In-vehicle camera device and vehicle

Through the lifting mechanism and decorative cover, the in-car camera device is designed to solve the problem of OMS' difficulty in photographing the front face and FOV interference of the occupant, improving the user experience.

CN120481876APending Publication Date: 2025-08-15CHERY AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510895495.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-06-30
Publication Date
2025-08-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the occupant monitoring camera (OMS) is usually placed in the rear ceiling or front ceiling light position of the rearview mirror in the vehicle, making it difficult to capture the front face of the occupant in the vehicle during shooting, and the field-of-view FOV is prone to interfere with the ceiling light or rearview mirror, affecting the user experience.

Method used

The lifting mechanism and the camera device are used to switch between the shooting position and the hidden position through the lifting mechanism. The height of the camera when it is located in the shooting position is lower than the hidden position and the edge of the rearview mirror to avoid interference with the rearview mirror and protect the camera through a decorative cover.

Benefits of technology

It achieves the maximum impact on the occupant's face while reducing the impact on the occupant's vision, avoiding interference with the FOV and the components in the car, and improving the user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an in-vehicle camera device and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of automobile intelligent cabins. The in-vehicle camera device comprises a lifting mechanism and a camera, the lifting mechanism is suitable for being connected with an in-vehicle ceiling and located on the rear side of an in-vehicle rearview mirror, and the camera is connected with the lifting mechanism so as to be switched between a shooting position and a hiding position through the lifting mechanism. The position height of the camera in the shooting position is lower than the position height of the camera in the hiding position and the lower edge of the rearview mirror in the automobile. According to the in-vehicle camera device and the vehicle disclosed by the invention, under the condition that the influence of the OMS on the visual field of the passenger in the vehicle is reduced, the OMS can shoot the front face of the passenger in the vehicle to the greatest extent during shooting, and the FOV does not interfere with components in the vehicle.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of automobile intelligent cockpits, and in particular to an in-vehicle camera device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The Occupant Monitoring Sensor (OMS) provides in-car entertainment and monitoring functions such as in-car photography, in-car video calls, gesture recognition, and liveness monitoring. It helps to refine the perception of the car's intelligent cockpit and is an important condition for realizing human-computer interaction and intelligent functions.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to reduce the impact of OMS on the field of vision of passengers inside the car, OMS is mainly placed inside the car on the ceiling behind the rearview mirror or the front dome light position, and a manual movable cover is added to block the camera to solve the user's privacy anxiety.

[0004] However, the rearview mirror is located at a high position above the ceiling or front dome light, often resulting in the image displaying the top of the person's head, making it difficult to capture the full face of the occupants. For example, a happy expression might be interpreted as an angry one. Furthermore, the OMS's field of view (FOV) is generally large, making it very likely to interfere with interior components or the rearview mirror located near the dome light, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an in-vehicle camera device and vehicle, which can minimize the impact of the OMS on the field of view of the in-vehicle occupants, allowing the OMS to capture the front faces of the in-vehicle occupants to the greatest extent possible, and without interfering with the in-vehicle components in the FOV. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an in-vehicle camera device is provided, the in-vehicle camera device comprising: a lifting mechanism and a camera;

[0007] The lifting mechanism is adapted to be connected to the interior roof of the vehicle and is located behind the interior rearview mirror;

[0008] The camera is connected to the lifting mechanism so as to be switched between a shooting position and a hidden position by the lifting mechanism;

[0009] The height of the camera when it is located at the shooting position is lower than the height of the camera when it is located at the hidden position and the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the lifting mechanism includes a first guide member, a mounting seat, and a driving assembly;

[0011] The first guide member is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling;

[0012] The mounting seat is connected to the first guide member and can move along a first direction under the guidance of the first guide member, wherein the first direction is the lifting direction of the mounting seat;

[0013] The camera is mounted on the mounting base;

