Outward-facing camera assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an outside camera assembly and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicles.The outside camera assembly comprises a support, a camera structure, a liquid spraying structure and a gas blowing structure.The camera structure is installed on the support, and the camera has an entrance surface.The liquid spraying structure is installed on the support and located at the periphery of the camera structure, and is used for spraying liquid to the entrance surface.The gas blowing structure is installed on the support and located at the periphery of the camera structure, and is used for blowing gas to the entrance surface.The outside camera assembly provided by the application is light in weight and high in installation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to an exterior camera assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As electric vehicles become increasingly common, the configuration rate of autonomous driving assistance systems is also rising, and external camera components are becoming more prevalent. In related technologies, the camera structure and cleaning structure of external camera components are mounted to the vehicle body via camera brackets and cleaning brackets, respectively. This method is relatively heavy and suffers from low installation efficiency and accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an exterior camera assembly and a vehicle to address the issues of reducing the weight of the exterior camera assembly and improving installation efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an exterior vehicle camera assembly, which includes a bracket, a camera structure, a liquid spraying structure, and an air blowing structure. The camera structure is mounted on the bracket and has a light-incident surface. The liquid spraying structure is mounted on the bracket and located around the camera structure, and is used to spray liquid onto the light-incident surface. The air blowing structure is mounted on the bracket and located around the camera structure, and is used to blow air onto the light-incident surface.

[0006] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the bracket has a first mounting hole through the bracket, and the camera structure passes through the first mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket.

[0007] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the bracket has a second mounting hole that penetrates the bracket, and the liquid spraying structure passes through the second mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket.

[0008] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the bracket has a third mounting hole that penetrates the bracket, and the air blowing structure passes through the third mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket.

[0009] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the support includes a support body and a first protrusion. The support body has a first surface and a second surface arranged along the thickness direction. The first protrusion is connected to the support body; the first protrusion has a first surface region, the first surface region facing the same direction as or opposite to the first surface. One of the outer peripheral surface of the spray structure and the first surface region has a first limiting groove, and the other has a first limiting protrusion; one first limiting protrusion is fitted and received within a first limiting groove.

[0010] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion has a first engaging protrusion. The spray structure includes a first main body and a first hook, the first hook being connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first main body and engaging with the first engaging protrusion.

[0011] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the support includes a support body and a second protrusion. The support body has a first surface and a second surface arranged along the thickness direction. The second protrusion is connected to the support body; the second protrusion has a second surface region, the second surface region facing the same direction as or opposite to the first surface. One of the outer peripheral surface of the air-blowing structure and the second surface region has a second limiting groove, and the other has a second limiting protrusion; one second limiting protrusion is fitted and received within a second limiting groove.

[0012] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion has a second engaging protrusion. The blowing structure includes a second main body and a second hook, the second hook being connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second main body and engaging with the second engaging protrusion.

[0013] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the liquid spraying structure and the camera structure are arranged along a first direction; the air blowing structure and the camera structure are arranged along a second direction; the angle between the second direction and the first direction is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 120°.

[0014] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the exterior camera assembly also includes a decorative cover. The decorative cover is located on the side facing the light-receiving surface, and is mounted on and fixed relative to the bracket; the device cover has an opening that exposes the light-receiving surface, the liquid outlet of the spray structure, and the air outlet of the blowing structure.

[0015] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the decorative cover includes a decorative cover body and a receiving portion. The decorative cover body has a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being oriented in the same direction as the light-incident surface. The receiving portion is connected to the decorative cover body and protrudes toward the side oriented by the third surface, and an opening is formed in the receiving portion; a part of the camera structure, a part of the liquid spraying structure, and a part of the air blowing structure are located within the receiving portion.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body and an exterior camera assembly. The vehicle body has a first exterior surface. The exterior camera assembly is the exterior camera assembly described in any of the foregoing implementations, with a bracket connected to the vehicle body, and the orientation of the light-incident surface is the same as the orientation of the first exterior surface.

[0017] The vehicle body structure and vehicle provided in this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The vehicle exterior camera assembly provided in this application, by mounting the camera structure on a bracket, enables the camera structure to capture video or images of the scene, thereby ensuring the performance of the autonomous driving assistance system on the vehicle using this camera assembly; by placing a liquid spraying structure around the camera structure, the liquid spraying structure can spray liquid onto the light-incident surface to clean the light-incident surface; by placing an air blowing structure around the camera structure, the air blowing structure can blow air onto the light-incident surface to blow off dust or dry liquid on the light-incident surface, thereby ensuring the cleanliness of the light-incident surface and ensuring the clarity of the images or videos captured by the camera structure.

