Camera assembly including a drag pin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera assembly (10) and a method for assembling the camera assembly (10). The camera assembly (10) has a camera housing (11) and a printed circuit board (13) attached to the camera housing (11). An optical sensor (14) is part of the printed circuit board (13). A lens barrel (12) is axially surrounded by the camera housing (11) and mounted in the camera housing (11) such that a defined air gap (20) is set between the lens barrel (12) and the optical sensor (14). A pivot pin (25) inserted into at least one drilled hole (23) in the camera housing (11) contacts a side portion (22) of the lens barrel (12) in a pressure-fit manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera assembly. Specifically, the camera assembly includes a camera housing and a printed circuit board carrying an optical sensor. The printed circuit board is attached to the camera housing. A lens barrel is axially surrounded by and mounted within the camera housing, such that a defined air gap is established between the lens barrel and the optical sensor.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a camera assembly. Specifically, the camera assembly includes a camera housing with an attached printed circuit board that carries an optical sensor. A lens barrel is mounted such that a defined air gap is set between the lens barrel and the optical sensor. Background Technology

[0003] European patent application EP 3 410 687 A1 discloses a camera module for a motor vehicle. The camera module includes at least one printed circuit board and a shield for encapsulating the printed circuit board. The shield includes at least a first shielding portion and a second shielding portion. The first shielding portion surrounds the second shielding portion. The second shielding portion includes an aperture that allows light to enter the camera module and allows a lens objective to extend through the aperture.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2018 004 978 A1 discloses a camera comprising a housing, a circuit board, an image sensor attached to the circuit board, optical components, and two positioning pins for aligning the image sensor with the optical components. The two positioning pins are aligned in predetermined positions relative to the housing. In addition to the circuit board, a positioning element is also aligned in a predetermined position relative to the two positioning pins, and the image sensor is aligned with this positioning element in the predetermined position.

[0005] International patent application WO 2018 / 219951 A1 relates to a camera module for use in a motor vehicle. The camera module is used for driver monitoring in the passenger compartment. The camera module has at least one printed circuit board and a shielding member for encapsulating the printed circuit board.

[0006] US Patent Application US 2019 / 208091 A1 discloses a camera module for a vehicle vision system. The camera module includes a metal front housing, a lens mount, and a metal rear housing. The front housing houses a printed circuit board having an imager disposed thereon. The lens mount is attached to the front portion of the housing such that the lens assembly is optically aligned with the imager.

[0007] German patent application DE10 2018 001 552A1 discloses a camera having a housing, a circuit board, an image sensor attached to the circuit board, optical components, and a positioning element for aligning the image sensor with the optical components. The image sensor is aligned with the positioning element by means of a ball in a gap, where the ball is positioned between the image sensor and the positioning element in the gap, due to the diameter of a ball in a predetermined position.

[0008] German patent application DE10 2016 124668A1 relates to an apparatus for an optical unit of a directional camera. The apparatus includes an adjustment device whose actuator is operatively connected to a support member of the optical unit. The actuator is disposed outside a housing, and the support member is disposed inside the housing. Both the actuator and the support member have a radially magnetized magnet on at least their mutually facing sides.

[0009] German patent application DE10 2016 007 627A1 relates to a camera having a housing, a first printed circuit board, and an image sensor attached to the printed circuit board. A second circuit board defines a second carrier for at least one electronic component. A cooling wall is thermally connected to at least one electronic component for dissipating waste heat from said at least one electronic component to the environment.

[0010] German patent application DE 10 2014 008 452 A1 discloses a camera with a camera housing having a housing intermediate section that is closed by covers on its open end faces facing each other. One of the covers has an objective lens holder for the camera's objective lens. Inside the camera housing, behind the objective lens holder, is an image recording sensor assembly, wherein at least one of the covers has at least one fixing protrusion that extends through or across the housing intermediate section to a fixing receiving portion of another cover. The at least one fixing protrusion is tensionally connected to the cover with the fixing receiving portion by means of a fixing member relative to the longitudinal axis of the camera housing extending between the end faces of the housing intermediate sections.

