Indirect vision system with optical sensor unit and protective device and vehicle with the indirect vision system

Abstract

The invention relates to an indirect vision system (1) for a vehicle, wherein the indirect vision system (1) is a camera system, having an optical sensor unit (2) for detecting electromagnetic radiation, and a protective device (3) for shielding the optical sensor unit (2) from environmental influences, which protective device projects axially from a receiving opening (6) of the optical sensor unit (2) in the direction of gravity above the receiving opening (6) and is arranged at least partially around the receiving opening (6), wherein a surface (9) of the protective device (3) is geometrically structured in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation, which is incident in particular at an angle of 0 to 90° to a sensor axis and impinges on the surface (9), is reflected in a direction outside the receiving opening (6) of the optical sensor unit (2) and / or is diffusely scattered and / or absorbed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an indirect vision system for a vehicle. The indirect vision system is a camera system. The indirect vision system has a sensor unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation and a protective device for shielding the sensor unit from environmental influences. The invention also relates to a vehicle with the indirect vision system.

[0002] Such protective devices serve, for example, to protect the indirect vision system, in particular the sensor unit or the receiving opening of the sensor unit, from environmental influences such as precipitation or solar radiation. For example, the protective device protrudes from the sensor unit, in particular in the direction of gravity above a receiving opening of the sensor unit, axially / relative to a sensor axis, and / or is arranged at least partially around the receiving opening of the sensor unit. This means that the protective device is designed in particular in the form of an umbrella, for example in the form of a roof (located in front of the sensor) or a widening funnel, and surrounds the receiving opening at least in sections.

[0003] A disadvantage of such protective devices is that, due to their shape, they can reflect electromagnetic radiation that is incident outside the detection range of the sensor unit towards the sensor unit, so that the reflected, indirect electromagnetic radiation can have a negative effect on the imaging quality of the electromagnetic radiation detected in the detection range and thus impair the functionality of the indirect vision system.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an indirect vision system which avoids or reduces the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular enables a particularly good imaging of the electromagnetic radiation detected in the detection area or a reduction of interference factors.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by an indirect vision system having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] In particular, the object is achieved by an indirect vision system for a vehicle. The indirect vision system is a camera system. The indirect vision system has an optical sensor unit (or a camera) (hereinafter also referred to simply as a sensor unit) for detecting electromagnetic radiation, for example for radiation with different wavelength ranges, in particular (visible) light waves, UV light waves, IR light waves or radar waves, and a protective device for shielding the sensor unit from environmental influences. The protective device protrudes axially / with respect to a sensor axis from a receiving opening of the sensor unit and is arranged at least partially around the receiving opening. This means that the protective device is arranged in front of the receiving opening or an imaging element of the sensor unit and / or surrounds or encloses or shields the receiving opening or the imaging element at least in section.For example, the protective device can extend or widen radially outward from the receiving opening. The protective device is positioned above the receiving opening in the direction of gravity.

[0007] According to the present invention, a surface of the protective device, in particular an inner surface facing the receiving opening or a partial area of ​​the inner surface, is geometrically structured in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation, which is incident in particular at an angle of 0 to 90° (or depending on the application from 0 to 70°) to a sensor axis and impinges on the surface, is reflected in a direction outside the receiving opening and / or is diffusely scattered and / or is (at least partially or largely) absorbed. In other words, at least one surface of the protective device has a geometric structure entirely or in at least a partial area of ​​the surface, wherein the geometric structure is designed such that the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the geometric structure in the direction of the receiving opening or the imaging element of the sensor unit is reduced.

[0008] By reducing the reflection of the light scattered by the protective device in the direction of the sensor unit or the imaging element, i.e. by the directed reflection away from the sensor unit or the imaging element, a high-contrast image can be displayed even in the presence of external light influences, such as vehicle headlights, street lighting or a low sun.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface with the geometric structure of the protective device can be open to the environment, in particular to the exterior of the vehicle. In particular, the surface (to the exterior of the vehicle) can not be covered by a cover glass. This allows unwanted glare effects on the cover glass to be further reduced or avoided.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the indirect vision system can have a camera wing housing. A camera wing housing is understood, in particular, to be an attachment that protrudes (laterally) from the vehicle. The camera wing housing can preferably form an exterior facing the surroundings. The optical sensor unit can preferably be accommodated in the camera wing housing. This means that the camera module is installed in the wing.

