Camera monitor system and vehicle with camera monitor system

Abstract

To provide a camera monitor system for a vehicle, in which a printed circuit board can be positioned particularly advantageously in terms of functionality, manufacturing effort and mountability.SOLUTION: In a camera monitor system for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, a monitor is mechanically installed in a monitor holder; the monitor holder comprises a vehicle interface for mechanical attachment to a vehicle; and a printed circuit board is mechanically installed in the monitor holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera monitoring system for a vehicle, preferably a utility vehicle or passenger vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle or passenger vehicle, comprising a passenger compartment, a data and / or communication unit and a camera monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle camera monitoring systems are already known in the art and are used in particular in the utility vehicle sector, but such camera monitoring systems are increasingly being used in passenger cars as well.

[0003] Such a camera monitor system comprises a camera that is mounted or mountable, in particular on the outside of the vehicle, and a monitor that is mounted or mountable, in particular on the inside of the vehicle, on which an image area captured by the camera can be displayed for the driver of the vehicle.

[0004] The camera monitor system further includes a monitor holder for mounting the monitor on or in the vehicle, whereby the monitor holder includes a vehicle interface for mechanically mounting to the vehicle, and the monitor is mechanically attached to the monitor holder (preferably not removable by a user or driver).

[0005] Different data may be transmitted between the vehicle and the camera monitor system, between individual components in the camera monitor system, and / or between the vehicle and individual components of the camera monitor system, and the camera monitor system may comprise a printed circuit board (or multiple printed circuit boards) for processing and / or receiving and / or transmitting this data.

[0006] In known camera monitor systems, the printed circuit board is often spatially integrated within the camera wing or camera housing and / or monitor, which increases the size and / or weight of the camera wing and / or monitor or results in unfavorable weight distribution, particularly in terms of exposure to aerodynamic and environmental influences due to the external placement of the camera wing.

[0007] Alternatively, the printed circuit board can be arranged as a separate component, but this requires more assembly work and requires additional installation space within the vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid or at least mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a camera monitor system for a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with such a camera monitor system, which allows for a particularly advantageous arrangement of printed circuit boards in terms of functionality, manufacturing effort, and mountability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The object of the present disclosure is solved by a camera monitoring system having the features of claim 1 as well as a vehicle having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] Thus, the present invention relates to a camera monitor system for a vehicle, preferably a utility vehicle, including a camera, a monitor, (at least) one printed circuit board, and a monitor holder. The monitor is mechanically mounted in the monitor holder, and the monitor holder includes a vehicle interface for mechanical attachment to the vehicle. According to the present invention, the printed circuit board is mechanically mounted in the monitor holder. The arrangement in the monitor holder eliminates the need to enlarge the camera wing to accommodate the printed circuit board. At the same time, simple connections to the monitor and / or camera and / or vehicle can be established.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board (or one of the printed circuit boards) may be electronically connected to the camera, meaning that the printed circuit board is electronically connected to the camera, allowing data to be transmitted from the printed circuit board to the camera and / or from the camera to the printed circuit board.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board (or one of the printed circuit boards) may be electronically connected to the monitor, meaning that the printed circuit board is electronically connected to the monitor, allowing data to be transmitted from the printed circuit board to the monitor and / or from the monitor to the printed circuit board.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board (or one of the printed circuit boards) is electronically connected or connectable to the vehicle, meaning that the printed circuit board is electronically connected to the vehicle, thereby allowing data to be transmitted from the printed circuit board to the vehicle and / or from the vehicle to the printed circuit board.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board can be directly mechanically connected to the monitor holder, for example, via a screw connection, a clamp connection, a snap connection, and / or a material connection, thereby achieving a suitable mechanical connection.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the camera monitor system can include a printed circuit board housing that encloses the printed circuit board. According to another preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board housing can be configured separately from the monitor holder and mechanically connected to the monitor holder, for example, via a screw connection, a clamp connection, and / or a snap connection. In this way, a suitable mechanical connection can be achieved.

