motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) with a camera device (4) arranged in a fender (2) and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an adjustment device (3). The essential aspect of the invention is that a detection and control device (5) is provided which controls the adjustment device (3), detects a jamming of the camera device (4), and is designed in such a way that it at least slightly repositions the adjustment device (3) if the detection and control device (5) detects a jamming of the camera device (4). This can at least reduce the risk of damage to the camera equipment (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a camera device arranged in a fender and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an adjusting device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 220 645 A1, a motor vehicle of this type is known, featuring a camera device arranged in a fender and adjustable between a retracted and an extended position by means of an adjustment direction. The camera device is rotatably coupled to a housing, wherein a wiper is arranged on an inner surface of the housing opposite the camera device and a washer fluid nozzle is arranged adjacent to the wiper.

[0003] From DE 10 2021 130 337 B3 a sensor module for attachment to a surface component, for example a fender, is known, comprising a sensor housing, at least one environment sensor and an adjustment kinematics with a drive which is designed to adjust the sensor housing from a retracted position to at least one extended position.

[0004] From EP 2 796 324 B1, a device is known comprising a camera unit for capturing images of the exterior of a motor vehicle, and a cover element that is movable via a drive between a closed position, in which the cover element covers an opening of the device, and an open position, in which the cover element releases the opening. In the closed position of the cover element, the camera unit is inaccessible from the outside, while in the open position of the cover element, it performs image capture. The cover element itself also has an actuating lever that interacts with the camera unit in such a way that the camera unit can be pivoted between a rest position and an operating position. This is intended to create a camera unit that is particularly well protected in a rest position.

[0005] From EP 3 621 856 B1, a motor vehicle with at least one camera and a corresponding washing system for cleaning the camera is known, wherein the washing system comprises a housing for receiving the camera, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid within the housing, and a pump for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. The washing system further comprises a channel extending from the housing to the reservoir to return unused cleaning fluid to the reservoir by gravity.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 205 849 B3, a camera arm of a camera-based mirror replacement system for a motor vehicle is known, comprising a first structural element for connecting the camera arm to the motor vehicle and a second structural element that includes at least one camera. To create a mounting for cameras of camera-monitor systems for mirror replacement in motor vehicles that provides improved protection against external harmful influences on the mounting or the camera arm, the camera arm has a volume-variable fluid vessel that connects the first structural element and the second structural element, as well as at least one restoring element that connects the first structural element and the second structural element and pulls the second structural element towards the first structural element.The second structural element can be moved relative to the first structural element by changing the amount of fluid in the fluid vessel.

[0007] A vehicle camera surveillance system is known from DE 11 2021 003 361 T5.

[0008] However, a disadvantage of the motor vehicles known from the prior art is that, for example, contamination, especially leaves or similar material, can hinder the insertion or retraction of a camera device and, for example, lead to jamming, which can damage the camera device.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention is based on the general concept of providing a detection and control device in a motor vehicle with an adjustment mechanism for a camera system. This device detects when the camera system jams during a retraction or extension movement and then reverses the adjustment direction, at least slightly, to resolve the jamming. The detection and control device used for this purpose, which actuates the adjustment mechanism, detects an increased current draw by the adjustment mechanism and subsequently reverses its movement. The detection and control device thus controls the adjustment mechanism via its current draw. The motor vehicle according to the invention has the camera system described above, which is arranged in a fender and adjustable between a retracted and an extended position by means of the adjustment mechanism.Furthermore, the aforementioned detection and control device, which actuates the adjustment mechanism, is provided. This device detects when the camera mechanism jams and is designed to at least slightly reposition the adjustment mechanism if it detects an increased current draw from the adjustment mechanism, indicating that the camera mechanism is jammed. This significantly reduces, and preferably eliminates, the risk of damage to the camera and / or the adjustment mechanism. The detection and control device according to the invention, which detects an overload of the adjustment mechanism, can detect a jamming of the camera mechanism and, in this case, slightly reposition it. For this purpose, a defined threshold for the increased current draw, indicating a jamming of the adjustment mechanism or the camera mechanism, can be predefined.This also makes it possible, for example, for an obstacle located in the path of movement of the camera system to fall out on its own, so that the camera system can then be easily adjusted again.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the adjustment device has a horizontal pivot axis located either within or outside the outer contour of the vehicle, about which the camera device can be adjusted between its retracted and extended positions. With a horizontal pivot axis located within the outer contour of the vehicle, a joint arranged there can be protected, particularly from contamination. Furthermore, an adjustment device with a simple electric motor and, for example, a spur gear stage can be used. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that the adjustment device has a horizontal pivot axis located outside the outer contour of the vehicle, in which case the pivot axis can be protected under a cover.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the adjustment device has a cam guide in which the camera device is guided between its retracted and extended positions. Such a cam guide allows for a visually very appealing adjustment movement of the camera device, since, for example, a cover over the camera device does not move vertically at its upper edge, but remains almost stationary. Completely different movements, in addition to simple rotational or pivoting movements, can also be represented using such a cam guide.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, a seal is provided between the camera device and the fender. Such a seal can at least reduce, and preferably prevent, the ingress of dirt or splash water from the outside into the interior of the fender, in which the camera device is arranged in a retracted position. The improved protection against moisture and dirt can increase the service life of the camera device.