[0011] According to the preferred embodiment, the protective device can be formed by the camera wing housing. This means that the protective device is not part of the camera module installed in the wing, but rather part of an outer surface of the camera wing housing. In other words, the protective device forms an outer side of the camera wing. Due to the separate design, the protective device can be suitably adapted to the positioning and design of the optical sensor unit.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface can have depressions and / or elevations, in particular in the form of steps, projections, waves, grooves, notches, and / or ridges. For example, the depressions and / or elevations can be angular / edged or rounded. For example, the depressions and / or elevations can be arranged regularly or irregularly. Furthermore, the surface can be flat, concave, or convex globally, or have a flat, concave, or convex basic shape / extension, and locally have the depressions and / or elevations on the surface. In other words, the geometric structure is at least partially designed as step-like, groove-like, groove-like, wave-like, in an angular and / or rounded shape, and arranged regularly or irregularly. The depressions and / or elevations thus serve to specifically reflect the scattered light at the protective device away from the sensor unit.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device can have a round, in particular circular, cross-section. This means that the protective device, in particular, does not have an angular / square cross-section. This has the advantage of avoiding sharp transitions, which has a positive effect on the properties of the protective device.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device can completely surround the receiving opening. This can reduce glare from light sources mounted on the vehicle, such as headlights.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor unit can be a wide-angle camera. This allows suitable fields of view to be realized.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device can have an opening angle greater than 60°. This ensures that the field of view of an optical sensor unit designed as a wide-angle camera is not impaired.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can be arranged at regular or irregular intervals. This means that the distances (between two depressions or two elevations or a depression and an elevation) can vary or remain constant depending on the application.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can be arranged in regular or irregular alternating patterns. This means that the depressions and / or elevations can be combined or alternated with one another depending on the application.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can be uniform or different. This means that, depending on the application, there can be multiple elevations (or depressions) of the same shape and / or size and / or multiple elevations (or depressions) of different shapes and / or sizes. In particular, different elevations (or depressions) can also be arranged in regular or irregular alternating patterns.

[0020] In other words, the geometric structure can be combined in any way in terms of type (as a depression or projection), in terms of (different or the same) shape, in terms of (different or the same) size and / or in terms of (regular or irregular) arrangement.

[0021] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can be arranged offset one behind the other in a direction of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation. Thus, even a small extension of the depressions and / or elevations transverse to the sensor axis (and thus without protruding into the detection zone) can ensure that all or a large portion of the electromagnetic radiation outside the detection zone of the sensor unit is reflected away from the sensor unit by the depressions and / or elevations.

[0022] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can extend substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the sensor axis. For example, the depressions and / or elevations can be concentric with the sensor axis, in particular circular, circular-arc-shaped, or spiral-shaped (with a slight pitch), or can extend substantially in a plane transverse to the sensor axis. Such a design has proven particularly suitable, for example, in photography, such as in lens hoods of SLR cameras.

[0023] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the depressions and / or elevations can each form a reflective surface that is inclined at an angle of 0° to 135° to the sensor axis and / or to the surface. Depending on the application, the angle can also be 30° to 135°, 45° to 120°, 70° to 110°, or 80° to 100°. Such a design of the reflective surface is particularly suitable for reflecting typical electromagnetic radiation outside the detection range of the sensor unit away from the sensor unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the reflective surfaces of a plurality of depressions and / or elevations can be inclined at different angles. In particular, a reflective surface located farther away from the receiving opening or the imaging element can be inclined at a greater angle than a reflective surface located closer to the receiving opening or the imaging element. This means that the depressions and / or elevations located further forward in the radiation direction can preferably be formed steeper than the depressions and / or elevations located further back in the radiation direction. In this way, typical angles of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation can be reflected particularly well away from the sensor unit.

