Vehicle window drying arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle window drying arrangement (100) for removing view-obstructing water condensation (5) in a sensor region (S), comprising: - a vehicle window (1) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (IV), - at least one optical sensor unit (2) mounted on the interior side relative to the vehicle window (1) and comprising a narrow-band IR radiation source (2.1), which emits an IR beam in order to capture environmental states, and comprising an IR sensor (2.2), which receives reflected IR radiation in order to capture the environmental states, and - a beam shaping unit (3) comprising at least two lenses (3.1, 3.2), which are arranged between the optical sensor unit (2) and the inner surface (IV) of the vehicle window (1), for selectively focusing the emitted IR beam after it exits the narrow-band IR radiation source (2.1), wherein, when the beam shaping unit (3) is in a first lens configuration, the IR beam converges such that a focal point (F) is formed at the outer surface (I) of the vehicle window (1).

Description

[0001] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0002] 1

[0003] Vehicle window drying system

[0004] The invention relates to a vehicle window drying arrangement for removing a visibility-obstructing aqueous fog in a sensor area, a method for manufacturing the vehicle window drying arrangement and its use.

[0005] Modern vehicles use various sensors to perceive their surroundings. For example, autonomous vehicles often employ camera- or laser-based sensor systems to detect their environment. To protect these sensor systems from damage during vehicle operation, or to prevent them from aesthetically detracting from the vehicle's exterior, they are positioned behind the windshield inside the vehicle, meaning they look outwards from the interior through the windshield.

[0006] However, these vehicle windows can fog up on the outer or inner surface if the outside air is more humid and / or warmer than the vehicle interior. This can result in an undesirable, watery condensation that obstructs the view through the window. Furthermore, especially at outside temperatures below freezing, the window can ice over, making it difficult for internal optical sensor systems to detect the surroundings.

[0007] To accelerate drying or defrosting, vehicle windows may be provided with special coatings, which, however, are often opaque to radiation in the IR spectrum, i.e., optical radiation with a wavelength of 780 nm to 1 mm, or have only a low permeability to this radiation.

[0008] However, laser-based systems, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), are increasingly being used, especially in autonomous vehicles, as they offer advantages over camera-based systems for environmental perception, particularly in low ambient light conditions (e.g., twilight or darkness). These laser-based systems emit light pulses from an IR source, which are reflected by objects in the environment and detected by an IR sensor. The distance to the objects can be determined from the travel time of the light pulse, enabling very precise environmental perception. However, modifications to the vehicle windshield are necessary to mount LiDAR systems on the inside of the windshield; specifically, the area required for faster drying must be removed.Defrosting-provided coating that obstructs IR radiation at least in one sensor area of ​​the LiDAR system SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT.

[0009] 2. This, however, also eliminates the advantageously accelerated drying or defrosting of the vehicle windshield in the sensor area, so additional heating elements or warm air nozzles are provided for drying the sensor area. The installation space required for these drying or heating systems, however, reduces the available viewing area of ​​the windshield. In addition, these systems typically require a large number of mechanical and / or electronic components, which leads to an increase in vehicle weight and causes additional energy consumption.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for vehicle windows that are transparent to IR radiation in at least one sensor area and yet can be reliably cleared of the visibility-obstructing aqueous fogging.

[0011] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a vehicle window drying arrangement that requires a small overall installation space and yet achieves reliable removal of the visibility-obstructing aqueous fogging from the vehicle window.

[0012] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle windscreen according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the entire disclosure.

[0013] The vehicle windshield drying arrangement according to the invention for removing a visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation in a sensor area comprises a vehicle windshield with an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one optical sensor unit mounted on the inside side of the vehicle windshield comprising a narrowband IR radiation source which emits an IR beam for detecting environmental conditions, and an IR sensor which receives reflected IR radiation for detecting the environmental conditions, and a beam shaping unit comprising at least two lenses which are arranged between the optical sensor unit and the inner surface of the vehicle windshield in order to selectively focus the emitted IR beam after exiting the narrowband IR radiation source, wherein the IR beam converges in a first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit such that a focal point is formed on the outer surface of the vehicle windshield.

[0014] Put simply, the beam shaping unit is positioned between the optical sensor unit located in the vehicle interior and the vehicle window in such a way that the beam emitted by the narrowband IR radiation source is shaped before it hits the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0015] 3

[0016] The vehicle windshield passes through the beam shaping unit. Within this unit, the IR beam is selectively focused such that, in the first lens configuration, the IR beam converges at the focal point on the outer surface of the vehicle windshield.

