Vehicle glazing unit with an optical device for lidar

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing unit (100), the glazing unit having a transmission window (111) that transmits in a near-infrared range and a convergent lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) opposite the first surface, the second surface (22) being intended to be oriented outward from the glazing unit, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the convergent lens (20) is structured, the structured surface comprising a set of raised structures and, in cross section through the structured surface, the set of structures forming alternating facets and counter-facets. The convergent lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive the LIDAR emission beam (70) on the facets of the structures and all or some of the structures, referred to as reference structures, have facets each having an angle Ak relative to the plane of the convergent lens, the angle Ak of the facets in absolute value increasing with distance from the optical axis, each reference structure having a height that varies with distance away from the optical axis such that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: VEHICLE GLAZING WITH OPTICAL DEVICE FOR LIDAR

[0003] [1] The present invention relates generally to vehicle windows associated with a LIDAR placed in the passenger compartment.

[0004] [2] Laser remote sensing (LIDAR), an acronym for the English expression "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging detection and ranging" (i.e., 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.

[0005] [3] 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 sloping one, presents several difficulties. The LiDAR is generally installed in the upper part of the passenger compartment (upper windshield area) so that the beams emitted and received by the LiDAR pass through the glass in an area close to the upper longitudinal edge of the glass. On the one hand, the LiDAR is quite bulky and must be positioned so as not to obstruct the driver's view. On the other hand, the LiDAR generates a near-infrared beam with a field of view that has a wide vertical and horizontal angle. The beam pattern on the glass requires reserving a specific area of ​​the glass, called the near-infrared transmission window, for the transmission of this near-infrared beam.

[0006] [4] In practice, the manufacturer of the LIDAR expects that the beam emitted by the LIDAR presents a given vertical field of view around a median direction of pointing.

[0007] [5] Document WO2023 / 274854 is known of a glazing comprising a LIDAR oriented towards the inner face of the inclined glazing of a road vehicle and a prism placed on the inner face of the glazing, to increase the vertical opening of the field of view of the LIDAR outside the vehicle.

[0008] [6] It is desirable to propose an alternative glazing or even further reduce the footprint of the LIDAR on the glazing.

[0009] [7] The present invention proposes a glazing system comprising vehicle glazing, in particular road glazing, the glazing, in particular windscreen, in particular curved, the glazing comprising: a first sheet of glass (in particular clear) intended to form the outer glazing with a first external principal face and a second principal 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 principal face oriented towards the second principal face and a fourth principal face oriented towards the passenger compartment, and a lamination interlayer of polymer material (in particular polyvinyl butyral PVB or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer EVA -thermoplastic or cross-linked- or thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) disposed between the second inner principal face and the third principal face,in particular the glazing being intended to form an angle of inclination (P) of less than 90 degrees and even at most 60 or 50 degrees, with a horizontal plane.

[0010] [8] The glazing system has a near-infrared transmission window at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, in particular from 800 nm to 1800 nm, in particular from 850 nm to 1600 nm, in particular 905 ± 30 nm, 940 ± 30 nm, 1310 ± 30 nm, and 1550 ± 30 nm. The near-infrared transmission window is suitable for receiving an emission beam at said working wavelength from a LIDAR intended to be installed in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In particular, the glazing (especially the windshield) has an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge, and the near-infrared transmission window is in a peripheral area and preferably in the vicinity (at the edge) of the upper longitudinal edge.

[0011] [9] In particular, the emission beam has an incident median pointing direction (IP) (defined just before the glazing, for example substantially horizontal) and a source field of view (at the LIDAR output and even possibly after deflection if the so-called outgoing median pointing direction of the LIDAR is inclined with respect to the incident median direction) with an initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 (and an initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1). The initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 is determined in particular in a characteristic plane including the incident median pointing direction (IP). The initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1 is determined in particular in a plane including the incident median pointing direction (IP) and perpendicular to the aforementioned characteristic plane.

[0012]

[0010] The glazing system also includes an optical device transparent at the working wavelength LB1, preferably intended to be located in the passenger compartment, designed to provide an external field of view (particularly beyond the near-infrared transmission window). In particular, the glazing can be considered optically neutral.

[0013]

[0011] The optical device comprises (and even consists of) a converging lens having an optical axis, preferably with a thickness of subcentimeters (and even at most 5 mm), particularly measured at the optical axis (most often the minimum thickness). The converging lens can be defined by a first direction, called its length (along an X axis, particularly a horizontal one), and a second direction, called its width (along a Y axis, particularly a vertical one), normal to the length (and preferably less than the length). The converging lens—preferably intended to be located in the passenger compartment—preferably has a useful area (defined as the beam-receiving area) with a length and width less than or equal to the total length and width of the lens.

[0014]

[0012] The converging lens, in particular extending along a plane normal to the optical axis (X, Y plane), has a first surface (the innermost one, receiving the beam from the LIDAR source) and a second surface opposite the first surface and oriented outwards, and at least one of said first and second surfaces is structured (preferably the first surface). The structured surface comprises a set of raised structures, possibly concentric around said optical axis or elongated (extending along the X axis). According to a cross-section (lateral, and / or longitudinal, or radial) of the structured surface, in particular along its length (longitudinal cross-section) or along its width (lateral cross-section), the set of structures forms an alternation of facets and counter-facets.

[0015]

[0013] The converging lens is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam on the facets of the structures (preferably on the majority or even all of the facets of the useful area) so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and optionally so that the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0016]

[0014] More specifically, the converging lens is arranged so as to receive the emission beam on the facets of the structures (preferably on most or even all of the facets). All or some of the structures are reference structures. Each facet (and counter-facet) of a reference structure has a rank k (k an integer) greater than or equal to 1, increasing with distance from the optical axis, and each has an acute angle Ak with respect to the plane of the converging lens.

[0017]

[0015] The angle Ak in absolute value of the facets of the reference structures exhibits an increasing variation with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial) rk. Each facet of the reference structure has a height - or altitude - which varies (progressively, preferably continuously) with respect to the optical axis, so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and possibly so that the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0018]

[0016] By choosing a converging lens and, in particular, thanks to the reference facets forming a segmented face of the converging lens and collecting the entire beam, the glazing system can notably increase both the vertical and horizontal angular aperture of the source field of view by reducing the LIDAR beam footprint on the glazing. In this way, it is possible to use a LIDAR with a relatively narrow source field of view while maintaining a sufficiently large angular aperture at the output of the glazing system.

[0019]

[0017] The optical axis is preferably substantially horizontal, in particular at most 10°, 5°, 2° or 1° with respect to the horizontal, and even the median direction of incident pointing is collinear with the optical axis.

[0020]

[0018] Preferably the image point is at the level of the glazing or spaced a short distance from the glazing. It is preferable to construct a lens on the passenger compartment side with a high converging power and to position it as close as possible to the glazing.

[0021]

[0019] The angular magnification of the lens can be at least 2 or 5 and in particular at most 20, for example 10.

[0022]

[0020] The shape of the field of view can be preserved, in particular the intersection of the external field of view with a plane perpendicular to the median direction of the pointing incident to the windshield (IP) can remain (substantially) rectangular.

[0023]

[0021] In particular, the vertical footprint (of width or height W1) of the beam transmitted by the converging lens through the near-infrared transmission window of the glazing system is at most 10cm or 5cm or 1.5cm and / or is reduced by at least 7, 12 or 15cm compared to the case without the lens.

[0024]

[0022] In particular, the horizontal footprint (of length L1) of the beam transmitted by the converging lens through the near-infrared transmission window of the glazing system is at most 25cm or 15cm or 5cm and / or is reduced by at least 10 or 15 cm compared to a configuration without the lens.

[0025]

[0023] Each facet (receiver) locally deflects the beam and contributes to the optical function of the lens. HFÔV2 can be equal to at least 2HFOV1 and even 5HFOV1 and even 10HFOV1. And / or VFOV2 can be equal to at least 2VFOV1 and even 5VFOV1 and even 10VFOV1.

[0026]

[0024] Advantageously, the structures are:

[0027] - elongated, particularly along the X-axis (horizontal) normal to the Y-axis (preferably vertical), in particular the section is lateral along the Y-axis, preferably vertical, the distance to the optical axis is along said Y-axis

[0028] - or are concentric around the optical axis (the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is then greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1), in particular the distance to the optical axis is a radial distance, in particular the cut is lateral along said Y axis and / or the cut is longitudinal along the X axis (horizontal) normal to the Y axis.

[0029]

[0025] For simplicity of design, it is preferred that the reference structures (at least the facets) which are concentric around the optical axis have rotational symmetry.

[0030]

[0026] Preferably the reference structures are contiguous or spaced from "neutral" structures (outside the beam area).

[0031]

[0027] Preferably, each reference facet (of rank k) has a vertex Sk (the point of the structure with the highest relief) and a base Bk (the point with the lowest relief). Preferably, the vertex Sk is closer to the optical axis than the base Bk (the declining structure).

[0032]

[0028] The angle Ak is preferably the (acute) angle between the plane of the lens and a segment (real if the facet is planar or fictitious if the facet is not planar) between the base Bk of the facet and the vertex Sk of the facet.

[0033]

[0029] The angle Ak can vary from one reference structure to another reference structure, preferably consecutive.

[0034]

[0030] Each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk, which varies (progressively) with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial) rk, preferably increasing. The peak-valley height Hk (at the normal to the plane of the lens) is the difference in altitudes between the apex Sk of the facet and the base Bk of the facet.

[0035]

[0031] The lens according to the invention is of the Fresnel lens type. Unlike the classical approach of designing a Fresnel face with a constant peak-valley height of the facets, the lens preferably has a variable peak-valley height Hk, which increases with the rank k. This choice is guided by the need for good LIDAR resolution across the entire beam range and therefore across the entire (useful) width of the lens.

[0036]

[0032] When the first surface is the structured surface, the peak-valley height Hk preferably exhibits an increasing variation (for example continuous) with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial) rk (or in other words with the rank k of the reference facet).

[0037]

[0033] For example, a minimum peak-valley height Hkmin is defined as being at least 0.001 mm and preferably at most equal to p / 2, p / 3 (p being the pitch of the reference structures) and / or at most equal to 0.05 mm, and a maximum peak-valley height Hkmax is defined as being subcentimeter-scale and even at most 5 mm or 2 mm and even 1.5 mm and at least 0.1 mm. In particular, preferably for a (radial) section along the length, especially with concentric structures around the optical axis, the maximum peak-valley height Hkmax is at a distance from the optical axis (preferably longitudinal or radial) rk of at least 10 mm from the center. And / or the total thickness of the lens (constant or variable) is subcentrimetric and in particular at least 0.5mm, 1mm, or 2mm (depending in particular on peak valley heights) and preferably at most 5mm.

[0038]

[0034] Each facet can be defined at any point by a height or altitude.

[0039]

[0035] Preferably, each reference facet (of rank k) has a vertex Sk (the point of the structure with the highest relief) and a base Bk (the point with the lowest relief). Preferably, the vertex Sk is closer to the optical axis than the base Bk (the declining facet).

[0040]

[0036] Advantageously, the structured surface is the first surface, and all or part of the facets of the so-called declining reference structures have a vertex Sk and a base Bk, the base Bk being further from the optical axis than the vertex Sk. Furthermore, the height of each declining facet decreases (significantly) with distance from the optical axis. For simplicity, the facet is preferably (significantly) flat, forming a slope between the vertex Sk and the base Bk. Optionally, the second surface is flat or curved.

[0041]

[0037] Alternatively, although less convergent and with a heterogeneous intensity distribution, the structured surface is the second surface, and all or part of the facets of the reference structures remain declining. Possibly the first surface is flat or curved.

[0042]

[0038] Preferably, the reference structures, and even all the structures (in the useful area), are contiguous, with facets and counter-facets connected, for example, by edges or even a platform. The reference structures form, in particular (alternating), valleys and peaks. The valley is not necessarily V-shaped, but in particular exhibits a curvature defined by a radius of curvature Rv1. The peak is not necessarily pointed (not necessarily an edge), but in particular exhibits a curvature defined by a radius of curvature Rs1. These radii may depend on the manufacturing process. Rs1 can be very close to 0, for example, approximately 0.5 pm. Rv1 can be equal to at least 1 pm (for example, greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of a milling cutter head).

[0043]

[0039] A facet and counter-facet of a reference structure preferably have a triangular shape (lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial section of the lens), notably pointed at the peak (the apex Sk) or with a (slight) rounding with the aforementioned radius of curvature Rs1. Optionally, the shape may be a truncated triangular shape (approximately parallel to the plane of the lens) to form a plateau separating the facet from the counter-facet.

