Housing part for a vehicle camera housing, optical module for a vehicle camera, vehicle camera, vehicle comprising at least one vehicle camera and method for manufacturing a vehicle camera

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing part (18) for a housing (16) of a vehicle camera (14), to an optical module for a vehicle camera, to a vehicle camera, to a vehicle having at least one vehicle camera, and to a method for producing a vehicle camera. The housing part (18) has at least one connection portion (36) for mechanically connecting the housing part (18) to at least one further part (22) of the vehicle camera (14), on which at least one protruding connection element (38) is arranged, which has a deformable material at least at one end. The at least one protruding connection element (38) has a cold-deformable material at least at one end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a housing part for a housing of a vehicle camera, the housing part having at least one connecting portion for mechanically connecting the housing part to at least one other component of the vehicle camera, wherein at least one protruding protruding connecting element is arranged on the at least one connecting portion, the protruding connecting element comprising a deformable material at at least one end.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an optical module for a vehicle camera, which has at least one optical module housing component, at least one lens and at least one imager circuit board with at least one imager chip, wherein the at least one lens and the at least one imager circuit board are arranged on the at least one optical module housing component so that the at least one lens is aligned with the at least one imager chip, wherein the at least one optical module housing component has at least one connecting part for mechanically connecting the at least one optical module housing component to at least one other component of the vehicle camera, wherein at least one protruding protruding connecting element is arranged on the at least one connecting part, the protruding connecting element comprising a deformable material at at least one end.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle camera having a housing, on which at least one lens is arranged, and in which at least one imager chip is arranged, wherein the at least one lens is aligned with the at least one imager chip, and the housing has at least two housing parts which are mechanically connected to one another,

[0004] wherein each of the at least two housing components has at least one connecting portion, which is mechanically connected to at least one corresponding connecting portion of the respective other housing component,

[0005] wherein the connecting parts are connected by at least one protruding connecting element, which at at least one end comprises a deformable material, and at least one receiving connecting element is arranged on at least one connecting part, through which the at least one protruding connecting element is fed,

[0006] Wherein the at least one protruding connection element has a deformed gripping portion on at least one end fed through the at least one receiving connection element, which gripping portion engages with the at least one receiving connection element behind the at least one connection portion.

[0007] The invention also relates to a vehicle having at least one vehicle camera.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle camera, in which method at least two housing parts of a housing of a vehicle camera are mechanically connected to one another, wherein one of the housing parts is arranged on a corresponding connecting part of the corresponding other housing part via a connecting element, wherein at least one protruding connecting element is inserted through at least one receiving connecting element of at least one of the connecting parts, and at least one free end of the protruding connecting element fed through the receiving connecting element is deformed to form a gripping part, which engages with the at least one receiving connecting element behind the at least one connecting part. Background Art

[0009] US2018 / 0338071A1 discloses a camera for a driving assistance system or a visual system or an imaging system for a vehicle, which captures image data representing an image outside the vehicle. The camera includes a metal body, such as an extruded aluminum body, having a column formed as part of the body, and a method for assembling the camera. When the printed circuit board is assembled into the housing, the column is inserted through a hole in the printed circuit board, and then the end of the column is flattened (e.g., by stamping or vibration welding, etc.) to fasten the printed circuit board to the column. In addition, a rear cover element may be arranged on the rear side of the housing to seal the housing. The rear cover element may include one or more columns formed as part of the cover element, and when a connector structure is arranged on the rear cover element, the column is introduced through a hole in the connector structure to receive a conductive terminal (which is electrically connected to a circuit on the printed circuit board) therein for electrical connection to a wiring harness of the vehicle. The end of the column is then flattened to fix the connector structure to the column. The column can be flattened by stamping or vibration welding, such as after heating the column area to improve the ductility of the column. For example, after heating the column, the column can be flattened by hot stamping to improve the ductility of the column.

[0010] The object of the invention is to design a housing component, an optical module, a vehicle camera, a vehicle and a method of the type mentioned in the introduction, wherein the costs for producing the vehicle camera, in particular the material costs and / or the assembly costs and / or the tool costs, can be reduced. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, in the case of a housing component, this object is achieved in that at least one protruding protruding connecting element comprises a cold-deformable material at at least one end.

[0012] According to the invention, the at least one protruding connection element is cold deformable. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be deformed when cold, that is to say without heating it. As a result, the outlay for producing the connection can be reduced. On the one hand, the outlay for tools can be reduced compared to hot stamping or vibration welding known from the prior art. The deformation according to the invention can be achieved only by chiseling or squeezing. By avoiding heating, the component can be further protected.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one protruding connection element can be completely composed of a cold-deformable material. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be produced with less expense.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one protruding protruding connecting element may comprise a metal alloy or the like. In this way, a protruding connecting element may be produced which is stable on the one hand but still cold deformable.

