Imager assembly with heating element

Abstract

This invention discloses an imager assembly. The imager assembly may include a camera sensor, a circuit board, an electrical contact assembly, and / or a lens assembly. The camera sensor is operable to generate an image when exposed to light. The electrical contact assembly is electrically connected to the circuit board and operable to receive power from the circuit board. Additionally, the electrical contact assembly may include a first spring contact and a second spring contact. The lens assembly may include a lens operable to focus and concentrate light onto the camera sensor. Furthermore, the lens assembly may include a heating element operable to heat the lens. Additionally, the heating element may include a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact are respectively capable of engaging the first contact and the second contact. This engagement is operable to transmit power.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 129,041, filed December 22, 2020, entitled “IMAGERASSEMBLY WITH HEATING ELEMENT,” pursuant to 35 USC § 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to imaging apparatuses, and more particularly to imaging apparatuses with heating elements. Background Technology

[0004] Cameras used for imaging are well-known and commonly used in vehicles. Typically, these cameras are used to capture images of the scene behind and / or in front of the vehicle where they are positioned. Furthermore, the images can be transmitted to a display for viewing by vehicle occupants. The conditions these cameras endure often require competing features. For example, due to exposure to the exterior of the vehicle, the camera must be waterproof. Additionally, due to exposure to low temperatures, the camera must also have a heater to heat the camera lens. However, providing these features while also having a camera that is easy to manufacture and cost-effective can be difficult. Measures taken to enhance waterproofing may hinder the installation of a heater, and vice versa, especially when the camera must be easy to manufacture and cost-effective. Therefore, improved cameras are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, the present invention discloses the technical solution of the following embodiment 1, and the following embodiments 2-19 are preferred technical solutions:

[0006] Option 1. A component comprising:

[0007] A camera sensor that is operable to generate an image when exposed to light;

[0008] Circuit board;

[0009] An electrical contact assembly, electrically connected to the circuit board and operable to receive power from the circuit board, the electrical contact assembly including a first spring contact and a second spring contact;

[0010] Lens assembly, the lens assembly comprising:

[0011] A lens, operable to focus and concentrate light onto the camera sensor.

[0012] A heating element operable to heat the lens, the heating element including a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact respectively engage a first contact and a second contact, and the engagement is operable to transmit electricity.

[0013] Option 2. The assembly as described in Option 1, wherein the heating element is arranged circumferentially around the optical axis of the lens assembly.

[0014] Option 3. The component as described in Option 2, wherein the lens assembly further includes a flange disposed circumferentially around the optical axis of the lens assembly.

[0015] Option 4. The assembly as described in Option 3, wherein the heating element is associated with the flange.

[0016] Option 5. The component as described in Option 1 further includes:

[0017] A housing having a first hole and a second hole;

[0018] in:

[0019] The circuit board and the electrical contact assembly are disposed in the housing, and

[0020] The flange is operable to abut the first hole.

[0021] Option 6. The component as described in Option 5 further includes: a wiring harness that passes through the second hole and is connected to the circuit board, the wiring harness being operable to provide power to the circuit board.

[0022] Option 7. The component as described in Option 6, excluding the additional wiring harness.

[0023] Option 8. The component as described in Option 6, wherein the housing is waterproof.

[0024] Option 9. The component as described in Option 1, wherein the camera sensor is operable to image a scene relative to the rear of the vehicle.

[0025] Option 10. The component as described in Option 1, wherein the heating element further includes a resistively heating material connecting the third contact and the fourth contact.

[0026] Option 11. The component as described in Option 1, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact are arranged circumferentially around the optical axis of the lens assembly.

[0027] Option 12. The component as described in Option 4, wherein:

[0028] The first spring contact and the second spring contact are physically biased in a first direction, which is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly and in the direction of the objective lens of the lens assembly; and

[0029] The third and fourth contacts face a second direction, and each of the third and fourth contacts is operable to physically displace one of the first and second spring contacts in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

[0030] Option 13. The component as described in Option 12, wherein each of the third contact and the fourth contact is a separate busbar for the heating element.