[0044]

[0040] In particular, it is preferable that the area of ​​the facet which is receiving the beam (especially the emitted beam) be on the lower half of the facet if it is desired to limit stray light.

[0045]

[0041] For simplicity, it is preferred that the majority or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or even all of the reference structures (in the useful area) have the same shape, in particular (of the type) triangular or even truncated triangular (forming a plateau in particular parallel to the plane of the lens).

[0046]

[0042] For simplicity (within the useful area), it is preferred that the majority, or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%, of the facets of the reference structures, or even all the facets of the reference structures (or even all the structures within the useful area) (in lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial sections), be a straight or curved line (concave, convex), particularly aspherical or even freeform. The straight (or curved) line may have local microroughness (manufacturing defects, for example), preferably less than 10 nm rms. The facets (and even counter-facets), particularly of the reference structures, may be polished if necessary.

[0047]

[0043] The referent structures can be distributed regularly or irregularly. Rank k can form an arithmetic or non-arithmetic sequence.

[0048]

[0044] The reference structures can be grouped in a first region of the useful area of ​​the lens: a paraxial region (close to the optical axis of the lens) and preferably also in a marginal region (peripheral, further from the optical axis of the lens). For example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the structures in the useful area are reference structures. And / or, for example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the reference structures are consecutive. For example, at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and even all the reference structures are spaced at most 10, 5, 3, or 1 times the spacing of the reference structures.

[0049]

[0045] According to the invention, in particular with concentric structures around the optical axis, preferably for a (radial) section along the length (longitudinal section), the structured surface preferably has a paraxial region defined as a region with a maximum distance to the optical axis (longitudinal, radial) RM of at most 30mm and even of at most 20mm or at most 15mm and for example of at least 2 times the pitch of the reference structure.

[0050]

[0046] According to the invention, in particular with concentric structures around the optical axis (longitudinal section), preferably for a (radial) section along the length, the structured surface preferably has a marginal region which can be defined as a region with a distance to the optical axis (longitudinal, radial) greater than RM.

[0051]

[0047] According to the invention, in particular with concentric structures around the optical axis, the converging lens preferably has a central surface passing through the optical axis and adjacent (connected) to the structured surface - said set of said structures - (connected to the paraxial region), a (substantially) flat surface of equivalent radius preferably of at most equal to a minimum pitch of the reference structures (in particular the pitch p1 in a paraxial region).

[0052]

[0048] This flat central surface differs from the conventionally convex surface of a Fresnel lens. If H1 is considered the altitude of the first reference structure - of rank k=1 - the central surface can be at the level of the first base B1 or the first vertex S1 or form a plateau (with a right-hand side) for example at an altitude less than or equal to H1 and even (H1 ) / 2 and preferably is at the altitude of the first base.

[0053]

[0049] A reference level (for facet alignment) can be defined along the plane of the lens.

[0054]

[0050] In a first configuration (with centered facets), the facets (of the reference structures) can be (approximately) centered at a reference level called the median altitude, that is, an altitude located at mid-height (Hk / 2), so the variable height is distributed on either side of this median altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices (Sk) of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0055]

[0051] In a second configuration (with constant total thickness), the vertices Sk are aligned with a reference level called the high altitude, that is, an altitude located at a maximum height Hmax – the highest of the peak and valley heights Hk. As with the first configuration, the bases Bk do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the bases Bk of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, convex or V-shaped.

[0056]

[0052] In a third configuration (with constant remaining thickness), the bases Bk are aligned with a reference level called the low altitude, i.e., an altitude located at a minimum height Hmin – the lowest of the peak and valley heights Hk. As with the first configuration, the vertices do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices Sk of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or V-shaped.

[0053] The alignment of the facets (the reference level) has no impact from an optical point of view. The choice of configuration depends on manufacturing constraints and / or the mechanical strength of the lens. From a mechanical point of view, the third configuration (structures with increased thickness) may be preferred.

[0057]

[0054] The converging lens may have a remaining thickness, below the structured surface, for example, of at most 1 cm or less than 1 cm, and preferably at least 0.5 mm, and even at least 1 mm. The converging lens may be a single piece and partially structured. The converging lens may comprise a substrate (plane) transparent at the working wavelength and a layer transparent at the working wavelength having the structured surface (preferably a partially structured layer), preferably forming the first structured surface.

[0058]

[0055] The converging lens is preferably a single piece. The converging lens is for example formed in one of the following materials: an acrylate such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or an alicyclic methacrylate copolymer such as the product Optorez 1330, a glass preferably extra clear, a polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU), cycloolefin polymer or copolymer (COP or COC) such as the Zeonex® materials of Zeon Corporation, in particular the products designated K22R, K26R, E48R, T62R, 330R or any other material (mineral and / or organic in particular thermoplastic polymer in particular amorphous) known to those skilled in the art for its use in lenses.

[0059]

[0056] The facets (and / or counter-facets) can be bare or covered with a material.

[0060]

[0057] In particular, the general shape of the converging lens (at least of the useful area) is distinct from a disk, and is notably polygonal. In particular, the length is greater than or equal to the width; if greater, naturally there are then more structures, especially reference structures, along the length than along the width if the structures are concentric. The width can be equal to at most half or a quarter of the length. If the structures are concentric, the converging lens can be obtained from a lens with a disk-structured surface (and even a flat peripheral surface), which has been cut to be rectangular or substantially rectangular, or even with a cut along only one of the longitudinal edges (a surface that is the sum of a semi-disk area and a rectangular area, for example).For example, the long sides (longitudinal edges) can be straight and parallel, and the short sides (lateral edges) can be curved or straight and parallel.

[0061]

[0058] In particular, the general shape of the converging lens (at least of the useful area) is distinct from a disk, and is notably polygonal. In particular, the length of the structured surface is greater than or equal to the width of the structured surface; if greater, then naturally there are more structures, especially reference structures, along the length than along the width. The width of the structured surface can be equal to at most half or a quarter of the length of the structured surface.

[0062]

[0059] If the structures are concentric, in the first radial (longitudinal) section, a first maximum radius Rmaxl of the structured surface (taken along the length axis) and even a first maximum radius R'maxl of the useful structured surface can be defined. In the second radial (lateral) section, a second maximum radius Rmax2 of the structured surface (taken along the width axis) can be defined, and even a second maximum radius R'max2 of the useful structured surface.

[0063]

[0060] Preferably the converging lens (which includes at least the useful area of ​​the structured surface) is rectangular, particularly when the source field of view is rectangular (wider than it is tall). The length is preferably (approximately) horizontal, and the converging lens is either vertical (the plane of the lens is normal to a horizontal plane ±1°) or substantially vertical (the plane of the lens is normal to a horizontal plane ±10°, ±5°, or ±1°).

[0064]

[0061] It may be preferable for the structured surface to be dimensioned for different sets of HFOV1 and VHFOV1 or adapted to a predetermined set of HFOV1 and VHFOV1. As a precaution, the extreme periphery of the structured surface of the converging lens does not receive the beam. This is a neutral zone adjacent to the useful zone. For example, the neutral zone is 1 mm wide (or preferably 5 mm, and preferably at most 5 cm, or 1 cm) and 1 mm wide (or preferably 5 mm, and preferably at most 5 cm, or 10 cm). The structured surface (the extreme periphery) may also be adjacent to a flat area of ​​the converging lens (for example, at least 1 cm wide and at least 1 cm long), (framing all or part of the useful zone), for example, of greater thickness (forming a reinforcement) or being attached to a counter plate. The lens can also extend, including a part called extension in one direction (along the length or width) to facilitate its attachment (to the LIDAR and / or the glazing).

[0065]

[0062] In one configuration, the perimeter of the useful area and / or the structured surface of the converging lens is non-circular. For example, the converging lens is elongated, particularly polygonal in shape, for example rectangular.

[0066]

[0063] Preferably, the structures are concentric and (in front view of the structured surface) a part, and even the majority, and even at least 70% or 80%, of the reference structures form concentric arcs of circles around the optical axis, in particular arcs of circles extending longitudinally. For example, a reference structure forms two arcs of circles, and in particular, in a paraxial region, certain reference structures form circles.

[0067]

[0064] In particular, the vertices of concentric structures, especially reference structures, can form solid rings, for example circular or elliptical, or partial rings, in the form of two annular portions (for example, arcs of circles or elliptical portions). For example, the vertices (forming edges or rounded at the highest points) of structures, especially reference structures, in a paraxial region are solid rings, and the vertices (forming edges or rounded at the highest point) of structures, especially reference structures, in the periphery of a marginal region form two disjoint annular portions.

[0068]

[0065] In particular, when the structures are concentric, let NO be the total number of structures along the length (at least in the useful area) and Na the number of reference structures along the length—having an angle Ak and a facet with a peak-valley height Hk—preferably Na > 0.5 NO (forming the majority of the structures in said set), better Na > 0.7 NO, Na > 0.9 NO, or even Na = N0. Preferably NO is at least 100, 500, 800, 1000, 2000 (preferably at least 1000) and / or Na is at least 50, 250, 400, 500, 1000 (preferably at least 500). Naturally, N0 depends on the HFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0069]

[0066] In particular, let N1 be the total number of structures (concentric or elongated) along the width (at least in the useful area) and Nb the number of reference structures along the width—having an angle Ak and a facet with a peak-valley height Hk. Preferably Nb > 0.5 N1 (majority of the structures in said set are reference), better Nb > 0.7 N1, Nb > 0.9 N1, or even Nb = N1. Preferably N1 is at least 20 and at most 1000, 800, or even 500 (preferably at most 800), and / or Nb is at least 20. Naturally, N1 depends on the VFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0070]

[0067] In particular:

[0071] - Rmaxl of at least 1.5cm and even at most 15cm and Rmax2 of at least 0.5mm and even at most 2.5cm

[0072] - and / or R'maxl of at least 1.5cm and even at most 15cm and R'max2 is at least 0.5mm and even at most 2.5cm

[0073] - and / or the useful area is at least 3cm long and even at most 30cm wide and at least 1mm wide and even at most 5cm wide.

[0074]

[0068] For manufacturing the converging lens, particularly a plastic one, micromachining (with a diamond tip) or injection molding (thermoplastic) into a mold is preferred. In the case of injection molding, it is preferable to keep the lens ends flat, without structures, to avoid edge effects. A molded lens can be mass-produced with high optical quality (in particular, excellent surface finish). Preferably, when the structures are concentric, for a (radial) section along the length (longitudinal section), the variation of the angle Ak with the distance (radial, longitudinal) can be split into two parts.In the first part (paraxial region), the variation is (approximately) linear, defined by a slope Pe1 greater (in absolute value) than 27 mm, and even 57 mm or 97 mm, and less than 207 mm or 157 mm over a fraction x of the half-length (or even of Rmaxl or R'maxl) of the converging lens, at least equal to 15%, 20%, 25%, and even at most 40% or 35%. This is followed in a second part by asymptotic behavior with slower growth. Pe1 varies and decreases depending on the chosen size of the converging lens. The lower the HFOV1 and VFOV1 (for example, HFOV1 is at most 60°, 20°, 10° and VFOV1 is at most 10°, 5°, 3°), the smaller the size of the converging lens can be. The object point distance d1 of the converging lens has very little influence on the angles Ak of ​​the most peripheral structures or those closest to the center and has a little influence on the angles Ak in a "median" region.

[0075]

[0069] Preferably in (radial) section along the width (lateral section), the variation of the angle A with the (radial, lateral) distance is (approximately) linear defined by a slope greater than 27mm and less than 157mm.

[0076]

[0070] Preferably (in the useful area), when the structures are concentric, in particular for a (radial) section along the length, the amplitude of the variations of the angles Ak (difference between the maximum angle Amax and the minimum angle Amin) is at least 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 75°, in particular the amplitude of the variations is between two reference structures (on the same side with respect to the optical center) which are separated (distance taken from one facet base to the other) by at least 10mm and in particular by at most 100mm, 80mm, 50mm, 40mm, 30mm (at most the length of the useful area). Preferably, the minimum angle Ak (Amin) is at most 5° or even at most 1°, and the maximum angle Ak (Amax) is at most 80° and even at least 70° or 75°. In particular, the variation of Ak in a paraxial region is linear or approximately linear.

[0077]

[0071] The angle Ak of ​​the facets of reference structures increases for example progressively with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial) rk.

[0078]

[0072] In a first preferred embodiment, each reference structure having a step, the step of all or part of the reference structures is substantially constant (preferably with a tolerance of ±step / 4).

