CAMERA DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

Camera device (3, 3') for a vehicle (1), comprising: an image acquisition module (4, 4') for providing image data of an environment of the vehicle (1), a circuit board (9, 9') with a processor unit (42) for processing the image data from the image acquisition module (4, 4'), a housing (5) for mounting on a window (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein the image acquisition module (4, 4') and the circuit board (9, 9') are accommodated in the housing (5) and the housing (5) has a recess (14, 14', 14"), an environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") which is arranged in the recess (14, 14', 14"), a disc spring (16) which is arranged between a base surface (23) of the recess (14, 14', 14") and the ambient sensor device (15, 15', 15"), wherein the disc spring (16) is configured to press the ambient sensor device (15, 15', 15") against the window (2), and a connecting element (19) which electronically connects the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") and the circuit board (9, 9') and is passed through an inner opening (17) of the disc spring (16) and an opening (47) of the bottom surface (23) of the recess (14, 14', 14").

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera device for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a camera device.

[0002] Traditionally, a vehicle's front camera and an environmental sensor, such as a rain sensor, are two separate devices located in the same area on a windshield near the interior rearview mirror. This has the disadvantage that these devices take up a relatively large amount of space and restrict the driver's field of vision. JP 2015-120492 A shows a front camera and a rain sensor that share a common housing and are mechanically attached to the same plate. The rain sensor of JP 2015-120492 A is housed in a recess in the housing and presses against the windshield by means of a leaf spring.

[0003] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved camera device for a vehicle.

[0004] Accordingly, a camera device for a vehicle is proposed. The camera device comprises: an image acquisition module for providing image data of the vehicle’s surroundings, a circuit board with a processor unit for processing the image data from the image acquisition module, a housing for attachment to a window of the vehicle, wherein the image recording module and the circuit board are accommodated in the housing and the housing has a recess, an environmental sensor device arranged in the recess, a disc spring arranged between a bottom surface of the recess and the environmental sensor device, the disc spring being adapted to press the environmental sensor device against the window, and a connecting element that electronically connects the environmental sensor device and the circuit board and is passed through an inner opening of the disc spring and an opening of the bottom surface of the recess.

[0005] The disc spring can exert a force on the ambient sensor device, pressing it against the inside of the vehicle window. This allows the ambient sensor device to be held in a defined position relative to the window pane, even in the event of vibrations while driving. Consequently, the measurement accuracy of the ambient sensor (especially a rain and / or light sensor) can be improved.

[0006] In addition, the disc spring allows the environmental sensor device to be detachably attached to the camera device housing. This allows for repair, maintenance, and replacement of the environmental sensor device without replacing the entire camera device.

[0007] By electronically connecting the environmental sensor device to the circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) of the camera device, the environmental sensor device can utilize the circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) of the camera device. This increases the degree of integration of the image acquisition module (e.g., the front camera) and the environmental sensor device. Consequently, manufacturing of the camera device with the environmental sensor device is simplified. Furthermore, the image acquisition module and the environmental sensor device can be connected to the vehicle bus system and / or to the central electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle via a single interface.

[0008] Furthermore, the disc spring with its inner opening and the housing recess with a corresponding opening enable a simple electronic connection of the environmental sensor device to the (main) circuit board of the camera device.

[0009] The camera device is used in particular in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a passenger vehicle, a car, a bus, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a truck, a train, a watercraft, and / or an aircraft. The camera device can also be used in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle window is preferably a windshield (front window) or a rear window of the vehicle. The window is made of glass, for example. The camera device is arranged in particular on an inside of the window. If the camera device is arranged on the inside of the windshield (front window), it is called a front camera. However, the camera device can also be arranged on another window of the vehicle.

[0011] The camera device includes the image capture module for capturing an image of the vehicle's surroundings. Depending on the arrangement of the camera device and the image capture module in the vehicle, various surveillance areas in front of, behind, and / or on the sides of the vehicle can be monitored. In particular, the image capture module can be used to detect stationary or moving objects, such as other vehicles, people, animals, plants, obstacles, road surface irregularities (e.g., potholes or stones), road markings, traffic signs, or open spaces (e.g., parking spaces).