[0017] The inventors have recognized that with the arrangement of the beam shaping unit in the IR beam according to the invention, the IR radiation emitted by the narrowband IR radiation source can be focused locally in such a way that a water accumulation on the outer surface of the vehicle window, for example in the form of condensation or frozen water (i.e. snow or ice), can be effectively removed.

[0018] According to the invention, the IR radiation source already present in the vehicle's optical sensor unit is focused via the beam shaping unit in such a way that the available power is used briefly and locally, instead of scanning the external environment, to dry the windshield, i.e., to dissolve the aqueous or water-containing condensation present there. For the purposes of the invention, the term "radiation source" is not to be understood as a single radiation source in the sense of, for example, a single laser diode; several individual laser diodes, for example, can also be bundled together to form a radiation source within the meaning of the invention, which emits the IR beam. For example, two diodes with different wavelengths can be combined to obtain a working beam with two wavelengths in the specified wavelength spectrum.

[0019] In the context of this disclosure, the focal point is understood to be a location or area on the vehicle window where individual rays of the IR beam intersect, resulting in a point or area with maximum radiation power or irradiation power on the outer window.

[0020] For the purposes of this disclosure, a narrowband IR radiation source is understood to be one that preferably has a maximum radiation energy within a wavelength range of less than 600 nm, particularly preferably less than 400 nm, 200 nm, 100 nm or 50 nm, and most preferably less than 10 nm, especially within 2 nm. This allows the utilized energy to be selectively limited to the required range, thereby minimizing or even completely preventing energy losses.

[0021] A sensor area, in this context, refers to the region of the vehicle windshield through which the IR beam generated by the optical sensor unit passes; in simpler terms, the sensor's "viewing area" within the windshield. The sensor area typically has a maximum surface area of ​​300 cm². 2 , preferably no more than 200 cm 2 , 100 cm 2 , SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0022] 4

[0023] 50 cm 2 or 25 cm 2 (with possible, independent lower limits of at least 5 cm) 2 , 10 cm 2 , 15 cm 2 or 20 cm 2 This area is often rectangular; for example, the viewing area is approximately 6 cm wide and 4 cm high (viewed from the front of the vehicle windshield). Overall, the sensor area only occupies a small portion of the vehicle windshield, but there can also be multiple sensor areas on a single windshield.

[0024] In the context of the invention, the term "outer surface" refers to the outer surface of the vehicle window facing the vehicle's external environment, while the term "inner surface" refers to the inner surface of the vehicle window facing the vehicle's interior (when the vehicle window is installed in a vehicle). In the case of a single-layer vehicle window, the outer surface is the side facing the external environment, and the inner surface is the side facing the interior environment. In the case of a laminated window (see below), the outer surface is the side of an outer pane facing the external environment, while the inner surface is the side of an inner pane located closer to the vehicle's interior that faces the interior environment. This description serves for ease of understanding; however, the invention is not limited to this. The outer surface of the vehicle window can also be referred to as the first surface, and the inner surface as the second surface.“Arranged on the interior side” means “arranged facing the second surface” and “arranged on the exterior side” means “arranged facing the first surface”.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the narrowband IR radiation source emits IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, preferably 1400 nm to 1700 nm, particularly preferably 1500 nm to 1600 nm, and especially 1550 nm, and alternatively preferably in an IR wavelength range corresponding to one or more of the absorption maxima of water. In the preferred wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, the absorption and excitation of the water molecules, and consequently the resulting heating and evaporation of the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation on the disc, are particularly high. Therefore, by using IR radiation with the preferred wavelengths, the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation on the disc can be removed particularly effectively.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the focal point has a diameter of at most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, or 0.5 cm (with possible, independent lower limits of at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm). The focal point thus has a diameter of at most 5 cm in the region of the outer disk, preferably on its outer or inner surface. Preferably, the focal point is SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0027] 5. Here, the shape is round, preferably circular, but square, rectangular, triangular, quadrilateral, or polygonal shapes are also conceivable (depending on the lens system used, possibly with a corresponding aperture). In this case, the aforementioned diameter specification refers to an outer circumference around the respective focal point, namely in a plane formed by the outer surface of the vehicle windshield in the sensor area. In conjunction with IR radiation sources commonly used in autonomous vehicles with a power consumption of a maximum of 50 W, but typically in the range of 50 mW to 5 W, limiting the outer diameter of the focal point allows for a sufficiently high local radiation power to be achieved in the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation, thus effectively removing it.Furthermore, especially with focal point diameters smaller than 1 cm, it can be ensured, even with comparatively high power values ​​of the IR radiation source, that the radiation power of the IR beam is significantly below common radiation limits, such as limits for damage to the human eye from IR radiation, already at or at most a few centimeters after passing through the outer surface of the outer disc.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the radiant power at the focal point is at least 20 mW and at most 5 W. These specified radiant power limits ensure, on the one hand, the effective removal of the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation and, on the other hand, keep the power consumed by the narrowband IR radiation source within the limits of the available power supply per component in vehicles, particularly in battery-powered vehicles.