[0015] The housing part is intended to be used as a housing for a vehicle camera. With the vehicle camera, an image of a monitoring area near and / or inside the vehicle can be determined.

[0016] Advantageously, the vehicle camera can be an imaging camera. Such a vehicle camera can be used in a vehicle to monitor a monitoring area in and / or near the vehicle.

[0017] Advantageously, the vehicle camera can be a front camera. With the front vehicle camera, a monitoring area in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel can be monitored. The vehicle camera can also be a rear-view camera, a side camera, an interior camera or a multi-function vehicle camera.

[0018] Advantageously, the vehicle camera can be configured to be arranged on a window of the vehicle, in particular on a windshield. In this way, the vehicle camera can be arranged to be protected inside the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle camera can be directed toward the vehicle interior and / or near the vehicle.

[0019] 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 (e.g. 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 be operated automatically or at least semi-automatically.

[0020] 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 be part of it. In this way, at least some functions of the vehicle, in particular driving functions, can be operated automatically or semi-automatically. In this case, the information obtained with the vehicle camera can be transmitted to at least one control device of the vehicle and used to control the functions of the vehicle.

[0021] With the vehicle camera, stationary or moving objects can be captured, in particular vehicles, persons, animals, plants, obstacles, road irregularities (in particular potholes or rocks), road boundaries, traffic signs, free spaces (in particular parking spaces, drop-offs, etc.) and / or gestures.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one protruding connection element may have a cylindrical shape, in particular a circular cylindrical shape, and / or the at least one protruding connection element may be firmly connected to the at least one connection part, in particular integrally or as a multi-part component etc. The cylindrical shape has the advantage that the protruding connection element can be inserted more easily through a corresponding receiving connection element on the side of another part of the vehicle camera and correspondingly deform behind the latter. The effect of the deformation is that the at least one protruding connection element cannot slide out of the receiving connection element.

[0023] Advantageously, the at least one protruding connection element may be securely connected to the at least one connection portion. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element may be securely fastened to the at least one connection portion to prevent loss. Thus, installation may be simplified.

[0024] Advantageously, the at least one protruding connection element can be constructed integrally with the at least one connection portion. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be manufactured more easily together with the at least one connection portion.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one connecting portion can be manufactured as an extruded component with at least one protruding connecting element. In this way, the at least one protruding connecting element can be manufactured integrally with the at least one connecting portion as a cold-deformable component.

[0026] Advantageously, the at least one protruding connection element may be configured as a post, a peg, a rib, a web, etc. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element may be flexibly adapted to the available expansion space.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the housing part can be an optical module housing part, in particular an optical module housing part of an optical module for a vehicle camera, or a main housing part for a vehicle camera, and / or the at least one connecting part can be used for mechanical connection of the housing part to at least one other housing part of the vehicle camera.

[0028] Advantageously, the housing part according to the invention can be an optical module housing part. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be arranged on the side of the optical module. Thus, the optical module can be prefabricated. The prefabricated optical module can be connected to at least one other component of the vehicle camera, in particular the main housing part of the vehicle camera. In this case, the at least one protruding connection element on the side of the optical module housing part can be inserted through a corresponding receiving connection element on the side of at least one other component, in particular the main housing part. The end of the receiving connection element can be cold deformed behind the receiving connection element to form a gripping portion. The gripping portion can engage behind the receiving connection element.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the housing component according to the invention can advantageously be a main housing component for a vehicle camera. Thus, the at least one protruding connection element can be formed on the main housing component. In this case, the corresponding at least one receiving connection element can be arranged on the side of another component, in particular a side of the optical module housing component.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connecting portion can advantageously be used to mechanically connect the housing component to at least one other housing component of the vehicle camera. In this way, two housing components of the vehicle camera can be easily fixed to each other by cold deformation of corresponding protruding connecting elements.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one connecting portion can be configured as a flange and / or at least one connecting portion can have at least one positioning element, in particular at least one positioning frame. In this way, at least one connecting portion of a housing component and at least one connecting portion of another component can be connected to each other more easily.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one connecting portion can be configured as a flange. The at least one protruding connecting element can be arranged more flexibly on the flange and is more easily accessible. The flange in the form of a plate-like structural element can be formed as an attachment on the base body of the at least one housing part.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, at least one connecting portion can advantageously have at least one positioning element. By means of at least one positioning element, at least one connecting portion of the housing component and at least one connecting portion of another component, in particular at least one connecting portion of another housing component, can be positioned more easily relative to each other.

[0034] The corresponding part of the at least one other component can be surrounded by the positioning frame. Therefore, the corresponding part of the at least one other component can be accurately positioned and maintained in the positioning frame.