[0014] The driving assembly is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling and to the mounting seat to drive the mounting seat to move along the first guide member.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first guide member includes a guide member body and at least two guide rods, and the lifting mechanism further includes a slider;

[0016] The guide member body is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling;

[0017] The at least two guide rods are spaced apart in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, both ends of the guide rods are connected to the guide body, and the at least two guide rods extend along the first direction and pass through the slider;

[0018] The driving assembly is connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the first direction under the guidance of at least two guide rods;

[0019] The mounting seat is connected to the slider.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first guide member is provided with a guide groove;

[0021] The guide groove extends along the first direction and is used to guide the mounting seat to move along the first direction;

[0022] When the lifting mechanism further includes a slider, the mounting seat is connected to the slider, and the slider is located inside the guide groove and can move along the first direction under the guidance of the guide groove.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the inner wall of the guide groove is provided with a limiting groove;

[0024] The slider is further provided with a receiving groove, in which a limiting column and an elastic member are provided, and the limiting column is biased by the elastic member to extend out of the receiving groove;

[0025] When the camera is located at the shooting position, the limiting post extends into the limiting slot, and when the camera switches from the shooting position to the hidden position, the limiting post can be retracted toward the bottom of the accommodating slot without hindering the movement of the slider;

[0026] Preferably, when the camera is located at the shooting position, the lower side of the limiting column abuts against the inner wall of the accommodating groove, and at the abutment point between the limiting column and the accommodating groove, the angle between the normal of the inner wall of the accommodating groove and the direction of gravity is 6° to 10°.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the end surface of the first end of the limiting post extending into the limiting groove is a spherical surface, and the limiting groove is adapted to the first end of the limiting post.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the in-vehicle camera device further includes a decorative cover;

[0029] The decorative cover half surrounds the camera;

[0030] The top of the decorative cover has an opening to avoid the lifting mechanism;

[0031] The front side of the decorative cover is provided with a through hole so that the camera can shoot the passengers in the car through the through hole;

[0032] Preferably,

[0033] The decorative cover includes a front cover and a rear cover, and the front cover and the rear cover together form the decorative cover;

[0034] The front cover is located in front of the camera, and the through hole is formed in the front cover;

[0035] The rear cover is located at the rear side of the camera.

[0036] In some possible implementations, when the lifting mechanism includes a first guide member, a mounting seat, and a drive assembly, the decorative cover further semi-encloses the mounting seat and is connected to the mounting seat;

[0037] The mounting seat is further provided with two support plates, and the two support plates are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first guide member to support the two opposite side walls of the decorative cover.

[0038] In some possible implementations, two opposite side walls of the decorative cover are respectively provided with positioning grooves;

[0039] Positioning protrusions are respectively provided on the sides of the two support plates facing away from each other, and the positioning protrusions can be respectively engaged with the corresponding positioning grooves.

[0040] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided, comprising: an in-vehicle camera device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0041] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the lifting mechanism is located on the rear side of the interior rearview mirror, so when the camera is in a hidden position, it can be hidden on the rear side of the interior rearview mirror, reducing the part seen by the passengers in the car, or not being seen by the passengers in the car, thereby reducing the impact of the OMS on the field of vision of the passengers in the car.

[0042] Furthermore, the camera's height when in the shooting position is lower than when in the hidden position, facilitating the OMS's ability to capture the vehicle occupants' faces to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, the camera's height when in the shooting position is lower than the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror, ensuring that the camera's FOV is not obstructed by or interferes with the interior rearview mirror. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an in-vehicle camera device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of another in-vehicle camera device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of an in-vehicle camera device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a lifting mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a slider connected to a first guide member provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of another slider connected to a first guide member provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 7 This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a local enlarged structure;

[0051] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the lower side of a limiting post abuts against the inner wall of a receiving groove provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a mounting base provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of a mounting base provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle;

[0054] Figure 11 This embodiment of the present disclosure provides a Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure.