[0029] For example, the drying of the vehicle window can already take place while the vehicle (in the case of an electric vehicle) is still connected to a charging station, so that the power consumption of the IR radiation source during window drying does not result in a reduction of the range for the electric vehicle.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the IR beam converges in a second lens configuration of the beam shaping unit such that the focal point is formed on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The beam shaping unit is thus selectively adjustable; in the second lens configuration, the IR beam is focused so that the focal point is located on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield. This makes it possible to remove even a visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation formed on the inside of the vehicle windshield using the vehicle windshield drying arrangement (as described above). SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0031] 6

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, in a third lens configuration of the beam shaping unit, the IR beam exits the unit as a parallel beam. This third lens configuration can also be referred to as the "normal configuration" or "environment detection configuration," because in this configuration, the IR beam passes through the beam shaping unit in such a way that it exhibits predominantly parallel rays upon exiting. In this third lens configuration, the beam shaping unit is "invisible" to the optical sensor unit, which can therefore operate similarly to a system without a beam shaping unit. In other words, in this third lens configuration, the IR beam is not focused; it passes through the beam shaping unit and the vehicle window essentially unimpeded.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor unit is a LiDAR sensor unit and the narrowband IR radiation source is an LED, an OLED, or a laser diode, preferably a laser diode. Advantageously, commercially available LiDAR systems have increasingly used IR radiation sources with a wavelength of 905 and / or 1550 nm in recent years. With the arrangement of the beam shaping unit in the IR beam of such a LiDAR sensor unit according to the invention, a system for efficient vehicle windshield drying can be easily obtained. Advantageously, this requires no additional components besides the conventional LiDAR sensor unit and a beam shaping unit optimized with regard to installation space and weight, so that, on the one hand, the area available for the driver to see through from inside the vehicle is increased, and on the other hand, the overall weight of the vehicle is reduced (compared to vehicles with separate heating for the sensor area).

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength range of the IR radiation and / or the radiant power at the focal point is selectively adjustable. In other words, the IR radiation source is selectively adjustable; that is, a wavelength range of the emitted IR radiation and / or a radiant power at the focal point can be selectively adjusted. This makes it possible, for example, to briefly increase the radiant power in the first lens configuration or the second lens configuration, which can be advantageous, for example, with regard to more quickly removing water condensation that obstructs vision. In conjunction with this, or alternatively, the wavelength range of the IR radiation can also be temporarily adjusted, for example, to an absorption maximum of water, preferably to several. Overall, the adjustability can thus be used, for example, with regard to more quickly removing water condensation.

[0035] 7

[0036] Removing the visibility-obstructing aqueous coating can be advantageous, especially when combining the ability to adjust the wavelength range and the radiation power.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle windshield drying arrangement comprises a further IR sensor, which is configured to detect reflected IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, preferably 1400 nm to 1700 nm, particularly preferably 1500 nm to 1600 nm, and more specifically 1550 nm, and alternatively preferably in an IR wavelength range corresponding to one or more of the absorption maxima of water. In addition to detecting the ambient conditions with the IR sensor, the further IR sensor can also detect the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation. This is because the further IR sensor is designed such that its sensor cells are specifically configured to detect the wavelengths particularly strongly absorbed by water (see above), thus enabling it, for example, to detect the formation of condensation at an early stage.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle windshield has a transmittance of at least 90%, preferably at least 92%, 94%, 96%, 98%, or 99%, for IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, at least in the sensor area. The vehicle windshield with the preferred transmittance for IR radiation is understood to be a vehicle windshield that has an integrated transmittance for IR radiation (by analogy with ISO 9050:2003) of 90% or more, meaning that at least in the sensor area at least 90% of the IR radiation incident on the inner surface of the windshield can pass through it unhindered to the outside.By using vehicle windows with a high transmittance for IR radiation of the aforementioned wavelengths, the environmental perception with LiDAR systems is improved on the one hand, and more energy is provided on the outer surface of the window to effectively dissolve the visibility-obstructing aqueous fogging on the other.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle window is a composite window comprising in the following order: an outer window with the outer surface and an inner surface, an intermediate layer and an inner window with an outer surface and the inner surface.