[0035] Advantageously, the positioning frame can have on at least one connecting element the same profile as a connecting portion on at least one component to be connected, in particular a housing component, the connecting portion being in particular a connecting flange. In this way, the connecting flange can be positioned and held in the positioning frame.

[0036] According to the invention, this object is further achieved in the case of an optical module, wherein at least one end of the at least one protruding protruding connecting element comprises a cold deformable material.

[0037] According to the invention, the optical module has at least one connection portion with a protruding connection element, the end of which is cold deformed. In this way, the optical module can be fixed to the main housing part of the vehicle camera by the end of the at least one protruding connection element being cold deformed and thereby forming a grip portion. The grip portion can advantageously engage behind a corresponding receiving connection element of the main housing part. The end of the at least one protruding connection element that is deformed to form the grip portion prevents the at least one protruding connection element from being able to slide out of the receiving connection element. Thus, the optical module is fixed to the main housing part by the cold deformed end of the at least one protruding connection element.

[0038] Advantageously, the optical module can have a housing part according to the invention as an optical module housing part. In this way, the optical module can be connected more easily to a corresponding main housing part of a vehicle camera.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one optical module housing part can have at least one connecting portion with at least one protruding connecting element on opposite sides, respectively, and / or the at least one optical module housing part can have at least one connecting portion in the form of a flange, and / or at least one imager circuit board can be arranged on the rear side of the at least one optical module housing part opposite to the at least one lens.

[0040] Advantageously, the at least one optical module housing part can have at least one connecting portion on opposite sides, respectively. In this way, the holding force can be introduced more uniformly into the at least one optical module housing part.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one optical module housing part can advantageously have at least one connecting portion in the form of a flange. In this way, a better introduction of forces into the at least one protruding connecting element and / or an easier access to the at least one protruding connecting element can be achieved.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, at least one imager circuit board can advantageously be arranged on the rear side of the at least one optical module housing part opposite to the at least one lens. In this way, the at least one imager circuit board can be connected together with the lens and the optical module housing part to other components of the vehicle camera, in particular the main housing part. Thus, the optical module can be prefabricated more easily. During prefabrication, the at least one lens can be aligned with the at least one imager circuit board, in particular with the at least one imager chip.

[0043] According to the invention, in the case of a vehicle camera, this object is further achieved in that the at least one protruding connecting element has a cold-formed gripping portion on at least one end.

[0044] According to the invention, the at least one gripping portion is cold deformed. In this way, the outlay for producing the vehicle camera can be reduced compared to deformation by introducing heat. Simpler tools, in particular simple punches, can be used for cold deformation. In contrast, hot deformation requires tools for heating the component. In addition, cold deformation protects the components better because they do not need to be heated.

[0045] Advantageously, at least one housing part of the vehicle camera can be a housing part according to the invention, in particular an optical module housing part and / or a main housing part. In this way, the costs for manufacturing the vehicle camera, in particular the material costs and the installation costs, can be reduced. In addition, tool expenditures can also be reduced as a result.

[0046] Advantageously, at least one protruding protruding connection element may be arranged on at least one connection portion of one of the housing parts. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element may be securely held on the at least one connection portion to prevent loss.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, at least one protruding connection element can advantageously be constructed as a separate component. The at least two connecting parts connected to each other can each have a corresponding receiving connection element. The at least one protruding connection element can be fed through two receiving connection elements. The at least one protruding connection element can have a cold-formed gripping part at each end.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle camera can have at least one optical module having at least one optical module housing part, at least one lens and at least one imager circuit board having at least one imager chip, and / or the vehicle camera can include at least one main housing part having a lens feed-through opening for at least one lens and / or at least one lens receptacle of the optical module housing part of the vehicle camera.

[0049] Advantageously, the vehicle may have at least one lens module. The optical module may be prefabricated. In this case, the at least one lens and the at least one imager chip may be aligned relative to each other. The prefabricated optical module may be more easily connected to other components of the vehicle camera, in particular the main housing component.

[0050] Advantageously, a vehicle camera can have at least one optical module according to the invention. In this way, the vehicle camera can be manufactured with less effort.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle camera can advantageously have at least one main housing part having at least one lens feed-through opening. At least one lens of the vehicle camera can be fed via the lens feed-through opening.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the lens feed-through opening can advantageously be configured such that the lens receiving socket of the optical module housing component can additionally be fed. In this way, the optical module housing component, in particular the optical module, can be arranged on the inner side of the main housing component, and the lens is fed out through the lens feed-through opening.