[0016] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board and / or the housing of the printed circuit board may have plug and / or cable connections for electrical connection to the camera and / or monitor and / or vehicle.

[0017] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the plug connection arranged on the printed circuit board or on the housing of the printed circuit board is aligned downwards when the camera monitor system is installed, which further prevents water that has entered the camera monitor system from coming into contact with the printed circuit board at the plug connection.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the monitor may have a display unit and a monitor housing or cover. In particular, the display unit may include a screen or display panel. Furthermore, the display unit may include a monitor circuit board, for example, for receiving processed images, preparing a display on the screen, and / or implementing safety-related mechanisms. For example, the monitor circuit board may be installed outside the monitor holder.

[0019] According to a further development of a preferred embodiment, the monitor housing is configured separately from the monitor holder and is mechanically connected to the monitor holder, for example, via a screw connection, a hook connection, and / or a bolt connection. In particular, the connection between the monitor housing and the monitor holder may be configured so that it cannot be removed by the end customer / user / driver. This means that, for example, the connection between the monitor housing and the monitor holder can only be removed by the manufacturer in order to replace individual components of the camera monitor system.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of the preferred embodiment, the monitor housing may be integrally formed with the monitor holder, which means that the rear cover of the monitor is constituted by the monitor holder. In particular, in this case, the printed circuit board installed in the monitor holder is not only a monitor circuit board, but preferably a printed circuit board with other or additional functions.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle interface is configured to be mounted on an A-pillar of a vehicle cabin, with the monitor (when the camera monitor system is mounted on the vehicle) positioned in front of the monitor holder and the A-pillar (when the camera monitor system is mounted on the vehicle) positioned behind or to the side of the monitor holder, so that the driver can clearly see the monitor.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the monitor holder may define an interior space, meaning that the monitor holder defines a cavity for holding components of the camera monitor system, and a printed circuit board or a printed circuit board housing with a printed circuit board is preferably arranged in the interior space.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the monitor holder may include a cable guide disposed in the internal space. In particular, the cable guide can serve to fix cables leading to the monitor (i.e., cables connected to the monitor), cables leading to the printed circuit board (i.e., cables connected to the printed circuit board), cables leading to the camera (i.e., cables connected to the camera), and / or cables leading to the vehicle (i.e., cables connected to the vehicle). This has the advantage of fixing the positions of the cables and ensuring proper routing of the cable guide.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the monitor holder can be provided with drainage openings, particularly on its exterior and / or in its interior space, which are preferably configured to allow water to drain away from the printed circuit board in a targeted manner, thereby preventing the printed circuit board from coming into contact with water and potentially being damaged.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the camera monitor system may also include a shielding plate for shielding the printed circuit board from EMC interference radiation (electromagnetic compatibility interference radiation), thus avoiding undesirable mutual influences.

[0026] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the shielding plate is preferably arranged to surround at least part of, or one side of, or completely surround the printed circuit board, which has the advantage that effective shielding is achieved.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the camera monitor system may include a heat sink, particularly located in the interior space of the monitor holder, for cooling the monitor and / or the printed circuit board, which can protect the printed circuit board and / or the monitor from overheating, thereby improving performance and / or service life.

[0028] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the heat sink may be arranged on the side of the printed circuit board opposite the shielding plate, in this way a good weight distribution and efficient shielding and cooling can be achieved.

[0029] According to a further development of a preferred embodiment, the heat sink can be mechanically attached to the monitor holder, for example by threaded connection, thermal caulking, pressing and / or overmolding, preferably with a seal therebetween, thereby ensuring a reliable and at the same time easy to manufacture attachment.

