Vehicle glazing unit and optical device for lidar

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing system comprising a glazing unit (100) for a vehicle, the glazing unit having a near-infrared transmission window (111) capable of receiving an emission beam (70) emitted from a lidar (7) intended to be arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and an optical device. According to the invention, the optical device comprises at least one convergent lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) that is oriented towards the outside, the convergent lens (20) having a first angular magnification in a first reference plane passing through the lens and a second angular magnification different from the first angular magnification in a second reference plane perpendicular to the first reference plane.

Description

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

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

[0002] Laser remote sensing (LIDAR or lidar), an acronym for the English expression "light detection and ranging" or "laser detection and ranging" (or in French "détection et estimation de la distance par la lumière" or "par 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, especially a sloped one, presents several challenges. The lidar is generally installed in the upper part of the passenger compartment (the upper area of ​​the windshield) so that the beams emitted and received by the lidar pass through the glass in an area close to the upper longitudinal edge of the glass. Firstly, the lidar is quite bulky and must be positioned so as not to obstruct the driver's view. Secondly, the lidar generates a near-infrared beam with a field of view that has a wide vertical and horizontal angle. Projecting this beam onto the glass requires reserving a specific area of ​​the glass for the transmission of this near-infrared beam (known as the near-infrared transmission window).

[0004] In practice, the manufacturer of the LIDAR expects that the beam emitted by the lidar presents a given vertical and horizontal field of view having a given cross-section around a median direction of pointing.

[0005] Document WO2023 / 274854 describes a road vehicle glazing with a lidar in the passenger compartment and a prism placed on the inner main surface of the glazing to increase the vertical opening of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. However, while this prism does allow adjustment of the angular opening of the glazing in the vertical direction, it alters the cross-section of the field of view at the glazing's exit.

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

[0007] The present invention proposes a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing, particularly road glazing, particularly windshields, particularly curved glazing, the glazing comprising: a first sheet of glass (particularly clear) intended to form the outer glazing with a first external main 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 lamination interlayer made of polymer material (particularly polyvinyl butyral PVB or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer EVA or thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) disposed between the second main face and the third main face, in particular the glazing being intended to form an angle of inclination (P) of less than 90 degrees and even of at most 60 or 50 degrees,with an axis, horizontal (Z) (in a characteristic plane) in the vehicle, in particular the glazing having an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge.

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

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

[0010] In particular, the emission beam exiting the glazing has an external field of view of vertical angular aperture VFOV2 in the characteristic plane and of horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 on a section inscribed in a rectangle (and even rectangular) in the plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane.

[0011] The glazing system also includes an optical device designed to provide an external field of view (after the near-infrared transmission window).

[0012] According to the invention, the optical device comprises a converging lens (transparent at the working wavelength LB1), preferably disposed wholly or partly inside the passenger compartment, the converging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface (face A), and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, oriented outwards, called the front surface (face B), at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex (and preferably unadjusted).

[0013] The converging lens has a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the converging lens (in particular collinear with the median direction of pointing) and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the converging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification and even the second angular magnification (in absolute value) being greater than the first angular magnification.

[0014] Unlike a prism, which provides a single magnification, the converging lens according to the invention allows for the independent increase of the vertical and horizontal angular apertures of the lidar beam exiting the glazing, while substantially preserving the shape of the cross-section (particularly inscribed within a rectangle, or even a rectangular one) of the field of view exiting the glazing. Such a glazing system allows for an increase in the horizontal angular aperture of the external field of view of the emitted beam relative to the horizontal angular aperture of the source field of view. And such a glazing system also allows for an increase in the vertical angular aperture of the external field of view of the emitted beam by relative to the vertical angular opening of the source field of view. The spatial extent (the footprint) of the lidar reference beam on the glazing (and therefore the size of the required space on a peripheral masking layer) can thus be limited both in width (horizontally) and in height (vertically).

[0015] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the glazing system according to the invention (and more broadly of the features of the converging lens according to the invention for the glazing system and / or lidar), taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, are as follows.

[0016] For better optical performance, the converging lens preferably has first and second surfaces that have free faces (i.e., exposed to air), spaced away from the glazing rather than bonded (glued) to the glazing and / or lidar.

[0017] The converging lens is preferably operated in free space (in air), specifically external to the LIDAR and wholly or partially located within the passenger compartment. In particular, the converging lens is, for example, mechanically linked to the glazing (including to a mounting plate in a hole in the glazing) and / or to the lidar at the periphery of the first and second surfaces (the free faces) of the lens, for example, at least by one lateral face: the upper and / or lower face, etc.

[0018] The converging lens may have preferentially flat lateral surfaces: a top surface, a bottom surface, and even two surfaces perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. At least one of the lateral surfaces allows, for example, the converging lens to be placed in an opto-mechanical mount and aligned with the lidar reference plane and / or the characteristic plane of the glazing. For example, the top surface and / or the bottom surface and / or two other lateral surfaces may be flat.

[0019] The converging lens may have lateral surfaces, including flat surfaces comprising a top surface and a bottom surface. In particular, the first reference plane passes through the top and bottom surfaces (specifically, it is a vertical plane and / or a plane of symmetry of the lens), and even the top and bottom surfaces are horizontal.

[0020] In particular, the converging lens is opposite an upper and even central part of the glazing, especially the windshield.

[0021] The second surface of the converging lens can be bare (thus directly forming the free surface) or have a functional layer (single or multilayer) such as a coating (preferably a conformal coating) or a film (adhesive, etc.) whose outer surface forms the free surface.

[0022] In particular, the second surface has a free face, for example, the second surface being positioned at a distance from the glazing (specifically, at a distance from the second main face, or, when the glazing is laminated, at a distance from the fourth main face of the glazing, or even at a distance from a hole in the glazing). And preferably, the first surface has a free face, for example, at a distance from a LiDAR.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one surface among the first and second surfaces of the converging lens (preferably at least the first surface and even better the first and second surfaces) is a convex surface without rotational symmetry about an optical axis.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one of the first and second surfaces of the converging lens (preferably at least the first surface, and even better, both the first and second surfaces) is an unruled convex surface, that is, a convex surface not generated by the movement of a straight line whose endpoints lie along two curves or a curve and a point. In other words, at least one of the two surfaces (preferably at least the first surface, and even better, both the first and second surfaces) is neither a spherical, cylindrical, conical, nor hyperboloid surface.

[0025] Advantageously, each convex (unruled) surface is a C2-parameterized surface, that is, a twice-differentiable regular surface with continuous derivatives. For example, at least one of the two surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three.

[0026] Advantageously, the first surface is convex and of class C2 (the first surface being twice differentiable and of continuous derivatives) and preferably also the second surface is of class C2 (the second surface being twice differentiable and of continuous derivatives).

[0027] In particular, the converging lens has on the first surface (having a free face) and / or on the second surface (having a free face) a surface treatment or a functional layer (transparent at the working wavelength LB1) forming an anti-reflective element (at the working wavelength LB1) 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 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.

[0028] The converging lens is, for example, made of one of the following materials: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), glass (preferably extra-clear), PC (polycarbonate), PU (polyurethane), or any other mineral or organic material known to those skilled in the art for use in optical lenses. The converging lens has, for example, a central thickness between 1 cm and 4 cm. The converging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%.

[0029] Preferably, the converging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface (face A) and / or on the second surface (face B).

[0030] Anti-reflective treatment (coating or even structuring) can be applied using various technologies such as: liquid deposition, particularly in sol-gel form, macroporous layers, notably porous silica; PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), for example, a layer, particularly of silica, deposited by magnetron; plasma coating; microstructuring, etc. In the case of a (first or second) convex surface, plasma coating is preferred because this technique allows 3D deposition, of optical quality, on a small element.

[0031] In the case of a macroporous silicon layer or porous silica layer, an optical refractive index n = 1.3 and a thickness of approximately 170 nm are preferred for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of approximately 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm.

[0032] In the case of a convex surface, plasma coating is preferred because: 3D deposition, optical quality, on small element size.

[0033] Preferably, the converging lens has a hard coating (hardcoat in English) on the second surface (side B) particularly when exposed to the outside.

[0034] In particular, the converging lens is positioned at a distance (spaced) from the glazing, specifically from the inner main surface of the glazing (F2 if single or F4 if laminated, without a hole), by a maximum of 8 cm, 5 cm, 3 cm, 1 cm, or 5 mm. In the case of glazing (single or laminated) with a through hole (as detailed later), the converging lens may be positioned at a distance (spaced) from the flush surface of the inner main surface or from a multi-functional support, specifically by a maximum of 8 cm, 5 cm, 3 cm, 1 cm, or 5 mm.

[0035] In particular, the vertical footprint (height L) of the beam transmitted by the converging lens through the transmission window of the glazing system is at most 10cm.

[0036] The converging lens preferably has a centimeter height in the first reference plane, and a centimeter dimension, and even a centimeter thickness, in the plane perpendicular to the first reference plane.

[0037] The glazing system may include a lidar comprising a light source capable of emitting an emission beam at the working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, lidar at a distance and upstream of the first surface preferably having a free face.

[0038] Preferably, the first angular magnification in absolute value is less than the second angular magnification and preferably the second angular magnification is strictly greater than 2 (in absolute value).

[0039] Preferably, the surface of each of the faces of the converging lens is of class C2, the first surface and the second surface being twice differentiable and with continuous derivatives.

[0040] The second angular magnification is preferably greater than strictly 2 and even greater than 3 (in absolute value), and preferably the first angular magnification can be greater than 2.0 in absolute value.

