WO2017071967A1 - Camera for a motor vehicle with improved shielding as well as motor vehicle - Google Patents

Camera for a motor vehicle with improved shielding as well as motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017071967A1
WO2017071967A1 PCT/EP2016/074671 EP2016074671W WO2017071967A1 WO 2017071967 A1 WO2017071967 A1 WO 2017071967A1 EP 2016074671 W EP2016074671 W EP 2016074671W WO 2017071967 A1 WO2017071967 A1 WO 2017071967A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
camera
front housing
rear housing
motor vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/074671
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lloyd Anthony Sharman
Steven Birch
Sean Mcfadden
Richard Tadle
Original Assignee
Connaught Electronics Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Connaught Electronics Ltd. filed Critical Connaught Electronics Ltd.
Publication of WO2017071967A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017071967A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/02—Bodies
    • G03B17/08—Waterproof bodies or housings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B29/00—Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/50—Constructional details
    • H04N23/51—Housings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B2217/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B2217/002—Details of arrangement of components in or on camera body

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a camera for a motor vehicle with a housing assembly having a front housing and a rear housing, which are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, wherein the front housing and the rear housing each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas of the respective corners. Further, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such camera.
  • the interest is in particular directed to cameras for motor vehicles.
  • Such cameras can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle, by which an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured.
  • the environmental region of the motor vehicle captured by the cameras can for example be presented to the driver on a corresponding display device.
  • the cameras include a housing assembly, which is usually formed of two parts, namely a front housing and a rear housing.
  • the front housing serves for retaining a lens device of the camera and can also be referred to as lens housing.
  • the front housing and the rear housing can for example be connected by means of a screw connection.
  • At least one circuit board of the camera is disposed in the interior of the housing assembly. Usually, a plurality of electronic components is disposed on this circuit board, which can generate electromagnetic radiation in the operation of the camera and thus can cause
  • the front housing and the rear housing can for example be formed of aluminum. Since the front housing and the rear housing are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, the electromagnetic interferences generated by the at least one electronic component can be shielded by the housing assembly.
  • housing assemblies which substantially have a rectangular cross-sectional area.
  • the front housing and the rear housing can be electrically connected to each other in the area of the respective corners. If the front housing and the rear housing have a coating of an electrically insulating material, this coating can be removed in the area of the respective corners of the front housing and the rear housing.
  • a camera according to the invention for a motor vehicle includes a housing assembly, which has a front housing and a rear housing.
  • the front housing and the rear housing are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas. Further, the front housing and the rear housing each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas of the respective corners.
  • the front housing and the rear housing have a plurality of contact devices for electrically connecting the front housing and the rear housing, wherein the plurality of contact devices are disposed in respective areas of the front housing and/or of the rear housing, which are associated with the side walls of the front housing and/or the rear housing in a connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing.
  • the camera can be disposed on or in a motor vehicle.
  • the camera can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle.
  • an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured by the camera.
  • the camera includes the housing assembly, which in turn has the front housing and the rear housing.
  • the front housing and/or the rear housing can for example have an electrically conductive base body, which is for example formed of aluminum.
  • the front housing and/or the rear housing have a coating of an electrically insulating material. For example, this coating can be achieved by anodization.
  • At least one circuit board is disposed in the interior of the housing assembly, on which electronic components are located.
  • These electronic components can for example be an image sensor, an image processing unit, parts of the voltage supply of the camera or the like.
  • the at least one electronic component can generate electromagnetic interferences.
  • These electromagnetic interferences can adversely affect other constituents of the motor vehicle.
  • These constituents of the motor vehicle can for example be a satellite-assisted positioning system or a radio.
  • it is required to shield the electromagnetic interferences.
  • the electromagnetic interferences are partially shielded by the front housing and/or the rear housing.
  • the front housing and the rear housing can for example be electrically connected to each other in the areas of the respective corners. In the corners, in particular at two corners opposing each other, the front housing and the rear housing can be connected to each other by means of the screw connection. In these areas, the coating can be removed from the base body of the front housing and the rear housing.