[0014] It is advisable to have a camera cleaning device that can be adjusted with the camera device for cleaning the camera device.

[0015] This camera cleaning device can have a water nozzle for spraying the camera lens with water and an air nozzle for drying the lens. The water nozzle and, in particular, the air nozzle enable independent and automatic cleaning of the camera lens, ensuring that the camera always captures a clear image.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the camera device is covered by a cover when retracted. Such a cover can, for example, be painted in the vehicle's color or have other design elements. This results in a camera device in its retracted position being extremely inconspicuous.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the adjustment device is designed such that, when the motor vehicle is in motion, it adjusts the camera device to its extended position, and when the motor vehicle is parked, it adjusts the camera device to its retracted position. This ensures that the camera device is only extended outwards while the motor vehicle is in operation, i.e., only when the motor vehicle is driving. When the motor vehicle is parked, however, the camera device is adjusted to its retracted position and is thus protected, thereby preventing damage.

[0018] A gray-area cover is provided for concealing screws, particularly mounting screws. The camera unit is attached to a corresponding opening in the fender from behind via a base plate and screwed to the fender from the front, i.e., from the outside. The gray-area cover, which is attached to the opening in the fender from the outside, i.e., from the front, for example by clipping it on, is intended to conceal these screws or screw holes, as well as other openings, and to enhance the appearance. This allows for a visually appealing finish.

[0019] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0020] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawing.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0022] Each of these schematically illustrates Fig. 1 an exterior view of a motor vehicle according to the invention in a transition area from a fender to a side door with a camera device arranged in the fender in its extended position, Fig. 2 a detailed view of the camera setup with internal pan axis in extended position, Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view through the fender of the motor vehicle according to the invention in the area of ​​the camera device, Fig. 4 an external view of the motor vehicle according to the invention in the area of ​​the camera device with the camera device in its extended position, Fig. 5 a sectional view according to the Fig. 4 along the cutting plane AA, Fig. 6 a sectional view according to the Fig. 4 along the cutting plane BB, Fig. 7 an exploded view, which is shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 camera setup shown, Fig. 8 an external view of a motor vehicle according to the invention in the area of ​​a camera device with an external pivot axis, Fig. 9 a sectional view according to the Fig. 8 along the cutting plane AA, Fig. 10 a sectional view according to the Fig. 8 along the cutting plane BB, Fig. 11 a sectional view according to the Fig. 8 along the cutting plane CC, Fig. 12 another possible embodiment of the camera device, this time with an adjustment device with a cam guide, Fig. 13 an external view of the according to the Fig. 12 camera setups shown, Fig. 14 a sectional view along the section plane AA from Fig. 13, Fig. 15 a section view along the section plane BB from Fig. 13, Fig. 16 a section view along the section plane CC from Fig. 13, Fig. 17 an exploded view of the in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 camera setup shown.

[0023] According to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 A motor vehicle 1 according to the invention has a fender 2 with a fender arranged therein and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an adjusting device 3 (compare the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17) Adjustable camera device 4. A detection and control device 5, which controls the adjustment device 3, is further provided. This device detects a jamming of the camera device 4 by means of an increased current draw of the adjustment device 3 and is designed such that it at least slightly retracts the adjustment device 3 if the detection and control device 5 detects a jamming of the camera device 4. This offers the significant advantage that, for example, when the camera device 4 is retracted or extended and encounters resistance, excessive forces are not transmitted between a drive device, such as an electric motor 14, and the camera device 4, which could lead to damage.The detection and control unit 5, which is connected to the adjustment device 3, can detect, for example, leaves or other obstacles that might cause the camera device 4 to jam when being moved from its extended to its retracted position. By slightly retracting the camera device 4, the leaves can be released and fall out, allowing the camera device 4 to then be easily moved back into its retracted position.

[0024] If one considers the Fig. 2 - 7, it can be seen that the adjustment device 3 or the camera device 4 has a horizontal or at least substantially horizontal pivot axis 6 located within an outer contour of the motor vehicle 1, i.e. within the fender 2 of the motor vehicle 1, about which the camera device 4 can be rotated / pivoted between its retracted position and its extended position.