[0012] The image capture module of the camera device comprises, in particular, an optical system, which, for example, has an objective, a lens, or the like. Furthermore, the image capture module comprises an image sensor unit, which, for example, has a CCD (charged coupled device) camera or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensor. The image capture module is configured, for example, to capture high-resolution images of the vehicle's surroundings.

[0013] The camera device comprises the circuit board (e.g., main circuit board). The circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) comprises the processor unit. The processor unit is implemented, in particular, as an electronic component mounted on the (main) circuit board. The processor unit serves, in particular, to analyze and interpret image data captured by the image acquisition module. The processor unit comprises, for example, an image processor and a memory unit.

[0014] In addition to the processor unit, various other electrical and / or electronic components may be arranged on the (main) circuit board.

[0015] The circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) can, for example, contain the image sensor unit of the image acquisition module. In this case, the (main) circuit board is arranged such that it coincides with the optical axis of the optical system of the image acquisition module (at the position of the image sensor unit). The image sensor unit can, in particular, be an electronic component mounted on the (main) circuit board. The image sensor unit is, in particular, electronically connected to conductor tracks of the circuit board.

[0016] Alternatively, the camera device, in particular the image capture module, may comprise—in addition to the (main) circuit board described above—another circuit board on which the image sensor unit is arranged. In this case, the other circuit board containing the image sensor unit is electronically connected to the (main) circuit board. The image sensor unit may, in particular, be an electronic component mounted on the other circuit board of the image capture module.

[0017] The camera device comprises, for example, a storage unit for storing (image) data obtained from the image acquisition module and / or from the environmental sensor device, as well as other information. The storage unit can be implemented as an electronic hardware component mounted on the (main) circuit board. The storage unit can, for example, be connected to the processor unit.

[0018] The environmental sensor device comprises one or more sensors for detecting an environmental condition. For example, the environmental sensor device has one or more sensors for detecting environmental conditions outside the vehicle. Examples include a rain sensor and a light sensor. The environmental sensor device can also comprise one or more sensors for detecting environmental conditions inside the vehicle, in particular on the inside of the window to which the camera device is mounted. Examples include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0019] The units mentioned above and below, such as the processor unit, the memory unit and a control unit (e.g. master control unit (MCU)), can each be implemented in hardware and / or software. They are preferably implemented in hardware. In the case of a hardware implementation, the corresponding unit can be designed as a device or as part of a device, for example as a computer or as a microprocessor. For example, the device can have a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), programmable hardware logic (e.g. a field-programmable gate array, FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like.Furthermore, the one or more units, such as the processor unit, the memory unit, and the control unit, may be implemented together in a single hardware device, and they may, for example, share memory, interfaces, and the like. The units, such as the processor unit, the memory unit, and the control unit, may also be implemented in separate hardware components.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the environmental sensor device comprises a rain sensor, a light sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

[0021] A rain sensor can detect the presence of rain on the vehicle window and measure the amount of rain. Using this information, an automatic windshield wiper function can be implemented and the vehicle's wipers can be controlled accordingly. For example, the windshield wiper system can be started automatically when the windshield is wet. Furthermore, the wiper speed can be automatically adjusted based on the detected amount of rain and other characteristics of rainfall, splashing, etc.

[0022] The rain sensor, for example, includes light emitting means for emitting light and light receiving means for receiving measuring light emitted by the light emitting means and reflected from a surface of the window. This allows the intensity of the reflected light to be measured. When the windshield becomes wet, the amount of reflected light decreases.

[0023] With a light sensor that has a light detection function, an automatic vehicle lighting system can be implemented. For example, the vehicle's headlights can be switched on automatically, and the high and low beams can be controlled according to the amount of light detected. The light sensor includes, for example, light receiving means for receiving ambient light.

[0024] A temperature sensor is an example of an environmental sensor that detects an interior condition in the vehicle, particularly on the inside of the window where the camera device is mounted. The measured temperature can be used, for example, to control the vehicle's air conditioning system and fan speed.

