The vehicle glazing in an embodiment of the invention is a laminated composite pane (laminated glazing), in particular a (road, especially automobile) vehicle windshield, which especially is bent, comprising a first pane, preferably a glass sheet, with said external main face, referred to as F1 , and an opposite main face (referred to as F2) and a second pane, preferably a glass sheet, with said internal main face, referred to as F4, on the interior side of the passenger compartment (and the opposite main face F3), the first and second glass sheets being connected by a lamination interlayer, made of a thermoplastic polymer material. In particular, the laminated glazing comprises: a first, optionally clear, extra-clear or tinted, in particular gray or green, preferably bent, glass sheet forming an exterior glazing, with first and second main faces respectively referred to as face F1 and face F2, if automotive vehicle with a thickness preferably of at most 2.5 mm, even of at most 2 mm - in particular 1 .9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1 .6 mm and 1 .4 mm - or even of at most 1 .3 mm or of at most 1 mm, an optionally clear, extraclear or tinted, in particular gray or green, lamination interlayer made of, preferably thermoplastic, polymeric material and better still made of polyvinylbutyral (PVB), preferably, if automotive vehicle, with a thickness of at most 1 .8 mm, better still of at most 1.2 mm and even of at most 0.9 mm (and better still of at least 0.3 mm and even of at least 0.6 mm), in particular set back from the edge face of the first pane by at most 2 mm and set back from the edge face of a second pane by at most 2 mm, the lamination interlayer optionally having a cross section which decreases in wedge shape from the top toward the bottom of the laminated glazing (in particular a windshield), a second glass sheet, made of mineral glass, which preferably is bent and preferably is clear or extraclear, indeed even tinted, forming an interior glazing, with third and fourth main faces, if automotive vehicle with a thickness preferably less than that of the first glazing, even of at most 2 mm - in particular 1 .9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1 .6 mm and 1 .4 mm - or even of at most 1 .3 mm or of at most 1 mm, the thickness of the first and second glass sheets preferably being strictly less than 4 mm, even than 3.7 mm. The interior and / or exterior glazing can be neutral (without coloration) or (slightly) tinted, in particular gray or green, such as the TSA glass from Saint-Gobain Glass. The interior and / or exterior glazing may have undergone a chemical or heat treatment of the hardening or annealing type or a tempering (in particular for better mechanical strength) or be semitempered.

[0081] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the interlayer can, of course, comprise several sheets made of thermoplastic of different natures, for example of different hardnesses in order to provide an acoustic function, such as, for example, described in the publication US 6 132 882 A, in particular a set of PVB sheets of different hardnesses. Likewise, one of the glass sheets may be thinned with respect to the thicknesses conventionally used.

[0082] The interlayer can, according to the invention, exhibit a wedge shape, in particular for the purpose of an HUD (head-up display) application. Furthermore, one of the sheets of the interlayer can be tinted in its bulk. Mention may be made, as ordinary lamination interlayer, in addition to PVB, of flexible used polyurethane PU, a plasticizer-free thermoplastic, such as ethylene / vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, an ionomer resin. These plastics have, for example, a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 .1 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 0.7 mm.

[0083] The lamination interlayer can comprise another functional plastic film (transparent, clear or tinted), for example a film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carrying an electrically conductive, a thermal layer, and the like; for example, PVB / functional film / PVB between the faces F2 and F3.

[0084] The functional plastic film can have a thickness of between 10 and 100 pm. The functional plastic film can more broadly be made of polyamide, polyester, polyolefin (PE: polyethylene, PP: polypropylene), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC). A clear film is preferred, in particular PET. Use may be made, as this, of, for example, a clear coated PET film, for example XI R from Eastman, a coextruded PET / PMMA film, for example of the SRF 3M®type, but also numerous other films (for example made of PC, PE, PEN, PMMA, PVC), which are visually as transparent as possible and which are not modified, in the autoclave, as regards their surface and their consistency.

[0085] In order to limit heating in the passenger compartment or to limit the use of air conditioning, one of the glass sheets at least (preferably the exterior glass) may be tinted, and the laminated glazing can also comprise a layer which reflects or absorbs solar radiation, preferably on face F4 or on face F2 or F3, in particular a transparent electrically conductive oxide layer referred to as TCO layer (on face F4) or even a stack of thin layers comprising at least one TCO layer, or stacks of thin layers comprising at least one silver layer (on F2 or F3), the or each silver layer being positioned between dielectric layers. It is possible to simultaneously have a (silver-containing) layer on face F2 and / or F3 and a TCO layer on face F4. The TCO layer (layer of a transparent electrically conductive oxide) is preferably a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO :F) or a layer of mixed indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0086] The traversing hole in a composite, laminated pane is thus at least composed: -of a first traversing hole in a first pane, for example a glass sheet

[0087] -a second traversing hole in the lamination interlayer (single- or multisheets) and

[0088] -of a third traversing hole in the second pane, for example glass sheet.

