Electrical plug for connection to a vehicle camera and device

Abstract

An aspect of the invention relates to an electrical plug (1) for connecting to a vehicle camera (18), comprising a plug head (2) and at least one electrical signal contact (4) and at least one ground contact (5), which are arranged on the plug head (2), wherein the plug head (2) comprises a carrier block (7) for the signal contact (4) and the ground contact (5), the carrier block (7) comprising a jacket wall (8) on which a cover ring (9) is arranged which projects outwardly and extends circumferentially on the jacket wall (8), wherein a shield (10, 11) of the plug (11) which projects outwardly is formed integrally with the cover ring (9), wherein the shield (10, 11) is connected to a connection element (16) which is electrically connected to the cover ring (9) and the ground contact (5). An aspect relates to a device (17).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] An aspect of the present invention relates to an electrical plug for connecting to a vehicle camera. The electrical plug comprises a plug head. Furthermore, the electrical plug comprises at least one electrical signal contact and at least one ground contact arranged on the plug head. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an arrangement comprising a vehicle camera and an electrical plug. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known that vehicle cameras have various designs. Usually, they have a compact structure and can be arranged to capture the environment of a motor vehicle. Vehicle cameras are usually connected with an electrical plug for signal exchange. Such an electrical plug is usually releasably connected with the vehicle camera non-destructively. Such a design is known, for example, from US 10071696 B2 and JP 2007022364 A.

[0003] However, such a connection has to comply with high safety requirements in terms of electromagnetic shielding. In the known embodiments of the connection, very complex solutions are envisaged. These are only partly applicable and, on the other hand, relatively expensive. SUMMARY

[0004] It is the task of the present invention to provide an electrical plug and an arrangement comprising such an electrical plug and a vehicle camera, by means of which the electromagnetic shielding is improved.

[0005] This task is solved by the electrical plug and the arrangement according to the independent claims.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention relates to an electrical plug for connecting to a vehicle camera. The electrical plug comprises a plug head. The electrical plug further comprises at least one electrical signal contact and at least one ground contact separate therefrom. The electrical signal contact and the ground contact are arranged on the plug head. The plug head comprises a carrier block for the signal contact and the ground contact. The carrier block comprises a sheath wall on which a cover ring is arranged which protrudes outwardly from the sheath wall and extends circumferentially on the sheath wall.

[0007] The outwardly protruding shielding fins of the electrical plug are configured to be formed integrally with the cover ring. The shielding fins are connected with electrically conductive connection elements, which are connected with the cover ring and the block contacts. With this design of the electrical plug, an improved electromagnetic shielding is facilitated. In particular, if the electrical plug is connected with a vehicle camera, this cover ring, which is additionally arranged in a specific position, namely on the sheath wall of the carrier block, is particularly suitable for covering the gaps between the electrical plug and the housing of the vehicle camera, so that the electromagnetic fields emitted from these gaps are at least reduced. The electromagnetic shielding is thereby improved. Furthermore, in a particularly advantageous manner, the concept of the integrally formed shielding fins becomes easy, while the housing of the vehicle camera is grounded. This is because in the plugged-in state between the electrical plug and the vehicle camera, the shielding fins contact the housing of the vehicle camera. Thus, in a simple and still efficient manner, the housing of the vehicle camera can be brought to ground potential. Thus, the electrical grounding of the housing is also safely and reliably achieved when the plug is plugged together with the vehicle camera. Because of the particularly arranged connection elements, the shielding fins are reliably connected with the ground contacts of the plug head, here too no unwanted electrical potentials are generated on the shielding fins. Since the plug head comprises a corresponding solid carrier block, on the one hand, the positioning of the specified contacts can be safely and reliably achieved. On the other hand, an increased number of contacts can thereby also be realized thereon. Furthermore, the carrier block is also a corresponding stabilization body, which can also reliably receive and hold the cover ring.