[0041] Preferably, the converging lens has an optical axis, a first plane of symmetry of the converging lens passing through the optical axis is preferably the first reference plane, and a second plane of symmetry of the converging lens passing through the optical axis and being perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry is preferably the second reference plane. In particular, the first plane of symmetry of the converging lens (preferably the first reference plane) is arranged in the lidar reference plane and / or the characteristic plane of the glazing. In a particular embodiment, the first plane of symmetry of the converging lens (the first reference plane) is the vertical plane and the second plane of symmetry of the converging lens (the second reference plane) is the horizontal plane.

[0042] In one particular embodiment, the first surface is convex and the second surface is convex, or the first surface is convex and the second surface is flat.

[0043] In particular, at least one of the said first surface and second surface is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three, where N is an integer, in particular the polynomial equation describing the first surface or the second surface being written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis of the converging lens, the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the surface i considered and the optical axis of the converging lens, p and <7 being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and a pqbeing the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient a pq being expressed in mm p+q-7 .

[0044] For example, particularly when the converging lens is external to the LiDAR and at a distance from the glazing (which may be perforated, with the lens positioned opposite the hole, or even partially or entirely within the hole), an origin point O1 of the first surface at the intersection of the optical axis of the converging lens is placed at a distance di from the LiDAR light source (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 150 mm, and even within a range of 20 mm to 150 mm.

[0045] For example, when the converging lens (possibly external to the lidar) is positioned away from the glazing (possibly perforated, with the lens facing the hole), an origin point O2 of the second surface is placed at a distance d2 from the inner principal face of the glazing (F2 or F4). The lens is positioned either opposite this inner face or at a distance d2 from the hole (partial or through) in the glazing. The converging lens is preferably positioned to minimize the distance d2. This distance d2 is measured along the longitudinal optical axis of the lens. Ideally, the distance d2 is no more than 100 mm and can even range from 10 to 100 mm. Minimizing the distance d2 reduces the size of the lidar system and the footprint.

[0046] For example, particularly when the converging lens (possibly external to the lidar) is at a distance from the glazing (possibly perforated with a lens opposite this perforation), the converging lens forms an image (of the lidar light source) at a distance dA from the inner principal face (F2 or F4) of the glazing, the lens being opposite the glazing, or at a distance dA from the perforation along the optical axis of the median direction of the pointing. Alternatively, the converging lens forms an image (of the lidar light source) in the glazing along the optical axis of the median direction. of pointing or even beyond the F1 face of the glazing. For example, the distance dA is at most 30 mm, even in a range from 15mm to 30mm.

[0047] In particular, at least one of said first and second surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to four in which the odd-order coefficients are all zero. In particular, the converging lens has an optical axis, the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis, and the converging lens has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry.

[0048] In one configuration, the converging lens is arranged and configured to modify the median pointing direction of a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing, and / or at least one of said first and second surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero. For example, with the converging lens external to the lidar, the reference beam is inclined to the horizontal at the exit of the lidar (and even at the exit of a deflector interposed between the lidar and the converging lens) and is substantially horizontal at the exit of the glazing.

[0049] In a given configuration, at least one of the first and second surfaces is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three, in which at least one odd-order coefficient is nonzero. In this case, the surface advantageously deflects and redirects the lidar emission beam. The surface exhibits no symmetry with respect to the first reference plane or the second reference plane. In particular, the converging lens is arranged and configured to modify the median direction of the emission beam exiting the glazing.

[0050] In one example embodiment, the converging lens is configured to transmit (out of the glazing) a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 with a median pointing direction substantially horizontal (for example, deviating by less than 5°, 2° or 1° from the horizontal axis) or even (if the lens is external to the lidar) to receive a median pointing direction of the reference beam from a lidar that is either substantially horizontal (deviating by less than 5°, 2° or 1° from the horizontal axis) or (more) inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0051] In general, the polynomial equation of degree greater than or equal to N describing the first surface and / or the second surface can be written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis of the converging lens, the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the considered surface i and the optical axis of the converging lens, p and <7 being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and a pq being the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient a pq being expressed in mm p+q ' 1 .

[0052] Preferably, the first surface is defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four, in which all odd-order coefficients are zero. Specifically, the converging lens has an optical axis, the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis, and the converging lens has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry. The second surface is also defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four, in which all odd-order coefficients are zero.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the first surface (face A) is a surface defined by the following fourth-degree polynomial equation: z(x, y) = a²⁰x 2 + a4o x 4 + ao2 y 2 + ao4 y 4 + a22 x 2 *y 2where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), with the OiZ axis parallel to the optical axis of the converging lens and the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) located at the intersection of the first surface and the optical axis of the converging lens. The second surface (face B) is defined by the following fourth-degree polynomial equation: z(x, y) = b²o x 2 + b4o x 4 + bo2 y 2 + bo4 y 4 + b22 x 2 *y 2where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (O2X, O2Y, O2Z), the O2Z axis being parallel to the optical axis of the converging lens and the point O2 with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the second surface and the optical axis of the converging lens, all odd-order coefficients being zero for the first surface and for the second surface, with a2o between 0.03 mm -1 and 0.3 mm -1 , a4o included between 1 x1 O' 7 mm 3 and 8x10 -5 mm' 3 , ao2 between 0.03 mm' 1 and 0.3 mm' 1 , ao4 included between 2x10' 9 mm' 3 and 9x10' 7 mm' 3 , 3.22 included between 7x10' 7 mm' 3 and 4x10' 4 mm' 3 , b2o included between -9x10 -3 mm' 1 and -1 x10 -3 mm' 1 , b4o included between 3x10 -7 mm 3 and 1.4x10-4 mm 3 , bo2 included between -2x10' 2 mm' 1 and -1 x10' 3 mm' 1 , bo4 included between 4x10' 7 mm' 3 and 2x10' 4 mm' 3 and b22 between 1 x10 -7 mm 3 and 8x10 -5 mm 3 .

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the converging lens (external to the lidar) is linked to the lidar, in particular mechanically fixed to the lidar (and at a distance from the glazing).

[0055] In another particular embodiment, the converging lens (external to the lidar) is linked to the glazing, in particular mechanically fixed to the glazing (and at a distance from the LIDAR).

[0056] In one embodiment, the converging lens is external to the LiDAR, and even the second surface is at a distance from the glazing. Preferably, the converging lens has a peripheral extension connected to the glazing system or intended to be connected to the LiDAR (by fastening, screwing, etc.). For example, the system includes an optomechanical system comprising the lens, the extension, and a slide. The slide is coupled to a guide rail (to fix the lens and position it correctly), in particular to a U-shaped housing, connected to the glazing and even to a mounting plate on the glazing.

[0057] In one example, the glazing system includes a support or plate with holes. The plate may form a base for one or more other sensors. such as a rain sensor, visible light camera, thermal imaging camera, etc. The mounting plate is attached to the inner main surface of the glazing (F2 or F4) and / or to a housing and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The converging lens is fixed, for example, by bonding one of its undersides to an opto-mechanical support. The opto-mechanical support is itself fixed, for example, with two screws, to a base. The base allows the converging lens to be fixed to the mounting plate directly or via a U-shaped housing with, for example, a slide designed to receive the base, which is equipped with a guide rail corresponding to the slide.

[0058] In one embodiment, the converging lens is internal to the LIDAR, the first face is at a distance from the glazing.

[0059] In a particular embodiment:

[0060] - the converging lens (in particular external to the lidar), is opposite a partial hole (in the thickness) of the laminated glazing or a through hole of the glazing preferably laminated, through hole (in the thickness) possibly housing a support in particular multifunctional, in particular the converging lens being at a distance from the partial hole (hole in the second sheet therefore lens opposite the second main face or an internal face of an insert in the partial hole) or all or part disposed in the partial hole or in the through hole (the converging lens then being for example fixed to said support in particular multifunctional).

[0061] - or the converging lens, in particular external to the lidar, is opposite the fourth main face of the laminated glazing or is opposite the second main face of the monolithic glazing.

[0062] The hole (partial or through) is part of the near-infrared transmission window, for example the first sheet is extra-clear glass and even the second sheet is tinted or even clear glass.

[0063] In particular, especially when the converging lens is at a distance from the glazing (opposite an internal face of the glazing or opposite and outside a partial or through hole in the glazing), the glazing system includes a plate with a support plate for fixing a peripheral extension of the converging lens, the support plate being glued to the internal face F2 (if single glazing) or to the internal face F4 (if laminated glazing, especially the fixing support near said possible hole), preferably the support and the plate being a single piece, in particular the plate having an opening at the level of the near-infrared transmission window and / or being transparent at the working wavelength.

[0064] In particular, the glazing system includes a plate comprising a plate (individual or multi-sensor) in a hole through the glazing (in the thickness) and opening laterally from the glazing, the plate being transparent at the working wavelength, the converging lens (internal or external to the lidar) facing said plate.

[0065] In one particular embodiment, the converging lens (internal or external to the lidar) faces a partial hole in the glazing, preferably with an insert (transparent at the working wavelength, in particular flat or convex) in the partial hole. 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 the application patent WO2022 / 175635. The glazing may include a camouflage layer downstream of the second surface, for example, a coating on an insert as described in patent application WO2022 / 219273, or on face F2, F3, or F4, or on a film (polymer, PET, etc.) within the laminated glazing. It forms a selective filter that is transparent at the working wavelength and opaque in the visible spectrum (to mask the gap, the transmission window).

[0066] In one particular embodiment, the converging lens is fixed to the glazing and / or to a body and / or to a support (including multifunctional supports, for example, with other sensors) or to a housing or cover (individual or shared with other sensors, or with one or more other cameras, for example). Specifically, the converging lens is positioned (in whole or in part) within a partial or through (complete) hole in the glazing, particularly laminated glazing; the converging lens is attached to a support (including multifunctional supports); or the converging lens is attached (peripherally) to the fourth principal surface of the glazing.

[0067] Preferably, the second surface is flush with or recessed from the first main face (sub-flush).