[0040] The use of a laminated glass pane can be required by regulations, for example for vehicle windshields, or be particularly advantageous with regard to occupant safety, noise comfort, and / or climate comfort. In a laminated glass pane, the interlayer's function is to adhesively bond the outer pane to the inner pane. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0041] 8

[0042] The surfaces of the composite disc are typically described as follows:

[0043] The outer surface of the outer pane is designated as side I. The inner surface of the outer pane is designated as side II. The outer surface of the inner pane is designated as side III. The inner surface of the inner pane is designated as side IV.

[0044] If the laminated glass is suitable for separating an interior space from the external environment within a vehicle window opening, then, according to the invention, the inner pane is the pane facing the interior space (vehicle interior) when installed in the vehicle. The outer pane is the pane facing the external environment when installed in the vehicle. The laminated glass is particularly preferably a vehicle windshield or front window. However, the laminated glass can also be a rear window, side window, or roof window of a vehicle.

[0045] Preferably, the intermediate layer is based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU), or on mixtures, copolymers, or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably on PVB. This means that the intermediate layer contains the said polymer to a large extent (proportion greater than 50 wt.%). In addition to the polymer, the intermediate layer may contain other additives, such as plasticizers, UV absorbers, stabilizers, and / or a dye. If a dye is included in the intermediate layer, it is referred to as "colored." A colored intermediate layer has a lower light transmittance (TL) compared to a clear intermediate layer. The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. For example, PVB films with standard thicknesses of 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm can be used as the intermediate layer. According to an alternative embodiment, the intermediate layer is an optically clear adhesive, i.e.,h. an "optical clear adhesive" (OCA). Suitable optically clear adhesives are known to those skilled in the art.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the outer pane and / or the inner pane is a glass pane, preferably made of soda-lime glass. However, the glass pane can also be made of other types of glass, for example, quartz glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminosilicate glass. These specific types of glass form the basis of the glass composition. The glass pane is preferably a low-iron glass (also referred to as "ultra-clear glass"). Low-iron glass is defined as glass that has an integrated light transmittance (TL) for visible light (according to ISO 9050:2003) of 90%. With regard to the determination of the light transmittance according to ISO 9050:2003 (see section 3.3 in the standard), the relative spectral SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT can be used for this purpose.

[0047] 9

[0048] The distribution of illuminant D65 (see, for example, ISO 11664-2:2007) and / or the relative spectral distribution of illuminant A (see, for example, ISO 11664-2:2007) can be used. In other words, the described light transmittance range applies to determination using illuminant A and / or illuminant D65. By using glass with high light transmittance TL, it can be ensured that as much light as possible can pass through the glass.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the soda-lime glass has the following glass composition, based on 100 wt.% of the total glass composition:

[0050] SiÜ2: 67 to 75 wt.%,

[0051] Na2Ü: 10 to 20 wt.%,

[0052] CaO: 5 to 15 wt.%,

[0053] MgO: 0 to 7 wt.%,

[0054] AI2O3: 0 to 5 wt.% and

[0055] K2O: 0 to 5 wt.%

[0056] In addition to the aforementioned components and iron, the glass of the glass sheet according to the invention may contain further components in small proportions. For example, the glass may contain SO3 as a refining agent in a proportion of 0.01 to 1.0 wt.%, chloride in a proportion of 0.01 to 0.03 wt.%, and Ti2 in a proportion of 0.001 to 0.03 wt.%.

[0057] The outer and inner panes are preferably curved, meaning they have a curvature, with typical radii of curvature ranging from approximately 10 cm to approximately 40 m. The inner surface of the inner pane of the composite vehicle windscreen is generally concave.

[0058] The thicknesses of the outer disc and the inner disc are preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, and are independent of each other.

[0059] The outer pane and the inner pane can optionally be thermally or chemically prestressed, partially prestressed or not prestressed independently of each other.

