DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

Abstract

Driver assistance system (100) for a vehicle, wherein the driver assistance system (100) comprises the following: a bracket (102) having a mounting surface (112), wherein the mounting surface (112) is adapted to be attached to a part of the vehicle, wherein the bracket (102) has a first bracket localization element (134a, 134b) extending from the mounting surface (112); a module (104) which is received in the holder (102) to attach the module (104) to the part of the vehicle, wherein the module (104) has a camera lens (144) extending from a first surface (140) and a first module localization element (160a, 160b) extending from the first surface (140); wherein either the first support localization element (134a, 134b) or the first module localization element (160a, 160b) is linearly accommodated within the other first support localization element (134a, 134b) or first module localization element (160a, 160b) when the module (104) is accommodated in the support (102) in order to maintain an orientation of the module (104) relative to the support (102).

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 013,107, filed June 20, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a driver assist system (DAS) and, more particularly, to an arrangement for installing a DAS in a vehicle. Background of the invention

[0003] It is known that a vehicle can be equipped with a DAS. A DAS typically includes a camera mounted on a vehicle and has a field of view of an area outside the vehicle. The DAS monitors the vehicle's surrounding environment and provides information regarding the surrounding environment to other vehicle systems to support the operation of the vehicle. For example, the DAS may monitor a potential vehicle collision condition, the occurrence of lane or roadway departures, road sign information, pedestrian information, and / or traffic information.

[0004] Typically, a camera output is analyzed by a DAS controller. The controller uses the analyzed output to interact with other vehicle systems, which in turn can provide warnings, haptic tactile feedback, and / or autonomous vehicle control to a vehicle operator.

[0005] Technological background can be found, for example, in DE 11 2013 006 807 T5.

[0006] A robust mounting arrangement between the DAS and the vehicle helps ensure that the camera's output accurately reflects the surrounding vehicle environment. The camera's output can be compromised by an unstable mounting arrangement. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a mount having a mounting surface. The mounting surface is adapted to be attached to a portion of the vehicle. The mount includes a first locating element extending from the mounting surface. A module is received in the mount to attach the module to the portion of the vehicle. The module has a camera lens extending from a first surface and a first module locating element extending from the first surface. A first mount locating element and a first module locating element are linearly received within another mount locating element and another module locating element when the module is received in the mount to maintain alignment of the module relative to the mount. Short description of the drawings

[0008] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a DAS according to the present invention; Fig. 2 another exploded perspective view of the DAS from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a side view of a bracket of the DAS of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a view along 4-4 ​​of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a side view of a module of the DAS of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a view along 6-6 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7A-7D Side views of the DAS from Fig. 1 during various steps of using the bracket to attach the module to the windshield of a vehicle; and Fig. 8 a composite perspective view of the DAS of Fig. 1. Detailed description

[0009] A DAS 100 includes a bracket 102 and a module 104. The bracket 102 can be attached to a part of a vehicle (e.g., windshield) and can receive the module 104 to secure the module 104 to the vehicle part.

[0010] The bracket 102 ( Fig. 1-4) includes a mounting surface 112 and a viewing channel 114. The mounting surface 112 is adapted to be attached to the vehicle part. The viewing channel 114 is defined by a rear wall 116, side walls 118, and a bottom wall 120. The rear wall 116 and each of the side walls 118 extend from the mounting surface 112. The rear wall 116 spaces the side walls 118 apart. The bottom wall 120 connects each of the side walls 118 and the rear wall 116 together. A lens aperture 122 is formed on the bracket 102. The lens aperture 122 extends through the rear wall 116 and the mounting surface 112.

[0011] The holder 102 is provided with a retaining bracket 124 to hold the module 104 in the holder 102. The holder 124 includes a resilient tab 126 which extending from the mounting surface 112. A ramp-like projection 128 is provided on the tab 126. The projection 128 includes an inclined surface 130 terminating at a retaining surface 132.

[0012] The first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b extend from the viewing channel 114 along the respective longitudinal axes 136a, 136b. The first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b are equally spaced from the lens aperture 122 on opposite sides of the lens aperture 122.

[0013] The first mount locating element 134a is formed as a channel having a substantially T-shaped cross-section. The first mount locating element 134a includes a first portion 137a and a second portion 139a extending generally perpendicular to the first portion 137a. The second portion 139a extends from a side of the first portion 137a facing away from the lens aperture 122. In one example, a height h1 and a width w1 of the first mount locating element 134a taper along the longitudinal axis 136a of the first mount locating element 134a in a direction extending toward the viewing channel 114. However, it is contemplated that the height h1 and / or the width w1 of the first mount locating element 134a may be untapered.

