Camera assembly for a motor vehicle and method for assembling the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of assembling the same. The camera assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprises a housing (10, 20) having at least one opening (60) for receiving a connector adapter (61), an image sensor (40) connected to an electronic carrier (30) disposed within the housing (10, 20), and an insulating member (70) within the housing (10, 20) defining at least a first chamber (13a) and a second chamber (13b). The electronic carrier (30) intersects the insulating member (70) preventing passage of matter from the first chamber (13a) to the second chamber (13b). The method of assembling comprises depositing an insulating material within the housing (10, 20) to form the insulating member (70), and assembling the electronic carrier (30) within the housing (10, 20) such that the electronic carrier (30) intersects the insulating member (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera assembly for a motor vehicle having an improved seal against dust and dirt. A method for assembling such a camera assembly is disclosed. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle camera typically includes a housing within which an electronic carrier, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), is disposed. An image sensor, or imager, is connected to the electronic carrier. The image sensor, in turn, is optically connected to a lens or lens assembly coupled to the camera housing. Light from the outside is directed toward the image sensor or imager by the lens or lens assembly. The image captured by the image sensor is displayed on a display via a connector adapter or electrical connector, such as a Fachkreis Automobil (FAKRA) standard, automotive-grade connector. Therefore, it is crucial that dust and dirt do not reach the image sensor.

[0003] A camera housing typically has a first opening for receiving the lens or lens assembly and a second opening for receiving an electrical connector. The first opening is typically sealed, as the lens or lens assembly is glued or screwed to the housing, preventing dust and dirt from entering the housing and contacting the image sensor. Regarding the second opening, in many cases, it is positioned so that there is little room for sealing devices such as rubber gaskets or sealing cords. Furthermore, when the second opening is square, sealing becomes difficult. This increases complexity and manufacturing costs, without guaranteeing that dust and dirt will not enter the housing and reach the image sensor.

[0004] US2012019940 discloses a vehicle camera comprising a housing, a lens, and a lens barrel for retaining optical components. An image sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), which is in turn mounted in the housing and positioned to receive a video input from the lens. The camera is configured to transmit a signal related to the video input received by the image sensor to at least one other vehicle device. The image sensor is protected from dust and dirt by a UV-curable adhesive disposed between the PCB and the housing.

[0005] WO2018079300 discloses an imaging device comprising a housing and an imaging unit secured thereto by a curable resin comprising a curable adhesive. An image sensor is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted on the housing. The PCB is attached to a lens barrel. The housing is attached to a side mounting portion of the imaging unit. The curable resin is provided in a hole provided with a screw.

[0006] While electronic components within an electronic carrier may remain operational despite being exposed to dust and dirt, image sensors can be significantly affected, resulting in images displayed by the camera being unclear and blurred. This is exacerbated by metallization powder, which is conductive and can damage electronic components or even short-circuit the assembly. Image sensor isolation has not been fully addressed, leading to a need for a camera assembly for a motor vehicle that enhances image sensor sealing through a cost-effective sealing device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a camera assembly for a motor vehicle having a configuration that has been found to be cost effective and highly effective in sealing and protecting an imager or image sensor within the housing from foreign matter.

[0008] The camera assembly disclosed herein includes a housing having at least one opening for receiving a connector adapter. The connector adapter can be any standard automotive-grade connector, such as the FAKRA electrical connector described above. The opening in the housing is preferably configured to receive the connector adapter or electrical connector such that the longitudinal axis of the connector adapter is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the connector adapter is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly. However, other relative orientations of the longitudinal axis of the connector adapter and the optical axis of the lens assembly are possible.

[0009] The housing of the camera assembly can be a one-piece housing, but it can preferably include at least a first housing portion or front housing and a second housing portion or rear housing that, when attached to each other, collectively define an interior. The interior of the housing, formed from one or more portions, is suitable for housing an electronic carrier, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and an image sensor or imager connected to the electronic carrier. The lens assembly is in optical communication with the image sensor for capturing images. The lens assembly can be partially inserted into the housing or one of the housing portions.

[0010] Also within the housing is an insulating member. The insulating member may be, for example, a pasty element. However, other configurations are also possible. The insulating member is preferably mounted within the housing and arranged to contact the inner wall of the housing and the electronic carrier.