[0079]

[0073] The pitch can be constant per region (for example paraxial region and marginal region) in particular where each zone is at least 5mm wide.

[0080]

[0074] In section (lateral, and / or longitudinal, or radial) of the structured surface, the pitch is preferably the length projected onto the plane of the converging lens of the structure, or in other words the length between two adjacent bases when the reference structures are adjacent and contiguous.

[0081]

[0075] Advantageously in this first mode, for a higher resolution near the central surface, preferably when the structures are concentric and for a (radial) section along the length, reference structures (in a paraxial region) having a (radial, longitudinal) distance of at most 30mm and even 20mm or 15mm (and for example of at least 5 mm and / or the step p1) have a first step p1 substantially constant, and peripheral reference structures (in a marginal region) have a second step substantially constant and greater than the first step p1 in particular p2 is greater than 1.5 p1 (and / or the gap p2-p1 is at least 0.5 p1).

[0082]

[0076] Preferably, all or part of the reference structures have a pitch (constant, p1 and / or p2, or variable, continuously or by jumps) that is at least 0.01 mm or even at least 0.05 mm and / or is at most 1 mm or at most 0.5 mm. In particular, the pitch of the reference structures can be chosen according to the angular pitch of the LIDAR (constant or variable), which can be from 0.01 to 1° and in particular from 0.05 to 0.5°.

[0083]

[0077] In a given region, the smaller the step size p, the more gradual the variation of angle Ak.

[0078] For example, in a paraxial region, preferably when the structures are concentric and for a (radial) section along the length, the reference facets of the reference structures have a first minimum angle Aminl and a first maximum angle Amaxl, and the difference between Amaxl and Aminl is at least 10°. For example, in a marginal (more peripheral) region, the reference facets of the peripheral reference structures have a second minimum angle Amin2 (preferably at most equal to Amax+5°) and a second maximum angle Amax2, and the difference between Amax2 and Amin2 is at least 20°.

[0084]

[0079] In particular each reference structure has a step pk, the step is progressively variable (preferably increasing) with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, even radial) rk.

[0085]

[0080] More broadly, any sequence of step widths can be suitable by properly adapting the peak-to-valley height. However, a constant step (or a constant step per zone) may be simpler to model and manufacture.

[0086]

[0081] For simplicity, it is preferred (in the useful area) that the majority or at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% of the counter-facets of the reference structures or even all the counter-facets of the reference structures, or even of all the structures in the useful area, are (in lateral and / or longitudinal, or radial section) globally a straight line rather than curved (concave, convex), in particular aspheric or "freeform".

[0087]

[0082] The converging lens preferably operates in free space in air and even the converging lens being mechanically linked to the glazing, (the converging lens having a possible functional coating in particular protective or anti-reflective).

[0088]

[0083] In particular the converging lens is opposite an upper and even central part of the glazing, in particular the windshield.

[0089]

[0084] For better optical operation, the converging lens has first and second surfaces which have free faces, therefore exposed to the air, spaced away from the glazing rather than bonded (glued) to the glazing.

[0090]

[0085] The converging lens is located at a distance from the LIDAR, specifically between the LIDAR and the glazing (or a support in a hole in the glazing). The converging lens is, in particular, substantially vertical (preferably with a substantially horizontal optical axis and a median pointing direction passing through the optical axis).

[0091]

[0086] The lens is converging as close as possible to the glazing preferably. A superior longitudinal edge (the most advanced of the lens in particular if vertical) between the second surface and the edge of the lens may touch the glazing or be spaced at most 5cm or 1cm away.

[0092]

[0087] The converging lens (at least the useful area) can be spaced away from the glazing (excluding the aforementioned contact) and possibly with a peripheral reinforcing part around the useful area.

[0093]

[0088] The converging lens (at least the useful area), preferably vertical, is (operates) preferably in free space (in air).

[0094]

[0089] Preferably:

[0095] - the converging lens is inside the passenger compartment

[0096] - and / or the converging lens is in a marginal area of ​​the glazing, particularly the windshield,

[0097] - and / or the converging lens is approximately vertical

[0098] - and / or the length is approximately horizontal

[0099] - and / or the perimeter of the useful area and / or the structured surface of the converging lens is non-circular

[0100] - and / or the converging lens is elongated, in particular polygonal in shape, for example rectangular.

[0101]

[0090] In particular, the converging lens is, for example, mechanically linked to the glazing (including to a plate (or multi-function support) on the inner face of the glazing (in particular face F4 if laminated glazing or in a through hole in the glazing) around the periphery of the useful area of ​​the first and second surfaces (of the free faces) of the converging lens.

[0091] The glazing system may, in particular, include a support (multi-sensor or multi-function) or plate on the inner face of the glazing (F4 if laminated glazing), possibly with a hole aligned with the near-infrared transmission window and possibly forming a base for the infrared vision system. For example, the plate is opaque, made of tinted (black) plastic.

[0102]

[0092] The mounting plate includes one or more areas for one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, a thermal camera, and even a base-shaped housing for these sensors. If necessary, the mounting plate is also perforated for optical transmission. A Lidar housing can be attached to the mounting plate and / or to the main internal surface of the glazing and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. This mounting plate can be partially masked (excluding the visible and infrared transmission windows, for example) by the opaque masking layer (in contact with surface F2).

[0103]

[0093] The support or plate is in particular multifunctional, preferably carrying one or more functional elements such as sensors and / or with one or more transmission windows in the visible, in the far infrared from 5pm to 20pm and even 8|im to 15|im, transmission window(s) in particular adjacent to the near infrared transmission window (in an upper and even central part of the glazing, of the windshield, in particular in a spare part of the peripheral masking layer framing the glazing).

[0104]

[0094] The multi-functional support or mounting plate can be attached (to face F4 or F2), for example, using a masking adhesive on the glazing. The masking adhesive is, for example, a black OCA adhesive visible to the naked eye. The masking adhesive also serves to mask and protect the mounting plate. Furthermore, the masking adhesive conceals the lidar infrared vision system from view from outside the vehicle.

[0105]

[0095] The support or plate, particularly a multi-functional one, may be made of a plastic, especially an opaque one, filled with colorants, particularly black (carbon-filled, etc.), especially to ensure color continuity with the peripheral masking layer surrounding the glazing (thus limiting the color difference). The support may be, for example, polyamide 66 (PA66), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), or ABS / PC (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene / polycarbonate). It is preferably at least 1 mm thick and, for example, less than or equal to the thickness of the glazing, particularly in the case of a through hole (especially a notch) in the glazing housing it.

[0106]

[0096] According to one embodiment, the plate is transparent to the wavelength LB1 of the lidar radiation, it can then be opposite the converging lens, the beam is refracted through the plate preferably downstream of the lens (internal, in the cabin).

[0107]

[0097] The lidar infrared vision system can be placed in a housing, for example made of plastic or metal. This housing can form a cover for the Lidar and more broadly for a set of elements (sensor components, camera(s) in this area) and thus cover areas of camera(s), sensor(s).

[0108]

[0098] The housing is, for example, attached to the innermost main face of the glazing, in particular the fourth main face, or to a support, particularly a multi-function one (or mounting plate), fixed to the glazing, in particular to the fourth main face. Advantageously, the housing is removable. The housing is attached, for example, by clips, to said support or mounting plate, or to the innermost main face of the glazing (for example, the fourth main face) and / or to a component of the vehicle (the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment and / or to the bodywork), for example, to the roof of the vehicle. For example (in its upper part), the housing is attached to the inner face of the glazing (face F4 for laminated glazing) through a hole in the bodywork.

[0109]

[0099] The near-infrared transmission window can be multispectral, including near-infrared and visible light (for example, to allow the use of a sensor operating in the visible spectrum, in which case no additional camouflage layer is added in the visible spectrum) and / or far- or mid-infrared at a higher wavelength than the operating wavelength of the LIDAR (for example, to allow the use of a thermal imaging camera or other infrared sensor). The glazing can be monolithic and comprises a sheet of glass or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer, or even polycarbonate (PC) or mineral. The glazing is preferably laminated, with a first and second layer of glass.

[0110]

[0100] In particular, the second surface of the converging lens has a free face, for example, the second surface being positioned at a distance from the glazing (in particular, at a distance from the second principal face or, when the glazing is laminated, at a distance from the fourth principal face of the glazing or even at a distance from a hole in the glazing). Preferably, the first surface (preferably the structured surface) has a free face, for example, at a distance from a LIDAR. In particular, the converging lens is at a distance from the glazing, in particular from the inner principal face of the glazing (F2 if single or F4 if laminated, without a hole), in particular by a distance of at most 8 cm, 5 cm, 3 cm, 1 cm, or 5 mm. In the case of laminated glazing with a through hole in the second glass pane, the converging lens may be at a distance from the flush surface of the principal face F2.In the case of laminated glazing with a through hole in the first and second sheets of glass, the converging lens can be at a distance from a multi-function support, housed in the through hole, in particular of no more than 8 cm or 5 cm or 3 cm or 1 cm or 5 mm.

[0111]

[0101] For example, the converging lens, in particular external to the LIDAR (at a distance from the LIDAR), and at a distance from the glazing (possibly perforated, with the lens opposite this hole and even all or part of it inside the hole), an origin point Oi of the first surface at the intersection of the optical axis of the converging lens is placed at a distance di from the light source of the LIDAR (real or virtual source, i.e., the point from which the rays emerging from the LIDAR appear to originate). The distance di is preferably at most 300 mm or better 200 mm and even in a range from 20 mm to 150 mm.

[0112]

[0102] Preferably, the converging lens (particularly external to the LIDAR) is positioned at a distance from the glazing (which may have a hole, with the lens opposite this hole). An origin point O2 of the second surface is placed at a distance d2 from the main inner face of the glazing (F2 or F4) or from a possible insert in a hole in the second sheet (flush or slightly below the surface of face F4 and / or flush or slightly below the surface of face F3). The converging lens is positioned opposite this inner face, or the converging lens is at a distance d2 from the hole (partial or through) in the glazing. The converging lens is preferably positioned to minimize the distance d2. The distance d2 is measured along the optical axis of the lens. Preferably, the distance d2 is at most 50 mm, or even at most 20 mm or 10 mm. This minimization of the d2 distance makes it possible to reduce the size of the LIDAR system and the footprint.

[0113]

[0103] The glazing system may include upstream of the converging lens, a LIDAR comprising a light source intended to be disposed in a vehicle cabin, the light source being capable of emitting said LIDAR emission beam at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared domain and with the median direction of initial vertical angular aperture and initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1).

[0114]

[0104] The laminate interlayer may be single- or multi-layered, optionally neutral, clear, extra-clear, or tinted, particularly gray or green, made of a polymer, preferably thermoplastic and even better based on PVB (preferably with plasticizers) or EVA (thermoplastic or thermocrosslinked), preferably for a road vehicle with a thickness of no more than 1.8 mm, betterly no more than 1.2 mm and even no more than 0.9 mm (and better still at least 0.3 mm and even at least 0.6 mm). The laminate interlayer may be acoustic and / or may have 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). The laminate interlayer, particularly one based on PVB, may have a so-called partial or through-hole in the thickness within the near-infrared transmission window.The partial or through hole can be filled with a material (preferably adhesive forming an interlayer) more transparent to LB1 for example EVA between face F2 and face F3 (second sheet of glass without hole in the near infrared transmission window).

[0115]

[0105] We define d3 as the distance between the image point 02 and the glazing, for example with face F4. For example, d3 is at most 20 mm.

[0116]

[0106] The first surface of the converging lens is arranged so as to receive the emission beam over the entire source field of view, i.e. over the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and over the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0117]

[0107] In one configuration, the converging lens is at least partially disposed within a partial hole (hole in the second glass sheet), particularly a laminated one. Specifically, the upper part of the converging lens is within the hole. The converging lens may be peripherally bonded to the first main face, to a support (particularly a multi-functional one), or to the F4 face. Even in this configuration, the lens (the useful area, the structured surface) is preferably in free space, at a distance from the first glass sheet (the lamination interlayer and / or any coating).

[0118]

[0108] Preferably, the converging lens is spaced away from the glazing, possibly fixed to the glazing, and is:

[0119] - opposite the fourth main face of the laminated glass,

[0120] - or opposite, and even partially in a hole passing through the second sheet of glass, notably forming a notch, a hole possibly including a piece transparent at the working wavelength linked to the second main face,

[0121] - or opposite a support (or plate), in particular multifunctional, transparent to the working wavelength and linked to the glazing via a wall delimiting a hole passing through the glazing, in particular laminated.