  • a plurality of contact devices is provided on the front housing and/or the rear housing. These contact devices are each disposed in the area of the sidewalls of the front housing and/or the rear housing in the connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing.
  • the connecting area in particular represents that area, in which the front housing and the rear housing contact each other.
  • the contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing are formed such that the front housing and the rear housing are electrically connected to each other along a circumferential direction in the connecting area of the housing assembly.
  • the respective contact devices can be disposed on the front housing or on the rear housing. It can also be provided that the respective contact devices are disposed both on the front housing and on the rear housing. In that an electrical connection in the area of the respective sidewalls is provided by the respective contact devices, an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can be provided along the entire circumferential direction of the housing assembly.
  • the electromagnetic interferences generated in the interior of the housing assembly can be reliably dissipated by the electrically conductive housing assembly.
  • the respective contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing have a plurality of elevations.
  • corresponding elevations can be formed in the respective sidewalls of the front housing and/or the rear housing, which are disposed in the connecting area.
  • These elevations can be electrically conductively formed.
  • the electrically insulating coating can be removed in the area of the elevations.
  • the respective contact devices of the front housing and the respective contact devices of the rear housing have a plurality of elevations with intervening recesses, wherein the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing are disposed in the recesses of the respective contact devices of the rear housing.
  • the elevations of the respective contact devices of the rear housing are disposed in the recesses of the respective contact devices of the front housing.
  • the elevations can be formed corresponding to the recesses.
  • the elevations and the recesses can be dimensioned such that no gaps or gaps with a very low spatial extension form between the elevations and the recesses.
  • an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can be allowed along the entire circumferential direction of the housing assembly.
  • the rear housing has a cover element, which is disposed in an area of an inner wall of the front housing.
  • the front housing has a cover element, which is disposed in an area of an inner wall of the rear housing.
  • the rear housing can have a cover element extending along the circumferential direction of the rear housing.
  • the cover element can abut the inner wall of the front housing at least in certain areas.
  • the cover element can also have corresponding openings, which for example serve for retaining the at least one circuit board of the camera.
  • the elevations of the contact device of the rear housing can be disposed in the area of the openings of the cover element.
  • the camera has a sealing element disposed between the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing and the rear housing as well of as the cover element.
  • the cover element can for example be constituted by a corresponding sealing ring, which is circumferentially disposed in the connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing.
  • the sealing element can be disposed in an area or in a recess, which is bounded by the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing on the one side and by the cover element on the other side.
  • the sealing element can be reliably retained between the front housing and the rear housing. With the aid of the sealing element, dirt or liquids can be prevented from entering from the outside into the interior of the housing assembly.
  • the respective contact devices of the front housing each have an elevation extending along the sidewall, and the respective contact devices of the housings have recesses corresponding to the elevations, in which the elevations are disposed at least in certain areas.
  • the respective contact devices of the rear housing can each have an elevation, which extends along the sidewall, and the respective contact devices of the front housings can have recesses corresponding to the elevations, in which the elevations are disposed at least in certain areas.
  • the respective contact devices of the rear housing can have a recess having the shape of a groove. The corresponding elevation of the contact device of the front housing can then be disposed in this groove.
  • the camera has a sealing element disposed in the respective recesses.
  • a sealing element or a sealing ring can be disposed between the elevation of the respective contact devices of the front housing and the corresponding recesses of the contact devices of the rear housing.
  • the housing assembly can be reliably sealed.
  • the camera has a motor vehicle fixing device for fixing the camera to the motor vehicle.
  • the camera can be attached externally on the motor vehicle.
  • a corresponding receiving device can be provided on the motor vehicle, on which the motor vehicle fixing device of the camera can be disposed.
  • a motor vehicle according to the invention includes at least one camera according to the invention. Therein, it can also be provided that multiple cameras are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle.
  • the cameras can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle, by which an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured.
  • the motor vehicle is in particular formed as a passenger car.
  • Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a driver assistance system with four cameras;
  • Fig. 2 a camera having a front housing and a rear housing in a perspective view
  • Fig. 3 the front housing according to the prior art in a perspective view
  • Fig. 4 the front housing according to the prior art in a perspective view
  • Fig. 5 the rear housing according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view
  • Fig. 6 the front housing according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view
  • Fig. 7 the housing assembly in a sectioned side view
  • Fig. 8 the housing assembly according to a further embodiment in a sectioned side view
  • Fig. 9 the camera according to a further embodiment in a perspective view.
  • Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a plan view.
  • the motor vehicle 1 is formed as a passenger car.
  • the motor vehicle 1 includes a driver assistance system 2.
  • the driver assistance system 2 in turn includes a control device 3, which can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle 1 .
  • the driver assistance system 2 includes at least one camera 4.
  • the driver assistance system 2 includes four cameras 4, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle 1 .
  • one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a rear area 5
  • one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a front area 7 of the motor vehicle 1 and the remaining two cameras 4 are disposed in a respective lateral area 6, in particular in an area of the wing mirrors.
  • the number and arrangement of the cameras 4 of the driver assistance system 2 is to be understood purely exemplarily.
  • An environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the cameras 4.
  • the four cameras 4 are formed identical in construction.
  • an image sequence or video data can be provided by the cameras 4, which describes the environmental region 8.
  • This video data can be transmitted from the cameras 4 to the control device 3.
  • a display device of the motor vehicle 1 not illustrated here can be controlled by means of the control device 3 such that the video data of the cameras 4 can be displayed to the driver.
  • the driver assistance system 2 serves for assisting the driver of the motor vehicle 1 in driving the motor vehicle 1 .
  • the driver assistance system 2 can for example be a so-called electronic rearview mirror.
  • Fig. 2 shows one of the cameras 4 according to a first embodiment.
  • the camera 4 includes a housing assembly 9, which in turn includes a front housing 1 1 and a rear housing 10.
  • the front housing 1 1 can also be referred to as lens housing.
  • a lens device 15 of the camera 4 is disposed on the front housing 1 1 , which can include at least one lens.
  • a valve 12 is disposed in the front housing 1 1 .
  • the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 can be formed of aluminum and be manufactured by means of a die casting method.
  • the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 can have an electrically insulating coating.
  • the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 are connected to each other by means of screws 13.
  • the camera 4 has an interface device 14.
  • FIG. 3 shows a rear housing 10 according to the prior art in a perspective view.
  • the rear housing 10 has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
  • the front housing 1 1 In the areas 16, for example, the electrically insulating coating can be removed.
  • Fig. 4 shows the front housing 1 1 according to the prior art in a perspective view.
  • the front housing 1 1 too substantially has a rectangular cross-section.
  • the electrical connection to the rear housing 10 can be provided.
  • the front housing 1 1 has corresponding elevations 18, which are electrically in contact with the rear housing 10.
  • Fig. 5 shows a rear housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.
  • the rear housing 10 illustrated here can also be electrically connected to the front housing 1 1 in the areas 16 or in the corners.
  • the rear housing 10 includes a plurality of contact devices 19.
  • the contact devices 19 are disposed in respective areas of the sidewalls 20.
  • the respective contact devices 19 include a plurality of elevations 21 and recesses 22 disposed between the elevations 21 .
  • each contact device 19 includes three elevations 21 and two recesses 22 disposed
  • the rear housing 10 includes a cover element 23, which is formed
  • the cover element 23 includes a plurality of openings 24, which for example serve for retaining a circuit board of the camera 4.
  • the elevations 21 of the respective contact devices 19 are disposed such that they are disposed in the area of the openings 24 of the cover element 23.
  • Fig. 6 shows a front housing 1 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view.
  • the elevations 18 are disposed in the areas 17 or in the corners, which serve for electrically contacting the front housing 1 1 with the rear housing 10.
  • the front housing 1 1 too includes a plurality of contact devices 25, which are disposed in a respective area of the sidewalls 26 of the front housing 1 1 .
  • the contact devices 25 include elevations 27 corresponding to the recesses 22 of the contact device 19 of the rear housing 10.
  • the respective contact devices 25 include recesses 28 corresponding to the elevations 21 of the contact devices 19 of the rear housing 10.
  • Fig. 7 shows the housing assembly 9 including the rear housing 10 according to Fig. 5 and the front housing 1 1 according to Fig. 6.