[0011] The insulating member is configured to define at least a first chamber and a second chamber located within the housing. There are no constraints on the relative sizes of the volumes of the chambers defined by the insulating member within the housing. The insulating member is arranged so that the electronic carrier intersects the insulating member. However, the electronic carrier and the insulating member are in electrical contact with each other, that is, the electronic components contained in the electronic carrier contained in the first chamber are in electrical contact with the electronic components contained in the electronic carrier contained in the second chamber. In other words, the insulating member does not interrupt the electrical connection between the electronic components in the electronic carrier. This electrical contact can be direct or indirect, that is, through other elements between them that allow current to flow. Therefore, the connector adapter is always electrically connected to the image sensor.

[0012] The electronic carrier with its electronic components thus passes through the insulating member within the housing. Preferably, the insulating member fits around and encases a cross-sectional portion of the electronic carrier and its components, leaving no gaps between the insulating member and the electronic carrier and its components.

[0013] In a preferred non-limiting example, the insulating member may be arranged perpendicular to the electronic carrier.Other relative angular positions of the insulating member and the electronic carrier are possible, as long as the insulating member and the electronic carrier define at least four regions or quadrants within the housing.

[0014] The electronic support has a first major surface and a second major surface, at least one of which is preferably flat. At least a portion of the first surface of the electronic support is located within the first chamber, while at least another, different portion of the first surface of the electronic support is located within the second chamber. The two portions of the electronic support include electronic components that are electrically connected to each other. As described above, the electronic support and the insulating member are in electrical contact with each other, such that the insulating member does not interrupt the electrical connection between the electronic components of the electronic support.

[0015] In one example, at least a portion of the second surface of the electronic carrier is located within the first chamber, while at least another portion of the second surface of the electronic carrier is located within the second chamber. Thus, as described above, at least four regions or quadrants are defined within the housing by the relative positioning of the electronic carrier and the insulating member. In this state, the portions of the electronic carrier are electrically connected to the insulating member.

[0016] Although the insulating member may be made of a waterproof material, it is not expected that liquids will be found within the camera assembly. However, dust and dirt, preferably suspended in the air, may enter the camera assembly through the opening for receiving the connector adapter. In particular, through the gap between the edge of the opening for receiving the connector adapter and the connector adapter. As a result of the above configuration, the proper fit of the insulating member with the geometry of the electronic carrier and its electronic components prevents dust and dirt from passing through the interior of the housing in which the image sensor is mounted, and more specifically, effectively prevents dust, dirt and other foreign matter from passing through the insulating member from the first chamber to the second chamber within the housing, thereby preventing the foreign matter from reaching the image sensor and coming into contact with the image sensor when the image sensor is in the second chamber within the housing.

[0017] Due to the specific arrangement of the insulating members within the housing, a camera assembly with efficient sealing is provided. The term "seal" in this context refers to a device that provides a tight and / or airtight enclosure, preventing the passage of various materials (e.g., dust, dirt, water, gas, air, etc.) through the enclosure.

[0018] In the case where the camera assembly has the above-described configuration, even if dust and / or dirt already exists inside the camera housing, the dust and / or dirt can be prevented from reaching and contacting the image sensor.

[0019] In cases where the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the insulating member may include at least a first layer to be placed in the first housing portion and a second layer to be placed in the second housing portion. In this case, during use, the electronic carrier is sandwiched or otherwise inserted between or interposed between the first and second layers of the insulating member. In other words, the electronic carrier traverses the insulating member during use. The insulating member is preferably made of a material such that the first and second layers deform under pressure when inserted into the first and second housing portions.

[0020] In the above-described specific example in which the insulating member includes the first layer and the second layer, the distance between the oppositely facing surfaces of the first layer and the second layer of the insulating member is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the electron support.

[0021] At least one protrusion may be provided in the first and second housing portions, adapted to receive material for the insulating member. Such at least one protrusion is arranged to extend at least substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the electronic carrier to support the insulating member. The protrusion may have at least one inclined portion, for example, an end portion intended to abut the inner wall of the housing. In one example, at least one protrusion may have at least one end with a 60°-30° chamfer, such as a 45° chamfer. The protrusion provides stability to the insulating member. This allows the first and second layers of the insulating member to be deformed to wrap around and laterally around the PCB and electronic components, leaving no gaps between the PCB and the inner wall of the housing. This also allows for efficient deposition of the insulating member material on the inner wall of the housing. Such chamfered ends are suitable for robotically applying paste-like insulating material from a source reservoir via a 0.5mm-5mm diameter supply needle in the robot to the protrusion formed in the front housing. The paste-like insulating material is applied in a string or droplet, the size of which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the robot's supply needle. Consequently, the height and thickness of the first and second layers of the insulating member are approximately 0.5 mm to 5 mm, for example 3 mm. This dimension is suitable for allowing deformation of the first and second layers to prevent the formation of gaps through the insulating member. In the case of components in the electronic support taller than 0.5 mm to 5 mm, it will be necessary to supply larger strings or drops. This can be achieved by applying several passes of the insulating material to each layer.