[0019] Based on this, instead of mounting the camera structure, liquid spraying structure, and air blowing structure to the vehicle body separately using individual brackets, mounting all three structures to the same bracket allows them to form a single module before being installed on the vehicle body. This results in higher relative positional accuracy between the three components, simplifying the calibration process between the camera structure and the liquid spraying and air blowing structures. The efficiency of mounting the camera assembly to the vehicle body is also higher, improving the overall assembly efficiency of the vehicle. Furthermore, a single bracket reduces redundant positioning structures and the contact area between components, allowing for a smaller overall bracket size and lighter weight. This, in turn, helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and lowers the risk of component wear and aging caused by contact friction.

[0020] The beneficial technical effects of the vehicle provided in this application are the same as those of the vehicle exterior camera component provided in this application, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the external camera assembly of the vehicle shown.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the vehicle exterior camera assembly shown.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the vehicle exterior camera assembly is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the vehicle exterior camera assembly shown at line AA;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the vehicle exterior camera assembly at the BB line is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the vehicle exterior camera component as viewed from another angle.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 100 vehicles;

[0030] Body 10; Doorway 10a;

[0031] Body body 11; First connecting pillar 111; Second connecting pillar 112; Third connecting pillar 113;

[0032] Exterior panel 12; First exterior surface 12a; Fifth mounting hole 12b;

[0033] Car door 20;

[0034] External camera assembly 30; bracket 31; first mounting hole 31a; second mounting hole 31b; third mounting hole 31c; first surface 31d; second surface 31e; bracket body 311; first protrusion 312; first surface area 312a; first limiting groove 312b; first snap-fit ​​protrusion 3121; second protrusion 313; second snap-fit ​​protrusion 3131; second surface area 313a; second limiting groove 313b; camera structure 3 2; light-receiving surface 32a; liquid spraying structure 33; liquid channel 33a; liquid outlet 33b; first limiting protrusion 33c; first main body 331; first hook 332; air blowing structure 34; gas channel 34a; air outlet 34b; second limiting protrusion 34c; second main body 341; second hook 342; decorative cover 35; opening 35a; decorative cover body 351; third surface 351a; fourth surface 351b; receiving part 352. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the directional terms mentioned, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., are only for reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, 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 indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0038] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the descriptions of "vertical" and "parallel" respectively indicate approximately vertical and approximately parallel within a certain error range. This error range can be a range with a deviation angle of less than or equal to 5°, 8° or 10° relative to absolute verticality and absolute parallelism, respectively, and is not specifically limited here.

[0041] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 100 includes a body 10, a plurality of doors 20, and an external camera assembly 30. A portion of the body 10 encloses a driver's cabin. The body 10 also has a plurality of door openings 10a communicating with the driver's cabin. Accordingly, the doors 20 are rotatably connected to the body 10 and correspond one-to-one with the door openings 10a. When the doors 20 are in the open state, the user can enter and exit the driver's cabin through the door openings 10a. When the doors 20 are in the closed state, the doors 20 can close the door openings 10a to protect the driver's cabin and ensure the personal and property safety of the user.

[0043] The vehicle body 10 includes a body frame 11 and an exterior panel 12. The body frame 11 includes a front longitudinal beam (not shown) and a first connecting pillar (also called an A-pillar) 111, a second connecting pillar (also called a B-pillar) 112, and a third connecting pillar (also called a C-pillar) 113 spaced apart. The exterior panel 12 is connected to the body frame 11 and located on the outside of the body frame 11. Specifically, the exterior panel 12 can be a front fender, and the exterior panel 12 is connected to the front longitudinal beam or the A-pillar by means of snap-fit, adhesive, threaded connection, etc. The exterior panel 12 has a first outer surface 12a, which forms a portion of the vehicle's exterior surface. In some other embodiments, the body frame 11 may not include the second connecting pillar 112. In still other embodiments, the exterior panel 12 may also be a rear fender, and the exterior panel 12 is connected to the C-pillar by means of snap-fit, adhesive, threaded connection, etc.

