WO2006032454A2

WO2006032454A2 - Multifunctional camera module

Info

Publication number: WO2006032454A2
Application number: PCT/EP2005/010128
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Eustache; Marcel Trebouet; Joel Leleve
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes D'essuyage
Priority date: 2004-09-23
Filing date: 2005-09-20
Publication date: 2006-03-30
Also published as: WO2006032454A3; FR2875661B1; FR2875661A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a multifunctional camera module (1) designed to provide images along at least two different directions. The invention is characterized in that the multifunctional camera module (1) comprises a camera (10) mounted mobile between at least two different operating positions, as well as at least one complementary optical system (20) mounted fixedly and adapted to modify the field of the camera (10) in a specific operating position.

Description

MULTIFUNCTION CAMERA MODULE

The present invention relates to a module incorporating a camera capable of providing images in several different directions.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the automotive field.

It is known to use a camera for rear vision on a motor vehicle, that is to say to control the part of the road that is behind the vehicle when it is moving, and especially to monitor the behavior of other users. The image produced is generally projected in the cabin on a screen positioned substantially in the driver's field of vision. This type of application is much more than an alternative to conventional mirrors. The use of a camera makes it possible to maximize the field of retrovisdon, and the restitution of the image in the field of view of the driver provides a significant gain in terms of comfort. In the end, it is security that is improved.

The use of a camera for parking assistance also tends to develop more and more in large-scale motor vehicles. The idea is to project, always on a screen placed substantially in the field of view of the driver, an image coming from a camera pointed at the space directly adjacent to the rear part of the motor vehicle, in particular at the level of the screen. shocks. This is not a simple alternative, but rather a new function allowing to help the driver during parking maneuvers, especially during the rear steps.

It is understood that it may be particularly interesting that a motor vehicle has both types of features, and in this case, that the same camera is able to perform alternately each of said features. The solutions that have been developed to date to achieve this result are all based on the same principle. It consists in using a camera mounted movably in displacement between two positions of use respectively corresponding to the retrovision function and the parking assistance function. The problem is that for focal length reasons, a camera lens suitable for retrovisioning will never be perfect for parking assistance, and vice versa. The retrovision function requires a lens that allows vision from a distance and has a reduced field width, while the parking assist function requires a lens that offers short-range vision, but with a wide field.

To overcome this difficulty, it is of course possible to use a mobile camera with a zoom. A lens with variable focal length makes it possible to obtain a sharp image whatever the angle and the distance of taking pictures. Thus equipped, the same camera is therefore perfectly capable of alternately performing the function of rear vision and ^'the function of parking assistance.

This type of multifunction camera module however has the disadvantage of being extremely expensive, mainly because of the significant additional cost. generated by the presence of the zoom. The use of an optical system with variable focal length also has the disadvantage of significantly increasing the overall size of the assembly. This can hinder or even prevent the implementation of such a module on certain parts of motor vehicles for example.

Also, the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to propose a multifunction camera module intended to provide images in at least two different directions, a module which would make it possible to guarantee an optimum image quality irrespective of the angle of view of the camera, while being significantly less expensive.

The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the camera module. multi-function device comprises a camera mounted movably in displacement between at least two distinct positions of use, and at least one additional optical system fixedly mounted and able to modify the field of the camera in a position of specific use.

It is understood that such a multifunction camera module can be adapted to any type of function, and that its use is therefore in no way limited to rearview or parking assistance. Many other applications can be considered, such as side vision or the view at the rocker.

The invention as defined thus has the advantage of allowing pictures of perfect quality in each position of use likely to be taken by the camera. By associating an optical system complementary to the objective of the camera, for each position of use for which said camera lens is not intrinsically adapted, it is indeed possible to obtain values of depth and field width that are compatible with the function to be performed. Of course, the characteristics of each complementary optical system will be specific to each particular use position, i.e. to each camera feature.

The obtaining of images of optimal quality, 0 independently of the relative position of the camera, is carried out elsewhere without resorting to an optical system with variable focal length. This feature makes it possible to contain the cost price of such a multi-function camera module, which is always a decisive advantage, especially in the automotive field.

The invention also has the advantage of offering a substantially improved compactness compared to devices of the state of the art, which are equipped with a camera with zoom. This feature is of nature to facilitate the implementation of a multifunction camera module object of the invention, particularly when it comes to integrate a body of a motor vehicle.

