DE102006023180B4 - Method and arrangement for determining the degree of soiling of at least one glass pane section of a vehicle lighting module - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for determining the degree of soiling of at least one glass pane section (2.2, 2.2 ') of a vehicle light module (2, 2'), with light being generated via at least one light (7, 7 ') arranged in the vehicle light module (2, 2'), the light output (Pm, Pm ') of the light passing through the at least one glass pane section (2.2, 2.2') and / or of the light reflected by the at least one glass pane section (2.2, 2.2 ') is measured and is dependent on the measured light output (Pm, Pm ') the degree of soiling of the at least one glass pane section (2.2, 2.2') is determined, with at least one further lamp provided in the vehicle lamp module (2, 2 ') and / or another vehicle lamp module being switched on or off depending on the determined degree of soiling.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for determining the degree of soiling of at least one glass pane section of a vehicle lighting module.

Conventional vehicles, especially motor vehicles, trucks or motorcycles have different lighting systems, for example, have a plurality of vehicle lamp modules, which are mounted on the front or rear side and on the two longitudinal sides of a vehicle.

Such vehicle lamp modules consist of a light housing having an interior space with at least one glass pane section, via which the light generated by at least one light arranged in the interior of the lamp housing light is emitted to the outside. The radiated light output of the luminaire is significantly reduced at a high degree of contamination of the at least one glass pane section, for example a clear glass pane section or a diffuser pane section. As a result, both the illumination of the road and the visibility of the vehicle is deteriorated by oncoming traffic.

From the DE 100 00 291 A1 are a headlamp with an electric lamp, which radiates light radiation through a lens to the outside, and with a light receiver which receives light from the impurities on the outside of the lens reflected light of the lamp and emits a dependent output signal, and a method for measuring impurities the outside of the lens is known. In front of the light receiver, an optical filter element is arranged, which has its maximum spectral transmittance within at least one spectral intensity maximum of the lamp.

From the DE 196 15 808 A1 is a tail lamp of a vehicle with a brake, a flashing and a tail lamp, which are located behind a light window known. Through this window, the rays emitted by the incandescent rays go outward. In the area of the light window, a light-sensitive sensor is arranged, which is connected to one of the light bulbs via a controller. It controls the intensity of the incandescent lamps as a function of the sensor's signals. If the light window becomes dirty, the brightness is increased.

From the DE 21 37 231 A a device for reporting the contamination of the lens of headlights or lights for vehicles is known, wherein the passage through the lens on the outer lens surface remitted and directed to a specific surface rays are used for visual display or to trigger an electrical switching operation. By the electrical switching process either a signal sign can be given or the cleaning system of the headlights and lights are switched on directly.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a way to detect the degree of contamination at least the glass pane portion of a vehicle lamp module to appropriate measures to eliminate the consequent deteriorated visibility for the driver and the visibility of the vehicle for the other road users to be able to initiate.

The object is achieved by a method and an arrangement according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In order to determine the degree of soiling of the at least one glass pane section of a vehicle lighting module in which light with a light output is generated via at least one luminaire arranged in the vehicle luminaire module, the light output of the light passing through the at least one contaminated glass pane section and / or the light output of the at least luminaire is advantageously achieved measured a dirty glass pane portion of reflected light and determined depending on the degree of contamination of the at least one glass pane section. This has the advantage that the light output of the lamp unit can be adjusted depending on the determined degree of contamination of the glass pane portion of the vehicle lamp module, so as to be able to ensure a predetermined minimum luminous power even with dirty vehicle lamp modules. Here, an adjustment of the light output is only possible so far that the life of the lamp is not significantly reduced.

According to the invention, at least one further lamp provided in the vehicle lighting module and / or another vehicle lighting module is switched on or off depending on the determined degree of contamination.

The light output is measured by means of an integrated in the vehicle lamp module and / or arranged in the region of the glass pane portion of the vehicle lamp module sensor unit and compared to determine the degree of contamination, the measured light output with a predetermined light power setpoint. Subsequently, will depending on the determined degree of contamination increases the light output of the light generated by the lamp to compensate for the pollution-related reduction of the light output of the vehicle lamp module at least partially particularly advantageous.

Additionally or alternatively, depending on the determined degree of contamination, at least one lamp cleaning system provided in the vehicle is controlled or regulated.

Advantageously, the determined degree of contamination is displayed to the driver of the vehicle via a display unit.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention, in particular an arrangement for determining the degree of soiling at least one glass pane section of a vehicle lighting module connected to a control unit are described in more detail by means of selected exemplary embodiments by means of drawings. Show it:

1 exemplarily a vehicle with two vehicle lamp modules;

2 an example of an arrangement for determining the degree of contamination of two connected to a control unit vehicle lighting modules and

3 two flowcharts for determining the degree of contamination of at least one glass pane section of a vehicle lighting module.

