WO2022200399A1

WO2022200399A1 - Optical detection device and vehicle with at least one optical detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2022200399A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/057572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zdenek Plhak; Donald Peyrot; Marek SYTNY
Original assignee: Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-03-24
Filing date: 2022-03-23
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: DE102021107286A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical detection device (12) for monitoring a monitoring area (16) surrounding a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one optical detection device (12). The optical detection device (12) comprises at least one optical imaging system (22) for imaging light (50) from the monitoring area (16) onto at least one optical sensor (24), at least one optical sensor (24) for converting of light (50) to electrical signals and at least one board (26), on which at least one optical sensor (24) is mounted. An inlet optical axis (36) of the at least one optical imaging system (22) is oblique to a main extension plane (56) of at least one board (26) that carries at least one optical sensor (24).

Description

Optical detection device and vehicle with at least one optical detection device Technical Field

The invention relates to an optical detection device for monitoring a monitoring area sur rounding a vehicle, comprising at least one optical imaging system for imaging light from the monitoring area onto at least one optical sensor, at least one optical sensor for con verting of light to electrical signals and at least one board, on which at least one optical sensor is mounted.

Further, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one optical detection device for monitoring a monitoring area surrounding a vehicle, wherein at least one optical detec tion device comprises at least one optical imaging system for imaging light from the monitoring area onto at least one optical sensor, at least one optical sensor for convert ing of light to electrical signals and at least one board, on which at least one optical sensor is mounted.

State of Technology

From US 20150124098 A1 a vehicular camera is known. The vehicular camera includes a lens, a printed circuit board and an imager. The lens has a plurality of optical element and is disposed at a lens holder. The imager is disposed at the printed circuit board.

It is an objective of the invention to provide an optical detection device and a vehicle of the before mentioned kind, in which the optical detection device has a simpler and/or more space-saving design overall. Particularly, the optical detection device should be easier and/or space-saving to mount on a window, in particular the windshield, of a ve hicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The objective of the invention is achieved with the optical detection device by that an inlet optical axis of the at least one optical imaging system is oblique to a main exten sion plane of at least one board that carries at least one optical sensor.

According to the invention, at least one board is arranged oblique to the inlet optical axis in a space-saving manner. Oblique” means, that at least one board is arranged in an angle different from 0° and 90°, in particular with an angle between 10° and below 90°, to the inlet optical axis. The outer shape of a housing of the optical detection device can thus be adapted to a place of use, in particular a windshield of a vehicle. In this way, the optical detection device can be arranged more flexibly, especially in a space-saving manner, at the place of use.

Overall, the invention can reduce the amount of components, assembly and alignment required. The saved effort can be used for components with higher performance. Espe cially, the saved space can be used for larger components.

Advantageously, the optical sensor can be an imaging sensor. An imaging sensor can capture a two-dimensional image. Advantageously, the optical sensor can be designed to capture also three dimensions or more than three dimensions.

Advantageously, the optical sensor can be a so-called imager. An imager can be a camera chip or image sensor of a camera.

With the at least one optical sensor, light can be converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals can be processed by means of electrical devices, such as electrical processors or the like. At least one optical sensor can have or consist of at least one detector, in particular a point sensor, line sensor or area sensor, in particular an (ava lanche) photodiode, a photodiode array, a CCD sensor, an active pixel sensor, in par ticular a CMOS sensor or the like.

The invention may be used for optical detection devices of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles. The optical detection devices preferably can be used for monitoring areas sur rounding the vehicles. Advantageously, the invention can be used on land vehicles, in particular a passenger cars, lorries, buses, motorcycles or the like, aircraft and/or wa tercraft. The invention may also be used for optical detection systems of vehicles which can be operated autonomously or partially autonomously. However, the invention is not limited to vehicles. It can also be used in stationary operation, robotics and/or machines, in particular construction or transport machines, such as cranes, excavators or the like. The optical detection device may advantageously be connected to or be part of at least one electronic control device of the vehicle or the machine, in particular a driver assis tance system. In this way autonomous or partially autonomous operation of the vehicle or the machine can be enabled.

The optical detection device can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, in par ticular vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, road unevenness, in particular potholes or stones, road limitations, open spaces, in particular parking spaces, precipitations or the like, and/or movements and/or gestures.

According to a favorable embodiment, the inlet optical axis of at least one optical imag ing system may be at an angle to the main extension plane of the at least one board that carries at least one optical sensor other than 90° and/or the inlet optical axis of the at least one optical imaging system may be at an angle of approximately between 10° to 90° to the main extension plane of at least one board that carries at least one optical sensor. In this way, the optical detection device can be arranged on an inclined window, in particular a windshield of a vehicle, to save space.

According to another favorable embodiment, the optical detection device may comprise only one board. Thus, an effort, in particular a material effort, a cost effort and/or an as sembly effort, can be reduced.

