Shell for vehicle camera, vehicle camera and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (16) for a vehicle camera (14), a vehicle camera (14) and a vehicle. The housing (16) comprises at least one main housing part (18), which has at least one receiving opening, and at least one objective lens module housing part (22), which has at least one objective lens receptacle for at least one optical system, and the objective lens module housing part (22) is arranged at the at least one receiving opening of the at least one main housing part (18). The at least one main housing part (18) has at least one main contact part (48). The at least one objective lens module housing part (22) has at least one module contact part (90) which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact part (48). At least one of the main contact portions (48) has at least one main contact surface (60) curved in at least one portion (62). At least one of the module contact portions (90) has at least one module contact surface (96) curved in at least one portion (102) and at least partially in contact with the at least one curved portion (62) of the at least one main contact surface (60) of the at least one main contact portion (48). The curvature of the at least one curved portion (62) of the at least one main contact surface (60) and the curvature of the at least one module contact surface (96) contacting the at least one curved portion (102) are the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a housing for a vehicle camera, comprising at least one main housing part having at least one receiving opening and at least one objective module housing part having at least one objective lens receptacle for at least one optical system and arranged at the at least one receiving opening of the at least one main housing part,

[0002] wherein the at least one main housing part has at least one main contact portion, and the at least one objective lens module housing part has at least one module contact portion, the module contact portion at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact portion,

[0003] The invention further relates to a vehicle camera having at least one housing, in which at least one image sensor is arranged, and on which at least one optical system is arranged, which is aligned with the at least one image sensor,

[0004] The at least one housing comprises at least one main housing portion and at least one objective lens module housing portion, the main housing portion having at least one receiving opening, the objective lens module housing portion having at least one objective lens receptacle for the at least one optical system, and the objective lens module housing portion being arranged at the at least one receiving opening of the at least one main housing portion,

[0005] Therein, the at least one main housing part has at least one main contact portion, and the at least one objective lens module housing part has at least one module contact portion, which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle having at least one vehicle camera, wherein the vehicle camera has at least one housing, in which at least one image sensor is arranged, and at least one optical system is arranged on the housing and is aligned with the at least one image sensor.

[0007] Wherein, the at least one housing comprises at least one main housing part and at least one objective lens module housing part, the main housing part has at least one receiving opening, the objective lens module housing part has at least one objective lens receptacle for the at least one optical system, and the objective lens module housing part is arranged at the at least one receiving opening of the at least one main housing part,

[0008] Therein, the at least one main housing part has at least one main contact portion, and the at least one objective lens module housing part has at least one module contact portion, which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact portion. Background Art

[0009] DE 102019113081 A1 discloses a vehicle camera, which comprises a main housing part and at least one objective lens module, which is installed in a receptacle of the main housing part. The objective lens module comprises a module housing part. The main housing part has a housing step in its rear area. The opening forming the receptacle extends from the upper side of the housing step to the lower cover part of the main housing part via the front side of the housing step facing away from the rear side. In the area of ​​the upper side and the front side of the housing step, a step in the profile is formed around the edge of the receptacle and a support for the module housing part. The module housing part has a support edge, which extends as a step, which corresponds to the receptacle edge in the upper side and the front side of the cover part and the housing step. The lateral part and the rear side part of the support edge form a step in the profile, which corresponds to the lateral part and the support part of the upper side of the housing step of the main housing part.

[0010] The object of the invention is to configure a housing, a vehicle camera and a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the vehicle camera can be assembled better, in particular in a simpler and / or more reliable manner. In particular, the object is to achieve the required level of protection for the operation of the vehicle camera in a more reliable and simpler manner. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, in the case of a housing, this object is achieved in that at least one of the main contact parts has at least one main contact surface which is curved in at least one section,

[0012] and at least one of the module contact portions has at least one module contact surface which is bent in at least one portion and at least partially contacts the at least one bent portion of the at least one main contact surface of the at least one main contact portion,

[0013] Wherein, the curvature of the at least one curved portion of the at least one main contact surface is the same as the curvature of the at least one curved portion of the at least one module contact surface contacting the at least one curved portion.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one curved portion of at least one of the main contact surfaces is in contact with a curved portion of at least one of the module contact surfaces. The curved portion enables the main contact surface to be aligned more flexibly relative to the contact module contact surface. In this way, tolerances between components can be better compensated. Therefore, the main contact surface can be in close contact with the module contact surface. In this way, the tightness of the combination can be achieved in a simpler way as a whole. In summary, by means of the curved contact surface, the desired protection level can be achieved in a simpler way, in particular with regard to protection against the ingress of foreign bodies and / or water. By means of the invention, international protection levels, in particular IPx2 or IP52 (International Protection x2 or 52), can in particular be achieved in a simpler and more reliable way.

[0015] The mutually contacting curved portions of the at least one main contact surface and the at least one module contact surface have the same curvature. Therefore, the curved portions of the at least one main contact surface and the at least one module contact surface are complementary. Therefore, a sealed bond can be achieved.

[0016] The housing has at least one main housing part. Components of the vehicle camera, in particular at least one circuit board, electrical / electronic, mechanical and / or optical components, etc., can be arranged in the main housing part. Furthermore, the at least one main housing part can have a corresponding part for receiving a connector, in particular a connector for an electrical terminal, in particular a plug, etc.

[0017] In addition, the housing has at least one objective lens module housing part. The at least one objective lens module housing part has at least one objective lens receptacle for at least one optical system. The optical system can therefore remain in the objective lens receptacle. The at least one optical system can have at least one lens, at least one objective lens, etc. or be composed of at least one lens, at least one objective lens, etc. With the help of the optical system, an object image from the vehicle camera field of view can be reproduced on at least one image sensor.