[0008] Preferably, it is envisaged that the shielding fins are arranged to protrude at an angle from the cover ring. In particular, the shielding fins are arranged to protrude freely outward and in a cantilevered manner. With this design, it is arranged to be particularly exposed in order to allow the best possible direct contact with the housing of the vehicle camera when plugged together.

[0009] Preferably, at least two independent shielding fins are envisaged. They are arranged opposite in circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis, which also at the same time corresponds to the direction of extension of the electrical plug when plugged together with the vehicle camera. This means that the two shielding fins are offset by 180° from each other.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, it is envisaged that the shielding fins are elastically configured on the cover ring. A certain movement flexibility is thereby obtained. This is particularly advantageous in order to facilitate a certain movement and deformation when plugged together with the vehicle camera, but also a prestressed seat or a prestressed contact of the shielding fins on the wall of the vehicle housing. Thus, a direct contact of the shielding fins with the housing of the vehicle camera can always be achieved.

[0011] Preferably, it is envisaged that the carrier block is configured as a cuboid. The cuboid preferably comprises a front wall, on which the ground contacts and the signal contacts are arranged. With this shape design, a very robust functional body is formed. Thereby, a common plug-in force and a holding force are advantageously configured.

[0012] Advantageously, it is envisaged that the cover ring is offset with respect to the front wall of the carrier block in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the rear and is arranged on the sheath wall. Thus, if the carrier block is inserted into the vehicle camera, the position of the cover ring is adjusted to the position of the carrier block. Thus, the position of the cover ring can be reached in such a way that possible gaps between the electrical plug, in particular the carrier block, and the housing of the vehicle camera are directly covered.

[0013] Preferably, it is envisaged that the cover ring is configured to extend completely closed in a circle on the sheath wall. On the one hand, a particularly high stability of the cover ring is thus achieved, on the other hand, in a particularly advantageous manner, possible gaps between the electrical plug, in particular the carrier block, and the housing of the vehicle camera can be completely circumferentially covered.

[0014] Preferably, it is envisaged that the cover ring and the at least one shielding tab are configured to be made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal. On the one hand, an electromagnetic shielding and a contact of the housing of the vehicle camera to an electrical ground potential are thus possible in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0015] Preferably, it is envisaged that the shielding tab is configured to be non-planar. In particular, it is configured to be curved at least once. With this design, a simple installation process can be achieved. This means that the insertion of the electrical plug into the housing of the vehicle camera becomes easy without jamming. With this design of the shielding tab, unwanted jamming or jamming during movement relative to the wall of the housing can be avoided.

[0016] Advantageously, it is envisaged that the connecting element is configured as an L-shaped strip. Thus, the connecting element is designed as small as possible and, on the one hand, a connection path between the cover ring and the shielding tab as short as possible is achieved, on the other hand, a grounding contact is achieved.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, it is envisaged that the plug head comprises a plug cap. In this plug cap, the carrier block, which is separate therefrom, is preferably accommodated. It projects outwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plug head through an opening of the plug cap.

[0018] Thus, the carrier block is still protected at least at the end facing away from the vehicle camera or the vehicle camera housing.

[0019] Preferably, it is envisaged that the cover ring is configured as an electrical shielding ring. In particular with regard to the electrical shielding, a particularly advantageous embodiment is provided here both in terms of the device and the position.

[0020] A further aspect of the application relates to a device with a vehicle camera and an electrical plug separate therefrom. In particular, the plug is configured in accordance with the above-mentioned aspects or advantageous embodiments. The vehicle camera comprises a connector unit for connecting the electrical plug.

[0021] This arrangement facilitates a simple plug connection between the electrical plug and the vehicle camera. Simultaneously, it creates a gap between the electrical plug, particularly the carrier block of the plug, and the vehicle housing belonging to the connector unit. Therefore, at this point, the interface between the electrical plug and the vehicle component, a particularly advantageous embodiment of electromagnetic shielding is achieved. Furthermore, it facilitates the reliable transfer of the connector unit, and thus the housing portion of the vehicle camera's housing, to ground potential.