[0060] Vehicle windows are often provided with a so-called "masking area" at their edges. This masking area, which is usually formed by an opaque covering print on the inner surface of the outer pane or, in the case of laminated vehicle windows with an outer and an inner pane, on an inner surface and / or an outer surface of the inner pane, can, for example, be used when mounting the vehicle window on a SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0061] 10

[0062] Covering the adhesive beads used on the vehicle body protects these adhesive beads from incoming UV radiation and also contributes to an improved overall visual impression of the vehicle.

[0063] The opaque masking print is typically applied to the surface using an enamel printing paste containing glass frits and a pigment, particularly black pigment, for example, via screen printing, and then fired on. The resulting masking area typically comprises a circumferential edge of the outer pane, framing a central transparent area. However, it can also include additional areas, such as cross braces for this frame-like edge. In conjunction with modern sensor systems, such as the optical systems described above, the masking print in the sensor area can also form a further frame surrounding the optical sensor.Overall, the masking area covers a certain proportion of the vehicle window and, especially in the case of front, side and / or rear windows, is visible from the outside of the vehicle as a homogeneous, usually black, surface.

[0064] The invention further comprises a method for manufacturing the aforementioned vehicle window drying arrangement, wherein: a) a vehicle window with an outer surface and an inner surface is provided, b) at least one optical sensor unit comprising a narrowband IR radiation source which emits an IR beam for detecting environmental conditions, and an IR sensor which receives reflected IR radiation for detecting the environmental conditions, is mounted on the inside side of the vehicle window, and c) a beam shaping unit comprising at least two lenses is arranged between the optical sensor unit and the inner surface of the vehicle window in order to selectively focus the emitted IR beam after exiting the narrowband IR radiation source, wherein the IR beam converges in a first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit such that a focal point is formed on the outer surface of the vehicle window.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, prior to step a) of the method, a layer stack is provided comprising at least the following in the following order: an outer disk with an outer surface and an inner surface, an intermediate layer, and an inner disk with an outer surface and an inner surface, SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0066] 11 and which is bonded to form the vehicle windscreen by lamination. The lamination of the layer stack can be carried out using common lamination processes. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be performed at an increased pressure of approximately 10 to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 to 145 °C for about 2 hours. Alternatively, autoclave-free processes are also possible. Vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes, which are known per se, operate, for example, at approximately 200 mbar and 80 to 110 °C. The layer stack can also be pressed into a composite windscreen in a calender between at least one pair of rollers. Plants of this type are known for the production of composite windscreens and usually have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a press. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, from 40 to 150 °C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly effective in practice.Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used. These consist of one or more heated and evacuated chambers in which the outer and inner panes are laminated within, for example, about 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80 °C to 170 °C.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer and inner panes can be subjected to a bending process prior to step a) to bring them into a cylindrically or spherically curved shape, as is common for windows used in vehicles, particularly for windows used in passenger cars or trucks. For bending, the pane is softened by heating so that it becomes plastically deformable and then shaped by methods known per se, for example, gravity bending, press bending, and / or suction bending. Typical temperatures for glass bending processes are, for example, from 500 °C to 700 °C.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer and inner panes are bent under the same temperature conditions. This is particularly advantageous when both the outer and inner panes form the vehicle windshield, preferably having the same glass composition. In particular, the use of glass panes with the same composition simplifies and increases the flexibility of the manufacturing process, as the glass panes for the outer and inner panes can be easily interchanged and matching temperature conditions can be selected for bending the glass panes.

[0069] The embodiments described above in connection with the composite disc according to the invention also apply in the same way to the method according to the invention. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0070] 12

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the method, prior to step a), the inner surface of the outer pane and / or the inner pane and / or the outer surface of the inner pane in a sensor area is stripped of its coating such that the vehicle window in the sensor area is transparent to IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, preferably 1400 nm to 1700 nm, particularly preferably 1500 nm to 1600 nm, and alternatively preferably in an IR wavelength range of one or more of the absorption maxima of water. It is understood that this step is only carried out if the inner surface of the outer pane and / or the inner pane and / or the outer surface of the inner pane has a coating that is opaque to IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm.

[0072] The invention further relates to the use of the aforementioned vehicle window drying arrangement in vehicles, in particular vehicles for road traffic, preferably as a windscreen or rear window.

[0073] The various embodiments of the invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] Generally, “ein” and “eine” within this revelation are to be read as indefinite articles and thus, unless explicitly stated otherwise, always as “at least one” or “at least one”.