[0053] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0054] At least one protruding connection element may be arranged with a side facing away from the free end on the connection portion of the main housing part of the housing, and at least one corresponding receiving connection element may be arranged on the connection portion of the optical module housing part of the housing;

[0055] and / or

[0056] At least one protruding connection element may be arranged with a side facing away from the free end on the connection portion of the optical module housing part of the housing, and at least one corresponding receiving connection element may be arranged on the connection portion of the main housing part of the housing;

[0057] and / or

[0058] At least one of the protruding connecting elements can be a separate component, the two ends of which each have a cold-formed gripping portion.

[0059] Advantageously, at least one protruding connection element can be fastened to a connection portion of the main housing component. In this way, the protruding connection element is securely arranged on the main housing component to prevent loss and can be connected to the optical module housing component together with the main housing component.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, at least one protruding connection element can advantageously be arranged on a connection portion of the optical module housing component. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be prefabricated with the optical module housing component and then connected to the main housing component.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, at least one housing part can advantageously have at least one protruding connection element and at least one receiving connection element. In this way, the housing part can be configured more flexibly in terms of its shape and accessibility.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, at least one protruding connection element can advantageously be formed as a separate component. The at least one protruding connection element can thus be flexibly connected to the corresponding connection portion. In particular, the connection portion of the main housing component and the connection portion of the optical module housing component can each have a receiving connection element. Therefore, the protruding connection element can be inserted through two receiving connection elements and then cold-deformed at the opposite ends, respectively. Therefore, cold-deformed gripping portions are formed at the opposite ends of the protruding connection element, respectively. The separate protruding connection element can be formed of a material different from the housing component with the connection portion. Therefore, a material that is not cold-deformable itself can be used for the connection portion.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the invention, the object is achieved in the case of a vehicle in that the vehicle has at least one vehicle camera according to the invention.

[0064] With the vehicle camera, at least one monitoring area in the vicinity of the vehicle and / or inside the vehicle can be monitored, in particular with regard to objects.

[0065] Advantageously, the vehicle can have at least one driver assistance system. With the driver assistance system, the vehicle can be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously.

[0066] 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 can be transmitted to the at least one driver assistance system, which information can be determined using the at least one vehicle camera. Using the at least one driver assistance system, the vehicle can be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously taking into account the information about the at least one monitoring area.

[0067] Furthermore, this object is achieved according to the invention in the case of a method in which at least one free end of at least one protruding connecting element is cold deformed to form a gripping portion.

[0068] According to the invention, at least one free end of the protruding connection element is cold-deformed to form a gripping portion after being inserted through the at least one receiving connection element. Cold deformation does not require a heat treatment. Therefore, these components are not subjected to the stresses of the heat treatment. In addition, the cost of the required tools is less in the case of cold deformation than in the case of heat deformation.

[0069] Advantageously, the cold deformation can be performed by means of a punch which is pressed onto the free end of the at least one protruding connecting element. The punch can be easily manufactured and used.

[0070] Advantageously, at least one protruding protruding connection element fastened to one of the connection parts can be inserted through at least one receiving connection element of the corresponding other connection part. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be securely arranged on one side of the corresponding connection part to prevent loss. The protruding connection element can then be inserted through the corresponding receiving connection element.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, at least one protruding connection element can advantageously be inserted through corresponding receiving connection elements in both connection parts. The ends of the at least one protruding connection element can then be cold deformed to form corresponding gripping portions on both sides. In this way, a single protruding connection element can be used. The corresponding receiving connection elements can be respectively arranged in the two connection parts.

[0072] In an advantageous configuration of the method, an optical module housing part can be used as at least one of the at least two housing parts and connected to at least one lens and at least one imager circuit board to form an optical module, which can then be connected to a main housing part, which can be used as the other of the at least two housing parts. In this way, the optical module can be prefabricated together with the optical module housing part, the lens and the imager circuit board. The prefabricated optical module can be connected to the main housing part in a manner according to the invention.

[0073] Advantageously, the at least one imager circuit board can have at least one imager chip. By means of the imager chip, light can be converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals can be processed in an electronic evaluation device. With the imager chip, a two-dimensional image of the monitoring area captured by the vehicle camera can be generated.

[0074] Advantageously, the at least one lens may be aligned with the at least one imager chip, so that light captured by the at least one lens may be imaged onto the at least one imager chip.

[0075] Advantageously, the at least one lens can be aligned with the at least one imager chip before the lens module housing part is connected to the main housing part. In this way, the lens module can be completely prefabricated. Thus, the final installation of the vehicle camera can be simplified.

[0076] In another advantageous configuration of the method, the optical module can be arranged with the lens on the main housing part facing forward from the inside of the main housing part so that at least the lens protrudes through the lens feed opening of the main housing part. In this way, a large part of the optical module can be compactly arranged within the main housing part.