[0025] The environmental sensor device may also comprise a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity inside the vehicle, in particular inside the window, in order to use the information, for example, in an air conditioning system of the vehicle.

[0026] The environmental sensor device (e.g., the rain sensor) may also include an image sensor. The image sensor of the environmental sensor device may, for example, be arranged as a hardware component on an environmental sensor circuit board. In this case, the environmental sensor circuit board is electronically connected to the (main) circuit board of the camera device via the connecting element.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the connecting element comprises an electronic cable with connectors corresponding to both ends for connecting to the environmental sensor device and the circuit board.

[0028] This allows the electronic connection between the environmental sensor device and the (main) circuit board to be realized by a detachable connecting element. The connectors at both ends of the electronic cable are, for example, plug-in connectors. Furthermore, both the environmental sensor device (e.g., an environmental sensor circuit board) and the (main) circuit board of the camera device have, for example, corresponding connectors designed to be connected to the connectors of the electronic cable.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the processor unit of the circuit board is configured to process data provided by the environmental sensor device. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit of the circuit board is configured to process data provided by the environmental sensor device.

[0030] By performing the sole or primary processing of data from the environmental sensor device using the processor unit or the control unit of the (main) circuit board of the camera device, the configuration and manufacturing of the environmental sensor device can be simplified. In particular, the environmental sensor device and the image acquisition module can share the processor unit and / or control unit. Consequently, the environmental sensor device does not require its own processor unit and / or control unit, but can use the processor unit and / or control unit of the (main) circuit board.

[0031] For example, the processor unit or the control unit of the (main) circuit board of the camera device can analyze data from a rain sensor by measuring the intensity of reflected light in the received rain sensor data. Furthermore, based on the measured intensity of reflected light, the processor unit or the control unit can calculate a rainfall amount and / or determine whether the windshield wipers should be turned on or whether a wiper speed should be changed (e.g., increased).

[0032] For example, the processor unit or the control unit of the (main) circuit board of the camera device can analyze data from a light sensor by measuring the intensity of an ambient light in the obtained light sensor data and, based on this, deduce whether it is necessary to turn on or turn off headlights.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the processor unit is configured to control the image recording module and the environmental sensor device.

[0034] This allows the environmental sensor device and the image acquisition module to share the same processor unit. Consequently, the configuration of the environmental sensor device can be simplified, since the environmental sensor device does not require its own processor unit. Thus, the proposed camera device, which has the integrated environmental sensor device, can reduce the number of required components.

[0035] The control unit is, for example, a master control unit (MCU) of the camera device. The control unit is configured, for example, to control functions of the image acquisition module, in particular functions for capturing an image and other camera settings. Furthermore, the control unit is configured, for example, to control functions of a measuring unit (e.g., a rain detection unit, a light detection unit, a temperature detection unit) of the environmental sensor device, in particular functions for obtaining the corresponding measurement data (e.g., reflected light intensity, ambient light intensity, temperature data).

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the circuit board comprises at least one communication interface and / or a connector for transmitting data to a bus system of the vehicle and / or to an electronic control unit of the vehicle.

[0037] The communication interface and / or the connector is configured, in particular, to transmit data received from the image acquisition module and processed by the processor unit, as well as data received from the environmental sensor device and processed by the processor unit, to the vehicle's bus system and / or to the vehicle's electronic control unit. The communication interface can, in particular, be connected to the control unit (e.g., master control unit, MCU), which can be connected to the processor unit.

[0038] Thus, both the image capture module and the environmental sensor device can be electronically connected to an electronic system of the vehicle, in particular the central electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, using a single interface and / or a single connecting element. Consequently, the configuration of the camera device with the environmental sensor device can be further simplified, since the environmental sensor device does not require its own interface and / or connecting element for connecting to the vehicle's electronic system.

[0039] For example, the circuit board has a single communication interface and / or a single connector for transmitting data to the vehicle's bus system and / or to the vehicle's electronic control unit.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the bottom surface of the recess has a circular shape and the environmental sensor device has a cylindrical shape with a circular base surface which is received in the recess.