[0044] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the exterior camera assembly 30 of the vehicle 100. The exterior camera assembly 30 is connected to the vehicle body 10. Specifically, the exterior panel 12 has a fifth mounting hole 12b, and the exterior camera assembly 30 is disposed in the fifth mounting hole 12b and connected to the exterior panel 12. A portion of the surface of the exterior camera assembly 30 forms a portion of the exterior surface of the vehicle 100, and the exterior camera assembly 30 is used to capture video or images of the scenery outside the vehicle 100.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figures 2-4 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 The exploded view of the vehicle exterior camera component 30 is shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the exterior camera assembly 30. The exterior camera assembly 30 includes a bracket 31, a camera structure 32, a liquid spraying structure 33, and an air blowing structure 34. The camera structure 32 is mounted on the bracket 31 and has a light-incident surface 32a, the orientation of which is the same as the orientation of the first outer surface 12a of the aforementioned exterior trim panel 12.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 2The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior camera assembly 30 at line AA. A liquid spraying structure 33 is mounted on a bracket 31 and located around the periphery of the camera structure 32. Specifically, the liquid spraying structure 33 has a liquid channel 33a and a liquid outlet 33b communicating with the liquid channel 33a. The liquid channel 33a is connected to a water pump (not shown) fixed to the vehicle body 11. The liquid outlet 33b faces the light-incident surface 32a. The liquid spraying structure 33 is used to spray liquid onto the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32. The liquid can be clean water or a cleaning fluid; this application does not limit this.

[0047] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior camera assembly 30 at line BB. An air blowing structure 34 is mounted on the bracket 31 and located around the periphery of the camera structure 32. Specifically, the air blowing structure 34 has a gas channel 34a and an air outlet 34b connected to the gas channel 34a. The gas channel 34a is connected to a gas pump fixed to the vehicle body 11. The air outlet 34b faces the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32. The air blowing structure 34 is used to blow air onto the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32.

[0048] In this way, the vehicle exterior camera assembly 30 provided in this application, by mounting the camera structure 32 on the bracket 31, with the light-receiving surface 32a of the camera facing the same direction as the first exterior surface 12a of the exterior trim panel 12, enables the camera structure 32 to capture video or images of the scenery outside the vehicle 100, thereby ensuring the performance of the autonomous driving assistance system; by placing the liquid spraying structure 33 around the camera structure 32, the liquid spraying structure 33 can spray liquid onto the light-receiving surface 32a to clean the light-receiving surface 32a; by placing the air blowing structure 34 around the camera structure 32, the air blowing structure 34 can blow air onto the light-receiving surface 32a to blow off dust or dry liquid on the light-receiving surface 32a, thereby ensuring the cleanliness of the light-receiving surface 32a and ensuring the clarity of the images or videos captured by the camera structure 32.

[0049] Based on this, instead of mounting the camera structure 32, the liquid spraying structure 33, and the air blowing structure 34 on the vehicle body 10 separately using individual brackets, by mounting the camera structure 32, the liquid spraying structure 33, and the air blowing structure 34 on the same bracket 31, the three components and the bracket 31 can form a module before being installed on the vehicle body 10. Therefore, the relative positional accuracy between the three components is higher, which simplifies the calibration process between the camera structure 32 and the liquid spraying structure 33 and the air blowing structure 34. The efficiency of mounting the camera components on the vehicle body 10 is also higher, which is beneficial to improving the overall assembly efficiency of the vehicle 100. In addition, a single bracket 31 can reduce redundant structural designs and the contact area between components, so that the overall size of the bracket 31 can be smaller and the weight can be lighter, which in turn helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle 100 and reduce the risk of component wear and aging caused by contact friction.

[0050] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bracket 31 has a first mounting hole 31a passing through it, and the camera structure 32 passes through the first mounting hole 31a and is fixed to the bracket 31. Specifically, the first mounting hole 31a can be polygonal, elliptical, or irregularly shaped, and the outer contour of the cross-section of the camera structure 32 can be adapted to the shape of the first mounting hole 31a to restrict the rotation of the camera structure 32 relative to the bracket 31. Based on this, the camera structure 32 can be fixed to the bracket 31 by means of snap-fit, adhesive, threaded connection, etc.

