WO2005075247A1 - Vehicle with an infrared illuminator - Google Patents

Vehicle with an infrared illuminator Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005075247A1
WO2005075247A1 PCT/EP2005/000240 EP2005000240W WO2005075247A1 WO 2005075247 A1 WO2005075247 A1 WO 2005075247A1 EP 2005000240 W EP2005000240 W EP 2005000240W WO 2005075247 A1 WO2005075247 A1 WO 2005075247A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
infrared
vehicle
illuminator
installation
exit surface
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Application number
PCT/EP2005/000240
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Wohlgemuth
Gerhard Kurz
Original Assignee
Daimlerchrysler Ag
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Publication date
Application filed by Daimlerchrysler Ag filed Critical Daimlerchrysler Ag
Publication of WO2005075247A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005075247A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/268—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on windscreens or windows
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S17/93—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S17/931—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a vehicle with an infrared illuminator according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Infrared illuminators for illuminating the vehicle environment with light radiation in the infrared wave range for active night vision systems which include, for example, a CCD camera
  • active night vision systems which include, for example, a CCD camera
  • headlights are often designed in the form of headlights and, like normal headlights, require a free area from which the radiation is emitted unhindered, for example in the direction of travel can be.
  • the installation of the infrared headlight is prohibited for reasons of crash or design.
  • strong functional restrictions have to be accepted or the technical implementation is uneconomical.
  • infrared illuminators for vehicles generally work on the basis of halogen headlamps, in which the visible portion of the radiation is filtered out and which are, for example, integrated into the main headlamp or designed as additional headlamps.
  • the disadvantage of these infrared illuminators is the high energy consumption, the large installation volume and the lack of pulse operation.
  • the documents DE 101 26 492 AI, DE 101 31 840 AI and DE 101 38 361 AI each describe a device for improving visibility in a vehicle, in particular in the dark, bad weather and fog.
  • the device comprises an infrared headlight with a light source embodied as a laser diode and optics for illuminating the vehicle surroundings with light rays outside the visible spectrum, the vehicle surroundings being observed with a camera.
  • the light source can be arranged at a protected location in the vehicle and the infrared light can then be guided via light guides to a beam exit surface provided at the front of the vehicle.
  • AI infrared illuminators for surveillance systems which comprise a plurality of infrared luminescent diodes (IR LEDs) and are designed as surface elements.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a vehicle with an infrared illuminator for illuminating the vehicle surroundings, in which the installation locations for the infrared illuminators are optimized to improve visibility in a vehicle.
  • the invention solves this problem by providing a vehicle with an infrared illuminator with the features of claim 1.
  • a semiconductor-based infrared source is constructed and, together with a beam exit surface, is embodied as a structural unit which, in an installation area, specifically in an A-pillar and / or a radiator grille and / or a bonnet and / or a bumper and / or a roof frame and / or an exterior mirror housing is arranged.
  • the arrangement at the locations mentioned ensures that sufficient installation space is available for other lighting functions and that the infrared illuminator for illuminating the vehicle surroundings can be installed independently of other special equipment.
  • the infrared light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and is designed, for example, as a surface element and / or as a headlight.
  • the embodiment as a surface element is particularly suitable for installation locations where there is only a small installation depth.
  • the embodiment as a headlight is particularly suitable for installation locations with a larger available installation depth.
  • the infrared light source can include one or more infrared laser diodes.
  • the shape and color of the beam exit surface is adapted to the installation environment by means of a cover.
  • the cover can be made, for example, opaque and / or colored and / or tinted and / or reflective in the visible light range and transparent in the infrared range.
  • the infrared illuminator can be attached to locations that are optimal for the function without permanently disrupting the design or other functions of the vehicle.
  • the infrared lighting according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in devices for improving the view in a vehicle, the vehicle e.g. can be equipped with an infrared camera for observing a vehicle environment.
  • the single figure shows a schematic perspective view of a passenger car with arrangement options according to the invention for infrared illuminators.
  • one or more infrared illuminators 2 can be used for a vehicle 1 with an infrared light source and a beam exit surface for illumination the vehicle surroundings in an A-pillar 3.1 and / or in a radiator grille 3.2 and / or in a bonnet 3.3 and / or in a bumper 3.4 and / or in a roof frame 3.5 and / or in an exterior mirror housing 3.6.
  • the beam exit surface of the respective infrared illuminator 2 is optimally adapted to the respective installation location by a cover with a colored and / or metallized surface, without permanently disrupting the design or other functions of the vehicle 1.