[0018] In addition, the at least one objective lens module housing part can have at least one holding device for at least one receiving device, particularly circuit board etc. The receiving device can be used for carrying at least one image sensor, particularly imager chip. The at least one holding device can also be directly configured as a receptacle for at least one image sensor. This makes it possible to save extra parts, particularly circuit board etc.

[0019] The objective lens module can advantageously be realized with at least one objective lens module housing component, at least one image sensor and at least one optical system. This enables the objective lens module to be prefabricated separately from the main housing portion. In the prefabrication process, the at least one optical system can be aligned with the at least one image sensor. The prefabricated objective lens module can be connected to the at least one main housing portion and the corresponding components contained therein then.

[0020] The at least one main housing part may have at least one mounting opening. Through the at least one mounting opening, corresponding components, in particular at least one circuit board or the like, may be introduced into the housing interior. The housing may also have at least one housing closure part, through which the at least one mounting opening may be closed.

[0021] The vehicle camera can advantageously be configured to acquire the image, shape, movement, distance, direction and / or speed of an object. This enables the vehicle camera to be used to obtain information from the monitoring area at which the vehicle camera is pointed.

[0022] Advantageously, the vehicle camera may be an imaging camera. This type of vehicle camera may be used on a vehicle to monitor a monitoring area in and / or around the vehicle.

[0023] Advantageously, the vehicle camera may be a “front camera.” A front camera may be used to monitor a monitoring area in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel.

[0024] The vehicle camera can advantageously be configured for arrangement on a window of the vehicle, in particular on a windshield. This enables the vehicle camera to be arranged in a protected manner in the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle camera can be directed toward the vehicle interior and / or toward the area surrounding the vehicle.

[0025] Advantageously, the vehicle camera can be used in a motor vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle camera can be used in a land vehicle, in particular a car, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle, a construction or transport machine, such as a crane, an excavator, etc., an aircraft, in particular a drone, and / or a boat. The vehicle camera can also be used in a vehicle that can operate autonomously or at least semi-autonomously. The vehicle camera can also be used on a robot and / or a machine.

[0026] The vehicle camera can advantageously be connected to at least one electronic control device of the vehicle, in particular a driver assistance system or the like, or can be part of such a control device. In this way, at least some functions of the vehicle, in particular driving functions, can be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously. In this case, the information obtained with the vehicle camera can be transmitted to the at least one control device of the vehicle and used to control the functions of the vehicle.

[0027] Vehicle cameras can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, in particular vehicles, persons, gestures, movements, animals, plants, obstacles, road irregularities, in particular potholes or rocks, road boundaries, traffic signs, free spaces, in particular parking spaces, precipitation, etc.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the curved portion may extend in an arc, in particular directly or immediately in the direction of the front side and / or the lower side of the housing away from the rear inner main contact portion. The rear inner main contact portion may be located on the side of the receiving opening facing the rear side of the housing. The rear inner main contact portion may also be located in particular on the side of the receiving opening opposite to the front inner main contact portion. The front inner main contact portion and the rear inner main contact portion may extend substantially in parallel, in particular parallel to the imaginary axis. The receiving opening may be surrounded by an inner main contact frame, which may surround in particular two lateral main contact portions, the front inner main contact portion and the rear inner main contact portion. The front inner main contact portion may be located on the side of the step area facing the front side. The step area may extend on the rear side of the housing. The front side may be the side facing the optical system.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment, the curved portion may extend at an angle of about 90°, in particular at an angle of 90°. In particular, the angle of about 90° may be in the range of 80° to 100°, in particular in the range of 85° to 95°.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment, the bent portion may occupy a majority of the main contact portion, in particular a lateral main contact portion. In particular, the bent portion may occupy approximately half of the main contact portion, or in particular, more than half of the main contact portion.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment, the curvature of the at least one curved portion of the at least one main contact surface is constant in at least one plane and / or the curvature of the at least one curved portion of the at least one module contact surface is constant in at least one plane,

[0032] and / or

[0033] The at least one main contact surface may extend at least partially along an imaginary cylinder surface, in particular along an imaginary cylindrical surface, and / or the at least one module contact surface may extend at least partially along an imaginary cylinder surface, in particular along an imaginary cylindrical surface. The constant curvature in at least one plane enables the at least one main contact surface and the at least one module contact surface to move relative to each other without losing contact.

[0034] The curvature in at least one plane extending perpendicularly to the axis of the imaginary cylinder can advantageously be constant. The corresponding at least one curved portion can extend along the imaginary cylinder surface. In this way, the curvature can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0035] The at least one curved portion of the at least one main contact surface can advantageously extend along a circle of curvature. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one curved portion of the at least one module contact surface can extend along a circle of curvature. In this way, a constant curvature can be achieved in each case.

[0036] Alternatively or in addition, the at least one main contact surface can advantageously extend along an imaginary cylinder surface, in particular along an imaginary cylindrical surface. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one module contact surface can at least partially extend along an imaginary cylinder surface, in particular along an imaginary cylindrical surface. In this way, the corresponding contact surface has no curvature in the direction of the axis. Therefore, the main contact surface and the at least one module contact surface can be realized with a larger assembly tolerance in the direction of the axis.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one main housing part can have at least two main contact parts, each main contact part having at least one main contact surface,

[0038] and / or

[0039] The objective lens module housing part can have at least two module contact parts, and each module contact part all has at least one module contact surface.This makes it possible to increase the scope of corresponding contact surface.In this way, can improve and / or realize the sealing property and / or the mechanical stability of the combination between described at least one objective lens module housing part and described at least one main housing part in a simpler way.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment, at least two of the main contact portions are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one receiving opening,

[0041] and / or

[0042] At least two of the module contact portions may be arranged on opposite sides of the at least one receiving opening. This enables the at least one objective lens module housing part to be supported on the at least one main housing part on opposite sides of the at least one receiving opening.