[0068] In a particular embodiment, (the converging lens being external to the lidar), a reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 having, (at the lidar output) a median direction of pointing and extending over an initial field of view of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) determined in a characteristic plane comprising a normal to the glazing and a vertical axis in the vehicle and of initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis transverse to the median direction of pointing, in the near-infrared transmission window, the reference beam at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view of vertical angular aperture in the characteristic plane and of horizontal angular aperture in the perpendicular plane,the converging lens being arranged and configured so that the external vertical angular aperture is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture and so that the external horizontal angular aperture is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture, and preferably the initial horizontal angular aperture is at most 20°.

[0069] In particular, the reference beam has, (at the lidar output) a median pointing direction inclined with respect to a horizontal axis (for example by at least 10°), in particular the median pointing direction forming an angle of at most 20° (and even at most 10° or 5°) with the mean plane of the glazing the system further includes a deflector suitable for receiving the reference beam (arranged between the lidar and the first surface of the converging lens), the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface of the converging lens.

[0070] In particular, the external converging lens is configured to: - transmit a reference beam from the lidar, which is the emitting beam, and preferably another converging lens, the other converging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface (notably oriented or even in the passenger compartment) and a second surface, opposite the first surface, oriented outwards, called the front surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex and preferably unadjusted, the second surface notably having a free face (in particular positioned at a distance from the glazing, especially from the second main face if single glazing or when the glazing is laminated, from the fourth main face of the glazing), the other converging lens having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the other converging lens (collinear with the median direction of pointing) and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the other converging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification, the other converging lens being arranged to transmit a reflected beam (to the lidar detector), -or transmit a lidar reference beam that corresponds to the intersection of the emitting beam and the reflected beam.

[0071] In this text, regarding a refractive index, we use interchangeably a numerical index or a standard number (or n1, etc.). For degrees, we use interchangeably deg. or the symbol °. We use interchangeably the terms film and sheet, which refer to a self-supporting element (an interleaving sheet becomes an adhesive layer after lamination). The term layer includes both a sheet and a coating.

[0072] The glazing can be monolithic (or single) and consists of a sheet of glass or polymer (PMMA for polymethyl methacrylate), or even polycarbonate (PC) or mineral. The glazing is preferably laminated.

[0073] The invention also relates to a lidar system intended to be disposed in a vehicle cabin, the lidar system comprising a lidar including a light source capable of emitting an emission beam at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, the emission beam having a median direction of pointing and extending over an initial field of view of initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 determined in a characteristic plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a vertical axis (Y) and of initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane, the perpendicular plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis (X) transverse to the median direction of pointing.

[0074] According to the invention, the lidar system comprises at least one converging lens, the converging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface (face A), oriented towards the light source of the lidar system and a second surface, opposite the first surface, called the front surface (face B), at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex and preferably unadjusted, the first surface being disposed at a distance from the light source to receive the emission beam emitted by the lidar, (the second surface being adapted to transmit the emission beam), the converging lens being disposed and configured to present a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the converging lens (collinear with the median direction of pointing) and to present a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the converging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the first angular magnification being different (and even lower) than the second angular magnification, the converging lens being arranged and configured so that the emission beam at the output of the lidar system has an aperture field of view. vertical angular size greater than the vertical angular size of the source field of view and so that the emission beam at the output of the lidar system has a horizontal angular size of the field of view greater than the horizontal angular size of the source field of view.

[0075] In particular, in this latter mode, the converging lens is internal to the LIDAR.

[0076] For example, regarding lidar, the internal vertical angular aperture VFOV1 ranges from 2 to 15 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, for example, 7 degrees. And the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 preferably ranges from 3 to 45 degrees, preferably greater than 15 degrees, for example, 20 degrees. Regarding lidar, the internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 ranges from 10 to 25 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, for example, 17 degrees. And preferably, the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 ranges from 12 to 120 degrees, preferably greater than 30 degrees, for example, 80 degrees.

[0077] The invention also relates to a lens for a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing and / or lidar, the lens being a converging lens (in particular as described above, for example intended to be placed in the passenger compartment), the converging lens having a first surface, called the rear surface (intended to be oriented towards the passenger compartment or even into the passenger compartment) and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, intended to be oriented towards the outside, called the front surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex and preferably unadjusted, the converging lens having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the converging lens and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the converging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification.

[0078] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0079] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain the nature of the invention and how it can be implemented. The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that when 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 their scope.

[0080] Regarding the attached drawings:

[0081] [Fig. 1] schematically represents, in lateral section view along a characteristic plane, a vehicle glazing according to a first embodiment, with a lidar infrared vision system and a converging lens;

[0082] [Fig. 2] schematically represents, in longitudinal section view along a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane, the vehicle glazing of the first mode;

[0083] [Fig. 3] shows a front view example of a windscreen incorporating a converging lens according to one embodiment, the laminated glazing possibly including a multi-functional support integrated on an edge of the glazing;

[0084] [Fig. 4] schematically represents in perspective an example of a converging lens having a first convex surface;

[0085] [Fig. 5] shows graphs illustrating the horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) and the vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) of the emission beam from the lidar light source upstream of the converging lens (left graph) and respectively the horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) and the vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) of the emission beam downstream of the converging lens, for example at the exit of the glazing (right graph);

[0086] [Fig. 6a] and [Fig. 6b] show graphs illustrating an irradiance map of the emission beam from the lidar source in 2D projection collected at 1.5m from the light source without a converging lens (Fig. 6a) and an irradiance map of the emission beam after vertical and horizontal field of view enlargement at the exit of the glazing (Fig. 6b) in 2D projection (collected at 1.5m from the converging lens);

[0087] [Fig. 7A] shows in perspective view an example of a converging lens mounted on an opto-mechanical stage (fig. 7A), the converging lens and its means of fixing to the stage in three-quarter view (fig. 7B) and respectively in slightly raised front view (fig. 7C);

[0088] [Fig. 8] schematically represents in exploded view and perspective a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the first embodiment in which the external converging lens of the lidar is mounted on a plate intended to be fixed to the glazing;

[0089] [Fig. 9] shows in perspective view an example of a converging lens mounted on an opto-mechanical support intended to be fixed on a plate linked to the main internal face of a glazing;

[0090] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated and the converging lens is positioned between the main internal face of the glazing (not perforated) and a lidar;

[0091] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to another variant of the first embodiment, with a converging lens arranged opposite an opening of a multi-function support on an edge of the main internal face of a laminated (non-perforated) glazing;

[0092] [Fig. 12] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to another variant of the first embodiment with an optical deflector arranged between the lidar and the converging lens;

[0093] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a second embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged opposite a partial hole in a laminated glazing which is a hole through the inner sheet of glass;

[0094] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the second embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged opposite a partial hole in the laminated glazing which is a through hole forming a notch on an upper edge of the second sheet of the laminated glazing;

[0095] [Fig. 15] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a third embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged opposite a through hole forming a notch on an upper edge of a laminated glazing;

[0096] [Fig. 16] shows a front view of the glazing of the third embodiment forming a windshield;

[0097] [Fig. 17] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a fourth embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged in a hole through the laminated glazing, the second face of the lens being flush or sub-flush with the main external face of the glazing;

[0098] [Fig. 18] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to an embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged in a through hole forming a notch on an edge of the glazing, the second face of the lens being flush or sub-flush with the main external face of the glazing;

[0099] [Fig. 19] shows a front view of a windshield incorporating a converging lens such as that in figure 18;

[0100] [Fig. 20] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to an embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged in a partial hole in the glazing;

[0101] [Fig. 21] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to an embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged in a hole through the glazing;

[0102] [Fig. 22] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to an embodiment in which the converging lens is arranged in a through hole forming a notch on an edge of the glazing;

[0103] [Fig. 23] shows in perspective view a lidar system comprising a converging lens on the emitted lidar beam and another converging lens on the reflected lidar beam and, in dotted lines, a variant comprising a single converging lens of larger dimensions arranged on the optical path of the emitted lidar beam and the reflected lidar beam;

[0104] [Fig. 24] shows in lateral section view a lidar system integrating a converging lens inside a housing positioned to support the main internal face of the glazing.

[0105] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references. The figures are not to scale.

[0106] Figure 1 or Figure 10 schematically represents a vehicle window (preferably a road vehicle windshield) in a characteristic plane, for example, laminated glass with a first principal face 11 (F1) at the outermost edge and a principal face 14 (F4) at the inner edge, or 12 (F2) respectively in the case of single glazing. For clarity, the vehicle is assumed to be on a level surface. The lateral (or transverse) section plane is thus taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (at the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the lower longitudinal edge 18 of the glass if straight). An orthonormal coordinate system XYZ is shown, in which the Y-axis is vertical, the X and Z axes are horizontal, and the Z-axis lies in the lateral section plane. The lateral section plane includes a normal 50 to the glass and a vertical axis Y within the vehicle. The positive direction of the angles used in this disclosure is also shown. Advantageously, the cutting plane passes through the middle of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and is a plane of symmetry of the glazing.

[0107] The vehicle on which the glazing is installed or intended is, for example, a road vehicle (car, truck, public transport: bus, coach) or a rail vehicle (particularly those with a maximum speed of 90 km / h or 70 km / h, especially subways and trams). Glazing is used in applications such as windshields, rear windows, and even side windows (including quarter windows). For clarity, the figures show flat glazing. However, the glazing may 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 no more than 5 mm.

[0108] The glazing (100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, 500) is installed or intended to be installed on a vehicle at an angle of inclination, denoted P, with a horizontal axis in the characteristic plane under consideration. For clarity, the vehicle is assumed to be on level ground. The angle of inclination P is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at most 60 degrees, generally between 15 and 20 degrees and preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, for example, 23 or 30 degrees for a motor vehicle windshield. As indicated above, the angle of inclination P has a sign, which in this case is positive.

