OPTICAL DETECTION DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, WHERE THE OPERATION OF A LIGHT SOURCE UNIT IS CARRIED OUT DEPENDING ON A FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE HOUSING, METHOD AND MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical detection device for a motor vehicle. A light source unit of the optical detection device arranged in a housing of the optical detection device can emit light beams through a housing part of the housing from the housing into the surroundings of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method and a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the present case, interest is directed towards an optical detection device for a motor vehicle, in particular a laser scanner. By means of the optical detection device, an area surrounding the motor vehicle can be monitored. Objects in the area surrounding the motor vehicle can be detected and information about the detected object, for example geometric dimensions of the object and a distance of the object from the motor vehicle, can be provided to a driver assistance system. In laser scanners, light beams, in particular a laser beam, are usually emitted from the laser scanner and reflected into the surrounding area via a deflecting mirror. The light is reflected by the object in the surrounding area back to the deflecting mirror and then detected. The deflecting mirror is usually rotatably mounted and is driven by a drive device to rotate about a rotational axis.The light beams are deflected in different scanning directions, thus scanning the surrounding area. At least the light source unit is arranged, in particular, within a housing of the optical detection device.

[0003] DE 10 2014 114 363 A1 discloses a window cap for a housing of an optoelectronic measuring device. To improve the operability of an optoelectronic measuring device under cold weather conditions, the window cap is designed with a window that is transparent to the electromagnetic measuring beams of the measuring device and an edge wall that is angled to the window and forms a circumferential contour. The window cap is pushed onto the outside of a circumferential window edge of the housing and fastened in a section of the edge wall that overlaps the window edge. To remove deposits from the weather on the housing, a cover plate of the housing is heated indirectly via at least one electrical heating conductor. In particular, the heating device is located substantially in the region of the receiving window.With the prior art optical detection device, it can happen that, if the housing is open or if the housing is defective, light rays, particularly those with increased power, from the light source unit are undesirably emitted due to the open housing or the defective housing. This can lead to safety-critical conditions with regard to the undefined exiting light rays. An optical measuring device with a housing and a cover plate is also known from DE 10 2011 122345 A1.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an optical detection device, a method and a motor vehicle in which safety-critical operating states are avoided. This object is achieved by an optical detection device, a method and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to an optical detection device for a motor vehicle. The optical detection device is designed to detect objects in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The optical detection device has a light source unit of the optical detection device arranged in a housing of the optical detection device, in which light beams can be emitted from the housing through a housing part of the housing into the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0006] The optical detection device has a verification unit by means of which a functional state of the housing can be verified. If an actual functional state of the housing deviates from a reference functional state of the housing, a control signal can be generated.

[0007] This has the advantage that the functional state of a component that influences the emission of the light beams, namely the housing, is monitored. Impairing emission is, in particular, emission that deviates from a reference emission. In particular, by comparing the reference functional state with the actual functional state, the current functional state can be precisely categorized. If the detected functional state then does not correspond to the reference functional state, it can be assumed that an operating state with regard to the emission of the light beams is undesirable and can lead to safety-critical situations, especially if the direction of the light beam exit is no longer defined and hits a person.

[0008] In particular, the operation of the light source unit upon detection of an undesirable deviation from the reference functional state may constitute a defined emergency operation. This emergency operation can be specified in such a way that safety-critical situations are avoided, but in particular the emission of the light beams is not completely deactivated.

[0009] The housing part can, for example, be a transparent pane through which the light rays can be sent into the environment and through which a receiving space of the detection device, in which optical components are arranged, is closed so that these components are arranged in a protected manner.

[0010] According to the invention, the functional state of the housing part can be checked by means of the checking unit, and a control signal can be generated if an actual functional state of the housing part deviates from the reference functional state of the housing part. In particular, it can be provided that the light source unit is operated depending on the control signal in the functional state that differs from the reference functional state during reference emission. In this case, it is possible that the removal of the housing part from the housing can be detected and, accordingly, when the housing or housing part is removed, the light source unit can be operated accordingly. This ensures reliable operation of the optical detection device. Accordingly, this is also possible if the housing part has a restricted state that impairs the emission of the light beams.For example, this could be a break in the case part or a crack or a deep scratch.