[0043] In this way, the at least one receiving opening can also be sealed on the opposite sides by the contact portions contacting each other.

[0044] In another advantageous embodiment, at least two of the main contact portions can be arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening.

[0045] and / or

[0046] At least two of the module contact parts can be arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening. This makes it possible to improve and / or achieve mechanical stability and / or sealing on this side of the receiving opening in a simpler manner.

[0047] The at least two main contact parts arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening can advantageously have different sizes and / or shapes. Alternatively or in addition, the at least two module contact parts arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening can have different sizes and / or shapes. This enables a labyrinth seal to be achieved between the main contact parts and the corresponding module contact parts. In this way, the sealing of the combination between the main contact parts and the corresponding contact module contact parts can be improved and / or achieved in a simpler way.

[0048] In another advantageous embodiment, the curved portions of the respective main contact surfaces of at least two of the main contact portions may have the same curvature in at least one sector, which sector is common in the direction of the imaginary axis,

[0049] and / or

[0050] The curved portion of at least two corresponding module contact surfaces in the module contact portion can have identical curvature in at least one sector, and this sector is common in the imaginary axis direction.This makes the at least one objective lens module housing part can rotate relative to the axis in the circumferential direction with respect to the at least one main housing part, wherein the curved portion of the corresponding contact of the main contact surface and the module contact surface can slide along each other while keeping in contact.In this way, the assembly tolerance of the objective lens module housing part and the main housing part can be compensated better.In this way, the alignment of the at least one objective lens receptacle with respect to the at least one main housing part can also be arranged better and / or in a simpler way.

[0051] In another advantageous embodiment, the curved portions of the respective main contact surfaces of at least two of the main contact portions may have different radii of curvature relative to an imaginary axis in at least one sector, which sector is common in the axial direction,

[0052] and / or

[0053] the curved portions of the respective main contact surfaces of at least two of the main contact portions have the same radius of curvature relative to an imaginary axis in at least one sector, the sector being common in the axial direction,

[0054] and / or

[0055] The curved portions of the respective module contact surfaces of at least two of the module contact portions have different radii of curvature relative to an imaginary axis in at least one sector, the sector being common in the axial direction,

[0056] and / or

[0057] The curved portions of the corresponding module contact surfaces of at least two of the module contact portions have the same radius of curvature relative to an imaginary axis in at least one sector, which is shared in the axial direction. This enables the dimensions of the objective lens module housing portion and the main housing portion to be configured in a more flexible manner.

[0058] At least two main contact surfaces located on the same side of the at least one receiving opening can advantageously have different radii of curvature. In a corresponding manner, alternatively or in addition, at least two module contact surfaces located on the same side of the receiving opening can have different radii of curvature. This enables a labyrinth sealing area to be achieved between the respective contact surfaces. In this way, the sealing effect can be further improved and / or achieved in a simpler and more reliable manner.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition, at least two main contact surfaces that are positioned at the opposite side of described at least one receiving opening can advantageously have identical radius of curvature.In a corresponding manner, at least two module contact surfaces that are positioned at the opposite side of described at least one receiving opening can have identical radius of curvature.This enables described at least one objective lens module housing part to be supported on described at least one main housing part of opposite side in a more uniform manner.

[0060] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one common sector can extend over an angle of approximately 30° to 90°. This enables a good sealing effect and mechanical support on the one hand and tolerance compensation on the other hand.

[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two main contact portions with corresponding main contact surfaces located on the same side of the at least one receiving opening may be arranged in series when considered from the receiving opening, and a curved portion of the main contact surface of a main contact portion located further away from the at least one receiving opening may have a smaller radius of curvature than a curved portion of the main contact surface of a main contact portion located closer to the receiving opening,

[0062] and / or

[0063] At least two module contact parts with corresponding module contact surfaces located on the same side of the at least one receiving opening can be arranged in series when considered from the receiving opening, and the curved part of the module contact surface of the module contact part further away from the receiving opening can have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved part of the module contact surface of the module contact part located closer to the receiving opening. This enables the module contact part further away from the receiving opening to shield the module contact surface and the main contact surface of the contact part located closer relative to the surrounding environment. In this way, the main contact surface and the module contact surface located further away can be protected from the surrounding environment.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one curved portion of at least one main contact surface can be at least partially convexly curved in the direction of the respective main contact surface.

[0065] and / or

[0066] At least one curved section of at least one module contact surface can be at least partially curved concavely in the direction of the respective module contact surface. This enables the respective module contact section to be configured in a space-saving manner. In this way, the space between the module contact sections can be better accessed, in particular for arranging image sensors, image sensor circuit boards, etc. there.

[0067] According to the invention, in the case of a vehicle camera, the object of the invention can also be achieved in that the vehicle camera has at least one housing according to the invention.

[0068] According to the invention, at least one of the main contact parts has at least one main contact surface that is curved in at least one part. At least one of the module contact parts has at least one module contact surface that is curved in at least one part and at least partially contacts with the at least one curved part of the at least one main contact surface of the at least one main contact part. The curvature of the at least one curved part of the at least one main contact surface is the same as the curvature of the contacting at least one curved part of the at least one module contact surface.

[0069] With the housing according to the invention, sealing between the at least one objective module housing part and the at least one main housing part can be achieved in a simpler and more reliable manner.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the invention, in the case of a vehicle, the object of the invention is achieved by having at least one vehicle camera which comprises at least one housing according to the invention.

[0071] By means of at least one housing according to the invention, the sealing of the at least one vehicle camera can be achieved in a simpler manner. In this way, a vehicle camera can be obtained which meets the requirements of international protection classes, in particular IPx2 or IP52.