[0109] The glazing units 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, and 500 have an upper longitudinal edge 10 and a lower longitudinal edge 18. The lateral section plane of the glazing includes a normal 50 to the glazing and a vertical axis Y within the vehicle. The lateral section plane preferably passes through the midpoint of the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the midpoint of the lower longitudinal edge 18. The characteristic plane of the glazing includes the normal 50 to the glazing and a vertical axis (Y) within the vehicle.

[0110] An infrared vision system is placed here, a lidar inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, spaced out and behind the laminated glass.

[0111] As is known, the infrared vision system 7 comprises a light source 71 and a detection device 72. The light source 71 is arranged and configured to generate a near-infrared emission beam 70. The emission beam 70 is emitted at a working wavelength, LB1, within a spectral range from 800 nm to 1800 nm, in particular from 850 nm to 1600 nm. specifically 905±30 nm and / or 1550±30 nm. The detection device 72 is positioned next to the light source 71 and configured to detect reflected radiation 76 in at least a portion of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. The detection device 72 is generally oriented parallel to the light source 71. Depending on the type of lidar used, the emission beam 70 is emitted in a direction that is swept in two transverse dimensions, or the emission beam 70 extends along a sheet that is swept in a single direction transverse to the sheet, or the emission beam 70 is of the flash type and does not use scanning. With or without scanning, the emission beam 70 from the light source 71 extends over a source field of view having a vertical angular aperture, denoted VFOV1, and an internal horizontal angular aperture, denoted HFOV1, given.The source field of view, for example, presents a rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a median direction of the emitted beam 70, with a point 40. The vertical angular aperture VFOV1 ranges from 2 to 15 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, for example, 7 degrees. The internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 ranges from 10 to 25 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, for example, 17 degrees. In this document, the lidar reference beam is defined as the beam corresponding to the intersection of the emitted beam 70 and the reflected beam 76. The lidar reference plane comprises the median direction of the point 40 and a vertical axis (Y). Preferably, the lidar reference plane coincides with the characteristic plane of the glazing.

[0112] Here, therefore, the beam cross-section has been defined as a function of the transverse profile in intensity or irradiance of the emitted beam in a plane perpendicular to the median direction of point 40, the intensity or irradiance being measured in W / m² 2 , at 1 / e 2 of maximum intensity at wavelength LB1. A rectangular section is defined as a beam having a rectangular cross-sectional intensity or irradiance profile, as illustrated for example in Figure 6.

[0113] Figure 3 illustrates an application example in which the infrared vision system 7 is positioned behind the glazing forming the windshield of a motor vehicle, facing an area, here called the near-infrared transmission window 111, which is preferably located in the central and upper part of the windshield. The transmission window 111 is transparent to the emission beam of the infrared vision system 7. Within this window 111, the infrared vision system is oriented at a certain angle of incidence with respect to the surface of the windshield, specifically the inner main face 14 of the glazing 100. In this example, the transmission window 111 is separated from the upper edge 10 of the glazing by the masking layer 5.

[0114] The glazing can be a glazing consisting of a single sheet of glass (see figure 1). In this case, the glazing 100 has an external main face 11 called F1 oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and an internal main face 12 called F2 oriented towards the interior of the vehicle.

[0115] In other variants or specific embodiments, glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, 500 is laminated glazing comprising (see figures 10 to 18): - a first sheet of glass 1 intended to form the outer glazing with a first main external face called F1 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 has a thickness preferably of no more than 4mm, and even of no more than 3mm or 2.5mm, - in particular 2.1 mm, 1.9mm, 1.8mm, 1.6mm and 1.4mm- and preferably of at least 0.7mm or 1 mm; - a laminate interlayer 3 made of polymer material having a main face 38 oriented towards the second internal main face 12 and a main face 39 opposite the main face 38; the laminate interlayer 3 is single- or multi-layered, optionally neutral, clear, extra-clear or tinted, in particular grey or green, made of a polymer material, preferably thermoplastic and even better polyvinyl butyral (PVB), preferably for a road vehicle with a thickness of no more than 1.8 mm, better still no more 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 possibly acoustic and / or possibly has a cross-section decreasing in a wedge shape from the top to the bottom of the glazing (in particular a windshield) for a head-up display (HUD); and - a second sheet of glass 2 intended to form the interior glazing with a third main face 13 called F3 oriented towards the second internal main face 12 of the first sheet of glass 1 and a fourth main face 14 oriented towards the passenger compartment called F4.

[0116] In the case of laminated glazing, the first main external face of the first sheet of glass 1 forms the main external face 11 of the glazing and the fourth main face of the second sheet of glass 2 forms the main internal face 14 of the glazing.

[0117] The first sheet of glass 1, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, silica-soda-lime, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of not more than 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably not more than 0.03% (300 ppm) and not more than 0.015% (150 ppm), and in particular greater than or equal to 0.005%. The redox potential of the first sheet of glass is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15, and in particular between 0.2 and 0.30, and in particular between 0.25 and 0.30. An OPTWHITE glass 1.95 mm thick is chosen.

[0118] The second glass sheet 2 may be tinted. This second glass sheet 2, particularly one based on silica, soda-lime, preferably silica-soda-lime, or even aluminosilicate or borosilicate, preferably has a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2Os) of at least 0.4% and preferably not more than 1.5%. For example, the second glass sheet 2 is 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), or TSA5+, for example, green. A TSA3+ glass 1.6 mm thick is chosen, for example.

[0119] 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 preferably being strictly less than 5mm or 4mm, even 3.7mm.

[0120] Advantageously, at least in the near-infrared transmission window, the glass sheet(s) are transparent in the near-infrared, as described for example in patent documents W02018015312 and / or WO2018178278.

[0121] In particular, in the embodiment(s) without a hole in the first or second sheet of glass (figures 10-12), 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.

[0122] The windshield of a road vehicle in particular is curved. In a classic 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.

[0123] The glazing system includes an optical device arranged along the optical path of the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar. According to this disclosure, the optical device includes a converging lens 20. The converging lens 20 has a first surface 21, referred to as the rear surface or face A, located here within the passenger compartment, and a second surface 22, opposite the first surface 21. The second surface 22, referred to as the front surface or face B, is oriented outwards. The converging lens 20 preferably operates in free space. The converging lens 20 is preferably a single piece. The converging lens 20 includes, for example, an optical lens. The converging lens 20 is, for example, made of one of the following materials: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), preferably extra-clear glass. The converging lens 20 has, in particular, a refractive index of 1.48 at the working wavelength LB1 in the case of PMMA.For example, the converging lens 20 has a thickness at the center of between 1 cm and 4 cm.

[0124] At least one of the two surfaces 21 and 22 of the converging lens 20 is an unruled convex surface. Advantageously, the unruled convex surface is a C2-parameterized surface, that is, a twice-differentiable regular surface with continuous derivatives. For example, at least one of the two surfaces 21 and 22 is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree three or higher. In particular, at least one of the two surfaces 21 and 22 is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree four. We detail later an example of surfaces 21 and 22 of a converging lens 20, in which each of the two surfaces 21 and 22 is defined by a polynomial equation of degree four.

[0125] The converging lens 20 is arranged in the reference plane of the lidar to receive the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar 7. For example, the converging lens 20 is arranged on the median direction of point 40 of the light source 71. Alternatively, one or more optical components are arranged between the light source 71 and the converging lens so as to redirect the emission beam towards the converging lens 20.

[0126] In one application, the converging lens 20 further allows the median direction of the emitted beam to be modified. For example, one or both surfaces 21, 22 of the converging lens may be a polynomial surface of degree three or higher with odd non-null orders. For example, both surfaces 21, 22 of the converging lens 20 may be of order four or higher with odd non-null orders. odd order nus and the converging lens 20 is coupled to a redirection means such as a mirror 75 or a prism. The redirection means is preferably positioned between the lidar and the converging lens 20, as illustrated in Figure 12. In this case, the lidar can, for example, advantageously point downwards to reduce the size of the mechanical support 81.

[0127] Figure 12 shows an optical device comprising an optical deflector 75, for example a plane mirror, positioned between the light source 71 and the converging lens 20. The optical deflector 75 allows the lidar to be placed as close as possible to the glazing and / or the orientation of the median direction of the pointing 40 to be adjusted. In all cases, the first surface 21 is positioned to receive the emitted beam 70 over the entire source field of view, i.e., over the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. To this end, the origin point 01 of the first surface 21 is located at a distance, denoted di, from the light source 71 (real or virtual). The distance di is preferably in a range from 20 mm to 150 mm, for example, 10 mm.

[0128] Furthermore, the converging lens 20 is designed to exhibit a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane of the lens, denoted here as plane YZ or PREFI (see Figures 1 and 4), and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a plane perpendicular to the first reference plane, the perpendicular plane being denoted here as plane XZ or PREF2 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4). The first reference plane PREFI of the converging lens 20 is transverse to the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. Advantageously, the first reference plane PREFI and the perpendicular plane PREF2 of the converging lens 20 each have a normal to the first surface 21 and a normal to the second surface 22. Preferably, the converging lens 20 is arranged so that the first reference plane of the lens coincides with the reference plane of the lidar.

[0129] Furthermore, the converging lens 20 is designed to exhibit asymmetrical angular optical magnification, with the second angular magnification differing from the first. Unlike a spherical or aspheric lens of revolution, the converging lens 20 lacks rotational symmetry about its optical axis 25. Since the angular magnification is negative for a converging lens, we consider the angular magnification in absolute value. Specifically, the second angular magnification is greater in absolute value than the first angular magnification. Consequently, the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 has a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the source-side field of view, and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of the source-side field of view.