  • the cover is made by a suitable choice of material, for example glass or plastic, and / or by suitable coating processes (painting, etc.) in such a way that it appears opaque, colored and / or darkly tinted or reflective in visible light and transparent in the infrared light wavelength range and is therefore transparent.
  • the beam exit surface which is shown schematically in the figure as a black stripe, does not appear as such to an observer.
  • the infrared illuminator based on semiconductors is designed as a spotlight and / or as a surface element.
  • the infrared light source is preferably designed as a headlight with a plurality of infrared light-emitting diodes, which are tightly packed in an associated housing, or as an infrared laser. Appropriate optics are assigned to the infrared light source for beam shaping in this embodiment.
  • the infrared light source is designed as a surface element with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (for example up to 200 individual elements). Because the individual elements are geometric can be freely arranged, the infrared light source can be optimally adapted to the respective mounting conditions. It is only necessary to ensure that the beam shaping and alignment of the individual elements add up to the desired radiation distribution.
  • the geometric shape of the infra-red illuminator depends on the desired lighting function and the installation conditions. For example, different strip-like designs, as shown for the infrared illuminator 2 in the figure.
  • the infrared lighting according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in devices for improving the view in a vehicle, in particular in the dark, bad weather and fog, and can be arranged in one or "distributed over several of the named installation locations in the vehicle in order to optimize the view improvement.
  • the device In addition to the infrared lighting described, it also includes a camera that displays the images recorded by the vehicle environment on an associated optical display unit for the driver to see.
  • the infrared illuminator based on Hall conductors is preferably operated in a pulsed manner, as a result of which the image quality of the device for improving the view in a vehicle can be greatly increased.

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) with an infrared illuminator (2) comprising an infrared light source and a beam output surface for illuminating a vehicle environment. According to the invention, the infrared light sources is constructed on a semiconductor basis and is arranged together with the beam output surface as a modular unit in a built-in area in an A column (3.1) and/or radiator grill (3.2) and/or engine bonnet (3.3) and/or bumper (3.4) and/or roof frame (3.5) and/or outer mirror housing (3.6).

Description

Fahrzeug mit Infrarotbeleuchter Vehicle with infrared illuminator
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Fahrzeug mit Infrarotbeleuchter nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a vehicle with an infrared illuminator according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
Infrarotbeleuchter zum Ausleuchten des Fahrzeugumfelds mit Lichtstrahlung im Infrarotwellenbereich für aktive Nacht- Sichtsysteme, die beispielsweise eine CCD-Kamera umfassen, sind häufig in Scheinwerferform ausgeführt und benötigen, wie normale Scheinwerfer, eine freie Fläche, aus der die Strahlung ungehindert, beispielsweise in Fahrtrichtung, abgestrahlt werden kann. An der Fahrzeugfront sind aber kaum geeignete Flächen vorhanden. An manchen Stellen verbietet sich der Einbau des Infrarotscheinwerfers aus Crash- oder Designgründen. An anderen Stellen müssen starke funktionale Einschränkungen in Kauf genommen werden oder die technische Realisierung ist unwirtschaftlich.Infrared illuminators for illuminating the vehicle environment with light radiation in the infrared wave range for active night vision systems, which include, for example, a CCD camera, are often designed in the form of headlights and, like normal headlights, require a free area from which the radiation is emitted unhindered, for example in the direction of travel can be. However, there are hardly any suitable areas on the front of the vehicle. In some places, the installation of the infrared headlight is prohibited for reasons of crash or design. In other places, strong functional restrictions have to be accepted or the technical implementation is uneconomical.