In 1 is an example of a vehicle 1 with a first and second vehicle light module 2 . 2 ' shown, wherein the first vehicle lighting module 2 at the front of the vehicle 1 and the second vehicle lamp module 2 ' at the rear of the vehicle 1 are arranged.

The first and second vehicle light module 2 . 2 ' are via a wireless or wired interface, such as electrical leads and / or a bus system 3 with a control unit 4 connected via which the example of a battery unit 5 of the vehicle 1 provided electrical energy controlled the first and second vehicle lighting module 2 . 2 ' is supplied. For example, via the control unit 4 for operating the first and second vehicle lamp module 2 . 2 ' provided electric current I are regulated, whereby the light output P of the first and second vehicle lamp module 2 . 2 ' is adjustable in a predetermined range, wherein the range by the technical characteristics of the first and second vehicle lighting module 2 . 2 ' is predetermined.

Furthermore, for example, the first and / or second vehicle lighting module 2 . 2 ' a headlight cleaning system 6 assigned, which is controlled by the control unit 4 to clean the glass pane section is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the headlamp cleaning system 6 designed as a windshield wiper unit and / or as Reinigungsmittelsprüheinheit.

That with the first and second vehicle light module 2 . 2 ' connected control unit 4 is in 2 illustrated by way of example in a schematic block diagram.

The first and second vehicle light module 2 . 2 ' each have a luminaire housing 2.1 . 2.1 'on, in each case at least one lamp 7 . 7 ' is provided. The luminaire housing 2.1 . 2.1 ' each has at least one glass pane section 2.2 . 2.2 ' on, which is preferably designed as a spreading disc and / or clear glass pane section. The glass pane section 2.2 . 2.2 ' is where the light is 7 . 7 ' opposite region of the first and second vehicle lamp module 2 . 2 ' intended.

When installed, the glass pane section forms 2.2 . 2.2 ' from the body of the vehicle 1 outwardly exposed portion of the first and second vehicle lamp modules 2 . 2 ' out, which due to the arrangement in the rear and / or front of the vehicle 1 subject to increased pollution. The dirt settles at least partially on the outwardly facing surface of the glass pane section 2.2 . 2.2 ' thus attenuating that of the respective lamp 7 . 7 ' generated light. Instead of dirt, snow or a snow / ice mixture can also be the surface of the glass pane section 2.2 . 2.2 ' cover and thus that of the respective lamp 7 . 7 ' dampen generated light.

Within the respective luminaire housing 2.1 . 2.1 ' is a sensor unit 8th . 8th' provided, which also with the control unit 4 connected is. According to the in 2 illustrated embodiment is in the first vehicle lighting module 2 integrated sensor unit 8th for determining the light output P of the at least one soiled glass pane section 2.2 reflected light and the second vehicle light module 2 ' integrated sensor unit 8th' for determining the light output P of the at least one soiled glass pane section 2.2 ' provided by passing light. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit 8th . 8th' when Photodiode element or camera module, in particular CCD camera module formed.

In the control unit 4 a control unit CU is provided which is connected to a memory unit MU. By means of a running in the control unit CU control routine SR is first the light 7 controlled such that it generates light with a light power P.

In the 3 (a) and (b) are two flowcharts for determining the degree of soiling of the glass sheet sections, by way of example 2.2 . 2.2 ' shown.

About the sensor unit 8th of the first vehicle lamp module 2 First, the light output P _m of the at least one dirty glass pane section 2.2 reflected light ( 3 (a) ).

In the second vehicle light module 2 ' is the sensor unit 8th' immediately after the glass pane section 2.2 ' in the interior of the luminaire housing 2.1 'arranged and for measuring the light output P _m ' of the further soiled glass pane section 2.2 provided by passing light ( 3 (b) ).

The respectively measured light power P _m , P _m 'becomes a wireless or wired interface, for example via measuring lines or the bus system 3 transmitted to the control unit CU.

By the control routine SR the respectively measured light power P _m , P _m 'is evaluated. For example, the respectively measured light power P _m , P _m 'is compared with at least one predetermined light power setpoint P _soll , P _soll ', wherein the respective sensor unit 8th . 8th' different light power setpoints P _soll , P _soll 'are assigned.

Depending on the result of the comparison, the degree of soiling of the glass pane section becomes 2.1 . 2.2 ' the first and second vehicle lamp module 2 . 2 ' determined and the light output P in the first and second vehicle lamp module 2 . 2 ' provided light 7 . 7 ' customized.

According to the in 3 (a) flowchart shown is the case of exceeding of the predetermined light power setpoint P _set by the measured light power P _m by the control unit CU for the operation of the lamp 7 supplied current I, for example, increased by a predetermined differential current intensity .DELTA.I. Before an increase in the provided current intensity I, it is checked by means of the control routine SR whether a predetermined maximum current intensity I _{max has} not been exceeded. The maximum amperage I _max is the current that, if exceeded, will damage the luminaire 7 occurs and / or the life of the luminaire 7 is noticeably shortened.