[0025] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the surface can form an intermediate surface, which is formed by a (total) area between two reflective surfaces. Preferably, a reflective surface positioned upstream of the intermediate surface in the direction of radiation incidence can be configured such that it shields the electromagnetic radiation from the intermediate surface. This means that, due to the formation of the depressions and / or elevations, parts of the surface are shielded from the electromagnetic radiation, so that these parts do not reflect the electromagnetic radiation (and thus, in particular, do not reflect it in the direction of the receiving opening or the imaging element).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface can have a matte region for more diffuse scattering of the electromagnetic radiation. A matte region can be understood, for example, as a region with a gloss level of less than 30 gloss units or less than 15 gloss units. In other words, the surface of the geometric structure can be at least partially designed, e.g., with a matte surface, such that the incident electromagnetic radiation is reflected in a diffusely scattering manner. The diffuse scattering can reduce the proportion of electromagnetic radiation incident into the receiving opening of the sensor unit.

[0027] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the matte region can be formed particularly in the region of a (rounded) edge, for example, at the recesses and / or elevations. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation reflected toward the sensor unit due to the shape can be reduced by diffuse scattering.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface can have a glossy region for the directed reflection of the electromagnetic radiation. A glossy region can be understood, for example, as a gloss level greater than 30 gloss units or greater than 60 gloss units. In other words, the surface of the geometric structure can be at least partially designed, e.g., with a glossy surface, so that the incident electromagnetic radiation is reflected in a directed manner. This supports targeted reflection and prevents the reflected electromagnetic radiation from being scattered (diffusely) in the direction of the sensor unit.

[0029] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the glossy region can be formed particularly in the area of ​​the reflective surface(s). This supports targeted reflection and prevents the reflected electromagnetic radiation from being scattered (diffusely) toward the sensor unit.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface can have an absorbing region, in particular in the form of a black surface or a light-absorbing coating, in particular with an absorption factor of greater than 80%, preferably greater than 90% or 95%, for absorbing the electromagnetic radiation. In other words, the surface of the geometric structure can be at least partially designed, e.g., with a black surface and / or a light-absorbing coating, such that the incident electromagnetic radiation is at least partially absorbed. The absorption can reduce the proportion of electromagnetic radiation incident into the receiving opening of the sensor unit due to reflection by the protective device.

[0031] According to the disclosure, the indirect vision system is a camera system. This means that the sensor unit is an optical sensor unit, in particular with an image sensor and an optical system. According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the camera system can be legally approved. For example, the camera system can be approved according to UN / ECE R46 or UN / ECE R158 or the like. This means that the indirect vision system according to the invention must meet additional legally stipulated requirements, and not just any indirect vision system can form the vision system according to the invention.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the indirect vision system can be configured to accommodate field of vision groups / fields of vision II and IV (according to UN / ECE R46). In particular, with such a vision system, glare effects occur more frequently due to the mandatory arrangement of the optical sensor unit for these fields of vision.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor unit can be formed by exactly one camera and can capture both field of view group II and field of view group IV. This means that two individual cameras are not used, each capturing one of field of view group II and field of view group IV. With such a camera, it is particularly important and difficult to reduce glare effects.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the indirect vision system may have a vehicle interface for mechanical connection to the vehicle.

[0035] According to the preferred embodiment, the vehicle interface can be designed to be mounted on an outer side, in particular in the region of an A-pillar, of the vehicle.