Herkömmliche Infrarotbeleuchter für Fahrzeuge arbeiten in der Regel auf Basis von Halogen-Scheinwerfern, bei denen der sichtbare Anteil der Strahlung herausgefiltert wird und die beispielsweise in den Hauptscheinwerfer integriert oder als Zusatzscheinwerfer ausgeführt sind. Als nachteilig kann bei diesen Infrarotbeleuchtern der hohe Energieverbrauch, das große Einbauvolumen und die fehlende Fähigkeit zum Pulsbetrieb angesehen werden. Zudem sind den Gestaltungsmöglichkeit der Lichtaustrittsfläche sehr enge Grenzen gesetzt, da im Prinzip die gleichen optischen Gesetze wie für normale Scheinwerfer gelten. In den Dokumenten DE 101 26 492 AI, DE 101 31 840 AI und DE 101 38 361 AI ist jeweils eine Vorrichtung zur Verbesserung der Sicht in einem Fahrzeug, insbesondere bei Dunkelheit, schlechter Witterung und Nebel, beschrieben. Die Vorrichtung umfasst einen Infrarotscheinwerfer mit einer als Las rdiode ausgeführten Lichtquelle und einer Optik zur Ausleuchtung des Fahrzeugumfeldes mit Lichtstrahlen außerhalb des sichtbaren Spektrums, wobei das Fa rzeugumfeld mit einer Kamera beobachtet wird. Hierbei kann die Lichtquelle an einem geschützten Ort im Fahrzeug angeordnet sein und das Infrarotlicht kann dann über Lichtleiter zu einer vorne am Fahrzeug vorgesehenen Strahlaustrittsfläche geleitet werden.Conventional infrared illuminators for vehicles generally work on the basis of halogen headlamps, in which the visible portion of the radiation is filtered out and which are, for example, integrated into the main headlamp or designed as additional headlamps. The disadvantage of these infrared illuminators is the high energy consumption, the large installation volume and the lack of pulse operation. In addition, there are very narrow limits to the design options for the light exit surface, since in principle the same optical laws apply as for normal headlights. The documents DE 101 26 492 AI, DE 101 31 840 AI and DE 101 38 361 AI each describe a device for improving visibility in a vehicle, in particular in the dark, bad weather and fog. The device comprises an infrared headlight with a light source embodied as a laser diode and optics for illuminating the vehicle surroundings with light rays outside the visible spectrum, the vehicle surroundings being observed with a camera. In this case, the light source can be arranged at a protected location in the vehicle and the infrared light can then be guided via light guides to a beam exit surface provided at the front of the vehicle.
In der DE 102 30 143 AI ist ein Infrarotscheinwerfer mit einer als Infrarotstrahlungslampe ausgeführten Lichtquelle und einer Optik für ein Kraftfahrzeug beschrieben.DE 102 30 143 AI describes an infrared headlight with a light source designed as an infrared radiation lamp and optics for a motor vehicle.
In der DE 102 17 843 AI ist ein Infrarotscheinwerfer mit einer als Infrarotstrahlungslampe ausgeführten Lichtquelle und einer Optik für ein Kraftfahrzeug beschrieben, der in ein Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfergehäuse integriert ist. Der Einbau der Infrarotbeleuchtung in ein Serienscheinwerfergehäuse ist zwar technisch attraktiv, nimmt jedoch in der Regel einer anderen Lichtfunktion den Einbauraum weg. Dadurch sind einerseits bestimmte Sonderausstattungskombinationen nicht mehr möglich oder es werden bestimmte Sonderausstattungskombinationen erzwungen.DE 102 17 843 AI describes an infrared headlight with a light source designed as an infrared radiation lamp and optics for a motor vehicle, which is integrated in a motor vehicle headlight housing. The installation of infrared lighting in a series headlight housing is technically attractive, but usually takes up the installation space of another light function. As a result, certain optional equipment combinations are no longer possible, or certain optional equipment combinations are enforced.
Zusätzlich sind aus den Dokumenten DE 41 00 654 AI und DE 40 35 457 AI Infrarotbeleuchter für Überwachungsanlagen bekannt, die eine Mehrzahl von Infrarot-Lumineszenzdioden (IR-LEDs) umfassen und als Flächenelemente ausgeführt sind. Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Fahrzeug mit Infrarotbeleuchter zur Ausleuchtung des Fahrzeugumfelds anzugeben, bei dem die Einbauorte für die Infrarotbeleuchter zur Verbesserung der Sicht in einem Fahrzeug optimiert sind.In addition, from the documents DE 41 00 654 AI and DE 40 35 457 AI infrared illuminators for surveillance systems are known, which comprise a plurality of infrared luminescent diodes (IR LEDs) and are designed as surface elements. The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle with an infrared illuminator for illuminating the vehicle surroundings, in which the installation locations for the infrared illuminators are optimized to improve visibility in a vehicle.
Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe durch Bereitstellung eines Fahrzeugs mit Infrarotbeleuchter mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention solves this problem by providing a vehicle with an infrared illuminator with the features of claim 1.
Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
Erfindungsgemäß ist eine Infrarotquelle auf Halbleiterbasis aufgebaut und gemeinsam mit einer Strahlaustrittsfläche als Baueinheit ausgeführt, die in einem Einbaubereich speziell in einer A-Säule und/oder einem Kühlergrill und/oder einer Motorhaube und/oder einem Stossf nger und/oder einem Dachrahmen und/oder einem Außenspiegelgehäuse angeordnet ist . Durch die Anordnung an den genannten Stellen ist gewährleistet, dass für andere Lichtfunktionen genügend Einbauraum zur Verfügung steht und der Infrarotbeleuchter zum Ausleuchten des Fahrzeugumfelds unabhängig von anderen Sonderausstattungen eingebaut werden kann.According to the invention, a semiconductor-based infrared source is constructed and, together with a beam exit surface, is embodied as a structural unit which, in an installation area, specifically in an A-pillar and / or a radiator grille and / or a bonnet and / or a bumper and / or a roof frame and / or an exterior mirror housing is arranged. The arrangement at the locations mentioned ensures that sufficient installation space is available for other lighting functions and that the infrared illuminator for illuminating the vehicle surroundings can be installed independently of other special equipment.
In Ausgestaltung des Infrarotbeleuchters umfasst die Infrarotlichtquelle eine Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden und ist beispielsweise als Flächenelement und/oder als Scheinwerfer ausgeführt. Die Ausführungsform als Flächenelement ist insbesondere für Einbauorte geeignet, an denen nur eine geringe Einbautiefe vorhanden ist. Die Ausführungsform als Scheinwerfer ist insbesondere für Einbauorte mit einer größeren verfügbaren Einbautiefe geeignet . Durch die Verwendung einer Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden kann die Bauform des Infrarotbeleuchters optimal an den Einbauraum angepasst werden. Es muss lediglich sichergestellt werden, dass die Strahlformung und Ausrichtung der Einzelelemente in Summe die gewünschte Strahlungsverteilung ergeben.In an embodiment of the infrared illuminator, the infrared light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes and is designed, for example, as a surface element and / or as a headlight. The embodiment as a surface element is particularly suitable for installation locations where there is only a small installation depth. The embodiment as a headlight is particularly suitable for installation locations with a larger available installation depth. By using a plurality of light-emitting diodes, the design of the infrared illuminator can be optimally adapted to the installation space. It just has to ensure that the beam shaping and alignment of the individual elements add up to the desired radiation distribution.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung kann die Infrarotlichtquelle eine oder mehrere Infrarotlaserdioden beinhalten.In a further embodiment, the infrared light source can include one or more infrared laser diodes.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung ist die Strahlaustrittsfläche durch eine Abdeckung in Form und Farbe an die Einbauumgebung ange- passt .In a further embodiment, the shape and color of the beam exit surface is adapted to the installation environment by means of a cover.
Die Abdeckung kann im sichtbaren Lichtbereich beispielsweise undurchsichtig und/oder farbig und/oder getönt und/oder reflektierend und im Infrarotbereich transparent ausgebildet sein. Dadurch kann der Infrarotbeleuchter an für die Funktion optimalen Stellen angebracht werden, ohne das Design oder andere Funktionen des Fahrzeuges nachhaltig zu stören.The cover can be made, for example, opaque and / or colored and / or tinted and / or reflective in the visible light range and transparent in the infrared range. As a result, the infrared illuminator can be attached to locations that are optimal for the function without permanently disrupting the design or other functions of the vehicle.
Die erfindungsgemäße Infrarotbeleuchtung eignet sich insbesondere zur Verwendung in Vorrichtungen zur Verbesserung der Sicht in einem Fahrzeug, wobei das Fahrzeug z.B. mit einer Infrarot-Kamera zur Beobachtung eines Fahrzeugumfeldes ausgerüstet sein kann.The infrared lighting according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in devices for improving the view in a vehicle, the vehicle e.g. can be equipped with an infrared camera for observing a vehicle environment.
Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird nachfolgend beschrieben.An advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is described below.
Die einzige Figur zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Personenkraftwagens mit erfindungsgemäßen Anordnungs- möglichkeiten für Infrarotbeleuchter.The single figure shows a schematic perspective view of a passenger car with arrangement options according to the invention for infrared illuminators.