[0025] In contrast, the adjustment device 3 or the camera device 4 accordingly possesses the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 an external pivot axis 6a, which allows the advantage of improved rotation.

[0026] In the Fig. Figures 3, 5 to 7, 12, 16, and 17 also show a base plate 18, which is attached to the fender 2 from the rear or inside and screwed in place from the outside. The screws are guided through screw holes located in the fender 2. This ensures a reliable and easily removable fixation of the camera device 4 to the fender 2, even for maintenance purposes.

[0027] Considering the embodiments of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, Fig. 13-17, it can be seen there that the adjustment device 3 has a cam guide 7 in which the camera device 4 can be adjusted between its retracted position and its extended position. The cam guide 7 has individual cams 8 (compare the Fig. 12, Fig. 14 and Fig. 17), in which the camera assembly 4 is guided by corresponding pins 9. Such a guide rail 7 allows for a significantly more elegant adjustment movement compared to simply twisting or pivoting the camera assembly 4, which is perceived by the user as being of particularly high quality.

[0028] In order to prevent or at least reduce the ingress of dirt or moisture into the housing 10 of the camera device 4, a seal 11 can also be provided, which is arranged between the camera device 5 or its housing 10 and the fender 2.

[0029] To clean a lens 12 of the camera device 4 (compare Fig.17) In addition, a camera cleaning device 13 may be provided. This may have a water nozzle for cleaning the lens 12 of the camera device 4 and an air nozzle for drying the lens 12 of the camera device 4, thereby not only ensuring reliable cleaning of the lens 12 of the camera device 4, but also rapid drying of the lens 12, so that image acquisition is not interrupted or is only marginally interrupted during a cleaning process.

[0030] In general, the adjusting device 3 can have an electric motor 14 with a spur gear stage 15, whereby a translation of a rotary movement of a rotor of the electric motor 14 can be achieved via such a spur gear stage 15.

[0031] At least in its retracted position, i.e., when the camera device 4 is located in the fender 2, the camera device 4 is covered by a cover 16, i.e., generally a lid. By means of such a cover 16, the visual appearance, especially of a parked motor vehicle 1 in which the camera device 4 is in its retracted position, can be made significantly more appealing.

[0032] Furthermore, the adjustment device 3 can be designed such that, when the vehicle 1 is in motion, it moves the camera device 4 into its extended position, and when the vehicle 1 is parked, it moves the camera device 4 into its retracted position. This is intended to protect the camera device 4 from damage, particularly when the vehicle 1 is parked. A gray-area cover 17 can also be provided to cover screws or screw holes through which the camera device 4 is bolted to the fender 2. Such a gray-area cover 17, especially when the camera device 4 is extended, prevents a direct view of, for example, screws or screw holes, or other openings surrounding the camera device 4, thereby improving the overall visual appearance.

[0033] All in all, with the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention and the detection and control device 5 provided according to the invention, regardless of the specific embodiment, the risk of damage can be significantly reduced, since the detection and control device 5 can, for example, detect an overload on the adjustment device 3 and then at least slightly adjust it back, thereby preventing the camera device 4 from jamming and thus from being damaged.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (1) with a camera device (4) arranged in a fender (2) and adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an adjustment device (3), characterized by , that a detection and control device (5) is provided which controls the adjustment device (3), which detects a jamming of the camera device (4) and is designed in such a way that it at least slightly repositions the adjustment device (3) if the detection and control device (5) detects a jamming of the camera device (4). [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the adjustment device (3) has a horizontal pivot axis (6) located within an outer contour of the motor vehicle (1) or a horizontal pivot axis (6a) located outside an outer contour of the motor vehicle (1), about which the camera device (4) can be pivoted between its retracted position and its extended position. [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adjustment device (3) has a cam guide (7) in which the camera device (4) is guided between its retracted position and its extended position. [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a seal (11) is provided between the camera device (4) and the fender (2). [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a camera cleaning device (13) adjustable with the camera device (4) is provided for cleaning the camera device (4). [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the camera cleaning device (13) has a water nozzle for cleaning a lens (12) of the camera device (4) and an air nozzle for drying the lens (12) of the camera device (4). [7] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting device (3) has an electric motor (14) with a spur gear stage (15). [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the camera device (4) in its retracted position is covered by an aperture (16). [9] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjusting device (3) is designed such that when the motor vehicle (1) is moving it adjusts the camera device (4) to its extended position and when the motor vehicle (1) is parked it adjusts the camera device (4) to its retracted position. [10] Motor vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a grey area aperture (17) is provided for covering screws.

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