[0130] The first angular magnification is the ratio between the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface of the converging lens 20 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the lidar emission beam 70 incident on the first surface 21 of the converging lens 20, whose first reference plane is located in the characteristic plane of the glazing 100, 200, 300, 400. The first angular magnification is the angular magnification of the converging lens 20 in the characteristic plane YZ of the glazing system. The YZ plane is, for example, a vertical plane.

[0131] Similarly, the second angular magnification is the ratio between the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of the emission beam 70 emerging from the second surface of the converging lens 20 and the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar incident on the first surface 21 of the converging lens 20 whose first reference plane is located in the characteristic plane of the glazing 100, 200, 300, 400. The second angular magnification is the angular magnification of the converging lens 20 in the plane XZ orthogonal to the characteristic plane of the glazing system and including the median direction of the emission beam 70 incident on the first surface 21. The plane XZ is, for example, a horizontal plane.

[0132] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the emission beam refracted through the second surface 22 is transmitted in free space and then through the glazing 100, here considered as a plate with flat and parallel faces that does not modify the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 or the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 at the exit of the glazing 100. The resulting emission beam at the exit of the glazing system has a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 that are respectively larger than those of the light source 71. Furthermore, thanks to the refractive optical component 20, the angular magnification of the field of view is greater in the horizontal plane than in the vertical plane.

[0133] In the first embodiment, the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130 does not have a hole to allow the lidar emission beam to pass through. The converging lens 20 is located inside the passenger compartment. The second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 is situated opposite the near-infrared transmission window 111, the second surface 22 being offset from the main inner face 12, 14 of the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130. The origin point O2 of the second surface 22 of the converging lens is placed at a distance d2 from the main inner face 12 of the glazing 100 if it is single glazing (see Figures 1 and 2) or respectively from the fourth of the main inner face 14 of the laminated glazing 100 (see Figures 10-12). In this case, the emission beam propagates in free space between the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 and the main internal face 12, 14 of the glazing 100.The converging lens 20 is preferably positioned to minimize the distance d2. The distance d2 is measured along the longitudinal optical axis of the lens 20 or the emission beam. For example, the distance d2 is 70 mm. Minimizing the distance d2 reduces the overall size of the lidar system and the footprint.

[0134] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a converging lens 20 according to an example of an embodiment. The converging lens 20 has a first convex surface 21 and a second surface 22 that is either planar, concave, or convex. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 have non-spherical shapes and lack rotational symmetry about the optical axis 25. The shape of the first surface 21 and the shape of the second surface 22 are designed and optimized so that the emission beam 70 from the lidar incident on the first surface has a horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, respectively vertical VFOV1, and the emission beam refracted through the converging lens 20 has, at the exit of the second surface 22, a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1. respectively a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than the vertical angular aperture VFOV1.

[0135] In a particularly advantageous way, the converging lens 20 has an anti-reflective coating 27 on the first surface 21 and / or an anti-reflective coating 28 on the second surface 22. The anti-reflective coating 27, 28 includes for example a porous silica-based layer having a thickness adapted according to the wavelength LB1 of the lidar.

[0136] Alternatively or complementarily, the converging lens 20 has an external hydrophobic coating, for example based on a fluorinated compound, or a self-cleaning coating on the first surface 21 and / or on the second surface 22.

[0137] The converging lens 20 (without rotational symmetry) exhibits a different angular magnification in the first reference plane and in the second reference plane perpendicular to the first reference plane. This configuration of the converging lens 20 allows for different values ​​for the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 at the output of the converging lens 20. A single converging lens 20 thus allows for independent adjustment of the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of the emission beam exiting the glazing system.

[0138] Preferably, the second angular magnification is greater than or equal to 2.0 and even the first angular magnification is greater than or equal to 2.0.

[0139] Figure 4 shows an example of a converging lens 20 which here has a first convex surface 21, a second flat or unadjusted surface 22, preferably convex. The converging lens 20 also has a longitudinal optical axis 25 transverse to the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The converging lens 20 further presents here preferentially flat lateral faces: a top surface 23, a bottom surface 24, and two faces 26 perpendicular to the top surface 23 and / or the bottom surface 24. One at least of the lateral faces 23, 24, 26 allows the converging lens 20 to be placed in an opto-mechanical mount and aligned with respect to the lidar reference plane YZ and / or the characteristic plane of the glazing. Preferably, the optical axis 25 of the converging lens 20 is aligned with the median direction of the pointed 40 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar.Preferably, the upper face 23, the lower face 24 and / or both faces 26 is (are) flat.

[0140] As a non-limiting example, the external dimensions of the converging lens 20 are approximately 30 mm (along the optical axis 25), approximately 44 mm (between the lateral faces 26) and approximately 25.4 mm (between the lateral faces 23 and 24).

[0141] The converging lens 20 asymmetrically increases the vertical and horizontal angular apertures of the lidar emission beam 70. For example, the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 and the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 are less than 20 degrees. The converging lens then produces an emission beam with a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than twice the horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 and, respectively, a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than twice the vertical angular aperture VFOV1, the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 being different from the horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 at the output of the converging lens. For example, the lens in Figure 4 transforms a beam The emission beam, having a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of 13 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 of 17 degrees, is transformed into an emission beam having a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of 26 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of 80 degrees. In this example, the vertical angular magnification is 2.0 and the horizontal angular magnification is 4.7.

[0142] Preferably, the converging lens 20 operates in free space, in air.

[0143] In the first embodiment, the converging lens 20, which is asymmetrically shaped, is positioned inside the passenger compartment, along an optical path between the light source 71 and the inner main face of the glazing. The converging lens 20 is fixed, for example by adhesive, to a support or an opto-mechanical mount, preferably via at least one of the lateral faces 23, 24, and / or 26, which are inoperative for the optical transfer function of the converging lens (see, for example, Figures 7A, 7B, 7C), for example, via the lower lateral face. The support or mount is, for example, fixed to the glazing, the passenger compartment, or the lidar light source 71.

[0144] For example, the origin point Oi of the first surface 21 is placed at a distance di from the lidar light source 71 (real or virtual source, i.e., the point from which the rays emerging from the lidar appear to originate), and the origin point O2 of the second surface 22 is placed at a distance d2 from the inner principal face 12, 14 of the glazing. The converging lens 20 forms, in the reference YZ plane, an image 73 of the light source 71 at a distance ds from the inner principal face 12, 14 of the glazing 100 along the optical axis of the median direction of the pointing (Figure 1). Similarly, the converging lens 20 forms, in the XZ plane orthogonal to the characteristic plane, an image 74 of the light source 71 at a distance d4 from the inner principal face 12, 14 of the glazing 100 along the optical axis of the median direction of the point (Figure 2). The distance ds is different from the distance d4 due to the asymmetrical shape of the converging lens 20.We can define dA as the smallest distance between ds and d4.

[0145] The converging lens 20 is preferably configured and arranged to reduce the footprint of the lidar emission beam 70 on the transmission window 111 of the glazing system 100, 200, 300, 400. To this end, the converging lens 20 is preferably arranged to reduce, in particular, the distance ds and / or the distance d4. For example, the distance ds and the distance d4 are between 15 mm and 30 mm. In one embodiment, this configuration of the converging lens 20 reduces the size L of the vertical projection window of the lidar emission beam into the transmission window 111 of the glazing by a factor of approximately three, and the width W of the horizontal projection window of the lidar emission beam into the transmission window 111 of the glazing by a factor of approximately nine, while at least doubling the horizontal and vertical angular apertures.

[0146] In the case of laminated glazing, the glazing advantageously comprises a masking layer 5 disposed between the first glass sheet 1 and the lamination interlayer 3 (see Figures 3, 10-19, 26). The masking layer 5 is bonded to the second internal principal face 12 of the first glass sheet 1. The masking layer 5 is also bonded to the principal face 38 of the lamination interlayer 3. The masking layer 5 is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel or lacquer coating. The masking layer 5 is suitable for masking the lidar housing 8. The masking layer 5 has a recess larger than the size L and width W of the emission beam incident on the inner main face of the glazing. The recess in the masking layer 5 allows the passage of the lidar emission beam 70 and the reflected beam 76 towards the detection device 72. The recess in the masking layer has, for example, a rectangular or trapezoidal shape with two horizontal long sides 501, 502 and two short sides 503, 504 (see front view figures 3, 16 and 19).

[0147] We will now describe in detail an example of an embodiment in which the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 are each defined by a polynomial equation of degree three or higher, in particular degree four. The light source 71 is placed at a distance di of 110 mm from the origin Oi of the first surface 21 of the converging lens 20. The light source 71 generates an emission beam having a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of 12.6 degrees and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV of 17.5 degrees.

[0148] The first surface 21 is defined by a polynomial equation of degree four (all coefficients of order greater than four are zero and all coefficients of odd orders are also zero) which is as follows: z(x, y) = 0.051743 x 2 + 4,6567.10' 7 x 4 + 0.044764 y 2 + 5, 1965.10' 9 y 4 + 1,9546.10'6 x 2 *y 2

[0149] where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis 25 of the converging lens 20, and the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the first surface 21 and the optical axis 25 of the converging lens. The first surface 21 exhibits symmetry with respect to the XO1Z plane and another symmetry with respect to the YO1Z plane. However, the first surface 21 does not exhibit rotational symmetry with respect to the Z axis, the coefficients in x 2 , x 4 being different from the coefficients in y 2 , y 4 .

[0150] The second surface 22 is defined by another polynomial whose coefficients are defined in the following table 1.