At the in 3 (b) The flowchart shown is by the sensor unit 8th' the light output P _m 'of the outside through the glass pane section 2.2 ' measured through passing light. When the predefined light power setpoint P _soll 'falls below the predetermined light power P _m ', the control unit CU controls the operation of the luminaire 7 ' supplied current I, for example, increased by a predetermined differential current intensity .DELTA.I. The predetermined light power setpoint P _soll 'is determined dynamically in a preferred embodiment, specifically by means of a further sensor unit, not shown in the figures, which represents the currently available external light conditions. The increase of the provided current intensity I 'is in turn possible up to a predetermined maximum current intensity I _max .

In an alternative embodiment, depending on the determined degree of pollution or on the measured light power P _m , P _m ', an additional vehicle lighting module and / or another in the first or second vehicle lighting module 2 . 2 ' provided lamp (not shown in the figures) are switched on. This is the case, for example, when the maximum current intensity I _{max has} already been reached, but the measured light power P _m , P _m 'does not assume the prescribed light power setpoint values P _soll , P _soll .

Also, depending on the determined degree of contamination at least one in the vehicle 1 provided luminaire cleaning system 6 be controlled or regulated. In this case, depending on the determined degree of soiling or on the measured light power P _m , P _m 'via the control unit CU, a control signal is generated, which to the lamp cleaning system 6 is transmitted to initiate a cleaning cycle.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the determined degree of contamination is the driver of the vehicle 1 indicated by a display element, ie the driver can, due to the indicated degree of contamination of the glass pane sections 2.2 . 2.2 ' initiate further cleaning measures manually.

Instead of the described circuit structure of the control unit 4 the individual components can be arranged in whole or in part in a structural unit. The special arrangement is predetermined, for example, by the existing control devices or the respective space requirement.

The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the idea underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2, 2 '

Vehicle lights module

2.1, 2.1 '

luminaire housing

2.2, 2.2 '

Glass panel section

3

Connecting cables or bus system

4

control unit

5

battery unit

6

Headlight washers

7, 7 '

to shine

8, 8 '

sensor unit

CU

Control unit

MU

storage unit

SR

control routine

P

light output

P _m , P _m '

measured light output

P _should , P _soll '

Light output setpoint

I

amperage

I _max

maximum amperage

.DELTA.I

Differential current

Claims (11)

Method for determining the degree of soiling of at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) of a vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ), wherein at least one in the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) arranged light ( 7 . 7 ' ) Light is generated, wherein the light output (P _m , P _m ') of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) passing through the light and / or of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) of reflected light and, depending on the measured light output (P _m , P _m '), the degree of soiling of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) is determined, wherein depending on the determined degree of contamination at least one more in the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) provided light and / or another vehicle lighting module is switched on or off. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the light output (P _m , P _m ') by means of a in the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) and / or in the region of the glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) of the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) arranged sensor unit ( 8th . 8th' ) is measured. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for determining the degree of contamination, the measured light power (P _m, P _m ') with a predetermined optical power set value (P _soll, P _soll') is compared. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that depending on the determined degree of contamination at least one in the vehicle ( 1 ) provided luminaire cleaning system ( 6 ) is controlled or regulated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the determined degree of contamination to the driver of the vehicle ( 1 ) is shown. Arrangement for determining the degree of soiling of at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) one to a control unit ( 4 ) connected vehicle lamp module ( 2 . 2 ' ), wherein in the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) to generate light at least one lamp ( 7 . 7 ' ) is arranged, comprising at least one with the control unit ( 4 ) connected sensor unit ( 8th . 8th' ) for measuring the light output (P _m , P _m ') of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) passing through the light and / or of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) reflected light at which the control unit ( 4 ) for determining the degree of soiling of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) is set up as a function of the measured light output (P _m , P _m ') and in which the control unit ( 4 ) are set up for switching on or off depending on the determined degree of contamination at least one further lamp and / or another vehicle lamp module. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit ( 8th . 8th' ) in the at least one vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) is integrated. Arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) a luminaire cleaning system ( 6 ) is connected, which depends on the determined degree of contamination of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) is controllable. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that for displaying the determined degree of contamination of the at least one glass pane section ( 2.2 . 2.2 ' ) to the control unit ( 4 ) at least one display unit is connected. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) via a wireless or wired interface to the vehicle lighting module ( 2 . 2 ' ) and or the at least one sensor unit ( 8th . 8th' ) connected. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that wired interface as a bus system ( 3 ) or a bus system ( 3 ) in addition to the wireless or wired interface.

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