According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical sensor can be ar ranged on the same board like other electronic components of the optical detection de vice, such as processing components, power components and/or interface components. Thus, an effort, in particular a material effort, a cost effort and/or an assembly effort, can be further reduced. There is no need for interconnections, particularly flexible intercon nections and/or internal connectors, between the at least one optical sensor and the other electronic components, in particular.

The detection device, in particular the at least one board with electric components, can comprise means for subsequent video processing, creation of product functionalities out of video processing, sending the results over interface components, means for general communication with external interfaces, particularly vehicle interfaces and/or interfaces of driver assistant systems.

Advantageously, only one single board can carry at least one optical sensor and all oth er electronic components of the optical detection system. The space requirement, the component effort and/or the assembly effort can thus be further reduced.

According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical sensor may be located next to one edge of the at least one board, which is closest to the light inlet of at least one imaging system when viewed in the direction of the inlet optical axis and/or at least one optical sensor may be located next to one edge of the at least one board, which is more distant to the inlet of the at least one imaging system when viewed in the direction of the inlet optical axis. This allows the main part of the at least one board to be ar ranged outside the inlet optical axis. If the optical detection device is located at a win dow, in particular an inclined window such as a windshield of a vehicle, the main part of the housing of the housing of the optical detection device, which contains the at least one board, can be located closer to the window.

According to another favorable embodiment, at least one board may be a printed circuit board. In this way, electrical connection with the at least one optical sensor and/or with electrical components on the at least one board can be reliably realized via printed cir cuit board tracks.

Advantageously, at least one board can be flat. This makes it easier and/or space saving to fit the at least one board with at least one optical sensor and, if so, with elec trical components.

Advantageously, at least one board can have a square or rectangular shape. In this way, the at least one board can be produced easier. In addition, the at least one board can be stored in a space-saving manner.

According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical sensor and at least one board can be arranged in a housing of the optical detection device. That way, the com ponents can be protected from the environment. Advantageously, the housing can be ingress protected. In this way, the components in the housing can be protected against moisture and dust.

Advantageously, the shape of a housing of the optical detection device can be adapted to the shape and/or the position the at least one board. In this way, the at least one board can be arranged in the housing in a space-saving order.

Advantageously, the housing can comprise at least one receiving for at least one optical imaging system. This allows the at least one optical imaging system to be mounted pre cisely on the housing.

Advantageously, at least one optical imaging system and, if so, at least one optical de flection device can be fixed to the housing, in particular to a receiving of the housing, during an active alignment. The fixation can be realized by gluing. In this way, additional ingress protection can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, at least some parts of the optical detection device may be connected to each other by screw connections and/or other types of connections.

Advantageously, an axis of a receiving for at least one optical imaging system can be inclined to an extension plane of at least one board. In this way, the at least one board can be arranged inclined to a main axis of the field of view of the optical detection de vice. So, the optical detection device can be mounted on a window, in particular a wind shield of a vehicle, wherein the view direction is inclined to the window. In this way, the optical detection device can be mounted on an slanted window with a spatially horizon tal viewing direction. Advantageously, the detection device can be mounted on the in side of a windshield of a vehicle for monitoring an area in front of the vehicle.

According to another favorable embodiment, at least one optical deflection device can be arranged in the optical path between the light inlet of the at least one optical imaging system and the at least one optical sensor. With the at least one optical deflection de vice, the light can be deflected from the inlet optical axis of the optical imaging system. The optical path can be folded by the at least one optical deflection device. In this way, it is possible to place the at least one optical sensor outside the inlet optical axis of the optical imaging system. This allows more flexibility in the design of the optical detection device. By means of the deflection of the optical axis of the imaging system, the entire : detection device can be adapted to differently shaped mounting locations in a space saving manner. In particular, an optical detection device can be provided for space saving arrangement at an inclined window, wherein light from the monitoring area falls obliquely through the window, i.e. with an angle different from 0° and 90°, in particular with an angle between 10° and below 90°. With the deflection of the light between the optical imaging system and the at least one optical sensor, it is possible to align the at least one optical sensor at an angle to the incident light direction in a space-saving manner.

Because of the more flexible arrangement of the at least one optical sensor, a connec tion to other electronic components of the detection device can be simplified. In particu lar, a need for interconnections, especially flexible interconnection cables and/or internal connectors, can be reduced.

Advantageously, the at least one optical deflection device can comprise at least one refractive optical element and/or at least one reflective optical element and/or at least one diffractive optical element and/or at least one optical prism and/or at least one opti cal hologram. In this way, light can be deflected in an efficient way. The at least one optical deflection device can be any type of optical element that causes a change in the output light angle compared to the input light angle.

Advantageously, optical elements, that comply with Snell’s law to change the angle of the light between 0° and 90°, in particular from 0° to 80°, can be used as optical deflec tion devices.

At least one reflective optical element can be realized by coating of a light transmitting body with light reflecting material, for instance metal, such as aluminum, silver, or the like.