[0036] According to the disclosure, the indirect vision system is a mirror replacement system. According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the indirect vision system can be legally approved, in particular for field of vision groups according to UN / ECE R46. Especially when used as a mirror replacement system, it is essential for driving safety that sufficient image quality with sufficiently high contrast can be ensured.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device can be arranged outside the detection range of the sensor unit. This means that (only) electromagnetic radiation outside the detection range is reflected by the protective device. Thus, the inventive design of the protective device does not absorb, diffusely scatter, or reflect the electromagnetic radiation to be detected away from the sensor unit. This means that the design of the protective device does not have a negative impact on the detection range of the sensor unit.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the camera system can be designed such that the geometric structure is positioned and arranged on the protective device such that the geometric structure reduces the electromagnetic radiation reflected to the imaging element, wherein the electromagnetic radiation reflected to the imaging element is, in particular, the incident electromagnetic radiation (not belonging to the electromagnetic radiation to be detected) from at least one light source from a specific direction with respect to the vehicle and / or the mounting position of the camera. The at least one light source can, for example, be a light source from the headlights of other road users, from ambient headlights, from the vehicle's own headlights, from side marker lights, or the like.In addition, the specific direction may, for example, be a direction from a lateral area of ​​the vehicle, such as from lateral cross traffic at an intersection.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The vehicle has the indirect vision system.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the indirect vision system can be mounted on an outer side, in particular in the area of ​​an A-pillar, of the vehicle.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, a sensor axis of the optical sensor unit can be oriented rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. This means that the indirect vision system serves as a mirror replacement system for a rearview mirror.

[0042] The invention is explained below with the aid of figures. They show: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section of a basic structure of an indirect vision system, Fig. 2 to 8 show longitudinal sections of various embodiments of the indirect vision system according to the invention, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 perspective view of various embodiments of the indirect vision system according to the invention, and Fig. 11 a section of a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the indirect vision system according to the invention.

[0043] The figures are merely schematic and serve solely to clarify the invention. Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The features of the different embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a basic structure of an indirect vision system 1. The indirect vision system 1 is used in a vehicle.

[0045] The indirect vision system 1 is designed as a camera system, in particular as a legally approved camera system. In particular, the indirect vision system 1 can serve as a mirror replacement system.

[0046] The indirect vision system 1 has an optical sensor unit 2 (or a camera) for detecting electromagnetic radiation S and a protective device 3 for shielding the sensor unit from environmental influences U. The optical sensor unit 2 is hereinafter referred to simply as a sensor unit 2.

[0047] The sensor unit 2 can, in particular, have an imaging element 4 and a sensor 5. The sensor unit 2 or the imaging element 4 has, in particular, a receiving opening 6 through which the electromagnetic radiation S can enter the sensor unit 2. The sensor unit 2 can, in particular, have a detection area 7 within which the electromagnetic radiation S is (directly) detected by the sensor unit 2. This means that the sensor unit 2 is designed such that the detection area 7 is detected. The electromagnetic radiation S within the detection area 7 forms an electromagnetic radiation S to be detected or detected. in of the sensor unit 2. The electromagnetic radiation S outside the detection area 7 forms a non-detectable electromagnetic radiation S out the sensor unit 2.

[0048] The sensor unit 2 may preferably be an optical sensor unit, in particular with an image sensor (as the sensor 5) and an optic (as the imaging element 4).

[0049] The protective device 3 protrudes axially, ie with respect to a sensor axis of the sensor unit 2, (from) the receiving opening 6 and / or is arranged at least partially around the receiving opening 6. The protective device 3 is arranged above the receiving opening 6 in the direction of gravity. In particular, the protective device 3 is arranged (radially) outside the detection area 7. The protective device 3 extends essentially along the sensor axis (but not necessarily parallel thereto). The protective device 3 serves to protect the sensor unit 2 from environmental influences such as precipitation or solar radiation or electromagnetic interference, in particular to prevent penetration into the receiving opening 6 or the imaging element 4. In the Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8, the protective device is designed in the manner of a roof arranged in front of the sensor unit 2, the distance of which from the sensor axis can increase (radially) outwards, for example (in a direction away from the sensor unit 2).

[0050] The undetectable electromagnetic radiation S out is reflected at the protective device 3 as a reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref The reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref into the receiving opening 6 of the sensor unit 2 and interact with the detected electromagnetic radiation S in in the sensor unit 2 or on the sensor 5. This influences the detection / imaging of the sensor unit 2 or the sensor 5 in an overlay area or an overlay region 8.

[0051] In particular, if the undetectable electromagnetic radiation S outat an angle of 0° to 90° (or depending on the application at an angle of 0° to 70°) to the sensor axis and / or to the surface 9, the electromagnetic radiation S out on a surface 9 of the protective device 3, in particular on an inner surface (facing the sensor axis) or on a partial area of ​​the inner surface, in the direction of the sensor unit 2.