[0011] Vision cameras are increasingly found in vehicles. A key feature of existing camera assemblies is the adjustment of the air gap between the lens barrel and the optical sensor. The lens barrel is lowered toward the optical sensor until an optimal distance is reached. This is necessary because the relative position of the lens barrel and the optical sensor depends on changes that occur after the assembly steps. Any change (deviation) greater than acceptable for optical purposes renders the camera assembly unusable.

[0012] The problem with current technology lies in the fact that the tension provided by the O-ring is not constant between cameras because of variable adjustments, and the tension provided by the O-ring on a single camera is not constant over time due to material aging. Furthermore, installing the O-ring inside the camera housing is difficult, and the correct position of the O-ring inside the camera housing cannot be visually checked after installation. Summary of the Invention

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide a camera assembly that is robust in responding to changes in optical settings over time, allows for inspection after installation, is easy to install and remove, and even allows for easy correction of improper installation at any given time after the initial manufacturing of the camera assembly.

[0014] The above objective is achieved by a camera assembly that includes the features as described in claim 1.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a camera assembly that allows for easy installation and removal, allows for inspection after installation, is more robust in dealing with changes in optical settings over time, and even allows for easy correction of improper installation at any given time after the initial manufacturing of the camera assembly.

[0016] The above objective is achieved by a method for assembling a camera assembly with a camera housing, the method comprising the features described in claim 10.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the camera assembly comprises a camera housing and a printed circuit board attached to the camera housing. The printed circuit board carries an optical sensor. A lens barrel is axially surrounded by and mounted within the camera housing, such that a defined air gap is set between the lens barrel and the optical sensor. To maintain optimal alignment between the lens barrel and the optical sensor, at least one drilled hole is formed in the camera housing. This drilled hole defines a window in the lens barrel. A pivot pin is inserted into the at least one drilled hole. Through this window, the pivot pin makes at least pressure-fit contact with a side portion of the lens barrel.

[0018] Preferably, at least the fins of the pivot pin are made of a soft, elastic material. An advantage of this camera assembly is that, by introducing a soft, elastic pivot pin, the pivot pin assumes the function of the O-ring removed in prior art camera assemblies. Therefore, the camera assembly of the present invention is more robust and thus less prone to significant changes due to aging relative to the air gap between the lens barrel and the optical sensor. Post-installation inspection is possible. Another advantage of the camera assembly of the present invention is that improper installation can be easily corrected even at any given time after the initial manufacturing of the camera assembly. This correction is possible without consequences such as damage and replacement of any components. Depending on the material used for the pivot pin, the stopping force of the pivot pin that prevents lens barrel rotation can be selected.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one borehole defines a first end and a second end. A pivot pin is inserted through the first end. The borehole may be closed at the second end with a bottom. The borehole may be a blind hole. Alternatively, the borehole may be a through hole having a first end and a second end.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one expanding wedge is formed inside the wall of the borehole. Preferably, the expanding wedge is formed at or near the second end of the borehole.

[0021] The advantage of this particular implementation is that when the pivot pin reaches the end of its insertion stroke, the wedge causes the pivot pin's axis to expand. Therefore, at least one wedge is used for initial, easy insertion. At the end of the insertion stroke, the insertion force increases sharply, causing the pivot pin to be secured in place.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the deflector pin, the deflector pin has a solid shaft and multiple flexible fins. The flexible fins are axially arranged along the shaft. Each flexible fin defines an internal air gap in the unassembled state of the deflector pin and the camera housing. In the mounted state of the deflector pin and the camera housing, the flexible fins exert radial blocking forces on the lens barrel and the camera housing.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the pivot pin, the pivot pin is formed as a split shaft. The split shaft has at least two lobes and a plurality of flexible fins. The flexible fins are axially arranged above the lobes of the split shaft, and each flexible fin defines an internal air gap, and in the unassembled position of the pivot pin with the camera housing, each lobe defines a lobe air gap. In the mounted position of the pivot pin with the camera housing, the flexible fins exert radial blocking forces on the lens barrel and on the camera housing. According to one embodiment, the borehole has at least one wedge at its second end for expanding the lobes of the shaft when the pivot pin is fully inserted into the borehole.

