FR3117961A1 - Support device comprising a removable camera abutment member for glass - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (20) intended to be fixed to a vehicle window, comprising a support plate (22) configured to be placed against a window and an arrangement (34) for fixing a camera (36) on the support plate, the mounting arrangement defining a reception space (38) for the camera and comprising an abutment member (50) configured to hold the camera (36) in the reception space (38), the member stop (50) being removable relative to the support plate (22). Figure for abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Support device comprising a removable camera abutment member for glass

The present invention relates to the field of transport and more particularly to vehicles comprising one or more cameras mounted on a window, in particular a windshield.

In particular, the present invention relates to a camera support device intended to be fixed to a window of a motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle may comprise a main video camera arranged inside the passenger compartment at the level of the windshield. This main video camera is used both for driving aids to the driver or in autonomous mode but also for filming events at the driver's request or if necessary, during a dangerous situation while driving or an impact. by another parked vehicle.

With reference to the , this main video camera is arranged inside a support device 10 fixed to the windshield 12 of the motor vehicle 14. The main video camera is positioned in the central upper part of the windshield 12 and oriented towards the outside of so as to film what is happening in front of the motor vehicle 14 without impeding the driver's visibility.

Depending on the configurations of the motor vehicle, in particular its level of options, a second camera can take place in the support device. This second camera, or secondary camera, can be used for augmented reality for the passengers of the motor vehicle.

For the realization of the support device, two choices can be made to provide these different configurations of the same range of motor vehicle integrating or not the second camera.

A first design choice may be to produce two versions of the support device: a first version integrating means for fixing the second camera and a second version devoid of these fixing means.

A second design choice may be to produce a single and same version of the support device incorporating fastening means. Thus, the fixing means of the support device will be operative when the motor vehicle incorporates a second camera and inoperative when the motor vehicle has no second camera.

These two design choices are not satisfactory because they generate significant costs for modifying assembly processes by integrating two versions of the same part or additional material costs for fastening means that may never be used.

There is therefore a need for a camera support device intended to be fixed to a vehicle windshield that does not have the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, there is a need for a windshield camera support device that is more economical and allows greater mounting flexibility for different vehicle configurations.

For this, the invention proposes a support device intended to be fixed on a vehicle windshield, comprising a support plate configured to be placed against a windshield and an arrangement for fixing a camera on the support plate, the fixing arrangement defining a space for receiving the camera and comprising an abutment member configured to hold the camera in the reception space, the abutment member being removable with respect to the support plate.

Making the camera attachment arrangement with a removable abutment member allows the support device to be able to adapt to a vehicle configuration with or without a camera while limiting production and/or material costs. It is thus possible to use the same support plate for these two vehicle configurations, the stop member being added only when a camera is to be positioned on the support plate.

The camera fixing arrangement is thus made at least partially in a removable manner, i.e. in the form of a separate part from the support plate.

This avoids diversities of support plate for different configurations of the same vehicle.

According to particular embodiments:
- the fixing arrangement comprises a receiving member for a camera lens, the abutment member being arranged opposite the receiving member with respect to the receiving space so as to form an abutment back of the camera;
- the fixing arrangement further comprises at least one front stop for supporting the camera, the stop member being configured to position the camera against said at least one front stop;
- the abutment member comprises a flexible abutment tongue configured to exert a continuous force against the camera when the latter is placed in the reception space;
- the support plate forms at least one groove for positioning the abutment member, the abutment member comprising at least one positioning lug configured to cooperate with said at least one positioning groove to position the abutment member on the support plate;
- the support plate forms at least one recess for locking the abutment member, the abutment member comprising at least one locking tab configured to cooperate with said at least one locking recess to lock the position of the stop on the support plate;
- the abutment member is formed by a plate defining, by means of at least one cutout and at least one bend, said at least one positioning lug, the flexible abutment tongue and said at least one locking tongue ;
- the abutment member comprises two positioning lugs configured to cooperate with two positioning grooves formed by the support plate, said positioning lugs being formed at lateral portions of the abutment member, the flexible abutment tongue being formed between the two positioning tabs;
- the support device comprises a first arrangement for fixing a main camera and a second arrangement for fixing a secondary camera, said second fixing arrangement comprising the removable abutment member;
- the abutment member is metallic.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting a camera on a support device according to any one of the preceding claims, the support plate forming a recess, the fixing arrangement further comprising at least one front stop, the member abutment comprising at least abutment tongue and a locking tongue, the method comprising:
- a step of positioning the camera in the reception space against the front stop,
- a step of positioning the abutment member by locking the locking tongue inside the recess and positioning the abutment tongue against the camera so that the abutment tongue holds the camera against the front stop.

