Roof mounted imager module

• US 9,838,653 B2
• Filed: 06/19/2012
• Issued: 12/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Fish, Jr., Richard T., Rizk, Peter N., Minikey, Jr., Danny L., Roth, Mark R., Bauer, Frederick T., Kemperman, Christian M., Suman, Danny L., LeVesque, Andrew J., Cammenga, David J., Lisowski, Michael F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truong, Nguyen
• Application Number:
  US13/527,375
• Publication Number:
  US 20120327234A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,995 Days
• Field of Search: 348148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

An imager module for a vehicle includes a support having a first side and a second side. A shroud is operably coupled with the first side. The support and the shroud define a cavity. A viewing aperture is disposed in one of the support and the shroud. An imager system is disposed in the cavity. An electrical connector is configured to provide communication with the imager system. The electrical connector is disposed outside the cavity in abutting contact with the second side of the support.

Claims

1. An imager module for a vehicle comprising:

a support including a first side and a second side;

a shroud operably coupled with the first side, wherein the support and the shroud define a cavity, the shroud including an inner wall and an outer wall that at least partially covers the inner wall, wherein at least one air channel is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one air channel directing air over a lens cover;

a viewing aperture disposed in one of the support and the shroud;

an imager system disposed in the cavity proximate the lens cover; and

an electrical connector configured to provide communication with the imager system, wherein the electrical connector extends outside the cavity through the support.

2. The imager module of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector includes a casing that laterally encloses the electrical connector and includes an open bottom.

3. The imager module of claim 1, further comprising:

a snap-fit connection of the electrical connector with a vehicle system.

4. The imager module of claim 3, wherein the snap-fit connection serves as an audible indicator that the electrical connector has engaged a complementary connector.

5. The imager module of claim 3, wherein the snap-fit connection serves as a tactile indicator that the electrical connector has engaged a complementary connector.

6. The imager module of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector relays both data and power to the imager system.

7. The imager module of claim 1, wherein the imager system includes a first circuit board operably coupled with an imager device and a second circuit board oriented substantially orthogonal to the first circuit board.

8. The imager module of claim 1, further comprising:

an electrostatic discharge shield proximate the support.

9. An imager system for a vehicle imager module, comprising:

a support including a first side and a second side;

a shroud operably coupled with the first side, wherein the support and the shroud define a cavity, the shroud including an inner wall and an outer wall that at least partially covers the inner wall, wherein at least one air channel is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one air channel directing air over a lens cover when the vehicle is in motion;

a viewing aperture disposed in one of the support and the shroud;

a first circuit board disposed in the cavity and operably coupled with an imager device;

a second circuit board oriented substantially orthogonal to the first circuit board; and

an electrical connector at least partially disposed outside the cavity and in communication with at least one of the first and second circuit boards.

10. The imager system of claim 9, wherein the electrical connector includes a housing adapted for snap-fit connection with a vehicle system.

11. The imager system of claim 10, wherein the snap-fit connection serves as at least one of a tactile indicator and an audible indicator that the electrical connector has engaged a complementary aperture.

12. The imager system of claim 9, wherein the electrical connector relays both data and power to the imager system.

13. The imager system of claim 9, further comprising:

an electrostatic discharge shield proximate the support.

14. An imager system for a vehicle, comprising:

an exterior imager module mounted to a roof of the vehicle and defining an air channel that directs air over a lens cover of the exterior imager module, the exterior imager module viewing a scene to the rear of the vehicle;

a rearview assembly disposed inside the vehicle and including a receiver, a processor, and a display; and

a transmitter operably coupled with the exterior imager module, wherein data is received by the exterior imager module and relayed wirelessly from the transmitter to the receiver where the data is processed by the processor and displayed on the display;

wherein the transmitter protrudes through a roof of the vehicle into an interior cabin of the vehicle.

15. The imager system of claim 14, further comprising:

an electrical connector in communication with the exterior imager module, wherein the electrical connector is disposed outside a cavity in abutting contact with a second side of a support.

16. The imager system of claim 14, wherein the transmitter relays data to the receiver through a rear window of the vehicle.

17. An imager module for a vehicle roof comprising:

a support including a first side and a second side;

a carriage securely engaged with the second side of the support, wherein at least a portion of said vehicle roof is disposed between the carriage and the support;

an imager system disposed adjacent to the first side of the support; and

a shroud at least partially covering the imager system, wherein the shroud includes at least one air channel disposed on an outer periphery thereof to direct air near a viewing aperture of the imager module.