[0011] It has also proven advantageous if a housing part removed from the housing is in an actual functional state that deviates from the reference functional state. In particular, it can be provided that a contact spring arranged on the housing is in contact with the housing part, and as soon as the contact spring is no longer in contact with the housing part, the housing part is detected as removed. This allows the actual functional state to be reliably detected when the housing part is removed. Once it is then detected that the housing part has been removed, the light source unit can be operated accordingly.

[0012] It has also proven advantageous if a break, crack, and / or deep scratch in the housing component represents an actual functional state that deviates from the reference functional state. In particular, even minor damage to the housing component, such as stone chips or weather-related cracks, can then be detected, which could impair the emission of the light beams. In particular, this allows the optical detection device to operate even more reliably.

[0013] According to the invention, the housing and / or the housing part has at least one electrically conductive element integrated into the housing and / or the housing part, at least in some regions, and by checking the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive element, a functional state of the housing can be determined. In particular, it is provided that the electrically conductive element does not impair the emission of the light rays. In particular, the housing and / or the housing part can be connected to the electrically conductive element over a large area, whereby a comprehensive and multi-local check of the functional state can be realized. In particular, by checking the electrical resistance, a precise conclusion can be drawn about the functional state. For example, if the electrical resistance is low, it can be assumed that the reference functional state is present.If the electrical resistance is very high, particularly if it is essentially infinite, it can be concluded that the actual functional state impairs the emission of light rays. This is because, for example, a crack and / or break in the housing part is also accompanied by a crack and / or break in the electrically conductive element. If the electrically conductive element is cracked and / or broken, it then exhibits an essentially infinite resistance. This allows the functional state to be checked particularly reliably using just one element, thus enabling the realization of a reliable and component-reduced optical detection device.

[0014] According to the invention, the at least one electrically conductive element is designed as a heating wire of a heating device of the optical detection device. In particular, in addition to checking the functional state, the electrically conductive element can then also be designed to free the housing and / or the housing part from deposits caused by weathering. In particular, for example, a housing part fogged up with moisture can be freed of the fog by means of the heating device, whereby the light rays can be emitted more reliably through the housing part. In particular, the heating device can be provided with the electrically conductive element, and the functional state of the housing and / or the housing part can be checked with the electrically conductive element. This makes it possible to provide a highly functional optical detection device with a reduced number of components.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive element can be integrated into the housing and / or the housing part in a meandering pattern. In particular, the meandering integration of the electrically conductive element allows the housing and / or the housing part to be checked for functional status over a large area. Furthermore, the meandering distribution can achieve improved heating of the housing and / or the housing part, thereby also improving the removal of deposits due to weather influences. This can provide an improved optical detection device.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if, upon detection of an actual functional state that deviates from the reference functional state of at least the housing part of the housing, a control signal can be generated so that the light source unit is switched off or not switched on. In other words, if the light source unit is already switched on, the light source unit can be switched off completely upon detection of this actual functional state. If it is detected before the light source unit is put into operation that this actual functional state exists, the light source unit can be prevented from being switched on. In particular, this can protect a person from undesired radiation from the light beams of the light source unit in an unexpected direction.