[0072] By means of the vehicle camera, objects in at least one monitoring area in the vehicle surroundings and / or in the vehicle interior can be monitored.

[0073] The vehicle may advantageously include at least one driver assistance system. The vehicle may be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously using the driver assistance system.

[0074] Advantageously, at least one vehicle camera can be functionally connected to at least one driver assistance system of the vehicle. In this way, information about the at least one monitoring area, in particular about objects that can be determined by the at least one vehicle camera, can be sent to the at least one driver assistance system. Taking into account the information about the at least one monitoring area, the vehicle can be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously using the at least one driver assistance system.

[0075] Furthermore, the features and advantages shown in conjunction with the housing according to the invention, the vehicle camera according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention and their respective advantageous configurations apply in a mutually corresponding manner and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can naturally be combined with one another, in which case further advantageous effects beyond the sum of the individual effects can be produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A person skilled in the art will also find it convenient to consider the features disclosed in combination in the drawings, the description and the claims individually and to combine them to form meaningful further combinations. In the drawings, schematically,

[0077] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sedan with a vehicle camera and driver assistance system;

[0078] Figure 2 Shown is a view from above Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle camera;

[0079] Figure 3 The lateral inner contact portion through the main housing part and the objective lens module housing part is shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vehicle camera;

[0080] Figure 4 Shown is a view from above Figure 2A perspective view of a main housing portion of a vehicle camera;

[0081] Figure 5 Shown is a view from below Figure 2 A perspective view of a main housing portion of a vehicle camera;

[0082] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A front view of a main housing portion of a vehicle camera;

[0083] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a main housing portion of a vehicle camera through a lateral outer main contact portion;

[0084] Figure 8 Shown is a view from the front Figure 2 A perspective view of a housing portion of an objective lens module of a vehicle camera;

[0085] Fig. 9 Shown is a view from the rear Figure 2 A perspective view of a housing portion of an objective lens module of a vehicle camera;

[0086] Fig.10 Shows Figure 2 A front view of a housing portion of an objective lens module of a vehicle camera;

[0087] Fig.11 Shows Figure 2 A bottom view of a housing portion of an objective lens module of a vehicle camera;

[0088] Fig.12 Shown through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of two cross-sectional planes of a housing portion of an objective module of a vehicle camera, wherein one cross-sectional plane passes through a lateral inner module contact portion.

[0089] In the drawings, identical components have the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Figure 1 A front view of a vehicle 10 in the form of a sedan is shown. The vehicle 10 includes a driver assistance system 12 and a vehicle camera 14. Figures 2 to 12 , the vehicle camera 14 and its components are shown in various perspective views, cross-sectional views and detail views.

[0091] The vehicle camera 14 is functionally connected to the driver assistance system 12. Items of information acquired by the vehicle camera 14 can thus be transmitted to the driver assistance system 12. The driver assistance system 12 can be used to operate the vehicle 10 autonomously or semi-autonomously.

[0092] The vehicle camera 14 is configured as a front camera, such as a windshield camera. The vehicle camera 14 is located at the top on the inside of the windshield of the vehicle 10 and points to the monitoring area in front of the vehicle 10 in the driving direction. The vehicle camera 14 can also be arranged elsewhere on the vehicle 10, and also with different orientations. Multiple vehicle cameras 14 can also be set on the vehicle 10 or in the vehicle 10. The vehicle camera 14 can also point to the interior of the vehicle 10.

[0093] As an example, the vehicle camera 14 is an imaging camera. By means of the vehicle camera 14, the monitoring area can be detected with a local resolution.

[0094] The vehicle camera 14 includes a housing 16 . The housing 16 is composed of a main housing portion 18 , a housing closure portion 20 and an objective lens module housing portion 22 .

[0095] The objective module housing part 22 comprises an objective receptacle 24 , in which an optical system, for example in the form of an objective 26 , is fixed.

[0096] In addition, an imager circuit board (not shown in the figure for the sake of greater clarity) is arranged in the objective lens module housing portion 22. On the imager circuit board, there is an image sensor (e.g., an imager chip) on the side facing the objective lens 26, which is not shown for the sake of greater clarity. The objective lens 26 is aligned and focused on the image sensor. Through the image sensor, electromagnetic rays (e.g., light) from the monitoring area can be converted into electrical signals with local resolution. The electrical signals can be processed by the corresponding electronic components of the vehicle camera 14. In this way, an image of the monitoring area, such as an image of an object in the monitoring area, can be generated.

[0097] The objective module housing part 22 is fixed to a receiving opening 28 provided for this purpose in the main housing part 18. On the side facing away from the objective module housing part 22, the main housing part 18 has a mounting opening 30 for the housing closure part 20. For example, Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the figure, a mounting opening 30 can be seen in the housing 16, which mounting opening 30 is open in the figure. The mounting opening 30 has an approximately rectangular perimeter.

[0098] The main housing portion 18 and the housing closure portion 20 define a housing interior 32 of the housing 16 . Figure 3 A main circuit board 34 is shown disposed within the housing interior 32 , between the main housing portion 18 and the housing closure portion 20 .

[0099] The main circuit board 34 carries a plurality of functional components, such as electronic components and connection components, such as electrical connection plugs.

[0100] For example, the main circuit board 34 is functionally connected to the imager circuit board via a flexible cable. Via the cable, data can be exchanged between the main circuit board 34 and the imager circuit board. The cable can also have a power supply line.

[0101] The receiving opening 28 is located in a step region 36 which extends on a rear side 38 of the housing 16. The receiving opening 28 extends on those sides of the step region 36 which face the front side 40 and the upper side 42 of the housing 16.