[0041] In particular, a radius of the circular base of the environmental sensor device is smaller than a radius of the circular base of the recess in order to accommodate the environmental sensor device in the recess of the camera device housing.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the recess has at least one groove, and the environmental sensor device has at least one projection for engaging in the at least one groove.

[0043] By applying a groove-protrusion system (groove-notch system), the position of the environmental sensor device in the recess can be restricted to a limited number of possible positions (e.g., only one or two possible positions) with respect to a rotation about a central axis (axis of symmetry) of the environmental sensor device (e.g., with respect to an axis of symmetry of a cylindrical environmental sensor device).

[0044] With such a predetermined position of the environmental sensor device (particularly in the case of a rain sensor and / or a light sensor), a more accurate measurement of the corresponding variable (e.g., rain, light) is possible. In particular, the measuring unit (e.g., rain detection unit, light detection unit) of the environmental sensor device can be designed for the predetermined position.

[0045] The at least one groove is, in particular, a radial groove, as viewed in the direction of a central axis (axis of symmetry) of the (e.g., cylindrical) environmental sensor device. The at least one projection is, in particular, a radial projection, as viewed in the direction of the central axis (axis of symmetry) of the (e.g., cylindrical) environmental sensor device.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the recess has two identically shaped grooves, and the environmental sensor device has two identically shaped projections which engage with the two grooves accordingly.

[0047] This allows the position of the environmental sensor device to be restricted to two possible positions with respect to a rotation around its central axis (axis of symmetry).

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the recess has at least one groove with a first shape and at least one groove with a second shape, wherein the first shape is different from the second shape, and the environment sensor device has at least one projection with a first shape for engaging in the groove with the first shape and at least one projection with a second shape for engaging in the groove with the second shape.

[0049] Thus, the position of the environmental sensor device can be restricted to a single possible position with respect to rotation about its central axis (axis of symmetry) by using two differently shaped radial projections (notches). This allows the environmental sensor device to be designed for a single predetermined position. Consequently, measurement accuracy can be further increased. For example, erroneous reflections from a rain sensor can be better avoided.

[0050] According to a further aspect, a vehicle with a camera device as described above is proposed.

[0051] Features described in connection with the camera device also apply to the vehicle according to the further aspect.

[0052] Further possible implementations of the invention or alternative solutions also include combinations of features described above or below with respect to the embodiments not explicitly mentioned herein. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects and features to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0053] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention are the subject of the subclaims and the embodiments described below.

[0054] In the following, the invention is described in detail using preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures. Fig. 1 shows a front view of a vehicle; Fig. 2 shows a camera device of the vehicle from Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a camera device of the vehicle from Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a top view of a disc spring of the camera device from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an environmental sensor device of the camera device of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, wherein the environmental sensor device is accommodated in a recess of a housing of the camera device; Fig. 6 shows a top view of an environmental sensor device accommodated in a recess of the housing of the camera device according to another embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a top view of an environmental sensor device accommodated in a recess of the housing of the camera device according to another embodiment; and Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of functional components of the camera device of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0055] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a vehicle 1. In this example, the vehicle is a passenger car. In other examples, the vehicle 1 may also be a truck, bus, or other motor vehicle. A camera device 3 is mounted on an inside of a front windshield 2. The camera device 3 is mounted, for example—as seen from the driver—behind or near a rearview mirror (not shown) of the vehicle 1.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera device 3 mounted on the windshield 2.

[0058] The camera device 3 comprises an image recording module 4 (front camera) configured to monitor an area in front of the vehicle 1. The image recording module 4 can be used for various driver assistance functions, such as object detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, emergency braking assistance, (emergency) steering assistance, traffic jam assistance, high beam assistance, highway assistance, and / or a traffic jam pilot. In other examples, the camera device 3 can also be mounted on other windows of the vehicle 1 or at other positions within the vehicle 1 and / or be oriented in other directions.

[0059] The camera device 3 comprises a housing 5. The camera device 3 further comprises, for example, a holder 6 for attaching (e.g., gluing) the camera device 3 to the windshield 2.