[0075] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and not to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way. They show:

[0076] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a vehicle window 1 of a vehicle window drying arrangement 100 according to the invention for removing a visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5 in a sensor area S,

[0077] Figs. 2a-2c show a cross-section along XX' through the vehicle window 1 from Figure 1, and

[0078] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a method according to the invention, illustrated by a flowchart. SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0079] 13

[0080] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle window 1 of the vehicle window drying arrangement 100. In the example shown, vehicle window 1 is a composite windshield. Viewed from the front of a vehicle (not shown), this vehicle window 1 has an opaque masking area M, which is arranged around the perimeter of the vehicle window 1 and surrounds a central transparent viewing area D in a frame-like manner. A sensor area S is also visible, behind which an optical sensor unit 2 is arranged in a vehicle interior.

[0081] Figures 2a-2c show a cross-section along a line XX' through the vehicle window 1 from Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2a, the vehicle window drying arrangement 100 comprises the vehicle window 1, the optical sensor unit 2, and a beam shaping unit 3. The vehicle window drying arrangement 100 is configured to remove a visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5 at least in the sensor area S.

[0082] The vehicle window 1 is a laminated window comprising, in this order, an outer pane 1.1 with an outer surface I and an inner surface II, an intermediate layer 1.2, and an inner pane 1.3 with an outer surface III and an inner surface IV. Furthermore, a cover print 4, which forms the masking area M, can be seen in the sectional view.

[0083] The vehicle windshield 1 is made of soda-lime glass and has a transmittance of 90% for IR radiation in the sensor area S in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 1700 nm. The use of vehicle windshields 1 with a high transmittance for IR radiation of the aforementioned wavelengths improves the environmental detection of the optical sensor unit 2 and also provides more energy overall on the outer surface I of the windshield to effectively dissipate the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5.

[0084] The optical sensor unit 2 is mounted on the inside side of the vehicle window 1 and comprises a narrowband IR radiation source 2.1, which emits an IR beam with a wavelength of 1500 nm to 1600 nm for detecting environmental conditions; the optical sensor unit 2 is a LiDAR sensor unit and the narrowband IR radiation source 2.1 is a laser diode.

[0085] The optical sensor unit 2 further comprises an IR sensor 2.2, which receives reflected IR radiation to detect environmental conditions, and another IR sensor 2.3, which is configured to detect reflected radiation with a wavelength of 1550 nm in order to detect the presence of the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation. The further IR sensor 2.3 is designed such that its sensor cells are specifically configured to detect the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0086] 14 aqueous condensation 5 are designed for particularly strongly absorbed wavelengths, namely 1550 nm; this makes it possible to detect the formation of condensation 5 at an early stage.

[0087] The beam shaping unit 3 comprises two lenses 3.1, 3.2 and is arranged between the optical sensor unit 2 and the inner surface IV of the vehicle windshield 1 to selectively focus the emitted IR beam after exiting the narrowband IR source 2.1. The beam shaping unit 3 can assume three possible lens configurations: i. a first lens configuration in which the IR beam passing through the beam shaping unit 3 converges such that a focal point F is formed on the outer surface I of the vehicle windshield 1, ii. a second lens configuration in which the IR beam passing through the beam shaping unit 3 converges such that the focal point F is formed on the inner surface II, IV of the vehicle windshield 1, and iii.a third lens configuration in which the IR beam passing through the beam shaping unit 3 exits the beam shaping unit 3 as a parallel beam, i.e., it does not converge in the area of ​​the vehicle windscreen 1.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 2a, the beam shaping unit 3 is in the third lens configuration, and the IR beam entering the beam shaping unit 3 exits it as a parallel beam. However, the outer surface I of the outer disk 1.1 is covered with a watery condensation 5, obscuring the view. This causes the IR radiation emitted by the narrowband IR source 2.1 to be diffusely refracted at an interface between the watery condensation 5 and the surrounding air, and at least partially reflected towards the optical sensor unit 2. There, the reflected IR radiation is detected by the IR sensor 2.2 and the further IR sensor 2.3, and a computer-based control unit (not shown) uses this information to determine the presence of the watery condensation 5.

[0089] To remove this watery condensation 5, for example condensation or frozen rainwater, which is located on the outer surface I of the outer pane 1.1 and obstructs the view, the beam shaping unit 3 is moved into the first lens configuration, for example by adjusting a relative distance between a first lens 3.1 and a second lens 3.2.