[0102] In the case of a vehicle camera 14 being installed, the front side 40 faces the monitoring area, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. The front side 40 is therefore the side to which the objective lens 26 is directed. In the case of a vehicle camera 14 being installed, the upper side 42 faces upward. In the case of a reverse arrangement of the vehicle camera 14, the upper side 42 can also face downward. The front side 40 of the vehicle camera 14 can also be directed backwards or sideways, opposite to the direction of travel.

[0103] The receiving opening 28 is surrounded by the inner main contact frame 44 and the outer main contact frame 46. The outer main contact frame 46 surrounds the inner main contact frame 44 and the receiving opening 28 on three sides, namely towards the front side 40 and towards an adjacent side extending between the front side 40 and the rear side 38.

[0104] The prefix "main" is used in conjunction with the components of the main housing portion 18 so that they can be more easily distinguished from the components of the objective lens module housing portion 22, which are hereinafter indicated by the prefix "module". The designation "inner" is used in conjunction with the components of the inner main contact frame 44 so that they can be better distinguished from the components of the outer main contact frame 46, which are indicated by the designation "outer".

[0105] The inner main contact frame 44 includes two lateral inner main contact portions 48 , a front inner main contact portion 50 and a rear inner main contact portion 52 .

[0106] The front inner main contact portion 50 is located on the side of the step area 36 facing the front side 40. The rear inner main contact portion 52 is located on the side of the receiving opening 28 opposite to the front inner main contact portion 50, on the side facing the rear side 38 of the housing 16. The front inner main contact portion 50 and the rear inner main contact portion 52 extend substantially parallel to an imaginary axis 54.

[0107] The laterally inner main contact portions 48 each connect a front inner main contact portion 50 to a rear inner main contact portion 52. The laterally inner main contact portions 48 are located on axially opposite sides of the receiving opening 28 relative to the axis 54.

[0108] The edge of the rear inner main contact portion 52 facing the upper side 42 of the housing 16 forms a rear inner main contact surface 56. The edge of the front inner main contact portion facing the upper side 42 forms a front inner main contact surface 58. Those edges of the lateral inner main contact portion 48 facing the upper side 42 or the front side 40, respectively, each form a lateral inner main contact surface 60.

[0109] The profiles of the two transverse inner main contact surfaces 60 in the direction of the axis 54 are identical. The two transverse inner main contact surfaces 60 are aligned in the direction of the axis 54. The profiles of the transverse inner main contact surfaces 60 are described with reference to one of the two transverse inner main contact surfaces 60, for example in Figure 7 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0110] The transverse inner main contact surface 60 has a curved portion 62. The curved portion 62 is convexly curved in the direction of the transverse inner main contact surface 60. The curved portion 62 has a curvature radius R i The curved portion 62 extends in an imaginary sector 64 of an imaginary cylinder. The axis of the cylinder coincides with the axis 54. The curved portion 62 extends in an arc at an angle of approximately 90° away from the rear inner main contact portion 52 in the direction of the front side 40 and the underside 68 of the housing 16. Figure 4 and Figure 7 It can also be seen that the curved portion 62 directly abuts the rear inner main contact portion 52. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the bent portion 62 extends over an angle of 90°. The bent portion 62 occupies a large portion of the lateral main contact portion 60 , in this case more than half of the lateral main contact portion 60 .

[0111] At the end remote from the rear inner main contact portion 52, the curved portion 62 merges in a stepless manner into an upper straight portion 66. At the transition, the upper straight portion 66 extends tangentially to the curved portion 62. The upper straight portion 66 extends in the form of a flat surface in the direction of the lower side 68 of the housing 16. At the end of the upper straight portion 66 remote from the curved portion 62, the upper straight portion 66 merges into a lower straight portion 70 after a sharp turn.

[0112] The lower straight portion 70 has the shape of a flat surface. The lower straight portion 70 extends at an angle slightly greater than 90° relative to the upper straight portion 66. The lower straight portion 70 extends generally parallel to the upper side of the main housing portion 18. The lower straight portion 70 extends generally parallel to a corresponding imaginary tangent line of the curved portion 62 at the transition from the lateral inner main contact surface 60 to the rear inner main contact surface 56.

[0113] At the end of the lower straight portion 70 remote from the upper straight portion 66, the lower straight portion 70 merges into the front inner main contact surface 58 after bending through 90°. The front inner main contact surface 58 extends parallel to the axis 54. The front inner main contact surface 58 is also flat.

[0114] The outer main contact frame 46 includes two lateral outer main contact portions 72 and a front outer main contact portion 74. The lateral outer main contact portions 72 are located on axially opposite sides of the receiving opening 28 relative to the axis 54. The lateral inner main contact portions 48 are each located between one of the lateral outer main contact portions 72 and the receiving opening 28. Therefore, each lateral outer main contact portion 72 is farther from the receiving opening 28 than the lateral inner main contact portion 48 located on the same side of the receiving opening 28.

[0115] On the side facing the front side 40, a front outer main contact portion 74 extends between the two lateral outer main contact portions 72. The front outer main contact portion 74 is integrated into the upper side of the main housing portion 18. The front outer main contact portion 74 extends on the side of the front inner main contact portion 50 facing the front side 40 of the housing 16. The front outer main contact portion 74 extends parallel to the front inner main contact portion 50 and parallel to the axis 54.

[0116] For example, as in Figure 7 As seen in FIG. 8 , the laterally outer main contact portions 72 each have a laterally outer main contact surface 76 . Figure 7 A cross-section perpendicular to the axis 54 is shown through one of the transverse outer main contact portions 72. The cross-section also shows the adjacent transverse inner main contact portion 48. The transverse outer main contact surface 76 extends parallel to the transverse inner main contact surface 60 in the projection in the direction of the axis 54. The profile of the two transverse outer main contact surfaces 76 in the direction of the axis 54 is identical.