  • the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 are connected to each other in a connecting area 33.
  • the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10 is disposed on an inner wall 29 of the front housing 1 1 .
  • a sealing element 30 is provided, which is disposed between the elevations 21 of the rear housing 10 and/or the elevations 27 of the front housing 1 1 on the one hand and the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10 on the other hand.
  • the sealing element 30 is disposed between elevations 27 of the front housing 1 1 and the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10. Contaminations or liquid can be prevented from penetrating from the outside into the interior of the housing assembly 9 by the sealing element 30.
  • Fig. 8 shows a housing assembly 9 according to a further embodiment in a sectioned side view.
  • the contact device 19 of the rear housing 10 has a recess 31 .
  • the contact device 25 of the front housing 1 1 has an elevation 32, which is disposed in the recess 31 .
  • the sealing element 30 is disposed in the recess 31 .
  • the recess 31 and the elevation 32 preferably extend along the entire sidewalls 20, 26 of the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10.
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a camera according to a further embodiment.
  • the camera 4 has the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 according to Fig. 8.
  • an electrical connection between the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 is provided by the contact devices 19, 25 in the connecting area 33.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera (4) for a motor vehicle (1) with a housing assembly (9), which has a front housing (11) and a rear housing (10), which are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, wherein the front housing (11) and the rear housing (10) each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas (16, 17) of the respective corners, wherein the front housing (11) and/or the rear housing (10) have a plurality of contact devices (19, 25) for electrically connecting the front housing (11) and the rear housing (10), wherein the plurality of contact devices (19, 25) is disposed in respective areas of the front housing and/or the rear housing, which are associated with sidewalls (20, 26) of the front housing (11) and/or the rear housing (10) in a connecting area (33) between the front housing (11) and the rear housing (10).

Description

Camera for a motor vehicle with improved shielding as well as motor vehicle
The present invention relates to a camera for a motor vehicle with a housing assembly having a front housing and a rear housing, which are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, wherein the front housing and the rear housing each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas of the respective corners. Further, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such camera.
Presently, the interest is in particular directed to cameras for motor vehicles. Such cameras can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle, by which an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured. The environmental region of the motor vehicle captured by the cameras can for example be presented to the driver on a corresponding display device.
The cameras include a housing assembly, which is usually formed of two parts, namely a front housing and a rear housing. The front housing serves for retaining a lens device of the camera and can also be referred to as lens housing. The front housing and the rear housing can for example be connected by means of a screw connection. At least one circuit board of the camera is disposed in the interior of the housing assembly. Usually, a plurality of electronic components is disposed on this circuit board, which can generate electromagnetic radiation in the operation of the camera and thus can cause
electromagnetic interferences. The front housing and the rear housing can for example be formed of aluminum. Since the front housing and the rear housing are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, the electromagnetic interferences generated by the at least one electronic component can be shielded by the housing assembly.
From the prior art, housing assemblies are known, which substantially have a rectangular cross-sectional area. Therein, the front housing and the rear housing can be electrically connected to each other in the area of the respective corners. If the front housing and the rear housing have a coating of an electrically insulating material, this coating can be removed in the area of the respective corners of the front housing and the rear housing.
It is the object of the present invention to demonstrate a solution, how a camera for a motor vehicle of the initially mentioned kind can be more reliably operated. According to the invention, this object is solved by a camera as well as by a motor vehicle having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, of the description and of the figures.
A camera according to the invention for a motor vehicle includes a housing assembly, which has a front housing and a rear housing. The front housing and the rear housing are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas. Further, the front housing and the rear housing each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas of the respective corners. Moreover, the front housing and the rear housing have a plurality of contact devices for electrically connecting the front housing and the rear housing, wherein the plurality of contact devices are disposed in respective areas of the front housing and/or of the rear housing, which are associated with the side walls of the front housing and/or the rear housing in a connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing.