[0089] The first, second and third holes have the same or similar axes of symmetry and preferably have identical widths (before and especially after lamination).

[0090] The traversing hole is preferably in a peripheral zone of the (laminated) glazing, preferably at the upper longitudinal edge and / or in a peripheral central region.

[0091] The shape and the dimensions of the traversing hole are configured according to the techniques of the art so as to collect effectively and selectively all the radiation passing through the glazing (windshield, back window, and the like), in particular, in the case of a camera, optical sensor, resulting from a solid angle range outside the vehicle and originating from the zone in front of the vehicle which is desired to capture via the sensor and / or camera as infrared viewing system. The traversing hole(s) can be prepared by usual mechanical methods like drilling, grinding and / or milling, etc.. Preferably substantially cylindrical bores are produced. Drilling holes is usually done before the (glass) panes are heated (tempered or laminated).

[0092] Preferably, the diameter of the bore is not less than the thickness of the glass panes, and the distance between the traversing hole and the glass edge at least twice the thickness of the glass.

[0093] Usual methods for the production of holes in glass are water jet, laser jet or diamond drilling.

[0094] They can for example be executed computer-controlled with a high precision in the CNC method (Computer Numerical Control). In the case of the diamond drilling, the drilling can be carried out simultaneously from both sides so that no undesirable chipping occurs at the edges of the borehole. At the point where the drills meet, a more or less large burr is formed here, which can be removed by subsequent grinding.

[0095] Furthermore, the invention relates to an optical sensor arrangement device comprising:

[0096] - the vehicle glazing according to the invention as described above in its different embodiments,

[0097] - at least an optical sensor, preferably a thermal camera for infrared viewing at said range of wavelengths A, positioned in the passenger compartment behind said vehicle glazing so as to send and / or receive radiation passing through the insert, wherein, according to an embodiment, the exterior face of the insert comprises the hydrophobic layer.

[0098] The optical sensor, for example a thermal camera, is preferably placed in an encapsulation (housing) and an optical sensor applied in the encapsulation is affixed to the surface of the pane in the viewing field of the optically transparent sensor field. The encapsulation protects the optical sensor from contaminant particles and dust particles as well as undesired incidence of light. The encapsulation is preferably arranged in the upper region of the pane, preferably not more than 30% of the height of the pane away from the top (upper edge in mounted position). The encapsulation contains preferably a polymer, particularly preferably polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides, polycarbonate, polyurethanes, polybutylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyimides, polyesters, poly-ketones, polyether ether ketones, polymethyl methacrylate, mixtures, block polymers, and / or copolymers thereof.

[0099] The housing (encapsulation) is preferably bonded to the interior surface F4 of the vehicle glazing via an optical transparent adhesive, particularly preferably acrylate adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, poly-epoxides, silicone adhesives, and / or silane crosslinking polymer adhesives, mixtures and / or copolymers thereof.

[0100] The encapsulation is preferably applied in the upper region of the windshield, preferably behind a masking strip.

[0101] In the optical sensor arrangement device in a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor window module comprises the at least one integrated channel being connected to a cleaning liquid supply. Preferably, the outlet opening of the at least one integrated channel is a nozzle, preferably a spray nozzle or jet nozzle, wherein (an opening of) the nozzle is directed to the exterior face of the insert, wherein, more preferably, the exterior face of the insert has a hydrophobic layer located thereon, thereby “passively” facilitating the active cleaning by the cleaning liquid. In the context of the invention, the expression “the opening of the nozzle being directed to the exterior face of the insert” means that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed or applied on the exterior face of the insert. Preferably, with a spray nozzle or jet nozzle for liquid and / or gaseous cleaning fluids, the cleaning liquid can be applied to the exterior face of the insert in a targeted, more efficient manner, with minimal amount of cleaning fluid.

[0102] In a further preferred embodiment, in the optical sensor arrangement device, the optical sensor window module is connected to a cleaning fluid supply system. Such cleaning fluid supply system can for example comprise a cleaning fluid container or reservoir, a pump, for example an actuator air pump, the respective connections and means for manual or automatic actuation and / or control of the cleaning function, for example a communicative and functional connection to a control.