[0151] [Table 1]

[0152] In Table 1, all coefficients of order greater than four are zero, and all coefficients of odd orders are also zero. In other words, the second surface 22 is defined by the following polynomial equation of degree four: z(x, y) = -0.0014947x 2 + 8.0251 .10' 7 x 4 - 0.0023042 y 2 + 1, 1265.10 6 y 4 + 4,2326.10' 7 x 2 *y 2 where x, y and z represent the Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (O2X, O2Y, O2Z), the O2Z axis being parallel to the optical axis 25 of the converging lens 20 and the point O2 with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the second surface 22 and the optical axis 25 of the converging lens. The second surface 22 also exhibits symmetry with respect to the plane XO2Z and another symmetry with respect to the plane YO2Z. However, the second surface 22 does not exhibit rotational symmetry with respect to the Z-axis, the coefficients in x 2 , x 4 being different from the coefficients in y 2 , y 4 .

[0153] A converging lens 20 is manufactured by CNC 3D machining and / or molding. Its first surface 21 is defined by the fourth-degree polynomial equation P1 shown above, and its second surface 22 is defined by the fourth-degree polynomial equation P2 shown above. The converging lens 20 is, for example, made from a machinable block of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The glazing system equipped with this converging lens 20 generates an emission beam 70 with a median direction pointed horizontally (here, 45), a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of approximately 26 degrees, and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 of approximately 80 degrees. In this example, the vertical angular magnification is 2.06 and the horizontal angular magnification is 4.57.

[0154] Figure 5 shows graphs illustrating the asymmetric angular magnification of the converging lens having the first surface 21 defined by the polynomial P1 and the second surface 22 defined by the polynomial P2 indicated above.

[0155] In the left-hand graph of Figure 5, the intensity slices of the emission beam from the lidar light source 71 upstream of the converging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle relative to the median direction of the pointing (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the characteristic plane (vertical plane YZ). The intensity slices of the emission beam from the lidar upstream of the converging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle relative to the median direction of the pointing in the plane orthogonal to the characteristic plane (horizontal plane XZ). In this graph, the vertical angular aperture VFOV1 of the emission beam from the lidar light source 71 is estimated at approximately 5 degrees, and its horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 at approximately 17.5 degrees. The curves in Figure 5 were obtained by numerical simulation.In practice, intensity can be measured as a function of the opening angle using a far-field goniometric system.

[0156] In the graph on the right of Figure 5, the intensity slices of the emission beam exiting the converging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle relative to the median direction of the pointing beam (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the characteristic plane (vertical plane YZ), and the intensity slices of the emission beam exiting the converging lens 20 are represented as a function of the angle relative to the median direction of the pointing beam (corresponding to an angle of 0 degrees) in the plane orthogonal (horizontal plane XZ) to the characteristic plane. In this graph, the vertical angular aperture VFOV2 of the emission beam exiting the converging lens 20 is estimated at approximately 20 degrees and its horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 at approximately 80 degrees.

[0157] By comparing Figure 5 on the left and Figure 5 on the right, we clearly observe the increase of approximately a factor of 3.5 in the vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) of the emission beam exiting this converging lens 20 compared to The vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) of the lidar light source's emission beam is also observed. Furthermore, the intensity per angle slice remains almost constant after the field of view is enlarged across virtually the entire vertical aperture. The horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) of the emission beam exiting the glazing also clearly increases by a factor of approximately four compared to the horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) of the lidar light source's emission beam. Moreover, the intensity per angle slice remains almost constant after the field of view is enlarged across virtually the entire horizontal aperture.

[0158] Remarkably, it is thus possible to use a lidar with a very small internal field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, for example 10 deg. or even 9 deg. or 8 deg. vertically and 20 degrees, or even 15 degrees or 10 degrees horizontally, while obtaining an enlarged external field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV2, for example here 20 deg. or even 25 or 30 degrees vertically and 80 degrees or even 100 or even 120 degrees horizontally.

[0159] Figure 6a shows an irradiance map (in W / mm²) 2) of the emission beam of the lidar source measured in 2D projection in a plane perpendicular to the median direction of lidar pointing at a distance of 1610mm from the emission source without the converging lens 20. The extent of the field of view is limited to an approximately elliptical area whose minor axis has a length of approximately 760 mm along the vertical axis (Y) and whose major axis has a length of approximately 1000 mm along the horizontal axis (X).

[0160] Figure 6b shows an irradiance map (in W / mm²) 2The irradiance map is measured here in 2D projection onto a plane perpendicular to the median direction of the lidar's pointing, at a distance of 1610 mm from the combined emission source and converging lens 20. The distance di between the source and the converging lens 20 is approximately 110 mm. This results in an asymmetrical enlargement of the vertical and horizontal field of view at the exit of the glazing in 2D projection (right-hand graph). After asymmetrical enlargement, the field of view extends over a roughly rectangular area with a width of approximately 1100 mm along the vertical axis (Y) and a length of approximately 2700 mm along the horizontal axis (X).Enlarging the field of view of the emission beam exiting the glazing with the converging lens 20 allows a larger field of view to be covered without increasing the size L or the width W of the projection window of the lidar emission beam 70 onto the main internal face 12, 14 of the glazing. The length L is expressed as a function of the distance d3 according to the following formula: L=2*d3*tan(VFOV2 / 2) and the width W as a function of the distance d4 according to the following formula: W=2*d4*tan(HFOV2 / 2).

[0161] The invention offers an additional advantage, which is that it allows obtaining a section of the lidar beam in a plane perpendicular to the beam propagation axis that is approximately rectangular in shape, rather than circular, elliptical, or distorted as would be obtained after using a spherical, aspherical, or cylindrical lens. A section of the beam in a plane perpendicular to the propagation axis of the A roughly rectangular beam shape is desirable to allow, in particular, the detection of objects close to the vehicle at the edge of the field of view, such as pedestrians for example.

[0162] Remarkably, it is thus possible to use a lidar with an internal rectangular cross-section field of view and very small vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and horizontal angular aperture HFOV1, while obtaining an external rectangular cross-section field of view with a vertical angular aperture VFOV2 and a horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 each enlarged by a different magnification.

[0163] For example, the angular magnification of the vertical angular aperture is in absolute value greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 2.0 and the angular magnification of the vertical angular aperture is in absolute value greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 2.0, for example on the order of 4.0.

[0164] For example, the internal vertical angular aperture VFOV1 ranges from 2 to 15 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, for example 7 degrees, and the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 ranges from 3 to 45 degrees, preferably greater than 15 degrees, for example 20 degrees. The internal horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 ranges from 10 to 25 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, for example 17 degrees, and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 ranges from 12 to 120 degrees, preferably greater than 30 degrees, for example 80 degrees.

[0165] As mentioned above, in the first embodiment, to transmit the LIDAR beam, the glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, includes a transmission window 111 in a reserved area of ​​the glazing which is free of holes or notches.

[0166] In certain embodiments, described below in relation to Figures 13-22, to transmit the LIDAR beam, the glazing 110, 200, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, 500 is perforated by a partial hole 30 or a through hole 31 (full) of the glazing, in particular forming a notch. The partial hole 30 or a through hole 31, in particular the notch, is dedicated individually to the LIDAR or is a common hole or notch housing a support, in particular a multi-function (multi-sensor) support, or dedicated to the lens.

[0167] Preferably, a support 80 is disposed at least partially within the partial or through hole and / or protruding from the first or fourth main face, the support 80 being bonded to the glazing or the edge of the partial or through hole. For example, the converging lens 20 is bonded (by gluing or direct adhesive contact) to this support on its lower face, its upper face, or one of its lateral faces. In particular, the converging lens 20 is located opposite the partial hole 30 or, respectively, the through hole 31, the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 being offset from the inner main face 12, 14 of the glazing 110, 200, 300, or the second surface 22 being flush or sub-flush with the outer main face of the glazing 400, 500.

[0168] The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, is for example rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and has a first long side 301 or longitudinal edge called upper closest to the edge of the upper longitudinal edge 10 The glazing unit, preferably parallel to this slice 10, has a second long side 302 or lower longitudinal edge (furthest from the slice of the upper longitudinal edge 10, near the central area) parallel to the first long side, with a length of at most 25 cm or 20 cm and preferably greater than that of the first long side, for example 14 cm. Two short sides 303, 304, or straight or oblique lateral edges (see Figure 19) are also required. The partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, may have rounded corners.

[0169] Alternatively, the partial hole 30, or respectively the through hole 31, forms a notch on an edge, for example the upper edge 10, of the glazing (see Figures 16 and 19). In Figures 16 and 19, the edges 301, 302, 303, 304 of the partial hole 30, or respectively of the through hole 31, can be seen.

[0170] Furthermore, Figures 10 to 19 illustrate various methods of integrating a converging lens 20 into a glazing unit. These figures share the following common elements. The laminated glazing 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, 500 comprises a first sheet of glass 1, a lamination interlayer 3, and a second sheet of glass 2. The infrared vision system 7 is housed in a casing 8, for example, made of plastic or metal. In various embodiments, the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are arranged side by side in a vertical plane, in a horizontal plane, or in a plane inclined to a horizontal plane.

[0171] The housing 8 is attached by a means of removability, for example, by clipping. The housing 8 is attached, for example, (entirely) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass pane 2 by the means of removability, for example, by clipping. Alternatively, the housing 8 is attached to a multi-function support 80 (a multi-sensor plate, with antenna, etc.) which is attached (glued) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass pane 2. According to another variant, the housing 8 is attached to face F4 or to the multi-function support 80 and also to a vehicle component, for example, the vehicle roof, in particular to the interior trim of the vehicle passenger compartment and / or to the bodywork 160, which is glued to the periphery of the glazing (on face 14 or face 12 if there is a partial hole, or on the support 80 if there is a through hole in the glazing) using an adhesive 60 (see Figure 11).A seal 161 (extruded etc.) preferably with a lip 162 is between the body 160 and the edge of the glazing (and even of the support 80 where applicable, see figure 18).

