DE102016012455A1 - Kammeraanordnung a motor vehicle, motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A motor vehicle camera arrangement is described with a camera unit (7) having an image sensor and an optical system (20), wherein the camera unit (7) is arranged in a rotatable or pivotable housing (8) which moves from a use position to a non-use position the camera unit (7) is protected from contamination and in which the optics (20) behind a diaphragm (10) is arranged, is rotatable or pivotable, wherein for rotation or pivoting of the camera unit (7), a drive (34) is provided In addition, the housing (8) is designed in the manner of a spherical segment, at least in the region which passes through the diaphragm (10) during rotation or pivoting. Described are furthermore a motor vehicle (6) with a motor vehicle camera arrangement (2).

Description

The following describes a motor vehicle camera arrangement with a camera unit as well as a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle.

It is known to equip motor vehicles with cameras. On the one hand, cameras arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle are known, for example those which are oriented in the direction of travel; on the other hand, there are cameras which are arranged on the outside of a motor vehicle, for example those which are oriented counter to the direction of travel.

Outdoor cameras mounted on a motor vehicle are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Moisture and dirt can deposit on a lens of the camera and affect its function and image quality. In the worst case, the camera can therefore no longer deliver usable image files. An objective may be damaged by contact with dirt or by improper cleaning, e.g. through car washes with rotating brushes, damaged.

Devices or mechanisms for protecting the camera from such environmental influences are known. Since cameras used in particular as parking aid are only operated for a short time, a lens of the camera can be released for operation depending on the situation and remain in a protected position during the rest of the time.

The DE 10 2010 045 214 A1 discloses a camera assembly for a motor vehicle having a camera unit for image acquisition, which is pivotable to an active and a non-active position, wherein the camera unit is housed in the non-active position from the outside inaccessible in a chamber and in the active position for the optical detection of a surrounding area the non-active position is pivoted out, wherein the camera unit seals the chamber in the active position, wherein on the camera unit a closure cap is arranged, which seals the chamber in the non-active position.

The disadvantage of this is that the camera assembly by the use of a flap in the extended state has a sharp-edged area through the flap, as it should be avoided in motor vehicles. In the event of a faulty control or a malfunction of the camera, it may happen that it stops in the unfolded state, which may possibly result in damage to the camera in car washes, for example. Furthermore, there is a risk that objects are trapped during pivoting, which could lead to damage to the objects or to an incomplete closure. This can happen, for example, when a leaf of a tree or the like hangs on the closure flap. In addition, the cap itself can pollute and thus no longer seal.

Thus, the task of developing a motor vehicle camera arrangement of the type mentioned in such a way that proper functioning is ensured even under poor conditions.

The object is achieved by a motor vehicle camera arrangement according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 13. Further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a motor vehicle camera assembly is described with a camera unit having an image sensor and an optics, wherein the camera unit is arranged in a rotatable or pivotable housing, which is protected from contamination by a use position in a non-use position in which the camera unit Optics behind a panel is arranged, is rotatable or pivotable, wherein for pivoting the camera unit, a drive is provided, wherein the housing is further configured at least in the area during rotation or pivoting the aperture passing area spherical segment.

The image sensor may in particular be a digital video sensor. The optics can be a lens or a lens arrangement with a front lens. Characterized in that the camera unit is arranged in the rotatable or pivotable housing, the optics may be positioned in the non-use position behind the panel, where it is protected from contamination and other environmental influences. If the camera unit is needed, it can be swiveled from behind the screen to the use position in front of the screen and take pictures or film sequences.

The fact that the housing is spherical at least in the region in which it passes through the diaphragm, it is achieved that the housing always has the same distance relative to the diaphragm, so that the configuration relative to the diaphragm is substantially constant. Thus, a momentary positioning of the rotatable or pivotable housing relative to the diaphragm with respect to the aperture irrelevant, so that the ingress of dirt or pinching of objects can be effectively avoided. In addition, the housing has no exposed sharp edges.

The optics of the camera unit may, but need not be integrated into the spherical surface, since the optics compared to the housing is very small, so that the effect of a non-integrated optics is irrelevant.

In a first further embodiment, the diaphragm may have a circular cut-out, in which the housing is arranged, wherein the circular cut-out has a smaller radius than the housing. In this way, the housing may be positioned at or behind the bezel, with a certain portion of the housing projecting through the bezel. By turning or pivoting of the housing relative to the aperture in each case other areas of the housing are exposed to the outside. In some embodiments, this can also provide a storage function for the housing by the appropriate dimensioning of the aperture.

In another further embodiment, the diaphragm may have a seal which bears against the housing. In this way, moisture and dirt ingress behind the panel can be avoided and the camera unit stored in the non-use position in a clean environment. The seal may further constitute a storage for the optics, whereby a proper operation over a long time can be achieved.