The present invention also relates to the features which will become apparent in the course of the following description, and which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

This description, given as a non-limiting example, is intended to better understand what the invention is and how it can be achieved. It is also given with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates, in perspective and in transparency, a multifunction camera module according to the inveixtion.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of three quarters front and top of the multifunction camera module of FIG.

Figure 3 also shows an exploded multifunction camera module, but in perspective of three quarter back and top. Figure 4 shows the multifunction camera module of Figures 1 to 3 in longitudinal section, with the camera placed in a main use position.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but with the camera oriented in a secondary use position.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multifunction camera module when the retrovision function is activated, i.e. when the camera is in its main use position.

Figure 7 is a diagram which shows the operation of the multifunction camera module when the parking assist function is activated, that is to say when the camera is in its position of secondary use.

Figure 8 shows in perspective before a moclule multifunction camera with washing means. FIG. 9 partially illustrates, and in rear perspective, the multifunction camera module of FIG. 8. Figure 10 shows in front perspective a multifunction camera module provided with wiping means.

Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the multifunction camera module of Figure 10, once integrated into a motor vehicle body.

FIG. 12 shows in detail part of the wiping means of the multifunction camera module of FIGS. 10 and 11. For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by identical references in all the figures. Likewise, only the essential elements for understanding the invention have been represented, and this without regard to the scale and in a schematic manner.

FIG. 1 illustrates a multifunction camera module 1 "which is intended to be integrated into the rear part of a motor vehicle bodywork 100. In this particular embodiment, chosen solely by way of example, the module 1 is designed so as to be able to provide images in two different directions; the aim here is to provide a rear view function (FIG. 6) and a parking assistance type function (FIG. 7).

According to the object of the present invention, the multifunction camera module 1 is provided with a camera 10 which is mounted movably in displacement between two distinct positions of use, as well as a complementary optical system 20 which is fixedly mounted and which is able to change the field of the camera 10 when the latter is in a position of use determined. Concretely, the assembly is arranged so that the complementary optical system 20 is fixedly mounted in a position such that its optical axis is collinear with that of the camera 10 when the latter is in the corresponding use position.

Preferably, the camera 10 is movably mounted in displacement between a main use position and at least one secondary use position. Under these conditions, each complementary optical system present 20 is associated only with a secondary use position.

It should be noted that the term "main use position" means the camera layout 10 which is most often used. This is in this case the position corresponding to the rear vision function which is supposed to be implemented almost permanently as soon as the vehicle 100 is forward (Figure 6). In contrast, the secondary use position refers to any camera arrangement that is used rather episodically. In the example, it is the position corresponding to the parking assistance function which is intended to be activated only temporarily when the vehicle 10 progresses in reverse (FIG. 7).

Anyway, this preferential characteristic means that the main use position does not involve any complementary optical system 20. This therefore implies that in this almost permanent position, only the objective 11 of the camera 10 is set to capture images. It also means that objective 11 in question is calibrated to provide depth and breadth of field. compatible with the function most often requested, namely retrovision.

The aforementioned preferred characteristic does not mean that each secondary use position implements a complementary optical system 20. It simply indicates that a complementary optical system 20 is present only when the optical performance of the lens 11 is not in line with the type of vision desired, particularly in terms of depth and field width.

In the exemplary embodiment chosen to illustrate the invention, the camera 10 is mounted movably in displacement between a main use position (FIGS. 4 and 6) and a secondary use position (FIGS. 5 and 7). Under these conditions, the only complementary optical system present 20 is advantageously associated with the single position of secondary use. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the camera 10 is pivotably mounted between two distinct angular positions (FIGS. 4 and 5).

As can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment, the camera 10 is in fact rigidly secured to a siipport 12 which is pivotally mounted about an axis 13. The fastening of the camera 10 is performed here directly by interlocking on the support 12, and maintained by means of two locking elements 14, 3.5 elastically deformable.

The complementary optical system 20 is conventionally composed of a set of optical lenses whose shapes and sizes are adequate, and whose relative positioning xines over others is appropriate. In a particularly advantageous manner, the complementary optical system 20 is of afocal type. Specifically, the camera 10, the complementary optical system 20, and more broadly all the components comprising the multifunction camera module 1, are integrated inside a substantially waterproof housing which is composed of two parts, namely a base 2 and a cover 3. These two elements are here secured by means of elastically deformable locking elements 4. But of course, any other joining technique could be used in an equivalent manner, such as for example an ultrasonic welding or a screw fixing.

