VEHICULAR CAMERA SYSTEM

• US 20170182944A1
• Filed: 03/13/2017
• Published: 06/29/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Van Dan Elzen, Christopher L., Achenbach, Garrett, Winden, Brian J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,787,125 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/152 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/102 using 360 degree surveillance camera system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/303 using joined images, e.g. multiple camera images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/607 from a bird's eye viewpoint
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 : in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/804 : for lane monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 : for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 : Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/52 : Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 : Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/55 : Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/57 : Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49169 : Assembling electrical component directly to terminal or elongated conductor

Abstract

A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing, with the imager assembly including (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly having a lens barrel accommodating a lens. A bracket is configured to attach at the vehicle windshield and to receive the camera module. The lens barrel extends from a portion of the lens assembly that is enclosed by the camera housing through an aperture to protrude outside the camera housing. With the camera module received by the bracket and with the bracket attached at the windshield, a forward portion of the camera housing is below the lens barrel. A separate stray light shield is disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing to reduce incidence of stray light at the lens.

Claims

1. A camera system for a vehicle, said camera system comprising:

a camera module comprising an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing;

wherein said imager assembly comprises (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly comprising a lens barrel accommodating a lens;

a bracket configured to attach at a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said camera system;

wherein said bracket is configured to receive said camera module so that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said camera module is mounted at the windshield with said lens viewing through the windshield in a forward direction of travel of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said main circuit board is operatively connected to said imager circuit board, said main circuit board including at least one processor for processing image data captured by said imager;

wherein said camera housing houses and encloses said main circuit board, said imager circuit board and a portion of said lens assembly;

wherein said camera housing has an aperture;

wherein said lens barrel extends from the portion of said lens assembly enclosed by said camera housing through said aperture to protrude outside said camera housing;

wherein said camera housing comprises a forward portion in front of where said imager assembly is disposed in said camera housing;

wherein said main circuit board is disposed at least within said forward portion;

wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said forward portion of said camera housing is below said lens barrel; and

a separate stray light shield disposed at said forward portion of said camera housing to reduce incidence of stray light at said lens.

2. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said lens assembly is protected against contaminant incursion.

3. The camera system of claim 2, wherein a gasket is disposed at said bracket, and wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said gasket protects said lens from contaminants.

4. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said stray light shield comprises ridges that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, reduce incidence of stray light at said lens.

5. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said stray light shield is detachably attached at said forward portion of said camera housing.

6. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said bracket is configured to attach at attaching elements that are adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield.

7. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said imager circuit board extends at least partially through an opening of said main circuit board.

8. The camera system of claim 1, wherein said imager circuit board is tilted at an angle with respect to said main circuit board.

9. A camera system for a vehicle, said camera system comprising:

a camera module comprising an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing;

wherein said imager assembly comprises (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly comprising a lens barrel accommodating a lens;

a bracket configured to attach at a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said camera system;

wherein said bracket is configured to receive said camera module so that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said camera module is mounted at the windshield with said lens viewing through the windshield in a forward direction of travel of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said main circuit board is operatively connected to said imager circuit board, said main circuit board including at least one processor for processing image data captured by said imager;

wherein said camera housing houses and encloses said main circuit board, said imager circuit board and a portion of said lens assembly;

wherein said camera housing has an aperture;

wherein said lens barrel extends from the portion of said lens assembly enclosed by said camera housing through said aperture to protrude outside said camera housing;

wherein said camera housing comprises a forward portion in front of where said imager assembly is disposed in said camera housing;

wherein said main circuit board is disposed at least within said forward portion;

wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said forward portion of said camera housing is below said lens barrel;

a separate stray light shield disposed at said forward portion of said camera housing to reduce stray light reflected to said lens;

wherein said stray light shield is detachably attached at said forward portion of said camera housing; and

wherein said stray light shield comprises ridges that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield and with said stray light shield attached at said forward portion of said camera housing, reduce incidence of stray light at said lens.

10. The camera system of claim 9, wherein said stray light shield snap attaches at said forward portion of said camera housing.

11. The camera system of claim 10, wherein said stray light shield snap attaches via a mechanical clip and notch connection at each side of said camera housing.

12. The camera system of claim 9, wherein said lens assembly is protected against contaminant incursion.

13. The camera system of claim 12, wherein a gasket is disposed at said bracket, and wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said gasket protects said lens from contaminants.

14. The camera system of claim 9, wherein said bracket is configured to attach at attaching elements that are adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield.

15. The camera system of claim 9, wherein said imager circuit board extends at least partially through an opening of said main circuit board.

16. The camera system of claim 9, wherein said imager circuit board is tilted at an angle with respect to said main circuit board.

17. A camera system for a vehicle, said camera system comprising:

a camera module comprising an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing;

wherein said imager assembly comprises (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens assembly comprising a lens barrel accommodating a lens;

a bracket configured to attach at a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said camera system;

wherein said bracket is configured to receive said camera module so that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said camera module is mounted at the windshield with said lens viewing through the windshield in a forward direction of travel of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said main circuit board is operatively connected to said imager circuit board, said main circuit board including at least one processor for processing image data captured by said imager;

wherein said imager circuit board is tilted at an angle with respect to said main circuit board;

wherein said camera housing houses and encloses said main circuit board, said imager circuit board and a portion of said lens assembly;

wherein said camera housing has an aperture;

wherein said lens barrel extends from the portion of said lens assembly enclosed by said camera housing through said aperture to protrude outside said camera housing;

wherein said camera housing comprises a forward portion in front of where said imager assembly is disposed in said camera housing;

wherein said main circuit board is disposed at least within said forward portion;

wherein said imager circuit board is not accommodated in said forward portion of said camera housing;

wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said forward portion of said camera housing is below said lens barrel; and

a separate stray light shield disposed at said forward portion of said camera housing to reduce incidence of stray light at said lens.

18. The camera system of claim 17, wherein said lens assembly is protected against contaminant incursion.

19. The camera system of claim 18, wherein a gasket is disposed at said bracket, and wherein, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, said gasket protects said lens from contaminants.

20. The camera system of claim 17, wherein said stray light shield comprises ridges that, with said camera module received by said bracket and with said bracket attached at the windshield, reduce incidence of stray light at said lens.

21. The camera system of claim 17, wherein said stray light shield is detachably attached at said forward portion of said camera housing.

22. The camera system of claim 17, wherein said bracket is configured to attach at attaching elements that are adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield.

23. The camera system of claim 17, wherein said imager circuit board extends at least partially through an opening of said main circuit board.