[0051] The bracket 31 also has a second mounting hole 31b through the bracket 31, and the liquid spraying structure 33 passes through the second mounting hole 31b and is fixed to the bracket 31. The bracket 31 also has a third mounting hole 31c, and the air blowing structure 34 passes through the third mounting hole 31c and is fixed to the bracket 31.

[0052] In this way, by passing the camera structure 32, the liquid spraying structure 33, and the air blowing structure 34 through the bracket 31, it is convenient to limit and fix the three components, and the space on both sides of the bracket 31 can be used reasonably for component placement, improving the overall assembly flexibility of the vehicle exterior camera assembly 30 and the convenience of assembling with other components. In addition, it also makes it easier for the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32 to protrude from the aforementioned first outer surface 12a when the vehicle exterior camera assembly 30 is installed on the vehicle body 10, so that the camera can cover the blind spots of the vehicle 100 as much as possible.

[0053] In some other embodiments, one, two, or all three of the camera structure 32, the liquid spraying structure 33, and the air blowing structure 34 may also be located on the same side of the bracket 31 as the first external surface 12a and fixed to the bracket 31.

[0054] Please refer to the following: Figures 3-5The bracket 31 includes a bracket body 311 and a first protrusion 312. The bracket body 311 is generally plate-shaped and has a first surface 31d and a second surface 31e arranged along the thickness direction. The orientation of the first surface 31d is the same as that of the aforementioned first external surface 12a. The first protrusion 312 is connected to the bracket body 311. A portion of the second mounting hole 31b is formed in the first protrusion 312, and another portion is formed in the bracket body 311. Specifically, the first protrusion 312 can be integrally formed with the bracket body 311, or it can be connected to the bracket body 311 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc. The first protrusion 312 is located on the side opposite to the first surface 31d. The first protrusion 312 has a first surface region 312a, which faces opposite to the first surface 31d. The first surface region 312a has a first limiting groove 312b.

[0055] Based on this, the outer peripheral surface of the liquid spraying structure 33 has a first limiting protrusion 33c, which corresponds one-to-one with a first limiting groove 312b, with one first limiting protrusion 33c being accommodated and fitted within one first limiting groove 312b. Specifically, there can be multiple first limiting protrusions 33c, arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second mounting hole 31b; or there can be only one first limiting protrusion 33c.

[0056] In this way, the mating structure of the first limiting protrusion 33c and the first limiting groove 312b can prevent the liquid spraying structure 33 from rotating relative to the bracket 31, thereby ensuring the cleaning reliability of the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32 by the liquid spraying structure 33. In addition, by setting the first protrusion 312, the overall structural strength of the bracket 31 can be improved, thereby improving the ability of the external camera assembly 30 to withstand the vibration and impact generated during the driving of the vehicle 100, and preventing the liquid spraying structure 33 from loosening or being damaged.

[0057] In some other embodiments, the first protrusion 312 may also be located on the side opposite to the second surface 31b, and the first surface region 312a and the first surface 31d may have the same orientation. In still other embodiments, the first surface region 312a may also have a first limiting protrusion 33c, and the outer peripheral surface of the spray structure 33 may have a first limiting groove 312b.

[0058] Please continue reading. Figures 3-5The outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 312 has a first engaging protrusion 3121. The liquid spraying structure 33 includes a first main body 331 and a first hook 332. The first main body 331 is generally tubular, and the first hook 332 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first main body 331. Specifically, the first hook 332 can be integrally formed with the first main body 331, or it can be connected to the first main body 331 by means of bonding, engaging, welding, threaded connection, etc. Based on this, the first hook 332 engages with the first engaging protrusion 3121 to fix the liquid spraying structure 33 to the bracket 31.

[0059] In this way, the spray structure 33 is fixed to the bracket 31 by snap-fit, which makes it easy to assemble the spray structure 33 with the bracket 31 and also makes it easy to remove the spray structure 33 from the bracket 31 for maintenance.

[0060] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The bracket 31 also includes a second protrusion 313, which is connected to the bracket body 311. A portion of the third mounting hole 31c is formed in the second protrusion 313, and another portion is formed in the bracket body 311. Specifically, the second protrusion 313 can be integrally formed with the bracket body 311, or it can be connected to the bracket body 311 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc. A portion of the second protrusion 313 is located on the side facing the first surface 31d, and another portion is located on the side facing the second surface 31e. The second protrusion 313 has a second surface region 313a, which faces the same direction as the first surface 31d of the bracket body 311. The second surface region 313a has a second limiting groove 313b.