According to a feature of the invention, the multifunction camera module 1 is also provided with motor means 30 which are able to drive the camera 10 in motion between its different positions of use.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show that in this exemplary embodiment, the motor means 30 are essentially composed of an electric motor 31, a worm 32, a toothed wheel 33 and a toothed sector 34 integral with the support 12. The assembly is arranged so that the electric motor 31 is able to drive in rotation the worm 32 which meshes with the toothed wheel 33, which itself co-operates by meshing with the sector In another feature of the invention, the multifunction camera module 1 comprises control means 40 of the motor means 30.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 5, in this exemplary embodiment, the control means 40 comprise a printed circuit 41 which is electrically connected to the motor 31 via two conductive tracks 42, 43. It should be noted that the latter are here advantageously overmolded at the inner face of the base 2. A connecting cord 44 is also provided for connecting the printed circuit 41 with the camera 10.

According to another feature of the invention, the multifunction camera module 1 also has stop means 50 which are able to block the camera 10 in each use position.

According to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the abutment means 50 of this exemplary embodiment first consist of a first protruding lug 51 which is able to block the pivoting downwards of the support 12 when the camera 10 reaches the main use position (Figure 4). The abutment means 50 further comprise a second protruding lug 52 which is able to block the upward pivoting of the support 12 when the camera 10 reaches its secondary use position (FIG. 5). It should be noted that both the first projecting lug 51, the second projecting lug 52, are here integral with the base 2. According to another feature of the invention, the multifunction camera module 1 is provided with elastic return means 60 that are able to hold the camera 10 in a determined use position.

This feature makes it possible to guarantee the immobility of the camera 10 without having to use the motor means 30. This can be particularly advantageous if the camera 10 in question is intended to operate in this position for a relatively long period of time. . Moreover, the use position in which the camera 10 can be maintained by the elastic return means 60, will preferably be the main use position. In the embodiment illustrated in the various figures, the elastic return means 60 are simply constituted by a cylindrical spring with angular action 61 which is mounted around the pivot axis 13 of the support 12 of the camera 10, and which exerts its action between a first stop element 62 formed on said support 12 and a second abutment element integral with the cover 3. The assembly is here arranged so that in the main use position, the cylindrical spring 61 is in able to press the pivoting support 12 against the projecting lug 51 of the stop means 50.

The presence of the elastic return means 60 makes it possible, when the retrovision function is implemented, to compensate for all the games and vibrations inherent to the pivoting mounting of the camera 10, without having to resort to the motor means 30. The function helps to parking requiring only a temporary positioning of the camera 10 in its position of secondary use, stability, play and vibration can be perfectly controlled by implementing the motor means 30 the necessary time.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention, in which the multifunction camera module 1 is further provided, on the one hand, with at least one transparent screen 5 able to protect the camera 10 in the least one of its positions of use, and secondly, means of washing 70 capable of cleaning the outer surface 6 of at least one protective screen 5.

It should be noted that the term transparent should be understood here in the broad sense, which means that the screen 5 should be considered more generally as being permeable to light, that is to say transparent or translucent.

We also note that unlike a parking-type vision, rear vision is a safety function. This implies that the restitution of the image must always be perfect, whatever the operating conditions. This is why the washing means 70 will advantageously be arranged so as to be able to clean at least the screen portion 5 which is located directly opposite the camera 10 when the latter is in the main use position.

As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the washing means 70 of this particular embodiment are constituted by a nozzle 71 of liquid under pressure. Its action is exercised both on the area of the screen 5 which corresponds to the main use position, as on the area of the screen 5 which corresponds to the secondary use position of the camera 10.

Particularly advantageously, the nozzle of pressurized liquid 71 is here telescopically mounted.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the deployment of the telescopic nozzle 71 is provided by transmission means 72 cooperating by driving with the motor means 30 of the camera 10. The transmission means 72 are here in the form of a shaft 73, one end of which is integral with the toothed wheel 33 of the drive means 30, and the other end of which is integral with a driving pinion 74 cooperating by meshing with a rack 74 at one end of which is arranged the telescopic nozzle 71.

The fact that the washing means 70 is mechanically coupled with the motor means 30 generates an automatic deployment of the telescopic nozzle 71 when the camera 10 is pivotally driven to its secondary use position.

According to a first variant embodiment, the deployment of the telescopic nozzle 71 could very well be effected by means of transmission means co-operating by drive with specific motor means.

