System and method to minimize contamination of a rear view camera lens

• US 9,126,546 B2
• Filed: 10/13/2011
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Bochenek, Jeffrey
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D
• Application Number:
  US13/272,608
• Publication Number:
  US 20130094086A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,426 Days
• Field of Search: 348/148, 359/507, 359/509
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/54 using gas, e.g. hot air
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/82 Elements for improving aerodynamics

Abstract

A system for minimizing the accumulation of debris on a lens of a rear view camera of a vehicle, wherein the lens has a lens surface, includes a formed channel having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with an external airstream effected by movement of the vehicle. The second end is disposed adjacent to the lens and is configured to direct a portion of the passing airstream over the lens surface.

Claims

1. A system for minimizing accumulation of debris on a lens surface of a rear view camera of a vehicle having a trunk with a rear face, the system comprising a base member having a first side coupled to the rear face, a second side having a vehicle manufacturer emblem, and a channel extending through the base member and including a first end and a second end, wherein an opening of the first end is positioned on the rear face in fluid communication with an external airstream effected by movement of the vehicle, and wherein the second end is disposed adjacent to the lens and configured to direct a portion of the external airstream over the lens surface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the channel converges between the first end and the second end.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end further includes a nozzle.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a screen.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a deflector for directing the portion of the external airstream into the channel.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end includes a deflector for directing the portion of the external airstream over the lens.

7. A system for minimizing accumulation of debris on a lens of a rear view camera positioned on a trunk of a vehicle, the lens having a lens surface, the system comprising a base member having a vehicle manufacturer emblem with a channel therethrough and coupled to the trunk, the channel including a first end and a second end, wherein an opening of the first end is in fluid communication with an external airstream effected by movement of the vehicle, and wherein the second end is disposed adjacent to the lens and configured to direct a portion of the external airstream over the lens surface.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the channel converges between the first end and the second end.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the second end further includes a nozzle.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first end includes a deflector for directing the portion of the external airstream into the channel.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the second end includes a deflector for directing the portion of the external airstream over the lens.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the opening of the first end is positioned on the trunk.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the opening of the first end is positioned on a rear face of the trunk.