[0122]

[0109] The LIDAR is preferably located entirely within the passenger compartment (inner side of the glazing). Optionally, the LIDAR is located partially within a partial opening in the glazing (of the second pane).

[0123]

[0110] 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 the LIDAR), taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, are as follows.

[0124]

[0111] The first surface of the converging lens can be bare (therefore directly forming the free face) or has one or more functional layers (mono or multilayer) such as a functional coating (preferably conformal deposit) or a film (adhesive etc) whose external surface forms the free face.

[0125]

[0112] The second surface of the converging lens can be bare (therefore directly forming the free face) or has a functional layer (mono or multilayer) such as a coating (preferably conformal deposit) or a film (adhesive etc) whose external surface forms the free face.

[0126]

[0113] In particular, the converging lens has on the second surface (having a free face) and / or on the first surface (having a free face) a surface treatment or a functional layer forming an anti-reflective element.

[0127]

[0114] Preferably, the converging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface and / or on the second surface.

[0128]

[0115] The anti-reflective treatment (of the coating or even structuring type) can be provided by different technologies such as: liquid deposition, in particular in sol-gel form, macroporous layer in particular of porous silica; PVD deposition (for "Physical Vapor Deposition" in English or physical vapor phase deposition), for example layer, in particular of silica, deposited by magnetron; plasma coating; microstructuring, etc.

[0129]

[0116] In the case of a (mono)layer, in particular a porous silica layer, an anti-reflective layer with an optical refractive index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm is preferred.

[0130]

[0117] The converging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, and even in a near-infrared range extending from at least 850 nm to 1600 nm, and even from 800 to 1800 nm. The converging lens may be transparent in the visible spectrum, for example, with a high visible transmission of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, or conversely, have a low visible transmission of at most 10%, 5%, or 2%.

[0131]

[0118] The LIDAR is disposed at a distance from the main internal face of the glazing and the converging lens is in particular disposed at another distance from the main face, preferably internal, of the glazing, in particular the distances being adapted to reduce the height W1 of the vertical projection window of the LIDAR emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing and / or the length L1 of the horizontal projection window of the LIDAR emission beam into the transmission window of the glazing.

[0132]

[0119] For example, with regard to the LIDAR, the internal vertical angular aperture VFOV1 is preferably less than 12 degrees and even 10 degrees or 6° or 5°. And / or the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is preferably greater than 15 degrees, and even greater than or equal to 20 degrees, in particular 20 to 30°.

[0133]

[0120] And / or for example the internal horizontal angular opening HFOV1 is less than 70 degrees, and even less than 60° or even 25° or 20°. And in particular the external horizontal angular opening HFOV2 is preferably greater than 30 degrees, for example at least 80 degrees and even at least 100 degrees, in particular from 100 to 150 degrees.

[0134]

[0121] According to a particular aspect, the converging lens is configured to transmit a reference beam from the LIDAR at the working wavelength LB1 with a substantially horizontal median pointing direction (inclined by less than 10° or even 5° or 2° with respect to a horizontal plane) and even to receive the median pointing direction (incident) of the reference beam from a substantially horizontal LIDAR (inclined by less than 10° or even 5° or 2° with respect to a horizontal plane).Alternatively, the reference beam at the working wavelength LB1 having, at the output of the LIDAR, a median pointing direction inclined with respect to a horizontal axis, for example by at least 10° or 15°, the system further includes a deflector (particularly in the cabin), arranged upstream of the first surface of the converging lens, the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface (preferably structured) of the converging lens, particularly with the median pointing direction horizontal after deflection.

[0135]

[0122] Preferably, the converging lens comprises a functional layer or a surface treatment preferably forming an anti-reflective element at the working length, on the first surface and / or on the second surface.

[0136]

[0123] The glazing advantageously comprises a peripheral masking layer linked to the second main face and optionally another masking layer on a main surface of a support (external main face F'1 or internal F'2), in particular multifunctional, in a hole through the laminated glazing, the near-infrared transmission window is in an opening of the peripheral masking layer or of the optional other masking layer.

[0137]

[0124] The peripheral masking layer and / or the other masking layer is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel or lacquer coating. The peripheral masking layer and / or the other masking layer is suitable for masking the LIDAR housing. The peripheral masking layer or the other masking layer has a recess with dimensions larger than the length and width of the emission beam incident on the inner main face of the glazing. The recess in the peripheral masking layer or the other masking layer allows the passage of the LIDAR emission beam, or even the reflected beam, towards the detection device. The recess in the peripheral masking layer or the other masking layer has, for example, a rectangular or trapezoidal (with two long horizontal sides and two short sides) or polygonal shape.

[0138]

[0125] The near-infrared transmission window of the LiDAR beam can be dedicated solely to LiDAR or to multiple sensors, making it larger, for example, for a visible camera and / or any other NIR, MWIR, etc. sensor. In this configuration, reducing the LiDAR transmission window footprint also reduces the multi-sensor window size. Alternatively, or cumulatively, there may be one or more dedicated windows for the other sensors.

[0139]

[0126] The savings, in particular central and / or in a high position, can be delimited by two edges (in particular upper longitudinal edge, and a lateral edge), three edges (for example lower longitudinal edge open) or four edges (closed savings).

[0140]

[0127] In an alternative, for example if necessary the size of the upper masking (enamel) band is reduced in particular the central area (“rearview mirror”), so that the near-infrared transmission window (in the vicinity of this band) does not have any spacing.

[0141]

[0128] More broadly, the near-infrared transmission window can be spaced away from the peripheral masking layer.

[0142]

[0129] In a particular embodiment (the lens preferably remaining in free space, within the useful area), the converging lens is fixed to the glazing and / or to a body and / or to a support (in particular a multi-functional one with other sensors, for example) or to a housing or cover (individual or common to other sensors, to one or more other cameras, for example). In particular, the converging lens is positioned (in whole or in part) opposite a partial or through (complete) hole in the glazing, in particular laminated glazing, the converging lens is in particular attached to a support, in particular a multi-functional one, or the converging lens is attached (peripherally) to the fourth principal surface of the glazing.

[0143]

[0130] In particular, the glazing system includes a plate having a plate (individual or multi-sensor) in a hole through the glazing (in the thickness) and transparent to the working wavelength, the converging lens facing said plate.

[0144]

[0131] In a particular embodiment, the converging lens (especially external to the LIDAR) faces a partial hole in the glazing (in the second glass pane or even in the laminated interlayer) with, preferably, an insert (transparent at the working wavelength, in particular flat or convex) in the partial hole. The insert may be flush or preferably slightly below the surface of face F2. And / or the insert may be flush or preferably slightly below the surface of face F3 (and preferably the insert may be flush or preferably slightly below the surface of face F4).

[0145]

[0132] For example the insert is made of glass, in particular extra-clear glass as detailed in patent application WO2022 / 175634 or of polymer as detailed in patent application WO2022 / 175635.

[0146]

[0133] The insert can be glued to the face F2 by the lamination interlayer (PVB, TPU, EVA or by a local adhesive (film or coating) for example TPU, EVA in an interlayer hole (preferably through).

[0147]

[0134] There are stray rays which it is preferable to filter. Also in one embodiment, an opaque element with a hole in LB1 (of given thickness), forming an optical diaphragm thus having a through-opening in the thickness, the opening located at the image point of the converging lens (in particular the opening at ±5mm, or ±2mm or even ±1mm from the image point, preferably the optical axis passing through the opening), said optical diaphragm being able to filter stray light from said emission beam of the LIDAR.

[0148]

[0135] The opening (for example rectangular, circular or ovaloid or even any other geometry), in particular of the same shape as the beam, can have an equivalent diameter of at most 10 mm and even of at least 2 mm, in particular 3 to 5 mm.

[0149]

[0136] The optical diaphragm can also be opaque to visible light.

[0137] Preferably for effective light blocking, the optical diaphragm extends laterally - all around the aperture - by at least 30mm, 50mm or even 80mm.

[0150]

[0138] The near-infrared transmission window (of the emitted beam or even of the reflected beam) includes, for example, said spacing, the optical diaphragm can at least partially cover the spacing (dedicated or multi-sensor).

[0151]

[0139] In particular, the optical diaphragm can fully cover the dedicated area (of the peripheral masking layer or the other masking layer) and even extend opposite the peripheral masking layer or the other masking layer by up to 5cm or 2cm or 1cm or 5mm.

[0152]

[0140] The optical diaphragm can be arranged upstream or downstream of the near-infrared transmission window (having a saving or without a saving), in particular it can be on face F1 (or even slightly spaced from face F1 on the outside), or better on the side of face F2 or even on the side of face F4 in particular is spaced from the glazing (of the multifunction support) and is on the passenger compartment side.

[0153]

[0141] The optical diaphragm can be arranged upstream or downstream of the saving, preferably upstream of the saving, in particular it can be on face F1 (or even slightly spaced from face F1 on the outside), or better on the side of face F2 or even on the side of face F4 in particular is spaced from the glazing (of the multifunction support) and is on the passenger compartment side.

[0154]

[0142] In a particular embodiment, the optical diaphragm may be adjacent and even contiguous to the peripheral masking layer or to the other masking layer with its gap. For example, the perforated opaque element fills all or part of the gap (especially the dedicated gap), and even the "original" gap becomes fictitious when the peripheral masking layer extends to form the optical diaphragm (continuity of material, for example, black enamel or printed ink). It can then be considered that the effective near-infrared transmission window of the emitted beam (or even the reflected beam) comprises only the opening of the optical diaphragm (and not the aforementioned fictitious gap).

[0155]

[0143] The optical diaphragm may be spaced from the glazing, the F4 face or the internal face of a multifunction support in a hole through the glazing, optical diaphragm in particular vertical in particular linked (outside functional light barrier area) to said converging lens and / or to the LIDAR and / or to the glazing.

[0156]

[0144] For example, the optical diaphragm is a flat or curved piece, for example opaque or made opaque (by a coating, a film, etc.), for example with a thickness of at most 1 cm or 5 mm. The maximum thickness of the optical diaphragm may depend on the distance of the image point from the second surface and / or the distance, if any, from the glazing (if spaced). The piece may be vertical or inclined. The optical diaphragm may preferably be a separate piece (and located at a distance) from any insert in the hole of the second glass pane.

[0157]

[0145] The optical diaphragm (at least the functional part for the light barrier) can be in optical contact with the glazing: with a main face of the glazing or with a support, particularly a multi-functional one, in a hole through the glazing. For example, the optical diaphragm is on face F4, on an insert (glass, plastic) in a hole in the second sheet, within or on a main face of the lamination interlayer, or even on face F2 or face F1.

[0158]

[0146] The optical diaphragm can be a film, in particular a perforated plastic film (opaque or opacified PET at LB1, perforated) or a perforated coating, for example a paint or an opaque enamel at LB1 (on the glazing, on glass, for example on the main internal or external face of the insert or on the second sheet of glass on face F1 or F2).

[0159]

[0147] The image point can be upstream of the glazing, on face F4 within the glazing (laminated interlayer, face F2) and even on face F1 and even beyond face F1. Therefore, the appropriate optical diaphragm is placed.

[0160]

[0148] The near-infrared transmission window can also be protected for the near-infrared transmission window of the reflected beam (single-channel lidar). Another protection can also be provided for the peripheral masking layer (or the other masking layer), with a size similar or different to said protection, particularly a size larger than the optical diaphragm aperture (especially in the case of a dummy transmission window).

[0161]

[0149] In particular, in the absence of the optical diaphragm filling the dedicated and opaque gap in the visible spectrum, the glazing may include a camouflage layer that is opaque in the visible spectrum and transparent at LB1 downstream of the second surface, for example a film or coating:

[0162] - on face F2, F3, or F4, or even on a film (polymer, PET, etc.) within the laminated glass

[0163] - on an insert, in the hole of the second sheet, as described in patent application WO2022 / 219273

[0164] - on a plate (or plate) in a through hole (forming a notch) in the (laminated) glazing.

[0165]

[0150] The camouflage layer forms a selective filter transparent at the working wavelength and opaque in the visible (to mask the sparing, the transmission window).

[0166]

[0151] In the near-infrared transmission window, the glazing may include a functional layer which is preferably a camouflage layer, opaque in the visible and transparent at LB1, in particular disposed in a spare of a peripheral masking layer, downstream of the second surface.