[0030] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, a thermally conductive element, such as a thermally conductive pad or a thermally conductive paste, can be arranged between the heat sink and the printed circuit board, thereby ensuring efficient heat transfer. Preferably, the thermally conductive element is sandwiched between the heat sink and the printed circuit board and / or glued to the heat sink and / or glued to the printed circuit board, thereby preventing unintentional removal.

[0031] According to a further development of a preferred embodiment, the heat sink is not visible from the outside (i.e. from the outside of the camera monitor system, in particular the monitor holder) when installed. In particular, the heat sink may be arranged in the interior space of the monitor holder. Such an arrangement allows the center of gravity of the monitor holder to be advantageously shifted in the direction of the mechanical vehicle interface and also allows for an attractive appearance.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the camera monitor system may be a mirror exchange system. In particular, the camera monitor system may be a legally approved mirror exchange system. For example, the camera monitor system may be a mirror exchange system approved in accordance with UN / ECE-R46. In particular, in such applications, the layout of the printed circuit board is very important.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one outer wall of the monitor holder is (preferably completely) made of plastic, meaning that all visible parts of the monitor holder are made of plastic, thus providing a monitor holder that is easy to manufacture and robust.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board or one of the printed circuit boards may be a processing unit for the camera, i.e., a camera circuit board, which may be used, for example, for raw data processing.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board or one of the printed circuit boards may be a processing unit of the monitor, i.e., a monitor board, which may be used, for example, to receive processed images, prepare them for display on a screen, or implement security-related mechanisms.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board or one of the printed circuit boards may be a further processing unit of the camera monitoring system, i.e., the printed circuit board of the camera monitoring system. The printed circuit board of the camera monitoring system may be used, for example, for image recognition. Alternatively or additionally, the further processing unit may be an electronic vehicle interface.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, comprising a vehicle cabin, in particular an A-pillar, a data and / or communication unit, and the aforementioned camera monitor system, wherein the vehicle interface of the monitor holder is mechanically connected or connectable to the vehicle cabin, in particular the A-pillar, for example via one or two screws. Alternatively or additionally, the printed circuit board is electronically connected or connectable to a data and / or communication unit, such as a vehicle network of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a printed circuit board (ECU, electronic control unit) within a monitor holder (i.e., within the monitor holder). The background to this is that installation space within a vehicle is very limited. Until now, printed circuit boards have been available as an additional "box." Alternatively, a printed circuit board may exist as a central computing unit in a separate "box" with a housing. In current systems, the computing unit / processing unit is integrated into the camera wing or the monitor. Integration into the camera wing increases the size and weight of the camera wing, resulting in aerodynamic disadvantages compared to remote sensor heads, i.e., sensor heads with spatially separated processing units. Furthermore, installing a printed circuit board outside the vehicle is not advantageous due to prevailing environmental influences. Furthermore, additional individual components of the system lead to increased assembly costs for customers. In contrast, an integrated system does not offer the possibility of simply replacing individual components, for example, in the event of supply bottlenecks or complaints. Therefore, the present disclosure is based on the problem of finding a solution for an additional printed circuit board that is not directly attached to either the monitor or the camera, does not create additional assembly work for customers, and does not require additional installation space. Therefore, in particular, the present disclosure relates to a monitor holder for a camera monitor system for use in a vehicle, particularly a utility vehicle, including mechanical attachment of the monitor holder to the vehicle, particularly having support features in the form of screws, and mechanical attachment of a monitor of the camera monitor system to the monitor holder, wherein at least one electronic printed circuit board of the camera monitor system, including at least one electronic connection to the monitor and / or camera of the camera monitor system and / or the vehicle, particularly for connection to a power source and a vehicle network, is mechanically attached to the monitor holder. Mounting the electronic printed circuit board of the camera monitor system to the monitor holder significantly reduces the design of the camera wing and monitor, and further eliminates the need for additional installation space for the system, thereby avoiding additional installation work for the customer. This reduces the weight of the monitor and further shifts the center of gravity of the weight toward the A-pillar.This means that the load on the monitor needs to be set lower than when the printed circuit board is directly attached to the monitor, which also reduces vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] The disclosure is explained below with the aid of the figures, in which: [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the basic layout and structure of a camera monitor system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the basic layout and structure of a camera monitor system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the basic layout and structure of the camera monitor system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows perspective views of different embodiments of the monitor holder and monitor of the camera monitor system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows perspective views of different embodiments of the monitor holder and monitor of the camera monitor system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a monitor holder. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a monitor holder. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a monitor holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The drawings are used only to aid in understanding the disclosure, and identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0041] 1 to 3 show a camera monitoring system 1 for a vehicle 2, in particular a utility vehicle, or a vehicle 2, in particular a utility vehicle, equipped with a camera monitoring system 1. FIG.