[0090] Figure 2b shows the first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit 3, in which the IR beam emitted by the narrowband IR radiation source 2.1 is focused by the beam shaping unit 3 such that it is directed onto the outer surface I of the outer disk 1.1 SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0091] 15 converges and forms a focal point F there for dissolving the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5. In the example shown, the focal point F, measured at the outer surface I of the outer pane 1.1, has a diameter of 3 cm and is circular. A radiant power of 2.5 W is present in the area of ​​the focal point F. With the specified radiant power, an effective removal of the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5 is achieved, and the power consumed by the narrowband IR radiation source 2.1 is kept within the limits of the available power supply per component in vehicles, especially in battery-powered vehicles.

[0092] In contrast to Figure 2a, Figure 2b also shows that the optical sensor unit 2 comprises the narrowband IR radiation source 2.1 and the IR sensor 2.2, but not the additional IR sensor 2.3. In this case, the IR sensor 2.2 takes over all the previously described tasks of the additional IR sensor 2.3, and is thus used both for environmental detection in normal operation and for detecting the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5 (as explained above).

[0093] Figure 2c shows the second lens configuration of the beam shaping unit 3. In this second lens configuration, the IR beam entering the beam shaping unit 3 is focused by it in such a way that the focal point F is formed on the inner surface IV of the inner disk 1 .3, and thus the visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation 5 is dissolved by the energy input at the focal point F.

[0094] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a vehicle windscreen drying arrangement 100 according to the invention, wherein at least:

[0095] P1) a layer stack is provided which comprises at least the following in the following order

[0096] - an outer pane 1.1 with outer surface I and an inner surface II,

[0097] - an intermediate layer 1.2, and

[0098] - an inner pane 1.3 with an outer surface III and an inner surface IV,

[0099] P2) the outer pane 1.1 and the inner pane 1.3 in a sensor area S is decoated in such a way that the vehicle pane 1 in the sensor area S is transparent to IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 1700 nm,

[0100] P3) the layer stack is joined by lamination to form a vehicle window 1,

[0101] P4) the vehicle disc 1 is provided with an outer surface I and an inner surface II, IV,

[0102] P5) on the interior side of the vehicle window 1 at least one optical sensor unit 2 comprising a narrowband IR radiation source 2.1 which emits an IR beam to the SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0103] 16

[0104] Detection of environmental conditions emits, and an IR sensor 2.2, which receives reflected IR radiation to detect the environmental conditions, is attached, and

[0105] P6) between the optical sensor unit 2 and the inner surface IV of the vehicle window 1 a beam shaping unit 3 comprising at least two lenses 3.1 , 3.2 is arranged to selectively focus the emitted IR beam after exiting the narrowband IR source 2.1, wherein the IR beam converges in a first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit 3 such that a focal point F is formed on the outer surface I of the vehicle window 1.

[0106] The vehicle window drying arrangement 100 can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively using the method according to the invention.

[0107] The lamination of the layer stack is carried out using conventional lamination processes. For example, so-called autoclave processes can be performed at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 15 bar and temperatures of 130 to 145 °C for about two hours. Alternatively, autoclave-free processes are also possible. Well-known vacuum bag or vacuum ring processes, for example, operate at approximately 200 mbar and 80 to 110 °C. The layer stack can also be pressed into a composite vehicle windscreen in a calender between at least one pair of rollers. Systems of this type are known for the production of composite windscreens and typically have at least one heating tunnel upstream of a press. The temperature during the pressing process is, for example, between 40 to 150 °C. Combinations of calender and autoclave processes have proven particularly effective in practice. Alternatively, vacuum laminators can be used.These consist of one or more heated and evacuated chambers in which the outer pane 1.1 and the inner pane 1.3 are laminated within, for example, about 60 minutes at reduced pressures of 0.01 mbar to 800 mbar and temperatures of 80 °C to 170 °C.