[0022] The insulating member is preferably made of a thermally conductive material, such as a commercially available gap filler. More specifically, the insulating member is preferably made of a non-conductive material having a thermal conductivity of, for example, 1-15 W / mK, more preferably 3-5 W / mK. Preferred thermally conductive materials are those that dissipate heat generated by electronic components in the electronic carrier at least 10 times faster than air, and preferably 40 times faster than air. Furthermore, the insulating member material is preferably stable at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C. The hardness and strength of the material forming the insulating member do not degrade over time.

[0023] The present disclosure also relates to a method for assembling the aforementioned camera assembly. The method includes depositing an insulating material, such as a commercially available non-conductive paste gap filler, for example, using a suitable robot. The insulating material is applied in one or more passes, depending on the desired thickness and layer of the insulating member. When the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, i.e., when a two-piece housing is provided, one pass is applied to the first housing portion defining the first layer of the insulating member, and another pass is applied to the second housing portion defining the second layer of the insulating member.

[0024] The electronic carrier is then assembled in the first housing part and attached to the first housing part by means of screws (for example, so that the insulating member intersects the electronic carrier). Other attachment means are possible. The second housing part is then aligned (the image sensor should be permanently aligned with the lens assembly). A rubber gasket or other suitable sealing device is assembled between the first housing part and the second housing part, and the two housing parts are attached together, for example, by means of screws. In this case, the first layer of the insulating member in the first housing part and the second layer of the insulating member in the second housing part define an insulating member, which in turn divides the interior of the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0025] The opening for receiving the lens assembly and the interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion (when a two-piece housing is provided) are sealed by glue or other suitable sealing means, which, together with the opening for receiving the connector adapter sealed with an insulating member, effectively prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from coming into contact with the image sensor. The image sensor is effectively protected from damage, and at least the image quality is not impaired by foreign matter such as dust and dirt. This is achieved by a camera assembly whose manufacturing process is improved and cost-effective because a simple configuration is achieved in which space is maximized.

[0026] Description of the drawings

[0027] Non-limiting examples of the present vehicle camera assembly will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a camera assembly of the present invention for a motor vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera assembly;

[0030] Figure 3 is a side view of the camera assembly;

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly taken along line CC in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly taken along line AA in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the camera assembly;

[0034] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly taken along line BB in FIG.

[0035] Figure 8 is a front view of the camera assembly;

[0036] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly along line FF;

[0037] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A further cross-sectional view of the camera assembly along line FF;

[0038] Figure 11 is a stereogram of the camera assembly;

[0039] Figure 12 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly taken along line EE in FIG;

[0040] Figure 13a In the disassembled state Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the front housing and the rear housing taken along line DD in FIG;

[0041] Figure 13b In partially assembled state Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the front housing and the rear housing taken along line DD in FIG; and

[0042] Figure 14 In the assembled state Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view of the front housing and the rear housing taken along line DD in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] According to the figures in the accompanying drawings, there is shown a non-limiting example of a camera assembly 1 for a motor vehicle. In the example shown, the camera assembly 1 corresponds to a rear view camera, but many other different applications are possible.

[0044] The camera assembly 1 comprises a housing formed by a first housing portion or front housing 10 and a second housing portion or rear housing 20. In use, the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 are attached together by screws 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 When the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 are attached to each other, an interior is defined within the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. A suitable rubber gasket is provided in the interface 80 between the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20.

[0045] As shown in the figures, the front housing 10 has a first opening 50 for receiving a lens assembly 51. The lens assembly 51 in the example shown is partially inserted into the front housing 10. As shown, the optical axis x is defined by the lens assembly 51. As will be further described below, the first opening 50 is configured so that the lens assembly 51 is positioned to be optically aligned with the image sensor or imager 40. On the other hand, the second opening 60 is provided to receive a connector adapter 61, such as a FAKRA type, which is known in the art. The longitudinal axis y is defined by the connector adapter 61. The second opening 60 is configured to receive the connector adapter 61 so that its longitudinal axis y is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis x of the lens assembly 51. In a preferred example, the longitudinal axis y of the connector adapter 61 is perpendicular to Figure 1 of the drawings and is therefore also perpendicular to the optical axis x of the lens assembly 51.