[0017] It has also proven advantageous if, upon detection of an actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state of at least the housing part of the housing, a control signal can be generated so that the light beams are emitted with a reduced power of the light source unit compared to the reference functional state, but the emission is not completely deactivated. In particular, it is provided that the power of the light source unit is reduced in such a way that any impairment of a person in the vicinity of the detection device is avoided. Nevertheless, further active operation of the detection device is possible to a certain extent or to a limited extent. In particular, the detection range of the optical detection device can then, for example, be reduced due to the lower power of the light source unit.Nevertheless, further detection of the surroundings can be implemented, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle, so that the optical detection device can continue to detect the surroundings even when an undesirable actual functional state is detected, for example, in emergency mode. This allows the environment to continue to be detected, especially when an undesirable actual functional state is detected, without affecting a person.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous if the functional status can be checked, in particular is checked, while the motor vehicle is in motion and / or when the motor vehicle is stationary. In particular, the functional status can be checked during semi-autonomous driving, in particular during fully autonomous operation of the motor vehicle. In particular, the functional status can also be checked when the motor vehicle is stationary, for example before the motor vehicle starts to travel. In particular, this allows the optical detection device to be checked for housing impairment both while the vehicle is in motion and while stationary, thus avoiding any impairment to a person in either operating state.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, upon occurrence of the actual functional state deviating from the reference state, functional state information for a control device of the optical detection device and / or the motor vehicle, in particular an error message, can be generated, in particular is generated. In particular, this can, for example, initiate further steps. In particular, it can be provided, for example, that after the functional state information has been generated, it is sent to a device external to the motor vehicle. This can, for example, be a device external to the motor vehicle of the vehicle manufacturer or a workshop. In particular, this can enable faster repair of the optical detection device.

[0020] Furthermore, this can be achieved by, for example, the driver assistance system, to which the optical detection device can be coupled, receiving the functional status information and thereby, for example, activating other sensors to compensate for a defect in the optical detection device. Particularly in semi-autonomous driving mode, and especially in fully autonomous driving mode, further maneuvers, in particular a reduction in speed, can then be initiated. This ensures increased safety even if the optical detection device is impaired or defective.

[0021] It has also proven advantageous if the functional status information can be displayed, in particular is displayed, on a display unit of a motor vehicle. In particular, an occupant, in particular a driver, of the motor vehicle can then be informed about the functional status of the optical detection device. In particular, the failure or deactivation of the optical detection device can then be displayed to the driver. It is also possible for the reduction in the power of the emitted light beams to be displayed to the driver, so that the driver is informed, for example, of the restricted detection range when the power of the emitted light beams is reduced. This has the advantage that it enables the driver to control the motor vehicle more safely.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the functional state of the housing and / or the housing part can be checked, in particular is checked, several times, in particular at predetermined time intervals. In particular, this allows the functional state to be checked several times, for example, while the motor vehicle is in operation, so that a change in the functional state, in particular from the reference functional state to the undesired actual functional state, is detected early on, so that the possibility of impairment to a person is detected early on, and impairment to the person is reduced by means of the method according to the invention.

[0023] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with an optical detection device. The motor vehicle is designed, in particular, as a passenger car.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an optical detection device for a motor vehicle. The optical detection device has at least one light source unit of the optical detection device arranged in a housing of the optical detection device. By means of the light source unit, light beams are emitted through a housing part of the housing and out of the housing into the surroundings of the motor vehicle. A functional state of the housing is checked by means of a checking unit. If an actual functional state of the housing deviates from a reference functional state, a control signal is generated.

[0025] The optical detection device described above and the motor vehicle have specific features which enable the method according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof to be carried out.

[0026] Advantageous embodiments of the optical detection device are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method and of the motor vehicle.

[0027] Examples of embodiments are explained below using schematic drawings.

[0028] Showing: Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, which has an optical detection device; and Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an optical detection device.

[0029] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present case, the motor vehicle 1 is designed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a driver assistance system 2, which can be configured, for example, as a parking assistance system. The motor vehicle 1 also has at least one optical detection device 3, which is configured in particular as a laser scanner. The position of the optical detection device 3 on the motor vehicle 1 can be varied. The optical detection device 3 is used to scan an environmental area 4 of the motor vehicle 1. Light beams 6 generated by a transmission device 5a of the optical detection device 3 are transmitted into the environmental area 4 of the motor vehicle 1 at predetermined scanning times in scanning transmission directions 7 corresponding to the predetermined scanning times.The light rays 6 reflected in the surrounding area 4 can be received by the receiving device 5b of the optical detection device 3. The information about the surrounding area 4 provided by the optical detection device 3, for example, a distance or geometric dimensions of an object in the surrounding area 4, can be provided to the driver assistance system 2.