The camera can be disposed on or in a motor vehicle. The camera can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle. For example, an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured by the camera. The camera includes the housing assembly, which in turn has the front housing and the rear housing. The front housing and/or the rear housing can for example have an electrically conductive base body, which is for example formed of aluminum. In addition, it can be provided that the front housing and/or the rear housing have a coating of an electrically insulating material. For example, this coating can be achieved by anodization. At least one circuit board is disposed in the interior of the housing assembly, on which electronic components are located. These electronic components can for example be an image sensor, an image processing unit, parts of the voltage supply of the camera or the like. In the operation of the camera, the at least one electronic component can generate electromagnetic interferences. These electromagnetic interferences can adversely affect other constituents of the motor vehicle. These constituents of the motor vehicle can for example be a satellite-assisted positioning system or a radio. In order to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility, it is required to shield the electromagnetic interferences. Therein, the electromagnetic interferences are partially shielded by the front housing and/or the rear housing. The front housing and the rear housing can for example be electrically connected to each other in the areas of the respective corners. In the corners, in particular at two corners opposing each other, the front housing and the rear housing can be connected to each other by means of the screw connection. In these areas, the coating can be removed from the base body of the front housing and the rear housing.
According to the invention, it is now provided that a plurality of contact devices is provided on the front housing and/or the rear housing. These contact devices are each disposed in the area of the sidewalls of the front housing and/or the rear housing in the connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing. The connecting area in particular represents that area, in which the front housing and the rear housing contact each other. Thus, in the areas associated with the sidewalls of the front housing and/or the rear housing, an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can also be provided by the contact devices. Thereby, it can be achieved that in the area of the sidewalls in addition to the corner areas, reliable shielding of the electromagnetic rays is also achieved. Thereby, influence of the electronic constituents of the motor vehicle by the camera can be prevented.
Preferably, the contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing are formed such that the front housing and the rear housing are electrically connected to each other along a circumferential direction in the connecting area of the housing assembly. The respective contact devices can be disposed on the front housing or on the rear housing. It can also be provided that the respective contact devices are disposed both on the front housing and on the rear housing. In that an electrical connection in the area of the respective sidewalls is provided by the respective contact devices, an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can be provided along the entire circumferential direction of the housing assembly. Thus, the electromagnetic interferences generated in the interior of the housing assembly, can be reliably dissipated by the electrically conductive housing assembly.
In an embodiment, the respective contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing have a plurality of elevations. In the respective sidewalls of the front housing and/or the rear housing, which are disposed in the connecting area, corresponding elevations can be formed. These elevations can be electrically conductively formed. In other words, for example, the electrically insulating coating can be removed in the area of the elevations. Thus, an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can be provided in simple manner.
Preferably, the respective contact devices of the front housing and the respective contact devices of the rear housing have a plurality of elevations with intervening recesses, wherein the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing are disposed in the recesses of the respective contact devices of the rear housing. Therein, it can also be provided that the elevations of the respective contact devices of the rear housing are disposed in the recesses of the respective contact devices of the front housing. Therein, the elevations can be formed corresponding to the recesses. In particular, the elevations and the recesses can be dimensioned such that no gaps or gaps with a very low spatial extension form between the elevations and the recesses. Thus, an electrical connection between the front housing and the rear housing can be allowed along the entire circumferential direction of the housing assembly.
According to a further embodiment, the rear housing has a cover element, which is disposed in an area of an inner wall of the front housing. Alternatively thereto, it can be provided that the front housing has a cover element, which is disposed in an area of an inner wall of the rear housing. In other words, the rear housing can have a cover element extending along the circumferential direction of the rear housing. The cover element can abut the inner wall of the front housing at least in certain areas. The cover element can also have corresponding openings, which for example serve for retaining the at least one circuit board of the camera. Therein, the elevations of the contact device of the rear housing can be disposed in the area of the openings of the cover element. Thus, electromagnetic radiation can be reliably prevented from penetrating from the interior of the housing assembly to the outside.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the camera has a sealing element disposed between the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing and the rear housing as well of as the cover element. The cover element can for example be constituted by a corresponding sealing ring, which is circumferentially disposed in the connecting area between the front housing and the rear housing. Therein, the sealing element can be disposed in an area or in a recess, which is bounded by the elevations of the respective contact devices of the front housing and/or the rear housing on the one side and by the cover element on the other side. Thus, the sealing element can be reliably retained between the front housing and the rear housing. With the aid of the sealing element, dirt or liquids can be prevented from entering from the outside into the interior of the housing assembly.