[0117] The lateral outer main contact surfaces 76 each have a curved portion 78 , an upper straight portion 80 , and a lower straight portion 82 .

[0118] The curved portion 78 of the transverse outer main contact surface 76 has a curvature radius R a The curved portion 78 extends around the axis 54 in the same sector 64 as the curved portion 62 of the transversely inner main contact surface 60. The curved portion 78 is convexly curved in the direction of the transversely outer main contact surface 76.

[0119] The radius of curvature R of the curved portion 78 of the transverse outer main contact surface 76 is a smaller than the radius of curvature R of the curved portion 62 of the lateral inner main contact surface 60 i .

[0120] The curved portions 78 each merge into an upper straight portion 80. At the transition, the upper straight portion 80 extends tangentially to the respective end of the curved portion 78. The upper straight portion 80 is a flat surface. After a bend of slightly more than 90° in each case, the upper straight portions 80 each merge into a lower straight portion 82. The lower straight portion 82 is a flat surface. The lower straight portion 82 extends approximately parallel to the respective imaginary tangent line of the curved portion 78 on the rear end of the transverse outer main contact portion 72.

[0121] The lower straight portions 82 of the lateral outer main contact surfaces 76 are formed on the upper surface of the main housing portion 18. The corresponding portions of the lateral outer main contact portions 72 are integrated into the upper side of the main housing portion 18. The lower straight portions 82 of the lateral outer main contact surfaces 76 each merge into a front outer main contact surface 84 of the front outer main contact portion 74. The front outer main contact surfaces 84 are all flat.

[0122] Figure 8 and Fig.12 The objective lens module housing portion 22 is shown in detail. The objective lens module housing portion 22 has an inner module contact frame 86 and an outer module contact frame 88. The outer module contact frame 88 surrounds the inner module contact frame 86 on three sides, namely the front side 40 and the lateral sides. When the housing 16 is assembled, the inner module contact frame 86 abuts against the inner main contact frame 44. In the assembled state, the outer module contact frame 88 abuts against the outer main contact frame 46.

[0123] The designation "inner" is used in conjunction with the components of the inner module contact frame 86 so that they can be more easily distinguished from the components of the outer module contact frame 88, which bear the designation "outer".

[0124] The inner module contact frame 86 includes two lateral inner module contact portions 90 , a front inner module contact portion 92 , and a rear inner module contact portion 94 .

[0125] At a free edge which faces the laterally inner main contact portion 48 when the objective module housing part 22 is assembled, the laterally inner module contact portions 90 each have a laterally inner module contact surface 96 .

[0126] At a free edge which faces the front inner main contact portion 50 when the objective module housing part 22 is assembled, the front inner module contact portion 92 has a front inner module contact surface 98 .

[0127] The rear inner module contact portion 94 has a rear inner module contact surface 100 on the side facing the rear inner main contact portion 52 when the objective lens module housing portion 22 is assembled.

[0128] The profile of the two transverse inner module contact surfaces 96 is identical in a projection in the direction of the axis 54. The transverse inner module contact surfaces 96 each have a curved portion 102, an upper straight portion 104 and a lower straight portion 106.

[0129] The laterally inner module contact surfaces 96 are complementary to the correspondingly adjoining laterally inner main contact surfaces 60 .

[0130] When the housing 16 is assembled, the imaginary axis 54, the corresponding imaginary cylinder and the sector 64 described above in connection with the main housing part 18 coincide with the corresponding axis, the corresponding imaginary cylinder and the corresponding sector of the objective lens module housing part 22. For clarity, Figure 3 In the cross-sectional view of the assembled housing 16, Figure 4 and Figure 7 Detailed view of the main housing portion 18 and Fig. 9 and Fig.12 In the detailed view of the objective module housing part 22 in FIG. 1 , the axis 54 and the sectors 64 are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0131] The corresponding curved portion 102 of the lateral inner module contact surface 96 has a radius of curvature R i The curved portion 102 is concavely curved in the direction of the corresponding transverse inner module contact surface 96. The radius of curvature R of the curved portion 102 of the transverse inner module contact surface 96 and of the curved portion 62 of the transverse inner main contact surface 60 is i The curved portion 62 extends in a circular arc at an angle of about 90° in the direction of the front inner module contact portion 92 away from the rear inner module contact portion 94 .

[0132] At the end away from the rear interior module contact portion 94, the curved portion 102 is incorporated into the upper straight portion 104. Here, the starting point of the upper straight portion 104 extends tangentially relative to the end of the curved portion 102. The upper straight portion 104 is a flat surface. The upper straight portion 104 extends in the direction of the downside of the objective lens module housing portion 22. At the end away from the curved portion 102, the upper straight portion 104 is incorporated into the lower straight portion 106 after bending. The lower straight portion 106 is a flat surface. The lower straight portion 106 extends with an angle slightly greater than 90 ° relative to the upper straight portion 104. The lower straight portion 106 extends roughly parallel to the corresponding imaginary tangent of the curved portion 102 at the transition from the horizontal interior module contact surface 96 to the rear interior module contact surface 100.

[0133] At the end of the lower straight portion 106 away from the upper straight portion 104, the lower straight portion 106 merges into the front inner module contact surface 98 after bending 90°. The front inner module contact surface 98 is a flat surface. The front inner module contact surface 98 extends parallel to the axis 54.

[0134] The outer module contact frame 88 has a front outer module contact portion 110 and two lateral outer module contact portions 108. The lateral outer module contact portions 108 are located on axially opposite sides of the objective lens module housing portion 22 relative to the axis 54. The lateral inner module contact portions 90 are each located between the lateral outer module contact portions 108. When the housing 16 is assembled, each lateral outer module contact portion 108 is farther from the receiving opening 28 than the lateral inner module contact portion 90 located on the same side of the receiving opening 28.