[0052] According to the invention, the surface 9 of the protective device 3 is geometrically structured, ie formed with a geometric structure, such that the electromagnetic radiation S out is reflected in a direction such that it does not enter the receiving opening 6 (ie is reflected in a direction apart from the receiving opening 6 of the sensor unit 2), and / or is diffusely scattered and / or absorbed. This means that the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation S not to be detected outin the direction of the (receiving opening 6 of the) sensor unit 2 is reduced by the geometric structure of the protective device 3.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a first preferred embodiment of the indirect vision system 1. The surface 9 has steps 10. The steps 10 extend substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the surface 9 or to the sensor axis. The steps 10 each form a reflection surface 11. The reflection surfaces are inclined in particular at an angle of 0° to 135° (or, depending on the application, at an angle of 30° to 135° or of 45° to 120° or of 70° to 110° or of 80° to 100°) to the sensor axis and / or to the surface 9. Preferably, the surface 9 can form an intermediate surface, which is formed by a surface between two reflection surfaces 11, wherein a reflection surface 11 arranged upstream of the intermediate surface in the radiation incidence direction is designed such that it reflects the electromagnetic radiation S outfrom the interface. The formation of the steps 10 shields the undetectable electromagnetic radiation S out or the reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref reflected away from the sensor unit 2.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a second preferred embodiment of the indirect vision system 1. The surface 9 has elevations, in particular in the form of rounded, for example, semicircular cross-sectional projections 12. The projections 12 extend substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the surface 9 or to the sensor axis. The projections 12 each form a reflection surface 13. The reflection surfaces 13 (or a tangent of the reflection surfaces 13) are inclined in particular at an angle of 0° to 135° (or, depending on the application, from 30° to 135° or from 45° to 120° or from 70° to 110° or from 80° to 100°) to the surface 9 and / or the sensor axis. The (respective) tangent of the reflection surface(s) 13 can be located at any point on the projections 12 that serves to reflect the electromagnetic radiation S out Due to the formation of the projections 12, the electromagnetic radiation S which cannot be detected outor the reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref reflected away from the sensor unit 2. In the second embodiment, the surface 9 is globally essentially linear.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of the indirect vision system 1. The surface 9 has the steps 10. The steps 10 can be designed as in the first embodiment. However, the third embodiment is not limited to a design with the geometric structure in the form of steps 10. The steps 10 are or the geometric structure is arranged in a first partial region 14 of the surface 9. In a second partial region 15, which is closer to the sensor unit 2 than the first partial region 14, the surface 9 has no geometric structure or no steps 10. In the second partial region 15, the surface 9 is essentially flat, i.e. without a geometric structure or without depressions and / or elevations. In the third embodiment, the surface 9 is, viewed globally, essentially concavely curved.The curvature is designed in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation S which cannot be detected. out or the reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref is reflected past the receiving opening 6.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the indirect vision system 1. The surface 9 has the steps 10. The steps 10 can be designed as in the first embodiment. However, the fourth embodiment is not limited to a design with the geometric structure in the form of steps 10. The steps 10 are or the geometric structure is arranged in a first partial region 16 of the surface 9. In a second partial region 17, which is further away from the sensor unit 2 than the first partial region 16, the surface 9 has no geometric structure or no steps 10. In the second partial region 17, the surface 9 is essentially flat, i.e. without a geometric structure or without depressions and / or elevations. In the fourth embodiment, the surface 9 is, viewed globally, essentially convexly curved.The curvature is designed in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation S which cannot be detected. out or the reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref is reflected past the receiving opening 6.

[0057] Fig. 6 to 8 show further preferred embodiments of the indirect vision system 1. In this case, a specially adapted region of the indirect vision system 1, which forms the surface 9 with the geometric structure, can be integrally attached to a housing 18 or integrally attached to a housing projection 19 for protection against the environmental influences U (cf. Fig. 6) or integrally on a sensor housing 20 or integrally on a sensor housing projection 21 or separately from the housing projection 19 for protection against environmental influences U (cf. Fig. 7) or on a separate, upstream aperture 22 from the sensor unit 2 or separate from the housing projection 19 for protection against environmental influences U (cf. Fig. 8) be trained.