[0042] The camera monitoring system 1 comprises a camera 3 equipped with a sensor unit. In particular, the camera 3 is mounted on the outside of the vehicle 2. The camera monitoring system 1 comprises a monitor 4. In particular, the monitor 4 is mounted on the inside of the vehicle 2. Preferably, the monitor 4 is positioned so that it can be seen by the driver F. The image area captured by the camera 3 can be displayed on the monitor of the driver F of the vehicle 2.

[0043] In particular, the vehicle 2 is equipped with a dual camera monitor system 1, or a camera monitor system 1 with two cameras 3 mounted on either side and two monitors 4. In particular, the camera monitor system 1 can function as a mirror replacement system.

[0044] The camera monitor system 1 is provided with a monitor holder 5 for mounting the monitor 4 to the vehicle 2. The monitor holder 5 forms a vehicle interface 6 for mechanically mounting to the vehicle 2. The monitor 4 is mechanically attached to or rigidly connected to the monitor holder 5.

[0045] Furthermore, the camera monitor system 1 includes at least one printed circuit board 7. The printed circuit board 7 is a processing and / or computing unit. The printed circuit board 7 (or one of the printed circuit boards) may be a processing unit of the camera 3, i.e., a camera circuit board, and / or the printed circuit board 7 (or one of the printed circuit boards) may be a processing unit of the monitor 4, i.e., a monitor circuit board, and / or the printed circuit board 7 (or one of the printed circuit boards) may be a further processing unit of the camera monitor system, i.e., a printed circuit board of the camera monitor system (see FIG. 2). Alternatively or additionally, the printed circuit board 7 (or one of the printed circuit boards) may represent an electronic vehicle interface or a data and / or communication interface to the vehicle 2 (see FIG. 3).

[0046] According to a central aspect, the printed circuit board 7 is mechanically installed in the monitor holder 5. This means that the printed circuit board 7 is arranged in particular in the interior space of the monitor holder 5. In particular, the printed circuit board 7 is electronically connected or connectable to the camera 3 and / or the monitor 4 and / or the vehicle 2.

[0047] 4 and 5 show different embodiments of the monitor holder 5 to which the monitor 4 is attached. When attached to the vehicle 2, the monitor 4 is located in front of the monitor holder 5. The vehicle interface 6 is positioned so that the cabin of the vehicle 2, which functions as a counter-interface, in particular the A-pillar 8, is located behind the monitor holder 5 (see FIG. 6).

[0048] In Figure 4, the vehicle interface 6 is formed by two screw holes 9 into the A-pillar 8. A cable connection 10 serves as an electronic or electrical connection between, for example, the printed circuit board 7 and the camera 3 and / or vehicle 2 and / or monitor 4.

[0049] In FIG. 5 , the vehicle interface 6 is formed by two screw holes 9 in the A-pillar 8. The printed circuit board 7 is disposed in a housing recess 11 in the monitor holder 5 or is externally accessible through the housing recess 11. The housing recess 11 is disposed on one side of the monitor holder 5 aligned with the A-pillar 8. A plug connector 12 for the A-pillar 8 is disposed on the printed circuit board 7.