[0167]

[0152] In this text, concerning a refractive index, a numerical index or a standard numeral (or n1, etc.) is used interchangeably; for degrees, deg. or the symbol ° are used interchangeably; the term film or sheet is used interchangeably to designate a self-supporting element (an interleaving sheet becomes an adhesive layer after lamination). The term layer includes a sheet or a coating.

[0168]

[0153] The invention also relates to a lens for a glazing system comprising a vehicle window and a LIDAR with an emission beam having a source field of view with an initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) (and an initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1)) and, at the output of the glazing system, an external field of view with an external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) (and an external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2)), the lens being a converging lens having an optical axis, the converging lens having a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface, the second surface being intended to be oriented towards the outside of the glazing and extending along a plane normal (X, Y) to the optical axis, at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of raised structures,possibly concentric around said optical axis or elongated (preferably horizontal along X), and according to a cross-section (lateral along Y, and even longitudinal along X, or radial) of the structured surface, the set of structures forms an alternation of facets and counter-facets.

[0169]

[0154] The converging lens is arranged and configured so as to receive said LIDAR emission beam on the facets of the structures and all or part of the structures are reference structures, each facet of the reference structure has a rank k greater than or equal to 1 and increasing away from the optical axis and each having an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the converging lens, the angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value increases with the distance to the optical axis (lateral and / or longitudinal, radial), each facet of the reference structure having a height which varies away from the optical axis, so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and optionally so that the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0170]

[0155] Advantageously, the structures are:

[0171] - elongated, particularly along the X-axis (horizontal) normal to the Y-axis (preferably vertical), in particular the section is lateral along the Y-axis, preferably vertical, the distance to the optical axis is along said Y-axis

[0172] - or are concentric around the optical axis (the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is then greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1), in particular the distance to the optical axis is a radial distance, in particular the cut is lateral along said Y axis and / or the cut is longitudinal along the X axis (horizontal) normal to the Y axis.

[0173]

[0156] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the glazing system as described above, the converging lens, in the passenger compartment, being fixed (at the periphery of the functional, useful area) to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle. The LIDAR is specifically linked to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle.

[0174]

[0157] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0175]

[0158] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that, where the features mentioned in the claims are followed by reference numerals, these numerals are included solely for the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and do not in any way limit the scope of the claims.

[0176]

[0159] On the attached drawings:

[0177]

[0160] [Fig. 1] schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing according to a first example of a first embodiment, with a lidar type infrared vision system and a planar Fresnel type converging lens;

[0178]

[0161] [Fig. 2] schematically represents, in top cross-sectional view, the vehicle glazing of the first mode;

[0179]

[0162] [Fig. 3] shows in front view an example of a windscreen opposite a Fresnel-plane converging lens according to a second example of the first embodiment, the laminated glazing possibly comprising a multi-function support (platinum) mounted on an edge of the glazing;

[0180]

[0163] [Fig. 3a] and [Fig. 3b] respectively show a front view (first surface side) of the Fresnel-plane converging lens according to the invention and a partial longitudinal section view of the Fresnel-plane converging lens;

[0181]

[0164] [Fig. 3'] shows three cross-sectional views of Fresnel-plane converging lenses according to the invention;

[0182]

[0165] [Fig. 4] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a third example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, the Fresnel-plane type converging lens being arranged inside the vehicle;

[0183]

[0166] [Fig 4a] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the third example of the first embodiment with optical diaphragm;

[0184]

[0167] [Fig 4b] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to a variant of the third example of the first embodiment with optical diaphragm;

[0185]

[0168] [Fig 4c] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing with optical diaphragm in which the glazing is without hole, the Fresnel-plane type converging lens being arranged inside the vehicle;

[0186]

[0169] [Fig 4d] schematically represents, in top section view, a vehicle glazing with optical diaphragm in which the glazing is without holes, the Fresnel-plane type converging lens being arranged inside the vehicle;

[0187]

[0170] [Fig. 5] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a fourth example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, and the Fresnel-plane type converging lens is arranged inside the vehicle;

[0188]

[0171] [Fig. 6] schematically represents in side cutaway view a vehicle glazing according to a fifth example of the first embodiment with laminated glazing, without holes, and a Fresnel-plane type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which an optical deflector is arranged in the passenger compartment downstream of the LIDAR;

[0189]

[0172] [Fig. 7] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a first example of a second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a part housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0190]

[0173] [Fig 8] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a second example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a part housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0191]

[0174] [Fig. 9] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a third example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing;

[0192]

[0175] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in side section view a vehicle glazing according to a fourth example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a partial notch in the glazing, namely forming a hole in the second sheet of glass and in the interlayer sheet of lamination;

[0193]

[0176] [Fig. 1 1] schematically represents in lateral section view a vehicle glazing according to an example of a third embodiment in which the glazing has a through hole forming a notch and the lidar as well as the Fresnel-plane type converging lens are inside the vehicle opposite the notch housing a plate;

[0194]

[0177] [Fig. 12] shows a front view of an example of the windscreen of figure 11;

[0195]

[0178] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in longitudinal section view, along the X axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of a Fresnel-plane converging lens according to the invention in a first example, in particular showing the height H of the facets as a function of the distance x to the center of the lens;

[0196]

[0179] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in lateral section view, along the Y axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of a Fresnel-plane converging lens of the first example, in particular showing the height H of the facets as a function of the distance y to the center of the lens;

[0197]

[0180] [Fig. 15] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of Fresnel-plane converging lenses according to the invention, each curve showing the angle of inclination of the facets along the radial profile of the first structured surface as a function of the radial distance r;

[0198]

[0181] [Fig. 16] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances (d1) between the source and the Fresnel-plane converging lens according to the invention, each curve showing the angle of inclination A of the facets along the radial profile of the first structured surface as a function of the radial distance r;

[0199]

[0182] [Fig. 17] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of converging Fresnel-plane type lenses according to the invention, each curve showing the profile reconstructed by continuity of the entrance surface from the structured surface;

[0200]

[0183] [Fig. 18] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances (d1 ) between the source and the Fresnel-plane type converging lens according to the invention, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the entrance surface from the structured surface;

[0201]

[0184] [Fig. 19] represents 3 schematic views in partial radial section of a Fresnel-type converging lens - plane according to the invention following three facet alignment configurations;

[0202]

[0185] [Fig. 20] shows a schematic radial partial cross-sectional view of a plane Fresnel-type converging lens according to the invention with two distinct pitch regions.

[0186] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same reference numerals. The figures are not to scale.

[0203]

[0187] Figure 1 schematically represents, in partial view, a vehicle window (preferably a road vehicle windshield), for example, laminated glass with a first principal face 11 (referred to as F1) at the outermost edge and a principal face 14 (referred to as F4), or alternatively 12 (referred to as F2) if it is single glazing. For clarity, the vehicle is assumed to be on a horizontal surface. The lateral (or transverse) cutting plane is thus taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (to the upper longitudinal edge 10 and the lower longitudinal edge of the 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 cutting plane. The plane includes a normal 50 to the glass and a vertical axis Y within the vehicle. Advantageously, the plane passes through the middle of the upper longitudinal edge 10 of the glazing and is a plane of symmetry of the glazing.

[0204]

[0188] The vehicle on which the glazing is installed or intended is, for example, a road vehicle (car, truck, public transport: bus, coach) or a railway vehicle (in particular, vehicles with a maximum speed of 90 km / h or 70 km / h, especially subways and trams). The glazing finds applications particularly in windshields, rear windows, and even side windows (including quarter windows). For clarity, flat glazing is shown in the figures. However, the glazing may have at least one radius of curvature, making it curved. E denotes the thickness of the glazing. The thickness E is generally less than or equal to 1 cm, for example, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm (inclusive).

[0205]

[0189] The glazing 100 is installed or intended to be installed on a vehicle at an angle of inclination, denoted p, with a horizontal axis in the cutting plane. For clarity, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a level surface. The angle of inclination p is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at most 60 degrees, generally between 15 and 20 and preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, for example, 23 or 30 degrees for a motor vehicle windshield. The angle of inclination p has a sign, which is positive here.

[0206]

[0190] The glazing 100 has an upper longitudinal edge 10 and a lower longitudinal edge (not visible).

[0207]

[0191] An infrared vision system 7 is placed here a lidar inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, spaced out and behind the laminated (or single) glazing.

[0208]

[0192] The infrared vision system 7 comprises a light source 71 and a detection device. The light source is arranged and configured to generate a near-infrared emission beam 70. The emission beam 70 is emitted at a working wavelength, LB1, within a spectral range from 800 nm to 1800 nm, in particular from 850 nm to 1600 nm, specifically 905 nm ± 30 nm, 940 nm ± 30 nm, 1310 nm ± 30 nm, and 1550 nm ± 30 nm. The detection device is arranged beside or below the light source 71 and configured to detect reflected radiation in at least a portion of the lidar's field of view outside the vehicle. The detection device is generally oriented parallel to the light source.Depending on the type of lidar used, the emission beam 70 is emitted in a direction that is scanned in two transverse dimensions, or the emission beam 70 extends along a sheet that is scanned in a single direction transverse to the sheet, or the emission beam 70 is of the flash type and does not use scanning. With or without scanning, the emission beam 70 from the light source 71 extends over a source field of view having an initial vertical angular aperture, denoted VFOV1, and an initial horizontal angular aperture, denoted HFOV1, given.

[0209]

[0193] The infrared vision system 7 is placed behind the glazing forming the windshield of a motor vehicle, facing an area, here called the near-infrared transmission window 11, which is preferably located in the central and upper part of the windshield and at its periphery. The transmission window 11, which is a region of the laminated glazing, is transparent to the emission beam of the infrared vision system 7.

[0210]

[0194] The glazing 100 has a peripheral masking layer 5 bonded to the second main face 12. The masking layer is opaque to visible and near-infrared radiation, for example, black, such as an enamel or lacquer coating. The masking layer 5 here has a recess with dimensions greater than the height L1 and the width W1 of the emission beam incident on the inner main face of the glazing 14 F4. The recess in the masking layer allows the passage of the lidar emission beam and the reflected beam towards the detection device. The recess in the masking layer 5 has, for example, a rectangular or trapezoidal shape with two long horizontal sides and two short sides. In this example, the transmission window 11 is thus separated from the upper edge 10 of the glazing by the masking layer 5. There may be several other recesses, for example, to form other optical transmission windows.The masking layer is suitable for masking the lidar 7 housing.

[0211]

[0195] The 100 laminated glass comprises, in more detail:

[0212] - a first sheet of glass 1 intended to form the outer glazing with a first main external face 11 called F1 oriented towards the outside and a second main internal face 12 called F2 oriented towards the passenger compartment; for a motor vehicle, the first sheet of glass 1 preferably has a thickness of at most 4mm, and even of at most 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 (inclusive of the terminals);

[0213] - a laminate interlayer 3 made of polymer material having a main face oriented towards the second internal main face 12 and a main face opposite the main face; 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 at most 1.8 mm, better at most 1.2 mm and even at most 0.9 mm (and better at least 0.3 mm and even at least 0.6 mm), the laminate interlayer 3 is optionally acoustic and / or optionally has a cross-section decreasing in a wedge shape from the top to the bottom of the glazing (in particular a windshield) for a head-up display (HUD); and

[0214] - 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.

[0215]

[0196] 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.

[0216]

[0197] The first glass sheet 1 and the second glass sheet 2, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, silicosodocalcium, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, have a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of not more than 0.05% (500 ppm), preferably not more than 0.03% (300 ppm) and not more than 0.015% (150 ppm), and in particular greater than or equal to 0.005%. The redox potential of the first glass sheet is preferably greater than or equal to 0.15, and in particular between 0.2 and 0.30, and in particular between 0.25 and 0.30. An OPTWHITE glass is chosen in particular.

[0217]

[0198] The first glass sheet and the second glass sheet (not perforated) are made of glass transparent in the near infrared, such for example with a glass composition as described in patent documents WO2018015312 and / or WO2018178278.

[0218]

[0199] For a road vehicle, the second glass pane 2 is preferably thinner than the first glass pane 1, even by as little as 3 mm or 2 mm—in particular 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.6 mm, and 1.4 mm—or even by as little as 1.3 mm, and preferably by at least 0.7 mm, the sum of the thicknesses of the first and second glass panes preferably being strictly less than 5 mm or 4 mm, even 3.7 mm (inclusive).

[0200] The windshield of a road vehicle, in particular, is curved. In a classic and well-known way, the windscreen 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.