According to one embodiment of the mounting method, the abutment member comprises two positioning lugs configured to cooperate with two positioning grooves formed by the support plate to position the abutment member on the support plate. The step of positioning the abutment member comprises moving the abutment member along a direction, parallel to a direction of extension of the two positioning grooves, so as to cause the two positioning tabs to slide in the two positioning grooves until the locking tongue locks inside the recess.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

represents a schematic view in perspective of a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising a windshield and a camera support device affixed to this windshield.

shows a schematic and exploded view in perspective of a support device and a secondary camera.

represents a close-up schematic view of a fixing arrangement of a secondary camera, the fixing arrangement belonging to the support device of the and being shown without a secondary camera.

shows a close-up schematic view of an arrangement for attaching a secondary camera, a removable abutment member of this attachment arrangement being in the operating position to form a rear abutment for the secondary camera.

shows a perspective view of the abutment member of the fixing arrangement.

shows a schematic close-up view of the fixing arrangement during an operation for mounting the abutment member.

represents a close-up schematic view of the fixing arrangement during a dismantling operation of the abutment member.

Description of embodiment(s)

Throughout the text, the directions and orientations are designated with reference to a direct orthonormal reference XYZ conventionally used in automobile design, in which X designates the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, directed forwards, Y is the direction transverse to the vehicle, directed the left and Z is the vertical direction pointing up. The terms "front" and "rear" are indicated with reference to the normal forward direction of the vehicle. The concepts "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" are indicated with reference to the vertical Z axis. The concepts "interior" and "exterior" are indicated with reference to the view in relation to the cockpit. Throughout the description, the term "substantially" means that a slight deviation can be allowed with respect to a determined nominal position or orientation, for example "substantially horizontal" means that a deviation of the order of 10% from relative to a strictly horizontal orientation is accepted within the scope of the invention. For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs in all the figures.

A support device 20 intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle windshield is proposed.

This support device 20 can be integrated into a vehicle in accordance with the support device 10 of the . Thus, the support device 20 is configured to be fixed at an upper portion of the windshield 12 of the motor vehicle 14.

With reference to the , the support device 20 comprises a support plate 22 configured to be fixed to the windshield 12, or more generally to a window. For this, the support plate 22 forms a fixing surface 26 intended to be placed in contact with the windshield 12. This fixing surface 26 is formed on a front face 24 of the support plate 22. The support device 20 can be fixed to the windshield 12 by gluing.

The support plate 22 also includes a rear face 28 intended to receive electronic components such as sensors or cameras.

The support plate 22 includes a first arrangement 30 for fixing a first camera (not visible), called the main camera or front camera. This main camera is a video camera used both for driving aids to the driver or in autonomous mode but also for filming events at the request of the driver or if necessary, during a dangerous situation while driving or driving. hit by another vehicle in the parking lot.

The main camera is positioned opposite a main opening 32 formed in the support plate 22. The main camera is intended to be oriented outwards so as to film what is happening in front of the motor vehicle 14. The first fixing arrangement 30 is arranged around this main opening 32.

The main opening 32 is preferably arranged at least partially in the center of the support plate 22 and occupies a major part of this support plate 22. In particular, the main opening 32 occupies at least 50% of the total surface of the plate. stand 22.

The support device 20 further comprises a second arrangement 34 for fixing a second camera, called secondary camera 36 or rear camera. The secondary camera 36 is arranged on the support plate 22 so as to be oriented towards the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. The purpose of this secondary camera 36 is preferably to allow an augmented reality function for the passengers of the vehicle 14. This augmented reality can for example materialize by the projection of information on the windshield 14 in connection with the images acquired by the main camera and/or the secondary camera 36.

The second fixing arrangement 34 defines a reception space 38 of the secondary camera 36. This reception space 38 is arranged on the periphery of the main opening 32, on the rear face 28 of the support plate 22. In particular, the reception space 38 is preferably placed under the main opening 32 when the front face of the support plate 22 is placed against the windshield 12. The reception space 38 can be aligned with the main opening 32 or off-center compared to this one.

The second fixing arrangement 34 comprises two lateral bearings 40 forming stops along the Z and Y axes of the vehicle 14. For this, each lateral bearing 40 forms a positioning groove 42 capable of cooperating with a lug 44 formed on the secondary camera 36 The bottom (not visible) of the positioning groove 42 forms a limit stop defining the final position of the secondary camera 36. The positioning groove 42 can be a simple recess formed in the side bearing 40 making it possible to receive a lug 44 and to form stops along the Y and Z axes.