[0055] Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 001, first direction;

[0057] 1. Lifting mechanism; 11. First guide member; 111. Guide member body; 112. Guide rod; 113. Guide groove; 114. Limiting groove; 12. Mounting seat; 121. Support plate; 1211. Positioning protrusion; 122. First mounting hole; 13. Drive assembly; 131. Drive motor; 132. Screw rod; 14. Slider; 141. Accommodating groove; 142. Limiting column; 143. Elastic member; 144. Second mounting hole; 2. Camera; 3. Decorative cover; 31. Front cover; 32. Rear cover; 33. Positioning groove; 4. Fixing bracket; 5. Switch; 6. Wiring harness. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] In the first aspect, this embodiment relates to an in-vehicle camera device, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the in-car camera device comprises a lifting mechanism 1 and a camera 2. The lifting mechanism 1 is adapted to be connected to the interior ceiling of the car and is located behind the interior rearview mirror.

[0060] For example Figure 1 As shown, the in-car camera device may further include a fixing bracket 4, which may be fixedly connected to the in-car ceiling by bolts, welding, etc., and located behind the in-car rearview mirror. The lifting mechanism 1 may be connected to the in-car ceiling by connecting to the fixing bracket 4.

[0061] It should be noted that the rear side of the interior rearview mirror refers to the side of the interior rearview mirror facing away from the vehicle occupants, and is also the front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is moving forward. Therefore, the interior rearview mirror can block the vehicle occupants from the lifting mechanism 1, and when the vehicle occupants look at the lifting mechanism 1, they will be blocked by the interior rearview mirror.

[0062] Continue to refer Figure 1As shown, the camera 2 is connected to the lifting mechanism 1 so as to be switched between a shooting position and a hidden position through the lifting mechanism 1 .

[0063] The height of camera 2 when in the shooting position is lower than the height of camera 2 when in the hidden position and the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror. Therefore, when camera 2 switches from the shooting position to the hidden position, the lifting mechanism 1 drives the camera 2 to rise, reducing the degree of obstruction to the view of the vehicle occupants. In some examples, the camera 2 can even be completely hidden behind the interior rearview mirror, making it invisible to the vehicle occupants. When camera 2 switches from the hidden position to the shooting position, the lifting mechanism 1 drives the camera 2 to lower its height, allowing a clearer front view of the vehicle occupants and reducing the degree of interference between the FOV of camera 2 and the interior rearview mirror. When the camera 2 is lowered to a height lower than the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror, the interior rearview mirror will no longer interfere with the FOV.

[0064] As can be seen from the above, the lifting mechanism 1 is located on the rear side of the interior rearview mirror, so when the camera 2 is in the hidden position, it can be hidden on the rear side of the interior rearview mirror, reducing the part visible to the passengers in the car, or not being seen by the passengers in the car, thereby reducing the impact of the OMS on the field of vision of the passengers in the car.

[0065] Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than when in the hidden position, facilitating the OMS's ability to capture the vehicle occupants' faces to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror, ensuring that the camera's FOV is not obstructed by or interferes with the interior rearview mirror.

[0066] In this way, when camera 2 needs to be used, camera 2 can be placed in a shooting position to capture the front faces of the passengers in the car to the greatest extent possible and avoid interference between the FOV and the rearview mirror inside the car; when the camera is not needed, camera 2 can be placed in a hidden position to reduce the impact on the field of view of the passengers in the car, or even have no impact on the field of view of the passengers in the car.

[0067] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lifting mechanism 1 includes a first guide member 11, a mounting seat 12 and a drive assembly 13. The first guide member 11 is connected to the interior ceiling of the vehicle. For example, the first guide member 11 can be connected to the fixing bracket 4 to connect to the interior ceiling of the vehicle.

[0068] Continue to refer Figure 4As shown, the mounting seat 12 is connected to the first guide member 11 and can move along the first direction 001 under the guidance of the first guide member 11, wherein the first direction 001 is the lifting direction of the mounting seat 12.