[0061] Based on this, the outer peripheral surface of the air blowing structure 34 has a second limiting protrusion 34c, which corresponds one-to-one with a second limiting groove 313b, with one second limiting protrusion 34c being accommodated within one second limiting groove 313b. Specifically, there can be multiple second limiting protrusions 34c, arranged at intervals along the circumference of the third mounting hole 31c; or there can be only one second limiting protrusion 34c.

[0062] In this way, the mating structure of the second limiting protrusion 34c and the second limiting groove 313b can prevent the air blowing structure 34 from rotating relative to the bracket 31, thereby ensuring the cleanliness and reliability of the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32 by the air blowing structure 34. In addition, by setting the second protrusion 313, the overall structural strength of the bracket 31 can be improved, thereby improving the ability of the external camera assembly 30 to withstand vibrations and impacts generated during the driving of the vehicle 100, and preventing the air blowing structure 34 from loosening or being damaged.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the second protrusion 313 may be entirely located on the side opposite to the second surface 31e, and the second surface region 313a may face the same direction as the first surface 31d. In still other embodiments, the second protrusion 313 may be entirely located on the side opposite to the first surface 31d, and the second surface region 313a may face the opposite direction to the first surface 31d. In still other embodiments, the second surface region 313a may also have a second limiting protrusion 34c, and the outer peripheral surface of the blowing structure 34 may have a second limiting groove 313b.

[0064] Please continue reading. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 313 has a second engaging protrusion 3131. The air-blowing structure 34 includes a second main body 341 and a second hook 342. The second main body 341 is generally tubular, and the second hook 342 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second main body 341. Specifically, the second hook 342 can be integrally formed with the second main body 341, or it can be connected to the second main body 341 by means of bonding, engaging, welding, threaded connection, etc. Based on this, the second hook 342 engages with the second engaging protrusion 3131 to fix the air-blowing structure 34 to the bracket 31.

[0065] In this way, the air blowing structure 34 is fixed to the bracket 31 by snap-fit, which makes it easy to assemble the air blowing structure 34 with the bracket 31, and also makes it easy to remove the air blowing structure 34 from the bracket 31 for maintenance.

[0066] Please return to the reference. Figure 4 The liquid spraying structure 33 and the camera structure 32 are arranged along the first direction X, and the air blowing structure 34 and the camera structure 32 are arranged along the second direction Y. The angle between the second direction Y and the first direction X is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 120°. For example, the angle between the first direction X and the second direction Y can be 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, etc. Based on this, when the external camera assembly 30 is connected to the vehicle body 10, the liquid spraying structure 33 can be located in front of the camera structure 32 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, and the air blowing structure 34 can be located above the camera structure 32 along the vertical direction of the vehicle 100. When the angle between the first direction X and the second direction Y is 90°, the first direction X can be parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, and the second direction Y can be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle 100.

[0067] In this way, the air blowing structure 34 and the liquid spraying structure 33 are spaced apart circumferentially along the camera structure 32, ensuring that both liquid and gas can fall onto the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32, thereby guaranteeing the clarity of the captured images or videos. Furthermore, large blind spots will not appear in the same viewing area, affecting the field of view of the camera structure 32, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the autonomous driving assistance system.

[0068] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the external camera assembly 30 as viewed from another angle. The external camera assembly 30 also includes a decorative cover 35, located on the side facing the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32. The decorative cover 35 is mounted on and fixed relative to the bracket 31. Specifically, the bracket 31 can be connected to the decorative cover 35 by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, or threaded connection. Based on this, the decorative cover 35 has an opening 35a that exposes the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32, the liquid outlet 33b of the liquid spraying structure 33, and the air outlet 34b of the air blowing structure 34. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, there are three openings 35a, which expose the light surface 32a, the liquid outlet 33b, and the air outlet 34b, respectively. In some other embodiments, there may be only one opening 35a, which exposes the light surface 32a, the liquid outlet 33b, and the air outlet 34b.

[0069] Based on this, the decorative cover 35 is disposed at the fifth mounting hole 12b of the first outer trim panel 12, and the fifth mounting hole 12b is sealed. Specifically, the decorative cover 35 can be fixed to the first outer trim panel 12 by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc., that is, the bracket 31 is indirectly connected to the vehicle body 10 through the decorative cover 35. In some other embodiments, the bracket 31 can also be connected to the vehicle body 10 by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc., that is, the bracket 31 is directly connected to the vehicle body 10. In still some other embodiments, the decorative cover 35 can also be indirectly connected to the vehicle body 10 through the bracket 31.