[0046] An electronic carrier 30 is mounted within the interior defined within the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. In this example, the electronic device is a printed circuit board (PCB) 30. The PCB 30 carries electronic components 35 including the aforementioned image sensor 40, which is in optical communication with a lens assembly 51 for capturing an image from outside the vehicle, which image is displayed on a display via a connector adapter 61.

[0047] An insulating member 70 is provided. In the example shown, the insulating member 70 includes a first layer 71 of insulating material and a second layer 72 of insulating material. The materials of the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 can be the same or different and can be, for example, a thermally conductive material, such as a commercially available non-conductive gap filler, having a thermal conductivity of 1-15 W / m K, which dissipates heat generated by the electronic components 35 in the PCB 30 at least 10 times faster than air, preferably 40 times faster than air, and has stable properties at temperatures from -20°C to 150°C.

[0048] PCB 30 has Figure 1 The first major planar surface 32 and the opposing second major planar surface 31 are shown. The distance L between the opposing surfaces of the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 of the insulating member 70 is equal to or less than the thickness t of the electronic support 30. In particular, it is advantageous that the first layer 71 of the insulating member 70 is in contact with the second layer 72 once the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 are attached together. Thus, in use, the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 form a barrier that surrounds and laterally envelops the PCB 30 and the electronic components 35.

[0049] Insulating member 70 is positioned within front housing portion 10 and rear housing portion 20, defining first chamber 13a and second chamber 13b therein. Image sensor 40 is attached to first major surface 32 of PCB 30. Image sensor 40 is thus located within second chamber 13b. Due to the nature of insulating member 70, chambers 13a and 13b are effectively isolated, preventing dust, dirt, and other foreign matter from passing through insulating member 70 from first chamber 13a to second chamber 13b and, therefore, from reaching image sensor 40.

[0050] The insulating member 70 is arranged to surround and laterally wrap the PCB 30 and the electronic components 35 therein, leaving no gap therebetween. This advantageously optimizes the space within the camera assembly 1, allowing more components to be assembled in the PCB 30.

[0051] In the example shown, the PCB 30 is arranged to pass through the insulating member 70 so that they are arranged perpendicular to each other. When the insulating member 70 is assembled to abut the inner walls of the front housing portion 10 and the rear housing portion 20 and the PCB 30 and its electronic components 35, they are sealed to prevent dust, dirt and other foreign matter from reaching the image sensor 40 arranged in the second chamber 13b.

[0052] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, a portion of the electronic component 35 is located in the first chamber 13a, and another portion of the electronic component 35 is located in the second chamber 13b. In addition, the middle portion of the electronic component 35 is enclosed between the insulating member 70 and the PCB 30. When the insulating member 70 is made of a paste-like thermally conductive material, the insulating member 70 is suitable for dissipating the heat generated by the electronic component 35. Figure 9 As shown, the height h of the electronic component 35 is lower than the distance d between the first major planar surface 32 and the protrusion 11. Advantageously, the height h of the component 35 is less than 90% of the distance d between the first major planar surface 32 and the protrusion 11. According to a non-limiting example, the height h of the component 35 is less than 60% of the distance d between the first major planar surface 32 and the protrusion 11. Furthermore, when the electronic component 35 is arranged on the second major surface 31, its height d is less than the distance d between the second major planar surface 31 and the protrusion 12.