[0069] Among them, reference Figure 1 As shown, the camera 2 is mounted on the mounting base 12. For example, the camera 2 can be fixedly connected to the mounting base 12 by means of bolts, screws, etc.

[0070] The driving assembly 13 is connected to the interior ceiling of the vehicle and to the mounting seat 12 to drive the mounting seat 12 to move along the first guide member 11 .

[0071] For example, the mounting seat 12 can slide relative to the first guide member 11 along the first direction 001. Figure 4 As shown, the driving assembly 13 may include a motor 131 and a screw 132. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the motor 131 can be fixedly mounted on the fixed support 4 and electrically connected to the power supply. The screw rod 132 can extend in the first direction 001 and be connected to the first guide member 11. One end of the screw rod 132 can be fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 131, so that the motor 131 can drive the screw rod 132 to rotate. The screw rod 132 can be connected to the mounting base 12, so that the rotation of the screw rod 132 drives the mounting base 12 to slide along the first guide member 11.

[0072] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first guide member 11 includes a guide member body 111 and at least two guide rods 112. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the number of the guide rods 112 may be two, but in other examples, the number may also be three, four, etc. The lifting mechanism 1 further includes a slider 14 .

[0073] The guide body 111 is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling. For example, the upper end of the guide body 111 can be fixedly connected to the fixing bracket 4 by means of bolts, screws, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, at least two guide rods 112 are spaced apart in a plane perpendicular to the first direction 001. Both ends of the guide rods 112 are connected to the guide body 111. For example, both ends of the guide rods 112 may be fixedly connected to the guide body 111. The at least two guide rods 112 extend along the first direction 001 and pass through the slider 14.

[0075] In this embodiment, Figure 4 In the example, the number of the guide rods 112 is two. The two guide rods 112 are spaced apart in a plane perpendicular to the first direction 001. Figure 5As shown, the guide rod 112 can extend along the first direction 001 and pass through the slider 14 , so that the slider 14 can slide along the guide rod 112 .

[0076] The drive assembly 13 is connected to the slider 14 to drive the slider 14 to move along the first direction 001 under the guidance of at least two guide rods 112. For example, the screw rod 132 can pass through the slider 14 and be threadedly connected to the slider 14, so that when the screw rod 132 rotates, it can drive the slider 14 to slide along the guide rods 112, thereby achieving the lifting and lowering of the slider 14.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 Combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mounting base 12 is connected to the slider 14. For example, the mounting base 12 and the slider 14 can be fixedly connected together by bolts, welding, etc. In this way, the mounting base 12 and the camera 2 connected to the mounting base 12 can rise and fall as the slider 14 rises and falls.

[0078] Thus, by guiding the slider 14 through the two guide rods 112, the stability during movement can be improved, which is beneficial to prevent abnormal noise or shaking of the camera 2 during the lifting process. In addition, the structural strength of the guide body 111 can be higher and the load-bearing capacity can be stronger.

[0079] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the lifting mechanism may further include at least one fixing member 15. For example, Figure 3 In the embodiment, the number of the fixing members 15 may be four, but may also be five, six or three. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the mounting base 12 is provided with a first mounting hole 122. Figure 5 As shown, the slider 14 is provided with a second mounting hole 144 . The fixing member 15 corresponds to the first mounting hole 122 and the second mounting hole 144 one by one.

[0080] The fixing member 15 can be rod-shaped and can be sequentially passed through the corresponding first mounting hole 122 and second mounting hole 144 to achieve a detachable fixed connection between the slider 14 and the mounting base 12. Since the slider 14 and the mounting base 12 are detachably connected, the slider 14 and the mounting base 12 can be manufactured separately, making the manufacturing process relatively simple and helping to reduce costs.