The second fixing arrangement 34 also comprises a member 46 for receiving a camera lens. In particular, the receiving member comprises a lens opening 48 capable of receiving the lens of the secondary camera 36, in particular to participate in the correct orientation of the latter for its operation. The receiving member 46 is arranged close to the side bearings 40, in the extension of the positioning grooves 42.

The second fixing arrangement 34 further comprises an abutment member 50 configured to hold the camera in the receiving space. The abutment member 50 is intended to form a rear abutment of the secondary camera 36. In particular, the abutment member 50 is configured to form an abutment of the secondary camera 36 along the X axis.

The abutment member 50 is disposed opposite the receiving member 46 with respect to the receiving space 38 so as to form said rear abutment. The abutment member 50 is therefore intended to rest on a rear face of the secondary camera 36, opposite to the lens of the latter.

The abutment member 50 is made in a removable manner with respect to the support plate 22. Thus, it is possible to position the abutment member 50 on the plate 22 only when a secondary camera 36 is intended to be received in the reception space 38. The support plate 22 is therefore the same whether the vehicle 14 is provided with or without a secondary camera 36. This makes it possible to avoid a diversity of the support plate depending on this option of the vehicle 14. manufacturing are thus reduced compared to solutions providing for an arrangement for fixing the secondary camera fixed relative to the support plate.

In addition, the maintenance and positioning of the secondary camera 36 are facilitated with easier access to the reception area 38.

We can also see on the the abutment member dissociated from the support plate 22, ie in the disassembled position, and on the this same abutment member mounted on the support plate 22.

The abutment member 50 is also configured to position the secondary camera 36 against said at least one front abutment, i.e. against the side bearings 40. In other words, the abutment member is configured to exert a continuous force against the secondary camera 36 when the latter is arranged in the reception space 38. This permanent effort on the secondary camera makes it possible to avoid any relative movement of the secondary camera 36 and therefore to maintain it more effectively.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the abutment member 50 comprises at least one positioning lug 52, a stop tab 54 and a locking tab 56.

Said at least one positioning tab 52 is configured to cooperate with a positioning groove 58 formed by the support plate 22 to position the abutment member 50 on the support plate 22.

Preferably, the abutment member comprises two positioning lugs 52 formed at opposite side portions of the abutment member 50.

The locking tongue 56 is configured to cooperate with a recess 60 formed in the rear face 28 of the support plate 22 to lock the position of the stop member 50 on the support plate 22. The locking tongue 56 is configured to housed in the recess 60 when the abutment member is in the operating position. Recess 60 then retains locking tab 56 to lock the position of abutment member 50.

The locking tongue 56 is made in the form of a flexible tongue to achieve locking by elastic deformation, otherwise called by "clip". The position of the positioning groove 58 is provided so that the locking tongue 56 is biased and deformed elastically until it is facing the recess 60 and is inserted into the latter.

Locking tab 56 is preferably positioned between locating lugs 52 of abutment member 50.

The stop tab 54 forms the rear stop of the secondary camera 36. This stop tab 54 is configured to exert a force on the secondary camera 36 when the stop member 50 is in the operating position. This operating position corresponds to the insertion of the locking tab 56 in the recess 60. To allow a continuous force to be exerted on the secondary camera 36, the stop tab 54 is made in the form of a flexible tab . Thus, the abutment tongue is configured in such a way as to deform elastically in contact with the secondary camera 36. The restoring force of the flexible tongue makes it possible to maintain the abutment force.

Preferably, the abutment member 50 is a plate of substantially constant thickness in which cutouts make it possible to define said at least one positioning lug 52, the abutment tongue 54 and the locking tongue 56. The abutment tongues 54 and lock 56 are then formed by one or more bending operations.

A first set of cutouts 62 forms the abutment tongue 54 and a second set of cutouts 64 forms the locking tongue 56. To allow a limited size of the abutment member 50, the locking tongue 56 is narrower than the abutment 54. The abutment 54 and locking tabs 56 are also aligned. Thus, the abutment member 50 has the shape of an "M" in which the side faces are formed by the positioning tabs 52 and the interior V corresponding to a central portion from which the abutment 54 and locking tabs 56 extend on either side.