[0135] On the side facing the front side of the objective module housing part 22, the front outer module contact portion 110 extends between the two lateral outer module contact portions 108. The front side of the objective module housing part 22 is the side where the objective lens receptacle 24 is arranged. The front outer module contact portion 110 extends on the side of the front inner module contact portion 92 facing the front side of the objective module housing part 22. The front outer module contact portion 110 extends parallel to the front inner module contact portion 92 and parallel to the axis 54.

[0136] Fig.12 A cross section perpendicular to the axis 54 is shown through one of the lateral outer module contact portions 90. The cross section also shows the lateral outer module contact portion 108 located in front of it.

[0137] The laterally outer module contact portions 108 each have a laterally outer module contact surface 112. The laterally outer module contact surface 112 extends parallel to the laterally inner module contact surface 96 in a projection in the direction of the axis 54. The profile of the two laterally outer module contact surfaces 112 in the direction of the axis 54 is identical.

[0138] The lateral outer module contact surfaces 112 each have a curved portion 116 , an upper straight portion 118 , and a lower straight portion 120 .

[0139] The curved portions 116 are each concavely curved in the direction of the corresponding lateral outer module contact surface 116. The curved portions 116 of the lateral outer module contact surface 112 have a curvature radius R a The curved portion 116 of the laterally inner module contact surface 112 and the curved portion 78 of the laterally inner main contact surface 76 have a radius of curvature R of 1 . a The radius of curvature R of the curved portion 116 of the lateral outer module contact surface 112 is a The radius of curvature R of the curved portion 102 is smaller than the radius of curvature R of the lateral inner module contact surface 96. i .

[0140] The curved portions 116 each merge into an upper straight portion 118. At the transition, the upper straight portion 118 extends tangentially to the respective curved portion 116. The upper straight portion 118 is a flat surface. After a bend of slightly more than 90° in each case, the upper straight portions 118 each merge into a lower straight portion 120. The lower straight portion 120 is a flat surface. The lower straight portion 120 extends approximately parallel to the respective imaginary tangent line of the curved portion 116 on the rear end of the transverse outer module contact portion 108.

[0141] The lower straight portions 120 of the lateral outer module contact surfaces 112, after being bent by about 90°, each merge into the front outer main contact surface 114 of the front outer module contact portion 110. The front outer module contact surface 114 is a flat surface.

[0142] When the housing 16 is assembled, the curved portion 62 of the laterally inner main contact surface 60, the curved portion 78 of the laterally outer main contact surface 76, the curved portion 102 of the laterally inner module contact surface 96 and the curved portion 116 of the laterally outer module contact surface 112 extend in the sector 64 when projected in the direction of the axis 54.

[0143] During the assembly process of the housing 16, the objective lens module housing part 22 is placed from the upper side 52 onto the receiving opening 28 of the main housing part 18, with the inner side first. In this process, the transverse inner module contact surface 96 slides along the corresponding transverse inner main contact surface 60, and the transverse outer module contact surface 112 slides along the transverse outer main contact surface 76.

[0144] The corresponding curvature 62 of the laterally inner main contact surface 60 and the curvature 78 of the laterally outer main contact portion 72 on the main housing part 18 on the one hand, and the curvature 102 of the laterally inner module contact surface 96 and the curvature 116 of the laterally outer module contact surface 112 on the objective module housing part 22 on the other hand, have the effect of guiding the objective module housing part 22 into the correct end position. Any component-related tolerances are compensated here by the cylindrical curvature.

[0145] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the end position shown, the objective lens module housing part 22 is screwed in place by means of screws, for example, conveying screws through corresponding screw openings 122 in the upper side of the main housing part 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown. In this process, the outer main contact surfaces 76 and 84 of the outer main contact frame 46 are tightly pressed against the corresponding outer module contact surfaces 112 and 114 of the outer module contact frame 88. The inner main contact surfaces 56, 58 and 60 of the inner main contact frame 44 are tightly pressed against the corresponding inner module contact surfaces 96, 98 and 100 of the inner module contact frame 86. Since the contact surfaces 56, 58, 60, 96, 98 and 100 of the inner contact frames 44 and 86 are each at a greater distance relative to the axis 54 than the contact surfaces 76, 84, 112 and 114 of the corresponding outer contact frames 46 and 88, a labyrinth seal area is formed between the inner contact frames 44 and 86 and the outer contact frames 46 and 88. In addition, the outer contact frames 46 and 88 protect the sealing area between the inner contact frames 44 and 86 from the surrounding environment.

Claims

1. A housing (16) for a vehicle camera (14), comprising at least one main housing part (18) and at least one objective lens module housing part (22), the main housing part (18) having at least one receiving opening (28), the objective lens module housing part (22) having at least one objective lens receptacle (24) for at least one optical system (26) and arranged at the at least one receiving opening (28) of the at least one main housing part (18), in, The at least one main housing part (18) has at least one main contact portion (48, 72), and the at least one objective lens module housing part (22) has at least one module contact portion (90, 108) which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact portion (48, 72), It is characterized in that At least one of the main contact portions (48, 72) has at least one main contact surface (60, 76) that is curved in at least one portion (62, 78) and at least one of the module contact portions (90, 108) has at least one module contact surface (96, 112) which is bent in at least one portion (102, 116) and at least partially contacts the at least one bent portion (62, 78) of the at least one main contact surface (60, 76) of the at least one main contact portion (48, 72), The curvature of the at least one curved portion (62, 78) of the at least one main contact surface (60, 76) is the same as the curvature of the at least one contact curved portion (102, 116) of the at least one module contact surface (96, 112).