[0103] The optical sensor arrangement device might also be functionally connected to the liquid container and / or supply of a wiper system. The optical sensor arrangement device of the invention can advantageously be used in addition or without the wiper system of a vehicle.

[0104] In the description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in the figures. It is also understood that, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “outward,” “inward,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. In addition, whenever a group is described as comprising at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other. Similarly, whenever a group is described as consisting of at least one of a group of elements or combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other. Unless otherwise specified, a range of values, when recited, includes both the upper and lower limits of the range. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a,” “an,” and the corresponding definite article “the” means “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise specified.

[0105] Certain advantageous but nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention are described below, which can, of course, be combined with one another, if appropriate.

[0106] In the following, the invention is explained in detail with reference to drawings. The drawings in no way restrict the invention.

[0107] They depict:

[0108] FIG. 1 top view of a vehicle glazing according to the invention with an optical sensor window module;

[0109] FIG. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each an enlarged section Z of Figure 1 according to different embodiments of the invention,

[0110] FIG. 3a, 3b, 3c a cross-section X-X’ of the vehicle glazing of Fig.1 in different embodiments in a sensor arrangement.

[0111] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle glazing 100, preferably a windshield, according to the invention with an optical sensor window module, comprising a holder part 5 and the insert 2 which is used as sensor window, being or at least comprising the part of the vehicle glazing that supplies the camera 7 (optical sensor) (for example depicted in FIG. 3a) with the appropriate optical and electromagnetic data or signals. The insert 2 thus, being the sensor window, has high transmission for the appropriate optical and electromagnetic signals in the working wavelengths of the sensor(s) or camera(s) 7, at least in the infrared spectrum above 3 pm. In the shown embodiment, the optical sensor window module with the insert 2 is located at the upper edge of the windshield 100 in an area with an enlarged opaque area, for example a black print masking strip 8, masking the sensor 7 and a respective housing to the exterior to provide for an aesthetic appearance of the vehicle glazing 100. However, the optical sensor window module can also be positioned in another region of the windshield or even in another glazing of the vehicle (i.e. different from the windshield).

[0112] Figures 2a to 2d each show a plan view of the enlarged area Z of the vehicle glazing 100 according to the invention shown in Figure 1. In the shown embodiments, the traversing hole with the insert 2 is located in the middle, upper edge of the vehicle glazing, preferably a windshield of a passenger car. However, it can also be in another region of the windshield or even in another glazing of the vehicle. The vehicle glazing of the invention can also be monolithic, for example a single tempered glass sheet. With the shown arrows, the location of the outlet opening, for example being a spray nozzle or jet nozzle, of the at least one integrated channel and the direction of a cleaning fluid application is indicated. The protruding part and the outlet opening 9 can be on top (Fig 2a), on the bottom (Fig 2b), on one or more sides (Fig. 2c) of the insert 2, or a plurality of outlet openings 9 may be provided around the insert 2 (Fig. 2d) in that the cleaning fluid can be applied from each direction needed for cleaning of the exterior face of the insert 2.

[0113] Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c each show a cross-sectional view of a vehicle glazing 100, (in an optical sensor arrangement device 200) in preferred embodiments as laminated composite pane 100 (laminated glazing) in particular a (road, especially automobile) vehicle windshield, which especially is bent, comprising a first pane 1 , preferably a glass sheet, with said external main face, referred to as F1 , and an opposite main face (referred to as F2) and a second pane T, preferably a glass sheet, with said internal main face, referred to as F4, on the interior side of the passenger compartment 11 (and the opposite main face F3), the first and second glass sheets 1 , T being connected by a lamination interlayer 3, made of a thermoplastic polymer material. On the interior face F2, for example (or preferably on F1 and / or on face F3 and / or F4), preferably an opaque coating 8, for example a black print coating, such as a layer of black lacquer or enamel, is applied over the entire surface of the vehicle glazing positioned facing the device incorporating the thermal camera 7 as optical sensor (thus, over the entire circumference of the hole), including its housing (not shown) , preferably made of plastic, metal, and the like, so as to hide the latter. The housing can be adhesively bonded to the face F4 by an adhesive and to the roof. The housing for example can be made of plastic, metal, and the like.

[0114] The opaque coating layer 8 can extend beyond the zone with the insert 2. Optionally, the (side) extension of the opaque coating 8 forming a strip along the upper edge of the traversing hole in order for the windshield 100 to have an opaque (black) strip along the upper longitudinal edge, indeed even an opaque (black) frame over the whole of the periphery.