[0172] In particular, the glazing system includes a multi-functional support or plate 80, which may be opaque and, if necessary, perforated (with an opening 81) at the location of the near-infrared transmission window. The plate is located on face F4 (Figures 14, 17, 21, 22) or within a through hole (Figure 18, 22). The opening 81 is opposite or even houses the second surface of the converging lens 20. The support or plate 80 can form a base for mounting the converging lens 20. The plate 80 may also serve as a base for one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, a thermal camera, etc. The plate 80 is, for example, connected to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the plate 80 is transparent to the LB1 wavelength of the lidar radiation, the converging lens 20 being, for example, placed opposite the rear face of this plate 80, on the passenger compartment side.

[0174] According to other embodiment examples, the plate 80 is opaque or absorbing at the wavelength LB1 of the lidar radiation, the plate 80 therefore having an orifice 81 in which is, for example, the converging lens 20 (figure 18) partially disposed or opposite it (figure 11).

[0175] In an example of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the light source 71 and the detection device 72 are, for example, attached to a support 81, which is itself attached to the housing 8 or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The converging lens 20 is attached to the same support 81, for example, via its lower face 24. Preferably, the support 81 includes means for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the converging lens to align the optical axis 25 of this converging lens with the median direction of the pointing 40 of the light source 71. Furthermore, the support 81 preferably includes means for adjusting the position of the assembly formed by the lidar system (source 71 and detector 72) and the converging lens 20 so as to adjust the distance between the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 and the main inner face 14 of the glazing.These adjustment mechanisms allow for a reduction in the footprint of the incident emission beam on the main inner surface of the glazing 130, while simultaneously increasing the horizontal and vertical angular aperture of the emission beam exiting the glazing. For a rectangular beam, the beam footprint is generally defined by the projection of this rectangle, with length L and width W, onto the glazing.

[0176] In another example of the first embodiment illustrated in connection with figures 7 to 9, the glazing system includes a support or plate 80 (see figures 3, 8-9) if necessary perforated in the transmission window 111 (opposite the converging lens) and opposite the converging lens 20.

[0177] The mounting plate 80 may include zones 601, 602, 603 (see Figure 3) for one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, visible light camera, thermal imaging camera, etc., which may include openings for optical transmission and / or even form a base for these sensors. The mounting plate 80 is connected to the rear main face 14 of the glazing (see Figures 8-9) and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. Figure 3 shows the edges 801, 802, 803, 804 of the mounting plate 80.

[0178] The converging lens 20 is fixed, for example, by gluing its lower face 24 to an opto-mechanical support 82 (see Figures 7B-7C). The opto-mechanical support 82 is itself fixed, for example, by two screws, to a base 83. The base 83 allows the converging lens 20 to be fixed directly to the plate 80 (see Figure 7A) or via a U-shaped housing 84, for example, which includes a slide adapted to receive the base 83 equipped with a guide rail corresponding to the slide (see Figure 9). This opto-mechanical assembly allows the converging lens 20 to be positioned as close as possible to the inner main face 14 of the glazing, while still allowing adjustment of the distance d2.

[0179] In an example of the second embodiment (see Figure 20), the glazing 200 has a partial hole 30 in the characteristic plane to form a near-infrared transmission window 111 capable of transmitting the lidar emission beam. The partial hole 30 is formed on the inner side of the glazing. In this embodiment, the thickness E of the glazing is locally thinned to a thickness E2 less than E. For example, Thickness E ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1.6 mm to 2.1 mm and thickness E2 ranges from 0.1 mm to 2.1 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.6 mm, preferably from 0.7 mm to 1.1 mm.

[0180] In the partial hole 30, the glazing has an internal principal surface 15. The converging lens 20 is located inside the housing and at least partially within the partial hole 30. The origin point O2 of the second surface 22 of the converging lens is positioned at a distance d2 from the internal principal face 15 of the glazing 200. In this case, the emission beam propagates in free space between the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 and the internal principal face 15 of the glazing 200 within the partial hole 30. In another example of the second embodiment (see Figure 13), the glazing is laminated glass with a partial hole 30, which is a through hole through the second glass sheet 2 of the reference laminated glazing to form the transmission window 111. The converging lens 20 is positioned opposite the hole 30. In Figure 13, the hole 30 is closed, i.e., away from the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing 200. In this example, the first glass sheet 1 and the interlayer sheet 3 do not have a hole aligned with the through hole 30 in the second glass sheet 2. Preferably, an insert bonded to the interlayer sheet 3 can be added to the hole, for example, an extra-clear glass, particularly one with a thickness less than or equal to that of the second glass sheet. In a variant, this insert is bonded with a local adhesive, for example, an OCA (optical clear adhesive).In another variant, all or part of the spacer 3 is removed and, for example, face F2 has a near-infrared anti-reflective element.

[0181] In another variant of the second embodiment (see Figure 14), the glazing is laminated glass with a partial hole 30, which is a through hole through the second glass sheet 2 and preferably through the interlayer sheet 3 of the laminated glass to form the transmission window 110. The converging lens 20 is positioned opposite the hole 30 (opposite face F2). In Figure 14, the hole 30 forms a notch on the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing. In this example, the first glass sheet 1 does not have a hole aligned with the through hole 30 through the second glass sheet 2 and the interlayer sheet 3.

[0182] In some embodiments (see Figures 15, 17, 18, 21, and 22), the glazing includes a through hole 31 in the characteristic plane to form a near-infrared transmission window 111 capable of transmitting the lidar emission beam. In particular, for Figures 21 and 22, the through hole 31 in the glazing is preferably closed by a plate 32, of the type transparent at wavelength LB1, with parallel faces, constant thickness, and spaced from the surface 22. The plate 32 has an internal principal face 321 and an external principal face 322. The plate is, for example, bonded to the upper lateral face 24 using an adhesive 60 (Figure 22).

[0183] In the examples illustrated in Figure 20 or Figure 21, the through hole 31 is closed on its perimeter, for example by sides 301, 302, 303, 304.

[0184] In the examples illustrated in Figure 18 or Figure 22, the through hole 31 forms an open notch, for example on the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and for example closed on three other sides 302, 303, 304.

[0185] In some embodiments (see Figures 21-22), the plate 32 is fixed, for example by bonding its main inner face 321 to the main outer face 11 of the glazing around the periphery of the through hole 31 so as to close the through hole 31 on the outside and to ensure the sealing of the glazing 310, 320. The converging lens 20 is disposed inside the passenger compartment, and preferably at least partially inside the through hole 31. In this case, the emission beam 70 propagates in free space between the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 and the main inner face 321 of the plate 32 in the through hole. The second surface 22 of the converging lens is opposite and placed at a distance from the main internal face 321 of the plate 32. In other words, the emission beam propagates in free space between the second surface 22 of the converging lens and the main internal face 321 of the plate 32.

[0186] In some embodiments (see Figure 20 or Figure 21), the converging lens 20 is fixed by its lower face 24, here flat, to the support 80, which is inserted at least partially into the partial hole 30, or respectively into the through hole 31. The upper face 23, here flat, of the converging lens 20 is against or fixed, for example by gluing, to the first long side 301 of the partial hole 30, or respectively of the through hole 31. The support 80 is against or fixed, for example by gluing, to the second long side 302 of the partial hole 30, or respectively of the through hole 31. In this way, the converging lens 20 is connected to the glazing 300. The second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 is at a fixed distance d2 from the main inner face 15 of the glazing 200, or respectively from the main inner face 321 of the plate 32 connected to the glazing 300.

[0187] In the third embodiment (see Figures 15 and 16), the converging lens 20 is positioned opposite a plate 80 (for example, multifunctional, with transmission windows for various sensors) which is inserted at least partially into the through hole 31, for example, forming a notch. 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. According to a particular aspect applicable to this embodiment, a masking layer 88 (coating) is applied to the plate 80, opaque in the visible and near-infrared regions, for example, black in color, particularly at the operating wavelength. The masking layer 88 protects the adhesive 60 from UV radiation, if necessary.

[0188] The plate 80 can include zones 601, 602, 603 (see figure 16) for one or more other sensors, such as rain sensor, visible camera, thermal camera, etc., including if necessary openings for optical transmission and / or even forming a base for these sensors.

[0189] In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 17, the through hole 31 in the glazing 400 is closed by the converging lens 20, whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The through hole 31 extends here through the first glass pane 1, the interlayer pane 3, and the second glass pane 2. The converging lens 20 is fixed, for example, on its periphery via its lateral faces. A multi-functional support 80 is drilled at the location of the hole 31. In the first glass pane 1, the through hole 31 may, if necessary, have a shape complementary to the converging lens 20. In this case, it is optional to cover the through hole 31 with a plate 32. In this configuration, the converging lens is configured to modify the median direction of the beam pointing of a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing. The first surface 21 is a convex surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero, and the second surface is either flat or convex, in particular flush with the face 11. For example, with the converging lens external to the lidar, the reference beam is inclined with respect to the horizontal at the exit of the lidar (and even, alternatively, at the exit of a deflector interposed between the lidar substantially parallel to the plane of the glazing or at a small angle and the converging lens) and at the exit of the glazing substantially horizontally.

[0190] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 18, the through-hole 31 in the glazing 500 forms a notch that is closed by the converging lens 20, whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal, its support 80, and preferably a continuous gasket 61 between the support and the edges of the through-hole 31. In this case, it is optional to cover the through-hole 31 with a plate 32. The through-hole 31 extends here opposite each other through the first glass pane 1, the interlayer pane 3, and the second glass pane 2. The converging lens 20 is here fixed to a support 80, for example, fixed to its sides 23, 24, 26. The converging lens 20 and the support 80 are housed within the through-hole 31. The second face of the converging lens is flush or sub-flush with the main external face 11 of the glazing 500.In this configuration, the converging lens is configured to modify the median direction of a reference beam (from the lidar) at the working wavelength LB1 as it exits the glazing. The first surface 21 is a convex surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N (integer) greater than or equal to three, in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero, and the second surface is either flat or convex, notably flush with face 11. For example, with the converging lens external to the lidar, the reference beam is inclined relative to the horizontal as it exits the lidar (and even, alternatively, as it exits a deflector interposed between the lidar, which is substantially parallel to the plane of the glazing or at a small angle, and the converging lens) and is substantially horizontal as it exits the glazing.