[0060] The camera device 3 comprises the image recording module 4 (front camera) housed in the housing 5. The image recording module 4 has an optical system 7 (e.g., a lens 7) that protrudes from the housing 5. The reference symbol O denotes an optical axis of the optical system 7. The image recording module 4 also has an image sensor unit 8. The image sensor unit 8 is, for example, a CCD camera (Charged Coupled Device) or a CMOS sensor. For example, the image sensor 8 is an active pixel sensor (CMOS-APS, CMOS active pixel sensor) implemented using CMOS technology. The image recording module 4 is configured, for example, to record high-resolution images of the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0061] The camera device 3 comprises a main circuit board 9. The main circuit board 9 is mechanically attached to the housing 5, for example by means of a holder 10.

[0062] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the image sensor unit 8 is arranged on the main circuit board 9. The image sensor unit 8 is, in particular, an electronic component mounted on the main circuit board 9.

[0063] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the camera device 3' of the vehicle 1. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the image sensor unit 8' is arranged on a separate circuit board 11. The separate circuit board 11 and the main circuit board 9' are electronically connected to each other, for example by means of an electronic cable 12 and connectors 13. Apart from the separate circuit board 11, the camera device 3' according to the embodiment of Fig. 3 has the same features as the camera device 3 according to the embodiment of Fig. 2.

[0064] The optical system 7, 7' (e.g. the lens 7, 7') is, for example, mechanically attached to the housing 5 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and connected to the main circuit board 9 ( Fig. 2) or the separate circuit board 11 ( Fig. 3) aligned by optical alignment (not shown).

[0065] As in Fig. 2 (and also in Fig. 3), the housing 5 has a recess 14 for accommodating an environmental sensor device 15. In the example shown, the environmental sensor device 15 is a rain sensor device. Instead of or in addition to this, the environmental sensor 15 can also comprise a light sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a humidity sensor in other examples.

[0066] A disc spring 16 is arranged in the recess 14 to press the rain sensor device 15 against the inner surface 17 of the windshield 2. Fig. 4 shows a top view of the disc spring 16. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the disc spring 16 has an inner opening 17. Furthermore, the recess 14 has a corresponding opening 47.

[0067] The rain sensor device 15 comprises a rain sensor housing 18 and an optical unit (not shown) which are accommodated in the rain sensor housing 18. The optical unit of the rain sensor device 15 may have light transmitting means and light receiving means (not shown). In addition, the rain sensor device 15 may have an image sensor 41 (only in Fig. 8). The image sensor 41 of the rain sensor device 15 can be arranged on a rain sensor circuit board (environment sensor circuit board) (not shown) accommodated in the rain sensor housing 18.

[0068] The rain sensor device 15, e.g., the rain sensor circuit board (not shown) of the rain sensor device 15, is electronically connected to the main circuit board 9, 9' of the camera device 3, 3' by means of a connecting element 19. In the example shown, the connecting element 19 is an electronic cable 20 with a connector 21 at each of its two ends 22. The connectors 21 are, for example, plug-in connectors for detachably connecting the electronic cable 20 to the rain sensor device 15 at one end 22 and to the main circuit board 9, 9' at its other end 22. The connecting element 19, e.g., the electronic cable 20, is passed through the inner opening 17 of the disc spring 16 and through the corresponding opening 47 of the recess 14 of the housing 5 of the camera device 3, 3'.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the rain sensor device 15 accommodated in the recess 14 of the housing 5 of the camera device 3, 3'. In the example shown in the figures, a bottom surface 23 of the recess 14 has a circular shape 24. In addition, the rain sensor device 15, i.e. its rain sensor housing 18, has a cylindrical shape 25 with a circular base surface 26. A radius of the circular base surface 26 of the rain sensor device 15 is smaller than a radius of the bottom surface 23 of the recess 14. The rain sensor device 15 is arranged in the recess 14 such that the circular base surface 26 is accommodated in the recess 14. Fig. 5 also schematically shows the disc spring 16, which is arranged between the base surface 26 of the rain sensor device 15 and the bottom surface 23 of the recess 14.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the rain sensor device 15' and the recess 14'. In this embodiment, the recess 14' has two radial grooves 27 and the rain sensor device 15' has two radial projections 28 for engaging in the two radial grooves 27. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the two radial grooves 27 are identically shaped. Furthermore, the two radial projections 28 are also identically shaped. Therefore, the position of the rain sensor device 15' in the recess 14' is limited to two possible positions with respect to a rotation about a central axis A (axis of symmetry A) of the rain sensor device 15'. The two possible positions differ from each other by a rotation about the axis A of 180°.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the rain sensor device 15" and the recess 14". In this embodiment, the recess 14" has a first radial groove 29 and a second radial groove 30. The first radial groove 29 has a first shape 31, and the second radial groove 30 has a second shape 32. The first shape 31 is different from the second shape 32. In addition, the rain sensor device 15" has a first radial projection 33 with a first shape 34 for engaging in the first radial groove 29 of the recess 14". Furthermore, the rain sensor device 15" has a second radial projection 35 with a second shape 36 for engaging in the second radial groove 30 of the recess 14".