In another further embodiment, a rotary or pivot axis of the housing may be perpendicular to an optical axis of the camera unit. The optical axis of the camera unit is formed from an image sensor normal and an optical axis of the optics. Due to the arrangement of the rotary or pivot axis of the housing at right angles to an optical axis can be carried out by appropriate pivoting of the housing, an orientation of the camera image to above or below.

In an alternative embodiment it can be provided that the rotary or pivot axis of the housing is at an acute angle to an optical axis of the camera unit. In this way, the camera unit can be pivoted laterally, which may be useful in terms of cable management and the installation space volume of the camera assembly.

In another further embodiment, it may be provided that a shaft is arranged on the housing, by means of which the housing is mounted, wherein the drive engages the shaft. With the help of the shaft, the housing can be rotated or swiveled accordingly. In some embodiments, in addition to a shaft, an axle may still be provided which constitutes a rotatable and pivotable mounting of the housing.

In alternative embodiments, the drive can act on the housing by means of a friction wheel. In this case, the housing may be mounted on one or more axles.

In another further embodiment, the drive can be installed in a vehicle-mounted manner. A motor vehicle fixed arrangement of the drive facilitates the control and the power transmission to the housing.

In another further embodiment, the diaphragm may be part of a diaphragm carrier. A corresponding panel carrier may have the necessary mountings for the housing, for example corresponding bearings, and may further comprise corresponding terminals. The visor may be adapted to fit into the vehicle outer skin and may continue this. The diaphragm or the diaphragm carrier can be designed as a trim panel.

Alternatively, an outer housing may be provided in which the diaphragm is arranged. This has advantages in terms of sealing and allows the design of the motor vehicle camera assembly as a module. A housing side of the outer housing can take over the function of the previously described diaphragm carrier.

In another further embodiment, the drive can be arranged on the cover carrier or in the outer housing. By arranging in the screen carrier or on the outer housing, the power flow can be passed through the motor vehicle camera assembly and the assembly is facilitated.

In another further embodiment, the housing may be designed spherical, wherein the housing is formed at least in two parts. In this way, the housing can form a self-contained unit that can be opened for repair or maintenance purposes.

In another further embodiment, a controller for controlling the drive may be provided, wherein the controller is adapted to drive the drive depending on gear selection information.

For this purpose, the controller may be directly or indirectly connected to a gear selector. In the event that the motor vehicle camera arrangement is designed as a reversing camera, a pivoting of the housing from the non-use position into the use position can take place as soon as possible a reverse gear is engaged. If then a forward gear is engaged, the housing can be swung back to the non-use position. This can be done simultaneously or with a time delay, ie, for example, a predetermined time after engaging a forward gear. The controller may be part of a motor vehicle control.

A first independent article relates to a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle camera arrangement of the aforementioned type.

A first development of the motor vehicle can provide that the motor vehicle camera arrangement is used as a rear view camera. Thus, the camera assembly can only be pivoted to a use position when the camera is needed.

In another further embodiment, the motor vehicle camera arrangement can be arranged in a panel. The bezel can be a decorative panel.

• 1 eine Außenansicht auf eine Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung in Nichtbenutzungsposition;
• 2 eine Ansicht auf die Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung von einer Innenseite;
• 3 die Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung in einer Benutzungsstellung in einer Außenansicht;
• 4 die Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung in Benutzungsstellung in einer Innenansicht;
• 5 die Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung in einer Innenansicht beim Verschwenken;
• 6 eine Schnittdarstellung durch die Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung sowie
• 7 eine Kraftfahrzeugkameraanordnung aus dem Stand der Technik.

Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features form the subject matter, or independently of the claims, either alone or in any meaningful combination, and in particular may additionally be the subject of one or more separate applications. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Here are shown schematically:

• 1 an exterior view of an automotive camera assembly in non-use position;
• 2 a view of the automotive camera assembly from an inside;
• 3 the vehicle camera assembly in a use position in an exterior view;
• 4 the vehicle camera assembly in use position in an interior view;
• 5 the vehicle camera assembly in an interior view during pivoting;
• 6 a sectional view through the motor vehicle camera assembly and
• 7 a motor vehicle camera assembly of the prior art.

1 shows a motor vehicle camera assembly 2 in an exterior view.

The automobile camera assembly 2 is in a trim 4 of a motor vehicle 6 arranged. The ornamental panel 4 is located in a rear area of the motor vehicle 6 , The automobile camera assembly 2 serves as a rear view camera.

The automobile camera assembly 2 has a camera unit 7 with a housing 8th on, rotatable in a panel 10 is arranged. The aperture 10 is part of a blind carrier 11 , The aperture 10 has a circular cutout 12 on, through which the case 8th partially protrudes. The blind carrier 11 sets the contour of the trim panel 4 continued.

In the clipping 12 is a sealing ring 14 arranged, which seals between the housing 8th and the aperture 10 causes.