[0081] In some possible examples, the fixing member 15 may be a bolt. For example, the nut on the first end of the bolt abuts against the mounting base 12, while the second end of the bolt passes through the first mounting hole 122 and is screwed into the second mounting hole 144. The second mounting hole 144 is a bolt hole. Thus, the mounting base 12 is fixedly connected to the slider 14 via the bolt.

[0082] In other possible examples, the fixing member 15 may be a pin, with a pin cap at a first end thereof abutting against the mounting base 12, and a second end of the pin sequentially passing through the first mounting hole 122 and the second mounting hole 144 and riveted to the slider 14. Thus, the mounting base 12 is fixedly connected to the slider 14 via the pin.

[0083] In other possible examples, the fixing member 15 may be a screw, with a screw cap at the first end thereof abutting against the mounting base 12, and a second end thereof passing through the first mounting hole 122 and screwed into the second mounting hole 144. The second mounting hole 144 is a screw hole. Thus, the mounting base 12 is fixedly connected to the slider 14 via the screw.

[0084] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the first guide member 11 is provided with a guide groove 113. The guide groove 113 extends along the first direction 001 and is used to guide the mounting seat 12 to move along the first direction 001. For example, the mounting seat 12 can be provided with a guide structure that can be slidably connected to the guide groove 113.

[0085] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the lifting mechanism 1 further includes a slider 14, the mounting seat 12 is connected to the slider 14, and the slider 14 is located inside the guide groove 113 and can move along the first direction 001 under the guidance of the guide groove 113. For example, the slider 14 can be slidably connected in the guide groove 113. Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting hole 144 can be formed on a side of the slider 14 away from the bottom of the guide groove 113 .

[0086] In some possible examples, when the first guide member 11 includes a guide member body 111 and at least two guide rods 112, a guide groove 113 is formed in the guide member body 111, and two ends of the at least two guide rods 112 can be fixedly connected to two ends of the guide groove 113. In this way, the slider 14 can be guided by both the guide groove 113 and the guide rods 112, which helps further improve the stability of the slider 14 when moving along the first direction 001.

[0087] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the inner wall of the guide groove 113 is provided with a limiting groove 114. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the limiting groove 114 can be formed at the groove bottom of the guide groove 113. However, the limiting groove 114 can also be formed on the side wall of the guide groove 113.

[0088] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the slider 14 is also provided with a receiving groove 141. Figure 5 Combined with Figure 6 As shown, the accommodating groove 141 can be formed on a side of the slider 14 facing the bottom of the guide groove 113 .

[0089] A limiting column 142 and an elastic member 143 are provided in the receiving groove 141 , and the limiting column 142 is biased by the elastic member 143 to extend out of the receiving groove 141 .

[0090] For example, the elastic member 143 can be a compression spring or an elastic arm, and is disposed between the bottom of the receiving groove 141 and the limiting column 142. Both ends of the elastic member 143 can be connected to the limiting column 142 and the bottom of the receiving groove 141 respectively.

[0091] Among them, reference Figure 6 Combined with Figure 7 As shown, when the camera 2 is in the shooting position, the limiting post 142 extends into the limiting slot 114. For example, a compression spring can push the end of the limiting post 142, which is away from the bottom of the receiving slot 141, out of the receiving slot 141 and into the limiting slot 114. This provides a certain degree of support and stability between the slider 14 and the guide slot 113, improving the stability of the camera 2 in the shooting position and preventing abnormal noise and shaking.

[0092] refer to Figure 5 As shown, when the camera 2 switches from the shooting position to the hidden position, the limiting column 142 can retract to the bottom of the accommodating groove 141 without hindering the movement of the slider 14. In this way, it is possible to avoid hindering the process of switching the camera 2 from the shooting position to the hidden position.