[0072] Consequently, in the embodiment of Fig. 7, the position of the rain sensor device 15" in the recess 14" is restricted to a single possible position with respect to a rotation about the central axis A of the rain sensor device 15". This makes it possible to design the optical unit (not shown) of the rain sensor device 15" for this single possible position of the rain sensor device 15" relative to the housing 5 of the camera device and thus relative to the windshield 2. In this way, the detection of rain on the windshield 2 and the measurement of the amount of rain can be carried out with greater accuracy. For example, in a measurement based on the light reflected from a surface of the windshield 2, erroneous reflections can be better avoided.

[0073] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of functional components of the camera device 3, 3' of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0074] The camera device 3, 3' comprises the image recording module 4, 4', which has the optical system 7, 7' and the image sensor unit 8, 8'. The camera device 3, 3' comprises a further module 37, which is electronically connected (38) to the image recording module 4, 4'. The further module 37 is mounted on the main circuit board 9, 9' ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The image sensor unit 8, 8' can also be mounted on the main circuit board 9 ( Fig. 2) or can be mounted on a separate circuit board 11 of the image recording module 4' ( Fig. 3). In the case where the image sensor unit 8, 8' is also mounted on the main circuit board 9 ( Fig. 2), the electronic connection 38 can be realized by conductor tracks on the main circuit board 9, 9'. In the case where the image sensor unit 8, 8' is mounted on a separate circuit board 11 ( Fig. 3), the electronic connection 38 is made by the electronic cable 12 ( Fig. 3) realized.

[0075] The camera device 3, 3' comprises an environmental sensor module 39 (rain sensor module 39), which corresponds to the environmental sensor device 15 (e.g., the rain sensor device 15). The rain sensor module 39 (rain sensor device 15) is connected to the camera device 3 by means of the connecting element 19 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 8) is electronically connected to the further module 37 (mounted on the main circuit board 9, 9'). The rain sensor module 39 (rain sensor device 15) has a measuring unit 40 (e.g., an optical unit comprising lenses, for example). The rain sensor module 39 (rain sensor device 15) can also have an image sensor 41, which is mounted, for example, on a separate rain sensor circuit board (environmental sensor circuit board) (not shown) housed in the housing 18 of the rain sensor device 15.

[0076] The further module 37 comprises a processor unit 42, a memory unit 43, a control unit 44 (e.g. master control unit (MCU)) and a communication interface 45. The further module 37 can also comprise further electrical and / or electronic components.

[0077] The processor unit 42 is or includes, for example, a video processor for analyzing image data captured by the image acquisition module 4, 4'. The processor unit 42 can also be configured to process rain sensor data from the rain sensor device 15. Alternatively, the control unit 44 can be configured to process data received from the environmental sensor device 15 (not shown in the figures).