[0024] The advantage of the wedge-shaped element is that when the pivot pin reaches the end of its insertion stroke, the blades of the shaft are expanded by at least one special wedge-shaped element inside the borehole wall. This special structure allows the pivot pin to be easily inserted into the borehole of the camera housing in the first place. At the end of the pivot pin's stroke, the insertion force increases sharply, securing the pivot pin in place. If at least one fin is positioned in the borehole facing the window above the lens barrel, the assembly is also tight from below.

[0025] In one implementation, the transfer pin is made of plastic or silicone material.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the method for assembling a camera assembly based on the present invention, the camera assembly comprises at least a camera housing and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board carries an optical sensor. The printed circuit board is attached to the camera housing. A lens barrel is axially surrounded by and mounted within the camera housing, such that a defined air gap is established between the lens barrel and the optical sensor. The step includes:

[0027] Screw the lens barrel into the camera housing to optimally position it relative to the optical sensor; and

[0028] A pivot pin is inserted into at least one drilled hole formed in the camera housing, wherein the drilled hole defines a window leading to the lens barrel, and wherein the fully inserted pivot pin is in pressure-fit contact with at least a side portion of the lens barrel.

[0029] The advantage of the solution of the present invention is that the locking pin is in contact with the lens barrel in a relaxed state. The air gap inside the locking pin is closed, and a radial blocking force is applied, thereby pushing the lens barrel tightly against the camera housing.

[0030] To balance the radial forces applied to the telescope barrel, two (or more) pivot pins can be used, arranged in a radial pattern around the barrel. The radial force required to move the pivot pins can be easily adjusted by changing the material of the pivot pins. Adjustment parameters include: the nominal size of the air gap of the flexible fins, the nominal size of the air gap between the blades, the fin thickness, the shaft thickness, or the total diameter of the shaft. The resisting force can be easily established at 2 or 3 times the minimum requirement, ensuring that material aging does not affect the secure fixed position.

[0031] In embodiments where the blocking pin is made of a soft material, the housing and lens barrel are made of a hard material similar to common metals. The need for at least one mating pin as a balancing element for radial forces is reduced or even eliminated.

[0032] The use of the camera assembly of the present invention in a driver monitoring system is an example and should not be considered as a limitation of the invention. Numerous possible uses of the camera assembly of the present invention exist in various applications, and even in any type of vehicle, in any industrial application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Those skilled in the art can better understand the many advantages of this disclosure by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic representation of the placement of cameras in a driver monitoring system according to an implementation scheme based on existing technology;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a camera assembly using existing technology;

[0036] Figure 3 Through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the center of the camera assembly shown in the diagram along the axial direction;

[0037] Figure 4 This is an off-center slice view of the camera assembly according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a side perspective view of the housing of the camera assembly according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of the housing of the camera assembly according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a side view of the camera assembly of the present invention, without the insert pin;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a side view of the camera assembly of the present invention, in which the resist pin is inserted;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the implementation plan for the blocking / conversion pin;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another implementation scheme for the blocking pin;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the final assembly of the camera components, in which the pivot pin is in contact with the lens barrel;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the final assembly of the camera components, in which the flexible fins are in contact with the lens barrel;

[0046] Figure 13 It is an eccentric slice of the camera assembly, in which the resistive pin is inserted into the through hole;

[0047] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of the stop pin in the through hole;

[0048] Figure 15It is a cross-sectional view of the camera assembly, in which the expanding wedge interacts with the resistive pin;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a side view of the camera assembly, showing the first and second ends of the through-hole for the stop pin; and

[0050] Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of the camera assembly, showing the second end of the through-hole used for the stop pin. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the embodiments provided by way of example. These embodiments may be implemented with or without specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not detailed or described so that various aspects of the embodiment are not obscured. In this specification, references to “implementation” or “an embodiment” are intended to include a particular structure, feature, or characteristic described in connection with its implementation in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” that may appear repeatedly at various points in this specification do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, a particular structure, feature, or characteristic may be combined in any convenient manner.