Wie aus der Figur ersichtlich ist, können ein oder mehrere Infrarotbeleuchter 2 für ein Fahrzeug 1 mit einer Infrarot- lichtquelle und einer Strahlaustrittsfläche zur Ausleuchtung des Fahrzeugumfeldes in einer A-Säule 3.1 und/oder in einen Kühlergrill 3.2 und/oder in einer Motorhaube 3.3 und/oder in einem Stossfanger 3.4 und/oder in einem Dachrahmen 3.5 und/oder in einem Außenspiegelgehäuse 3.6 integriert sein.As can be seen from the figure, one or more infrared illuminators 2 can be used for a vehicle 1 with an infrared light source and a beam exit surface for illumination the vehicle surroundings in an A-pillar 3.1 and / or in a radiator grille 3.2 and / or in a bonnet 3.3 and / or in a bumper 3.4 and / or in a roof frame 3.5 and / or in an exterior mirror housing 3.6.
Die Strahlaustrittsfläche des jeweiligen Infrarotbeleuchters 2 ist durch eine Abdeckung mit einer farbigen und/oder metallisierten Fläche optimal an den jeweiligen Einbauort ange- passt, ohne das Design oder andere Funktionen des Fahrzeuges 1 nachhaltig zu stören. Die Abdeckung ist durch eine geeignete Materialauswahl, beispielsweise Glas oder Kunststoff, und/oder durch geeignete Beschichtungsverfahren (Lackieren, usw.) so ausgeführt, dass sie im sichtbaren Licht undurchsichtig, farbig und/oder dunkel getönt oder reflektierend wirkt und im Infrarot-Lichtwellenlängenbereich transparent und damit durchsichtig ist . Durch die beschriebene Abdeckung tritt die Strahlaustrittsfläche, die in der Figur jeweils als schwarzer Streifen schematisch gezeigt ist, für einen Betrachter nicht als solche in Erscheinung.The beam exit surface of the respective infrared illuminator 2 is optimally adapted to the respective installation location by a cover with a colored and / or metallized surface, without permanently disrupting the design or other functions of the vehicle 1. The cover is made by a suitable choice of material, for example glass or plastic, and / or by suitable coating processes (painting, etc.) in such a way that it appears opaque, colored and / or darkly tinted or reflective in visible light and transparent in the infrared light wavelength range and is therefore transparent. As a result of the covering described, the beam exit surface, which is shown schematically in the figure as a black stripe, does not appear as such to an observer.
In Abhängigkeit vom Einbauort, insbesondere von der zur Verfügung stehenden Einbautiefe, ist der Infrarotbeleuchter auf Halbleiterbasis als Scheinwerfer und/oder als Flächenelement ausgeführt. Bei einer ausreichend zur Verfügung stehenden Einbautiefe, beispielsweise im Stossfanger 3.4, ist die Infrarotlichtquelle vorzugsweise als Scheinwerfer mit einer Mehrzahl von Infrarotleuchtdioden, die in einem zugehörigen Gehäuse eng gepackt sind, oder als Infrarotlaser ausgeführt. Zur Strahlformung ist bei dieser Ausführungsform der Infrarotlichtquelle eine entsprechende Optik zugeordnet. Bei einer geringen Einbautiefe, beispielsweise im Dachrahmen 3.5 und in der A-Säule 3.1, ist die Infrarotlichtquelle als Flächenelement mit einer Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden (z.B. bis zu 200 Einzelelemente) ausgeführt. Da die Einzelelemente geometrisch frei angeordnet werden können, kann die Infrarotlichtquelle optimal an die jeweiligen Eino-aubedingungen angepasst werden. Es muss lediglich sichergestellt sein, dass Strahlformung und Ausrichtung der Einzelelemente in Summe die gewünschte Strahlungsverteilung ergeben.Depending on the installation location, in particular on the available installation depth, the infrared illuminator based on semiconductors is designed as a spotlight and / or as a surface element. If the installation depth is sufficiently available, for example in the bumper 3.4, the infrared light source is preferably designed as a headlight with a plurality of infrared light-emitting diodes, which are tightly packed in an associated housing, or as an infrared laser. Appropriate optics are assigned to the infrared light source for beam shaping in this embodiment. With a small installation depth, for example in the roof frame 3.5 and in the A-pillar 3.1, the infrared light source is designed as a surface element with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (for example up to 200 individual elements). Because the individual elements are geometric can be freely arranged, the infrared light source can be optimally adapted to the respective mounting conditions. It is only necessary to ensure that the beam shaping and alignment of the individual elements add up to the desired radiation distribution.