[0077] Advantageously, at least one protruding connection element arranged on the inner side of the main housing part can be inserted through at least one corresponding receiving connection element on the side of the optical module housing part. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be arranged inside the housing. In this way, the at least one protruding connection element can be protected from environmental influences. Furthermore, a rise of the outer side of the vehicle camera housing due to the gripping portion is thereby avoided.

[0078] Advantageously, the at least two housing parts can be positioned relative to one another by means of at least one positioning element, in particular a positioning frame. In this way, the parts can be assembled more precisely and more easily.

[0079] In other respects, the features and advantages mentioned in connection with the housing part according to the invention, the optical module according to the invention, the vehicle camera according to the invention, the vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention and their respective advantageous configurations apply accordingly to one another and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can of course be combined with one another, in which case further advantageous effects can be produced that exceed the sum of the individual effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Other advantages, features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will also be convenient for a person skilled in the art to consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the specification and the claims in separate combinations and to combine them to form further suitable combinations. Schematically in the accompanying drawings:

[0081] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle with a driver assistance system and a vehicle camera;

[0082] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 An exploded view of a vehicle camera without a housing lower part of a first exemplary embodiment of a vehicle;

[0083] Figure 3 Shown from the open rear side Figure 2 An isometric view of a vehicle camera without the lower housing components;

[0084] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A section of a vehicle camera along a section plane III thereof, wherein the vehicle camera has a housing lower part;

[0085] Figure 5 Shows Figures 2 to 4 A stereoscopic view of an optical module of a vehicle camera;

[0086] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 1 An exploded view of a vehicle camera without a housing lower part of a second exemplary embodiment of a vehicle of;

[0087] Figure 7 Shown with a front side view Figure 2 Isometric view of the vehicle camera;

[0088] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 and 7 An isometric view of an optical module of a vehicle camera;

[0089] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 A section of the vehicle camera along the section plane VIII;

[0090] Fig.10 Shown according to Figure 1 Exploded illustration of a vehicle camera without a housing lower part of a third exemplary embodiment of a vehicle of FIG.

[0091] In the drawings, identical components have identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 A front view of a vehicle 10 in the form of an automobile is shown. The vehicle 10 includes a driver assistance system 12 and a vehicle camera 14.

[0093] The vehicle camera 14 is functionally connected to the driver assistance system 12. Information obtained with the vehicle camera 14 can thus be transmitted to the driver assistance system 12. With the driver assistance system 12, the vehicle 10 can be operated automatically or semi-automatically.

[0094] The vehicle camera 14 is configured as a front camera, such as a windshield camera, for example. The vehicle camera 14 is located on the top of the inner side 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 in the vehicle 10 and be directed differently. A plurality of vehicle cameras 14 can also be arranged on or in the vehicle 10. The vehicle camera 14 can also point to the interior of the vehicle 10.

[0095] The vehicle camera 14 is, for example, an imaging camera. With the vehicle camera 14, the monitoring area can be captured with position resolution.

[0096] Figure 2 The exploded diagram shows the Figure 1 The vehicle camera 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the vehicle 10 does not have Figure 4 The housing lower part 20 is shown. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle camera 14 is shown. Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A section through a vehicle camera 14 along a section plane III thereof, here with a housing lower part 20 .

[0097] The vehicle camera 14 has a housing 16 . The housing 16 comprises a main housing part 18 , a housing lower part 20 and an optical module housing part 22 .

[0098] The main housing member 18 has a stepped portion 24. An optical module 26 is arranged in the stepped portion 24.

[0099] On the lower side, the main housing part 18 has a lower mounting opening, which is closed when the vehicle camera 14 is finally mounted with the housing lower part 20. A main printed circuit board (not shown in the figure for greater clarity) can be mounted into the housing interior 28 of the housing 16 through the lower mounting opening.

[0100] A lens feed through opening 30 is provided in the front wall on the front side of the step portion 24 of the main housing member 18. The lens feed through opening 30 is a circular hole.

[0101] The rear side of the step portion 24 has a rear mounting opening 32. The rear mounting opening 32 is opposite to the lens feed through opening 30. The optical module 26 can be assembled into the main housing component 18 through the rear mounting opening 32. Figure 4 As shown, the rear mounting opening 32 is closed by the housing lower component 20 when the vehicle camera 14 is fully installed.

[0102] A module receiving space 34 is formed between the front side of the step portion 24 and the rear side of the housing lower member 20. Most of the optical module 26 is arranged in the module receiving space 34.

[0103] Two main connection portions 36 are formed in the front wall of the step portion 24. The main connection portions 36 are located on opposite sides of the lens feed-through opening 30. The main connection portions 36 are each a planar wall portion of the front wall.