[0052] Throughout the various figures, the same reference numerals refer to elements that have the same or similar functions. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figures are shown in the figures. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic representation of the arrangement of a driver monitoring system 1 inside a motor vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the prior art is shown. The driver monitoring system 1 is mounted, for example, at or near the windshield 3 of the motor vehicle 2, such that at least one camera assembly 10 of the driver monitoring system 1 (see...) Figure 2 The camera assembly 10 has its lens 4 pointing directly at the driver 5 of the vehicle 2. Specifically, the lens 4 of the camera assembly 10 is pointed at the driver 5.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a prior art camera assembly 10. The camera housing 11 axially surrounds the lens barrel 12. It should be noted that the external shape of the camera housing 11 (shown in the figures) illustrates one possible example and should be considered in some way as a limitation of the invention. It carries the optical sensor 14 (see...). Figure 3The printed circuit board 13 is mounted on the camera housing 11. The data cable 15 connects the printed circuit board 13 to the evaluation and control unit (not shown).

[0055] Figure 3 Through Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the center of a prior art camera assembly 10 in the axial direction. A camera housing 11 surrounds a lens barrel 12. A printed circuit board 13 carrying an optical sensor 14 is attached to the camera housing 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board 13 carries additional electronic components 18. The lens barrel 12 defines an optical axis 19, which is perpendicular to the optical sensor 14 during the mounting phase of the lens barrel 12. To provide proper imaging through the optical sensor 14, the air gap 20 between the lens barrel 12 and the optical sensor 14 needs to be adjusted. To obtain the desired air gap 20, the lens barrel 12 and the camera housing 11 have threads 16 that allow the lens barrel 12 to move toward or away from the optical sensor 14 until the optimal and desired air gap 20 is achieved. An O-ring 17 is located on the radial edge 21, and once the lens barrel 12 achieves the optimal and desired air gap 20 with the optical sensor 14 due to the rotational movement of the lens barrel 12, the O-ring is exposed to a specific tension. The axial tension of the O-ring 17 (along the optical axis 19) should stabilize the air gap 20 between the lens barrel 12 and the optical sensor 14, and thus prevent accidental rotation of the lens barrel 12 relative to the camera housing 11. A secondary function of the O-ring 17 is to ensure a tight fit between the optical sensor 14 on the printed circuit 13 and the exterior of the camera assembly 10.

[0056] The existing camera assembly 10 described above has several problems. The tension provided by the O-ring 17 from camera to camera is not constant, which leads to variable adjustment and mounting of the camera assembly 10. Additionally, the tension provided by the O-ring 17 on the lens barrel 12 is not constant over time due to material aging. Furthermore, installing the O-ring 17 inside the camera housing 10 is difficult, and the correct position of the O-ring 17 inside the camera housing 11 cannot be visually checked after installation.

[0057] Figure 4 This is an eccentric cross-sectional view of the camera assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A drilled hole 23 is formed in the camera housing 11. In the embodiment shown here, the drilled hole 23 is a through hole defining a first opening end 231 and a second opening end 232 in the camera housing 11. The drilled hole 23 can accommodate a pivot pin 25. Figure 4 In one embodiment, the pivot pin 25 is inserted into the drill hole 23 and contacts the side portion 22 of the lens barrel 12. The arrangement of the drill hole 23 forms a window 24, as... Figure 4As shown by the dashed line, the pivot pin 25 can reach the side portion 22 of the lens barrel 12 through this window. The contact between the pivot pin 25 and the lens barrel 12 prevents rotation of the lens barrel 12. Therefore, the pivot pin 25 can stabilize the air gap 20 between the lens barrel 12 and the optical sensor 14, and thus prevent accidental rotation of the lens barrel 12 relative to the camera housing 11. According to a preferred embodiment, the pivot pin 25 is soft and flexible, for example, made of a polymer material.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of a camera housing 11 for a camera assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As described in the description, the camera housing 11 is formed with an optical axis 19 that is aligned with the lens barrel 12 (see [link]). Figure 3 A generally parallel drill hole 23. In the embodiment shown here, the drill hole 23 is a through hole having a first open end 231 and a second open end 232. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, the drill hole 23 has at least one wedge 27 formed in the camera housing 11, which can cooperate with a pivot pin 25 (not shown here). Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective front view of the camera housing 11. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the drill hole 23 has a window 24 (shown as a solid line here) communicating with the thread 16 for mounting the lens barrel 12 (not shown here) into the camera housing 11. The pivot pin 25 (see...) Figure 4 The side portion 22 of the lens barrel 12 can be accessed through the window 24. The window 24 partially intersects with the cylindrical thread 16 that receives the lens barrel 12. Through this construction principle, the correct insertion of the pivot pin 25 can be checked, and the camera housing 11 is used not only to receive the lens barrel 12 but also to receive the pivot pin 25.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a side view of the camera assembly 10 of the present invention, wherein the pivot pin 25 is not inserted into the drill hole 23. A printed circuit board 13 is mounted on the camera housing 11. Viewed from the first end 231, the threads 16 of the camera housing 11 are visible through the drill hole 23. In the embodiment shown here, the drill hole 23 is not a through hole. Instead, the drill hole 23 is closed by a bottom 26 and has two wedge-shaped members 27.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a side view of the camera assembly 10 of the present invention, wherein a pivot pin 25 is inserted into a drill hole 23. The pivot pin 25 is inserted from the first opening end 231.