According to a further configuration, the respective contact devices of the front housing each have an elevation extending along the sidewall, and the respective contact devices of the housings have recesses corresponding to the elevations, in which the elevations are disposed at least in certain areas. Alternatively thereto, the respective contact devices of the rear housing can each have an elevation, which extends along the sidewall, and the respective contact devices of the front housings can have recesses corresponding to the elevations, in which the elevations are disposed at least in certain areas. The respective contact devices of the rear housing can have a recess having the shape of a groove. The corresponding elevation of the contact device of the front housing can then be disposed in this groove. Thus, electromagnetic radiation can reliably be prevented from penetrating from the interior of the housing assembly to the outside.
Preferably, the camera has a sealing element disposed in the respective recesses. In other words, a sealing element or a sealing ring can be disposed between the elevation of the respective contact devices of the front housing and the corresponding recesses of the contact devices of the rear housing. Thus, the housing assembly can be reliably sealed.
Preferably, the camera has a motor vehicle fixing device for fixing the camera to the motor vehicle. In particular, the camera can be attached externally on the motor vehicle. Hereto, a corresponding receiving device can be provided on the motor vehicle, on which the motor vehicle fixing device of the camera can be disposed.
A motor vehicle according to the invention includes at least one camera according to the invention. Therein, it can also be provided that multiple cameras are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle. The cameras can for example be a part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle, by which an environmental region of the motor vehicle can be captured. The motor vehicle is in particular formed as a passenger car.
The preferred embodiments presented with respect to the camera according to the invention and the advantages thereof correspondingly apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention.
Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, implementations are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown in the figures and explained, but arise from and can be generated by separated feature combinations from the explained implementations. Implementations and feature combinations are also to be considered as disclosed, which thus do not have all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim.
Now, the invention is explained in more detail based on preferred embodiments as well as with reference to the attached drawings.
There show:
Fig. 1 a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a driver assistance system with four cameras;
Fig. 2 a camera having a front housing and a rear housing in a perspective view;
Fig. 3 the front housing according to the prior art in a perspective view;
Fig. 4 the front housing according to the prior art in a perspective view;
Fig. 5 the rear housing according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
Fig. 6 the front housing according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
Fig. 7 the housing assembly in a sectioned side view;
Fig. 8 the housing assembly according to a further embodiment in a sectioned side view; and
Fig. 9 the camera according to a further embodiment in a perspective view.
In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference characters. Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a plan view. In the present case, the motor vehicle 1 is formed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 includes a driver assistance system 2. The driver assistance system 2 in turn includes a control device 3, which can for example be constituted by an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle 1 . Moreover, the driver assistance system 2 includes at least one camera 4. In the present embodiment, the driver assistance system 2 includes four cameras 4, which are disposed distributed on the motor vehicle 1 . Presently, one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a rear area 5, one of the cameras 4 is disposed in a front area 7 of the motor vehicle 1 and the remaining two cameras 4 are disposed in a respective lateral area 6, in particular in an area of the wing mirrors. Presently, the number and arrangement of the cameras 4 of the driver assistance system 2 is to be understood purely exemplarily.
An environmental region 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the cameras 4. Preferably, the four cameras 4 are formed identical in construction. In particular, an image sequence or video data can be provided by the cameras 4, which describes the environmental region 8. This video data can be transmitted from the cameras 4 to the control device 3. A display device of the motor vehicle 1 not illustrated here can be controlled by means of the control device 3 such that the video data of the cameras 4 can be displayed to the driver. Thus, the driver assistance system 2 serves for assisting the driver of the motor vehicle 1 in driving the motor vehicle 1 . The driver assistance system 2 can for example be a so-called electronic rearview mirror.