Advantageously, the at least one optical deflection device can comprise at least one reflective prism. In this way, the light rays do not suffer dispersion due to a longer path when entering at one edge of the prism compared to entering at the other edge. Advantageously, the at least one optical deflection device can comprise at least one diffractive hologram. Diffractive holograms can be individually adapted to their applica tion area.

Advantageously, at least one optical imaging system may comprise at least one refrac tive optical element and/or at least one reflective optical element and/or at least one diffractive optical element. With such optical elements the light can be effected. In par ticular, light can be focused on the at least one optical sensor.

Advantageously, at least one optical imaging system can be an objective lens. The ob jective lens can comprise at least one optical lens and/or at least one reflective optical element. The objective lens can be used to create a real optical images of objects.

Advantageously, at least one optical imaging system can be a reflective objective lens. Reflective objective lenses can be realized in one piece.

Advantageously, a reflective objective lens can be made of a monolith of light transmit ting material, in particular glass and/or plastic. The surfaces of the monolith can be formed individually, in particular by carving, cutting or any other molding process. Some surfaces of the monolith can be coated by a light-reflecting layer such as metal, in par ticular aluminum, silver or another reflective metal. The coated surfaces can act like mir rors. With an appropriate set of curved and/or coated surfaces, an image can be pro jected on the at least one optical sensor. These mirrors surfaces can all be microfabri- cated on the surface of one piece of optical medium, particular glass and/or plastic. A reflective surface adjacent to the optical sensor can be either fully or partially reflective. In this way, different types of optical sensors can be attached to the reflective objective lens.

Advantageously, the reflective objective lens formed by the reflective surfaces can also serve to deliver images from conventional reflective objective lenses.

Advantageously, a reflective objective lens can be combined with a reflective objective lenses. In this way, conventional reflective objective lenses can be used without the need of being modified. The reflective objective lens can act like an optical relay be tween the reflective objective lens and the optical sensor.

Since the reflective objective lens can consist of a single part and can be made of one material, there are no problems with different thermal deformations of the various mate rials, as is the case with imaging systems with multiple lenses. Therefore, the effects of thermal deformation are much more predictable and an alignment can be simplified.

Advantageously, the reflective lens can be directly attached to the optical sensor, in par ticular by adhesive bonding. In this way, the risk of contamination of the sensor can be mitigated throughout the life of the sensing device.

Advantageously, the reflective optical lens can be achromatic. Thus, there is no need for correcting chromatic aberrations.

Advantageously, at least a part of at least one optical deflection device can be integrat ed in at least one optical imaging system and/or at least one part of at least one optical deflection device can be separate from at least one part of at least one optical imaging system. By integration of at least one part of the at least one optical deflection device, a manufacturing, an assembly and/or an alignment of the at least one optical imaging sys tem with the at least one deflection device can be simplified. By realizing the optical de flection device separate from the optical imaging system, the parts can be manufactured more individual.

Advantageously, at least one deflection device can comprise at least two deflection el ements. In this way, undesirable optical effects of the deflection elements can compen sate each other.

Advantageously, an optical lens with deflection property can be combined with a prism. The deflection property of the optical lens allowed the use a prism with homogeneous refractive index. Such prisms are less expensive than prisms with gradient refractive index. According to another favorable embodiment, a deflected optical axis of at least one op tical deflection device can extend at an angle to the inlet optical axis of approximately between 10° and 80° and/or the deflected optical axis of at least one optical deflection device can extend at an angle to an image plane of the at least one optical sensor /or to the main extension plane of at least one board of approximately 90°. In this way, the at least one optical sensor can be arranged space-saving outside the inlet optical axis. Further, the image can be projected on the at least one optical sensor without distortion.

The image plane is the plane of the optical sensor into which an image of an object in the monitoring area is protected by the imaging system.

Advantageously, at least one optical deflection device can be at least partly attached to at least a portion of the at least one optical imaging system. In this way, an alignment between the at least one optical deflection device and the other optical elements of at least one optical imaging system can be simplified.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one optical deflection device can be at least partly attached to at least a portion of at least one optical sensor. In this way, an alignment between the at least one optical deflection device and the at least one optical sensor can be simplified.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one optical deflection device can be at least partly attached to at least a portion of at least one board of at least one optical sensor. In this way, the mechanical stability of the whole system can be improved.

The attachments can be realized by means of a material-locking and/or form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection, in particular an adhesive connection, plug-in connection, clamp connection, clip connection, snap-in connection, screw connection or the like.

Advantageously the at least one optical deflection device and the at least one optical imaging system can be part of one single mounting element. In this way, the mounting of the at least one optical deflection device and the at least one optical imaging system during assembly of the optical detection device can be simplified. Advantageously, at least a part of at least one optical deflection device can cover at least a portion of at least one optical sensor. In this way, the at least one optical sensor can be protected by the at least one optical deflection device. Thus, the optical sensor can be protected against dust and/or moisture.