[0061] Figure 9This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pivot pin 25. The pivot pin 25 defines a first end 251 and a second end 252. In the embodiment shown here, the shaft 30 of the pivot pin 25 is split into at least two lobes 34. Each lobe 34 has a plurality of stacked flexible fins 36. At the first end 251, the shaft 30 carries a stop cap 32. When compressed radially, the fins 36 surround the shaft 30 almost until the internal air gap 38 between the respective flexible fin 36 and the shaft 30 becomes zero. The shaft 30 with two lobes 34 is particularly flexible when compressed in the radial direction due to the lobe air gap 39 between the respective lobes 34 and the shaft 30.

[0062] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pivot pin 25. For simplicity, the shaft 30 is manufactured without fins (solid shaft). This solution ensures a better seal to prevent vapor from penetrating into the camera housing 11, which houses sensitive elements such as the optical sensor 14. Here, when radially compressed, the fins 36 surround the shaft 30 almost until the internal air gap 38 becomes zero. As mentioned above, the pivot pin 25 can be made from a wide range of plastic and silicone materials using conventional methods.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the final assembly of the camera assembly 10, in which the pivot pin 25 contacts the lens barrel 12. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the final assembly of the camera assembly 10, in which the flexible fins 36 of the pivot pin 25 are in contact with the lens barrel 12.

[0064] The camera housing 11 is fixed together with the printed circuit board 13 that carries the optical sensor 14 (see...). Figure 4 The lens barrel 12 is inserted (e.g., threaded) into the camera housing 11, wherein this step includes angle adjustment to optimally position the lens barrel 12 relative to the optical sensor 14 (see [link to camera housing 11]). Figure 4 Then, starting from the first end 231 of the drill hole 23 in the camera housing 11, the pivot pin 25 is inserted into the drill hole 23 in the camera housing 11. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the middle, the borehole 23 is closed at its second end 232 with the bottom 26. This is the best solution to maintain a tight (sealed) connection. The insertion is achieved by applying a thrust 40 to the pivot pin 25 (see...). Figure 12 This is done by inserting the cap 32 until it reaches the bottom 26 of the borehole 23.

[0065] from Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen in the final assembly of the camera assembly 11, the flexible fins 36 of the pivot pin 25 help maintain the position of the lens barrel 12 within the camera housing 11. The pivot pin 25 shown here has a solid shaft 30 (without lobes 34).

[0066] Figure 11 This illustrates the situation when the pivot pin 25 is in a relaxed position and the flexible fin 36 is in contact with the lens barrel 12. The relaxed position is achieved by the open internal air gap 38 of the flexible fin 36 of the pivot pin 25 (see...). Figure 10 )limited.

[0067] Figure 12 This illustrates the situation when the pivot pin 25 is inserted into the borehole 23 and the folded flexible fin 36 is held within the borehole 23. This is the optimal solution for maintaining a tight seal. The internal air gap 38 of the flexible fin 36 (see...) Figure 10 The lens barrel 12 is sealed, and the flexible fins 36 apply a radial resisting force 42, which holds the lens barrel 12 firmly against the camera housing 11. According to another embodiment, to balance the radial resisting force 42 applied to the lens barrel 12, two or more pivot pins 25 can be used. The pivot pins 25 can be arranged in a radial pattern around the lens barrel 12.