[0093] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the camera 2 is in the shooting position, the lower side of the limiting post 142 abuts against the inner wall of the receiving groove 141. And at the abutment between the limiting post 142 and the receiving groove 141, the angle between the normal line of the inner wall of the receiving groove 141 and the direction of gravity is 6° to 10°. Figure 8 As shown, at the point where the limiting post 142 abuts the receiving groove 141, the angle between the normal T of the inner wall of the receiving groove 141 and the direction of gravity G is α. This angle can be α = 8°, α = 7°, α = 6.5°, or α = 8.5°, among others. This allows for a greater force component along the direction of gravity G when the limiting post 142 abuts the receiving groove 141, resulting in greater stability.

[0094] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the first end surface of the limiting post 142 extending into the limiting groove 114 is a spherical surface.

[0095] Furthermore, the limiting groove 114 is adapted to the first end of the limiting post 142. For example, the limiting groove 114 may be a spherical groove, and the diameter of the limiting groove 114 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the first end surface of the limiting post 142, so that the first end of the limiting post 142 can easily enter the limiting groove 114.

[0096] In this way, the limiting column 142 with a spherical end can easily enter or leave the limiting groove 114 while playing a sufficient stabilizing role and is not prone to wear.

[0097] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the in-car camera device further includes a decorative cover 3, which half surrounds the camera 2. In this way, the camera 2 can be protected and dustproofed, and at the same time, the appearance of the camera 2 can be shielded and decorated.

[0098] Continue to refer Figure 1 As shown, the top of the decorative cover 3 has an opening to avoid the lifting mechanism 1. For example, at least a portion of the lifting mechanism 1 can be located in the decorative cover 3, and the other portion can extend from the opening to connect the decorative cover 3 to the fixing bracket 4.

[0099] The front side of the decorative cover 3 is provided with a through hole 311, so that the camera 2 can shoot the passengers in the car through the hole 311, thereby preventing the decorative cover 3 from affecting the normal shooting of the camera 2. The front side of the decorative cover 3 refers to the side of the decorative cover 3 facing the passengers in the car.

[0100] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the decorative cover 3 includes a front cover 31 and a rear cover 32. The front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 are combined to form the decorative cover 3. The front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 are connected separately, which can facilitate the installation of the decorative cover 3.

[0101] Continue to refer Figure 1 As shown, the front cover 31 is located in front of the camera 2, and a through hole 311 is formed in the front cover 31. The rear cover 32 is located behind the camera 2. The front side of the camera 2 refers to the side of the camera 2 facing the occupants in the vehicle, and is also the side where the lens of the camera 2 is located. The rear side of the camera 2 is opposite to the front side and is the side of the camera 2 facing away from the occupants in the vehicle.

[0102] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 1 As shown, when the lifting mechanism 1 includes the first guide member 11 , the mounting seat 12 and the driving assembly 13 , the decorative cover 3 is also half-surrounded by the mounting seat 12 and connected to the mounting seat 12 .

[0103] For example, the front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 can be fixedly connected to the mounting base 12 using bolts, screws, etc., so that the front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 can be raised and lowered simultaneously with the mounting base 12. The mounting base 12 can be connected to the rear side of the camera 2. The lower end of the guide body 111 can be located within the decorative cover 3, and the upper end of the guide body 111 can extend from the decorative cover 3 and connect to the mounting bracket 4.

[0104] Combine Figure 4 As shown, the mounting base 12 is further provided with two support plates 121. These support plates 121 are located on opposite sides of the first guide member 11 to support the opposing side walls of the decorative cover 3. This prevents the decorative cover 3 from contacting the first guide member 11, which would increase friction. Furthermore, the support plates 121 provide support for the inner side of the decorative cover 3, improving its structural strength and the stability of its connection with the mounting base 12. For example, the two support plates 121 may be located on opposite sides of the guide body 111.