Advantageously, at least a part of at least one optical sensor can be at least partly cov ered by a translucent covering light module. With a covering light module the at least one part of the at least one optical sensor can be protected.

Advantageously, at least one covering light module can be made of translucent materi al, particularly glass or plastic. In this way, the at least one

Advantageously, the covering light module can surround at least one optical sensor, wherein at least the side of the at least one optical sensor is exposed. So, the exposed side of the at least one optical sensor can be connected to the board.

Advantageously, at least one covering light module can have optical deflection property. In this way, the at least one covering light module can act as an optical deflection de vice.

Advantageously, the covering light module can be approximately wedge-shaped. In this way, an inlet of the covering light module can be inclined to an image plane of the at least one optical sensor. The covering light module so can act as an optical deflection device.

Advantageously, the at least one optical sensor can be attached to the covering light module by means of a sealed connection. Advantageously, the at least one optical sen sor can be molded, inserted and/or adhered into the covering light module. In this way, the at least one optical sensor can stay in clean environment.

Advantageously, a shape, a dimension and an optical feature of the covering light mod ule can cause the dirtiness environment behind the covering light module has minimal or negligible impact for image quality that is still compliant with image quality require ments. Additional or alternatively the covering light module can be attached to at least one board, at which the at least one image sensor is attached.

Advantageously, the connection of the at least one optical sensor and the covering light module can be made prior to the mounting process of the at least one optical sensor and a or. In this way, the at least one optical sensor can already be protected with the covering light module during the mounting process.

Alternatively, the connection of the at least one optical sensor and the covering light module can be made after the mounting process of the at least one optical sensor and the order.

According to another favorable embodiment, the optical detection device can be a cam era, in particular a vehicle camera and/or a window camera. A camera can be used to capture images of the monitoring area.

A vehicle camera can be used to monitor a surrounding and/or an interior of the vehicle. A vehicle camera can be a front camera, rear camera, a side camera, a underbody camera or a roof camera.

A window camera can be attached to a window and can be used to monitor the monitor ing area through the window. Advantageously, a window camera can be a windshield camera. A windshield camera can be attached to the windshield of a vehicle.

Furthermore, the objective of the invention is achieved with the vehicle by that an inlet optical axis of the at least one optical imaging system is oblique to a main extension plane of at least one board that carries at least one optical sensor.

According to the invention, the main extension plane is oblique, in particular with an an gle different from 0° and 90°, to an inlet optical axis of the optical detection device. Thus, the at least one optical detection system can be attached to a mount, in particular a window of the vehicle, at an angle with respect to the viewing direction. With the in vention, the optical detection device can be placed at a spatially slanted window and aligned with its viewing direction spatially straight, especially horizontally. When mount ed at an windshield of a vehicle, with the optical deflection device an monitoring area in driving direction in front of the vehicle can be monitored.

According to a favorable embodiment, at least one optical detection device may be mounted on an inclined window. The invention allows the at least one optical deflection device to be pointed through the window at an angle.

According to another favorable embodiment, an inclination angle between the inlet opti cal axis and the window may be approximately between 10° and 90°. In this way, the at least one optical device can be aligned parallel to a main axis of the vehicle, in particu lar a vehicle longitudinal axis. This enables monitoring a monitoring area, in particular in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle or behind the vehicle.

According to another favorable embodiment, the main part of the at least one board may be located on the side of the at least one inlet optical axis facing the window. In this way, the optical detection device can be arranged on the window in a space-saving manner.

Advantageously, the vehicle can comprise at least one driver assistance system. With the driver assistance system, the vehicle can be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously.

Advantageously, at least one optical detection device can be connected to at least one driver assistance system. In this way, information about the monitoring area collected by the at least one optical detection device can be used by the at least one driver assis tance system for autonomous or at least partly autonomous operation of the vehicle.

Otherwise, the features and advantages shown in connection with the inventive optical detection device and the inventive vehicle and their respective advantageous configura tions shall apply mutatis mutandis to each other and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, whereby further advanta geous effects can occur which go beyond the sum of the individual effects. Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and ad vantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embod iments, but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown schematically figure 1 a motor vehicle with a driver assistance system and an optical detection device for monitoring a monitoring area in front of the motor vehicle in the direction of travel; figure 2 a sectional view of an optical detection device according to a first embodi ment at the inside of the windscreen of the motor vehicle from figure 1 ; figure 3 a sectional view of an optical detection device according to a second em bodiment at the inside of the windscreen of the motor vehicle from figure 1 ; figure 4 a sectional view of an optical imaging system of the optical detection de vice according to a third embodiment that can be mounted at the inside of the windscreen of the motor vehicle from figure 1 ; figure 5 a sectional view of an optical imaging system of an optical detection de vice according to a fourth embodiment that can be mounted at the motor vehicle from figure 1 ; figure 6 a sectional view of an optical detection device according to a fifth embodi ment at the inside of the windscreen of the motor vehicle from figure 1 ; figure 7 a sectional view of an optical imaging system of an optical detection de vice according to a sixth embodiment at the inside of the windscreen of the motor vehicle from figure 1.