According to a second variant embodiment, the deployment of the telescopic nozzle 71 could also be provided by an internal pressure mechanism.

In these two variants, the fact that the washing means 70 are not coupled mechanically with the motor means 30 allows implementation at the request of the telescopic nozzle 71. Anyway, it is understood that the telescopic nozzle 71 could be driven away by any known mechanism.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show another particular embodiment of the invention in which the multifunction camera module 1 is provided, on the one hand, with at least one transparent screen 5 able to protect the camera 10 in at least one of its positions of use, and secondly, of wiping means 80 adapted to wipe the outer surface 6 of at least one protective screen 5.

However, there is also the presence of washing means 70 which are constituted here by a jet of pressurized liquid 72 of the fixed type. As in the previous embodiment, its action is exercised both on the screen portion 5 corresponding to the main use position, as on the screen portion 5 located opposite the 10 in position of use main.

Particularly advantageously, the wiper means 80 here comprise a scraper blade 81 which is movably mounted in displacement via a specific actuator 82. In accordance with FIG. 12, the driving of the scraper blade 81 by the Specific actuator 82 is effected by means of a gear train 83, 84.

According to another feature of the invention, the multifunction camera module 1 is intended to be mounted movably in displacement between at least two extreme adjustment positions. It is clear that this mobility can be carried out according to movements of any kind and / or orientation, even if a pivot in a substantially vertical plane will be a priori the most interesting in the optics to allow adjustment in site.

Anyway, this characteristic allows indirectly to be able to accurately adjust the position of the camera 10 relative to the environment in which the multifunction camera module 1 is implanted, once the positioning of said camera 10 inside. of said multifunction camera module 1 performed. This adjustment operation, which can be carried out by the user, makes it possible to to overcome the problems of tolerances and other problems of dispersion

Particularly advantageously, the multifunction camera module 1 is intended to be coupled to secondary motor means for driving it precisely in displacement between its extreme adjustment positions.

Of course, the invention also relates to any motor vehicle comprising at least one multifunction camera module as previously described.

Claims

Multifunctional camera module (1) intended to provide images in at least two different directions, characterized in that it comprises a camera (10) mounted movably in displacement between at least two distinct positions of use, as well as in less a complementary optical system (20) fixedly mounted and adapted to change the field of the camera (10) in a position of use determined.

Multifunctional camera module (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the camera (10) is movably mounted in displacement between a main use position and at least one secondary use position, and in that each system complementary optical (20) present is associated with a position of secondary use.

3. Multi-function camera module (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises motor means (30) adapted to drive the camera (10) in displacement between its different positions of use.

4. Multi-function camera module (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises control means (40) of the motor means (30).

5. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises stop means (50) adapted to block the camera (10) in each use position.

6. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises elastic return means (60) capable of holding the camera (10) in a position of use determined.

7. Module multifunction camera (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises, in a ^"hand, at least one transparent screen (5) adapted to protect the camera (10) at least one of its positions of use, and secondly, washing means (70) capable of cleaning the outer surface (6) of at least one protective screen (5).

8. multifunction camera module (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the washing means (70) comprise at least one nozzle (71, 72) of liquid under pressure.

9. Multi-function camera module (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one nozzle of pressurized liquid (72) is fixed.

10. Multi-function camera module (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one nozzle of pressurized liquid (71) is telescopically mounted.

Multifunction camera module (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the deployment of at least one telescopic nozzle (71) is provided by transmission means (72) co-operating by driving with the motor means (30) of the camera (10).

12. Multi-function camera module (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the deployment of at least one telescopic nozzle (71) is provided by transmission means cooperating by drive with specific motor means.

13. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the deployment of at least one telescopic nozzle (71) is provided by an internal pressure mechanism.

14. multifunction camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, at least one transparent screen (5) adapted to protect the camera (10) in a at least one of its positions of use, and secondly, wiping means (80) able to wipe the outer surface (6) of at least one protective screen (5).

15. multifunction camera module (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the wiping means (80) comprise at least one scraper blade

(81) mounted movably in movement via a specific actuator (82).

16. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the camera (10) is mounted is pivotally movable between at least two distinct angular positions.

17. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each complementary optical system (20) is afocal type.

18. Multi-function camera module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it is intended to be mounted movably in displacement between at least two extreme adjustment positions.

19. Multi-function camera module (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that it is intended to be coupled to secondary drive means for driving it precisely in displacement between its extreme setting positions.

20. Motor vehicle (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one multifunction camera module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.