[0053] With the above configuration and due to the relative positioning of the PCB 30 and the insulating member 70, the PCB 30 and the insulating member 70 are divided into two areas, which define four quadrants Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 within the front housing portion 10 and the rear housing portion 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 11As shown. Quadrant Q1 is located within first chamber 13a and is defined by first major planar surface 32 of PCB 30 and second layer 72 of insulating member 70. Quadrant Q1 includes a second opening 60 for connector adapter 61. Second opening 60 is located in first chamber 13a, either in first quadrant Q1 or in second quadrant Q2. In a preferred embodiment, second opening 60 is located in both quadrants Q1 and Q2. Adapter 61 can be electrically connected to at least one of first major planar surface 32a of first chamber 13a or second major planar surface 31a of first chamber 13a. Quadrant Q2 is also located within first chamber 13a and is defined by second major planar surface 31 of PCB 30 and first layer 71 of insulating member 70. Dust and dirt can enter first chamber 13a, although the electronic components 35 of PCB 30 in first chamber 13a are generally suitable for operation under conditions with some dust and dirt. Quadrant Q3 is located within second chamber 13b and is defined by first major planar surface 32 of PCB 30 and second layer 72 of insulating member 70. Quadrant Q4 is also located within second chamber 13b and is defined by second major planar surface 31 of PCB 30 and first layer 71 of insulating member 70. Quadrant Q4 includes image sensor 40 having an optical connection with lens assembly 51. Dust and dirt cannot enter second chamber 13b and therefore cannot reach image sensor 40.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the first and second major planar surfaces 32 and 31 of the PCB 30 are each divided into respective first regions 32a and 31a and corresponding second regions 32b and 31b according to quadrants Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. More specifically, the first region 31a of the second major surface 31 of the PCB is confined within the first chamber 13a of the housing, facing the wall of the front housing 10. The second region 31b of the second major surface 31 of the PCB, which carries the image sensor 40, is confined within the second chamber 13b of the housing, also facing the wall of the front housing 10. On the other hand, the corresponding first region 32a of the first major surface 32 of the PCB is confined within the first chamber 13a of the housing. The corresponding second region 32b of the first major surface 32 of the PCB is confined within the second chamber 13b of the housing, opposite the image sensor 40.

[0055] The lens assembly 51 is sealed within the first opening 50 by any suitable sealing means (e.g., adhesive, etc.). Furthermore, as described above, the interface 80 between the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 is also insulated by a rubber gasket or by any other suitable sealing means. This, together with the placement of the insulating member 70 within the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20, defines an insulated camera assembly 1 having a highly isolated chamber, namely the second chamber 13b, within which the image sensor 40 is mounted. Thus, the image sensor 40 mounted therein is fully protected and isolated from dust, dirt, and any other foreign matter that might otherwise come into contact with the image sensor and affect the displayed image.

[0056] The front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 have respective inwardly projecting protrusions 11, 12 intended to receive the insulating material of the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 of the insulating member 70 so as to provide stability for efficient deposition of the material of the insulating member 70 in the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. The protrusions 11, 12 are arranged to extend perpendicularly to the first main surface 31 and the second main surface 32 of the PCB 30. 45° chamfered ends 15 are defined in the protrusions 11, 12 intended to abut against the inner walls of the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. Other slopes of the ends 15 of the protrusions 11, 12 are conceivable, such as 30-60 degrees. Figure 8 and Figure 10 1 and 2. One of the chamfered ends 15 defined in the protrusion 11 to abut against the inner wall of the front case 10 is shown in FIG. The protrusions 11, 12 also allow the areas of the first and second layers 71, 72 of the insulating member 70 to be reduced.

[0057] In the attached figure Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown in FIG, PCB support elements 33 are disposed within the inner side or perimeter walls of the front housing 10 and rear housing 20 for supporting the PCB 30. Chamfered ends 15 extend from a position below the PCB support elements 33 to avoid contact with the PCB 30. In use, i.e., when the front housing 10 and rear housing 20 are attached to each other, the chamfered ends 15 enable the first and second layers 71 and 72 of the insulating member 70 to surround and laterally wrap the PCB 30 and electronic components 35. In use, the PCB support elements 33 of the front housing can contact the first major planar surface 32 of the PCB 30. Furthermore, the PCB support elements 33 of the rear housing can contact the second major planar surface 31 of the PCB 30.

[0058] To assemble the camera assembly 1 described above, the robot deposits a paste gap filler or other suitable insulating material to define a first layer 71 of gap filler in the front housing 10 and a second layer 72 of gap filler in the rear housing 20, thereby defining an insulating member 70 that divides the interior of the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 into two chambers 13a, 13b. This can be achieved by applying one or more passes 71a, 71b of insulating material to the first layer 71 of the insulating member 70 and one or more passes 72a, 72b of insulating material to the second layer 72, as shown in FIG. Figure 13a 、 Figure 13b and Figure 14 As shown in .

[0059] As shown, the PCB 30 with the image sensor or imager 40 connected thereto is then attached in the front housing 10 by means of screws so that the image sensor 40 is optically connected to the lens assembly 51. Figure 13b As shown, when the screws are tightened so that the first main flat surface 32 of the PCB 30 contacts the PCB support element 33 until it is seated on the PCB support element, the PCB 30 contacts the first layer 71 of the insulating member 70, and the first layer 71 is deformed. Then, the second main flat surface 31 of the PCB 30 contacts the PCB support element 33 until it is seated on the PCB support element. The first layer 71 of the insulating member 70 is pressed by the PCB 30 and the protrusion 11 in the front housing 10. As a result, the PCB 30 is positioned perpendicular to the insulating member 70, thereby dividing each chamber 13a, 13b into two sub-chambers, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 Therefore, the four quadrants Q1 , Q2 , Q3 , and Q4 are defined within the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20 by the insulating member 70 and the PCB 30 .