The stop member 50 is preferably metallic to withstand the high temperatures encountered in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 14. In contact with the windshield 12, the temperature can rise to 100°C. A metallic material thus makes it possible to guarantee mechanical characteristics and satisfactory positioning of the abutment member 50 even in the event of difficult temperature conditions.

The assembly and disassembly of the stop member 50 is illustrated respectively in Figures 6 and 7.

For mounting the stop member 50, the positioning lugs 52 are arranged opposite the positioning grooves 42 of the support plate 22. The user 66 can then, in particular by means of his thumb, exert a force on the stop tab 54 to advance the fixing lugs 52 in the positioning grooves 42. This force is exerted until the locking tab 56 is inserted inside the recess 60 of the support plate 22. In this operating position in which the locking tongue 56 is in the recess 60, the abutment tongue is in contact with the rear of the secondary camera 36 and exerts a force to hold the latter.

To disassemble the abutment member, the locking tab 56 is lifted in a first direction A, for example by means of a tool, here a screwdriver. This makes it possible to extract the locking tab 56 from the recess 60 and therefore to unlock the abutment member 50. The abutment member 50 is then moved along a second direction B, parallel to the extension of the positioning grooves 42, so as to slide the positioning lugs 52 along positioning grooves 42. The combined action in the first A and second B directions makes it possible to completely remove the stop member 50 from the support plate 22 .

The conformation of the abutment member 50 allows easy positioning of the secondary camera 36 and makes it possible to limit the mounting effort thereof. The abutment member 50 requires an acceptable assembly effort of approximately 5daN, which avoids the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Claims (10)

Support device (20) intended to be fixed on a window (12) of a vehicle (14), comprising a support plate (22) configured to be placed against a window and an arrangement (34) for fixing a camera (36) on the support plate, the mounting arrangement defining a reception space (38) for the camera and comprising an abutment member (50) configured to hold the camera (36) in the reception space (38), the abutment member (50) being removable relative to the support plate (22). Support device (20) according to claim 1, in which the fixing arrangement (34) comprises a member (46) for receiving a lens of the camera (36), the abutment member (50) being disposed opposite the receiving member (46) with respect to the receiving space (38) so as to form a rear stop of the camera (36). Support device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the fixing arrangement (34) further comprises at least one front stop (40, 42) for supporting the camera (36), the stop member ( 50) being configured to position the camera (36) against said at least one front stop (40, 42). Support device (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the abutment member (50) comprises a flexible abutment tab (54) configured to exert a continuous force against the camera (36) when the latter is disposed in the receiving space (38). Support device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support plate (22) forms at least one groove for positioning the abutment member (50), the abutment member (50) comprising at least a positioning lug (52) configured to cooperate with said at least one positioning groove (42) to position the abutment member (50) on the support plate (22). Support device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support plate (22) forms at least one recess (60) for locking the abutment member (50), the abutment member (50) comprising at least one locking tab (56) configured to cooperate with said at least one locking recess (60) to lock the position of the abutment member (50) on the support plate (22). Support device (20) according to claims 4, 5 and 6, in which the abutment member (50) is formed by a plate defining, by means of at least one cutout (62, 64) and at least one folding, said at least one positioning tab (52), the abutment tab (54) and said at least one locking tab (56). Support device (20) according to claim 7, in which the abutment member (50) comprises two positioning tabs (52) configured to cooperate with two positioning grooves (58) formed by the support plate (22), said tabs (52) being formed at lateral portions of the abutment member (50), the abutment tongue (54) being formed between the two positioning lugs (52). Method of mounting a camera (36) on a support device according to any one of the preceding claims, the support plate (22) forming a recess (60), the fixing arrangement (34) further comprising at least one front stop (40, 42), the stop member (50) comprising at least one stop tab (54) and one locking tab (56), the method comprising:
- a step of positioning the camera (36) in the reception space (38) against the front stop (40, 42),
- a step of positioning the abutment member (50) by locking the locking tongue (56) inside the recess (60) and positioning the abutment tongue (54) against the camera (36) so that the stop tab (54) holds the camera (36) against the front stop (40, 42). Mounting method according to claim 9, the abutment member (50) comprising two positioning lugs (52) configured to cooperate with two positioning grooves (58) formed by the support plate (22) to position the abutment member on the support plate (22),
wherein the step of positioning the abutment member (22) comprises moving the abutment member (22) along a direction (B), parallel to an extension direction of the two positioning grooves (58), so as to cause the two positioning tabs (52) to slide in the two positioning grooves (58) until the locking tab lock (56) inside the recess (60).