[0050] 6 to 8 show various embodiments of the monitor holder 5. FIG.

[0051] In FIG. 6 , the mechanical vehicle interface 6 is formed by a screw hole 9 in the A-pillar 8. The printed circuit board 7 is mounted directly in the monitor holder 5. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 7 can also be arranged in a printed circuit board housing (separate from the monitor holder 5), even if not shown. That is, the printed circuit board 7 can be surrounded by an additional printed circuit board housing within the monitor holder 5. The printed circuit board housing can be mechanically connected to the monitor holder 5, for example via a screw or another connection. A cable guide 15 in the form of a retaining clip is arranged in the interior space of the monitor holder 5. A cable connection 16 is used for the electronic or electrical connection with the monitor 4. The monitor 4 is connected via an electrical plug connection 17.

[0052] In Figure 7 the vehicle interface 6 is formed by a threaded hole 9 in an A-pillar 8. The printed circuit board 7 is connected directly to the monitor holder 5 via a threaded hole 18. The electrical plug connection 17 for mounting the monitor 4 is located directly on the printed circuit board 7 (i.e. without a cable feed). [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...Camera monitor system 2...Vehicle 3...Camera 4...Monitor 5...Monitor holder 6...Vehicle interface 7...Printed circuit board 8...A-pillar 9...Screw hole 10...Cable connection 11...Housing recess 12...Plug connector 15...Cable guide 16...Cable connection 17...Plug connection 18...Screw hole 19...Heat sink 20...Cooling rib F...Driver

Claims

1. A vehicle camera monitor system, A camera and a monitor holder including a vehicle interface for mechanical attachment to a vehicle; a monitor mechanically attached to the monitor holder; a printed circuit board; A camera monitor system, wherein the printed circuit board is mechanically attached to the monitor holder.

2. 2. The camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein said printed circuit board is electronically connected to said camera.

3. 2. A camera monitor system as recited in claim 1, wherein said printed circuit board is electronically connected to said monitor.

4. 2. The camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is electronically connected or connectable to the vehicle.

5. 2. The camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein said printed circuit board is mechanically connected directly to said monitor holder.

6. 2. A camera monitor system as described in claim 1, characterized in that it includes a housing for the printed circuit board that at least partially surrounds the printed circuit board, is constructed separately from the monitor holder, and is mechanically connected to the monitor holder.

7. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor comprises a display unit and a monitor housing, the monitor housing being configured separately from the monitor holder and being mechanically connected to the monitor holder.

8. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor comprises a display unit and a monitor housing, the monitor housing being integrally formed with the monitor holder.

9. 2. The camera monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle interface is configured to be attached to an A-pillar of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and when the camera monitor system is attached to the vehicle, the monitor is positioned in front of the monitor holder, and the A-pillar is positioned behind or to the side of the monitor holder.

10. 2. The camera monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor holder is provided with a drain hole.

11. 11. The camera monitor system of claim 10, wherein the drain is configured to direct water in a targeted manner away from the printed circuit board.

12. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a shielding plate for shielding said printed circuit board from EMC interference radiation.

13. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a heat sink for cooling the monitor and / or the printed circuit board.

14. 14. A camera monitor system according to claim 13, wherein the heat sink is disposed in the interior space of the monitor holder.

15. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a mirror exchange system.

16. 10. The camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein the camera monitor system is a legally approved mirror exchange system.

17. 10. The camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein the camera monitor system is a mirror replacement system approved according to UN / ECE-R46.

18. 2. A camera monitor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed circuit board is a processing unit of the camera and / or a processing unit of the monitor and / or a further processing unit of the camera monitor system.

19. A vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin and the camera monitor system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle interface of the monitor holder is mechanically connected or connectable to the vehicle cabin.

20. 20. A vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a data and / or communication unit, and the printed circuit board is electronically connected or connectable to the data and / or communication unit of the vehicle.

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