In the drawings, equal or similar elements are referred to by equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

Embodiment(s) of Invention

Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 in the form of a passenger car in front view. The motor vehicle 10 comprises an optical detection device 12. The detection device 12 is exemplarily located on the inside of the windshield 14 of the vehicle 10. With the de tection device 12, a monitoring area 16 can be monitored for objects in direction of trav el in front of the vehicle 10.

The detection device 12 can also be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10 and can be aligned differently for monitoring areas surrounding the vehicle 10. The objects can be stationary or moving objects, for example other vehicles, persons, animals, plants, ob stacles, uneven road surfaces, for example potholes or stones, road boundaries, traffic signs, open spaces, for example parking spaces, precipitation or similar.

The detection device 12 is connected with a driver assistance system 18. With the driv er assistance system 18 the vehicle 10 can be operated autonomously or semi- autonomously.

The detection device 12 is designed as a so-called front camera. Figure 2 show details of the detection device 12 according to a first embodiment.

The detection device 12 comprises a housing 20, an optical imaging system 22, an opti cal sensor 24, a board 26 exemplary in form of a printed circuit board and multiple elec tronic components 28.

The imaging system 22 exemplary is realized as an objective lens. The imaging system 22 is arranged in a receiving 30 of a housing top 58 of the housing 20.

The imaging system 22 comprises a system housing 32 in form of an lens tube, for ex ample. In the system housing 32 exemplary five optical lenses 34 are arranged in line. The lenses 34 exemplary realized as refractive elements. The lenses 34 as a whole form the optical imaging properties of the imaging system 22. With the lenses 34 the incoming light can be focused. The lenses 34 define an inlet optical axis 36 and the light inlet 38 of the imaging system 22.

Behind the last lens 34 an optical deflection device 40 is arranged in the optical path 42 of the imaging system 22. The deflection device 40 exemplary is realized as a refractive element, for example a prism. Alternatively, the deflection device 40 can be a diffractive element, for example a hologram or a combination of at least one refractive element and at least one diffractive element. In such a combination, the chromatic dispersion of the diffractive element and the refractive element can be opposite and can compensate each other.

With the deflection device 40 the inlet optical axis 36 is deflected. A deflected optical axis 44 at the outlet 46 of the imaging system 22 is at a deflection angle 48 to the inlet optical axis 36. The lenses 34 and the optical deflection device 40 are secured in the system housing 32 by adhesive after alignment, as an example. In the alignment pro cess, the lenses 34 and the optical deflection device 40 are arranged to deflect the light at the defined deflection angle 48. In the example, the deflection angle 48 is about 38°.

With the deflection device 40 light 44 can be deflected from the inlet optical axis 36 in direction to the optical sensor 24. The direction of the light is indicated with arrows 50.

The optical sensor 24 exemplary is realized as an imaging sensor, a so-called imager, for example. With the optical sensor 24 light can be converted into electrical signals. Electrical signals can be processed by means of electrical devices, for example electri cal processors. The optical sensor 24 can capture a two-dimensional image. The optical sensor 24 can have or consist of at least one detector, for example a point sensor, line sensor or area sensor, exemplary an (avalanche) photodiode, a photodiode array, a CCD sensor, an active pixel sensor, in particular a CMOS sensor or the like.

The optical sensor 24 is arranged in the optical path 42 behind the imaging system 22. The deflected optical axis 44 extends at a sensor angle 52 of exemplary approximately 90° to an image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24. The image plane 54 is the plane of the optical sensor 24 into which an image of an object in the monitoring area 16 is pro jected by the imaging system 22.

The optical sensor 24 is attached to a surface of the board 26. The optical sensor 24 is electrically connected to printed circuit board tracks of the board 26. The image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24 is parallel to an extension plane 56 of the board 26. The board 26 is flat. Viewed perpendicular to the extension plane 56, the board 26 is approximately rectangular, by way of example. The extension plane 56 of the board 26 extends at the sensor angle 52 of about 90° to the deflected optical axis 44.

The optical sensor 24 is located next to one edge 57 of the board 26, which is closest to the light inlet 38 of the imaging system 22 when viewed in the direction of the inlet opti cal axis 36. The main part of the board 26 is space-saving arranged outside the inlet optical axis 36 between the inlet optical axis 36 and the windshield 14 and so closer to the windshield 14.

Further, the electronically components 28, such as processing components, power components and interface components, are electrically connected to printed circuit board tracks of the board 26. The interface components are connected to the driver as sistance system 18 so that information from the monitoring area determined by the de tection device 12 can be transmitted to the driver assistance system 18.

With the driver assistance system 18, functions of the vehicle 10 can be controlled de pending on environment information obtained with the detection device 12.