[0078] Image data obtained from the image acquisition module 4, 4' and / or rain sensor data obtained from the rain sensor device 15 can be stored in the storage unit 43. In addition, other information can also be stored in the storage unit 43, such as analysis results derived (e.g., with the aid of the processor unit 42) from image data obtained from the image acquisition module 4, 4' and / or from rain sensor data obtained from the rain sensor device 15, predefined values, and / or program codes. The storage unit 43 is connected to the processor unit 42.

[0079] The control unit 44 of the camera device 3, 3' is an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the processor unit 42. The processor unit 42 can be configured to control the image capture module 4, 4' and the environmental sensor device 15.

[0080] As in Fig. 8, the further module 37 may also have a communication interface 45 for transmitting data to a bus system (not shown) of the vehicle 1 and / or to an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) of the vehicle 1. The communication interface 45 may be implemented by a transceiver chip (not shown) and the Fig. 2. The communication interface 45 is connected to the control unit 44.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 vehicle 2 windows 3.3' camera device 4.4' image acquisition module 5 housings 6 Bracket 7.7' optical system 8.8' image sensor unit 9, 9' main circuit board 10 Bracket 11 Circuit board 12 electronic cable 13 connectors 14, 14', 14" recess 15, 15', 15" environmental sensor device 16 disc spring 17 Surface 18 housings 19 Connecting element 20 electronic cable 21 connectors 22 End 23 floor area 24 circular shape 25 Cylindrical shape 26 circular base 27 grooves 28 lead 29 grooves 30 grooves 31 Shape 32 Shape 33 lead 34 Shape 35 lead 36 Shape 37 additional modules 38 electronic connection 39 Environmental sensor module (rain sensor module) 40 measuring units 41 image sensor 42 Processor unit 43 storage unit 44 Control unit 45 Communication interface 46 connectors 47 Opening A central axis O, O' optical axis

Claims

[1] Camera device (3, 3') for a vehicle (1), comprising: an image recording module (4, 4') for providing image data of an environment of the vehicle (1), a circuit board (9, 9') with a processor unit (42) for processing the image data from the image recording module (4, 4'), a housing (5) for attachment to a window (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein the image recording module (4, 4') and the circuit board (9, 9') are accommodated in the housing (5) and the housing (5) has a recess (14, 14', 14"), an environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") arranged in the recess (14, 14', 14"), a disc spring (16) arranged between a bottom surface (23) of the recess (14, 14', 14") and the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15"), wherein the disc spring (16) is designed to press the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") against the window (2), and a connecting element (19) which electronically connects the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") and the printed circuit board (9, 9') and is passed through an inner opening (17) of the disc spring (16) and an opening (47) of the bottom surface (23) of the recess (14, 14', 14"). [2] Camera device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") comprises a rain sensor, a light sensor and / or a temperature sensor. [3] Camera device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element (19) comprises an electronic cable (20) with connectors (21) at both ends (22) for connecting to the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15") and the circuit board (9, 9'). [4] Camera device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor unit (42) or a control unit (44) of the circuit board (9, 9') is configured to process data provided by the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15"). [5] Camera device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor unit (42) is configured to control the image recording module (4, 4') and the environmental sensor device (15, 15', 15"). [6] Camera device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit board (9, 9') has at least one communication interface (45) and / or a connector (46) for transmitting data to a bus system of the vehicle (1) and / or to an electronic control unit of the vehicle (1). [7] Camera device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (14', 14") has at least one groove (27, 29, 30), and the environment sensor device (15', 15") has at least one projection (28, 33, 35) which engages with the at least one groove (27, 29, 30). [8] Camera device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (14') has two identically shaped grooves (27), and the environment sensor device (15') has two identically shaped projections (28) which engage with the two grooves (27). [9] Camera device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the recess (14") has at least one groove (29) with a first shape (31) and at least one groove (30) with a second shape (32), wherein the first shape (31) is different from the second shape (32), and the environmental sensor device (15") has at least one projection (33) with a first shape (34) which engages with the groove (29) with the first shape (31), and at least one projection (35) with a second shape (36) which engages with the groove (30) with the second shape (32). [10] Vehicle (1) comprising the camera device (3, 3') according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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