[0219]

[0201] The glazing can alternatively be glazing comprising a single sheet of glass. In this case, the glazing 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 passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0220]

[0202] An optical device is arranged along the optical path of the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar; here, it is located in the passenger compartment. This optical device comprises, and is even made up of, a converging lens 20, which is a thin Fresnel-type lens located in the passenger compartment in this first example and protected from the outside by the glazing. The thin converging lens is external to the lidar and is vertical in this instance.

[0221]

[0203] The glazing 100 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 converging lens 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22. Opposite the first surface 21, the second surface 22 is oriented outwards and positioned at a distance from the main face F4 14 of the glazing. An optical axis is defined intersecting the first surface at point 01 and the second surface at point 02.

[0222]

[0204] The converging lens 20 also has a transverse optical axis 45 to the first surface 21 and to the second surface 22. The optical axis of the converging lens 20 is here collinear with the median direction of pointing 40 of the emission beam 70 of the lidar.

[0223]

[0205] The converging lens 20 is, for example, a single piece. The converging lens 20 is, for example, made of one of the following polymer materials: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PU (polyurethane), CPC, or extra-clear glass. The converging lens 20 has, for example, a subcentimeter center thickness of at least 0.1 mm and at most 5 mm or 2 mm. More precisely, at least one surface between the first surface 21 and the second surface has a structured Fresnel-type surface. Preferably, it is the first surface that is structured, and the second surface is flat or curved. The converging lens is said to be a planar Fresnel-type lens.

[0224]

[0206] The converging lens 20 is arranged in the reference plane of the lidar to receive the emission beam 70 emitted by the lidar 7. The second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 is therefore located opposite the near-infrared transmission window 1 11.

[0225]

[0207] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the emission beam is refracted through the first surface 21 and then the second surface 22 of the converging lens 20 and then propagates in free space. For better optical performance, the converging lens therefore has first and second surfaces 21, 22 which have free faces, i.e., faces exposed to air, separated from the glazing and the lidar.

[0226]

[0208] Thus, at the output of the converging lens 20, an emission beam is obtained having an external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 greater than VFOV1 and an external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 greater than HFOV1. The emission beam 70 is transmitted through the glazing 100, here considered as a plate with flat and parallel faces, which does not modify the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 or the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2.

[0227]

[0209] This converging lens 20 makes it possible to reduce the height W1 of the footprint of the lidar emission beam in the window 1 11 of the glazing transmission and the horizontal width L1 of the footprint of the lidar emission beam in the window 11 1 of the glazing transmission, while increasing the external angular openings horizontally and vertically.

[0228]

[0210] The first structured surface 21 is placed at an optical distance d1 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). The distance d1 is preferably at most 300 mm or 200 mm, for example, 10 mm.

[0211] The second flat surface 22 is placed at a distance d2 from the main inner face 14 of the glazing. The distance d2 is preferably at most 30 mm or even at most 10 mm. The converging lens is preferably positioned so as to minimize the distance d2. This minimization of the distance d2 makes it possible to reduce the size of the imprint.

[0229]

[0212] A top edge (the most advanced of the lens) between the second surface 22 and the edge of the converging lens 20 may touch the glazing (at 1 or more points of contact, in particular symbolized by point 03 in Figure 1) or be spaced at most 5cm or 1cm apart.

[0230]

[0213] The converging lens 20 (at least the useful area) may be spaced away from the glazing (excluding the aforementioned contact) and optionally have a peripheral reinforcing portion around the useful area. The converging lens may be integral with the LIDAR and / or the glazing. The converging lens is, for example, fixed to the glazing and / or to a body and / or to a support, particularly a multi-functional one, for example, with other sensors.

[0231]

[0214] For example, the origin point Oi of the first surface 21 is placed at a distance di from the light source 71 of the lidar (real or virtual source, i.e., the point from which the rays emerging from the lidar appear to originate) and the 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 (with an image point 73) of the light source 71 at a distance d3 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 plane XZ orthogonal to the characteristic plane, an image (with an image point 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 pointing (Figure 2). The distance d4 may be different from the distance d3.

[0232]

[0215] In particular, the converging lens 20 has on the second surface (having a free face) and / or on the first surface (having a free face) a surface treatment or a functional layer forming an anti-reflective element.

[0233]

[0216] Preferably, the converging lens has an anti-reflective coating or an anti-reflective layer (mono or multi-layer) on the first surface and / or on the second surface.

[0234]

[0217] In the case of a (mono)layer, in particular a porous silica layer, an anti-reflective layer with an optical refractive index n = 1.3 and a thickness of about 170 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 905 nm and a thickness of about 270 nm for a working wavelength LB1 of 1550 nm is preferred.

[0235]

[0218] The converging lens has, for example, a transmission at wavelength LB1 of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, and even in a near-infrared range extending from at least 850 nm to 1600 nm, and even from 800 to 1800 nm. The converging lens may be transparent in the visible spectrum, for example, with a high visible transmission of at least 75%, 80%, or 85%, or conversely, have a low visible transmission of at most 10%, 5%, or 2%. Preferably, the total thickness of the lens (at least at the center) is subcentimeter.

[0236]

[0219] The converging lens may have a remaining thickness, below the structured surface for example, of at most 1 cm (and preferably at least 0.1 mm or 0.5 mm). The converging lens may be a single piece with the (first) surface partially structured within its thickness. The converging lens may comprise a substrate and a layer having the structured surface (preferably partially structured).

[0237]

[0220] In particular, the general shape of the converging lens (at least of the useful area) is distinct from a disk, notably being polygonal. In particular, the length is greater than the width; naturally, there are then more structures, especially reference structures, along the length than along the width. The converging lens can be obtained from a converging lens with a disk-structured surface (and even with a flat peripheral surface), which has been cut to be rectangular or substantially rectangular. For example, the long sides (longitudinal edges) can be straight and parallel, and the short sides (lateral edges) can be curved or straight and parallel.

[0238]

[0221] For example, the converging lens (including the useful area of ​​the structured surface) is rectangular, particularly when the source field of view is rectangular (wider than it is tall). The length (longitudinal edge) is preferably (approximately) horizontal. In all examples, the given widths and lengths of the converging lens are at least the lengths and widths of the useful area, preferably the structured area (slightly larger than the useful area). The total length and width of the converging lens can be customized (for mounting, etc.).

[0239]

[0222] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b respectively show a front view (first surface side) of the Fresnel-plane converging lens according to the invention and a partial radial (longitudinal or lateral) cross-sectional view of the Fresnel-plane converging lens through the optical axis.

[0240]

[0223] The planar Fresnel type converging lens 20 extends along a plane normal to the optical axis 45. The first surface 21 has (in the useful area, receiving the beam) a structured surface, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, concentric around said optical axis, and according to a radial section (longitudinally for example) of the structured surface, the set of structures form an alternation of facets 211 and counter-facets 212 preferably contiguous and of similar shape section.

[0241]

[0224] Here the converging lens is rectangular (due to the choice of cut) with two straight and parallel longitudinal edges 202, 203 and two curved or straight lateral edges 204, 205 (dashed lines). The converging lens can be extended lengthwise and / or widthwise (beyond the useful area) as desired. Here, some, or even most, of the reference structures form concentric arcs around the optical axis (in front view), notably arcs extending longitudinally along X. In a paraxial region, some reference structures form circles.

[0242]

[0225] The converging lens also has a central surface 201 passing through the optical axis (and containing the point 01) and adjacent (connected) to the structured surface, a (substantially) flat surface of a given equivalent radius. For example, the central surface is a disk.

[0243]

[0226] The converging lens 20 is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam on the central surface and facets of the structures, and all or part of the structures (preferably all of the structures), called reference structures, have facets each having an angle Ak with respect to the plane of the converging lens. A structure is defined by its rank k. The angle Ak of ​​the facets, in absolute value, increases with the radial (lateral, longitudinal) distance. The reference structures each have a height that varies (increases) with distance from the optical axis such that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1 and the external horizontal angular aperture HFOV2 is greater than the initial horizontal angular aperture HFOV1.

[0244]

[0227] The facets of the reference structures are declining. For each facet the height (altitude) decreases as you move away from the optical axis (from the top to the bottom).

[0245]

[0228] In particular, the maximum amplitude of variation of the angles Ak is at least 30°, in particular the variation of Ak in a paraxial region is (approximately) linear.

[0246]

[0229] Each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk (between the base Bk and the apex Sk), Hk increases with the radial distance with preferably a maximum peak-valley height of at most 5 mm. Sk is closer to the center than Bk.

[0247]

[0230] Each reference structure has a pitch p, in particular which is at least 0.1 mm and at most 1 mm; the pitch of the reference structures is here substantially constant. The equivalent radius of the central section is, for example, preferably at most equal to the pitch p of the reference structures.

[0248]

[0231] The counter-facets 212 of the reference structures each present an angle k with the lens plane, which is everywhere equal to 90° (counter-facets normal to the lens plane).

[0232] It may be preferable for the structured surface to be dimensioned for different sets of HFOV1 and VHFOV1 or adapted to a predetermined set of HFOV1 and VHFOV1. As a precaution, the extreme periphery of the structured lens surface does not receive the beam. This is a neutral zone adjacent to the useful zone. For example, the neutral zone is of width (1 mm or better 5 mm and preferably at most 5 cm, 1 cm) and of width 1 mm or better 5 mm and preferably at most 5 cm, 10 cm.

[0249]

[0233] The vertices of the concentric structures form in particular solid rings, for example circular or elliptical or partial, in the form of two annular portions, (for example arcs of circles or elliptical portions) on either side of the center of the optical axis.

[0250]

[0234] More specifically, the vertices of the structures in a paraxial region are solid rings and the vertices (forming edges or rounded at the highest point) of peripheral structures in a marginal region form two disjoint annular portions.

[0251]

[0235] In particular, let NO be the total number of structures along the length (at least in the useful area). Preferably, NO is at least 1000. Naturally, NO depends on the HFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0252]

[0236] In particular, let N1 be the total number of structures along the width (at least in the useful area). Preferably, N1 is at least 20 and preferably at most 800. Naturally, N1 depends on the VFOV1 and on the distance of the lens from the object point.

[0253]

[0237] In particular the useful area of ​​the converging lens is of a length of at least 3cm and even of at most 30cm and of a width of at least 1 mm and even of at most 5cm.

[0254]

[0238] The converging lens can also extend, include a part called extension in one direction (along the length or the width) to facilitate its attachment (to the LIDAR and / or to the glazing in particular to a plate).

[0255]

[0239] In a lens variant, the (first) structured surface differs in that the structures, in relief, extend along the horizontal axis X, while retaining, according to a lateral section along Y, said facets 211 and counter facets 212 with the aforementioned profile along Y.

[0256]

[0240] Fig. 3' shows three radial (e.g. longitudinal) cross-sectional views of Fresnel-plane converging lenses according to the invention.

[0257]

[0241] In a configuration a), the converging lens 20 is monobloc or alternatively with a substrate and a partially structured layer (symbolized by the dotted line).

[0258]

[0242] In a configuration b), the converging lens 20 is monobloc but has a thicker peripheral reinforcement zone for example by means of a plate 24 glued to the second flat surface by means of an adhesive 25, in a zone adjacent to the useful zone which may be opposite the extreme periphery of the structured surface and / or opposite a flat zone of the first surface 21.

[0259]

[0243] The structured surface (the extreme periphery) can thus be adjacent to a flat area of ​​the converging lens (for example, at least 1 cm wide and at least 1 cm long), framing all or part of the useful area,

[0260]

[0244] In a less preferred configuration c), the converging lens 20 is monobloc and is attached to a transparent plate (with parallel faces) via a layer 25' or alternatively comprises a substrate and a partially structured layer and an interface layer (of constant thickness) may be intercalated.

[0261]

[0245] Fig. 3 shows a front view (internal main face side) of a windscreen opposite a Fresnel-plane converging lens according to a second example of the first embodiment, the laminated glazing here comprising a multi-function support called a rectangular 80 plate mounted on an edge of the glazing on face F4 14.

[0262]

[0246] The plate 80 is attached to the rear main face 14 of the glazing, for example by bonding, and / or to the housing 8 and / or to the interior trim of the vehicle's passenger compartment. It is, for example, rectangular in shape, with longitudinal edges 801, 802, and lateral edges 803, 804 of the plate 80. For example, the plate is an opaque plastic, filled with colorants, in particular black (filled with carbon, etc.). The plate 80 may be positioned opposite a large area of ​​the masking layer or extend over the masking layer, which has one or more dedicated areas. For example, the opaque plate includes a first opening (in dotted lines) for example rectangular (or trapezoidal) in the extension of a first spare of the peripheral masking layer 5 (with longitudinal edges 501, 502, and lateral edges 503, 504 forming part of the near-infrared transmission window 1 11.