[0031] Option 14. The component as described in Option 13, wherein each of the third contact and the fourth contact is circumferentially arranged around the optical axis.

[0032] Option 15. The assembly as described in Option 1, wherein the heating element further includes a resistive material electrically connecting the third contact and the fourth contact.

[0033] Option 16. The component as described in Option 3, wherein:

[0034] The flange has a first side and a second side disposed on opposite sides thereon, the first side being disposed in the first direction relative to the second side, and

[0035] The heating element is disposed on the second side.

[0036] Option 17. The component as described in Option 5, wherein the association between the first hole and the flange is watertight.

[0037] Option 18. The component as described in Option 5 further includes a fitting configured to be watertight adjacent to the second hole.

[0038] Option 19. The component as described in Option 18, wherein the wiring harness connected to the circuit board extends through a third hole in the fitting. Attached Figure Description

[0039] In each diagram:

[0040] Figure 1 Perspective view of the implementation scheme of the imager assembly;

[0041] Figure 2 Perspective view of the implementation scheme of the lens assembly;

[0042] Figure 3 First perspective view of a portion of an implementation scheme for an imager assembly;

[0043] Figure 4 A second perspective view of a portion of an implementation of the imager assembly; and

[0044] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of an implementation of the imager assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0045] For the purposes described herein, the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this disclosure are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, the specific features relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0046] This disclosure relates to an imager assembly 100. Therefore, Figures 1 to 5 Various aspects of the imager assembly 100 are shown. The imager assembly 100 is operable to capture images of a scene. The scene may be the exterior and / or rear of a vehicle. Furthermore, for example, the imager assembly 100 may be located on the rear window, side windows, windshield, dashboard, roof, roof, trailer, tailgate, rear bumper, trunk lid, rearview assembly, side panel, door, or fender of a vehicle. Therefore, the imager assembly 100 can be used, for example, as a side mirror, front mirror, rearview mirror, or reversing camera of a digital video recorder (DVR), a rearview mirror assembly, a rearview camera display, a front view display, and / or an augmented reality display. Additionally, the imager assembly 100 may include a camera sensor 110, a circuit board 120, an electrical contact assembly 130, a lens assembly 140, a housing 150, an accessory 160, and / or a wiring harness 170.

[0047] The camera sensor 110 may be an apparatus operable to capture light in the infrared, near-infrared, and / or visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and generate digital images. For example, the camera sensor 110 may be a pixel sensor using semiconductor charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

[0048] Circuit board 120 may be a structure of electronic components. For example, circuit board 120 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). Circuit board 120 may be operable to supply power. Additionally, circuit board 120 may be communicatively connected to camera sensor 100. Therefore, circuit board 120 may be operable to receive digital images from camera sensor 100. Furthermore, circuit board 120 may be operable to transmit a second image to a display. The second image may be at least partially based on the digital image. In some embodiments, the second image and the digital image may be the same. The display may be located inside the vehicle for viewing by vehicle occupants, such as the driver.

[0049] The electrical contact assembly 130 may include a first contact 131 and a second contact 132. The first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may correspond to opposite polarities. For example, the first contact 131 may correspond to a positive polarity contact, and the second contact 132 may correspond to a negative polarity contact. Furthermore, the first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may each be made of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may face a first direction 10. Additionally, each of the first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may be a spring contact. Therefore, each of the first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may be physically biased to a first position. This physical bias may occur in the first direction 10. Furthermore, each of the first contact 131 and the second contact 132 may be physically displaced to a second position. This displacement may occur in a second direction 20. The second direction 20 may be opposite to the first direction 10. The first position may correspond to a physically extended position. Conversely, the second position may correspond to a physically retracted or compressed position. Furthermore, the electrical contact assembly 130 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 120. Therefore, the electrical contact assembly 130 can be operable to receive power from the circuit board 120 via an electrical connection with the circuit board 120.