[0060] The lens assembly 51 is then placed on the lens barrel, which is defined in the first opening 50 formed in the front housing 10 and attached therein by UV-curing glue or by screwing. Preferably, a rubber gasket can be provided in the interface 80 between the front housing 10 and the rear housing 20. The rear housing 20 is then attached to the front housing 10 by means of screws 14, so that the rear housing 20 is aligned with the front housing 10, and thus the image sensor 40 is also aligned with the lens assembly 51. Thus, the second layer 72 is pressed by the rear housing 20 and the PCB 30 and deformed to contact the first major flat surface 32 of the PCB 30 and the upper portion of the electronic components 35 of the PCB 30 without leaving a gap.

[0061] A barrier is formed by the insulating member 70 , which prevents dust and / or dirt and other foreign matter in the first chamber 13 a from entering the second chamber 13 b and reaching the image sensor 40 .

[0062] Although only a number of examples are disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents are possible. In addition, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the specific examples, but should only be determined by a reasonable reading of the appended claims. If reference numerals relating to the drawings are placed in parentheses in the claims, they are merely used to attempt to increase the intelligibility of the claims and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A camera assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing (10, 20) having at least one opening (60) for receiving a connector adapter (61); as well as an image sensor (40) attached to an electronic carrier (30) disposed in the housing (10, 20); Wherein, the camera assembly further includes: an insulating member (70) assembled within the housing (10, 20), the housing defining at least a first chamber (13a) and a second chamber (13b), the insulating member (70) being arranged so that the electron carrier (30) intersects the insulating member (70), thereby preventing substances from passing from the first chamber (13a) to the second chamber (13b), wherein the electronic carrier (30) is positioned such that the image sensor (40) is located in the second chamber (13b), and wherein the opening (60) for receiving the connector adapter (61) is located in the first chamber (13a), The insulating member (70) fits, surrounds and wraps the cross-sectional portion of the electronic carrier (30) and its components, leaving no gap between the insulating member (70) and the electronic carrier (30) and its components.

2. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein A portion of the electron carrier (30) located in the first chamber (13a) is electrically connected to a portion of the electron carrier (30) located in the second chamber (13b).

3. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The housing comprises at least a first housing portion (10) and a second housing portion (20).

4. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein The insulating member (70) includes at least a first layer (71) positioned in the first housing portion (10) and a second layer (72) positioned in the second housing portion (20).

5. The camera assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The insulating member (70) is arranged to contact the inner wall of the housing (10, 20) and the electronic carrier (30).

6. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The electron carrier (30) is sandwiched between the first layer (71) and the second layer (72) of the insulating member (70).

7. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein A distance (L) between oppositely facing surfaces of the first layer (71) and the second layer (72) of the insulating member (70) is equal to or smaller than a thickness (t) of the electron support (30).

8. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The camera assembly (1) further comprises at least one protrusion (11, 12) extending toward the electronic carrier (30), the at least one protrusion (11, 12) being arranged to support the first layer (71) and the second layer (72) of the insulating member (70).

9. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein The at least one protrusion (11, 12) has at least one inclined portion intended to abut against an inner wall of the housing (10, 20).

10. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein The insulating member (70) is arranged perpendicular to the electron carrier (30).

11. The camera assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The insulating member (70) is made of a non-conductive material having a thermal conductivity of 1-15 W / m K, and / or the insulating member (70) is made of a material whose properties are stable at a temperature from -40°C to 150°C.

12. The camera assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The camera assembly (1) further comprises a lens assembly (51) arranged to communicate with the image sensor (40) to capture an image.

13. The camera assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein The opening (60) in the housing (10, 20) is arranged for receiving a connector adapter (61) such that a longitudinal axis (y) of the connector adapter (61) is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis (x) of the lens assembly (51).

14. A method for assembling a camera assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: depositing insulating material within the housing (10, 20) to form an insulating member (70); and assembling an electronic carrier (30) in the housing (10, 20) so that the electronic carrier (30) intersects with the insulating member (70).

Images