System for automatic switching of lighting devices in vehicles

US6727653B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Patrick Schmitt · Lichtenau, DE
• Norbert Hog · Appenweier, DE
• Bruno Hodapp · Achern, DE
• Rainer Pientka · Achern, DE
• Hans Meier · Ottersweier, DE
• Henry Blitzke · Laufenburg (Baden), DE
• Manfred Burkart · Iffezheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 2002
• Grant date: Apr 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60Q2300/337
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A sensor device, by which the light intensity in the surroundings of the vehicle is detected and which is connected to an evaluation device, by which the signals (S) of the sensor device for the light intensity are compared with at least one threshold value, and from that it is ascertained whether a change in the switching state of the lighting devices is necessary. The evaluation device evaluates signals (S) of the sensor device for the presence of at least one periodically variable signal component (Sk), and in the presence of such a signal component (Sk), the lighting devices are either turned on at a certain level, or remain turned on at that level. By this evaluation, light originating from artificial light sources and having a variable intensity depending on the alternating voltage with which these sources are operated, are detected and assure that the lighting devices will be turned on or will remain turned on if the vehicle is driving in a tunnel or underground garage, for instance, where lighting is provided by artificial light sources.