[0014] The second mount locating element 134b is formed as a channel having a substantially T-shaped cross-section. The second mount locating element 134b includes a first portion 137b and a second portion 139b extending generally perpendicular to the first portion 137b. The second portion 139b extends from a side of the first portion 137b facing away from the lens aperture 122. In one example, a height h2 and a width w2 of the second mount locating element 134b taper along the longitudinal axis 136b of the second mount locating element 134b in a direction extending toward the viewing channel 114. However, it is contemplated that the height h2 and / or the width w2 of the second mount locating element 134b may be untapered.

[0015] The first portions 137a, 137b of the respective first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b extend substantially parallel to each other. The second portions 139a, 139b of the respective first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b are coplanar.

[0016] Module 104 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) has the first and second opposing surfaces 140, 142. A camera lens 144 extends from the first surface 140. The module 104 includes connection ports 146 that can be used to provide power to the module 104 and / or to communicate the output of the camera lens 144 to the vehicle's circuitry (not shown). A heat exchanger 148 is provided on the first and second surfaces 140, 142. The heat exchanger 148 is formed as a plurality of fins 150 configured to dissipate heat generated by the module 104. It is contemplated that the heat exchanger 148 may be provided only on the first surface 140 or only on the second surface 142. A ramp portion 152 is provided on the module 104. The ramp section 152 includes an inclined surface 156 that terminates at a retaining surface 158.

[0017] The first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b extend from the first surface 140 of the module 104 along the respective longitudinal axes 162a, 162b. The first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b are equally spaced from the camera lens 144 on opposite sides of the camera lens 144.

[0018] The first module locating element 160a is formed as a protrusion having a substantially T-shaped cross-section. The first module locating element 160a includes a first portion 163a and a second portion 165a extending generally perpendicular to the first portion 163a. ​​The second portion 165a extends from a side of the first portion 165a facing away from the camera lens 144. In one example, a height h3 and a width w3 of the first module locating element 160a taper along the longitudinal axis 162 of the first module locating element 160a in a direction extending away from the first surface 140. However, it is contemplated that the height h3 and / or the width w3 of the first module locating element 160a may be untapered.

[0019] The second module locating element 160b is formed as a protrusion having a substantially T-shaped cross-section. The second module locating element 160b includes a first portion 163b and a second portion 165b extending generally perpendicular to the first portion 163b. The second portion 165b extends from a side of the first portion 165b facing away from the camera lens 144. In one example, a height h4 and a width w4 of the second module locating element 160b taper along the longitudinal axis 162b of the second module locating element 160b in a direction extending away from the first surface 140. However, it is contemplated that the height h4 and / or the width w4 of the second module locating element 160b may be untapered.

[0020] The first sections 163a, 163b of the respective first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b extend substantially parallel to each other. The second sections 165a, 165b of the respective first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b are coplanar.

[0021] The steps for using the bracket 102 to attach the module 104 to a part of a vehicle are shown in Fig. 7A-7D. First, the mounting surface 112 is attached to a part 200 of a vehicle using any desired fastening arrangement (e.g., adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc.). In one example, the vehicle part 200 is a windshield. However, it is contemplated that the vehicle part 200 may be any other part of a vehicle. Next, the axis 162a of the first module locating element 160a is aligned with the axis 136a of the first bracket locating element 134a, and the axis 162b of the second module locating element 160b is aligned with the axis 136b of the second bracket locating element 134b ( Fig. 7A). While maintaining these alignments, the module 104 is advanced toward the mount 102 until the first module locating element 160a engages the first mount locating element 134a and the second module locating element 160b engages the second mount locating element 134b ( Fig. 7B). The first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b linearly receive the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b as the module 104 is further advanced relative to the support 102.

[0022] The T-shaped cross-section of the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b cooperates with the T-shaped cross-section of the first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b to maintain the alignment of the module 104 relative to the support 102. Additionally, the taper of the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b cooperates with the taper of the first and second support locating elements 134a, 134b to assist in guiding the movement of the module 104 relative to the support 102 during advancement of the module 104.

[0023] The inclined surface 156 of the module 104 engages the inclined surface 130 of the mount 102 as the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b are inserted into the respective first and second mount locating elements 134a, 134b. Continued advancement of the module 104 relative to the mount 102 causes the resilient tab 126 to move relative to the remainder of the mount 102 ( Fig. 7C). This movement of the tab 126 allows the ramp portion 152 of the module 104 to pass the projection 128 of the bracket 102. The tab 126 returns to its original position relative to the bracket 102 as soon as the ramp portion 152 releases the projection 128 ( Fig. 7D). The retention surface 132 of the bracket 102 engages the retention surface 158 of the module 104, while the tab 126 returns to its original position. The engagement between the retention surfaces 132, 158 retains the module 104 in the bracket 102 and prevents the module 104 from moving away from the bracket 102. The first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b engage the mounting surface 112 when the retention surfaces 132, 158 engage each other. The engagement of the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b with the mounting surface 112 prevents the module 104 from moving toward the windshield 200.In one example, the taper of the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b and the taper of the first and second bracket locating elements 134a, 134b are sized and configured to create an interference fit between the module locating elements 160a, 160b and the bracket locating elements 134a, 134b, respectively. This interference fit further prevents movement of the module 104 relative to the bracket 102. However, it is contemplated that the first bracket locating element 134a, the second bracket locating element 134b, the first module locating element 160a, and / or the second module locating element 160b may be sized and configured to not create an interference fit.