[0022] Preferably, the connector unit is envisioned to be integrated into the housing portion of the vehicle camera housing. Therefore, in this respect, a single-piece design is achieved.

[0023] Preferably, the plug head, in its inserted state into the vehicle component, is introduced into the connector unit, and the shield contacts the inner side of the connector unit wall. This creates a conductive connection between the wall and the grounding contact of the plug.

[0024] Preferably, it is envisioned that the plug head, in the inserted state of the vehicle camera, is introduced into the connector unit. In this state, the carrier block of the electrical plug extends into a channel opening in the housing portion of the vehicle camera. This channel opening in the housing portion facilitates access to the interior of the vehicle camera housing. The gap between the carrier block and the boundary wall defining the channel opening is covered, in particular, completely covered, by a cover ring.

[0025] At least one signal contact and one ground contact are preferably configured as plate-shaped contacts. Preferably, five signal contacts are configured. In particular, these are all configured on the front wall of the carrier block.

[0026] Further features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as those mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings, can be used not only in the separately specified combinations but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, embodiments are also considered to be included and disclosed in the invention, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the drawings but are generated and produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also considered to be disclosed and therefore do not include all features of the initially stated independent claims.

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic diagrams. Attached Figure Description

[0028] In these diagrams:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical plug;

[0030] Figure 2is a schematic view through a vertical section of an embodiment of a device according to the application, the device having a vehicle camera and an electrical plug according to Figure 1 ; and

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug and a subcomponent of a vehicle camera according to Figure 1 .

[0032] In the drawings, identical elements or elements with identical functions are provided with the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In a perspective view, Figure 1 , an electrical plug 1 is shown. According to its intended use, the electrical plug 1 is conceived for connection to a vehicle camera. The electrical plug 1 is a so-called "pigtail" plug. The electrical plug 1 comprises a plug head 2. An electrical cable 3 of the electrical plug 1 terminates in this plug head 2. In this electrical cable 3, a plurality of individual electrical cables are arranged. These result in individual electrical contacts of the electrical plug 1. In this connection, the electrical plug 1 comprises at least one electrical signal contact 4. In this embodiment, five signal contacts 4 are provided, of which only one is provided with the reference sign 4. In addition, the electrical plug 1 has a ground contact 5. The signal contacts 4 and the ground contact 5 are configured as a band or as a plate in this embodiment. The plug head 2 has a longitudinal axis A. This corresponds to the vehicle camera when plugged together, also in particular to the plugging direction. It can be seen that the signal contacts 4 and the ground contact 5 extend in a plate, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The signal contacts 4 and the ground contact 5 are arranged on a front wall 6 of a carrier block 7 of the plug head 2. The carrier block 7 is configured as a cuboid in this embodiment. In addition to this front wall 6, it also comprises a sheath wall 8. This is therefore a multi-aspect configuration in the embodiment. A cover ring 9 is configured on this sheath wall 8. The cover ring 9 is configured in the sheath wall 8 in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis A. The cover ring 9 is configured to be completely circumferentially closed. It protrudes outwardly with respect to the sheath wall 8, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. On this cover ring 9, a first shield 10 and a further shield 11 separate therefrom are integrally formed Figure 3 . The two shields 10 and 11 are thus formed as a single piece with the cover ring 9, here exemplarily. The shields 10 and 11 extend from an outer edge 12 of the cover ring 9, protruding outwardly away from the sheath wall 8. They are not arranged in one plane forming the cover ring 9. Rather, the shields 10 and 11 are oriented in an inclined position compared to the plane in which the cover ring 9 extends. The shields 10 and 11 are configured cantilevered. They are oriented to stretch out in the manner of wings. The shields 10 and 11 are configured to stretch out away from the signal contacts 4 and the ground contact 5. The shields 10 and 11 are designed plate-like. However, they are in particular configured to be non-flat. In particular, they are configured to be curved at least once.