[0115] In the peripheral zone opposite (beam path B) of the camera 7, the windshield 100 comprises a traversing hole between the internal face F4 and the external face F1 which hole is delimited by a side wall of the laminated glazing (glass 1 / PVB 3 / glass 1 '), said traversing hole comprising the optical sensor window module comprising as a sensor window an insert 2, made of a material having a crystalline structure which is transparent in a range A of wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, preferably above 3 pm, the insert 2 having a given thickness E0 preferably of less than or equal to 10 mm, the holder part 5 comprising the insert 2 and the at least one integrated channel 6 fixed to, in particular adhesively bonded to, the side wall of the traversing hole in the vehicle glazing 100. The holder part 5 is preferably made of a polymer material, for example polycarbonate. In general, the holder part 5 can also be made of other suitable materials.

[0116] The at least one integrated channel 6 and / or the outlet opening 9 independently of one another can preferably have a round, oval, rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, according to an embodiment having the same or different geometry and dimensions, for example the dimensions of the outlet opening 9 might be smaller compared to those of the at least one integrated channel 6, in particular the part of the at least one integrated channel 6 extending within the holder part 5. For example, the at least one integrated channel 6 and / or the outlet opening 9 may have a round shape, the diameter being from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, for example 2 mm or 3 mm. The diameter of the at least one integrated channel 6 can have the same dimensions or for example a tapered shape along its extension, for example with a narrowing diameter close to the outlet opening 9, in particular in the part protruding the exterior surface of the insert 2. If the integrated channel and / or the outlet opening have the form of a rectangular cross- sectional shape, independently of one another, the height H can preferably be from 0.5 to 5 mm and the width W (shown in Fig 2a) can be from 1 to 40 mm.

[0117] The material of the insert 2 in a preferred embodiment is preferably also transparent in the visible spectrum at a reference wavelength of between 500 nm and 600 nm and better still is transparent in the visible region at least in a range B extending from 550 nm to 600 nm.

[0118] The material of the insert 2 exhibits preferably an infrared (optical) transmission of at least 50% and better still of at least 65% in said range A and a light transmission of at least 30% and preferably of at least 40% at the reference wavelength and more preferably in the range B.

[0119] In Figure 3c, the insert 2 comprises an exterior face and an interior face and a hydrophobic layer 4 on the exterior face exposed to the atmosphere and exterior of the vehicle 10 and optionally the interior face of the insert 2 being directed to the optical sensor (shown in Fig. 3a, 3b), in particular a thermal camera 7. Advantageously, the insert 2 by the hydrophobic layer 4 thereon, has significantly improved hydrophobic, water-repellent properties. The hydrophobic layer 4 thereby also provides dirt repellent and / or self-cleaning functionality, as the surface shows a non-wettability character (water-repellent), this also implying dust-resistance and anti-fog properties, as well as at least adhered dirt or dust can be easily washed off the surface, for example by rain or a cleaning liquid applied thereon. The inventive means for an active cleaning system, provided with the at least one integrated channel 6 in the optical sensor window module, is combined with a passive cleaning means (hydrophobic layer 4) in this embodiment. Thus, the vehicle glazing 100 of the invention with the improved sensor window comprising the insert 2 with hydrophobic functionality can further improve the reliability of collision mitigation systems by detecting pedestrians in adverse visibility conditions, particularly at night, when more than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur. It will also be possible for example, to reduce incidences of false positive alarms, like cars automatically braking when there is no danger, creating a risk of rear-end collisions, due to moisture or debris on the sensor window. It is possible to add another camera 7 which is optical recovering the light rays after crossing the insert

[0120] 2 or simply to add optical sensors 7 in the range B.

[0121] A windshield of the invention can be obtained in a conventional and well-known way, by hot lamination of the elements 1 , 1’ and 3. The traversing hole(s) can be prepared by usual mechanical methods like drilling, grinding and / or milling, etc. Preferably, substantially cylindrical bores are produced. The hydrophobic layer 4 can passively provide for a durable clean surface and transparency of the sensor window and also for an improved cleanability.