[0058] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show further preferred embodiments of the indirect vision system 1. The protective device 3 completely surrounds the receiving opening 6 or the sensor unit 2 (cf. Fig. 9) or at least partially (cf. Fig. 10). The protective device 3 is designed in the manner of a lens hood known from photography. The protective device 3 has recesses 23 and / or elevations 24 that extend substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the sensor axis. For example, the recesses 23 and / or elevations 24 can be concentric to the sensor axis, in particular circular (cf. Fig. 9), circular arc (cf. Fig. 10) or spiral-shaped (with a slight pitch), or extend essentially in a transverse plane to the sensor axis.

[0059] Fig.11 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary geometric structure of the protective device 3 according to the invention. The surface 9 has the steps 10. The steps 10 can be designed as in the first embodiment. However, the embodiment is not limited to a design with the geometric structure in the form of steps 10. An edge 25 of the steps 10 is rounded. The surface 9 has a matte area 26, which is formed in particular in the area of ​​the edges of the steps 10. The electromagnetic radiation S that is not to be detected is reflected at the matte area 26. out or the reflected electromagnetic radiation S ref diffusely reflected. The surface 9 has a shiny region 27, which is formed particularly in the region of the reflection surfaces 11 of the steps 10. List of reference symbols 1 Indirect vision system 2 optical sensor unit 3 Protective device 4 imaging element 5 Sensor 6 Receiving opening 7 Detection range 8 Overlay area or overlay surface 9 Surface 10th level 11 Reflection surface 12 lead 13 Reflection surface 14 first section 15 second section 16 first section 17 second section 18 housings 19 Housing projection 20 sensor housings 21 Sensor housing protrusion 22 aperture 23 Deepening 24 Survey 25 edge 26 matt area 27 shiny area U Environmental influences S electromagnetic radiation S in electromagnetic radiation to be detected or detected S out undetectable electromagnetic radiation Sref reflected electromagnetic radiation

Claims

[1] Indirect vision system (1) for a vehicle, wherein the indirect vision system (1) is a camera system, with an optical sensor unit (2) for detecting electromagnetic radiation, and a protective device (3) for shielding the optical sensor unit (2) from environmental influences, which protective device projects axially from a receiving opening (6) of the optical sensor unit (2) in the direction of gravity above the receiving opening (6) and is arranged at least partially around the receiving opening (6), characterized by that a surface (9) of the protective device (3) is geometrically structured in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation, which is incident in particular at an angle of 0 to 90° to a sensor axis and impinges on the surface (9), is reflected and / or diffusely scattered in a direction outside the receiving opening (6) of the optical sensor unit (2). [2] Indirect vision system (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a geometric structuring of the protective device (3) is open to an environment, in particular an outside of the vehicle, and in particular is not covered by a cover glass. [3] Indirect vision system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the indirect vision system (1) has a camera wing housing which forms an outer side towards an environment and accommodates the optical sensor unit (2), wherein the protective device (3) is formed by the camera wing housing. [4] Indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the protective device (3) has a round, in particular circular cross-section and completely surrounds the receiving opening (6). [5] Indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the optical sensor unit (2) is a wide-angle camera and the protective device (3) has an opening angle greater than 60°. [6] Indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the indirect vision system (1) is a legally approved camera system. [7] Indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the indirect vision system (1) is designed to accommodate field of vision groups II and IV according to UN / ECE R46. [8] Indirect vision system (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the optical sensor unit (2) is formed by exactly one camera and detects both the field of view group II and the field of view group IV. [9] Indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the indirect vision system (1) has a vehicle interface (6) for mechanical connection to the vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle interface is designed to be mounted on an outer side, in particular in the region of an A-pillar, of the vehicle. [10] Vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle, with the indirect vision system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the indirect vision system (1) is mounted on an outer side, in particular in the region of an A-pillar, of the vehicle and a sensor axis of the optical sensor unit (2) is oriented rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

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