[0050] Lens assembly 140 is operable to focus and concentrate light onto camera sensor 110 for imaging. Therefore, lens assembly 140 may include a lens barrel and / or one or more optical lenses. Lens assembly 140 may include an optical axis 141, which may intersect with camera sensor 110. Additionally, lens assembly 140 may include a heating element 142. A first direction 10 may be substantially parallel to the optical axis 141. Furthermore, the object of lens assembly 140 and / or lens assembly 140 itself may be substantially positioned relative to camera sensor 110 in the first direction.

[0051] Heating element 142 is operable to heat upon application of electricity. Therefore, in some embodiments, heating element 142 may be a resistance heater. In some embodiments, heating element 142 may be circumferentially arranged around optical axis 141, lens barrel, and / or one or more optical lenses. Furthermore, heating element 142 may include a third contact 143 and a fourth contact 144. Each of the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may be conductive and operable to engage the first contact 131 and the second contact 132, respectively, and receive electricity from the first contact and the second contact. Therefore, the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may correspond to opposite polarities. For example, the third contact 143 may correspond to a positive polarity contact, and the fourth contact 144 may correspond to a negative polarity contact. In some embodiments, the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may face a second direction 20. Furthermore, the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may each be operable to physically displace the first contact 131 and the second contact 132, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may correspond to a separate busbar. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each of the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144 may be circumferentially arranged around the optical axis 141, the lens barrel, and / or one or more optical lenses. Additionally, the heating element 142 may also include a resistive material 145 disposed between and electrically connecting the third contact 143 and the fourth contact 144. Therefore, the resistive material 145 may be operable to heat. The generated heat may be radiated and / or conducted to one or more of the lens barrel and / or optical lenses. Therefore, in operation, the heating element 145 may be operable to prevent, reduce, or remove frost buildup on one or more lenses of the lens assembly 140. In addition, the resistive material 145 can also be arranged around the optical axis 141, the lens barrel and / or one or more optical lenses.

[0052] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 140 may further include a flange 146. The flange 146 may be circumferentially disposed around the optical axis 141, the lens barrel, and / or one or more optical lenses. A heating element 142 may be associated with the flange 146. Therefore, the heating element 142 may be disposed on the flange 146. Furthermore, the flange 146 may have a first side 147 and a second side 148 on opposite sides. The second side 148 may be disposed in a second direction 20 relative to the first side 147. In some embodiments, the heating element 142 may be disposed on the second side 148. Specifically, a resistive material 145 may be disposed on the second side 148, and third contacts 143 and fourth contacts 144 surrounding the optical axis 141, the lens barrel, and / or one or more optical lenses may be disposed on this second side.

[0053] The housing 150 may be an object operable to substantially enclose one or more objects therein. For example, the housing 150 may be operable to substantially enclose a camera sensor 110, a circuit board 120, and / or an electrical contact assembly 130. The housing may be substantially waterproof. In some embodiments, the housing 150 may include a first hole 151 and / or a second hole 152. The first hole 151 and the second hole 152 may be substantially located on opposite sides of the housing 150. The first hole 151 may be located in a second direction 20 relative to the second hole 152 and / or the circuit board 120. Conversely, the second hole 152 may be located in a first direction 10 relative to the first hole 151 and / or the circuit board 120. In some embodiments, a third contact 143 and a fourth contact 144 may be located in or near the first hole 151. In some embodiments, a flange 146 may be located in or adjacent to the first hole 151. Thus, in some embodiments, a second side 148 may be substantially aligned with, near, or adjacent to the first hole 151. Furthermore, the connection between flange 146 and first hole 151 can be watertight. This connection can be aided by adhesive or welding.

[0054] Fitting 160 may include a third hole 173 through which it is transversely cut. Furthermore, fitting 160 may be disposed in or adjacent to a second hole 152. Additionally, the connection between fitting 160 and the second hole 152 may be watertight. This connection may be facilitated by adhesives or welding.

[0055] The wiring harness 170 can be communicatively connected and / or electrically connected to the circuit board 120. Therefore, the wiring harness 170 can be operable to supply power to the circuit board 120 and / or receive and relay a second image from the circuit board 120. Furthermore, the wiring harness 170 can extend through a second hole 152. Additionally, the wiring harness 170 can extend through a third hole 173.