[0034] As in Figure 3 , the electrical plug 1 is shown in a perspective view.It can be seen in particular in the connection that the shielding sheet 10 comprises a first sheet portion 10a. This first sheet portion 10a extends directly from the cover ring 9. A second sheet portion 10c is adjacent to the bending point 10b. As can be seen in Figure 3 , the second sheet portion 10c has a smaller inclination with respect to the plane in which the cover ring 9 extends than the first sheet portion 10a.

[0035] It can also be seen in Figure 1 that the plug head 2 comprises, in addition to the carrier block 7, a plug cap 13. This is configured pot-shaped or trough-shaped. In the direction of the longitudinal axis A, the carrier block 7 extends further outwards with respect to the plug cap 13. In the connection, the carrier block 7 thus extends through an opening 14 of the plug cap 13.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be seen that the cover ring 9 is offset towards the rear with respect to the front wall 6. This means that it is closer to the plug cap 13 than the front wall 6. Furthermore, the electrical plug 1 comprises a sheath 15. The sheath 15 partially surrounds the sheath wall 8. In particular, the sheath 15 surrounds the sheath wall 8. In particular, the sheath 15 completely surrounds the sheath wall 8 in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis A, however, only partially surrounds the sheath wall 8 from the direction of the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the sheath wall 8 in the partial region between the cover ring 9 and the part of the carrier block 7 which extends in the plug cap 13 is covered by the sheath 15.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 1 that the electrical plug 1 comprises a connection element 16. This connection element 16 is electrically conductive. It connects the ground contact 5 with the cover ring 9. In particular, an electrical connection between the ground contact 5 and at least one shielding sheet 10, in particular both shielding sheets 10 and 11 here, is thus also configured. In particular, the cover ring 9 and the shielding sheets 10 and 11 which are formed integrally therewith are configured to be made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the connection element 16 is configured L-shaped. In the connection, it is a thin connection strip. In the connection, it extends with one L-shaped leg axially on the sheath wall 8 and with a further L-shaped leg to the ground contact 5.

[0038] In particular, the cover ring 9 is configured as an electrical cover ring. In the connected state with the vehicle camera, it covers a gap between the connection unit, in particular a housing part of the housing of the vehicle camera, and the carrier block 7. Thus, both a mechanical covering and an electromagnetic shielding due to the electrical properties are achieved. As a result, an undesired electromagnetic radiation can be prevented from leaving or entering through the gap.

[0039] In Figure 2In the middle, a simplified vertical sectional view of the device 17 is shown. The device 17 comprises the electrical plug 1 which is shown in a simplified representation. In addition, it comprises a vehicle camera 18 which is separate from the electrical plug 1. The vehicle camera 18 comprises a housing 19. This housing 19 has a rear housing part 20 and a front housing part 21 which is separate therefrom. The two housing parts 20 and 21 are connected to one another. Thereby, an interior 22 of the housing 19 is formed. In this interior 22, at least one circuit board 23 of the vehicle camera 18 is arranged. On the same electronic component, electrical contact heads 24 are arranged. In addition, also an image sensor 25 is arranged. In addition, the vehicle camera 18 comprises a lens device 26. For the sake of simplicity, this is represented as a single block. The lens device 26 is arranged on the second housing part 21. Due to the optical imaging properties, light which is incident on the lens device 26 from the outside is directed to the image sensor 25.