[0191] In some embodiments (see Figures 21-22), the plate 32 is fixed, for example, by bonding its outer main face 322 to the inner main face 12, 14 of the glazing 400 around the periphery of the through-hole 31 so as to close the through-hole on the inside and ensure the glazing is watertight. In this fourth embodiment, the converging lens 20 is positioned outside the passenger compartment and preferably at least partially inside the through-hole 31. The first surface 21 of the converging lens 20 is positioned at a distance from the outer main face 322 of the plate 32. In this case, the emission beam 70 propagates freely, or in free space, between the outer main face 322 of the plate 32 and the first surface 21 of the converging lens 20.

[0192] When the second surface 22 of the converging lens is located outside the passenger compartment (Figures 17 and 18), this surface is exposed to the elements and dust. In this case, it is useful to provide a hydrophobic or self-cleaning external coating on the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20. And a hardcoat type coating, for example carbon in the form of amorphous diamond (or "diamond like carbon").

[0193] Figure 23 shows a lidar system comprising two converging lenses (solid lines): a converging lens 20 on the emitted lidar beam 70 and another converging lens 120 on the reflected lidar beam 76. Lens 120 is analogous or identical to converging lens 20 as described in this disclosure. Lens 120 has a first surface 121 oriented towards the detector 72 and a second surface 122, opposite the first surface 121, oriented outwards. At least one of said first surface 121 and second surface 122 is an unadjusted, convex surface. Lens 120 also has a vertical angular magnification different from its horizontal angular magnification, and preferably identical to those of lens 20. Lens 20 transmits a reference beam 70 from the lidar, which is the emitted beam.The other converging lens 120 is arranged to transmit the reflected beam 76 to the detector 72 of the lidar 7. Optionally, both lenses 20 and 120 are integrated into the housing of the lidar 7.

[0194] According to a variant shown in dashed lines in Figure 23, the two lenses 20 and 120 are replaced by a single lens 20 (in dashed lines) which is positioned both in the optical path of the reference beam 70 and the reflected beam 76. In this particular arrangement, a single converging lens 20 is used in the path of both the reference beam 70 and the reflected beam 76, instead of lens 20 in the path of the reference beam 70 and lens 120 in the path of the reflected beam 76. The converging lens 20 is preferably combined with the use of a beam-splitting optical component, for example a mirror, which receives the reference beam 70 from the lidar emission source and redirects it to the converging lens 20.In the return direction, the converging lens 20 receives the reflected beam 76 from the outside and directs it towards the beam splitter optical component, which directs it towards the lidar detector 72. This configuration offers an advantage in terms of compactness.

[0195] Finally, Figure 24 shows a lidar system 7 incorporating a converging lens according to this disclosure, and arranged inside a vehicle window 100.

Claims

33 Demands

1. A glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing unit (100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 210, 220, 300, 310, 320, 400, 500), the glazing unit comprising: a first sheet of glass (1) intended to form the outer glazing unit with a first external principal face (11) and a second principal face (12) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and, when the glazing unit is laminated, comprising a second sheet of glass (2) intended to form the inner glazing unit with a third principal face (13) oriented towards the second principal face (12) and a fourth principal face (14) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and a lamination interlayer (3) made of polymer material disposed between the second principal face (12) and the third principal face (13), the glazing system having a near-infrared transmission window (11) at a length LB1 working waveform in a near-infrared range,and the glazing system comprising an optical device intended to provide an external field of view, characterized in that: the optical device comprises a converging lens (20), the converging lens (20) having a first surface (21), called the rear surface, and a second surface (22), opposite the first surface, oriented outwards, called the front surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex, in particular the second surface having a free face, the converging lens (20) having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the converging lens and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the converging lens perpendicular to the first reference plane,the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification and that a reference beam (70) at the working wavelength LB1 having a median direction of pointing (40) and extending over an initial field of view of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) determined in a characteristic plane comprising a normal to the glazing and a vertical axis (Y) in the vehicle and of initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) determined in a plane perpendicular to the characteristic plane comprising the median direction of pointing and a horizontal axis (X) transverse to the median direction of pointing, in the near-infrared transmission window, the reference beam (70) at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view of vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) in the characteristic plane and of horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) in the perpendicular plane,the converging lens (20) being arranged and configured so that the external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and so that the external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2) is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1).

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

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the convex surface is unruled and preferably the convex surface is the first surface and even the second surface is convex and unruled.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first surface is convex and of class C2, and preferably the second surface of the converging lens (20) is convex and of class C2. 34

5. System according to one of the preceding claims in which the converging lens is in free space.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first surface (21) is convex and the second surface (22) is convex or in that the first surface (21) is convex and the second surface (22) is planar.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of said first surface (21) and second surface (22) is a convex surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three, where N is an integer, in particular the polynomial equation describing the first surface or the second surface being written according to the following mathematical formula: where x, y, and z represent Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis of the converging lens, the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the surface i considered and the optical axis of the converging lens, p and <7 being integer variables ranging from 0 to N, and a pq being the coefficient of order p in x and of order q in y, each coefficient a pq being expressed in mm w '.

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the converging lens (20) is arranged and configured to modify a median direction of pointing (40) of a reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 at the exit of the glazing, and / or at least one of said first surface (21) and second surface (22) is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to three in which at least one odd-order coefficient is non-zero.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least one of said first surface (21) and second surface (22) is a convex surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four in which the odd order coefficients are all null, in particular the converging lens (20) has an optical axis (25), the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis (25) and the converging lens (20) has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis (25) and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the first surface (21) is a convex surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four in which the odd-order coefficients are all null, in particular the converging lens (20) has an optical axis (25), the first reference plane is a first plane of symmetry of the lens passing through the optical axis (25) and the converging lens (20) has a second plane of symmetry passing through the optical axis (25) and perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry and in that the second surface (22) is a surface defined by a polynomial equation of degree N greater than or equal to four in which the odd-order coefficients are all null.

1. System according to claim 10 wherein the first surface (21) is a convex surface defined by the following polynomial equation of degree four: z(x, y) = a2o x 2+ a4o x 4 + ao2 y 2 + ao4 y 4 + a22 x 2 *y 2 where x, y and z represent the Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (OiX, OiY, OiZ), the OiZ axis being parallel to the optical axis (25) of the converging lens (20) and the point Oi with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the first surface (21) and the optical axis (25) of the converging lens, and in which the second surface (22) is a convex surface defined by the following polynomial equation of degree four: z(x, y) = b2o x 2 + b4o x 4 + bo2 y 2 + bo4 y 4 + b22 x 2 *y 2where x, y, and z represent the Cartesian coordinates expressed in millimeters in an orthonormal coordinate system (O2X, O2Y, O2Z), the O2Z axis being parallel to the optical axis (25) of the converging lens (20) and the point O2 with coordinates (0, 0, 0) being located at the intersection of the second surface (22) and the optical axis (25) of the converging lens, with a2o between 0.03 mm -1 and 0.3 mm -1 , a4o between 1 x 10 7 mm -3 and 8x10 -5 mm 3 , ao2 between 0.03 mm -1 and 0.3 mm- 1 , ao4 included between 2x10 -9 mm -3 and 9x10 -7 mm 3 , 822 between 7x10 -7 mm -3 and 4x10 -4 mm 3 , b2o included between -9x10 -3 mm -1 and -1x10 3 mm 1 , b4o included between 3x10 -7 mm -3 and 1.4x10 -4 mm 3 , bo2 between -2x10 -2 mm -1 and -1x10 -3 mm4 , bo4 included between 4x10 -7 mm -3 and 2x10 -4 mm -3 and b22 between 1x10 -7 mm -3 and 8x10 -5 mm 3 .

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 in which the initial horizontal angular opening (HFOV1 ) is at most 20°.

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reference beam (70) has a median direction of pointing (40) inclined with respect to a horizontal axis upstream of the converging lens, the system further comprises a deflector (75) adapted to receive the reference beam, the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface of the converging lens (20).

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a lidar including a light source (71) being capable of emitting an emission beam (70) at the working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, lidar at a distance and upstream of the first surface (21) preferably having a free face.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converging lens, external to a lidar, is configured to: - transmitting a reference beam, which is the emitting beam of the lidar, and preferably another converging lens, the other converging lens (120) having a first surface (121), called the rear surface, and a second surface (122), opposite the first surface, oriented outwards, called the front surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces being convex, the other converging lens (120) having a first angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a first reference plane passing through the other converging lens (120) and a second angular magnification greater than 1.0 in absolute value in a second reference plane passing through the other converging lens (120) perpendicular to the first reference plane, the second angular magnification being different from the first angular magnification, the other converging lens (120) being arranged to transmit a reflected beam, - or transmit a lidar reference beam that corresponds to the intersection of the emitting beam and the reflected beam.

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

17. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the converging lens is external to a lidar and the converging lens has a peripheral extension connected to the glazing or intended to be connected to the lidar.

18. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the converging lens (20) is opposite a partial hole (30) of the preferably laminated glazing or a through hole (31) of the preferably laminated glazing, optionally a through hole housing a support, in particular the converging lens (20) being wholly or partly disposed in the partial hole (30) or in the through hole (31) or facing an insert in the partial hole or in that the converging lens (20) is opposite the fourth principal face (14) of the laminated glazing.

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