[0056] Some embodiments of this disclosure can have the advantages of an improved imager assembly 100. The imager assembly 100 can have a heated lens assembly and is therefore operable to prevent, reduce, or remove frost buildup on one or more lenses of the lens assembly 140. Furthermore, the imager assembly 100 can be operable to supply power to the heating element 142 via a circuit board 120 in conjunction with an electrical contact assembly 130. This arrangement can eliminate the need for a second wiring harness for the heating element 142. Specifically, the electrical connections between the first and second contacts 131 and 132 and the third and fourth contacts 143 and 144 can be easily established by associating the lens assembly 140 with the housing 150. Eliminating the second wiring harness can significantly reduce manufacturing costs and increase ease of assembly. Furthermore, these advantages can be achieved while also realizing a substantially waterproof imager assembly 100.

[0057] As used herein, when referring to a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0058] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “associated” generally means a direct or indirect engagement of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such engagement may be static or movable in nature. Such engagement may be achieved using two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate member integral with or forming a single unit with each other. Unless otherwise stated, such engagement may be permanent in nature, or removable or detachable in nature.

[0059] In this document, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily need to indicate any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand the term "substantially" and its variations to describe values ​​that are equal to or approximately equal to, or characteristics that are described. For example, "substantially plane" is intended to mean a planar or generally planar surface. Furthermore, "generally" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. Where there is a use of terminology that is not readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the context in which the term is used, "substantially" may mean values ​​that differ from each other by about 10%, such as by about 5%, or by about 2%.

[0061] The term "comprises" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. Without further constraints, the prefix "comprises..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0062] It should be understood that although several embodiments are described in this disclosure, numerous variations, alterations, transformations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and unless expressly stated otherwise in the language, this disclosure is intended to cover such variations, alterations, transformations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An imager assembly with a heating element, comprising: A camera sensor that is operable to generate an image when exposed to light; Circuit board; An electrical contact assembly, electrically connected to the circuit board and operable to receive power from the circuit board, the electrical contact assembly including a first spring contact and a second spring contact; Lens assembly, the lens assembly comprising: A lens, operable to focus and concentrate light onto the camera sensor. A heating element operable to heat the lens, the heating element including a third contact and a fourth contact, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact respectively engage a first contact and a second contact, and the engagement is operable to transmit electricity. The first spring contact and the second spring contact are physically biased in a first direction, which is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly and in the direction of the objective lens of the lens assembly; and The third and fourth contacts face the second direction, and each of the third and fourth contacts is operable to physically displace one of the first and second spring contacts in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. Each of the third and fourth contacts is a separate busbar for the heating element. Each of the third and fourth contacts is arranged circumferentially around the optical axis. The lens assembly further includes a flange circumferentially disposed around the optical axis of the lens assembly, and the heating element is disposed on the flange. The component also includes a housing having a first hole and a second hole; in: The circuit board and the electrical contact assembly are disposed in the housing, and The flange is operable to abut the first hole.

2. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A wiring harness, which passes through the second hole and is connected to the circuit board, is operable to provide power to the circuit board.

3. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 2, excluding additional wiring harness.

4. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing is waterproof.

5. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera sensor is operable to image a scene relative to the rear of the vehicle.

6. The imager assembly with a heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating element further comprises a resistively heated material connecting the third contact and the fourth contact.

7. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact are arranged circumferentially around the optical axis of the lens assembly.

8. The imager assembly with a heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating element further comprises a resistive material electrically connecting the third contact and the fourth contact.

9. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The flange has a first side and a second side disposed on opposite sides thereon, the first side being disposed in the first direction relative to the second side, and The heating element is disposed on the second side.

10. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the association between the first aperture and the flange is watertight.

11. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fitting configured to be watertight adjacent to the second aperture.

12. The imager assembly with heating element as claimed in claim 11, wherein the wiring harness connected to the circuit board extends through a third hole in the fitting.

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