2 shows the vehicle camera assembly 1 from a view of an interior area 18 ,

In the illustrated non-use position, the optical components of the camera unit 7 the automotive camera assembly 2 not in the illustrated outdoor area 16 exposed.

The camera unit 7 the automotive camera assembly 2 has a lens 20 on that in the case 8th is integrated. The objective 20 does not in the present embodiment illustrated the spherical shape of the housing 8th continued. The objective 20 is compared to the housing 8th considerably more compact, so that the spherical shape is interrupted only in a very small area.

The housing 8th is on the one hand at a first camp 22 stored and on the other hand at a second camp 24 , The second camp 24 has two bearing domes 26 on, between which a bearing bridge 28 looking forward to a storage 30 for a wave 32 having. The wave 32 is with the case 8th connected.

Furthermore, a drive in the form of an electric motor 34 provided, an output shaft 36 that has with the shaft 32 interacts. A rotation of the output shaft 36 thus causes a rotation of the shaft 32 , For these purposes, the waves may be designed accordingly, for example via helical structures.

3 shows the vehicle camera assembly 2 in a usage position.

Here is the lens 20 in the outdoor area 16 pivots and can the area behind the motor vehicle 6 take up.

4 shows the vehicle camera assembly 2 in use position of the interior area 18 ,

5 shows the vehicle camera assembly 2 during pivoting of the housing 8th ,

The electric motor 34 drives over its output shaft 36 the wave 32 and thus causes a pivoting of the housing 8th ,

6 shows a sectional view through the motor vehicle camera assembly 2 ,

The housing 8th is designed in two parts and can therefore be taken apart. Inside the case 8th is the lens 20 arranged, which is an optical axis O with an image sensor 38 Splits.

The image sensor 38 is from a plug 40 contacted to pick up the image signals and the image sensor 38 to provide energy.

For storage at the warehouse 22 an axis 43 is provided which is coaxial with the shaft 32 is. The housing 8th lies on the sealing ring 14 on.

A rotation axis D closes an angle α with the optical axis O a, so that thereby a lateral pivoting of the housing is achieved.

A diameter of the cutout 12 of the aperture carrier 10 is smaller than a diameter of the housing 8th ,

7 shows a motor vehicle camera assembly 102 according to the prior art.

The automobile camera assembly 2 has a camera module 103 on, stuck in a trim 104 is installed. A lens 120 is thus always exposed in an outdoor area 116 ,

Although the subject matter has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplary embodiments are only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protected area, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Motor vehicle camera arrangement

4

appliqué

6

motor vehicle

7

camera unit

8th

casing

10

cover

11

Screen support

12

neckline

14

seal

16

outdoors

18

interior

20

lens

22

first camp

24

second camp

26

bearing dome

28

bearing bridge

30

storage

32

wave

34

electric motor

36

output shaft

38

image sensor

40

plug

42

axis

102

Motor vehicle camera arrangement

103

camera module

104

appliqué

116

outdoors

120

lens

D

axis of rotation

O

optical axis

α

angle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010045214 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Motor vehicle camera arrangement comprising a camera unit (7) having an image sensor (38) and an optical system (20), wherein the camera unit (7) is arranged in a rotatable or pivotable housing (8) which moves from a use position to a non-use position the camera unit (7) is protected from contamination and in which the optics (20) behind a diaphragm (10) is arranged, is rotatable or pivotable, wherein for rotation or pivoting of the camera unit (7), a drive (34) is provided In addition, the housing (8) is designed in the manner of a spherical segment, at least in the region which passes through the diaphragm (10) during rotation or pivoting. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to Claim 1 in that the diaphragm (10) has a circular cutout (12) in which the housing (8) is arranged, wherein the circular cutout (12) has a smaller radius than the housing (8). Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 in that the diaphragm (10) has a seal (14) which bears against the housing (8). Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotation or pivot axis (D) of the housing (8) is at right angles to an optical axis (O) of the camera unit (7). Automotive camera arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the rotational or pivot axis (D) of the housing (8) is at an acute angle (α) to an optical axis (O) of the camera unit (7). Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the housing (8) a shaft (32) is arranged, by means of which the housing (8) is mounted, wherein the drive (34) on the shaft (32) engages. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (34) is installed fixed to the vehicle. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm (10) is part of a diaphragm carrier (10). Automotive camera arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , wherein an outer housing (8) is provided, in which the diaphragm (10) is arranged. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to Claim 8 or 9 wherein the drive (34) on the diaphragm support (10) or in the outer housing (8) is arranged. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (8) is designed spherical, wherein the housing (8) is formed at least in two parts. Motor vehicle camera arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control for driving the drive (34) is provided, wherein the controller is adapted to drive the drive (34) depending on gear selection information. Motor vehicle with a motor vehicle camera arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle after Claim 14 wherein the automotive camera assembly (2) is used as a rear view camera. Motor vehicle after Claim 14 or 15 , wherein the motor vehicle camera assembly (2) in a diaphragm (10) is arranged.

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