Fig. 2 shows one of the cameras 4 according to a first embodiment. The camera 4 includes a housing assembly 9, which in turn includes a front housing 1 1 and a rear housing 10. The front housing 1 1 can also be referred to as lens housing. A lens device 15 of the camera 4 is disposed on the front housing 1 1 , which can include at least one lens. Moreover, a valve 12 is disposed in the front housing 1 1 . The front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 can be formed of aluminum and be manufactured by means of a die casting method. In addition, the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 can have an electrically insulating coating. The front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 are connected to each other by means of screws 13. Moreover, the camera 4 has an interface device 14. Data transmission from the camera 4 to the motor vehicle 1 can be effected via the interface device 14. In this manner, the image sequences or video data provided by the camera 4 can be presented on a display device of the motor vehicle 1 . Fig. 3 shows a rear housing 10 according to the prior art in a perspective view. Presently, it is apparent that the rear housing 10 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. In the areas 16 associated with the respective corners of the rear housing 10, the rear housing 10 can be electrically connected to the front housing 1 1 . In the areas 16, for example, the electrically insulating coating can be removed. Further, Fig. 4 shows the front housing 1 1 according to the prior art in a perspective view. The front housing 1 1 too substantially has a rectangular cross-section. In areas 17 associated with the respective corners of the front housing 1 1 , the electrical connection to the rear housing 10 can be provided. Hereto, the front housing 1 1 has corresponding elevations 18, which are electrically in contact with the rear housing 10.
Fig. 5 shows a rear housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view. The rear housing 10 illustrated here can also be electrically connected to the front housing 1 1 in the areas 16 or in the corners. Moreover, the rear housing 10 includes a plurality of contact devices 19. The contact devices 19 are disposed in respective areas of the sidewalls 20. The respective contact devices 19 include a plurality of elevations 21 and recesses 22 disposed between the elevations 21 . Presently, each contact device 19 includes three elevations 21 and two recesses 22 disposed
therebetween.
Moreover, the rear housing 10 includes a cover element 23, which is formed
circumferentially along the circumferential direction of the rear housing 10 at least in certain areas. The cover element 23 includes a plurality of openings 24, which for example serve for retaining a circuit board of the camera 4. Therein, the elevations 21 of the respective contact devices 19 are disposed such that they are disposed in the area of the openings 24 of the cover element 23. Thus, electromagnetic radiation can be prevented from penetrating from the interior of the housing assembly 9 to the outside.
Fig. 6 shows a front housing 1 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view. Here too, the elevations 18 are disposed in the areas 17 or in the corners, which serve for electrically contacting the front housing 1 1 with the rear housing 10. The front housing 1 1 too includes a plurality of contact devices 25, which are disposed in a respective area of the sidewalls 26 of the front housing 1 1 . The contact devices 25 include elevations 27 corresponding to the recesses 22 of the contact device 19 of the rear housing 10. In addition, the respective contact devices 25 include recesses 28 corresponding to the elevations 21 of the contact devices 19 of the rear housing 10. Thus, an electrical connection between the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 1 1 can be provided along the entire circumferential direction of the housing assembly 9.
Fig. 7 shows the housing assembly 9 including the rear housing 10 according to Fig. 5 and the front housing 1 1 according to Fig. 6. The front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 are connected to each other in a connecting area 33. Further, it is apparent that the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10 is disposed on an inner wall 29 of the front housing 1 1 . In addition, a sealing element 30 is provided, which is disposed between the elevations 21 of the rear housing 10 and/or the elevations 27 of the front housing 1 1 on the one hand and the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10 on the other hand. In the present sectional illustration, the sealing element 30 is disposed between elevations 27 of the front housing 1 1 and the cover element 23 of the rear housing 10. Contaminations or liquid can be prevented from penetrating from the outside into the interior of the housing assembly 9 by the sealing element 30.
Fig. 8 shows a housing assembly 9 according to a further embodiment in a sectioned side view. Presently, the contact device 19 of the rear housing 10 has a recess 31 . The contact device 25 of the front housing 1 1 has an elevation 32, which is disposed in the recess 31 . Further, the sealing element 30 is disposed in the recess 31 . The recess 31 and the elevation 32 preferably extend along the entire sidewalls 20, 26 of the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10.
Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a camera according to a further embodiment.