[0263]

[0247] The opaque plate 80 may include other areas here in the form of through-holes in the thickness 601, 602 to allow optical transmission from one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, openings in the extension of other (dedicated) spares in the peripheral masking layer 5 or even another opening 603 for a thermal camera, an opening in the extension of a through hole in the laminated glazing filled with a material transparent to the far IR if necessary, for example a ZnS crystal.

[0264]

[0248] Naturally, the plate 80 can be located as desired. The transmission window 111 can also be external to the plate 80, for example, beside, below, or above the plate 80, and even be below the upper band of the peripheral masking layer 5, or in a dedicated closed recess (for example, polygonal with four edges, particularly rectangular) or a dedicated recess open on one or more edges, for example, extending from this band (recess open at the lower longitudinal edge and / or a lateral edge). A camouflage layer opposite the recess and / or an optical diaphragm opaque in the visible spectrum can be considered.

[0265]

[0249] Fig. 4 schematically represents a lateral section view of a vehicle glazing 100' (shown here as curved) according to a second example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without a hole, the Fresnel-plane type converging lens being arranged inside the vehicle.

[0266]

[0250] It differs from glazing 100 in that a functional layer 5', for example a solar control layer, is on face F3 13 of the second glass pane, with a gap if necessary in the transmission window area 1 11. For example, the detection device 72 is arranged below the light source 71. The lamination interlayer, for example made of PVB, has an outer main face 31 in adhesive contact with face 12 and an outer main face in adhesive contact with face 12.

[0267]

[0251] If necessary (for more transparency) in the transmission window area, the PVB interlayer 3 may have an opening filled with a more transparent material (especially at 1550nm) for example TPU or EVA (thermoplastic or crosslinked).

[0268]

[0252] The LIDAR infrared vision system 7 and the lens 20 are in a housing 8, for example made of plastic or metal. The housing 8 is attached by a fastening means (not shown) in a removable manner, for example by clipping. The housing 8 is attached, for example (fully) to the fourth main face 14 of the second glass sheet 2 by the fastening means in a removable manner, for example by clipping.

[0269]

[0253] Figure 4a schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window 110 according to a variant of the third example of the first embodiment with an optical diaphragm 7' opaque to near-infrared light at LB1 in order to suppress stray light. It is located on face F4 14 and has a through-hole 75 at the image point 73. The hole (circular or even rectangular) can have an equivalent (or diagonal) diameter of at most 10 mm and even at least 2 mm, in particular 3 to 5 mm. The optical diaphragm can also be opaque to visible light. For example, it can be the same black enamel layer as the masking layer 5 or a black adhesive film.

[0270] Preferably for effective light blocking, the 7' optical diaphragm extends laterally - all around the 75 aperture - by at least 3mm.

[0271] In particular, the optical diaphragm covers the recess 5 of the peripheral enamel layer and, for example, extends a few mm beyond the edges 501, 502 of the recess. This layer 7 allows the lens and the LIDAR 7 to be camouflaged. The reflected beam can, if necessary, have a dedicated transmission window adjacent to window 11.

[0272]

[0254] Figure 4b schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window 120 according to a variant of the third example of the first embodiment with an optical diaphragm. It is a vertically perforated piece spaced (at the optical axis) from face F4 14, which has an opening 75 at the image point 73. For example, it is a black plate 3 mm thick (opaque at LB1) preferably placed as close as possible to face F4.

[0273]

[0255] Figure 4c schematically represents, in a side section view, a vehicle window with the optical diaphragm 7' in which the glazing 130 is monolithic, without a hole, the Fresnel-plane converging lens being located inside the vehicle. For example, it is the same black enamel layer (with its aperture 75) as the masking layer 5 or even an adhesive black film.

[0274] We visualize the rays of the emission beam 112 and the parasitic rays 113 filtered by the optical diaphragm 7'.

[0275]

[0256] Figure 4d schematically represents, in a top cross-sectional view, a vehicle window with an optical diaphragm 7' in which the glazing 130 is monolithic, without a hole, the Fresnel-plane converging lens being located inside the vehicle. For example, it is the same black enamel layer (with its aperture 75) as the masking layer 5 or even an adhesive black film.

[0276] We visualize the rays of the emission beam 112 and the parasitic rays 113 filtered by the optical diaphragm 7'.

[0277]

[0257] Fig. 5 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing according to a third example of the first embodiment in which the glazing is laminated, without holes, and the Fresnel-plane type converging lens is arranged inside the vehicle.

[0278]

[0258] The glazing 150 differs from the previous glazing 140 in that the functional layer is optionally omitted and in that it comprises an opaque plate 80 (multi-sensor, for example, analogous to that described in Figure 3) with an opening opposite the near-infrared transmission window 11 1. The edge with point 03 of the lens 20 may be spaced apart or in contact with the face 14 F4. Also, a more or less large portion of the lens 20 (always vertical) is in the opening of the plate.

[0279]

[0259] The housing 8 is fixed to the plate 80 (or to the face F4 directly) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing (on face 14) via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extruded etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the glazing 120. According to an embodiment the housing 8 is fixed entirely to the plate 80 (in a removable manner).

[0280]

[0260] One or more optical components may be arranged between the light source 71 and the converging lens 20 so as to redirect the emitted beam (whose median direction is pointed 40) towards the converging lens 20. The redirection means may be a mirror or a prism. In this case, the LIDAR may, for example, advantageously point downwards to reduce its size inside the vehicle.

[0281]

[0261] Figure 6 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle window 150' according to a fourth example of the first embodiment with laminated glazing, without a hole, and a flat Fresnel-type converging lens inside the vehicle, in which an optical deflector 76 is arranged in the passenger compartment downstream of the lidar; for example, a plane reflector mirror with a working wavelength LB1. The optical deflector 76 allows the lidar to be positioned as close as possible to the glazing and / or the orientation of the median direction of the pointing 40 to be adjusted. The median direction of the pointing 40 is therefore aligned with the optical axis 45 after reflection on the deflector 76.

[0282]

[0262] The first embodiment with a second integral glass sheet requires that the second glass sheet be transparent at the working wavelength. Furthermore (and Tl independently), it may be envisaged, if necessary, that the lamination interlayer (PVB) be locally perforated (partial hole or, better, through hole) and preferably replaced by a more transparent filling material (liquid or self-supporting film).

[0283]

[0263] In one embodiment, the PVB-based laminate interlayer has a through-hole, called an interlayer hole, in the near-infrared transmission window. This through-hole is filled with a material (preferably an adhesive interlayer) that is more transparent at LB1, for example EVA, between face F2 and face F3.

[0284]

[0264] Figure 7 schematically represents, in cross-section, a vehicle window 200 according to a first example of a second embodiment with laminated glass and a Fresnel-plane converging lens 20 inside the vehicle, wherein the lidar 7 is opposite a part called an insert 3' housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glass. For example, it is extra-clear tempered glass at least 0.3 mm thick, optionally with a camouflage coating on the outer main surface 33 and / or an anti-reflective coating on the inner main surface (towards the passenger compartment) 34.

[0285]

[0265] The edge with point 03 may be spaced from the main face 34 of the insert or in contact.

[0286]

[0266] Here, for example, the housing 8 is fully fixed to the plate 80 (in a removable manner). Of course, the plate is optional.

[0287]

[0267] Furthermore, it may be envisaged, if necessary, that the laminate interlayer (PVB) be locally perforated (partial hole or better through hole) and preferably replaced by an adhesive filling material (liquid or self-supporting film for example TPU EVA) more transparent at the working wavelength and fixing the insert to the glazing.

[0288]

[0268] It may be desirable that the second sheet of glass 2, in particular based on silica, soda-lime, preferably silicic soda-lime, or even aluminosilicate, or borosilicate, have a total iron oxide content (expressed as Fe2O3) by weight of at least 0.4% and preferably not more than 1.5%. The second sheet of glass 2 may be tinted. The second sheet of glass 2 is, for example, based on a glass manufactured by the Applicant called TSAnx (0.5 to 0.6% iron), TSA2+, TSA3+ (0.8 to 0.9% iron), TSA4+ (1% iron), TSA5+, for example, green. A TSA3+ glass 1.6 mm thick is chosen, for example. In this configuration, a through hole is made in the second sheet (at least or even in the interlayer) for the near-infrared transmission window 1 11.

[0289]

[0269] Figure 8 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing 200' according to a second example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a part housed in a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing.

[0290]

[0270] Fig. 9 schematically represents a side-section view of vehicle glazing210 according to a third example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a through hole in the second sheet of glass of the laminated glazing.

[0291]

[0271] It differs from the previous 200' glazing by a 30 spacer hole and the absence of the insert.

[0292]

[0272] Fig. 10 schematically represents, in lateral section view, a vehicle glazing 220 according to a fourth example of the second embodiment with laminated glazing and a Fresnel-plane converging lens inside the vehicle, in which the lidar is opposite a partial notch in the glazing, namely forming a hole in the second sheet of glass and in the interlayer sheet of laminate opening laterally.

[0293]

[0273] The housing 8 is fixed to the plate 80 (or to the face F4 directly) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing on the face 12 via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extruded etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the glazing 120. According to an embodiment the housing 8 is fixed entirely to the plate 80 (in a removable manner).

[0294]

[0274] Figure 11 schematically represents, in a side section view, a vehicle glazing according to a third embodiment in which the glazing 300 has a through hole 4' forming a notch, and the lidar, like the plane Fresnel-type converging lens, is inside the vehicle opposite the notch housing a plate 80' transparent at the working wavelength. Figure 12 shows, in a front view (front side F4), an example of the windshield of Figure 11.

[0295]

[0275] The converging lens 20 is thus opposite a plate 80 (for example, multifunctional, with transmission windows for various sensors) which is inserted at least partially into the through hole 4' formed by holes 4, 30', 1'. For example, the plate 80 is bonded, for instance, by an adhesive 61 to at least the first sheet of glass 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 sheet of glass 1. Optionally, a masking layer 88 (coating) is, for example, applied to the plate 80', opaque in the near-infrared or even in the visible spectrum, for example, black in color. The masking layer 88 protects the adhesive 60 from UV radiation, if necessary. The masking layer 88 has a cutout in the near-infrared transmission window.

[0296]

[0276] The plate 80 (with possibly opacified areas) may include areas 601, 602 suitable for optical transmission from one or more other sensors, such as a rain sensor, a visible camera, or even an opening 603 for a thermal camera (filled with a material transparent to the far IR if necessary, for example a ZnS crystal).

[0297]

[0277] The housing 8 is fixed to the face F4 directly (or to another plate 80) and also to an element of the vehicle for example the roof of the vehicle, in particular to the interior trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or to the bodywork 160 which is glued to the periphery of the glazing on the support 80' via an adhesive 60. A seal 161 (extruded etc) with preferably a lip 162 is between the bodywork 160 and the edge of the support 80'.

[0298]

[0278] It is preferable that the converging lens be protected by the glazing (or an 80' support) and therefore be located inside the passenger compartment. However, a converging lens can be provided on the F1 face side.

[0299]

[0279] The partial hole (Figures 7 to 10) or, respectively, the through hole (Figure 11), is, for example, rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The partial hole 4 or, respectively, the through hole 4' may have rounded corners.

[0300]

[0280] In all examples, an anti-reflective element can be added to the rear and / or front surface of lens 20.

[0301]

[0281] In all examples, the lens may include a lateral extension for fixing it to the glazing system.

[0302]

[0282] In all examples the glazing may include a heating system opposite the near-infrared transmission window, for example a heating layer as described in patent application WO The F1 face may include an anti-reflective element.

[0303]

[0283] EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0304] Table 1 below outlines the main design parameters of an automotive windshield with a rectangular Fresnel-type internal plane lens and a LiDAR sensor in a first example of its implementation. The lens is manufactured by 3D CNC machining and / or molding.

[0305] Painting

[0306] The central surface is flat and has a diameter of 0.1 mm.

[0307]

[0284] The use of this converging lens makes it possible to reduce the footprint of the beam on the glazing vertically and horizontally.

[0308] Of course, all other things being equal, if we increase the step by a factor g, we reduce the number of facets by g times, for example g=10 in table 2.

[0309] Table 2

[0310] In another example the lens is a COP polymer for example K22R with a refractive index of 1.526 at 905nm.

[0311]

[0285] [Fig. 13] represents in radial (longitudinally) sectional view, along the X axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of this Fresnel-plane converging lens (adjacent to the central plane zone 201) in this first example of embodiment, in particular showing the height H of the facets (including the peak-valley height Hk) as a function of the distance x to the center of the lens.