[0070] In this way, the exterior camera component 30 has a better appearance and can coordinate its appearance with the overall style of the vehicle 100, thus making the overall appearance of the vehicle 100 better.

[0071] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The decorative cover 35 includes a cover body 351 and a receiving portion 352. The cover body 351 has a third surface 351a and a fourth surface 351b. The third surface 351a faces the same direction as the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32, and is flush with the first outer surface 12a of the first outer trim panel 12. The receiving portion 352 is connected to the cover body 351 and arches in the direction of the third surface 351a, with an opening 35a formed in the receiving portion 352. A portion of the camera structure 32, a portion of the liquid spraying structure 33, and a portion of the air blowing structure 34 are located within the receiving portion 352.

[0072] In this way, the light-incident surface 32a of the camera structure 32 protrudes from the exterior surface of the vehicle body 10, which allows the camera structure 32 to have a better field of view, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the autonomous driving assistance system.

[0073] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An outside camera assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: include: support; A camera structure is mounted on the bracket, and the camera has a light-incident surface; A liquid spraying structure is mounted on the bracket and located on the periphery of the camera structure, and the liquid spraying structure is used to spray liquid onto the light-incident surface; An air blowing structure is mounted on the bracket and located on the periphery of the camera structure, and the air blowing structure is used to blow air toward the light-incident surface; The bracket has a second mounting hole that penetrates the bracket, and the liquid spraying structure passes through the second mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket; The bracket has a third mounting hole that penetrates the bracket, and the air blowing structure passes through the third mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket.

2. The vehicle exterior camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket has a first mounting hole that passes through the bracket, and the camera structure passes through the first mounting hole and is fixed to the bracket.

3. The vehicle exterior camera assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, The support includes: A support body having a first surface and a second surface arranged along the thickness direction; A first protrusion is connected to the bracket body; the first protrusion has a first surface area, the first surface area having the same or opposite orientation as the first surface. The outer peripheral surface of the spray structure and the first surface area each have a first limiting groove and a first limiting protrusion; one of the first limiting protrusions is fitted into one of the first limiting grooves.

4. The vehicle exterior camera assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion has a first snap-fit ​​protrusion; The liquid spraying structure includes a first main body and a first hook, wherein the first hook is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first main body and engages with the first engaging protrusion.

5. The vehicle exterior camera assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support includes: A support body having a first surface and a second surface arranged along the thickness direction; The second protrusion is connected to the bracket body; the second protrusion has a second surface area, which faces the same or opposite direction as the first surface. The outer peripheral surface of the air blowing structure and the second surface area each have a second limiting groove and a second limiting protrusion; one of the second limiting protrusions is fitted into the second limiting groove.

6. The vehicle exterior camera assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion has a second snap-fit ​​protrusion; The air blowing structure includes a second main body and a second hook, the second hook being connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second main body and engaging with the second engaging protrusion.

7. The vehicle exterior camera assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid spraying structure and the camera structure are arranged along a first direction; the air blowing structure and the camera structure are arranged along a second direction; the angle between the second direction and the first direction is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 120°.

8. The vehicle exterior camera assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The external camera assembly also includes: A decorative cover is located on the side facing the light-receiving surface. The decorative cover is mounted on the bracket and fixed relative to the bracket. The decorative cover has an opening that exposes the light-receiving surface, the liquid outlet of the spray structure, and the air outlet of the blowing structure.

9. The vehicle exterior camera assembly of claim 8, wherein, The decorative cover includes: The decorative cover body has a third surface and a fourth surface, and the orientation of the third surface is the same as the orientation of the light-incident surface; A receiving portion is connected to the decorative cover body and protrudes toward the side facing the third surface, and the opening is formed in the receiving portion; a portion of the camera structure, a portion of the liquid spraying structure, and a portion of the air blowing structure are located within the receiving portion.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: include: A vehicle body having a first exterior surface; An exterior camera assembly, wherein the exterior camera assembly is the same as any one of claims 1-9, the bracket is connected to the vehicle body, and the orientation of the light-incident surface is the same as the orientation of the first exterior surface.

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