Presently, the camera 4 has the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 according to Fig. 8. Herein, it is apparent that an electrical connection between the front housing 1 1 and the rear housing 10 is provided by the contact devices 19, 25 in the connecting area 33.

Claims

Claims
1 . Camera (4) for a motor vehicle (1 ) with a housing assembly (9) having a front
housing (1 1 ) and a rear housing (10), which are formed of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, wherein the front housing (1 1 ) and the rear housing (10) each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area and are electrically connected to each other in areas (16, 17) of the respective corners, characterized in that
the front housing (1 1 ) and/or the rear housing (10) have a plurality of contact devices (19, 25) for electrically connecting the front housing (1 1 ) and the rear housing (10), wherein the plurality of contact devices (19, 25) is disposed in respective areas of the front housing and/or the rear housing, which are associated with sidewalls (20, 26) of the front housing (1 1 ) and/or the rear housing (10) in a connecting area (33) between the front housing (1 1 ) and the rear housing (10).
2. Camera (4) according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that
the contact devices (16, 25) of the front housing (1 1 ) and/or the rear housing (10) are formed such that the front housing (1 1 ) and the rear housing (10) are electrically connected to each other along a circumferential direction in the connecting area (33) of the housing assembly (9).
3. Camera (4) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the respective contact devices (16, 25) of the front housing (1 1 ) and/or the rear housing (10) have a plurality of elevations (21 , 27).
4. Camera (4) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the respective contact devices (25) of the front housing (1 1 ) and the respective contact devices (16) of the rear housing (10) have a plurality of elevations (21 , 27) with intervening recesses (22, 28), wherein the elevations (27) of the respective contact devices (25) of the front housing (1 1 ) are disposed in the recesses (22) of the respective contact devices (16) of the rear housing (10).
5. Camera (4) according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized in that
the rear housing (10) has a cover element (23), which is disposed in an area of an inner wall (29) of the front housing (1 1 ).
6. Camera (4) according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the camera (4) has a sealing element (30), which is disposed between the elevations (21 , 27) of the respective contact devices (19, 25) of the front housing (1 1 ) and/or the rear housing (10) as well as of the cover element (23).
7. Camera (4) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the respective contact devices (25) of the front housing (1 1 ) each have an elevation (32), which extends along the sidewall (26), and the respective contact devices (19) of the rear housing (10) have recesses (31 ) corresponding to the elevations (32), in which the elevations (32) are disposed at least in certain areas.
8. Camera (4) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the camera (4) has a sealing element (30), which is disposed in the respective recesses (31 ).
9. Camera (4) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the camera (4) has a motor vehicle fixing device for fixing the camera (4) to the motor vehicle (1 ).
10. Motor vehicle (1 ) with at least one camera (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.
PCT/EP2016/074671 2015-10-26 2016-10-14 Camera for a motor vehicle with improved shielding as well as motor vehicle WO2017071967A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102015118183.5A DE102015118183B4 (en) 2015-10-26 2015-10-26 Camera for a motor vehicle with improved shielding and motor vehicle
DE102015118183.5 2015-10-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017071967A1 true WO2017071967A1 (en) 2017-05-04

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WO (1) WO2017071967A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100097519A1 (en) * 2008-10-16 2010-04-22 Byrne Steven V Compact Camera and Cable System for Vehicular Applications
US20130328672A1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2013-12-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular camera with aligned housing members and electrical connection between aligned housing members
EP2863623A1 (en) * 2013-10-15 2015-04-22 Connaught Electronics Ltd. Vehicle camera with an improved connecting device and motor vehicle

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014118175A1 (en) 2014-12-09 2016-06-09 Connaught Electronics Ltd. Camera for a motor vehicle with a connecting device, which is designed as a surface-mounted component, and motor vehicle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100097519A1 (en) * 2008-10-16 2010-04-22 Byrne Steven V Compact Camera and Cable System for Vehicular Applications
US20130328672A1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2013-12-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular camera with aligned housing members and electrical connection between aligned housing members
EP2863623A1 (en) * 2013-10-15 2015-04-22 Connaught Electronics Ltd. Vehicle camera with an improved connecting device and motor vehicle

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DE102015118183A1 (en) 2017-04-27

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