[0122] List of reference numbers

[0123] 100 vehicle glazing

[0124] 1 , T first pane, second pane

[0125] 2 insert

[0126] 3 thermoplastic interlayer

[0127] 4 hydrophobic coating

[0128] 5 holder part

[0129] 6 integrated channel

[0130] 7 optical sensor, for example thermal camera

[0131] 8 opaque masking strip, for example black print

[0132] 9 outlet opening (of integrated channel, for example spray nozzle or jet nozzle)

[0133] 10 exterior side (of a vehicle)

[0134] 11 compartment side (of a vehicle)

[0135] 200 optical sensor arrangement device

[0136] B beam path of optical sensor, (depicted as dashed arrows)

[0137] S cleaning fluid supply

[0138] M motor side

[0139] R roof side

[0140] H height of channel (shown in Fig 3c)

[0141] W width of channel (shown in Fig. 2a)

[0142] F1 exterior main face of the first pane

[0143] F2 interior main face of the first pane

[0144] F3 exterior main face of the second pane

[0145] F4 interior main face of the second pane

[0146] Arrows flow direction (of cleaning fluid)

Claims

Claims1. A vehicle glazing (100) with an optical sensor window module, the vehicle glazing (100) comprising an external main face (F1) configured to be directed toward an outside (10) of a vehicle and an internal main face (F2, F4) configured to be oriented toward a passenger compartment side (11), and, wherein the optical sensor window module is formed in a peripheral zone of the vehicle glazing (100) and arranged in a traversing hole between the internal main face (F2, F4) and the external main face (F1), which traversing hole is delimited by a side wall of the vehicle glazing (100), wherein the optical sensor window module comprises a holder part (5) which is at least fixed to the side wall of the vehicle glazing (100), and an insert (2) made of material having a crystalline structure, which is at least transparent in a sensor-adapted range of wavelengths, preferably in a range of wavelengths A in the infrared spectrum above 3 pm, wherein the insert (2) comprises an exterior face configured to be directed toward the outside (10) of the vehicle and an interior face configured to be oriented toward the passenger compartment side (11) and is fixed within the traversing hole by the holder part (5), wherein the holder part (5) comprises at least one integrated channel (6) for a cleaning fluid having a protruding end with an outlet opening (9) directed to the exterior face of the insert (2) and having an interior end which is connectable to a cleaning fluid supply.

2. The vehicle glazing (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the holder part (5) of the optical sensor window module is made of a polymer material, preferably containing a polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA66), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-polycarbonate (ABS-PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), mixtures, block polymers, and / or copolymers thereof.

3. The vehicle glazing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one integrated channel (6) is formed in the holder part (5) on top and / or at the bottom and / or in side positions of the insert (2).

4. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one integrated channel (6) and / or the outlet opening (9) independently of one another have a round cross-sectional shape and a diameter of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm or the at least one integrated channel (6) and / or the outlet opening (9) independently of one another have a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a height (H) of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm and a width (W) of from 1 mm to 40 mm.

5. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet opening (9) of the at least one integrated channel (6) is a nozzle, preferably a spray nozzle or jet nozzle for liquid and / or gaseous cleaning fluids.

6. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one integrated channel (6) is a main channel fully divided into a plurality of sub-channels, preferably of a different diameter, preferably each interior end of the sub-channels independently connectable to a cleaning fluid supply.

7. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holder part (5) has an interior end with a collar formed thereon, which lies flat on the internal main face (F2, F4) of the vehicle glazing (100) and preferably is fixed thereto.

8. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic layer (4) is provided on the exterior face of the insert (2).

9. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hydrophobic and / or oleophobic layer (4) is a mono- or multilayer coating and / or a surface structure on the exterior face of the insert (2), each transparent at least in the range of wavelengths A.

10. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vehicle glazing (100) is a composite laminated pane comprising a first pane, a lamination interlayer and a second pane, and the traversing hole is thus at least composed of a first traversing hole in the first pane, a second traversing hole in the lamination interlayer and a third traversing hole in the second pane.

11. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the exterior face of the insert (2) is flush with the external main face (F1) of the vehicle glazing (100) and the interior face of the insert (2) is flush with the internal main face (F2, F4) of the vehicle glazing (100).

12. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one integrated channel (6) and / or the outlet opening (9) independently of one another have a round cross-sectional shape and a diameter of from 1 mm to 3 mm.

13. The vehicle glazing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the material of the insert (2) is chosen from: a zinc compound comprising selenium and / or sulfur, or a compound comprising barium fluoride, or diamond, sapphire (AI2O3), germanium (Ge) or silicon (Si) or a compound comprising the same.

14. An optical sensor arrangement device (200), characterized in that it comprises:- the vehicle glazing (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13- at least an optical sensor, preferably at least a thermal camera for infrared viewing at said range of wavelengths A, positioned in the passenger compartment behind the vehicle glazing (100) so as to send and / or receive radiation after passing through the insert (2), optionally with the hydrophobic layer (4) arranged on the exterior face of the insert (2).

15. The optical sensor arrangement device (200) according to claim 14, wherein the optical sensor window module is connected to a cleaning fluid supply system.

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