[0040] The vehicle camera 18 comprises a connector unit 27 for the electrical plug 1. In the shown embodiment, this is formed integrally with the rear housing part 20. Depending on its intended use, the connector unit 27 is conceived for the insertion of the electrical plug 1. For this purpose, the connector unit 27 comprises a receiving portion 28 into which the electrical plug 1, in particular with its plug head 2, is introduced or inserted. In Figure 2 In the middle, in this respect, the final state of the complete insertion is shown. Figure 2 In the middle, the shape and geometry of the plug head 2 is shown schematically and without showing Figure 1 the exact geometry of the plug head 2 in the middle. It can be seen that the shielding sheet 10 which is only shown here symbolically, directly contacts the inner side 29 of the wall 30 of the connector unit 27. Thereby, this connector unit 27 and also the housing part 20 is grounded. In addition, it can also be seen that the gap 31 between the sheath wall 8 and the inner side 32 of the connector unit 27 and / or the housing part 20 is covered. This is achieved by the cover ring 9. In particular, a complete coverage of this gap 31 is achieved.

[0041] The plug head 2 is introduced into the connector unit 27 and, together with the bearing hole 7, extends into a passage opening 33 in the housing part 20.

[0042] In the middle, a perspective view of the device 17 with the subcomponents of the vehicle camera 18 and the plug 1 according to Figure 3 is shown. In the middle, a perspective view of the device 17 with the subcomponents of the vehicle camera 18 and the plug 1 according to Figure 1 is shown.

Claims

1. An electrical plug (1) for connecting to a vehicle camera (18), comprising a plug head (2) and at least one electrical signal contact (4) and at least one ground contact (5) arranged on the plug head (2), characterized in that the plug head (2) comprises a carrier block (7) for the signal contacts (4) and the ground contacts (5), which carrier block (7) comprises a jacket wall (8) on which a cover ring (9) is arranged which projects outwardly from the jacket wall (8) and extends circumferentially on the jacket wall (8), wherein outwardly projecting shielding fins (10, 11) of the electrical plug (1) are formed integrally with the cover ring (9), wherein the shielding fins (10, 11) are connected to a connecting element (16) which is electrically connected to the cover ring (9) and to the ground contacts (5), wherein the carrier block (7) is configured as a cuboid, wherein the cuboid comprises a front wall (6) on which the ground contacts (5) and the signal contacts (4) are arranged.

2. The electrical plug (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shielding fins (10, 11) are arranged to project at an angle from the cover ring (9).

3. The electrical plug (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shielding fins (10, 11) are arranged on the cover ring (9) in an elastic manner.

4. The electrical plug (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover ring (9) is arranged on the jacket wall (8) offset towards the rear with respect to the front wall (6).

5. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover ring (9) is configured to extend completely circumferentially closed on the jacket wall (8).

6. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover ring (9) and the at least one shielding fin (10, 11) are configured to be made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal.

7. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding fins (10, 11) are configured to be non-flat, in particular to be curved once.

8. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) is configured as an L-shaped strip.

9. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug head (2) comprises a plug cap (13) in which the carrier block (7) is accommodated and which projects outwardly through an opening (14) of the plug cap (13).

10. The electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover ring (9) is configured as an electrical shielding ring.

11. An arrangement (17) comprising a vehicle camera (18) and an electrical plug (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle camera (18) comprises a connector unit (27) for connecting the electrical plug (1).

12. The arrangement (17) according to claim 11, characterized in that The connector unit (27) is incorporated into a housing part (20) of a housing (19) of the vehicle camera (18).

13. The device (17) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The plug head (2) in the state of insertion into the vehicle camera (18) is introduced into the connector unit (27) and the shielding web (10, 11) contacts an inner side (29) of a wall (30) of the connector unit (27), thereby configuring an electrically conductive connection between the wall (30) and the ground contact (5) of the electric plug (1).

14. The device (17) according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The plug head (2) in the state of insertion into the vehicle camera (18) is introduced into the connector unit (27) and the carrier block (7) extends into a passage opening (33) in the housing part (20), thereby facilitating access to an interior (22) of the housing (19) of the vehicle camera (18), wherein a gap (31) between the carrier block (7) and a boundary wall (32) delimiting the passage opening (33) is covered, in particular completely covered, by the cover ring (9).

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