The board 26 with the sensor 24 is fixed in the housing top 58 of the housing 20, for example mechanically. The housing 20 can be assembled from the housing top 58 and a housing bottom 59. The housing 20 exemplary is ingress protected. The housing top 58 and the housing bottom 59 extent substantially according to the extension of the board 26. In the example, an installation axis of the receiving 30 is approximately coaxi al with the inlet optical axis 36 of the imaging system 22. The installation axis and the inlet optical axis 36 extent at a housing inclination angle 60 to the extension plane 56 of the board 26 and to the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24. The housing inclination angle 60 is the difference between the sensor angle 52 and the deflection angle 48. In the example, the housing inclination angle 60 is about 52°.

For production of the detection device 12, the board 26 is first populated with the optical sensor 24 and the electrical components 28. Then, the board 26 with the optical sensor 24 and the electrical components 28 is fixed in the housing top 58, for example by screws.

After that, the optical imaging system 22 with the optical deflection device 40 is active aligned in the receiving 30. For this purpose, the system housing 32 is set in the right position of the receiving 30 and fixed with adhesive. After curing, the adhesive holds the system housing 32 in the right position.

Then, the housing bottom 59 is mounted to the housing top 58.

The housing 20 is attached to the inside of the windshield 14, for example by bonding. Thereby, the imaging system 22 is directed to the windshield 14. The windshield 14 is inclined to a vehicle longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10, for example. The housing 20 is aligned this way, that the inlet optical axis 36 is parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis, for example. Thereby, the inlet optical axis 36 is inclined at an inclination angle 62 to the windshield 14. The inclination angle 62 is approximately between 10° and 90°. In the example the inclination angle 62 is about 22°. Due to the deflection of the inlet optical axis 36 by means of the deflection device 40, the housing top 58 and the housing bot tom 59 with the board 26 can be arranged at an acute angle to the windshield 14 in or der to save space. The main part of the housing 20 with the board 26 is space-saving arranged between the inlet optical axis 36 and the windshield 14 close to the windshield 14.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of an optical imaging system 22 with an optical deflection device 40 of an optical detection device 12. Those elements which are similar to those of the first embodiment of figure 2 are provided with the same reference signs. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the last optical lens 34-1 of the optical imaging system 22 before the optical deflection device 40 has deflec tion properties. The last optical lens 34-1 deflects the light falling on the optical deflec tion device 40 in a defined angle to the inlet optical axis 36 in opposite direction to the deflected optical axis 44. In this way, the requirements for the optical deflection device 40 regarding the reflection index can be reduced. Exemplary, an optical deflection de vice 40 with a homogeneous reflection index can be used. In this way the costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the alignment accuracy requirements can be reduced when manufacturing the optical imaging system 22 with the optical deflection device 40.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of an optical imaging system 22 with an optical de flection device 40 for an optical detection device 12. Those elements which are similar to those of the first embodiment of figure 2 are provided with the same reference signs. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical deflection de vice 40 is a reflection prism. The application of reflection prism is based on the effect of total reflection. Further, the optical sensor 24 is located next to an edge 63 of the board 26 that is more distant to the light inlet 38 of the imaging system 22 when viewed in the direction of the inlet optical axis 36. Moreover, the deflection angle 48 between the de flected optical axis 44 and the inlet optical axis 36 is about 65°. Furthermore, the hous ing inclination angle 60 between the extension plane 56 of the board 26 and the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24 on the one hand and the inlet optical axis 36 on the other hand is about 25°.

Exemplary, the deflection device 40 is a prism with the base of a trapezoid, exemplary an isosceles trapezoid. An entrance surface 64 of the prism facing the light inlet 38 of the optical imaging system 22 is approximately perpendicular to the inlet optical axis 36. An exit surface 66 of the prism facing the outlet 46 of the optical imaging system 22 is approximately perpendicular to the deflected optical axis 44. The large base of the prism between the entrance surface 64 and the exit surface 66 serves as a reflection surface 68. The incident light is totally reflected at the reflection surface 68.

A prism entrance angle 70 between the entrance surface 64 and the reflection surface 68 is set so that light passing through the entrance surface 64 is totally reflected at the reflection surface 68. A prism exit angle 72 between the exit surface 66 and the reflec tion surface 68 is set so that light reflected at the reflection surface 68 passing through the entrance surface 64 without reflection loss. In the example, the prism entrance an gle 70 is equal to the prism exit angle 72. In this way, the alignment of the prism at the optical imaging system 22 can be realized with greater tolerance. The focal length of the optical imaging system 22 takes into account the optical path in the prism of the deflec tion device 40. In the configuration of the optical imaging system 22 with the deflection device 40 in form of a reflection prism, the light rays do not suffer dispersion due to a longer path when entering at one edge of the prism compared to entering at the other edge.