[0104] On each main connection part 36, a protruding connection element 38 is provided to protrude from the corresponding main connection part 36. Figure 2 As shown, each protruding connection element 38 has the shape of a cylindrical column before assembling the vehicle camera 14. The protruding connection elements 38 extend on the inner side of the corresponding main connection part 36 facing the module receiving space 34 in the direction of the mounting opening 32. The imaginary axes 39 of the protruding connection elements 38 extend parallel to each other.

[0105] In addition, positioning elements in the form of positioning frames 40 are arranged in each main connection part 36. Positioning frames 40 are located on the inner side of the corresponding main connection part 36, facing the module receiving space 34. Positioning frames 40 are each configured as webs. Positioning frames 40 protrude from the main connection part 36 with a constant width and equal height in the direction toward the mounting opening 32. From the mounting opening 32, each positioning frame 40 has an approximately Ω-shaped profile. Positioning frames 40 extend around the protruding connecting element 38 of the corresponding main connection part 36 respectively.

[0106] The protruding connection member 38 and the positioning frame 40 are respectively integrally connected to the main connection portion 36. The protruding connection member 38 includes a cold-deformable material, such as a metal alloy.

[0107] Optical module 26 Figure 5 The optical module 26 has an optical module housing component 22 , a lens 42 and an imager circuit board 44 .

[0108] The optical module housing component 22 comprises a module base body 46 , a lens receptacle 48 and two module connecting parts 50 .

[0109] The module base 46 is generally in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, and has an opening at its rear side. The opening is closed with the imager circuit board 44. The imager circuit board 44 is positioned by two positioning posts 52 and fixed to the module base 46 by two screws 54.

[0110] The lens receiving seat 48 is arranged on the side of the module base 46 opposite to the imager circuit board 44. The lens receiving seat 48 is integrally connected to the module base 46. The lens receiving seat 48 generally has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The lens 42 is inserted into the lens receiving seat 48 and fixed there. The lens receiving seat 48 is coaxial with the lens axis 56.

[0111] Imager chip (in Figure 4 The imager chip is arranged on the imager circuit board 44. The imager chip is located on the side of the imager circuit board 44 facing the lens receiving seat 48 and the lens 42. The lens 42 is aligned with the imager chip. Through the imager chip, light can be converted into electrical signals.

[0112] The module connection portions 50 are each formed as a flange in the form of a plate-like structural member as an attachment on the module base 46. The module connection portions 50 each extend away from the module base 46.

[0113] The module connection parts 50 are arranged on opposite sides of the module base 46. The module connection parts 50 are located on opposite sides with respect to the lens axis 56 of the lens 42. The module connection parts 50 are each formed integrally with the module base 46.

[0114] The front faces of the module base 46 and the module connecting part 50 facing the lens receptacle 48 extend in a common plane. The front face forms a planar bearing surface for the main connecting part 36 of the main housing part 18.

[0115] The thickness of the module connecting portion 50 is smaller than the length of the protruding connecting element 38 of the main housing component 18 .

[0116] Each module connection part 50 has a receiving connection element 58. The receiving connection elements 48 are formed as through holes in the respective module connection part 50. The cross section of the receiving connection elements 48 corresponds to the cross section of the protruding connection elements 38. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the receiving connection elements 48 each have a circular cross section.

[0117] The imaginary axes 60 of the receiving connection elements 58 extend parallel to each other. Furthermore, the axis 60 extends parallel to the lens axis 56.

[0118] The contour of the front edge 62 of the optical module housing part 22 on the side facing the lens receptacle 48 corresponds to the contour of the inner side of the positioning frame 40 of the main housing part 18. The position of the receiving connection element 58 relative to the front edge 62 corresponds to the position of the protruding connection element 38 of the main housing part 18 relative to the positioning frame 40.

[0119] The spacing of the axes 60 of the receiving connecting elements 58 of the optical module housing part 22 corresponds to the spacing of the axes 39 of the protruding connecting elements 38 of the main housing part 18 .

[0120] The diameters of the receiving connection elements 58 are the same. The outer diameters of the receiving connection elements 38 are also the same before the optical module 26 is mounted on the main housing part 18. Before the optical module 26 is mounted on the main housing part 18, the diameter of the receiving connection elements 58 is slightly larger than the diameter of the protruding connection elements 38.

[0121] The receiving connection element 58 and the protruding connection element 38 as well as the positioning frame 40 are all symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center plane having the lens axis 56 .

[0122] To produce the vehicle camera 14 , the optical module 26 is prefabricated with the optical module housing part 22 , the imager circuit board 44 and the lens 42 .

[0123] The prefabricated optical module 26 is forwardly passed through the mounting opening 32 of the stepped portion 24 of the main housing member 18 in the module receiving space 34 together with the lens 42. In this case, the lens 42 and the lens receiving seat 48 are fed into the lens feed-through 30.