[0031] Fig. 2shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the optical detection device 3. The optical detection device 3 has a housing 8 with a housing part 9. A light source unit 10 is arranged within the housing 8. In a detection mode of the optical detection device 3, the light rays 6 can be emitted through the housing part 9 from the housing 8 into the surroundings 4 of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, the housing part 9 can be designed to be transparent, for example. The housing part 9, which is in particular a front cover, can in particular be designed to be removable, so that the housing part 9 can be removed from the remaining housing body 15 of the housing 8, for example to gain access to the light source unit 10.

[0032] According to the invention, an electrically conductive element 11 is integrated into the housing body 15 and / or the housing part 9. In the present case, the electrically conductive element 11 is integrated at least in the housing part 9. According to the invention, the electrically conductive element 11 is designed as part of a heating device 12 of the optical detection device 3. In particular, the heating device 12 can then be used, for example, to remove fogging of the housing part 9 with moisture due to weather conditions. In particular, the electrically conductive element 11 of the heating device 12 is laid as a heating wire in a meandering shape within the housing 8, in particular within the housing part 9. In particular, the electrically conductive element 11 is electrically coupled to a control device 14 of the optical detection device via a contact spring 13.

[0033] It is provided that a functional state of the housing 8 can be and is checked by means of a monitoring unit 16. If an actual functional state of the housing 8 deviates from a reference functional state, a control signal is generated for the light source unit. In particular, the operation then performed can be a so-called emergency operation of the light source unit 10, which is also immediately discontinued after the undesired actual functional state is detected.

[0034] According to the invention, the functional state of the housing part 9 can be and is checked by means of the monitoring unit 16, and upon detection of an actual functional state of the housing part 9 that deviates from a reference functional state, a control signal is generated for the light source unit. In particular, it is provided that, for example, by means of the contact spring 13, as part of the monitoring unit 16, it can be detected whether the housing part 9 has been completely removed from the housing 8. If, for example, the housing part 9 has been removed from the housing 8, the contact between the contact spring 13 and the control device 14 is interrupted. By opening the housing 8, the light rays 6 could be emitted in an undefined direction and impair a person in the environment 4, in particular the person's eyes, due to excessive power of the light rays 6.It is also possible that, for example, due to a break and / or crack in the housing part 9, an undefined emission of the light rays 6 occurs and a person could be impaired. Therefore, upon detection of the actual functional state, it can be provided that the light source unit 10 is completely deactivated. If the light source unit 10 is not switched on, switching on of the light source unit 10 can be suppressed. In particular, it can also be provided that, upon detection of the actual functional state, the light rays 6 are emitted with a reduced power of the light source unit 10 compared to the reference functional state. In other words, the light rays 6 have less energy than during the reference emission, so that impairment of the person is reduced.

[0035] According to the invention, it is provided that the electrical resistance of the electrical element 11 is detected in order to check or categorize the functional state of the optical detection device 3 depending thereon. In particular, in the case of a high electrical resistance, in particular in the case of a substantially infinite electrical resistance, the undesired actual functional state can be detected, in particular by means of the control device 14. In particular, it is provided that the functional state is checked when the motor vehicle 1 is driving and / or when the motor vehicle 1 is stationary. Thus, the checking of the optical detection device 3 can be carried out in particular in any operating mode of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, the driving mode can be a semi-autonomous, in particular a fully autonomous, driving mode.

[0036] According to the invention, it is provided that when the undesired actual functional state occurs, for example when the housing part 9 is removed from the housing 8 or when the housing part 9 breaks and / or cracks, a functional state information characterizing this is generated for the control device 14, in particular an error message.

[0037] The control device 14 can alternatively also be part of the driver assistance system 2 or part of the motor vehicle 1.

[0038] In particular, it can be provided that the functional status information is displayed on a display unit of the motor vehicle 1, so that an occupant, in particular a driver, of the motor vehicle 1 is currently informed about the functional status of the optical detection device 3.

[0039] In particular, it can further be provided that the functional state of the housing 8 and / or the housing part 9 is checked several times, in particular at predetermined intervals. This allows, in particular, the functional state to be continuously monitored, thereby reducing any impairment to a person.