[0068] Figure 13 This is an eccentric slice view of the camera assembly 10, wherein at least one pivot pin 25 is inserted into a drill hole 23 configured as a through hole. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged view of the pivot pin 25 in the drilled hole 23. Typically, the force required to pull out the pivot pin 25 is significantly greater than the force required to insert it. However, disassembly is not necessary under normal use. If necessary, disassembly can also be ensured by pushing from the second end 232 (opposite) of the drilled hole 23. The movement of the pivot pin 25 in the drilled hole 23 is restricted by a radial edge 33 that contacts a stop cap 32 of the pivot pin 25. Here, some flexible fins 36 are in pressure-fit contact with the lens barrel 12 mounted in the camera housing 11. The lens barrel 12 is held in an adjusted position relative to the optical sensor 14 by the flexible fins 36 of the pivot pin 25.

[0069] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera assembly 10, in which the expanding wedge 27 interacts with the pivot pin 25. In the embodiment shown here, as the pivot pin 25 reaches the end of its insertion stroke into the bore 23, the flexible fins 36 of the shaft 30 are expanded by the wedge 27 formed inside the wall 28 of the bore 23. At the end of the stroke of the pivot pin 25 in the bore 23, the insertion force increases sharply, causing the pivot pin 25 to be secured in place.

[0070] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A side view of an embodiment of the camera assembly 10 shown, wherein the printed circuit board 13 is connected to the optical sensor 14 (see also...) Figure 13Together, they are mounted to the camera housing 11. The first end 231 and the second end 232 of the drilled hole 23 are shown. In this embodiment, the drilled hole 23 is a through hole for inserting the pivot pin 25. The pivot pin 25 is inserted into the drilled hole 23. The two lobes 34 of the pivot pin 25 are not visible at the second end 232 of the drilled hole 23 because the pivot pin 25 is designed such that a fully inserted pivot pin 25, including the lobes 34, does not interfere with the spherical topology of the camera housing 11.

[0071] Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of the camera assembly 10, showing the second end 232 of the drilled hole 23 (through hole) for the pivot pin 25. The blades 34 of the shaft 30 are expanded by a wedge 27 near the second end 232 of the drilled hole 23 (through hole). Figure 16 and Figure 17 The drill hole 23 is clearly shown to be formed in the camera housing 11, so that the spherical topology of the camera housing 11 is not disturbed.

[0072] It is believed that this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made to the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or sacrificing all its material advantages. The forms described are merely illustrative, and the following claims are intended to cover and include such changes. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

[0073] List of icon numbers

[0074] 1. Driver monitoring system

[0075] 2 vehicles

[0076] 3 Windshield

[0077] 4 lenses

[0078] 5 drivers

[0079] 10 Camera components

[0080] 11 Camera housing

[0081] 12 lens tubes

[0082] 13 Printed Circuit Boards

[0083] 14 Optical Sensors

[0084] 15 Data cables

[0085] 16 thread

[0086] 17 O-ring

[0087] 18 Electronic components

[0088] 19 optical axes

[0089] 20 air gap

[0090] 21 Radial edge

[0091] 22. Side portion of the lens tube

[0092] 23 Drilling

[0093] 231 First End

[0094] 232 Second End

[0095] 24 windows

[0096] 25. Resistance pin

[0097] 251 First End

[0098] 252 Second End

[0099] 26 Bottom

[0100] 27 Wedge-shaped parts

[0101] 28 wall

[0102] 30 axis

[0103] 32 Stop Cap

[0104] 33 Radial edge

[0105] 34 petals

[0106] 36 Flexible fins

[0107] 38 Internal air gap

[0108] 39 Leaflet air gap

[0109] 40 thrust

[0110] 42 Radial resisting force

Claims

1. A camera assembly (10) comprising: a camera housing (11) a printed circuit board (13) carrying an optical sensor (14) attached to the camera housing (11); a lens barrel (12) axially surrounded by the camera housing (11) and mounted in the camera housing (11) such that a defined air gap (20) between the lens barrel (12) and the optical sensor (14) is set; characterized by at least one drilled hole (23) formed in the camera housing (11) and defining a window (24) to the lens barrel (12); and a drag pin (25) having a plurality of flexible fins (36) stacked, the flexible fins (36) being inserted in the at least one drilled hole (23) and the flexible fins (36) of the drag pin contacting in a pressure fit at least a side portion (22) of the lens barrel (12) through the window (24).

2. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drilled hole (23) defines a first end (231) and a second end (232).

3. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second end (232) of the drilled hole (23) is closed with a bottom (26) formed in the camera housing (11).

4. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the drilled hole (23) having the first end (231) and the second end (232) is a through hole.

5. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein at least one expansion wedge (27) is formed inside a wall (28) of the drilled hole (23).

6. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the drag pin (25) has a solid shaft (30), wherein the flexible fins (36) are arranged axially along the shaft (30) and in an unassembled attitude of the drag pin (25) with the camera housing (11) each flexible fin (36) defines an inner air gap (38), while in a mounted attitude of the drag pin (25) with the camera housing (11) the flexible fins (36) exert a radial drag force (42) against the lens barrel (12) and against the camera housing (11).

7. The camera assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, wherein the anti-rotation pin (25) is formed as a spindle (30) with at least two lobes (34) and a plurality of flexible fins (36), wherein the flexible fins (36) are arranged axially along the lobes (34) of the spindle (30) and in an unassembled attitude of the anti-rotation pin (25) with the camera housing (11) each flexible fin (36) defines an inner air gap (38) and each lobe (34) defines a lobe air gap (39) and in a mounted attitude of the anti-rotation pin (25) with the camera housing (11) the flexible fins (36) exert a radial stop force (42) against the lens barrel (12) and against the camera housing (11).

8. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the bore (23) has at least one wedge (27) at its second end (232) for spreading the lobes (34) of the spindle (30) when the anti-rotation pin (25) is fully inserted into the bore (23).

9. The camera assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation pin (25) is made of a plastic or silicone material.

10. A method for assembling a camera assembly (10) having a camera housing (11) and a printed circuit board (13) carrying an optical sensor (14) and being attached to the camera housing (11), a lens barrel (12) being axially surrounded by the camera housing (11) and being mounted in the camera housing (11) such that a defined air gap (20) between the lens barrel (12) and the optical sensor (14) is set; comprising the following steps: screwing the lens barrel (12) into the camera housing (11) thereby optimally positioning the lens barrel (12) relative to the optical sensor (14); and and inserting an anti-rotation pin (25) having a plurality of flexible fins (36) stacked, the flexible fins (36) being inserted into at least one bore (23) formed in the camera housing (11), wherein the bore (23) defines a window (24) to the lens barrel (12) and wherein the flexible fins (36) of the fully inserted anti-rotation pin (25) contact the side face portion (22) of the lens barrel (12) at least in a pressure fit manner through the window (24).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the insertion of the anti-rotation pin (25) starts from a first end (231) of the bore (23) and ends when a stop cap (32) of the anti-rotation pin (25) is in contact with a radial rim (21) inside the bore (23).

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 11, wherein the anti-rotation pin (25) has a solid shaft (30) and a plurality of flexible fins (36), each flexible fin defining an inner air gap (38), wherein the inner air gaps (38) of the flexible fins (36) of the fully inserted anti-rotation pin (25) are compressed, whereby a radial blocking force (42) is exerted on the lens barrel (12).

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 11, wherein the anti-rotation pin (25) is formed as a split shaft (30) with at least two lobes (34) and a plurality of flexible fins (36), wherein the flexible fins (36) are axially arranged above the lobes (34) of the split shaft (30), wherein when the anti-rotation pin (25) is fully inserted into the bore (23) and thereby exerts a radial blocking force (42) on the lens barrel (12), the inner air gaps (38) of each of the flexible fins (36) are compressed and a wedge (27) is used to spread apart the flexible fins (36) and the lobes (34) of the shaft (30).

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