[0124] The optical module 26 is aligned such that the module connection portion 50 is arranged inside the positioning frame 40 of the main housing component 18 and the protruding connection elements 38 of the main housing component 18 are arranged in corresponding receiving connection elements 58 of the optical module 26 .

[0125] The optical module 26 is pushed into the module receiving space 34 until the module connecting part 50 bears against the corresponding main connecting part 36. In this position of the optical module 26, the end of the protruding connecting element 38 protrudes from the receiving connecting element 58. The free end of the protruding connecting element 38 is then cold-formed to form a corresponding gripping part 64. For this purpose, for example, a stamp or the like can be used. This installation stage is as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0126] The gripping portions 64 each have an edge that is circumferentially continuous with respect to the axis 60 and that engages behind the corresponding receiving connection element 58. The outer diameter of the gripping portion 64 is greater than the inner diameter of the receiving connection element 58. In this way, the protruding connection element 38 is retained in the corresponding receiving connection element 58.

[0127] With the gripping portion 64 , the optical module housing component 22 and thus the entire optical module 26 are held on the inner side of the step portion 24 of the main housing component 18 .

[0128] Before or after the optical module 26 is installed in the module receiving space 34, the main circuit board is arranged in the housing interior 28. For the sake of clarity, the main circuit board is not shown in the figure. The imager circuit board 44 is connected to the main circuit, for example, by a flexible cable. For the sake of clarity, the flexible cable is also not shown.

[0129] Finally, the housing lower part 20 is fastened to the main housing part 18. The mounting opening 32 in the step portion 24 and the lower mounting opening of the main housing part 18 are thus closed. The cold-deformed gripping portion 64 is not visible from the outside and is protected from environmental influences in the module receiving space 34.

[0130] Figures 6 to 9 A vehicle camera 14 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown. Figures 2 to 5 Elements similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment have the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the protruding connection element 38 is provided on one side of the module connection portion 150 of the optical module housing component 122. The corresponding receiving connection element 58 is located in the main connection portion 136 in the front wall of the step portion 24 of the main housing component 118, on the opposite side of the lens feed-through opening 30.

[0131] When the vehicle camera 14 has been assembled, the gripping portion 64 is correspondingly located outside of the stepped portion 24 of the main housing component 118 , on the opposite side proximate the lens receptacle 48 .

[0132] Fig.10 A vehicle camera 14 according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown. Figures 2 to 5 Elements which are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals. The third exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the protruding connection element 38 is formed as a separate component.

[0133] Before the vehicle camera 14 is assembled, the protruding connecting elements 38 each have the shape of a cylindrical post.

[0134] Corresponding receiving connection elements 58 in the form of through-holes are arranged in the module connection part 250 of the optical module housing part 222 and in the main connection part 236 of the main housing part 218 .

[0135] When the optical module 26 is inserted, the length of the protruding connection element 38 is greater than the distance between the outer side of the front wall of the step portion 24 and the rear side of the module connection portion 250. Both ends of the corresponding protruding connection element 38 protrude from the corresponding receiving connection element 58 of the main housing part 218 and the corresponding receiving connection element 58 of the optical module housing part 222.

[0136] During the production of the vehicle camera 14 , the protruding connecting element 38 is cold-formed at both ends, so that the gripping portions 64 are formed at both ends, respectively.

Claims

1. A housing component (18; 122) for a housing (16) of a vehicle camera (14), the housing component having at least one connecting portion (36; 150) for mechanically connecting the housing component (18; 122) to at least one other component (22; 118) of the vehicle camera, wherein at least one protruding protruding connecting element (38) is arranged on the at least one connecting portion (36, 50), the protruding connecting element comprising a deformable material at at least one end, characterized in that The at least one protruding protruding connecting element (38) comprises a cold deformable material at at least one end.

2. The housing component according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one protruding connection element (38) has a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, shape and / or the at least one protruding connection element (38) is firmly connected to the at least one connection part (36; 150), in particular integrally or as a multi-part component or the like.

3. The housing component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing part is an optical module housing part (122), in particular an optical module housing part (122) of an optical module (26) for a vehicle camera (14), or a main housing part (18) for a vehicle camera (14), and / or the at least one connecting part (36; 150) is used for the mechanical connection of the housing part (18; 122) to at least one other housing part (22; 118) of the vehicle camera (14).

4. The housing component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one connecting part (150) is designed as a flange and / or the at least one connecting part (36) has at least one positioning element (40), in particular at least one positioning frame.