[0040] Advantageously, the type of emergency operation can be adjusted depending on the type of undesired actual functional state. For example, the first type of emergency operation can involve completely preventing the emission of light rays 6 if the housing part 9 is removed or if a break or crack in the housing part 9 has occurred in a main area of ​​the housing part 9 through which the emission of the light rays 6 primarily occurs. As a second type of emergency operation, for example, an active emission of the light rays 6 with reduced light output can be configured. This can be the case with small impairments to the housing part 9, which have occurred, for example, at the edge and through which the light rays 6 are not primarily transmitted.

Claims

1. Optical acquisition device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), having a housing (8) of the optical acquisition device (3), in which a light source unit (10) of the optical acquisition device (3) is arranged, wherein light beams (6) can be emitted by means of the light source unit (10) through a housing part (9) of the housing (8) into surroundings (4) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the optical acquisition device (3) comprises a checking unit (16), by means of which a functional state of the housing (8) is checkable, and if an actual functional state of the housing (8) deviating from a reference functional state of the housing (8) is detected, a control signal can be generated, wherein the housing (8) and / or the housing part (9) at least regionally comprises at least one electrically conductive element (11) integrated into the housing (8) and / or into the housing part (9) and the functional state is detectable by checking the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive element (11) and wherein the at least one electrically conductive element (11) is formed as a heating wire of a heating unit (12) of the optical acquisition device (3), wherein the functional state of the housing part (9) is checkable by means of the checking unit (16), and if an actual functional state of the housing part (9) deviating from a reference functional state of the housing part (9) is detected, a control signal can be generated, and a housing part (9) removed from the housing (8) and / or a fracture and / or a crack of the housing part (9) is an actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state.

2. Optical acquisition device (3) according to Claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive element (11) is integrated in a meandering shape into the housing (8) and / or the housing part (9).

3. Optical acquisition device (3) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein if an actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state of at least the housing part (9) of the housing (8) is detected, a control signal can be generated, so that the light source unit (10) is switched off or is not switched on.

4. Optical acquisition device (3) according to Claim 1, wherein if an actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state of at least the housing part (9) of the housing (8) is detected, a control signal can be generated, so that the light beams (6) are emitted having reduced power of the light source unit (10).

5. Optical acquisition device (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional state is checkable in a driving mode of the motor vehicle (1) and / or at a standstill of the motor vehicle (1).

6. Optical acquisition device (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein upon occurrence of the actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state, an item of functional state information can be generated for a control unit (14) of the optical acquisition device (3) and / or the motor vehicle (1), in particular an error message.

7. Optical acquisition device (3) according to Claim 6, wherein the item of functional state information is displayable on a display unit of the motor vehicle (1).

8. Optical acquisition device (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional state of the housing (8) and / or the housing part (9) is checkable multiple times, in particular at predetermined time intervals.

9. Motor vehicle (1) having an optical acquisition device (3) according to any of Claims 1 to 8.

10. Method for operating an optical acquisition device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), in which light beams (6) can be emitted through a housing part (9) of a housing (8) from the housing (8) into surroundings (4) of the motor vehicle (1) using a light source unit (10) of the optical acquisition device (3) arranged in the housing (8) of the optical acquisition device (3), wherein a functional state of the housing (8) is checked by means of a checking unit (16) and a control signal is generated if an actual functional state of the housing (8) deviating from a reference functional state is detected, wherein the housing (8) and / or the housing part (9) at least regionally comprises at least one electrically conductive element (11) integrated into the housing (8) and / or into the housing part (9) and the functional state is detected by checking the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive element (11) and wherein the at least one electrically conductive element (11) is formed as a heating wire of a heating unit (12) of the optical acquisition device (3), wherein the functional state of the housing part (9) is checked by means of the checking unit (16), and if an actual functional state of the housing part (9) deviating from the reference functional state of the housing part (9) is detected, a control signal is generated, and a housing part (9) removed from the housing (8) and / or a fracture and / or a crack of the housing part (9) is an actual functional state deviating from the reference functional state.