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that The bent portion (62) extends in a circular arc in the direction of the front side (40) and / or the lower side (68) of the housing (16) away from the rear inner main contact portion (52), wherein the rear inner main contact portion (52) is located on the side of the receiving opening (28) facing the rear side (38) of the housing (16).

3. A housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The curved portion (62) extends at an angle of approximately 90°, in particular at an angle of 90°.

4. A housing as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The curvature of the at least one curved portion (62, 78) of the at least one main contact surface (60, 76) is constant in at least one plane, and / or the curvature of the at least one curved portion (102, 116) of the at least one module contact surface (96, 112) is constant in at least one plane, and / or The at least one main contact surface (60, 76) extends at least partially along an imaginary cylindrical surface, in particular along an imaginary circular cylindrical surface, and / or the at least one module contact surface (96, 112) extends at least partially along an imaginary cylindrical surface, in particular along an imaginary circular cylindrical surface.

5. A housing as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The at least one main housing portion (18) has at least two main contact portions (48, 72), each main contact portion having at least one main contact surface (60, 76), and / or The objective lens module housing part (22) has at least two module contact parts (90, 108), each module contact part having at least one module contact surface (96, 112).

6. The housing according to claim 5, characterized in that At least two of the main contact portions (48, 72) are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one receiving opening (28), and / or At least two of the module contact portions (90, 108) are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one receiving opening (28).

7. The housing according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: At least two of the main contact portions (48, 72) are arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening (28), and / or At least two of the module contact portions (90, 108) are arranged on the same side of the at least one receiving opening (28).

8. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The curved portions (62, 78) of the respective main contact surfaces (60, 76) of at least two of the main contact portions (48, 72) have the same curvature in at least one sector (64) shared in the direction of the imaginary axis (54), and / or The curved portions (102, 116) of the corresponding module contact surfaces (96, 112) of at least two of the module contact portions (90, 108) have the same curvature in at least one sector (64) shared in the direction of the imaginary axis (54).

9. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The curved portions (62, 78) of the respective main contact surfaces (60, 76) of at least two of the main contact portions (48, 72) have different radii of curvature (R i , R a ), the sectors (64) are common in the direction of the axis (54), and / or The curved portions (62, 78) of the respective main contact surfaces (60, 76) of at least two of the main contact portions (48, 72) have the same radius of curvature (R i , R a ), the sectors (64) are common in the direction of the axis (54), and / or The curved portions (102, 116) of the respective module contact surfaces (96, 112) of at least two of the module contact portions (90, 108) have different radii of curvature (R i , R a ), the sectors (64) are common in the direction of the axis (54), and / or The curved portions (102, 116) of the corresponding module contact surfaces (96, 112) of at least two of the module contact portions (90, 108) have the same radius of curvature (R i , R a ), the sectors (64) are common in the direction of the axis (54).

10. The housing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: At least one common sector (64) extends over an angle of 30° to 90°.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that At least two main contact portions (48, 72) with corresponding main contact surfaces (60, 76) located on the same side of the at least one receiving opening (28) are arranged in series when considered from the receiving opening (28), and the curved portion (78) of the main contact surface (76) of the main contact portion (72) further away from the at least one receiving opening (28) has a smaller radius of curvature (R) than the curved portion (62) of the main contact surface (60) of the main contact portion (48) located closer to the receiving opening (28). a ), and / or At least two module contact portions (90, 108) with corresponding module contact surfaces (96, 112) located on the same side of the at least one receiving opening (28) are arranged in series when considered from the receiving opening (28), and a curved portion (116) of the module contact surface (112) of the module contact portion (108) further away from the receiving opening (28) has a smaller radius of curvature (R) than a curved portion (102) of the module contact surface (96) of the module contact portion (90) located closer to the receiving opening (28). a ).

12. A housing as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least one curved portion (62, 78) of at least one main contact surface (60, 76) is at least partially convexly curved in the direction of the respective main contact surface (60, 76), and / or At least one curved portion (102, 116) of at least one module contact surface (96, 112) is at least partially concavely curved in the direction of the respective module contact surface (96, 112).

13. A vehicle camera (14) comprising at least one housing (16) in which at least one image sensor is arranged, and at least one optical system (26) is arranged on the housing and aligned with the at least one image sensor, in, The at least one housing (16) comprises at least one main housing part (18) having at least one receiving opening (28) and at least one objective lens module housing part (22), the main housing part (18) having at least one receiving opening (28), the objective lens module housing part (22) having at least one objective lens receptacle (24) for the at least one optical system (26) and being arranged at the at least one receiving opening (28) of the at least one main housing part (18), The at least one main housing part (18) has at least one main contact part (48, 72), and the at least one objective lens module housing part (22) has at least one module contact part (90, 108), which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact part (48, 72), It is characterized in that the vehicle camera (14) has at least one housing (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle (10) having at least one vehicle camera (14), wherein: The vehicle camera (14) has at least one housing (16) in which at least one image sensor is arranged, and at least one optical system (26) is arranged on the housing and is aligned with the at least one image sensor. The at least one housing (16) comprises at least one main housing part (18) and at least one objective lens module housing part (22), wherein the main housing part (18) has at least one receiving opening (28), and the objective lens module housing part (22) has at least one objective lens receptacle (24) for the at least one optical system (26) and is arranged at the at least one receiving opening (28) of the at least one main housing part (18), The at least one main housing part (18) has at least one main contact part (48, 72), and the at least one objective lens module housing part (22) has at least one module contact part (90, 108), which is at least partially in contact with the at least one main contact part (48, 72), The invention is characterized in that the vehicle (10) has at least one vehicle camera (14), which has at least one housing (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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