[0108] SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT

[0109] 17

[0110] Reference symbol list

[0111] 1 vehicle window

[0112] 1.1 Outer pane of the vehicle window 1

[0113] 1.2 Intermediate layer of the vehicle window 1

[0114] 1.3 Inner pane of the vehicle window 1

[0115] 2 optical sensor units

[0116] 2.1 Narrowband IR radiation source of the optical sensor unit 2

[0117] 2.2 IR sensor of the optical sensor unit 2

[0118] 2.3 Additional IR sensor of the optical sensor unit 2

[0119] 3 Beam shaping unit

[0120] 3.1 First lens of the beam shaping unit 3

[0121] 3.2 Second lens of the beam shaping unit 3

[0122] 4 Cover print

[0123] 5 visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation

[0124] 100 vehicle windshield drying system

[0125] F Focus point

[0126] S Sensor area of ​​the vehicle windshield 1

[0127] D Viewing area of ​​the vehicle window 1

[0128] M Masking area of ​​the vehicle window 1

[0129] I Outer surface of the outer pane 1.1

[0130] II Inner surface of the outer pane 1.1

[0131] III Outer surface of the inner pane 1.3

[0132] IV Inner surface of the inner disc 1.3

[0133] X— X' Intersection line

Claims

SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT 18 Patent claims 1. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) for removing a visibility-obstructing aqueous condensation (5) in a sensor area (S), comprising a vehicle window (1) with an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (IV), at least one optical sensor unit (2) mounted on the interior side of the vehicle window (1), comprising a narrowband IR radiation source (2.1) which emits an IR beam for detecting environmental conditions, and an IR sensor (2.2) which receives reflected IR radiation for detecting the environmental conditions, and a beam shaping unit (3) comprising at least two lenses (3.1, 3.2), which are arranged between the optical sensor unit (2) and the inner surface (IV) of the vehicle window (1) and are designed to focus the IR beam, wherein the IR beam converges in a first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit (3) such that a focal point (F) is formed on the outer surface (I) of the vehicle window (1).

2. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the narrowband IR radiation source (2.1) emits IR radiation in a wavelength range from 1400 nm to 3000 nm.

3. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the focal point (F) has a diameter of at least 0.5 mm and at most 5 cm.

4. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiant power at the focal point (F) is at least 20 mW and at most 5W.

5. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the IR beam converges in a second lens configuration of the beam shaping unit (3) such that the focal point (F) is formed on the inner surface (IV) of the vehicle window (1). SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT 19 6. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a third lens configuration of the beam shaping unit (3) the IR beam beam exits the beam shaping unit (3) as a parallel beam beam.

7. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical sensor unit (2) is a LiDAR sensor unit and the narrowband IR radiation source (2.1) is an LED, an OLED or a laser diode, preferably a laser diode.

8. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one / the wavelength range of the IR radiation and / or one / the radiant power of the IR radiation at the focal point (F) is selectively adjustable.

9. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a further IR sensor (2.3) which is configured to detect reflected radiation of wavelengths from 1400 nm to 3000 nm.

10. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vehicle window (1) has a transmittance of at least 90% for IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm, at least in the sensor area (S).

11. Vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vehicle window (1) is a laminated window comprising in the following order: an outer window (1.1) with the outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II), an intermediate layer (1.2) and an inner window (1.3) with an outer surface (III) and the inner surface (IV).

12. Method for manufacturing a vehicle windshield drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: a) a vehicle windshield (1) is provided with an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (IV), b) on the inside side of the vehicle windshield (1) at least one optical sensor unit (2) comprising a narrowband IR radiation source (2.1) which emits an IR beam for detecting environmental conditions, and an IR sensor SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE 2024310-WO-PCT 20 (2.2), which receives reflected IR radiation to detect the environmental conditions, is attached and c) a beam shaping unit (3) comprising at least two lenses (3.1 , 3.2) is arranged between the optical sensor unit (2) and the inner surface (IV) of the vehicle window (1) to selectively focus the emitted IR beam after exiting the narrowband IR source (2.1), wherein the IR beam converges in a first lens configuration of the beam shaping unit (3) such that a focal point (F) is formed on the outer surface (I) of the vehicle window (1).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein prior to step a) a layer stack is provided comprising at least the following sequence: an outer pane (1.1) with the outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II); an intermediate layer (1.2); and an inner pane (1.3) with an outer surface (III) and the inner surface (IV); and which is joined by lamination to form the vehicle window (1).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein prior to step a) the inner surface (II, IV) of the outer pane (1.1) and / or the inner pane (1.3) and / or the outer surface (I, III) of the inner pane (1.3) in a sensor area (S) is stripped such that the vehicle pane (1) in the sensor area (S) is transparent to IR radiation in a wavelength range of 1400 nm to 3000 nm.

15. Use of the vehicle window drying arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 in vehicles, in particular vehicles for road traffic, preferably as a windscreen or rear window.

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