[0105] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, the decorative cover 3 has positioning grooves 33 on its two opposing walls. Positioning protrusions 1211 are provided on the two opposing sides of the support plates 121. These protrusions 1211 engage with corresponding positioning grooves 33. This provides a positioning reference for the connection between the decorative cover 3 and the mounting base 12, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0106] For example Figure 1 As shown, the positioning protrusion 1211 can be an L-shaped protrusion, the positioning groove 33 can be formed in the rear cover 32, and the groove wall of the positioning groove 33 can be respectively fitted with the outer sides of two mutually perpendicular parts of the L-shaped protrusion.

[0107] For some possible examples, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the in-vehicle camera device may further include a switch 5 and a wiring harness 6. The switch 5 may be connected to the camera 2 and the lifting mechanism 1 via the wiring harness 6, so that the camera 2 may be turned on and off and the operation of the lifting mechanism 1 may be controlled via the switch 5.

[0108] For example, the switch 5 can be a key switch or a touch switch. The switch 5, the camera 2 and the drive motor 131 can all be connected to the controller signal.

[0109] The switch 5 can send an on signal or an off signal to the controller, and the controller can send an on instruction or an off instruction to the camera 2 to control the camera 2 to be on or off.

[0110] The switch 5 can send an up signal or a down signal to the controller, and the controller can send a forward command or a reverse command to the drive motor 131, thereby driving the screw rod 132 to rotate forward or reverse, thereby driving the slider 14, the mounting seat 12, the camera 2 and the decorative cover 3 to rise or fall.

[0111] In some possible examples, when in the shooting position, camera 2 can be turned on and can shoot. When in the hidden position or during the lifting process, camera 2 can be turned off and no longer shoot. In this way, the user's privacy can be effectively protected, so that camera 2 only shoots when in the shooting position.

[0112] For example, since the speed of motor 131 is constant, the time required for camera 2 to rise to the hidden position and to descend to the shooting position can be constant. Therefore, after switch 5 sends an up signal, the controller can immediately send a forward rotation command and an off command to drive motor 131, causing camera 2 to rise and then turn off immediately. After switch 5 sends a down signal, the controller can immediately send a reverse rotation command to drive motor 131 and, after a timer counts a certain amount of time, send an on command, causing camera 2 to descend immediately and then turn on after a certain delay.

[0113] In the disclosed embodiment, the lifting mechanism 1 is located behind the interior rearview mirror, so the camera 2 can be hidden behind the interior rearview mirror when it is in the hidden position, reducing the part seen by the passengers in the car, or not being seen by the passengers in the car, thereby reducing the impact of the OMS on the field of vision of the passengers in the car.

[0114] Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than when in the hidden position, facilitating the OMS's ability to capture the vehicle occupants' faces to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror, ensuring that the camera's FOV is not obstructed by or interferes with the interior rearview mirror.

[0115] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided, comprising the in-vehicle camera device according to any one of the first aspects.

[0116] In the disclosed embodiment, the lifting mechanism 1 is located behind the interior rearview mirror, so the camera 2 can be hidden behind the interior rearview mirror when it is in the hidden position, reducing the part seen by the passengers in the car, or not being seen by the passengers in the car, thereby reducing the impact of the OMS on the field of vision of the passengers in the car.

[0117] Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than when in the hidden position, facilitating the OMS's ability to capture the vehicle occupants' faces to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, the camera 2's height when in the shooting position is lower than the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror, ensuring that the camera's FOV is not obstructed by or interferes with the interior rearview mirror.

[0118] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0119] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0120] In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "certain embodiments," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application.

[0121] The above are merely embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle camera device, characterized in that: The in-vehicle camera device comprises: a lifting mechanism (1) and a camera (2); The lifting mechanism (1) is suitable for connecting with the interior ceiling of the vehicle and is located behind the interior rearview mirror; The camera (2) is connected to the lifting mechanism (1) so as to be switched between a shooting position and a hidden position via the lifting mechanism (1); Wherein, the position height of the camera (2) when it is located at the shooting position is lower than the position height of the camera (2) when it is located at the hidden position and the lower edge of the interior rearview mirror.

2. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 1, wherein The lifting mechanism (1) comprises a first guide member (11), a mounting seat (12) and a driving assembly (13); The first guide member (11) is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling; The mounting seat (12) is connected to the first guide member (11) and can move along a first direction (001) under the guidance of the first guide member (11), wherein the first direction (001) is the lifting direction of the mounting seat (12); The camera (2) is mounted on the mounting seat (12); The driving assembly (13) is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling and to the mounting seat (12) to drive the mounting seat (12) to move along the first guide member (11).

3. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 2, wherein: The first guide member (11) includes a guide member body (111) and at least two guide rods (112), and the lifting mechanism (1) also includes a slider (14); The guide member body (111) is connected to the vehicle interior ceiling; The at least two guide rods (112) are spaced apart in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (001), and both ends of the guide rods (112) are connected to the guide member body (111), and at least two guide rods (112) extend along the first direction (001) and pass through the slider (14); The driving assembly (13) is connected to the slider (14) to drive the slider (14) to move along the first direction (001) under the guidance of at least two guide rods (112); The mounting seat (12) is connected to the slider (14).

4. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first guide member (11) is provided with a guide groove (113); The guide groove (113) extends along the first direction (001) and is used to guide the mounting seat (12) to move along the first direction (001); When the lifting mechanism (1) further includes a slider (14), the mounting seat (12) is connected to the slider (14), and the slider (14) is located inside the guide groove (113) and can move along the first direction (001) under the guidance of the guide groove (113).

5. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 4, wherein: The inner wall of the guide groove (113) is provided with a limiting groove (114); The slider (14) is further provided with a receiving groove (141), a limiting column (142) and an elastic member (143) are provided in the receiving groove (141), and the limiting column (142) is biased by the elastic member (143) to extend from the receiving groove (141); When the camera (2) is located at the shooting position, the limiting column (142) extends into the limiting slot (114), and when the camera (2) switches from the shooting position to the hidden position, the limiting column (142) can retract toward the bottom of the accommodating slot (141) without hindering the movement of the slider (14); Preferably, when the camera (2) is located at the shooting position, the lower side of the limiting column (142) abuts against the inner wall of the receiving groove (141), and at the abutment point between the limiting column (142) and the receiving groove (141), the angle between the normal of the inner wall of the receiving groove (141) and the direction of gravity is 6° to 10°.

6. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first end surface of the limiting column (142) extending into the limiting groove (114) is a spherical surface, and the limiting groove (114) is adapted to the first end of the limiting column (142).

7. The in-vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The in-vehicle camera device further includes a decorative cover (3); The decorative cover (3) semi-encloses the camera (2); The top of the decorative cover (3) has an opening to avoid the lifting mechanism (1); A through hole (311) is provided on the front side of the decorative cover (3) so that the camera (2) can photograph passengers in the vehicle through the through hole (311); Preferably, The decorative cover (3) comprises a front cover (31) and a rear cover (32), and the front cover (31) and the rear cover (32) together form the decorative cover (3); The front cover (31) is located in front of the camera (2), and the through hole (311) is formed in the front cover (31); The rear cover (32) is located on the rear side of the camera (2).

8. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 7, wherein: When the lifting mechanism (1) includes a first guide member (11), a mounting seat (12), and a driving assembly (13), the decorative cover (3) is also semi-enclosed outside the mounting seat (12) and connected to the mounting seat (12); The mounting seat (12) is further provided with two support plates (121), and the two support plates (121) are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first guide member (11) to support the two opposite side walls of the decorative cover (3).

9. The in-vehicle camera device according to claim 8, wherein: Positioning grooves (33) are respectively provided on two opposite side walls of the decorative cover (3); Positioning protrusions (1211) are respectively provided on the sides of the two support plates (121) facing away from each other, and the positioning protrusions (1211) can respectively engage with the corresponding positioning grooves (33).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises: the in-vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.