5. An optical module (26) for a vehicle camera (14), comprising at least one optical module housing component (122), at least one lens (42) and at least one imager circuit board (44) having at least one imager chip, wherein the at least one lens (42) and the at least one imager circuit board (44) are arranged on the at least one optical module housing component (22; 122) such that the at least one lens (42) is aligned with the at least one imager chip, wherein the at least one optical module housing component (122) has at least one connecting portion (150) for mechanically connecting the at least one optical module housing component (122) to at least one other component of the vehicle camera (14), wherein at least one protruding protruding connecting element (38) is arranged on the at least one connecting portion (36, 50), the protruding connecting element comprising a deformable material at at least one end, characterized in that The at least one protruding protruding connecting element (38) comprises a cold deformable material at at least one end.

6. The optical module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one optical module housing component (122) has at least one connecting portion (150) with at least one protruding connecting element (38) on opposite sides, and / or the at least one optical module housing component (122) has at least one connecting portion (150) in the form of a flange, and / or at least one imager circuit board (44) is arranged on the rear side of the at least one optical module housing component (122) opposite to the at least one lens (42).

7. A vehicle camera (14) comprising a housing (16), at least one lens (42) being arranged on the housing, and at least one imager chip being arranged in the housing, wherein the at least one lens (42) is aligned with the at least one imager chip, and the housing (16) comprises at least two housing parts (18, 22; 118, 122; 218, 222) which are mechanically connected to each other, in, The at least two housing parts (18, 22; 118, 122; 218, 222) each have at least one connecting portion (36, 50; 136, 150; 236, 250), the at least one connecting portion being mechanically connected to at least one corresponding connecting portion (36, 50; 136, 150; 236, 250) of the respective other housing part (18, 22; 118, 122; 218, 222), wherein the connecting parts (36, 50; 136, 150; 236, 250) are connected via at least one protruding connecting element (38), the protruding connecting element comprising a deformable material at at least one end, at least one receiving connecting element (58) being arranged on at least one connecting part (50; 136; 236, 250), the at least one protruding connecting element (38) being fed via the at least one receiving connecting element (58), wherein the at least one protruding connection element (38) has a deformed gripping portion (64) on at least one end fed through the at least one receiving connection element (58), the gripping portion engaging with the at least one receiving connection element (58) behind the at least one connection portion (50; 136; 236, 250), It is characterized in that The at least one protruding protruding connecting element (38) has a cold-formed gripping portion (64) at at least one end.

8. The vehicle camera according to claim 7, characterized in that: The vehicle camera (14) has at least one optical module (26), the at least one optical module having at least one optical module housing part (22; 122; 222), at least one lens (42) and at least one imager circuit board (44) having at least one imager chip; and / or the vehicle camera (14) comprises at least one main housing part (18; 118; 218), the main housing part having a lens feed-through opening (30) for at least one lens (42) and / or at least one lens receptacle (48) of the optical module housing part (22; 122; 222) of the vehicle camera (14).

9. The vehicle camera according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: At least one protruding connection element (38) is arranged on a connection portion (36) of a main housing part (18) of the housing (16) with a side facing away from the free end, and at least one corresponding receiving connection element (58) is arranged on a connection portion (50) of an optical module housing part (22) of the housing (16); and / or At least one protruding connection element (38) is arranged on a connection portion (150) of the optical module housing part (122) of the housing (16) with a side facing away from the free end, and at least one corresponding receiving connection element (58) is arranged on a connection portion (136) of the main housing part (118) of the housing (16); and / or At least one protruding connecting element (38) is a separate component, the two ends of which each have a cold-formed gripping portion (64).

10. A vehicle (10) having at least one vehicle camera (14), characterized in that: The vehicle (10) has at least one vehicle camera (14) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

11. A method for manufacturing a vehicle camera (14), wherein: At least two shell parts (18, 22; 118, 122; 218, 222) of a shell (16) are mechanically connected to each other, wherein one of the shell parts (18; 118; 218) is arranged on a corresponding connecting part (50; 150; 250) of the corresponding other shell part (22; 122; 222) by means of a connecting part (36; 136; 236), wherein at least one protruding connecting element (38) is inserted through at least one receiving connecting element (58) of at least one connecting part (50; 136; 236, 250), and at least one free end of the protruding connecting element (38) fed through the receiving connecting element (58) is deformed to form a gripping part (64), and the gripping part engages with the at least one receiving connecting element (58) behind the at least one connecting part (50; 136; 236, 250), characterized in that the at least one free end of the at least one protruding connecting element (38) is cold deformed to form the gripping part (64).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that An optical module housing component (22; 122; 222) is used as at least one of the at least two housing components and is connected to at least one lens (42) and at least one imager circuit board (44) to form an optical module (26), which is then connected to a main housing component (18; 118; 218) used as the other of the at least two housing components.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The optical module (26) is arranged so that the lens (42) is forward from the inner side of the main housing part (18; 118; 218) on the main housing part (18; 118; 218) so that at least the lens (42) protrudes through the lens feed opening of the main housing part (18; 118; 218).

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