Device for influencing a lighting installation as a function of ambient light

• US 6,191,531 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2000
• Issued: 02/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbH
• Original Assignee: Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbH
• Inventors: Reime, Gerd
• Primary Examiner(s): VU, DAVID HUNG
• Application Number:
  US09/530,508
• Time in Patent Office: 294 Days
• Field of Search: 315/82, 315/77, 315/83, 315/149, 315/157, 315/156, 315/150, 307/10.8
• US Class Current: 315/82
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1423 Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/314 Ambient light

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for influencing a lighting installation, and more particularly, includes a lighting installation of a motor vehicle, depending on ambient light. The device comprises a switching device to turn the lighting installation on and off. At least one optical sensor is provided to detect the wavelength of the ambient light. An evaluation device sends a control signal to the switching device when the wavelengths of the ambient light detected by the sensor are essentially those contained in the daylight. Since the filter and the sensor are jointly formed by at least one light emitting diode which operates as a light-sensitive element, the passing lights can be automatically turned on in a simple and favorable manner.

Claims

1. A device for influencing a lighting installation as a function of ambient light, comprising a switchgear at least for turning on and turning off the lighting installation;

at least one optical sensor for detecting a wavelength of ambient light;

an evaluation device for producing a control signal if the wavelengths of ambient light detected by the sensor are wavelengths which are essentially contained in daylight, with the control signal actuating the switchgear for switching the lighting installation;

a filter that essentially filters the wavelengths of light that are contained in daylight, characterized in that filter and the sensor are formed jointly by means of at least one LED which is interconnected as a light-sensitive element.

2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that a crystal material of at least one LED is transmissive, as the filter, to wavelengths of light in the region in which the LED emits light.

3. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the LED is one of a green LED and a blue LED.

4. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is integrated in a housing which includes a water sensor which optically detects one of moisture and a covering of a surface, with the sensor and the water sensor operating on different optical wavelength regions, which do not substantially interfere with each other.

5. The device of claim 4, characterized in that if the sensor essentially detects no wavelength of daylight, the control signal simultaneously transmits a signal to a control device for a windshield wiper, which is actuated as a function of the moisture detected by the water sensor.