Figure 5 shows a fourth of embodiment of an optical imaging system 22 with an optical deflection device 40 for an optical detection device 12. Those elements which are simi lar to those of the first embodiment of figure 2 are provided with the same reference signs. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical imag ing system 22 and the optical deflection device 40 is realized by one single reflective lens 74. The reflective lens 74 is directly attached to the optical sensor 24, for example by adhesive bonding. So, the sensor 24 is protected by the reflective lens 74. By attach ing the reflective lens 74 directly to the sensor 24, the risk of contamination of the sen sor 24 is mitigated throughout the life of the sensing device 12.

Further, the optical sensor 24 of the fourth embodiment is located next to an edge 63 of the board 26 that is more distant to the light inlet 38 of the imaging system 22 when viewed in the direction of the inlet optical axis 36. Moreover, the deflection angle 48 be tween the deflected optical axis 44 and the inlet optical axis 36 is about 60°. Further more, the housing inclination angle 60 between the extension plane 56 of the board 26 and the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24 on the one hand and the inlet optical axis 36 on the other hand is about 35°.

The reflective lens 74 is made exemplary of an optical monolith, for example class or plastic. The reflective lens 74 has an entrance surface area 76, an exit surface area 78 and exemplary five reflective surface areas 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88. The surface areas 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 of the monolith exemplary are realized by carving.

The reflective lens 74 is coated on the outside in the reflective surface areas 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 with a light-reflecting layer, for example aluminum, silver or other reflective metal. These coated areas act as mirrors for the incoming light. These mirror areas are exemplary microfabricated on the surface of the one piece of optical monolith.

The entrance surface area 76 faces the monitoring area 16. The exit surface area 78 is attached to the optical sensor 24. The entrance surface area 76 is convex curved when viewed from the outside. With the curved entrance surface area 76 light is focused. The entrance surface area 76 defines the inlet optical axis 36 of the imaging system 22.

A first reflective surface area 80 opposite the entrance surface area 76 on the inlet opti cal axis 36 is inclined relative to the inlet optical axis 36 toward the exit surface area 78. The first reflective surface area 80 is slightly curved convex viewed from the entrance surface area 76.

With the first reflective surface area 80, light coming from the entrance surface area 76 is deflected to a second reflective surface area 82. The second reflective surface area 82 is located on the same side of the reflective lens 74 as the entrance surface area 76. The second reflective surface area 82 is located between the inlet optical axis 36 and the exit surface area 78.

With the second reflective surface area 82, light coming from the first reflective surface area 80 is deflected to a third reflective surface area 84. The third reflective surface ar ea 84 is located on the same side of the reflective lens 74 as the first reflective surface area 80. The third reflective surface area 84 is located between the first reflective sur face area 80 and the exit surface area 78.

With the third reflective surface area 84, light coming from the second reflective surface area 82 is deflected to a fourth reflective surface area 86. The fourth reflective surface area 86 is located on the same side of the reflective lens 74 as the entrance surface area 76 and the second reflective surface area 82. The fourth reflective surface area 86 is located between the second reflective surface area 82 and the exit surface area 78. The fourth reflective surface area 86 is slightly curved concave viewed from the third reflective surface area 84.

With the fourth reflective surface area 86, light coming from the third reflective surface area 84 is deflected to a fifth reflective surface area 88. Further, the deflected light is focused. The fifth reflective surface area 88 is located on the same side of the reflective lens 74 as the first reflective surface area 80 and the third reflective surface area 84. The fifth reflective surface area 88 is located between the third reflective surface area 84 and the exit surface area 78. The fifth reflective surface area 86 is nearly plane.

With the fifth reflective surface area 88, light coming from the fourth reflective surface area 86 is deflected through the exit surface area 78 of the reflective lens 74 to the opti cal sensor 24.

The reflective lens 74 deflects the, light coming from the monitoring area 16 to the de flected optical axis 44 on the outlet 46. The deflected optical axis 44 is perpendicular to the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24.

The reflective lens 74 is mechanically robust. Since the reflective lens 74 consists of a single part and is made of one material, there are no problems with different thermal formations of the various materials, as is the case with imaging systems with multiple lenses. Therefore, the effects of thermal deformation are much more predictable and an alignment can be simplified. Further, the reflective lens 74 is achromatic. Thus, there is no need for correcting chromatic aberrations.

Figure 6 shows an optical detection device 12 according to a fifth embodiment. Those elements which are similar to those of the first embodiment of figure 2 are provided with the same reference signs. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical sensor 24 is attached to a covering light module 90. The optical sensor 24 with the covering light module 90 form an optical sensor device 92 for the optical detec tion device 12.

The covering light module 90 is made of translucent material, for example glass or plas tic. The optical sensor 24 is surrounded by material of the covering light module 90 ex cept for the side with which it is connected to the board 26.

The covering light module 90 is approximately cuboid. The edge is facing away from the board 26 are rounded.