[0312]

[0286] For better visualization the pitch has been increased to 0.5mm.

[0313]

[0287] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in radial (lateral) section view, along the Y axis, the profile of the structured entrance surface of the Fresnel-plane converging lens (adjacent to the central plane area 201) of this first example, in particular showing the height H as a function of the distance y to the center of the lens.

[0314]

[0288] For better visualization the pitch has been increased to 0.5mm.

[0315]

[0289] [Fig. 15] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of converging (here rectangular) Fresnel-plane lenses (influencing HFOV1 and VFOV1), each measuring 30 mm x 5 mm, showing the inclination angle A of the facets along the radial (longitudinal) profile of the first structured surface as a function of the radial distance r and for a distance (d1) between the lens and the source of 110 mm.

[0290] The angle A of the facets of reference structures increases, for example, continuously with the radial distance (rather than in steps).

[0316]

[0291] In radial section along the length, the variation of angle A with the radial distance can be divided into two parts. In the first part (paraxial region), the variation is (approximately) linear, defined by a slope Pe1 greater than 27 mm and less than 157 mm over a fraction x of half the lens length, followed by asymptotic behavior with slower growth. Pe1 varies and decreases as a function of the chosen lens size. The lower the HFOV1 and VFOV1 (for example, HFOV1 is at most 70°, 50°, 20° and VFOV1 is at most 12°, 10°, 5°, 3°), the smaller the lens size can be (at least the useful area, the structured surface). The object-point distance d1 to the lens has a greater influence on the angles A of the most peripheral structures.

[0317]

[0292] Naturally, in radial section along the width, the variation of angle A with the radial distance is (approximately) linear defined by a slope greater than 27mm and less than 157mm.

[0318] Table 3 below shows the values ​​of the slope pel and the linear fraction x for the 5 converging lenses.

[0319] Table 3

[0320]

[0293] Naturally the 30mm x5mm lens allows HFOV1 and VFOV1 to be particularly small.

[0321]

[0294] The footprint of the rectangular LIDAR beam on the glazing is trapezoidal.

[0322] The vertical footprint can be evaluated by the width W1 defined according to the following formula:

[0323] The horizontal footprint can be evaluated by the length L1 according to the following formula:

[0324] Table 4 below shows the influence of the converging lens for the 5 sizes on the vertical footprint (and by comparison the maximum vertical footprint without lens) by placing the windshield 110 mm from the source point at the optical axis.

[0325] Table 4

[0326] Table 5 below shows the influence of the converging lens for the 5 sizes on the horizontal footprint (and by comparison the maximum horizontal footprint without lens) by placing the windshield 110 mm from the source point at the optical axis.

[0327] Table 5

[0328]

[0295] [Fig. 16] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances between the source and the Fresnel-plane type converging lens like that of the first example, with dimensions 30mm x 5mm, each curve showing the angle of inclination A of the facets along the radial profile longitudinally of the first structured surface as a function of the radial distance r.

[0329]

[0296] We observe that the shape of the 3 curves is similar. The greater the distance, the larger A is (at a given radial distance). However, the curves at 110mm and 150mm are almost superimposed.

[0330]

[0297] The following table 6 indicates the values ​​of the slope pel for the 3 distance d1.

[0331] Table 6

[0298] The Pel slopes differ very little.

[0332]

[0299] [Fig. 17] represents a graph with 5 curves for 5 dimensions of converging Fresnel-plane lenses analogous to the first example for a distance (d1) between the lens and the source of 1 10mm, each curve showing the profile reconstructed by continuity of the entrance surface from the first structured surface (surface made up of all the facets of the lens, translated each so as to eliminate all the steps and form a continuous convex profile, called reconstructed profile of the lens).

[0333]

[0300] [Fig. 18] represents a graph with 3 curves for 3 different distances between the source and the Fresnel-plane type converging lens of the first example, with dimensions 30mm x 5mm, each curve showing the reconstructed profile of the entrance surface with the structured surface (high surface of the facets along the longitudinal profile of the structured surface as a function of the distance to the center of the lens).

[0334]

[0301] The reconstructed profiles of the Fresnel-type converging lens according to the invention can be compared to those of equivalent aspheric macroscopic lenses of substantially greater thickness (several centimeters). This comparison highlights local differences in slope between the reconstructed surface of the Fresnel-type converging lens according to the invention and these aspheric macroscopic lenses, demonstrating the unique approach of the Fresnel-type converging lenses according to the invention in beam broadening with a thin optical element.

[0335]

[0302] A reference level (of facet alignment) can be defined along the plane of the converging lens.

[0336]

[0303] [Fig. 19] represents three schematic radial partial section views of a Fresnel-type converging lens - plane 20 - with a first structured entrance surface 21 - according to three facet alignment configurations.

[0337]

[0304] In a first configuration (with centered facets), the facets can be (approximately) centered at a reference level called the median M, i.e., an altitude located at mid-height (Hk / 2), so the variable peak-valley height is distributed on either side of this median altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices Sk of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or A-shaped.

[0338]

[0305] In a second configuration (with constant total thickness), the vertices Sk are aligned with a reference level M, referred to as the high level, i.e., an altitude located at a maximum peak-valley height Hmax. As with the first configuration, the bases Bk do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the bases of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, convex or V-shaped.

[0339]

[0306] In a third configuration (with constant remaining thickness), the bases Bk are aligned with a reference level M, referred to as the base, i.e., a level whose altitude is located at a minimum peak-valley height Hmin. As with the first configuration, the vertices Sk do not have the same altitude. A fictitious line joining the vertices of the facets of the reference structures is, for example, concave or A-shaped.

[0340]

[0307] The choice of facet alignment type depends primarily on manufacturing constraints and / or the mechanical strength of the converging lens. From a mechanical point of view, the third configuration (thickened structures) may be preferred.

[0341]

[0308] [Fig. 20] represents a schematic view in partial radial section (longitudinally for example) of a Fresnel-type converging lens - plane according to the invention with two distinct pitch regions, a paraxial region 27 (adjacent to the central region not shown) with facets 271 and counter facets 272 with a pitch p2 and a marginal region 26 with a pitch p1 greater than p2.

Claims

33 DEMANDS

1. Glazing system comprising a vehicle glazing (100, 100', 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 150', 200, 200', 210, 220, 300), the glazing comprising: a first sheet of glass (1) intended to form the outer glazing with a first external principal face (11) and a second principal face (12) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and, when the glazing is laminated, comprising a second sheet of glass (2) intended to form the inner glazing with a third principal face (13) oriented towards the second principal face (12) and a fourth principal face (14) oriented towards the passenger compartment, and a lamination interlayer (3) of polymer material disposed between the second principal face (12) and the third principal face (13), in particular the glazing being intended to form an angle of inclination (P) less than 90 degrees with a horizontal axis,the glazing system having a near-infrared transmission window (111) at a working wavelength LB1 in a near-infrared range, the near-infrared transmission window (111) being capable of receiving an emission beam (70) at said working wavelength LB1 from a LIDAR (7) intended to be disposed in the vehicle's passenger compartment, the emission beam (70) having a source field of view with an initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and an initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) and at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view with an external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) and an external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2), and an optical device transparent at the working wavelength LB1 intended to provide said external field of view characterized in that: the optical device comprises a converging lens (20), having an optical axis (45),the converging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) opposite the first surface and oriented outwards, and the converging lens extending along a plane normal to the optical axis, at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of structures, in relief, and according to a cross-section of the structured surface, the set of structures forms an alternation of facets (211) and counter-facets (212), the converging lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive the emission beam (70) on the facets of the structures, all or part of the structures are reference structures, each facet of a reference structure has a rank k greater than or equal to 1 and increasing with respect to the optical axis and each having an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the converging lens,The angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value shows an increasing variation with the distance from the optical axis, and each facet of the reference structure has a height that varies with distance from the optical axis, so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1.

2. System according to claim 1 in which the structures are elongated or the structures are concentric around the optical axis.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structured surface is the first surface, all or part of the facets of the reference structures have a vertex Sk and a base Bk and the base Bk is further from the optical axis than the vertex Sk, in particular all or part of the facets of the reference structures are declining, with said height decreasing with respect to the optical axis.

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

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amplitude of the variations of the angles Ak is at least 30°, in particular the variation of Ak in a paraxial region is substantially linear.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each reference structure has a peak-valley height Hk, Hk being variable with the distance to the optical axis with preferably a maximum peak-valley height of at most 5mm and even wherein the total thickness of the lens is subcentrimetric. 34

7. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the first surface is the structured surface, and the peak-valley height Hk increases with the distance to the optical axis.

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

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

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the variation of the angle Ak with the distance to the optical axis is split into two parts, in a first paraxial region, the variation is linear defined by a slope Pe1 greater in absolute value than 27mm and less than 207mm over a fraction x of the half length of the converging lens at least equal to 15% followed in a second part by an asymptotic behavior with a slower decay. [Claim 1 1] System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the converging lens is spaced from the glazing, in particular linked to the glazing and preferably in the passenger compartment, and in particular is substantially vertical, and preferably the converging lens is at the level of a marginal area of ​​the glazing, in particular forming a windscreen.

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

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the converging lens is elongated, in particular non-circular, and preferably the length of the lens is substantially horizontal.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims in which a part, or even the majority, of the reference structures form arcs of concentric circles around the optical axis.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the converging lens is configured to transmit a reference beam from the LIDAR at the working wavelength LB1 with a median pointing direction preferably substantially horizontal and even to receive the median pointing direction substantially horizontal or wherein a reference beam (70) at the working wavelength LB1 of the LIDAR having, upstream of the converging lens, a median pointing direction (40) inclined with respect to a horizontal axis, the system further comprises a deflector (75) disposed upstream of the first surface (21) of the converging lens (20), the deflector being arranged to deflect the reference beam towards the first surface of the converging lens (20), in particular with the median pointing direction horizontal after deflection.

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 functional layer or a surface treatment preferably forming an antireflective element at the working length LB1.

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

18. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an opaque element at the working wavelength LB1 and perforated forms an optical diaphragm (7'), thus having a through-opening in the thickness (75) which is located at the image point (74) of the converging lens, in particular the optical diaphragm being able to filter stray light from said LIDAR emission beam.

19. System according to claim 18 wherein an opaque element at the working wavelength LB1 and perforated forms an optical diaphragm (7'), thus having a through-opening in the thickness which is located at the image point (74) of the converging lens, in particular the optical diaphragm being able to filter stray light from said LIDAR emission beam, the optical diaphragm at least partially covers said spare.

20. System according to the preceding claim in which the optical diaphragm is upstream or downstream of the saving, preferably upstream of the saving.

21. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the near-infrared transmission window, the glazing comprises a functional layer which is preferably a camouflage layer, opaque in the visible and transparent at LB1, in particular disposed in a spare of a peripheral masking layer, downstream of the second surface.

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

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

24. Lens (20) for a glazing system comprising a vehicle window and a LIDAR with an emission beam (70) from a LIDAR having a source field of view of initial vertical angular aperture (VFOV1) and initial horizontal angular aperture (HFOV1) and at the output of the glazing system having an external field of view of external vertical angular aperture (VFOV2) and external horizontal angular aperture (HFOV2), the lens being a converging lens (20) having an optical axis (45), the converging lens (20) having a first surface (21) and a second surface (22), opposite the first surface, the second surface (22) being intended to be oriented towards the outside of the glazing, and the converging lens extending along a plane normal to the optical axis, at least one of said first and second surfaces being structured, the structured surface comprising a set of raised structures,and according to a cross-section of the structured surface, the set of structures forms an alternation of facets (210) and counter-facets (211). The converging lens (20) is arranged and configured so as to receive said emission beam (70) of the LIDAR on the facets of the structures. All or part of the structures are reference structures. Each facet of a reference structure has a rank k greater than or equal to 1 and increasing with respect to the optical axis, and each has an angle Ak with respect to said plane of the converging lens. The angle Ak of ​​the facets in absolute value increases with the distance to the optical axis. Each facet of a reference structure has a height that varies with respect to the optical axis, so that the external vertical angular aperture VFOV2 is greater than the initial vertical angular aperture VFOV1.

25. Lens (20) for glazing system according to the preceding claim wherein the structures are elongated or the structures are concentric around the optical axis.

26. Vehicle comprising the glazing system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the converging lens, preferably in the passenger compartment, being fixed to the glazing and / or to another adjacent area of ​​the vehicle.

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