[0024] The camera lens 144 is aligned with the lens aperture 122 when the module 104 is retained by the holder 102 ( Fig.8). The camera lens 144 looks through the lens aperture 122 and the viewing channel 114 to provide the module 104 with a view in front of the vehicle through the windshield 200. It is contemplated that the mount 102 can be used to secure the module 104 to any part of the vehicle to provide any desired view (e.g., view behind the vehicle, view into the vehicle interior).

[0025] Examples of the disclosure have been described above. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing the disclosure, but one skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosure are possible. For example, the first and second bracket locating elements 134a, 134b may be provided as protrusions and the first and second module locating elements 160a, 160b may be provided as channels. As another example, the first bracket locating element 134a, the second bracket locating element 134b, the first module locating element 160a, and / or the second module locating element 160b may have any desired non-T-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, a greater or fewer number of locating elements may be provided at any desired location on the bracket 102 and / or the module 104. As another example, a greater or fewer number of protrusions 128 and / or ramp portions 152 may be provided at any desired location on the bracket 102 and / or the module 104.Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure cover all such changes, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Driver assistance system (100) for a vehicle, the driver assistance system (100) comprising: a bracket (102) having a mounting surface (112), the mounting surface (112) adapted to be attached to a portion of the vehicle, the bracket (102) having a first bracket locating element (134a, 134b) extending from the mounting surface (112); a module (104) received in the bracket (102) to secure the module (104) to the part of the vehicle, the module (104) having a camera lens (144) extending from a first surface (140) and a first module locating element (160a, 160b) extending from the first surface (140); wherein either the first support locating element (134a, 134b) or the first module locating element (160a, 160b) is linearly received within the other of the first support locating element (134a, 134b) and the first module locating element (160a, 160b) when the module (104) is received in the support (102) to maintain alignment of the module (104) relative to the support (102). [2] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first bracket locating element (134a, 134b) is formed as a channel and wherein the first module locating element (160a, 160b) is formed as a projection received within the channel. [3] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first bracket locating element (134a, 134b) is formed as a protrusion and wherein the first module locating element (160a, 160b) is formed as a channel that receives the protrusion. [4] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the bracket (102) includes a ramp-like projection and the module (104) includes a ramp portion, the projection and the ramp portion engaging each other to retain the module (104) in the bracket (102). [5] The driver support system (100) of claim 4, wherein the projection is provided on a resilient tab movable through the ramp portion relative to the remainder of the bracket (102). [6] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein each first bracket locating element (134a, 134b) and each first module locating element (160a, 160b) has a T-shaped cross-section. [7] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mount (102) includes a lens aperture (122) for the camera lens (144) and a second mount locating member (134a, 134b) extending from the mounting surface (112), each of the first and second mount locating members (134a, 134b) being provided as channels, the first and second mount locating members (134a, 134b) being located on opposite sides of the lens aperture (122). [8] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the module (104) includes a second module locating element (160a, 160b) extending from the first surface (140), both the first and second module locating elements (160a, 160b) being provided as protrusions, the first and second module locating elements (160a, 160b) being located on opposite sides of the camera lens (144). [9] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the height (h1, h2) and / or the width (w1, w2) of the first support locating element (134a, 134b) tapers in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (136a, 136b) of the first support locating element (134a, 134b). [10] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the height (h3, h4) and / or the width (w3, w4) of the first module locating element (160a, 160b) tapers in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (162a, 162b) of the first module locating element (160a, 160b). [11] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second mount locating elements (134a, 134b) includes a first portion and a second portion extending generally perpendicular to the first portion, the second portion extending from a side of the first portion facing away from the lens aperture (122). [12] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second module locating elements (160a, 160b) includes a first portion and a second portion extending generally perpendicular to the first portion, the second portion extending from a side of the first portion remote from the camera lens (144). [13] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the first mount locating element (134a, 134b) extends substantially parallel to the first portion of the second mount locating element (134a, 134b). [14] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the first mount locating element (134a, 134b) is coplanar with the second portion of the second mount locating element (134a, 134b). [15] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the first module locating element (160a, 160b) extends substantially parallel to the first portion of the second module locating element (160a, 160b). [16] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the first module locating element (160a, 160b) is coplanar with the second portion of the second module locating element (160a, 160b). [17] The driver assistance system (100) of claim 1, wherein the module (104) has a second surface (142) opposite the first surface (140), and wherein a plurality of fins adapted to dissipate heat generated by the module (104) are provided on at least the first surface (140) and the second surface (142).

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