The optical sensor 24 is attached to the covering light module 90 by means of a sealed connection. For example, the optical sensor 24 can be molded, inserted and/or adhered into the covering light module 90. So, the optical sensor 24 stays in clean environment. The shape, dimension and optical feature of the covering light module 90 cause the dirt iness environment behind the covering light module 90 has minimal or negligible impact for image quality that is still compliant with image quality requirements. Additional or alternatively the covering light module 90 can be attached to the board 26.

The connection of the optical sensor 24 and the covering light module 90 can be made prior to the mounting process of the optical sensor 24 and the board 26. In this way, the optical sensor 24 can already be protected with the covering light module 90 during the mounting process. Alternatively, the connection of the optical sensor 24 and the cover ing light module 90 can be made after the mounting process of the optical sensor 24 and the board 26.

Later, the optical sensor 24 can be protected with the covering light module 90 against contamination, for example moisture and dust. The further away the contamination is, at fewer blemishes appear on the final image on the optical sensor 24.

Figure 7 shows an optical detection device 12 according to a sixth embodiment. Those elements which are similar to those of the first embodiment of figure 2 and the fifth em bodiment of figure 6 embodiment of figure 6 are provided with the same reference signs. The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the optical deflec tion device 40 is realized as a section of the covering light module 90.

The optical sensor 24 is located at the outlet 46 of the deflection device 40 of the cover ing light module 90.

The covering light module 90 is approximately wedge-shaped. The inlet 92 of the cover ing light module 90 is inclined to the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24. The inlet optical axis 36 is perpendicular to the inlet 92. The deflected optical axis 44 is perpen dicular to the image plane 54 of the optical sensor 24.

Claims

1. Optical detection device (12) for monitoring a monitoring area (16) surrounding a vehicle (10), comprising at least one optical imaging system (22) for imaging light (50) from the monitoring area (16) onto at least one optical sensor (24), at least one optical sensor (24) for converting of light (50) to electrical signals and at least one board (26), on which at least one optical sensor (24) is mounted, characterized in that an inlet op tical axis (36) of the at least one optical imaging system (22) is oblique to a main exten sion plane (56) of at least one board (26) that carries at least one optical sensor (24).

2. Optical detection device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet op tical axis (36) of at least one optical imaging system (22) is at an angle (60) to the main extension plane (56) of the at least one board (26) that carries at least one optical sen sor (24) other than 90° and/or the inlet optical axis (36) of the at least one optical imag ing system (22) is at an angle (60) of approximately between 10° to 90° to the main ex tension plane (56) of at least one board (26) that carries at least one optical sensor (24).

3. Optical detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the op tical detection device (12) comprises only one board (26).

4. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical sensor (24) is arranged on the same board (26) like other electronic components (28) of the optical detection device (12), such as processing components, power components and/or interface components.

5. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical sensor (24) is located next to one edge (57) of the at least one board (26), which is closest to the light inlet (38) of at least one imaging system (22) when viewed in the direction of the inlet optical axis (36) and/or at least one optical sen sor (24) is located next to one edge (63) of the at least one board (26), which is more distant to the inlet (38) of the at least one imaging system (22) when viewed in the direc tion of the inlet optical axis (36).

6. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one board (26) is a printed circuit board.

7. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical sensor (24) and at least one board (26) are arranged in a housing (20) of the optical detection device (12).

8. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one optical deflection device (40) is arranged in the optical path (42) be tween the light inlet (38) of the at least one optical imaging system (22) and the at least one optical sensor (24).

9. Optical detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that a deflected optical axis (44) of at least one optical deflection device (40) extends at an angle (48) to the inlet optical axis (36) of approximately between 10° and 80° and/or the deflected optical axis (44) of at least one optical deflection device (40) extends at an angle (52) to an image plane (54) of the at least one optical sensor (24) and/or to the main extension plane (56) of at least one board (26) of approximately 90°.

10. Optical detection device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the optical detection device (12) is a camera, in particular a vehicle camera and/or a window camera.

11. Vehicle (10) with at least one optical detection device (12) for monitoring a moni toring area (16) surrounding the vehicle (10), wherein at least one optical detection de vice (12) comprises at least one optical imaging system (22) for imaging light (50) from the monitoring area (16) onto at least one optical sensor (24), at least one optical sen sor (24) for converting of light (50) to electrical signals and at least one board (26), on which at least one optical sensor (24) is mounted, characterized in that an inlet optical axis (36) of the at least one optical imaging system (22) is oblique to a main extension plane (56) of at least one board (26) that carries at least one optical sensor (24).

12. Vehicle according to claim 11 , characterized in that at least one optical detec tion device (12) is mounted on an inclined window (14).

13. Vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that an inclination angle (62) be tween the inlet optical axis (36) and the window (14) are approximately between 10° and 90°.

14. Vehicle according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the main part of the at least one board (26) is located on the side of the at least one inlet optical axis (36) fac ing the window (14).