Die geometrische Form des Infxrarotbeleuchters richtet sich nach gewünschter Beleuchtungs unktion und den Einbaugegebenheiten. So bieten sich z.B. verschiedene streifenförmige Gestaltungen an, wie sie für die Infrarotbeleuchter 2 in der Figur gezeigt sind.The geometric shape of the infra-red illuminator depends on the desired lighting function and the installation conditions. For example, different strip-like designs, as shown for the infrared illuminator 2 in the figure.
Die erfindungsgemäße Infrarotbeleuchtung eignet sich insbesondere zur Verwendung in Vorrichtungen zur Verbesserung der Sicht in einem Fahrzeug, insbesondere bei Dunkelheit, schlechter Witterung und Nebel , und kann zur Optimierung der Sichtverbesserung an einem oder" verteilt auf mehrere der genannten Ξinbauorte im Fahrzeug angeordnet sein. Die Vorrichtung umfasst zusätzlich zur beschriebenen Infrarotbeleuchtung eine Kamera, welche die vom FaJrzeugumfeld aufgenommenen Bilder auf einer zugehörigen optischen Anzeigeeinheit für den Fahrer sichtbar darstellt.The infrared lighting according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in devices for improving the view in a vehicle, in particular in the dark, bad weather and fog, and can be arranged in one or "distributed over several of the named installation locations in the vehicle in order to optimize the view improvement. The device In addition to the infrared lighting described, it also includes a camera that displays the images recorded by the vehicle environment on an associated optical display unit for the driver to see.
Der Infrarotbeleuchter auf Hallbleiterbasis wird vorzugsweise gepulst betrieben, wodurch die Bildqualität der Vorrichtung zur Verbesserung der Sicht in einem Fahrzeug stark gesteigert werden kann. The infrared illuminator based on Hall conductors is preferably operated in a pulsed manner, as a result of which the image quality of the device for improving the view in a vehicle can be greatly increased.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Fahrzeug mit Infrarotbeleuchter, der eine Infrarotquelle und eine Strahlaustrittsfläche zur Ausleuchtung eines Fahrzeugumfeldes umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Infrarotquelle auf Halbleiterbasis aufgebaut ist und gemeinsam mit der Strahlaustrittsfläche als Baueinheit in einem Einbaubereich in einer A-Säule (3.1) und/oder einem Kühlergrill (3.2) und/oder einer Motorhaube (3.3) und/oder einem Stossfanger (3.4) und/oder einem Dachrahmen (3.5) und/oder einem Außenspiegelgehäuse (3.6) angeordnet ist.1. Vehicle with infrared illuminator, which comprises an infrared source and a beam exit surface for illuminating a vehicle environment, characterized in that the infrared source is constructed on a semiconductor basis and together with the beam exit surface as a unit in an installation area in an A-pillar (3.1) and / or one Radiator grille (3.2) and / or a hood (3.3) and / or a bumper (3.4) and / or a roof frame (3.5) and / or an exterior mirror housing (3.6) is arranged.
2. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Infrarotquelle eine Mehrzahl von Leuchtdioden umfasst und als Flächenelement und/oder als Scheinwerfer ausgeführt ist.2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the infrared source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and is designed as a surface element and / or as a headlight.
3. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Infrarotquelle eine oder mehrere Infrarotlaserdioden umf sst . 3. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the infrared source comprises one or more infrared laser diodes.
4. Fahrzeug nach, einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, gekennzeichnet durch eine Abdeckung für die Strahlaustrittsfläche, die in Form und Farbe an die Einbauumgebung angepasst ist.4. Vehicle according to, one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a cover for the beam exit surface, which is adapted in shape and color to the installation environment.
5. Fahrzeug nach. Anspruch 4 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abdeckung im sichtbaren Lichtbereich undurchsichtig und/oder farbig und/oder getönt und/oder reflektierend ist und im Infrarotbereich transparent ist.5. Vehicle after. Claim 4, characterized in that the cover is opaque and / or colored and / or tinted and / or reflective in the visible light range and is transparent in the infrared range.
6. Fahrzeug nach, einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, gekennzeichnet durch eine Infrarot -Kamera zur Beobachtung eines vom Infrarotbeleuchter beleuchtbaren Fahrzeugumfelds. 6. Vehicle according to, one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by an infrared camera for observing an illuminable vehicle environment by the infrared illuminator.
PCT/EP2005/000240 2004-02-06 2005-01-13 Vehicle with an infrared illuminator WO2005075247A1 (en)

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